LEED research paper

Semester Paper:

Sustainable Construction Technology

Submitted By: Sergon Attisha

Date Submitted: Wednesday, April 16, 2014

P a g e | 1

AbstractThis report includes ten innovative construction products, construction techniques or new

technologies that can be used to achieve the amount of credits toward LEED certification of a

building. Additionally, this report includes a full description of the product, the environmental

benefits of using the product, and the cost of the product compared to the cost of the more

traditionally used products.

The ten products selected are under LEED categories which include: Sustainable Site (SS),

Water Efficiency (WE), Energy and Atmosphere (EA), Materials and Resources (MR), and

Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ), Innovation and Design Process, and Regional Priority

Credits.

P a g e | 2

Table of ContentsAbstract.......................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................4

What is LEED?..............................................................................................................................................4

Site Selection...............................................................................................................................................5

Product....................................................................................................................................................6

Environmental Benefits...........................................................................................................................6

Cost..........................................................................................................................................................6

Stormwater Design - Quantity Control........................................................................................................6

Product & Environmental Benefits..........................................................................................................7

Cost..........................................................................................................................................................8

Stormwater Design - Quality Control...........................................................................................................8

Product & Environmental Benefits..........................................................................................................9

Cost..........................................................................................................................................................9

Water Use Reduction................................................................................................................................10

Product..................................................................................................................................................10

Environmental Benefits.........................................................................................................................10

Cost........................................................................................................................................................11

Green Power..............................................................................................................................................11

Product..................................................................................................................................................12


Cost........................................................................................................................................................13

Construction Waste Management.............................................................................................................13

Product..................................................................................................................................................13


Cost........................................................................................................................................................14

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control............................................................................................14

Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring...............................................................................................................15

Product &Environmental Benefits.........................................................................................................15

Cost........................................................................................................................................................16

Increased Ventilation.................................................................................................................................16

Product..................................................................................................................................................16

P a g e | 3

Health Benefits......................................................................................................................................17

Innovation in Design: Specific Title...........................................................................................................17

Product..................................................................................................................................................18


Cost........................................................................................................................................................19

Regional Priority: Specific Credits..............................................................................................................19

Product..................................................................................................................................................20


Cost........................................................................................................................................................22

Product..................................................................................................................................................22


Cost........................................................................................................................................................23

Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................23

Bibliography...............................................................................................................................................24

Appendices................................................................................................................................................25

Figure 1. The Modular Wetland System...................................................................................................25Figure 2 Rainwater Harvesting System.....................................................................................................26Figure 3 Pie Chart of the usage of the Rainwater Harvesting System at a household..............................26Figure 4 Action Steps for Water Use Reduction.........................................................................................27Figure 5 Gallons per flush of Waterless Urinals vs. Other type of Urinals.................................................27Figure 6 Action steps for Green Power.....................................................................................................27Figure 7 Solar photovoltaic panel..............................................................................................................28Figure 8 Requirements for Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring..................................................................28Figure 9 The SkyScape Vegetative Roof System........................................................................................29Figure 10 Cool Roof Reflective Coating......................................................................................................29

Table 1 Products and Points Earned............................................................................................................4

P a g e | 4

Note: Figures are all located in the Appendices

IntroductionThe objective of this paper is to describe ten innovative construction products and construction

techniques which can be used to achieve credits toward LEED certification of a building.

Additionally, I will describe each product and provide the health/Environmental benefits and

cost, and explain the amount of LEED credits that each product offers.

The products that I have chosen fall under the following categories as shown in Table 1: Site

Selection, Stormwater Design-Quantity Control, Stormwater Design-Quality Control, Water Use

Reduction, Green Power, Construction Waste Management, Environmental Tobacco Smoke

(ETS) Control, Out Door Air Delivery Monitoring, Increased Ventilation, Innovation in Design:

Specific Title, and Regional Priority: Specific Credit.

Table 1 Products and Points Earned.

Product Credit Checklist PointsThe Modular Wetland System Linear StormWater Design: Quantity Control SS 1The Rainwater/Stormwater Harvesting System StormWater Design: Quality Control SS 1Cool Roof Reflective Coatings Heat Island Effect - Roof SS 1Waterless No-Flush Urinals Water Use Reduction WE 4Solar Photovoltaic Panels Green Power E&A 2Construction Haulers and Recyclers Construction Waste Management M&R 2Energy Star Air Purifier Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring IEQ 1Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) Increased Ventilation IEQ 1SkyScape Vegetative Roof System Innovation in Design: Specific Title I&DP 6Wind Turbine Regional Priority: Specific Title RPC 4

What is LEED?Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a set of rating systems for the

design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings, homes and neighborhoods.

