With all the interest in “green” building practices, recycling, and reuse, LEED Certification is the buzz word that ties it all together. But if you’re new to the recycling idea (and a little behind the times), you probably don’t know what LEED certification really means.

What is LEED Certification?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to set a benchmark for design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings.

According to everblue(TM), a training company for green industries,

When a building is LEED certified, it means an independent third-party has verified that the building meets the specified standards in such things as energy efficiency, air quality, water savings and use of materials that have been recycled or otherwise meet the LEED standards. LEED is a globally recognized label that means the building and it’s furnishings save money and energy, but still provide a high degree of functionality.

There are five basic categories of LEED certification.

• Building Design & Construction – Includes standards for new building construction and old buildings being rehabbed.
• Green Interior Design & Construction – Covers commercial and retail interiors being redesigned as part of a larger building.
• Green Building Operations & Maintenance – For existing buildings to measure energy efficiency and make improvements.
• LEED For Homes – Designed for residential use, this program is similar to the Energy Star program for home applicances.
• LEED For Neighborhood Development – Integrates principles of green design into neighborhood planning.

RubberForm Recycled Products has built a successful business on removing millions of discarded rubber tires from landfills. It is estimated that there is one scrap tire for every person each year. This amount of waste has become impossible to manage. Designing and manufacturing useful products out of this waste material, is a win for the environment and a win for business. Contact us to discuss our full line of recycled products for industrial, commercial and residential uses. We can also custom design products per your specifications.