How Does GFRC Help with LEED?

GFRC and LEED
One of the biggest movements in the building and construction industry today is the migration to ecologically sound buildings and green building to ensure that the environment is protected. This includes minimizing the use of natural resources, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, helping to reduce energy consumption, and wiping out pollution.

Setting the standard for green building is the LEED system. This article provides information on LEED and how GFRC is an alternative building material that is sustainable and meets LEED requirements.

What is LEED?
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED Green Building Rating System was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is a national voluntary program that was developed to define and measure “green” building. There are many LEED categories for new construction and major renovations, existing buildings, commercial interiors, core and shell development and homes. Other categories will be added, such as neighborhood development, multiple buildings, schools and retail as well as healthcare facilities and laboratories.

Buildings are LEED certified if they achieve all of the prerequisites and at least 26 points out of a possible total of 69. Five environmental categories make up the rating system, including sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality. Each of the LEED categories has multiple parts or credits to recognize sustainable building practices. A sixth LEED category also recognizes innovative design.

Using GFRC for LEED Certified Projects
Our GFRC material has been used on several LEED® Certified Projects. Here is how you can get LEED credits by using Stromberg GFRC:
• For projects that seek USGBC LEED Certification, Stromberg GFRC may contribute up to 27 points toward LEED certification. These include ID2.1 Durability and Planning Credit, ID2.4 Third Party Durability Inspection, SSc5 Pest Control Alternative, MR 4.1 and 4.2 Recycled Content, ID 2.2 Indoor Moisture Control and MR 5.1 and 5.2 Regional Materials just to name a few.
• For projects that are looking to meet NAHB Voluntary Model Green Home Building Guidelines, Stromberg GFRC offers products that contain fewer resources than traditional products, termite resistant products, locally available products and no additional finish resources required in order to complete onsite application.

Advantages of Using Stromberg GFRC for Green Building
There are a number of ecological benefits to using Stromberg GFRC:
• It uses low toxicity raw materials, including cement, sand, glass fibers and water.
• Its durability means reduced replacement, maintenance, and repair, which lower energy consumption and emissions.
• It can be supplied pre-finished to eliminate VOCs during painting.
• Non-combustible Stromberg GFRC meets ASTM E136 guidelines.
• It can meet the hurricane resistance of Miami Dade Large Missile Impact and Small Missile Impact standards.
• The lightweight panels use 80% less material than precast as well as reduce fuel consumption and emissions due to reduced transport.

Minimal Environmental Impact
Stromberg GFRC is made from naturally occurring minerals that are not normally regarded as pollutants. Ingredients are also frequently recycled materials. A study by the Government of the United Kingdom’s DETR/Concrete Industry Alliance ‘Partners in Technology’ project compared GFRC and precast concrete products and found that GFRC has a much lower environmental impact of 60%.

Learn More about Environmentally-Friendly Solutions with GFRC Architectural Products
Stromberg Architectural can provide you with a free estimate on any type of custom GFRC architectural product. To learn more and get assistance on any type of architectural product or construction/remodeling project, please fill out our online contact form or contacting our knowledgeable team at 903-454-0904.