Issued by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED
Green Building Rating System rates and certifies design, construction, and operational performance of different types of
building structures using a point rating system. Put simply, LEED provides third–party certification to ensure that
homes and building are being built as well as renovated using environmentally responsible construction methods and the
highest green building and performance standards.
There are four LEED certification levels for new construction projects; Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The LEED
rating system takes into account sustainable building sites, water usage efficiency, atmosphere and energy, resources and
materials, indoor environmental quality, as well as innovation.
Note: The following LEED certifications apply to the type of construction listed.
For more information on this, visit FindAnyFloor's® section on the USGBC and LEED certification.
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The Benefits of Getting LEED Certified
Buildings and homes that are LEED certified can enjoy many financial and environmental advantages. Take a look at some of
the many benefits that LEED certification can offer:
- Healthier indoor atmosphere
- Conserve water and energy
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Increase asset value
- Promote environmental responsibility
- Reduce landfill waste
- Reduce operating costs
- Tax rebates and zoning allowances
Upon certification you will also receive a LEED plaque that symbolizes a healthy and safe indoor atmosphere which you can
proudly display.
Gaining LEED Points with Green Carpet
Installing green carpet in your home or business won't necessarily guarantee the earning of LEED points. However, green
carpet can help you work towards meeting the specific guidelines to qualify for certain LEED points. Let's look at the most
common LEED credits that green carpet can help you qualify for.
LEED for Homes
LEED Materials & Resources Credits 3 (MR 3): Waste Management
Incorporating a carpet recycling
program into your construction project can contribute to receiving these credits when
combined with other waste diversion programs that results in 25% diversion of total construction waste. There are 3 points
available.
LEED Materials & Resources Credit (MR 2): Environmentally Preferable Products
There are 8
points available with 0.5 awarded per qualifying component. Incorporating carpet made from recycled content into
your construction can contribute toward receiving these credits when postconsumer recycled carpet content equals at least 25%
of the total volume, or postindustrial content equals at least 50% of the total volume. Also using carpet and other
supporting materials that have the CRI Green Label or that was manufactured within 500 miles of the home can also help you
earn these LEED points.
LEED for Commercial Interiors
LEED Indoor Environmental Quality Credit 4.3 (EQ 4.3): Low–emitting Materials – Carpet
This LEED credit is obtained when all the materials in a carpet flooring system (carpet, adhesives, and cushion or padding)
meet the CRI Green Label Indoor Air Quality Test requirements. This means that they have very low emissions of Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOCs).
LEED Materials & Resources Credit 2 (MR 2): Construction Waste Management
Incorporating a
carpet recycling program into your construction project can contribute to receiving this credit when combined
with other waste diversion programs that results in at least 50% diversion of total construction waste.
LEED Materials & Resources Credit 4 (MR 4): Recycled Content Materials
Incorporating carpet
made from recycled content into your construction can contribute toward receiving this credit when
combined with other recycled content products (as well as portions of post–consumer and pre–consumer content).
Total postconsumer recycled content plus half of the pre–consumer content used must result in at least 10% of the end
cost of materials for the entire project to receive this credit.
LEED Materials & Resources Credit 5 (MR 5): Local and Regional Materials
Green carpet can
contribute to this LEED credit if it was assembled within 500 miles of the site of construction and if its
raw materials also came from within this distance. Local carpet must be combined with other local materials to total 10% of
the total end cost of materials for the project to earn this LEED credit.
Find More Info and Apply for LEED Certification
Building LEED certified homes and buildings may cost more upfront, but, in most situations, your investment can quickly
pay off with increased asset value as well as savings in water, energy, waste costs and more. With its many benefits, LEED
certification has become very sought after and is even being required in new building constructions of many Federal Agencies.
For more LEED info and to apply for LEED certification visit USGBC.org.
