Asphalt Pavements can Contribute More LEED Credits than Other Pavement Types
Believe it or not, asphalt can be a worthwhile contributor to obtaining points for LEED certification. While recycling asphalt to be removed from a site or using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) as a construction material are certainly prime opportunities for earning LEED points, even traditional hot mix and warm mix asphalt can support LEED certification goals.
Did You Know? Asphalt is 100% Recyclable.
Asphalt can be recycled over and over again without losing its physical values, and RAP can be mixed with new liquid asphalt for new paving projects, similar to how recycled paper is created .
At a rate of more than 99 percent, asphalt pavement is the most recycled/reused material in the United States. More than 3 million tons of RAP was used in mixes in 2009-2010.
How Can Asphalt Contribute to LEED Certification?
Asphalt pavements can help manage stormwater, reduce heat island effect, divert materials from landfills, and utilize recycled and/or regionally produced materials. Projects can potentially earn additional credits by using asphalt with high recycled content or warm-mix asphalt. Even traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA) can qualify for LEED® points in several categories, depending on the individual mix chosen.
The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System serves as a scorecard for the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. Under the LEED® system, asphalt pavements can earn credits in three areas:
- Sustainable Sites (SS)
- Materials and Resources (MR)
- Innovation and Design Process (ID).
In addition to being 100 percent recyclable, a number of other materials can be recycled into asphalt pavements, including shingles, rubber, glass, and foundry sand. Asphalt is the clear leader in the use of recycled materials. Credits can also be earned for use of materials extracted, processed, and manufactured within 500 miles of the site. For projects located in Eastern Virginia, Basic Construction can provide asphalt from either of its two manufacturing facilities in Newport News and New Kent County.
Additional opportunities for credits across all three LEED categories identified above include:
- Porous asphalt systems earn credits for stormwater management.
- The ability to recycle asphalt pavement and the use of asphalt with high percentages of RAP make asphalt eligible for credits under the materials and resources heading.
- Light-colored asphalt pavements earn credits for urban heat island mitigation.
- Warm-mix asphalt, a recent “green” advance, offers the possibility of several ID credits. Warm mix provides numerous construction benefits, including reducing the consumption of natural resources and reducing emissions.
When all these factors are considered, asphalt pavements can contribute more LEED credits than other pavement types.
To learn more about which asphalt material may be best for your LEED project, download Basic Construction’s free ebook, Choosing the Best Material for Your Commercial Asphalt Job. Or contact us at (757) 249-3789 to schedule a consultation today.