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is intended to help building

owners and operators to be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently. Proposals

P a g e | 5

to modify the LEED standards are offered and publicly reviewed by USGBC's member

organizations, which number almost 20,000. Since they were created in 1998, LEED standards

have been applied to more than 7,000 projects in the United States and in 30 other countries,

covering more than 1.5 billion square feet (140 km²) of development area.

Under LEED 2009, there are 100 possible base points distributed across six credit categories:

Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor

Environmental Quality, and Innovation in Design. Four additional points may be received for

Regional Priority Credits and six additional points for Innovation in Design. Buildings can

qualify for four levels of certification:

Certified: 40–49 points

Silver: 50–59 points

Gold: 60–79 points

Platinum: 80 points to 110

Site SelectionSite Selection is a Credit (1) under Sustainable Sites (SS). Sustainable Sites addresses the

building site’s impact on the community, local infrastructure, and environment as a whole.

Using sustainable building locations and features in the building design minimizes

environmental impact both locally and globally.

A sustainable project starts with a sustainable site. Selecting the site and placing the building on

the site are two of the most important steps in a green building project. Development on an

inappropriate site can increase a building’s water demands, transportation and energy impact,

ecosystem disturbances, and project cost. Under LEED, site selection will earn one point toward

P a g e | 6

the certification. The intent of this credit is to avoid development of inappropriate sites and

reduce the environmental impact from the location of a building on a site.

ProductWith this credit, no product is required. To earn a point, a site must be selected and proper

documents must be filled out to earn the point.

Environmental BenefitsDuring the site selection process, ensure that you select sites which are neutral and non-

restrictive. The site selection and the design of the buildng must be done to minimize site

disruption of those environmentally sensitive areas.

CostThe cost of site selection compared to other methods is the same. In either case, the same

research must be done to earn a permit to build a building. In general, the building project sites

including site selection are rarely selected for their LEED-related impact. The ability of a project

to get the one point is usually connected to whether or not the project has a LEED goal.

Stormwater Design - Quantity ControlStormwater Design - Quantity Control is a credit 6.1 under Sustainable Sites. The intent of this

product is to limit disruption of natural hydrology by reducing impervious cover, increasing on-

site infiltration, reducing or eliminating pollution from stormwater runoff and elimination

contaminants. By achieving this product, you will earn one credit toward LEED certification.

To achieve this product, requirements must be met. The first requirement includes two options.

The first option includes two cases. The first case must be met with a site that has an existing

50% or less of Imperviousness. This case has two paths. Path 1 requires to device a stormwater

management plan that prevents post-development peak discharge rate and quantity from

P a g e | 7

exceeding pre-development peak discharge rate and quantity for 1-and 2-year 24 hour design

storm. Path 2 requires implementing a stormwater management plan that protects receiving

stream channels from excessive erosion. The stormwater management plan must include stream

channel protection and quantity control strategies. The second case must be met with a site that

has an existing 50% or more of Imperviousness. If the case is met then implement a storm water

management plan that results in a 25% decrease in the volume of stormwater runoff form the 2-

year 24- hour storm. Option 2 includes two cases, Case 1 (which is a Non-Zero Lot Line

Projects,) and Case 2, Zero Lot Line Projects.

To earn the maximum points in both credits 6.1, and 6.2, an engineer must design the project site

to maintain natural storm water flows by promoting infiltration. Specify vegetated roofs,

pervious paving and other measure to minimize impervious surfaces. Reuse stormwater for non-

potable uses such as landscape irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing, and custodial uses.

Product & Environmental BenefitsThe product which relates to this credit is The Modular Wetland System Linear. The Modular

Wetland System Linear, shown in Figure 1, is the only hybrid stormwater system to utilize

Horizontal Flow Biofiltration, as it replicates natural processes to remove a variety of pollutants

from stormwater runoff including fine TSS, bacteria, oils and grease, heavy metals and harmful

nutrients like nitrate and phosphorus. While most systems utilize a single treatment method, the

Modular Wetland System Linear incorporates screening, hydrodynamic separation, and bio

retention into a single system. Completely segmental, The Modular Wetland System Linear can

either replace standard storm water inlets or function perfectly in an online or off-line design to

replace downward flow systems.

