When considering building projects, sustainability is a great social and environmental implementation. With the LEED program, green and sustainable design and construction is also economically rewarding. The LEED program, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, awards points for registered building projects for sustainability. The use of synthetic turf in a building project provides several LEED point opportunities for different categories. The naturally eco-friendly nature of synthetic grass makes it ideal for design and construction. It requires no water and minimal maintenance, thus helping to conserve on operation bills. LEED points add to its ideal quality in an array of building projects.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, performs independent verification of building projects. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, it sets the standards for green and sustainable building construction, as well as building design and operations. This Green Building Rating System is nationally acknowledged for focusing on five key components: water saving and conservation, energy efficiency, sustainable construction site development, indoor environmental quality, and material selection. The use of synthetic grass in building projects can earn LEED points in several areas. Building projects that have accumulated LEED points are eligible for valuable government incentives and tax credits.

Under water efficiency, artificial turf systems can accumulate up to four LEED points. This includes reducing watering by 50%, no necessity for an irrigation system, reducing watering by 20%, or reducing watering by 30%. When considering recycled, renewable, and recovered materials, synthetic turf can earn another four LEED points. This is for the use of a certain percentage of recycled materials, a specific amount of local or regional materials, or a certain value of rapidly renewable materials from plants harvested within a short cycle. Concerning low emission materials, there are additional LEED points available for the use of artificial grass. LEED points can also be earned with the materials turf is comprised of. Rubber, sand, concrete, and other materials can individually contribute to the accumulation of LEED points. Artificial turf systems create many LEED point opportunities for any building project.

Several industries use LEED, including real estate agents, architects, interior designers, facility managers, landscapers, and engineers. Both local and state governments have adopted this system for public buildings and establishments. LEED projects are in progress in currently 41 countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and India. There are also federal LEED initiatives in progress. Obtaining LEED certification can be done by registering online with the USGBC at www.usgbc.org. LEED teams are then required to present proof and documentation throughout the development process. Project teams establish which products are most appropriate for LEED credits. Lastly, upon meeting performance standards in the Green Building Rating System, credits are then awarded.

Synthetic grass and the materials it is comprised of enable any building project to accrue several LEED points. The LEED program is a great incentive to adopt sustainability in building design, construction, and future operation. In a time in which conservation is crucial and finances are tight, synthetic turf can earn your building project tax rebates while adopting sustainability to conserve natural resources.