Living Building Challenge 4.0 added the LBC Watch List to improve communication and flexibility with regard to Red List updates. The intent of the LBC Watch List is to signal to manufacturers and project teams that ILFI has identified certain chemicals and compound groups for potential inclusion in the LBC Red List before they are actually added. The LBC Watch List does not impact a Declare product’s Declaration Status, or limit the ability of project teams to use products that contain LBC Watch List chemicals. Although Priority Items on the LBC Watch List will flag in light orange on a Declare label, the Red List remains the enforceable screening list.
The LBC Watch List fills an important role in the identification and prioritization of chemicals for possible Red List inclusion. Chemicals on the LBC Watch List must be designated as “Priority for Red List Inclusion” for at least 12 months before they can be added to the Red List. This allows manufacturers time to engage in Research and Development (R&D) efforts to phase these chemicals out of their products, contributing to the collective goal of a healthier materials economy. The LBC Watch List also encourages a dialogue around the Red List between ILFI, manufacturers, and project teams. Chemicals may remain on the LBC Watch List for more than 12 months. The Red List and Watch List are reviewed and rereleased with any changes to CASRNs annually, in January.
Project teams are held to the Red List CASRN list that is published and current on the date of project registration. New CASRNs added to the Red List after a project’s registration date do not impact an individual project team’s vetting scope and do not impact compliance for the individual project.
However, because updates to the Red List are intended to represent improved protection of human and environmental health, Living Building Challenge project teams may, at their discretion, use a newer version of the Red List than was current when they registered. Project teams must clearly document the date and version of the Red List selected, and use the list in its entirety across all vetted materials.
Watch List CASRN Numbers are intended to communicate to the relevant industry which specific chemicals may be added to the Red List in the near future, and do not impact the vetting efforts of individual project teams.
Figure 13-1 Relationship of the LBC Watch List and the LBC Red List