As the issue of global climate change and new regulations for environmental protection increasingly impact manufacturers in North America and around the globe, guidelines have been developed to certify the compliance of new and existing, commercial buildings to "green" standards. In 2000, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to promote sustainable building and development. Construction and renovation projects are rated according to a point system and the LEED score indicates the project’s overall “green” rating. In recent years, architects and developers have applied these guidelines to an increasing number of projects.
Under the LEED rating system, guidelines have been developed in two categories of concern to sign manufacturers:
- Low-emitting materials: These are materials that do not emit significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other toxic substances into interior spaces. For example, the LEED guidelines may be applied to sign substrates and related paints, inks or coatings.
- Materials incorporating substantial recycled content: Under these guidelines, preference is given to recycled and recyclable plastics, aluminum certain composites and natural, renewable materials such as bamboo.
For the most part, the LEED rating system is strictly voluntary. But in many states and local jurisdictions, the number of new construction projects that specify "green" building standards is increasing. For this reason, sign manufacturers need to be aware of these guidelines and the importance of developing sources of LEED-compliant, sign materials.
By Bill Dundas, ISA Director of Technical & Regulatory Affairs
