Final answer:
In LEED certification calculations, cabinets should be included in MRc Building Product Disclosure and Optimization credits because they contribute to the building's material usage. They are evaluated based on material content, sourcing, and lifecycle, with sustainable attributes positively influencing the credit calculations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When calculating for MRc Building Product Disclosure and Optimization credits, cabinets should be considered as part of the project's materials because they contribute to the overall material use in the building. These credits are part of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system, which encourages the use of products that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycles. The cabinets should be accounted for based on their material content, sourcing, manufacturing processes, and life-cycle information, typically provided through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), to meet the criteria of the credit. If the cabinets have recycled content, are sourced locally, or have other sustainable attributes, they can contribute positively to the credit calculations. Manufacturers may also provide Health Product Declarations (HPDs) or declare product ingredients to a certain threshold, which can help in garnering additional points for the credit.