* The annual U.S. market in green building products and services was more than $7 billion in 2005, $12 billion in 2007 and projected to increase to $60 billion by 2010. -US Green Building Council

What is LEED?
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED® stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It’s purpose is to further global efforts focusing on the adoption of green building practices and environmentally conscious development initiatives. This third-party certification is an internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED® gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED® promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health:

• Sustainable Site Development
• Water Savings
• Energy Efficiency
• Materials Selection
• Indoor Environmental Quality

Who uses LEED?
Architects, real estate professionals, facility managers, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, construction managers, lenders and government officials all use LEED® to help transform the built environment to sustainability. State and local governments across the country are adopting LEED® for public-owned and public-funded buildings; there are LEED® initiatives in federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Energy, and State; and LEED® projects are in progress in 41 different countries, including Canada, Brazil, Mexico and India.

How is LEED Developed?
LEED® Rating Systems are developed through an open, consensus-based process led by LEED® committees. Each volunteer committee is composed of a diverse group of practitioners and experts representing a cross-section of the building and construction industry. The key elements of USGBC’s consensus process include a balanced and transparent committee structure, technical advisory groups that ensure scientific consistency and rigor, opportunities for stakeholder comment and review, member ballot of new rating systems, and a fair and open appeals process.

Potential LEED Credits using HP Spartacote® Products:

• MR Credit 4.1: Recycled Content: 10% (post consumer + 1/2 pre-consumer) ~ 1 Point
• MR Credit 4.2: Recycled Content: 20% (post consumer + 1/2 pre-consumer) ~ 1 Point in addition to MR Credit 4.1:
• EQ Credit 4.2: Low-Emitting Materials: Paints & Coatings ~ 1 Point
• MR Credit 5.1: Regional Materials: 10% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured Regionally
• MR Credit 5.2: Regional Materials: 20% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured Regionally ~ 1 Point in addition to MR Credit 5.1
• ID Credit 1:  Innovation in Design

For More information, Please contact us today