LEED Green Associate: Locating Regionally Sourced Materials for Credit Earning
In the realm of sustainable construction, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is a globally recognized standard. One aspect of this system that deserves particular attention is the use of local materials.
According to the LEED rating system, a material is considered local if it is extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured, within a specific distance from the project site. For LEED v4 and v4.1, this distance threshold is set at 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the project site.
In densely built cities, stone emerges as the most suitable local material for earning LEED credits under the Materials and Resources category. This is due to the fact that stone is quarried and processed within 100 miles of the site, meeting the LEED v4 and v4.1 requirements for local materials.
For instance, stone that is harvested and processed within the 100-mile (160 km) radius, even if purchased outside of that radius, is still considered a local material under the LEED rating system. This flexibility allows for projects to source high-quality stone without compromising on their LEED eligibility.
On the other hand, materials such as brick, vinyl flooring, and bamboo flooring are sourced beyond the 100-mile threshold and, therefore, do not qualify as local materials under the LEED rating system. For example, vinyl flooring is manufactured 500 miles (805 km) away, exceeding the local material distance threshold, while bamboo flooring is harvested and manufactured far beyond the 100-mile (160 km) limit.
The use of local materials can help reduce environmental impacts associated with transportation. This includes greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and energy consumption. By opting for local materials, projects can contribute to a more sustainable construction process, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the community.
In conclusion, when embarking on a LEED project, particularly in densely built cities, prioritising local materials such as stone can help projects earn credits under the Materials and Resources category. This not only supports the local economy but also contributes to a more sustainable construction process.
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