Decorative Concrete's Direct Impact on Obtaining LEED Certification

The goal: One of the key goals of LEED is to minimize the impact of construction on surrounding exterior environments, communities and eco-systems. Heat and light are two of the biggest environmental pollutants when buildings are constructed. One of the measurements used to determine the effect of construction on an environment is the heat island effect. "Heat islands" are thermal gradient differences between developed and undeveloped areas. Under the Sustainable Sites section of LEED, Credit 7.1 intends to reduce heat islands to minimize impacts on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats. This is accomplished by using a combination of shade (manmade or trees), pervious surfaces, or reflective hardscape surfaces (driveways, parking areas, courtyards, sidewalks and other landscape surfaces) for at least 50% of the hardscape surfaces on the project. The materials used must have a solar reflective index (SRI) of 29 or greater.

The decorative concrete solution: The use of colored concrete, either with integral color or a topical color hardener in light shades, is the best way to ensure the SRI of 29 or greater is met. The color can be used in standard concrete, stamped concrete or pervious concrete to meet the requirement. In the case of renovation projects, light-colored microtoppings or stampable overlays can be used to provide a decorative finish that meets the SRI of 29 or greater.

The goal: The intent of this LEED credit is to reduce indoor air contaminants of all types that can be irritating or harmful to both occupants and installers. It focuses on reducing the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) of adhesives and sealants used in the construction process. To qualify for this LEED credit, the sealant must not exceed 250 g/l of VOC.

The decorative concrete solution: Most interior concrete, decorative or plain, is sealed to protect and enhance it. In the past, concrete sealers contained large amounts of organic solvents that would linger long after the construction process was complete. These fumes would be irritating to the occupants, and long-term exposure could lead to more serious health risks. This has spurred the development of a new generation of architectural coatings and sealants for concrete that meet the stringent low-VOC requirements of LEED. The use of architectural sealers and coatings to enhance and maintain concrete floors, walls, precast panels and countertops is a great way to bring out the beauty of concrete. These decorative sealers can be clear or colored, opaque or translucent. Today, most decorative concrete sealer manufacturers offer both solvent- and water-based LEED-compliant products.

The goal: The overall intent of this credit is to reduce indoor air contaminants of all types that can be irritating or harmful to both occupants and installers. However, it focuses on complete flooring systems like carpet, vinyl composition tile and concrete stains, vs. just a single adhesive or sealant (as in Credit 4.1). The three major flooring systems that qualify for this credit are carpet with new-generation adhesives, low-emitting hard flooring surfaces (including vinyl, linoleum, laminate, wood, ceramic and rubber) and concrete stain and sealer systems that meet low-VOC requirements.

The decorative concrete solution: Of all the LEED credits, this one in particular allows the most impact for decorative concrete flooring systems. In fact, the requirements for obtaining credit actually call out low-VOC emitting "concrete stain and sealer finish systems" as one of the ways to do so. Of the three flooring materials that qualify for this credit, decorative concrete enhanced by concrete stains and dyes provide the most color and design options. What's more, decorative concrete floors do not require additional layers of floor covering because the concrete also functions as the flooring surface. This greatly reduces material consumption, transportation costs, and flooring installation time and cost. Almost all water-based stains and dyes with a low-VOC emitting sealer system will meet the LEED requirement for this credit. This includes acid stains, concrete dyes, water-based tints, acrylic stains, tinted sealer systems, and the new generation of eco-friendly stains made from renewable resources such as soy bean oil. Water-based dyes, tints and sealers are especially ideal for achieving credit within this category because of their expanded color palette, zero-VOC content and fast cure times. With certain stain or dye systems, thousands of square feet of concrete can be prepared, stained, sealed and returned to service in under 24 hours. Most stain and dye manufacturers offer low-VOC LEED-compliant products in their lines.

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