IRVING, TEXAS - Hanson Pipe & Precast has developed a proprietary LEED calculator for its customers. The company's one-of-a-kind tool quantifies its products' contribution to two LEED credit categories - recycled content and regional materials. Hanson's LEED calculator differs from other similar concepts, in that Hanson calculates the complete report, leaving no further steps or costs for project owners.
"When we developed this calculator, we learned a lot of the building industry was unaware our products even contributed to LEED certification goals," said Richard Manning, president of Hanson Building Products North America. "We decided to create a LEED calculator, not only to provide a convenient option for our customers, but to show that our concrete products are inherently sustainable and an environmentally-friendly choice."
Hanson recognized the need for its customers to be able to receive precise LEED information as opposed to approximate values without creating extra work for the customer. Hanson contacted Green Building Services (GBS) in Portland, Ore., a leading green building consultant, to develop a calculator that provided the customer with the applicable information required for LEED credits and the exact output based on each individual customer's project requirements.
"Our LEED report is very detailed, displaying the actual mileage and the exact LEED approved recycled content percentages of products, both in weight and dollar amount," added Clifford Hahne, senior vice president of Hanson Pipe & Precast West Region. "Because most of our products are engineered for a specific job, they require customized calculations."
Once the owner or contractor requests the LEED data and the necessary project information is provided, the calculation is typically completed within a few business days. Hanson encourages its customers to request the information prior to the project start date.
Since the development of Hanson's LEED calculator, the company has been able to successfully provide customers with LEED data and a sustainable product in diverse projects including an international airport, federal prison, several universities and schools, medical centers, police and fire stations and various military projects.
