
What makes polished concrete green?
In commercial construction projects, using concrete can help buildings earn points under LEED, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is a voluntary standard for evaluating the environmental performance of a building. It also has become a driving force in accelerating the development and implementation of green building practices and raising consumer awareness of the benefits of green buildings. Of the 26 minimum points needed to obtain LEED certification, 21 can be earned through appropriate use of concrete, according to the Environmental Council of Concrete Organizations.
In 2008, a new LEED committee, LEED for Homes (LEED-H), launched a national certification program for green homes with the intent of bringing more environmentally responsible, healthy, and efficient homes into the market. LEED-H will reward homes that use energy and water resources efficiently, use construction materials and land resources wisely, and favor materials and practices that safeguard occupant health. LEED-H will also collaborate with local green home building programs to enhance the adoption of green practices by homebuilders.
For more information on LEED click here.
Top Reasons to Go Green with Concrete Floors:
• Design Versatility
• Energy Efficiency
• Easier Breathing
• Economy
• Durability and Resource Conservation
Building homes that are green and environmentally friendly has become the mantra for more and more builders and homeowners, as they discover how easy it can be to attain all the benefits of sustainable construction without sacrificing aesthetics or breaking the budget. In fact, going green often saves money, especially over time, while being kinder to planet Earth.
Decorative concrete flooring is a perfect example of this synergy of beauty, sustainability and economy, giving you a durable, low-maintenance floor that will last the life of your home. Concrete floors, when left exposed, conserve resources by functioning both as a foundation slab and finished floor. This eliminates the need for carpeting and other floor coverings that would eventually require replacement. In addition to conserving materials, concrete flooring offers many other environmental benefits, such as contributing to better energy efficiency and improving indoor air quality. The topics listed above are the most compelling reasons to go green with decorative concrete floors.