P a g e | 8

CostThe cost The Modular Wetland System is the same as the other products. The Modular Wetland

System is made of precast concrete structure. The internal components are pre-assembled prior

to delivery to the installation site. In addition to the cost of the system, one has to take in-

account the price of installation. There are three steps in installing this product. Step one is the

excavation, step 2 is the off-load and placement, and step three is the installation of the media

and the connection to the backfill.

Stormwater Design - Quality ControlThe purpose of this product is to limit disruption and pollution of natural water flows by

managing stormwater runoff. One point will be given by completing this product. The

requirements to stormwater design-quality control include: design a stormwater management

plan that reduces impervious cover, promotes infiltration and captures and treats the stormwater

runoff from 90% of the average annual rainfall using acceptable best management practices

(BMPs). BMPs must remove 80% of the average annual post development total suspended

solids (TSS) load based on existing monitoring reports.

In order to earn a full point toward this credit, the following technologies must be used:

alternative surfaces (vegetated roofs, pervious pavement, grid pavers) and nonstructural

techniques to reduce imperviousness and promote infiltration and thereby reduce pollutant

loadings. Additionally, one must use sustainable design strategies to create integrated natural

and mechanical treatment systems to improve the environment such as constructed wetlands,

vegetated filters and open channels to treat stormwater runoff.

P a g e | 9

Earning a maximum of two points on credits 6.1, 6.2, will also help to strengthen the

environment. Installing an underground water tank will help use stormwater rather than using

water from rivers, lakes, and ponds. This can help save natural water to more appropriate use.

Product & Environmental BenefitsThe Rainwater/Stormwater Harvesting System, shown in Figure 2, provides distributed

stormwater runoff containment while simultaneously storing water which can be used for

irrigation, flushing toilets, washing clothes, washing cars, pressure washing, or it can be purified

for use as everyday drinking water.

By using this product, one can reduce water bills, reduce demand on ground water, and reduce

floods and soil erosion. Figure 3’s pie chart shows how the device’s water will be used by the

consumer.

This credit is beneficial to the environment. One can help maintain the level of water for years to

come. According to the EPA, the change in global warming has decreased the amount of

rainwater each year. Using this credit will help reduce flooding, storm water, erosion, and

contamination of surface water with pesticides, sediment, metals and fertilizers.

Cost Based on the system’s size and technology level, a rainwater harvesting system may cost

anywhere from $200 to $2000 and its benefit cannot be derived until it is ready for use. Like

solar panels, the cost can be recovered within 10-15 years, depending on the amount of rainfall

and sophistication of the system.

P a g e | 10

Water Use ReductionThe purpose of this credit is to increase water efficiency within a building to reduce the burden

on municipal water supply and wastewater systems. This credit, under Water Efficiency, became

harder to earn from its previous version. In order to earn two points, 30% reduction of municipal

water must take place. To earn the maximum points of four, 40% reduction of municipal water

must take place. In order to earn the points, action steps must be taken. Figure 4 displays the

proper steps in earning maximum points.

There are several technologies which are used to earned points in this credit. For example the

use of high-efficiency fixtures such as water closets and urinals can reduce portable water

demand. The use of alternative on-site sources such as stormwater/rainwater harvesting systems

can reduce water usage.

ProductWaterless No-Flush Urinals look like regular urinals without a pipe for water intake. These

urinals don’t flush, but instead drain by gravity. Their outflow pipes connect to a building’s

conventional plumbing system. Unlike composting toilets, which leaves you to deal with your

waste, these urinals send the urine directly to a water treatment plant.

Environmental BenefitsRoughly five percent of the world’s fresh water is used to carry away urine. On average each

Waterless Urinal saves up to 40,000 gallons or more of fresh water per year. Figure 5 displays

the usage of water by Waterless Urinals vs Urinals which require water for flushing. By using a

Waterless Urinal, one can reduce operating and sewage costs, and lower Co2 emissions.

P a g e | 11

CostWhile the products required are initially quite expensive, the cost of earning the full four points

is inexpensive in the long run. By using these products, the customer will, overtime, save a lot

more than what they spent. According to USGBC, if a customer invests 60k in waterless urinals,

water closets, and a rainwater harvesting system, within a couple of years, their money will be

matched.

