Green Initiative

How a product can be considered Green

A Green product is one that produces little or no negative effects on the environment or allows for the conservation of energy or other materials.  It is important to point out that any one material on its own may not be considered Green, nor does LEED certify individual products.  Green Building is about matching a product to a site so that the application both during and after construction exhibits sustainable qualities.
   
The different Green Building organizations have their own criteria for determining the Green qualities of an application and how many points it may merit in their rating system.  There are, however, general categories of Green applications that are consistent across the different organizations.  Applications may be considered Green and may qualify for LEED or other credits based on any of the following intended effects or conditions:
 

• Having high durability or low-maintenance: promoting a long usage life.
• Products that save energy or water, or reduce/filter storm water runoff. 
• Those manufactured from pre- or post-consumer recycled materials or which have little manufacturing impact (minimally processed materials like natural stone). 
• Products which reduce the usage of other materials (i.e. concrete floor stains that eliminate need for conventional floor coverings.)
• Products which improve indoor air quality.
• Products produced locally.
• Products contributing to a safe environment (low or no-VOC, formaldehyde-free, etc.)
• Innovation in design

This list is certainly not comprehensive.  It does, however, illustrate the wide variety of intended effects which LEED and other bodies recognize as contributing to sustainable building practices and the corresponding variety of products which may be used in Green applications. 

Brock White will not be independently designating any one product or line as Green.  We will, however, promote those products which the manufacturers have designated as such.  Several of Brock White’s vendors have released statements about the applicability of their products to Green applications.  The following is a general list of such products.     

ICFs
ICFs are universally recognized by the certification agencies as one of the most worthwhile Green Building components.  ICF construction reduces material wastes during construction and provides high levels of energy efficiency and durability in the finished product.  ICF walls deliver higher R-values (typically between 17 and 26) and lower levels of air infiltration than wood-frame construction (approx. R-12 to 20).  ICF houses will have up to a 50% decrease in HVAC equipment capacity over framed wall houses.  Foundation walls built with ICFs are faster and easier to construct than either CMU or cast-in-place, depending on the building plan.  ICF walls are also more resistant to moisture and rot, and less attractive to termites and other pests.  Nudura ICFs have already been used to create several LEED certified projects, as they award up to 10 of 69 possible points for optimized energy efficiency.  
Click Here to view our ICF products.

Concrete Flooring Solutions
Concrete slab floors are considered Green as they contribute to material conservation, durability and cost effectiveness.  The life expectancy of concrete slab flooring greatly exceeds that of traditional floor coverings like carpet and vinyl, as well as having lower maintenance costs.  Indoor air quality may be increased – a factor for those consumers concerned about dust or other allergens that get trapped in carpet fibers.  Also, installation costs for concrete floors may well be less costly than installing a floor of a different material.   
Click Here to view colors and textures available to beautify your new concrete floor.

Low/No VOC Sealants, Adhesives, Protective Finishes
Increased awareness of health risks and air-quality concerns has led to high demands for low or no-VOC products.  Manufacturers have developed high-quality, often latex-based coatings and adhesives for a wide variety of uses.  LEED awards up to 4 points for low-emitting materials.  For adhesives and sealers, the Green VOC limit is either 150 or 250 g/l – of which Brock White carries many.  Keep in mind that products are often “VOC compliant” but do not necessarily meet LEED standards.

Invisible Structures
Invisible Structures promotes their entire product line as applicable for LEED credits, especially in the areas of Site Sustainability and Water Efficiency.  Their products reduce storm water runoff, recharge groundwater, reduce site disturbance, often cost less both initially and in maintenance costs versus typical asphalt parking lots, and are made from recycled materials.  As well, they create multi-use surfaces that increase functionality (and thus, revenues) for the site.
Click Here to view our Invisible Structure products.

Locally Produced Brick / Natural Stone
LEED includes a Regional Materials credit for materials produced within 500 miles of the jobsite, the intended effect being less fuel consumption during transportation.

• CALSTAR Fly Ash Brick
• Buechel Stone
• Krukowski Stone

Products with high recycled content
These products are made with materials that are high in recycled content. VAST Pavers are made from up to 95% recycled materials. CALSTAR Fly Ash Brick is also made up of a high amount of recyceld materials.

• VAST Pavers
• CALSTAR Fly Ash Brick