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GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS
The first step to understanding green building materials, is to learn about LEEDŽ. LEEDŽ stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEEDŽ is a rating system that is recognized nationally and aims for global adoption as well. It focuses on five areas: sustainable site development, water quality and savings, energy efficiency, non-toxic materials and interior air quality.
Another step, would be to consider recycled materials, for example, bleacher seats from the demolition or remodel of an old school. These finished planks can easily be re-purposed in a great variety of ways and through this re-use avoid ending-up in land-fills. The construction industry has historically been rife with waste. But with the advent of entrepreneurial materials recycling companies, a movement has begun in earnest to salvage and reclaim materials from demolition sites.
Returning to the LEEDŽ rating systems, certain criteria are applied to new construction and a slightly different set of criteria are applied to existing buildings. Commercial buildings account for 60% of our national electricity consumption. Materials such as non-toxic latex elastomeric caulking, non-paper gypsum wall board, water-proof exterior sheet membranes, can, in concert, add to the longevity, thermal retention, and ultimately to the interior air quality by greatly blocking moisture and the possibility of mold.
These, along with appliance automation, high RF rated windows, insulated doors, energy efficient architectural design and green cleaning supplies, contribute to holding in heat, greatly reducing energy costs and improving air quality. These, in turn, make for higher LEEDŽ scores for existing buildings.
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