Product and material requirements are among the major changes. Selecting materials based on a single attribute (local, recycled or VOC-free) isn’t enough anymore. They must now be evaluated in such a way as to integrate their global environmental impact.
In other words, obtaining credits becomes possible when the products or materials meet specific requirements that can be part of an ecodesign and accountability approach from the manufacturer, which are at the basis of the Building Disclosure and Optimization Section.
Here are some highlights of these changes, from the official LEED® v4 documents published by the U.S. Green Building Council.