How does Structural Lightweight Aggregates
                 fit into the LEED™ Green Building System?

    The use of SLA in building designs contributes toward LEED Green Building certification credits.  The
      Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system was designed by the United States Green
      Building Council USGBC to evaluate the influence of building design and construction on the environment.
 
      Expanded Shale Clay & Slate ESCS Structural Lightweight Aggregate SLA is a highly versatile material with
      many uses.  Its varied applications apply to diverse areas of the LEED  System.  Listed below are SLA's benefits
      and their relation to the six basic areas of concentration outlined in  the LEED rating system.

       ESCS = Expanded Shale Clay & Slate
       SLA    = Structural Lightweight Aggregate

     Sustainable Sites
......................................................................................................................
    Stormwater Management: Rate and Quantity - Credit 6.1 (1 Point)
     Intent: Limit disruption and pollution of natural water flows by managing stormwater runoff.

     ESCS  SLA can be used as part of the landscaping design to reduce the
     amount of storm water runoff.  Because of their porosity, the SLA particles can absorb a significant
     portion of the "first flush" of stormwater.  ESCS SLA enhances the soil's ability to drain and filter
    stormwater, reducing runoff.

    Storm Water Management: Treatment - Credit 6.2 (1 Point)
     Intent: Limit disruption of natural water flows by eliminating storm water runoff, increasing on-site infiltration
     and eliminating contaminants.

     ESCS  SLA can be used to construct rain gardens, bio-retention areas, and bioswales to treat the site's
     stormwater.  It provides an excellent environment for beneficial microbial action to remove
     contaminants from the stormwater.

     Heat Island Effect: Non-Roof - Credit 7.1 (1 Point)
     Intent: Reduce heat islands (thermal gradient differences between developed and undeveloped areas) to
     minimize impact on microclimate and human and wildlife habitat.

     ESCS  SLA can be used in structural soil for tree planting in and around paved areas.   Structural
    soil provides a strong, stable subgrade for paving, while maintaining a superior growing medium for
    tree roots.  The open grading of structural soil made with SLA  provides spaces for root growth to prevent
    heaving of the pavement often associated with trees growing adjacent to sidewalks, parking areas and
    streets.

     Heat Islands Effect: Roof - Credit 7.2 (1 Point)
    Intent: Reduce heat islands (thermal gradient differences between developed and undeveloped areas) to
     minimize impact on microclimate and human and wildlife habitat.

      ESCS  SLA is the key ingredient of a superior, lightweight growing medium for both intensive and
      extensive green roofs.

     Water Efficiency     ................................................................................................................
      Water Efficient Landscaping: Reduce by 50% - Credit 1.1 (1 Point)
     Water Efficient Landscaping: No Potable Use or No Irrigation - Credit 1.2
     (1   Point)
       Intent: Limit or eliminate the use of potable water for landscape irrigation.

       The porosity and absorption of ESCS - SLA helps manage water use, while reducing compaction,
      increasing soil porosity, and maintaining soil temperature.  The aggregate particles absorb moisture
     during wet periods and slowly release it, alone with any soluble nutrients, for plant use during dry periods.

     Innovative Wastewater Technologies - Credit 2 (1 Point)
    Intent: Reduce generation of wastewater and potable water demand, while increasing the local aquifer recharge.

     ESCS  SLA can be used as part of an on-site sewage treatment system. Because of their porous cellular
     structure, the aggregate particles provide an environment suitable for beneficial microbial action for
     waste decomposition and wastewater filtration.



       
        

       Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate Institute, ESCSI
       2225 Murray Holladay Road • Suite 102 • Salt Lake City, UT 84117
       801.272.7070 • Fax 801.272.3377 •  email: info@escsi.org