Focusing on "green" construction isn't just using recycled materials or controlling the by-products of the construction process. It is taking a broader perspective of the buildings total impact on the environment and its occupants. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) Green Building Rating System, developed by the US Green Building Council, provides a guideline to help owners and design teams determine green project goals, identify green design strategies, measure and monitor progress, and document success. The LEED rating system takes into account all aspects of a buildings impact on the environment including site selection, water efficiency, energy consumption, material usage, indoor environmental quality, and creativity with respect to conservation in design. This holistic rating system encourages designers to develop and construct buildings with an understanding of the impact on the entire community rather than simply image and utility of the facility itself.

General Polymers and Sherwin-Williams, as material suppliers, can assist in several categories within the LEED green building rating system.

Site Selection:

• Opting to redevelop within urban area can be facilitated with General Polymers concrete repair product, floor resurfacing systems and Sherwin-Williams finishes. (1 point)
• Minimizing parking capacity using General Polymers Parking Deck Systems for long life under heavy usage. (1 point)
• Install refueling stations at the facility and protect the concrete with chemical resistant coatings. (1 point)
• Providing changing rooms and shower facilities on site can be accomplished using seamless, slip-resistant seamless floors. (1 point)
• Manage storm water runoff utilizing EnviroLastic polyurea linings to capture, route and recycle rain water. (1 point)
• Landscaping and reduced heat islands using waterproofed planters and light reflective coatings. (2 points)

Water Efficiency:

• Provide onsite treatment of rain water and wastewater utilizing concrete protective coatings. (1-2 points)

Energy & Atmosphere:

• Minimize energy usage within a building utilizing seamless flooring for easy maintenance and light reflective paints and finishes. (2-4 points)

Materials & Resources:

• Manage construction waste utilizing water-base or zero VOC coatings. (1 point)
• Thin-set epoxy terrazzo flooring utilizes natural materials and conserves resources due to the long life cycle of the product. (1-2 points)
• General Polymers can qualify as a regional supplier with manufacturing facilities within 500 miles of 50% of the US population. Sherwin-Williams has manufacturing facilities throughout the country. (1-2 points)

Indoor Environmental Quality:

• Seamless floors help to maintain Indoor Air Quality as they are easy to keep clean, are non-porous and do not harbor dust or microbes. In addition fluid applied flooring systems will seal the concrete and prevent radon or other gases from migrating into the building. (1-2 points)
• General Polymers and Sherwin-Williams supply products which meet and exceed VOC limits. (1 point)

There are four levels of LEED Certification starting with 26 points to earn Certified Status, 33 points to achieve Silver Level, 39 points to reach Gold Level and 52 points to be awarded Platinum Level. The GSA has committed to construct at the LEED Silver Level starting in 2002. Earning the LEED certification level not only promotes your architectural/engineering firm but benefits everyone through energy conservation and environmental protection. For more information on how your firm can participate in the LEED Program visit: www.usgbc.org. Other resources are available at www.buildinggreen.com and www.edcmag.com.