Masonry Magazine November 2004 Page. 17
MASONRY AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN
Masonry and sustainable building design seem like a natural fit. Masonry, with its durability, local or regional manufacturing, and thermal mass characteristics, meets many of the goals of sustainable building design. With the development of the LEED™ Green Building Rating System, interest in sustainable design has taken off.
What is LEED?
LEED refers to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design™ Green Building Rating System developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is a national voluntary program to define and measure what constitutes a "green" building. There are LEED rating systems for new construction and major renovations (LEED-NC), existing buildings (LEED-EB) and commercial interiors (LEED-CI). Committees are currently developing rating systems for multiple buildings (LEED-MB), core and shell development (LEED-CS), neighborhood development (LEED-ND) and homes (LEED-H).
The goals of the LEED certification process are to improve occupant wellbeing, environmental performance and economic returns of buildings. Buildings are LEED-certified if they achieve at least 26 points out of a possible 69. Silver certification is awarded for projects with 33 to 38 points. Projects with 39 to 51 points are LEED Gold-certified. The highest level of certification, for projects earning 52 points or more, is Platinum.
Photo courtesy of USGBC/Estr
Ecotrust, an environmental group located in Portland, Ore, renovated the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center with the help of Walsh Construction. Originally constructed in 1895, the warehouse is the first restoration of a historic building in the nation to receive the LEED gold rating.
Masonry and sustainable building design seem like a natural fit.
The Voice of the Mason Contractor
By Christine A. Subasic, P.E., LEED AP
C. Callista Subasic
November 2004
Masonry
15