Using Concrete to Increase LEED Ratings of Buildings

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a point-based system for certifying the level of a building's sustainability. Appropriate use of concrete can help a building earn up to 18 points out of the 26 required for LEED certification. Using concrete can reduce urban heat islands, reduce water runoff, help meet minimum energy requirements, optimize energy performance, and increase the life of a building. The constituents of concrete can be recycled materials, and concrete itself can be recycled. Concrete and its constituents are usually available locally. These attributes of concrete can help lessen the impact a building has on the natural environment.