Did You Know?
The next version of the LEED green building certification program (LEED v3) will launch on April 27, 2009. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the ongoing development cycle of the LEED program enables it to evolve, taking advantage of new technologies and advancements in building science while prioritizing energy efficiency and CO2 emissions reductions.
Creating a green building means matching products and materials to the specific design and site to minimize overall environmental impact.

Many of the goods consumed in the construction process do not earn LEED points directly, but assist in the accumulation of LEED credits, which convert to LEED points. For example, many manufacturers have developed low-Volatile Organic Content (VOC) products — paint, adhesives, sealants and caulks, to name a few — that release no or low levels of pollutant gases and are odor free. Use of these products accumulates credits in the rating system.

The following are examples of green product and material categories:
  • Regional materials
  • Recycled content
  • Certified wood products
  • Products with exceptional durability or low maintenance requirements
  • Rapidly renewable products
  • Products that reduce storm water pollution
As the green building trend becomes more widespread, the demand for green products will increase, creating huge opportunity for our business. To learn more about green building, visit www.usgbc.org or www.greenhomeguide.org.