Glazed Structures for LEED Credits
Using naturally lighted spaces is a great way to achieve energy savings and earn U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED credits.
In addition to saving energy, using daylighting in the form of skylights and glazed structures can contribute to increased well-being and productivity of the building inhabitants. The push to include effective daylighting strategies is going to continue into the future. At Crystal Structures we work to help architects and engineers achieve LEED credits through the use of our environmentally friendly products.
Most of the materials we use offer some degree of recyclable content and our many vendor locations offer opportunities to meet regional sourcing credit requirements. We will provide job-specific LEED Reports with supporting documentation upon request.
View some of our LEED-certified projects
More Technical Support Links
Thibodaux Wellness Center
New Hampshire National Guard Training Center
University of Arkansas Art District
Achievable points include the following:
Sustainable Sites
SS Credit 7.1 (1 point) – Reduce heat islands, non-roof: The Heat Island effect occurs when all of the black asphalt and concrete on the ground makes an area warmer than its rural counterpart. The credit reduces this heat effect.
SS Credit 7.2 (1 point)– Reduce heat islands on roofs: In addition to the Heat Island effect, this credit minimizes the impact on micro-climates and habitats
SS Credit 8 (1 point) – Light pollution reduction: This credit minimizes intrusive light from the building and site, and reduces sky glow and the impact on nocturnal environments. It also improves nighttime visibility by reducing glare.
Energy and Atmosphere
EA Credit 1 (1 to 21 points) – Optimize energy performance: Reduce environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use by increasing levels of energy performance beyond the prerequisite standard.
Materials and Resources
MR Credit 4 (1 to 2 points) – Recycled and recyclable content: Reduces impact from extraction and processing of virgin materials, and increases the use of recycled content in the building.
MR Credit 5 (1 to 2 points) – Local/Regional materials: Supporting the use of indigenous resources and reducing the environmental impacts resulting from transportation.
Indoor Environmental Quality
EQ Credit 4 (1 point) – Low Emitting Materials: Reduction of indoor air contaminants that are smelly, irritating, and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.
EQ Credit 6 (1 point) – System Controls: Applying automation to lighting and comfort controls to make managing the indoor environment more energy efficient.
EQ Credit 7 (1 point) – Thermal Comfort: Environmentally friendly methods of insulating from the outside in and within the structure. Our Comfort Glide Shades© used in conjunction with skylights and other glazed structures help keep the indoor environment stable.
EQ Credit 8 (1 to 3 points) – Daylight and Views: Using daylight, windows, and skylights to enhance the environment and save energy.
Innovation and Design Process
ID Credit 1 (1 to 5 points) – Innovative Design Feature: Using creative ways to integrate energy savings.
When you are ready to get your green on, contact Crystal Structures! We can provide you with additional information on our products that will go towards your LEED certification.