Decorative Concrete and LEED Certification
29/08/11 11:22 Filed in: Concrete Countertops
For those interested in the rising trend of “green” building, concrete is an environmentally-conscious choice for new construction or renovations. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has created the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification program to provide a consistent framework for green building design, construction, and operations. Those seeking LEED certification can use the beauty, durability and eco-friendly qualities of concrete to receive points toward certification. Concrete can certainly be put to use throughout the structure to increase the sustainability of the project and boost LEED certification points, but even choosing concrete countertops, sinks, fireplaces or floors can make a significant contribution to both a healthy indoor environment and minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment.
LEED points are awarded for using regional materials, which supports the use of local materials and reduces the environmental impact of transporting those materials. Concrete is one material that is manufactured locally from abundant natural resources such as crushed stone, sand and water. Choose to incorporate beautiful aggregates such as recycled glass, and you may be awarded an additional LEED point for the use of recycled material in your project.
The quality of your indoor environment can be affected by the products used on your concrete surfaces. The LEED certification process recognizes those who reduce indoor air contaminants that may be harmful to occupants and installers. By choosing low VOC (volatile organic compounds) stains, sealers and coatings to enhance the beauty of your concrete surfaces, you will eliminate toxins that linger indoors.
When thinking green there’s no need to sacrifice beauty or style to achieve an environmentally-friendly design. In fact, incorporating decorative concrete into your design delivers the best of both worlds.
LEED points are awarded for using regional materials, which supports the use of local materials and reduces the environmental impact of transporting those materials. Concrete is one material that is manufactured locally from abundant natural resources such as crushed stone, sand and water. Choose to incorporate beautiful aggregates such as recycled glass, and you may be awarded an additional LEED point for the use of recycled material in your project.
The quality of your indoor environment can be affected by the products used on your concrete surfaces. The LEED certification process recognizes those who reduce indoor air contaminants that may be harmful to occupants and installers. By choosing low VOC (volatile organic compounds) stains, sealers and coatings to enhance the beauty of your concrete surfaces, you will eliminate toxins that linger indoors.
When thinking green there’s no need to sacrifice beauty or style to achieve an environmentally-friendly design. In fact, incorporating decorative concrete into your design delivers the best of both worlds.
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