Sustainability

How is Sustainability Defined?

One definition of Sustainability may be: "Meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet the needs of the future." Sustainable construction attempts to balance environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, occupant comfort and well-being, and community sensitivity.

What is LEED?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.

LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green 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.

Concrete's Role in Sustainability

The use of “green” building materials and techniques are a constant presence in our lives. Their use is considered in every stage of design, construction, operation and maintenance of today's buildings. Buildings and homes are being constructed with high-performance concrete wall systems that offer excellent energy efficiency, durability and fire safety. The reflectivity of light-colored concrete pavement and sidewalks helps reduce the urban heat island effect and allow designers to utilize less lighting for a given area.

Concrete is the worlds most widely used building material, when you consider all the positive attributes it brings to a project, there is little wonder why! Should you have any questions about intregrating concrete into your next project please don't hesitate to contact us. PACA staff includes one member who is a LEED Accredited Professional and one staff member who is a Green Advantage Certified Practitioner.