LEED Certification
What is a LEED Certification?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design "LEED" is an internationally recognized green building certification system. Developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions. LEED promotes sustainable building and development practices through a rating system based on points that recognize projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performances. USGBC certifies buildings, NOT the materials used to construct the buildings. Therefore, most green building materials will contribute to LEED points. The following description of LEED credits, with the use of AAC, represents qualified LEED points, which can be considered for certification.
Green Building
LEED certification means healthier, more productive places, reduced environmental stress by encouraging energy and resource-efficient buildings, savings from increased building value, higher lease rates, and decreased utility costs.
LEED certification in debth
Energy and Atmosphere
EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance
A possible 19 points can be awarded to a building envelope constructed with AAC and a combination of energy-efficient windows, appliances, and lighting. The high R-value of AAC and its inherent thermal mass creates an excellent energy-efficient living environment. Energy performance credits are awarded when energy cost savings are compared to a baseline building. 12-48% energy cost savings for new buildings and 8-44% for existing buildings will award 1 to 19 points towards LEED certification.
Materials and Resources
MR Credit 2.1 & 2.2: Construction Waste Management
Points are awarded for less construction waste going to the local landfill. One issue is earned for design if 50% of the material is recycled, and two points if 75% of construction waste is recycled. AAC can have 100% usage. During the installation process, every cut block can be used anywhere in the construction building. Any waste that occurs can be crushed, used as a non-structural backfill, and recycled in wall components.
MR Credit 4: Recycle Content
Based on cost, one to two points are earned for materials composed of 10% to 20% recycled content. AAC can earn points for this credit.
Recycled Content in AAC:
- Cement contains 10-11% pre-consumer recycled content, which makes up 14-18% of concrete recipes.
- Slag contains 100% pre-consumer recycled material. 2-3% of concrete mix.
- Steel wire used to reinforce panels and lintels is 100% post-consumer recycled material.
Indoor Environmental Quality
IEQ Credit 4: Low-Emitting Energy
Points are awarded to materials containing little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). AAC fits perfectly into this category as it has zero VOCs and is entirely non-polluting.
IEQ Credit 7: Thermal Comfort
Thermal efficiency, breathability, and equilibrium moisture content are all attributes of an AAC building envelope. The composition of raw and natural materials, combined with non-pollutants, makes AAC buildings a comfortable and healthy living environment. Points are awarded to the design of efficient HVAC systems, resulting in thermal comfort.
Sustainable Sites
SS Credit 4.2: Alternative Transportation: Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms
Minimizing CO2 emissions can award points toward certification. For example, to promote alternative forms of transportation, the construction of bicycle racks, storage sheds, and changing rooms using AAC can reward one point.
Innovation In Design
Points can be earned for new innovative credits not listed within the standard LEED rating system.
Innovation in Design credit possibilities for AAC: Aerated Autoclaved Concrete is pest, termite, and mold resistant. Due to the resistance, AAC contributes to longevity, less maintenance, and healthy indoor air quality.