We’ve talked about green hardware a few times over the past few months, but it occurred to me while reading the latest edition of Doors & Hardware, which focused on green initiatives within the industry, that we hadn’t discussed the strategic factors of “going green.”
LEED v4 went into effect in November of 2013; while it hasn’t spread to the masses as of yet, widespread adaptation of this new version is expected before LEED 2009 expires in mid-2015.
LEED certification is quickly transforming from a pipe dream to an expectation within the realm of new buildings.
How can you, as architects, designers, specifiers, contractors, or corporate construction directors leverage the benefits of earning LEED credits within the category of doors and hardware?
In this recap of the Doors & Hardware article, Understanding LEED v4 and Opening the Door to Maximum Credit Qualification, we’ll unearth the various ways you can assist.
There are six areas where door systems can apply toward earning LEED credits in v4:
- Product transparency
- Raw materials sourcing
- Material ingredients
- Indoor air quality
- Acoustic performance
- Energy efficiency
Credits can be earned one of two ways – by selecting doors that meet a given criteria, or based on the impact doors have on the building’s performance.
The applicability of credit eligibility is determined based on the standards of the given criteria. Allow me to explain:
LEED v4 – Product Transparency
LEED v4 outlines new credit criteria for product selection which will allow earning credits for having a hands-on understanding of the environmental impact of the products being used and/or specified.
Manufacturers that are transparent in their environmental impact will help earn credits within this Materials and Resources category.
Raw Materials Sourcing
Previous versions of LEED incorporated criteria for sustainably sourced products in a single-attribute manner – each type of attribute attained earned individual points.
However, LEED v4 has been revamped to offer up to two points by selecting products that achieve multiple attributes.
Option 2 of sourcing of raw materials offers one credit for Leadership Extraction Practices.
This option calls for 20 permanently installed products that meet at least one of the responsible extraction practices included.
Wood and metal doors meeting these criteria can apply toward earning the credit as well.
Material Ingredients
Also included in the Materials and Resources section, LEED v4 emphasizes the importance of transparency yet again. Up to two credits are offered for products that are transparent in their material ingredients.
Door manufacturers have an opportunity to help buildings achieve this credit – door systems can be included as one of the 20 permanently installed products towards earning this credit.
Acoustic Performance
This is a new credit opportunity within LEED v4 available to all building types, with the exception of schools. The intent is to produce professional buildings and environments conducive to occupant productivity and comfort.
There are numerous elements contributing to acoustic performance including how doors fit into and complement a wall system.
Energy Efficiency
Remember the 10 Ways to Winterize Your Door and Lock Hardware post from October?
You probably guffawed at that title, didn’t you?
We weren’t joking! Finally, it’s in print somewhere other than LockBytes – your doors and hardware can seriously affect the energy efficiency of your building!
Doors and Hardware Earning You LEED Points
It should come as no surprise that doors and hardware are deeply woven into the fabric of LEED v4 – they are, after all, an integral part of your building!
Don’t let your team overlook the door and hardware system of your new and improved green building, especially with all of the new credit opportunities available to them.