Masonry Magazine November 2004 Page. 22
BUILDING
GREEN
brick that are salvaged and used for interior applications on a
new building meet the intent of this credit. Up to two points
can be earned for use of salvaged building materials for 5% and
10% of building materials (Credits 3.1 and 3.2).
Credit 4-Recycled Content
This credit is intended to increase demand for building
products that incorporate recycled content materials,
therefore reducing impacts resulting from extraction and
processing of new virgin materials. This credit awards up
to two points for using building products that incorporate
recycled content materials. Because of the inert nature of
masonry products, they are ideal candidates for incorpo-
rating recycled materials. The requirement for one point is
that materials with the sum of post-consumer recycled
content plus 1/2 the post-industrial content constitute at
least 5% of the total value of materials in the project
(Credit 4.1). If the sum of post-consumer recycled content
plus 1/2 the post-industrial content equals 10% or more,
one additional point is awarded (Credit 4.2).
Concrete masonry units often incorporate recycled
materials. According to the NCMA, supplementary cemen-
titious materials such as fly ash, silica fume and slag cement
are considered post-industrial materials. Concrete mason-
Q&A WITH CHRISTINE SUBASIC, P.E., LEED AP
While the information provided in Subasic's article "LEED & Mason-
ry" is direct and easily understood, many mason contractors may still
wonder why all of this is of interest to them. Subasic was kind enough
to elaborate more on the topic and discuss how mason contractors fit
into the green building initiative.
Masonry: The benefits of green building are obvious for the owner
and surrounding community, but what are the benefits to the con-
tractors themselves to participate in sustainable design?
Subasic: The same benefits to the community of protecting our
environment benefit the contractor as well. Practices such as recy
cling construction waste can lead to a reduction in contractor costs
as opposed to paying tipping fees at a landfill. In addition, the posi
tive publicity that LEED-certified buildings receive extends to all mem
bers of the design team.
Masonry: The long lifecycle of masonry is not taken into account
for LEED certification. Why is that, and do you see this changing in
the future?
Subasic: The durability of materials is not directly reflected in the
LEED rating system at this time, but aligns with the philosophy and
intent of the LEED system. At present, durability is an area in which an
Innovation & Design credit may be earned. It is likely that LEED-NC
version 3.0 will incorporate durability as one of the credit categories.
Masonry: Do you feel that creating a building that qualifies for
LEED certification falls solely onto the owner, architect and/or eng
ry that incorporates recycled concrete masonry, glass, slag
or other recycled materials as aggregate qualify as post-
consumer. (TEK 6-9A)
Clay brick often incorporate recycled brick ground and used
as grog. If reclaimed from a job site, this material can qualify as
post-consumer recycled content. Some manufacturers use bot-
tom ash, a post-industrial waste, for 10 to 12% (by weight) of the
clay body. Other post-industrial materials used include fly ash and
even sludge. Because of the inert properties of brick, even conta-
minated soil and sawdust are used. One company uses waste from
a nearby ceramic whiteware manufacturer as grog.
Mortar may contain recycled materials such as fly ash. Steel
reinforcing bars used in reinforced masonry may contain post-
consumer or post-industrial materials.
Credit 5- Regional Materials
This credit encourages the use of building materials that
are extracted and manufactured within the region, thereby
supporting the regional economy and reducing the envi-
ronmental impacts resulting from transportation. Masonry
products can contribute to one point when 20% of the
building materials and products are manufactured within
a 500-mile radius of the project site (Credit 5.1). One addi-
tional point is earned if the regionally manufactured mate-
neer, rather than the mason contractor? Why or why not?
Subasic: Certainly the primary decisions involved in the design of,
and material selections for, a building are made by the owner, archi-
tect and/or engineer. However, the LEED process requires coopera-
tion of the entire design team. The mason contractor working with
the architect or general contractor as part of the design team can
identify ways in which masonry can contribute toward many of the
LEED credits. Masonry is often initially chosen for its aesthetic attrib-
utes, but has many "green" benefits.
Masonry: What do mason contractors need to do (Le, waste, reuse,
recycling) to assist in a building achieving LEED points for masonry?
Subasic: It is the contractor's responsibility to see that the specifi
cations necessary to obtain the LEED certification are followed. In the
Materials & Resources category up to two points can be earned for
reducing construction waste and recycling scrap materials. Contrac-
tors can also help identify products made from recycled materials.
Another area in which contractors can play a role is selecting the
location of the manufacturer of the masonry. Up to two points can be
earned for utilizing locally extracted and manufactured materials.
Masonry: Are there differences between the use of brick, block or
stone that mason contractors should be aware of when it comes to
LEED certification? Please explain.
Subasic: Products themselves are not LEED-certified, only build-
ings are. However, different materials can make different contribu
tions toward a building obtaining LEED certification.
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Masonry
November 2004
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