SESSION 31 - LEED v5: GREEN BUILDING REDEFINED

 

Concrete's Contribution to LEED v5​

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Tiffany Reed-Villarreal, Director, Sustainability Codes and Standards and Matthew Lemay, Manager, Codes and Sustainability Programs, NRMCA

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The LEED green building rating system has been instrumental in minimizing environmental impacts within the built environment. By promoting sustainable design and operations, it has transformed the construction industry. LEED operates on a credit-based system, awarding points for environmentally friendly strategies. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) continually raises the bar with each new version. LEED v5 extends beyond current structures—it establishes a foundation for a more sustainable future, emphasizing decarbonization, quality of life, and ecological conservation. This forward-thinking framework encourages near-zero carbon buildings while prioritizing equity, resilience, and the safe, responsible use of resources. This presentation provides an overview of LEED v5 credits and explores how innovative concrete products and systems can contribute to LEED certification.

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Product Spotlight - Climate Earth

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EPDs Made Easy: Automating LEED Credit Optimization with Climate Earth Advantage Pro

 

Chris Erickson, Founder and Chairman, Climate Earth

 

EPD Advantage-Pro by Climate Earth streamlines LEED v5.0 alignment for concrete producers, automating mix-specific EPDs and whole-project reporting. With tools built around ACI 323 and LEED’s evolving decarbonization metrics, producers can instantly assess and improve embodied carbon performance. This talk reveals how automation not only simplifies compliance but empowers mix optimization for maximum points—turning sustainability from a burden into a strategic advantage.

 

Product Spotlight - Concrete Sustainability Council

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CSC Certified Concrete: Advancing Responsibly Sourced Materials for Sustainable Buildings

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Christian Artelt, Heidelberg Materials and Michael Scharpf, Holcim

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As Green Building standards like LEED v5 evolve to emphasize decarbonization, equity, and material stewardship, responsible sourcing is increasingly gaining impact in Green Building certification. This presentation highlights how CSC-certified concrete can strengthen project compliance with evolving Green Building requirements, ensuring a measurable contribution to evolving sustainable construction practices worldwide.​​