Earn LEED Points Using Concrete

The LEED rating system was devised by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to evaluate the environmental performance of a building and encourage market transformation toward sustainable design. There are several LEED rating systems for various project types including LEED for New Construction, LEED for Schools, LEED for Commercial Interiors and LEED for Homes.

Reason concrete can be used to build green include:

1.Concrete creates sustainable sites
2.Concrete enhances energy performance
3.Concrete contains recycled materials
4.Concrete is typically manufactured locally
5.Concrete builds durable structures

Following are just a few examples of how concrete can be used to increase the number of points awarded to building in the LEED system.

Brownfield Redevelopment (SS Credit 3)
Concrete can be used to solidify and stabilize contaminated soils and reduce leachate concentrations to below regulatory levels.

Site Development: Protect or Restore Habitat (SS Credit 5.1) & Maximize Open Space (SS Credit 5.2)
Concrete parking garages within buildings can limit site disturbance and restore previously developed sites. Parking garages within buildings help maintain natural areas that would otherwise be consumed by paved parking. This can contribute to SS Credit 5.1

Concrete parking garages can also help reduce the footprint of the development. Garages within buildings reduce the project's paved parking areas. This can contribute to SS Credit 5.2

Heat Island Effect: Nonroof (SS Credit 7.1)
This credit requires a combination of various strategies for 50% of the site hardscape (including roads, sidewalks, courtyards and parking lots) that will reduce heat islands or thermal gradient differences between developed and undeveloped areas. This can be met by using light colored concrete rather than asphalt for 50% of the impervious surfaces. This credit can also be met by placing a minimum of 50% of parking spaces under cover.

Optimize Energy Performance (EA Credit 1)
Studies show that using concrete walls that are insulated to exceed minimum code requirements by a modest amount can contribute to earning 1 to 3 points, depending on the building type, orientation and climate.

Low-Emitting Materials (IEQ Credit 4.2)
Credits can be earned by using low VOC products which may include products used specifically with concrete. This includes form releases, cures and sealers. Several US SPEC products in each of the above categories meet this requirement.

These are just a few examples of how building with concrete can support a project seeking LEED certification. For more information on the LEED program and project certification, please visit the USGBC web site, http://www.usgbc.org/.