Green PowerThe purpose of this credit is to encourage the development and use of grid-source, renewable

energy technologies on a net zero pollution bases. Green power, Energy & Atmosphere, is

environmentally important because nonrenewable electricity production is a huge contributor to

pollution and global climate change.

There are steps which must be taken in order to achieve one point. One must sign a two- year

renewable energy contract to provide 35% of the building’s electricity from renewable source.

This can be done by the local utility and green power providers who sell renewable energy

credits, which provide funding to renewable energy generation, supporting its development.

Figure 6 provides the complete steps to receiving the two points.

Potential technologies for green power would be derived from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass or low-

impact hydro sources. These green power products must comply with the credit requirements and should

not be Green-e Energy certified.

When it comes to purchasing renewable energy, a person has limited choices as a customer. One way to

support renewables and to help mitigate your carbon impact is through the purchase of renewable energy

credits ( RECS.) As of 2012, you can buy RECS at surprisingly low prices to offset all or some of carbon

footprint. An example would be, if you use 1,000,000 kWH/year, you can offset 100% of the carbon

P a g e | 12

footprint for only $2,580/year, even if there is already an electricity supply contract in place. That is a

bargain compared to the normal source of power.

ProductSolar photovoltaic panels, shown in Figure 7, are an arrangement of components designed to

supply usable electric power for a variety of purposes, using the Sun as the power source.

Photovoltaic panels are comprised of several individual solar cells which are themselves

composed of layers of silicon, phosphorous (which provides the negative charge), and boron

(which provides the positive charge). Photovoltaic panels absorb the photons and in doing so

initiate an electric current.

Solar photovoltaic is a sustainable energy source. By the end of 2011, a total of 71.1 gigawatt

(GW) had been installed, sufficient to generate 85 terawatt-hr/years. By the end of 2012, the 100

GW installed capacity milestone was achieved. Solar photovoltaic is now, after hydro and wind

power, the third most important renewable energy source in terms of globally installed capacity.

Installations may be ground-mounted or built into the roof or walls of a building.

Environmental BenefitsPeople use vast amounts of energy to heat and cool their homes and businesses, and to provide

electricity, on which our society has become dependent. Much of this energy in the past has

come from the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas. People are now

realizing that "Green energy" is a movement toward producing energy from renewable sources,

such as solar, that do not have a negative effect on our environment. Solar will help to reduce

Air Pollution, Fossil Fuel Power, and Battery Needs.

P a g e | 13

CostOverall Solar panels cost ranges from $1750 to $2500 per Kw of installed capacity. This figure

includes purchasing the equipment and cost for solar panel installation. Smaller Home solar

panel installations may cost more per kWp whereas larger solar panel installations (e.g. 50kw –

150kw) will cost less. By using solar electricity rather than Normal electricity, the average

consumer will save $77 per month averaged over 25 years.

Construction Waste Management This credit, under Materials & Resources, focuses on diverting waste from landfills by finding multiple

alternatives for end uses of the waste. Some alternatives include: recycling, reuse on site, donation for

reuse on another site, and resale. All of these diversion methods count towards credit compliance with a

50% construction waste diverted for one point and with a 75% diversion rate for two points. Two points

can be earned by not generating more than 2.5 pounds of construction waste per square foot of the

building’s floor area.

To ensure the full two points will be awarded, five action steps must be taken. The first step is to research

local recycling facilities and haulers. The second step is to look for waste reduction opportunities. The

third step is to decide is sorting will occur onsite or off-site. The fourth step is to have the general

contractor develop a plan prior to construction. The last step is to educate subcontractors and staff about

the plan implementation and documentation, and finally, track waste consistently throughout demolition

and construction.

ProductProducts that can be used toward construction waste management include construction haulers and

recyclers which handle the designated materials such as: cardboard, metal, brick, mineral fiber panel,

concrete, plastic, clean wood, glass, gypsum wallboard, carpet and insulation.

P a g e | 14

Environmental BenefitsHauling designated materials to a recycling center will help to reduce the pollution in the air. In addition,

the designated materials can be recycled for future uses. Construction waste management can also help

reduce the environmental impact on landfills, drive economic value in the reduced production of new

materials and the reuse and recycling of building materials, and even helps cultivate sustainable and

social behaviors.

