Green building projects are becoming more common in Canada. By building green, business owners can attract eco-conscious investors and consumers, future-proof their businesses, and even secure grants from provincial and federal agencies.
Flooring has an important impact on sustainable design; the right flooring can even help you achieve LEED Certifications. Here’s how:
What Is LEED Certification And Why Does It Matter?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification program. LEED standards include rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings. These standards go beyond creating eco-friendly, sustainable buildings – they aim to help create environments that are better for people to live and work in, too.
LEED is recognized by the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC); CAGBC provides certification, verification, education, and training on LEED standards. There are several LEED certifications that a building can achieve, based on the number of points that the building earns in LEED’s system:
- Certified: 40-49 points
- Silver: 50-59 points
- Gold: 60-79 points
- Platinum: 80+ points
The more points a building receives, the more environmentally friendly it is. Here’s why that matters:
- Meeting LEED standards can attract eco-conscious consumers to your business.
- Provincial and federal government grants can help you meet LEED standards.
- LEED buildings have lower operational costs, which can save you money over time.
- LEED buildings tend to sell for more.
There are also several indirect benefits to meeting LEED standards: Your building is more likely to meet future environmental standards, and having a LEED-certified building can improve ESG reporting, attracting more eco-conscious investors.
How Flooring Fits Into LEED Standards
Every part of a building, including flooring, is factored into LEED certification. Here are some examples of how:
- A highly reflective flooring system can reduce the need for overhead lighting, reducing energy consumption.
- Flooring made from recycled or renewable materials can contribute to sustainability.
- Low-emitting flooring materials (those low in volatile organic compounds, known simply as VOCs) can contribute to a healthier environment and reduce chemical contamination.
- Floors that dampen noise can contribute to a better occupant experience.
In conjunction with other building materials, the right flooring can help you obtain a variety of LEED credits, which, in turn, can help you achieve LEED certifications.
LEED Credits Where Flooring Can Make An Impact
LEED credits allow businesses to accrue points for LEED certification. The LEED Credit Library gives businesses insights into different credits and the requirements for earning them. Below, we’ve included some of the LEED credits that are most often associated with flooring; there are many LEED credits, however, and the right flooring system can contribute to credits beyond those listed here.
We’ve listed the credit in question, and beside it, we’ve listed the credit category in brackets:
Low-Emitting Materials (Materials & Resources)
The Low-Emitting Materials Credit aims to limit the emission of chemical contaminants that can affect air quality, the environment, and human health. By using low-emitting materials in paints, coatings, flooring, and ceilings, businesses can become eligible for LEED credits.
Building Product Selection and Procurement (Materials & Resources)
The Building Product Selection and Procurement Credit encourages builders to use products and materials whose manufacturers report on their sustainability, as well as their environmental, economic, and social impacts across five areas:
- Climate health
- Human health
- Ecosystem health
- Social health and equity
- Circular economy
Flooring and coatings can both contribute to these credits.
Buildings & Material Reuse (Materials & Resources)
By reusing the existing building structure during a renovation, including floor decking, businesses can earn Buildings and Materials Reuse Credits. The more of an existing structure you reuse, the more credits you can earn; transforming existing concrete floors into polished concrete floors while retaining the existing decking can help you earn this credit.
Occupant Experience (Indoor Environmental Quality)
Occupant Experience Credits are divided between a number of categories; the goal of each is to make buildings more comfortable for occupants. The right flooring system can improve the sound environment in a room, attenuating loud noise and creating quiet zones for occupants.
Energy Credits (Energy & Atmosphere)
There are several energy standards that are required to reach LEED certification, as well as credits like the Enhanced Energy Efficiency Credit. These credits rely on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) building performance standards; flooring that reflects lighting can reduce energy loads from lighting, while insulated flooring can reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling.
Flooring Types That Support Green Building Goals
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is an excellent choice for many buildings seeking LEED certification. It can often be used to obtain Building and Materials Reuse Credits, as well as Energy Credits, thanks to its reflectivity. Polished concrete also emits no VOCs, which can make it eligible to help qualify for Low-Emitting Materials Credits.
Resinous Floors – Epoxy, PU (polyurethane) , MMA (methyl methacrylate)
Resinous flooring and epoxy flooring systems can help businesses qualify for Occupant Experience, Building Product Selection and Procurement, and Energy Credits – it depends on the type of resin flooring being installed, the manufacturer of the flooring system, the additives used, and the context in which the flooring systems are being installed.
Some resin flooring systems are reflective, contributing to lower energy usage. Resin flooring can also provide acoustic dampening qualities, making for a more comfortable experience for occupants.
Real-World Examples From TCF West Projects
LEED Gold certification – Wawanesa National Headquarters, Winnipeg, MB
LEED Silver certification – Miskooseepi School (Bloodvein First Nation School), MB
LEED silver certification – Royal Aviation Museum, Winnipeg, MB
Zero Carbon Certified building – FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Building, Winnipeg, MB
Two Green Globe target – Winnipeg Police and Fire Station 9, Winnipeg, MB
Three Green Gloves target – Portage Distriction Hospital, Portage La Prairie, MB
Why Builders And Architects Choose LEED-Contributing Flooring Solutions
Flooring is only one element of a building’s design – but it’s an important one. The right flooring system can contribute to securing several different LEED credits, and those credits add up to give buildings higher-rated LEED certifications.
As we discussed above, LEED certifications can help with ESG reporting, which in turn can lead to greater investment. It can also help businesses prepare for future government standards, which may be more stringent, without the need for more costly renovations down the line.
Flooring That Supports A Greener Future
At TCF West, we provide commercial flooring solutions that help businesses like yours meet LEED certification standards. Our flooring can reduce your carbon footprint, provide better indoor air quality through the reduction of VOC emissions, and elevate your commercial space by providing better noise management.
The floors we install are beautiful, functional, and long-lasting. Contact us today.
