LEED Certified Applicator
LEED Certification Process
The architectural industry often relies heavily on reducing environmental impacts. Powder coatings are recognized by both LEED and EPD for their environmental friendliness, highlighting powder as a premiere choice when selecting materials for architectural products. These coatings have no solvents and little to no VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
What is LEED?
LEED is short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This globally recognized certification was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and provides a framework for creating highly efficient and cost-saving buildings. LEED projects aim at creating healthy buildings that lower energy consumption, decrease water usage, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
What is an EPD?
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are standardized reports that detail a product's environmental impact. An EPD assesses the environmental footprint of the building from raw materials to end-of-life disposal. This includes items within the life cycle such as water and energy use and manufacturing materials. When a product uses clean resources and reduces environmental effects, it will earn an EPD.
LEED Certification
How LEED Certification Works
LEED certification evaluates how environmentally responsible your building is by assigning points across key sustainability categories, such as:
- Energy and atmosphere
- Materials and resources
- Water efficiency
- Innovation
Accredited professionals assess each area and award credits for sustainable features and best practices. The more points your building earns, the higher the certification level. Achieving over 80 points earns a platinum status, reflecting outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship.
Beyond advancing sustainability, LEED certification can help lower operating costs, reduce risk, improve building durability, and increase resale value.
How Powder Coatings Help Receive LEED Certification
Powder coatings for buildings integrate well into the pursuit of a LEED certification because they meet EPD standards. Since EPDs can be a determining factor for the sustainability of a building’s materials, powder coatings are likely to earn you points.
Numerous factors contribute to the environmental friendliness of powder coatings. These coatings have no solvents and little to no VOCs, making them safe for both the atmosphere and people. Many powder coatings are effective with a single coat, meaning you’ll use less product overall and less energy for the application and curing process.
Using a reclaim system, leftover powder coating and overspray can be reclaimed, recycled and reused, making it an excellent product for conservation efforts. This allows powder coatings to reduce overall waste, decrease costs, and increase efficiency vs other coatings.
How Powder Coatings Help Receive LEED Certification
Learn more about how powder coatings can promote greener buildings with our AIA continuing education course, "Protecting Our Structures: Sustainable Strategies for Architectural Powder Coatings." Taken in an online format or lunch-and-learn style, this course provides an AIA learning unit credit in addition to knowledge of sustainable coatings.
Gain LEED Credits with Powder Coatings
Reduce the environmental impact of your buildings with our TruDurance Architectural products.