CostConstruction waste management is achieved at some level on almost every project. Costs vary greatly

depending upon project location and availability of established construction waste recycling programs.

While urban projects are typically able to achieve these points for minimal cost impact, rural projects may

see cost greater impacts. Additionally; waste management is greatly dependent upon how familiar or

comfortable the general contractor is with such practices. Cost impact is therefore extremely dependent

upon contractor commitment.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control This is a prerequisite, under Indoor Environmental Quality, which needs to be met before completing the

rest of the credits under the under the Indoor Environmental Quality. The purpose of this prerequisite is

to prevent or minimize exposure of building, indoor surfaces and ventilation air distribution systems.

For most constructed buildings, Interior smoking is not allowed, and for those projects, this prerequisite

should be easy and not add costs. It may even be the only legal option. To comply, a person may need to

establish a nonsmoking policy in and around the building (including entrances and balconies), and install

appropriate signage. If smoking is allowed, multifamily residences and hotels may feel compelled to

allow smoking in some or all units, and some projects, like airports, have designated smoking rooms. In

these cases, stringent measures will be needed to stop movement of smoke from smoking to nonsmoking

areas. These measures include air barriers between units, negative air pressure in smoking areas, separate

exhaust systems, and blower-door testing, all of which may add design and construction costs. The added

P a g e | 15

trouble of these measures is offset by some added benefits. The air barrier in particular can improve

energy efficiency as well as acoustical privacy.

Outdoor Air Delivery MonitoringOutdoor air delivery monitoring, under Indoor Environmental Quality, ensures that the ventilation system,

whether natural or mechanical, provides enough fresh air to occupants. This credit requires carbon

dioxide (CO2) and outdoor airflow monitors that signal when fresh air is needed according to minimum

set points earning the builder one point toward lead certification. Typical ventilation design (without

monitors) tends to encourage increased ventilation that may result in increased energy use and added cost

for conditioning increased amounts of outside air. However, the addition of sensors and monitors allows

ventilation to be delivered on demand only when required, potentially saving a lot of energy during

unoccupied hours in spaces with varying occupancy. Figure 8 provides requirements for Outdoor Air

Delivery Monitoring.

Potential technologies regarding this credit would be to install CO2 and airflow measurement

equipment and feed the information the HVAC and heating system. If these pieces of equipment

are expensive to buy, use the measurement equipment to trigger alarms and to inform the staff

working at the building when there is a deficiency in outdoor air delivery.

Product &Environmental BenefitsEnergy Star Air Purifier is a device which removes contaminants from the air. Energy Star Air

Purifier is commonly marketed as beneficial to allergy sufferers and asthmatics, and that it

reduces or eliminates second-hand tobacco smoke. They are manufactured as either small stand-

alone units or larger units that can be affixed to an air handler unit or to an HVAC unit found in

the medical, industrial and commercial industries. This purifier may be used to remove

impurities such as CO2 from air before processing.

P a g e | 16

CostFor buildings with varying occupancy rates and centralized mechanical systems, like offices and

schools, the added cost should be minimal, and the systems will probably reduce energy bills,

offering good return on investment. High-density areas like conference rooms, theaters, and

congregation spaces are a particularly good match for this credit.

In multifamily or hotel projects, or any building with numerous isolated mechanical systems or

natural ventilation, more sensors will be needed, making this credit relatively expensive to

pursue.

Increased Ventilation The purpose of this credit is to provide outdoor air into a building to improve the indoor air

ventilation. This increased ventilation helps reduce concentrations of carbon dioxide produced

by occupants, and pollutants produced by off-gassing of construction materials and furnishings.

By addressing these problems, increased ventilation can help mitigate occupant health problems.

Increase in ventilation rates upsurges building energy consumption and can substantially increase

heating and cooling loads. There are ways to increase ventilation while minimizing energy and

Green House Gasses (GHG) penalties. For example, by installing heat recovery or using

variable speed drives and air quality sensors to modulate air flows so that air volume is

appropriate to actual occupancy. These technologies are steps in the right direction and should be

used extensively but the net effect of increased ventilation is almost always greater energy use

and thus a greater carbon footprint.

