Sustainability
Sustainable metal panel systems for greener building design
Pictured: The Daily Planet at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC, clad in OVERLY metal panels
At OVERLY Panel Systems by East Coast Metal Systems, sustainability is part of how we design, source, and manufacture every panel system. Our architectural metal panels give architects, contractors, and building owners transparent environmental data and long-lasting performance, and they help projects pursue green building certifications such as LEED. You can see that work on display at landmark projects like the Daily Planet, the globe-shaped centerpiece of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for Metal Panel Substrates
The metal substrates in OVERLY panel systems are covered by an industry-wide Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) published by the Metal Construction Association (MCA). This EPD is third-party verified and developed in accordance with ISO 14025. It reports the environmental impacts of metal composite material (MCM) panels across their full life cycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing through transportation, use, and end of life.
Specifying EPD-backed metal panels helps your project team:
- Measure and reduce embodied carbon in building materials
- Improve material transparency with verified, standardized life cycle data
- Earn points toward LEED and other green building certifications
- Support responsible sourcing and whole-life cycle thinking in design decisions
LEED Credits and Green Building Compliance
OVERLY metal panel systems can help project teams earn points across several LEED v4.1 credit categories, including Materials and Resources, Energy and Atmosphere, and Indoor Environmental Quality. The chart below shows how architectural metal panels contribute to each credit and the points available.
Our team can provide the documentation you need for LEED submittals and help identify where OVERLY panels fit within your project’s sustainability strategy.
View the LEED credit chart as text
| LEED v4.1 Credit | How Metal Panels Contribute | Available Points |
|---|---|---|
| Materials & Resources (MR): Environmental Product Declarations | Type III EPDs are available for metal composite material (MCM/ACM), single-skin, and plate panels, including the MCA industry-wide EPD covering OVERLY panel substrates. | 1–2 |
| Materials & Resources (MR): Sourcing of Raw Materials | High recycled content in aluminum and steel substrates supports responsible material sourcing. | 1–2 |
| Materials & Resources (MR): Material Ingredients | Health Product Declarations (HPDs) or Declare labels, where available, disclose material chemistry. | 1–2 |
| Energy & Atmosphere (EA): Optimize Energy Performance | Panel assemblies with continuous insulation (CI) and thermal breaks improve building envelope performance and support whole-building energy savings. | Up to 18 |
| Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ): Low-Emitting Materials | For interior applications, bare metals are inherently compliant, and coated panels must meet volatile organic compound (VOC) emission limits. | 1–3 |
| Innovation (IN) | Unique design applications, integrated photovoltaics (PV), or health and safety enhancements using metal may qualify for Innovation points. | 1–5 |
| Regional Priority (RP) | Bonus points when panels help earn credits prioritized for the project’s region, such as recycled content or high solar reflectance index (SRI) surfaces. | Up to 4 |
Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
Our manufacturing process is built to cut waste, conserve energy, and produce panels that last. Our practices include:
- High-efficiency fabrication equipment that minimizes scrap and material waste
- Domestic sourcing from U.S. suppliers whenever possible, which reduces transportation impacts
- Metal waste recycling that keeps scrap aluminum and steel out of landfills
- Precision engineering for durable, long-lasting installations that reduce the need for repairs and replacement
Sustainability Standards and Industry Resources
To learn more about the standards and programs that guide our sustainability efforts, explore these resources:
- Metal Construction Association (MCA) EPD and Technical Resources
- LEED Certification Overview – U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
- AIA Materials Pledge – American Institute of Architects
- ISO 14025: Environmental Labels and Declarations
Build Responsibly with OVERLY Panel Systems
Sustainability is built into every project we support, from design to delivery. Whether you’re pursuing LEED certification, working toward embodied carbon targets, or simply looking to reduce your building’s environmental footprint, OVERLY Panel Systems provides trusted, transparent materials to help you build responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
An EPD is a standardized, third-party verified document that reports a product’s environmental impacts over its life cycle, such as global warming potential and energy use. EPDs follow international standards such as ISO 14025.
Do OVERLY metal panels qualify for LEED credits?
Building products don’t earn LEED credits on their own, but OVERLY panel systems can contribute to credits in several categories on LEED-registered projects, including the Materials and Resources credit for Environmental Product Declarations.
Are aluminum and steel panels recyclable?
Yes. Aluminum and steel are among the most widely recycled building materials and can be recycled repeatedly. Recycled content also supports the LEED Sourcing of Raw Materials credit.
Can OVERLY provide sustainability documentation for my project?
Yes. Contact our team for EPD information and product data to support your specifications and LEED submittals.
