Masonry Magazine November 2004 Page. 23
5. Materials and Resources (MR)
Credit 4 addresses the use of recycled content materials. Credit 5 addresses the use of local materials. Credit 4.1 requires that 5% of the total value of building materials use recycled content materials (Credit 4.1). Credit 4.2 requires 10% recycled content materials (Credit 4.2). Credit 5.1 requires that 20% of building materials use a minimum of 50% of building materials that are manufactured within 500 miles of the project site (Credit 5.1). Credit 5.2 requires 20% of building materials use a minimum of 50% of building materials that are extracted, harvested or recovered within 500 miles of the project site (Credit 5.2). Changes to the specifics of this credit are proposed for LEED 2.2
6. Innovation in Design (ID)
THE INTENT OF THIS CATEGORY is to recognize exceptional performance beyond the requirements in LEED or reward innovations in categories not specifically addressed by LEED. Credit 1 awards one point for each innovation up to a total of four points. Possible areas where masonry can contribute include:
* acoustic performance
* life-cycle cost and durability
* efficient use of materials with prestressed or reinforced masonry
* improved air quality by reducing the need for paint or interior coatings (thereby reducing volatile organic compounds, or VOCs) and by reducing the possibility of mold growth
Such credits require the applicant to write the intent and requirements of the credit. These credits are typically awarded for having a building-wide approach that addresses a sustainable feature such as those listed above. For example, a credit could be written for improved air quality beyond that required in LEED EQ (Indoor Environmental Quality) Credit 4-Low Emitting Materials by choosing materials throughout the building that do not require paint or coatings such as glazed masonry in toilet and janitorial rooms, brick pavers for flooring, architectural concrete masonry for walls, etc. All materials used in the building would be considered, and masonry could be a large contributor to achieving the intent.
Credit 2 gives one point for having a LEED-accredited professional on the design team.
Conclusion
THE MASONRY SOCIETY (TMS) has formed a Sustainability Subcommittee chaired by Pat Rand to support the use of masonry in sustainable design. This subcommittee falls within the purview of the Architectural Practices Committee chaired by Rochelle Jaffe. To participate on these committees or for further information contact The Masonry Society at www.masonrysociety.org.
Christine Subasic, P.E., LEED AP, of C. Callista Subasic is a masonry expert. Earlier this year, she was chosen to represent The Masonry Society with the U.S. Green Building Council.
For example, all types of masonry can contribute to energy efficiency depending upon how they are used. Most scrap masonry materials can by recycled. But only manufactured units such as brick and concrete masonry units can contain recycled materials. Some masonry unit manufacturers are developing units with especially high recycled materials content.
Masonry: On the point scale, how does masonry stack up to other types of building systems, like fiber cement, siding or EIFS?
Subasic: While I have not examined the other building materials that you mentioned in detail, it is safe to say that masonry offers the most potential for synergy within the LEED rating system. For example, masonry used for the building wall system can contribute toward points in reduction of construction waste, recycled materials content, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, acoustics and of course durability.
Masonry: How do other mason-installed items, such as vapor barriers, insulation, flashing, etc., play a part in green building?
Subasic: LEED is a total building rating system. All materials are considered, for example, when determining the percentage of materials in the building that contain recycled materials content. This includes things like vapor barriers and insulation, as well as carpet and casework.
Masonry: Does green building lead to higher costs for the mason contractor? Please explain.
Subasic: Much of this increased cost is associated with the LEED certification process, not the actual building design. In many cases, the cost of choosing green materials is the same or even less when the total synergy of the choices is considered.
Masonry: As you educate the public and construction professionals, do you see masonry being used more often in the future when it comes to sustainable design? Why or why not?
Subasic: I think the use of masonry will only increase, particularly as durability plays a bigger role in the LEED rating system.
Masonry: Are there any green building classes, workshops or certifications that mason contractors can pursue?
Subasic: The USGBC offers numerous workshops related to the LEED rating system held throughout the country. Introductory, intermediate and advanced workshops are offered on the LEED-NC rating system. In addition, the Greenbuild Expo in Portland, Ore., this month (see the Greenbuild sidebar on pg. 18) will offer several other workshops geared toward specific applications of LEED, such as healthcare projects, for product manufacturers, and for general contractors/construction managers. A complete list can be found on the USGBC LEED web site (www.usgbc.org).
Masonry: Thank you so much for sharing your time and expertise.
The Voice of the Mason Contractor
November 2004
Masonry 21