ProductHeat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) is an energy recovery ventilation system using equipment

such as a heat recovery ventilator, heat exchanger, air exchanger, or air-to-air heat exchanger

P a g e | 17

which employs a counter-flow heat exchanger between the inbound and outbound air flow. HRV

systems can be stand-alone devices that operate independently, they can be built-in, or they can

be added to existing HVAC systems. For a small building in which nearly every room has an

exterior wall, the HRV device can be small and provide ventilation for a single room. A larger

building requires many small units or a large central unit.

Health BenefitsAs building efficiency is improved with insulation and weather stripping, buildings are

intentionally made more airtight, and they are consequently poorly ventilated. Since all

buildings require a source of fresh air, the need for HRVs has become obvious. While opening a

window does provide ventilation, the building’s heat and humidity would then be lost in the

winter and gained in the summer. Either result would be undesirable for the indoor climate and

for energy efficiency, since the building’s HVAC systems must compensate. HRV introduces

fresh air to buildings and improves climate control, while also promoting efficient energy use.

Innovation in Design: Specific Title This credit is for a project which has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in the green

building industry and to let the team contribute creative approaches to the field of sustainable

design. It’s also a great way to achieve up to five additional points.

Some technologies for this credit include: reflective and open grid paving, green roofs,

alternative transportation, reduce site disturbance, efficient plumbing fixtures, solar-heated hot

water, and efficient HVAC system.

Innovation in Design credits, for innovative performance, is awarded for comprehensive

strategies which demonstrate quantifiable environmental benefits not specifically addressed by

P a g e | 18

current LEED Rating Systems. When submitting an ID credit, project teams must outline the

proposed credit intent, requirement for compliance, and submittal necessary to demonstrate

compliance, as well as provide a summary of potential design approaches that may be used to

meet the requirements.

Product

SkyScape Vegetative Roof System, as shown in Figure 9 is an easy-to-install, sustainable roofing

system that requires low maintenance, yet delivers high performance. The SkyScape Vegetative

System is designed to promote healthy plant growth. Both designs feature a protective root

barrier, drainage and filtration layers, water retention reservoir for storm water metering,

growing media and the plants themselves. They can also accommodate an irrigation system, if

desired. The SkyScape Vegetative Roof System is designed to promote healthy plant growth,

ensuring a long-lasting vegetative roof, through either system: The Modular Tray System and

The Multi-layer system.

Environmental Benefits

SkyScape provides a host of environmental benefits:

Creates an insulating layer that helps reduce building heating and cooling costs

Protects the roofing material from UV and heat stress degradation

Mitigates wind uplift

Extends the service life of the underlying roof system

Improves storm water management

Enhances air quality resulting from the conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen and decreased

ambient air temperature, which in turn reduces heat-island effect

P a g e | 19

Increases aesthetics and creates wildlife habitat

Qualifies for up to a 30-year Firestone Red Shield Warranty

Contributes to LEED certified green building projects

CostEstimated costs of installing a green roof start at $10 per square foot for simpler extensive roofing, and

$25 per square foot for intensive roofs. Annual maintenance costs for either type of roof may range from

$0.75–$1.50 per square foot.

While the initial costs of green roofs are higher than those of conventional materials, building owners can

help offset the difference through reduced energy and stormwater management costs, and potentially by

the longer lifespan of green roofs compared with conventional roofing materials.

Regional Priority: Specific CreditsLEED offers up to four bonus Regional Priority (RP) points to encourage projects to pursue

credits with regional environmental, health, and social equit significance. The inventive to

achieve this credit is in the form of a bonus point. If a Regional Priority Credit (RPC) is earned,

then a bonus point is awarded to the project’s total points. There are sic RPCs per rating system

in each specific area, referenced by ZIP code. RPC is not a new credit, but it is an addition to an

existing LEED credit that a designer is attempting. To earn a point, a designer must enter the

project’s zip code when registering online, and the system automatically credits the designer with

a bonus point or up to four points depending on the project.

The technologies included in this topic are the same as other points earned on the projects LEED

checklist. By using the main website of LEED (www.usgbc.org), and choosing Regional

Priority, a person can input one’s current zip code and find technologies such as: On-site

Renewable Energy (up to 7 points), Daylight and Views (1 point), Building Reuse (up to 3

http://www.usgbc.org/

P a g e | 20

points), Site Development (1 point), Innovative Wastewater Technologies (up to 2 points), and

Water Reuse Reduction (up to 4 points.)

