Leed Materials

LEED introduces a more intricate process for dealing with energy savings.  LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, expands the opportunities to secure energy related protections. It identifies many of the interior and exterior materials in home construction. In addition it encourages the use of “green products”.  These products are manufactured in a way that minimizes impact on the environment. Or, through long-term use, will not affect the surroundings in the way standard products might. Some of the products mentioned under the Energy Star list can be found in LEED homes.  The difference is that not all Energy Star products apply, if they do not have the "green” aspect which comes from how they are manufactured or used. Many products on the market have an “environmental benefit code”, which gives information on the products relationship to the environment.  The codes seen on these materials are as follows:

(RC)recycled content, post consumer-Products that use recycled materials reduce impacts on the environment, by reusing instead of extracting and processing new materials.

Building materials using recycled content are:

Carpeting-uses old carpeting, creating new and beautiful flooring
Tile-that uses old tile or recycled glass, creating less trash in the landfills
Countertops- use recycled glass from bottles and windshields, also recycled concrete create great looking countertops
Wood- used in manufactured products such as cabinets, casework and flooring
Gypsum-can used recycled paper for manufacturing

(ES)energy savings-Products that increase the opportunity to save energy and prevent air or water infiltration.

Building materials that contribute to energy savings are:

Caulking and Sealants-Items such as sealing bathroom tile penetrations, caulking windows, doors, exterior penetrations promotes energy efficiency.
Insulation-seals air penetrations.  Insulation can be installed in fiberglass, spray foam, cellulose and recycled newsprint, sealing the thermal envelope.
Compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs-puts out high wattage but uses less energy and creates less heat.

(WS)water saving-Water efficiency products that reduce water bills, lowers sewage volumes and uses less hot water.

Building materials that use less water are:

Low flowFaucets/aerators- decreases the amount of water each time the water is run
Toilets-The newest family of high efficiency toilets now only uses about 1.3 gallons per flush
Showerhead-adds air to the water so uses less water, but feels like older showerheads with full flow.

(MC)moisture control-Moisture control products prevent water infiltration and mold spores.

Building materials that help with controlling water permeation and minimizing mold are:

Tyvek/Green Guard house wrap-increases air and water resistance, prevents moisture intrusion
Window/door wrap-eliminates leaks around windows and doors, reduces air infiltration
Caulking-close up gaps in buildings and other structures against air, water, insects and dust

(SH)sustainably harvested forest products-Promotes responsible production and consumption of forest products, protecting natural habitats.

Building materials that uses wood materials that are socially and environmentally conscious are:

Flooring-wood floors add beauty, and comfort, and bring a sustainable benefit to it. Alternative choices would be Bamboo or Cork flooring.
Lumber-products such as finger jointed lumber, glue laminated beams, wood I joists, and prefab wood beams. Wood comes from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forests.
Trim, casing, doors- uses wood from FSC certified forests.  

(AQ)air quality products that promote indoor air quality/OF-ozone friendly-Reduces indoor air contaminants that are irritating or harmful to the occupants.

Building materials that promote less off-gassing at room temperature are:

Carpeting-manufactured using chemicals that will not create irritants.
Paint,Varnishes,Stains-these products can be found under codes, such as air quality, low toxicity, and ozone free, and many manufacturers offer a variety of alternatives to the standards. They are low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), which have no smell and no chemical irritants.