Acoustical Solutions has released a new line of products to help businesses attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
For years Acoustical Solutions has offered products that help businesses earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design credits. This year, however, they set out to offer a cohesive line that takes advantage of all recyclable and sustainable materials available, earning more credits and easing the decision of builders to choose green products.
The Sustainable Series line of Acoustical Products includes Wall Panels, Ceiling Tiles, Cloud Mount Panels, and Baffles. All use Ecose Fiberglass inserts, which are made with post-consumer bottle glass and are 100 percent recyclable, and covered in a Sustainable Eco-Fabric, a ‘no-compromise’ eco-friendly wallcovering platform.
“We have always been conscious of the need to offer ‘green’ or environmentally friendly products, and LEED has made them more appealing to our client base,” said Dave Ingersoll, sales manager at Acoustical Solutions, “but I think that the Sustainable Series we released this year will draw even more businesses and builders to LEED certification because they earn so many credits and are affordable.”
LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2000 and provides building owners and operators with a set of guidelines for building or converting existing structures into green spaces. LEED certification qualifies business for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and according to a 2010 study conducted by McGraw Hill Construction, green building improves the property owner’s return on investment 9.9 percent for new construction. For existing building projects that figure is 19.2 percent.
Acoustical Solutions has an extensive client list that ranges from top broadcasting companies such as CNN and HBO to colleges and universities such as Richmond’s own Virginia Commonwealth University. Many of these clients are beginning to look closer at obtaining LEED certification, like corporate client, Best Buy.
“With LEED certification, Best Buy gains the advantage of third party verification,” said Danielle Tallman, associate development manager at Best Buy, in an interview with USGBC, “we like that stamp of approval. It sets us apart from other retailers and allows us to promote the very tangible difference that we’re making.”