Some of the environmental benefits within achieving this credit include: a decrease in the

diversion of water from sensitive ecosystems, pollution reduction, and reduction in damage to

the public health, reduction in wildlife and habitat loss, reduction in water and land use, and

reduction in global warming emissions.

In the long run, the cost of these products, compared to the traditional products, will actually be

cheaper. At the time of installation, the current product will seem very expensive compared to

the traditional product. But within a couple of years, the actual savings by the new product will

increase.

ProductA wind turbine, under onsite renewable energy (7 points), is a device that converts kinetic energy

from the wind into electrical power. Wind turbine is made up of two or three propeller-like

blades called the rotor. The rotor is attached to the top of a tall tower. As the wind blows it spins

the rotor. As the rotor spins the energy of the movement of the propellers gives power to a

generator. There are some magnets and a lot of copper wire inside the generator that make

electricity.

Today wind turbines are manufactured in a wide range of vertical and horizontal axis types. The

smallest turbines are used for applications such as battery charging for auxiliary power for boats

or caravans or to power traffic warning signs. Slightly larger turbines can be used for making

small contributions to a domestic power supply while selling unused power back to the utility

supplier via the electrical grid.

P a g e | 21

Winds are stronger higher up off the ground, so wind turbine towers are about 30 meters tall to

allow the rotor to catch more wind energy. The turbines are built with a device that turns the

rotor so that it always faces into the wind. Just one wind turbine can generate enough electricity

for a single house, or the electrical energy to pump water, or to power a mill which grinds grain.

Environmental Benefits Wind energy releases no pollution into the air or water, and does not contribute to global

warming. According to the American Wind Energy Association, "on average, each MWh of

electricity generated in the U.S. results in the emission of 1,341 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2),

7.5 pounds of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and 3.55 pounds of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Thus the 10

million MWh of electricity generated annually by U.S. wind farms represents about 6.7 million

tons in avoided CO2 emissions, 37,500 tons of SO2 and 17,750 tons of NOx. This avoided CO2

equals over 1.8 million tons of carbon, enough to fill 180 trains, each 100 cars long, with each

car holding 100 tons of carbon every year." And unlike most other electricity sources, wind

turbines do not consume water.

Wind power is a free and inexhaustible ("renewable") source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels such

as coal and oil, which exist in a finite supply and which must be extracted from the earth at great

environmental cost, wind turbines harness a boundless supply of kinetic energy in the form of

wind.

Adding wind power to the energy supply diversifies the national energy portfolio and reduces

America's reliance on imported fuels, stabilizing the cost of electricity, reducing vulnerability to

price spikes and supply disruptions, and bolstering the security of our national energy supply.

P a g e | 22

Cost Obtaining electricity from on-site sources can produce significant cost savings. A wind turbine

with a generation capacity of 10-kW located at a site with average wind speeds of 12 miles per

hour can produce approximately 10,000 kWh annually, enough to power a small building.

Assuming an average price for conventional electricity of 9¢ per kWh, the wind turbine would

reduce annual grid-based electricity costs by approximately $900. With installed costs for

turbines ranging between $1,000 and $5,000 per kW capacity, these savings could mean a simple

payback period of less than six years.

ProductCool Roof reflective coatings, used for white roofs, protect roof from the deterioration caused by

the sun’s heat and UV radiation, asphalt breakdown, and thermal shock from heating/cooling

cycles. A cool Roof coating provides a highly reflective, seamless solar barrier, protecting the

roof against the corrosive elements that lead to moisture penetration and damaging leaks. If left

unattended for too long, roof deterioration will exceed the limits of normal maintenance, and

lead to a costly roof replacement.

Cool Roof reflective coatings can reflect up to 88% of the sun’s heat and harmful UV radiation,

and reduce peak level energy consumption of HVAC systems. Cool Roof reflective coatings, as

shown in Figure 10, reduce roof temperatures and heat absorption, resulting in lower interior

temperatures, and improved energy effectiveness of your HVAC systems. Efficient energy use

will also limit the severity of temperature changes in your building, resulting in increased

comfort for your customers and your employees.

P a g e | 23

Environmental BenefitsCool Roof Reflective Coating will also help to protect the environment by reducing roofing

waste sent to landfills, heat island effects and air pollution. It can also reduce local air

temperatures, lower peak electricity demand, which can help prevent power outages, and reduce

power plant emissions, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and mercury, by

reducing cooling energy use in building.

