Environmentally conscious Architects, Designers and Builders across the nation are focusing on Green Building and voluntary LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building projects. The green movement is creating revolutionary innovation in the design community. Cutting edge strategies, concepts and ideas are coming about fostering the conceptualization and creation of sustainable living products. These new innovations are being incorporated into the design process to maximize LEED points.  

MSI recognizes the environmental importance and benefits derived from these new approaches to design. Sustainable "green" building design strategies take environmental responsibility for the way we think about, and how we build. It is in ours, and future generations best interest that when we build, we build with the goal of making as small of an impact as possible on our earth's precious resources. Green building is a responsible and proactive way to attain these goals.

Of the many possible green design approaches, MSI addresses herein the role of Q premium natural quartz in the green building arena. The suggestions below are to assist architects, specifiers, and design teams in pursuing LEED Green Building certification points by incorporating Q Premium Natural Quartz into their designs. Maintaining aesthetics and safety without compromising environmental integrity

LEED Points that may be available when using Q in your projects:

1) Recycled Content: 10% (post-consumer + 1/2 pre-consumer) = 1 point

In several Q colors there is a minimum of 35% post consumer recycled content. Our Sparkling Series contain 35% post consumer recycled glass content.  

2) Regional Materials 20% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured Regionally  = 1 point

Q countertops are fabricated regionally within 500 miles of a project. MSI has a nationwide network of regional fabricators to support your needs.

3) Emitting Materials: Adhesives & Sealants  = 1 point

The Q  network of Fabricators use DAP® caulk for countertop installations. To assure point availability make certain to request the use of DAP® caulk. DAP's VOC content is less than the current VOC content limits of South Coast Air Quality Management District Regulation 8, Rule 51.

The USGBC is a non-profit coalition of building industry professionals. They seek to improve the environmental quality of buildings and communities. The USGBC has set the leading national standard for green building: The LEED Green Building Rating System. LEED is a voluntary consensus-based national standard developed by the USGBC to support and validate green building design, construction and operations.