This category is all about responsible material use — choosing materials that are renewable, recycled, or locally sourced to reduce environmental impact. It also looks at reducing waste through recycling and reusing materials wherever possible.

HOW WE HELP

Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Recycled Content

• Our products are engineered from 100% recycled chopsticks, which means they can help boost the recycled content percentage for your project. If a lot of our material is used in construction or furniture, they can help meet the required recycled content for LEED credits.

Material Reuse

• Our production process supports a circular economy and reduces the need for virgin materials, which can contribute to points for material reuse.

Sourcing of Raw Materials

• We use locally collected chopsticks that would otherwise be discarded. This helps reduce transportation emissions and supports a more sustainable, circular approach to sourcing.

LEED rewards new, creative strategies that push the envelope in sustainability, whether it’s an innovative energy-saving system or a unique approach to water conservation. It's all about rewarding cutting-edge solution.

HOW WE HELP

• The use of our highly sustainable, innovative material could be submitted as an Innovation credit for taking a unique approach to material sourcing and waste reduction. If the material is used in multiple aspects of the project, it demonstrates a broader commitment to sustainability.

LEED provides extra points for strategies that address environmental issues specific to the building’s region.

HOW WE HELP

• In areas where waste management and recycling are major environmental issues, using our locally sourced, recycled materials can help support regional efforts to reduce waste and boost the recycling economy.

Healthy indoor spaces are key to a better quality of life. LEED encourages better air quality, natural light, and low-VOC materials to make indoor environments healthier for the people who live and work there.

HOW WE HELP

• We produce VOC-free materials that help improve air quality and make indoor spaces healthier. Our products don’t release harmful emissions, which means fewer pollutants and a more comfortable, breathable environment for everyone inside.

The goal is to optimize energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It includes improvements like efficient HVAC systems, renewable energy sources, and high-performance insulation to make buildings more energy-efficient and less harmful to the environment.

This category focuses on reducing water use inside and outside the building — whether through efficient fixtures, irrigation systems, or innovative water management strategies.

Sustainable Sites encourages smart land use to reduce the impact on the environment by choosing sites that minimize pollution, protect wildlife, and reduce the heat island effect. Think green rooftops, permeable pavements, and smart landscaping.

LEED rewards projects for picking locations that have a smaller environmental impact and offer alternatives to driving. Points are earned for choosing sites with access to public transit, bike facilities, and fewer parking spaces, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint.

LEED encourages looking at how all systems work together early on to optimize performance across the board. You can earn points by doing a thorough analysis of energy and water systems before finalizing your design decisions.