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Aluminum Usage in LEED and BREEAM Certified Projects: Criteria for Earning Points
- A Strategic Material for Sustainable Buildings
The construction sector bears a significant responsibility in the fight against the climate crisis. International green building certification systems like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM reward environmentally sensitive structures. In prestigious projects aiming for certifications like Gold or Platinum, material selection constitutes a significant portion of the total score. Aluminum, with its "infinite recyclability" and transparent environmental declarations, is a strategic material that earns high points in LEED v4 and v4.1 versions.
- Direct Contribution of Aluminum to LEED v4.1 Credits
Aluminum products directly contribute points to the project, specifically under the "Materials and Resources" (MR) category.
2.1. Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
LEED v4.1 demands transparent declaration of materials' environmental impacts. Under MR Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – EPD:
- Option 1: Using at least 20 different products with a permanently installed EPD earns 1 point.
2.2. Sourcing of Raw Materials (Recycled Content)
Aluminum production is energy-intensive; however, producing recycled aluminum (secondary aluminum) requires 95% less energy than primary aluminum. LEED encourages the use of recycled content.
- Declaring the ratio of "Pre-consumer" (Post-industrial / Factory scrap) and "Post-consumer" (End-of-life scrap) recycled content in aluminum profiles earns points.
- Additionally, sourcing materials close to the project site (Local Sourcing) contributes to regional priority credits by reducing transport-related carbon emissions.
2.3. Indoor Environmental Quality (Low-Emitting Materials)
User health is paramount in green buildings. Aluminum metal does not emit VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). However, the quality of the applied coating is crucial. Unlike wet paints applied on-site, electrostatic powder coatings applied in a factory setting and cured at high temperatures have completed their off-gassing process and do not negatively affect indoor air quality. This feature supports the "Low-Emitting Materials" credit.
- Conclusion
In projects aiming for LEED or BREEAM certification, supplier selection is not just about physical product quality but also about documentation capability. Aluminum profiles with EPD certification, high recycled content, and local production play a critical role in achieving your project's sustainability goals.