For new construction projects, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the project from start to finish allows the design team to understand the cumulative use of energy and other environmental consequences resulting from all the different stages in the life of the building. A comprehensive quantitative analysis helps to determine which materials will best adapt to the needs of the project during the lifetime of the building.

Montepino promotes the use of products and materials about which information regarding their life cycle is available, and which have lower impacts on the life cycle of the building from an environmental, economic and social perspective. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are a standardised method of communicating the environmental effects of a product or system associated with the extraction of raw materials, the use of energy, chemical composition, the generation of waste, and air, land and water pollution.

Montepino promotes the reduction of chemical contaminants which may damage air quality, human health, productivity and the environment. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical substances which are released into the air by numerous materials. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of certain VOCs has been linked to a wide range of chronic health conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. Short-term exposure to VOCs may also cause acute adverse reactions, such as irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.

For new construction projects (buildings or parts of buildings), Montepino performs a life cycle assessment of the structure and surroundings, demonstrating a minimum reduction of 10% in comparison to a standard building. The results must comply with standard ISO 14044. To meet this standard, they select regional materials (materials extracted or recovered locally), materials with a low embodied carbon content, rapidly renewable materials and materials with recycled content.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Montepino, as owner of the building, will be responsible for compliance with this policy through the building's management team.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND REASSESSMENT PROGRAMME

The implementation of this policy will be assessed on an annual basis to ensure compliance.