LEED Certification for your stone/ terrazzo restoration project

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LEED Certification for your stone/ terrazzo restoration project

March 20, 2023 Fred Hueston Comments Off

 

LEED Certification for your stone/ terrazzo restoration project

By Frederick M. Hueston StoneForensics.com

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a widely recognized green building rating system that provides a framework for sustainable building practices. You may be wondering if restoring and polishing an existing stone or terrazzo floors can help earn LEED points for your client. The answer is yes – restoring and polishing stone/terrazzo floors can help earn LEED points, but it’s important to understand the requirements and guidelines before proceeding.

The LEED certification system is broken down into several categories, including Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation in Design. The Materials and Resources category is particularly relevant to restoration and polishing stone/terrazzo floors, as it includes criteria related to the use of sustainable materials and reducing waste.

One of the specific credits within the Materials and Resources category that can be earned by restoring existing stone/terrazzo floors is MR Credit 5: Regional Materials. This credit encourages the use of building materials that are extracted and manufactured within a certain distance from the building site. If the stone floor was originally sourced from a local supplier, restoring/polishing it can help you earn points towards this credit.

Another credit within the Materials and Resources category that may be applicable to stone/terrazzo floors is MR Credit 4: Recycled Content. This credit rewards the use of materials that contain a certain percentage of post-consumer or pre-consumer recycled content. While stone is not typically considered a recycled material, restoring/polishing it can help to extend its lifespan and reduce the need for replacement or disposal, which in turn reduces waste and contributes to sustainability.

In order to earn LEED points for restoring/polishing floors, it’s important to follow the guidelines set forth by the LEED certification system. For example, your client may need to provide documentation of the original source of your flooring, as well as information about the chemicals and processes used in the restoration/polishing process. Additionally, you will need to ensure that the polishing process does not produce harmful emissions or waste that could negatively impact the environment.

If you are considering restoring/polishing existing stone/terrazzo floors as part of  LEED certification efforts, it’s important to work with a reputable and experienced consultant who understands the LEED certification process and can help meet the necessary requirements. With the right approach, restoring/polishing a stone/terrazzo floors can be a valuable and effective way to earn LEED points and contribute to a more sustainable building environment.

Restoring/polishing existing stone/terrazzo floors can be a valuable way to earn LEED points as part of your sustainable building efforts. By following the guidelines set forth by the LEED certification system and working with a qualified contractor, you can help to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and achieve your clients green building goals.