CostWhite roofs reduce air-conditioning costs by 20 percent or more in hot, sunny weather. Lower

energy consumption also means fewer of the carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global

warming.

A cool roof does not necessarily cost more than a non-cool roof, especially if you are installing a

new roof or replacing an existing one. However, converting a standard roof that's in good

condition into a cool roof can be expensive. Major roof costs include upfront installation

(materials and labor) and ongoing maintenance (repair, recoating, and cleaning). Additional cool

roof costs include specialized materials and labor.

Cool roofs can save money several ways, including energy savings, rebates and incentives,

HVAC equipment downsizing, and extended roof lifetime.

ConclusionThe objective of this paper was to describe ten innovative construction products and construction

techniques which can be used to achieve credits toward LEED certification of a building.

Additionally, I described each product and provided the health/Environmental benefits and cost,

and explained the amount of LEED credits that each product offers.

P a g e | 24

I learned a great deal about some innovative products that can be used to not only earn a LEED

certification but also to help the Environment. Having a green building that is recognized by

LEED certification is a dramatic and public way of demonstrating a strong commitment to green

practices and improving the environment. LEED-certified construction projects also stimulate

the local economy, since one of LEED's best practices is utilizing local materials and labor

wherever possible.

At the end of the day, LEED certification is the badge of a business that cares strongly about

good environmental practices and is willing to spend significant resources pursuing them.

Although the upfront costs are significant, LEED projects will save money for businesses in the

long term and can significantly improve their public image. As the move to increase

environmental awareness continues, more and more businesses will make the commitment.

BibliographyConstruction of an ELS–LEED: an electron energy-loss spectrometer with electrostatic. (2000). SURFACE

AND INTERFACE ANALYSIS, 5.

Innovation In Design Credit Catalog. (2008, March ). Retrieved from US Green Building Council : http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Archive/General/Docs3569.pdf

Cool Roof. (2013). Energy.gov, http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/cool-roofs.

LEED Green Certified Products Worth Considering.. (2013). Retrieved from Real State Score Card : http://realestatescorecard.com/library/story/home-building/leed-green-certified-products-worth-considering

Practical Stratigies in Green Building . (2013, May). Retrieved from USGBC: http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Archive/General/Docs7760.pdf

Renwable Energy . (2013, March 14). Retrieved April 11, 2014, from Better Cost Controll : http://bettercostcontrol.com/renewable-or-green-energy/

Building green with the help of concrete . (2014, March). Retrieved from Journal of Commerce: http://www.journalofcommerce.com/article/id59824/--building-green-with-the-help-of-concrete

P a g e | 25

Figuring the MPG of a house. (2014, April 11). Retrieved from GRBJ: http://www.grbj.com/articles/79405-figuring-the-mpg-of-a-house

Azhar, S., & Carlton, W. (2011). Building information modeling for sustainable design and LEED® rating analysis. AutoMation in Construction, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926580510001482.

Barnes, N. (2013). Design and Construct Only the Greenest, Most Energy Efficient New Buildings. Retrieved from AASHE: http://www.aashe.org/wiki/cool-campus-how-guide-college-and-university-climate-action-planning/56-design-and-construct-on

Pendry, J. B. (2008). Reliability factors for LEED calculations . Retrieved from IOPScience: http://iopscience.iop.org/0022-3719/13/5/024

Turner, C., & Frankel, M. (2008). Energy Performance of LEED® for New Construction Buildings. nbi New Buildings, https://wiki.umn.edu/pub/PA5721_Building_Policy/WebHome/LEEDENERGYSTAR_STUDY.pdf.

Appendices

Figure 1. The Modular Wetland System.

P a g e | 26

Figure 2 Rainwater Harvesting System.

Figure 3 Pie Chart of the usage of the Rainwater Harvesting System at a household.

P a g e | 27

Figure 4 Action Steps for Water Use Reduction

Figure 5 Gallons per flush of Waterless Urinals vs. Other type of Urinals.

Figure 6 Action steps for Green Power.

P a g e | 28

Figure 7 Solar photovoltaic panel.

Figure 8 Requirements for Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring

P a g e | 29

Figure 9 The SkyScape Vegetative Roof System

Figure 10 Cool Roof Reflective Coating

Documents

LEED research paper