How Green Building Certifications Are Revolutionizing Commercial Paving: A Sustainable Future for Your Business
The construction industry is experiencing a dramatic shift toward sustainability, with tenants willing to pay up to a 9% premium for green building features, and investors increasingly favoring certified sustainable buildings. At the forefront of this transformation are green building certifications that are fundamentally changing how we approach commercial paving and construction practices.
Understanding Green Building Certifications
LEED is the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world, offering a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-effective green buildings, providing environmental and social benefits. Green building certifications are rating tools that evaluate and acknowledge building structures that meet specific sustainability criteria or standards, establishing benchmarks that make it easier for governments to integrate green building principles into building codes and regulations.
Beyond LEED, other globally recognized certifications include BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and Green Star, each with distinct requirements and standards. In addition to multi-attribute high-performance green building certification systems, there are several single attribute systems focusing on one particular issue such as energy or health, with ENERGY STAR being one of the most well-known single-attribute building certification systems focused on energy consumption in buildings.
The Role of Sustainable Commercial Paving
Commercial paving plays a crucial role in achieving green building certifications. Asphalt is the most sustainable paving material for constructing pavements and can be used for many applications including highways, airport runways, parking lots and driveways, with superiority demonstrated by its speed of construction, environment friendliness, and smooth, quiet ride.
One of the most impressive aspects of sustainable paving is recycling capability. Over 99 percent of asphalt pavement reclaimed from roads is collected for reuse, making asphalt pavements THE most recycled material in the world. Asphalt is 100 percent reusable and recycled at a higher rate than any other material in America — including soda cans and newspaper, with 94 percent of asphalt reclaimed from old roads and parking lots going back into new pavements.
LEED Certification and Commercial Paving
Commercial paving projects can significantly contribute to LEED certification through multiple pathways. Asphalt pavements can help manage stormwater, reduce heat island effect, divert materials from landfills, and utilize recycled and/or regionally produced materials, with projects potentially earning additional credits by using asphalt with high recycled content or warm-mix asphalt, and even traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA) can qualify for LEED® points in several categories.
Porous asphalt systems earn credit for stormwater management, light-colored asphalt helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect, the ability to recycle asphalt pavement and the use of asphalt with high percentages of RAP (reclaimed asphalt pavement) make asphalt eligible for credits under the materials and resources heading, and the fact that asphalt pavement material is produced locally can earn credits for materials and resources.
Innovative Sustainable Paving Technologies
The industry continues to advance with innovative technologies. Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) production continues to grow each year, with the estimated total tonnage of asphalt pavement mixtures produced at reduced temperatures with WMA technologies for the 2017 construction season being about 147.4 million tons, a 26 percent increase from 2016.
Porous asphalt pavements allow for land development plans that are more thoughtful, harmonious with natural processes, and sustainable. They conserve water, reduce runoff, and promote infiltration, which cleanses stormwater, replenishes aquifers, and protects streams. Porous asphalt pavements are being used successfully throughout the United States and are recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as a best management practice for stormwater management.
The Business Case for Sustainable Paving
Certified buildings often see increased marketability, higher rent or sale prices, and lower operating costs, providing long-term economic benefits to owners and occupants. Governments and authorities may offer incentives like tax rebates and expedited permits for certified buildings.
For businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania looking to implement these sustainable practices, partnering with experienced contractors is essential. Companies like Productive Asphalt Paving, located in Ringoes, NJ and servicing Lambertville, Pennington, Quakertown PA and all surrounding areas, have been paving with lasting results since 2000, serving countless clients and projects with expertise and dedication to quality craftsmanship ensuring continued excellence. When seeking Commercial Paving Mercer County, NJ services, choosing a contractor with experience in sustainable practices becomes increasingly important for achieving certification goals.
Future Outlook
Different certifications focus on building a healthier, more sustainable future in commercial buildings, with some emphasizing the use of energy-efficient, natural building materials with a low carbon footprint, ensuring a safe product lifecycle. As the industry continues to evolve, these certifications will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of construction, driving innovation, and elevating the standard of buildings worldwide.
The integration of green building certifications with sustainable commercial paving practices represents more than just an environmental initiative—it’s a strategic business decision that enhances property value, reduces operational costs, and demonstrates corporate responsibility. As sustainability requirements continue to evolve, businesses that invest in certified sustainable paving solutions today will be better positioned for tomorrow’s market demands.