What type of materials does LEED encourage the use of?

LEED encourages the use of innovative and sustainable materials as a fundamental approach to promoting environmental responsibility in the building industry. These materials are selected for their ability to minimize negative impacts on the environment, enhance human health, and provide for resource efficiency. By advocating for innovative materials, LEED aims to support advancements in technology and practices that improve sustainability outcomes.

Sustainable materials contribute to the overall goals of reducing waste, lowering energy consumption, and minimizing the carbon footprint of buildings. Innovations in materials can include products made from recycled content, rapidly renewable resources, or those that contribute to improved indoor air quality. The use of such materials helps create buildings that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly and resource-efficient.

The other choices do not align with the ethos of LEED. Superficial sustainability efforts may not provide meaningful benefits, while only focusing on expensive materials can limit accessibility and innovation in green building practices. Additionally, using common materials that do not contribute to sustainability contradicts the principles of LEED, which aim to elevate the standards of material selection to foster a healthier environment.