Paving materials can have a significant impact on the heat island
effect often found in urban areas – thermal gradient differences
between developed and undeveloped areas. Solar reflective coatings
minimize urban heat build-up and create cooler, more sustainable
microclimates that are better for people, plants and wildlife.
StreetPrint offers a number of coatings that meet the standards of the
LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building
Rating System™.
What Is LEED®?
The LEED® Green Building Rating System™ is the accepted benchmark in
North America for the design, construction and operation of
high-performance green buildings. As part of the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC), LEED® is a voluntary, consensus-based program for
developing sustainable buildings. LEED® promotes a whole-building
approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas
of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water
savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor
environmental quality.
Based on a system of prerequisites and credits, LEED® projects are
rated for sustainable materials and building practices during the
certification process. On completion, projects are awarded one of four
certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Planning for a Cooler Environment
LEED® outlines sustainable approaches for cooling the urban
landscape and reducing the heat island effect. By following these
guidelines your project can earn LEED® credits.
Option 1
Provide any combination of the following strategies for 50% of the
site hardscape, including roads, sidewalks, courtyards and parking lots:
- Create shade within five years of occupancy of the building
- Use paving materials with a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)* of at least 29.
- Use an open grid paving system.
Option 2
- Place a minimum of 50% of parking spaces under cover: under ground, under a deck, under a roof or under a building.
- Use roofing materials with an SRI of at least 29 to shade or cover parking.
StreetPrint for Sustainable Hardscapes
Choose among seven StreetPrint colours with SRI values of 29 or
greater. USGBC does not certify, promote or endorse products and
services of individual companies as such, but choosing StreetPrint can
mean more LEED® credits for your project. StreetPrint colours that
qualify for LEED® credits are listed below.
StreetPrint Colours for LEED® Credits
The colour samples below may not match exactly their physical
equivalents. Always refer to physical samples before making your colour
choices.
|