LATICRETE, a world leader in the manufacturing of innovative systems for the installation of ceramic tile and stone, will open a new 80,000 square foot manufacturing facility this January in Lebanon, Oregon, offering LATICRETE MVP customers and distributors the ability to provide LEED™ compliant ceramic tile and stone installation products to architects and specifiers in the Pacific Northwest.

Located 90 miles south of Portland, the new state-of-the-art facility will help contribute LEED points to projects under the category of “New Construction” in two different areas of measurement. The use of LATICRETE system materials will help contribute a point towards the LEED measurement category MR 5.1 (Materials and Resources) for any new construction project where 10 percent of the gross value of the total project utilizes materials extracted, processed or manufactured within 500 miles of the project. When the total gross value of the project meets or exceeds 20 percent and is within 500 miles, an additional point is credited towards LEED certification for the project under the measurement MR 5.2.

LATICRETE, the first manufacturer of systems for the installation of ceramic tile and stone to achieve GREENGUAR certification for an entire product range, also contributes to points for LEED certification under the category of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). Under the criterion EQ 4.1, when GREENGUARD Certified system materials from LATICRETE are used to install ceramic tile or natural stone inside the building, an additional point is awarded towards the LEED certification of the project.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Audited by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization, the LEED system establishes a common standard of measurement, and a project can be certified at four different levels: Certified (26-32 points), Silver (33-38), Gold (39-51) and Platinum (52-69). In addition to the positive environmental impact of a LEED certified building, the certification also offers several economic benefits, including a higher resale value, lower operating costs, lower maintenance costs, as well as government incentives in the form of fee waivers and tax abatements.

LATICRETE is a global leader in the manufacturing of tile and stone installation systems, known and trusted for industry leading innovation and expertise. For in-depth technical support and answers to your installation or application questions call toll free: (800) 243-4788 ext 235, or outside the USA: (203) 393-0010, ext 235,. E-mail: support@laticrete.com. Comprehensive LATICRETE and industry information can be found on the web at: www.laticrete.com. LATICRETE, LATAPOXY and the LATICRETE logo are registered trademarks of LATICRETE INTERNATIONAL, Inc.