Throughout these blogs on LEED, we will be addressing possible ways to use flooring
systems to contribute toward earning
LEED certification. In this first blog, I will go over what LEED certification is and how it applies to
flooring.
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a rating and certification system that applies to
new and existing green buildings and homes. LEED is overseen by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), a non–profit
organization dedicated to promoting green building practices.
LEED certification is based on a point rating system. Points are given to green homes and buildings in the following
categories:
- Resources and materials used in construction
- Use of sustainable building sites
- Protecting our atmosphere and reducing energy usage
- Promoting a healthy indoor environmental quality
- Implementing efficient water usage
- Other eco–friendly innovations
Depending on the type of construction being done, there are different LEED rating systems used. These are as follows:
- Homes – LEED–H
- New Constructions – LEED–NC
- Commercial Interiors LEED–CI
- Existing Buildings – LEED–EB
- Core and Shell – LEED–CS
- Neighborhood Development – LEED–ND
LEED certification is available on four levels – Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, depending on the number of
LEED points earned in each category. Using eco–friendly, green floor covering systems can help you work toward
receiving LEED points for these LEED certifications. Check out Earning LEED
Points with Carpet and LEED
Certification with Hardwood Floors for more information on LEED
and floors.
