Are you looking to build greener and achieve LEED certification? If so, StormTech systems might be the smart, often overlooked solution you need. These systems can help you meet important sustainability goals — and earn valuable LEED points in the process.
In this blog, we’ll explain how StormTech systems contribute to LEED certification and why more builders and developers are choosing them for eco-friendly projects.
What is LEED Certification?
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It’s a globally recognised system that rates how sustainable a building is. LEED provides a framework to create buildings that are healthy, highly efficient, and save money in the long run.
Buildings earn points based on their sustainable features, and these points determine their LEED rating — Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
LEED focuses on several key areas, including:
- Sustainable site development
- Water and energy efficiency
- Material selection
- Indoor environmental quality
One of the important areas where you can earn LEED points is stormwater management — and this is where StormTech systems come in.
What Are StormTech Systems and How Do They Work?
StormTech systems are underground stormwater management solutions. Picture a series of large, tough plastic chambers installed beneath the ground. These chambers collect rainwater runoff from rooftops, car parks, and paved areas.
The water is stored temporarily in these chambers before it slowly soaks back into the ground. This process is called infiltration.
Instead of sending rainwater straight into public drains — which can flood or overflow during heavy rainfall — StormTech systems manage the water on-site. This not only protects the environment but also eases pressure on public drainage systems.
Why Is Effective Stormwater Management So Important Today?
With more urban development, natural land that used to absorb rainwater is being replaced by concrete, asphalt, and buildings. This means more water runs off surfaces and can cause flooding, erosion, and pollution in rivers and lakes.
Green building schemes like LEED encourage builders to use solutions that reduce runoff and improve water quality.
Managing stormwater properly is no longer optional — it’s a must. And StormTech systems offer a practical way to do it.
How Do StormTech Systems Help You Earn LEED Points?
StormTech systems align perfectly with several LEED credit categories. Here’s how they can help your project collect valuable points:
1. Rainwater Management
StormTech supports LEED credits by reducing how much rainwater runs off your site. It slows down runoff and increases infiltration, helping your project meet or even beat stormwater control requirements.
2. Water Efficiency
In some developments, StormTech systems are part of a bigger rainwater harvesting plan. The collected water can be treated and reused for things like garden irrigation, reducing the need for fresh water — which is great for LEED water efficiency credits.
3. Site Development
Since StormTech chambers are underground, they keep surface land free for trees, plants, and natural habitats. This helps meet LEED goals around protecting or restoring natural spaces.
4. Materials and Resources
StormTech chambers are usually made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), often with recycled materials included. Using recycled content earns you LEED credits and lowers the environmental impact of your project.
5. Innovation in Design
Sometimes, if you use StormTech in a creative way that brings extra environmental benefits beyond usual standards, you can earn bonus LEED points under the “Innovation” category.
What Are the Other Benefits of StormTech Systems?
Besides helping you earn LEED points, StormTech systems offer many practical advantages:
- Saves space: Since everything is underground, the surface remains free for other uses like landscaping or parking.
- Meets local rules: StormTech complies fully with SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) guidelines in the UK and Ireland.
- Low maintenance: Built-in access ports and filters make inspections and upkeep simple.
- Flexible design: These systems can be tailored to fit your site’s specific soil type and rainfall patterns.
At Resolute Civils, we specialise in designing StormTech systems to suit your unique site needs — keeping planning authorities and the environment happy.
Why Sustainable Water Management is Vital for Modern Building?
Sustainable water management is critical nowadays, especially with climate change causing more intense and frequent rainfall. A smart water strategy isn’t just good for the environment — it supports your project goals too.
StormTech systems offer a long-term, low-maintenance solution that helps you meet environmental standards and build with confidence.
For developers and contractors aiming for LEED certification, StormTech provides a cost-effective, practical way to earn key points and stay compliant with local regulations.
Ready to Make Your Next Project LEED-Friendly?
If you want to aim for LEED certification or simply manage stormwater smarter, StormTech systems are a fantastic choice.
At Resolute Civils, we’ve helped many developers across Ireland design and install custom stormwater systems that achieve both environmental goals and planning requirements.
Visit Resolute Civils today and get expert advice tailored to your project.
Conclusion
How StormTech Systems Contribute to LEED Certification goes far beyond ticking boxes—it’s about building smarter, greener, and more responsible. StormTech systems improve water management, support habitat protection, and help your project meet key sustainability goals that make a real difference.
Whether you’re working on a residential estate, commercial development, or industrial site, StormTech is a smart, sustainable solution. And with Resolute Civils supporting you, you’ll have the expertise to get it right the first time.
Build smarter. Build greener. Build with Resolute.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is LEED certification, and why is it important?
LEED is a global green building certification that rewards sustainable design and construction, helping reduce environmental impact and improve energy and water efficiency.
2. How do StormTech systems help earn LEED points?
StormTech manages stormwater on-site by collecting, storing, and slowly releasing rainwater. This reduces runoff, supports water efficiency, protects habitats, and uses recycled materials — all important LEED credit categories.
3. Are StormTech systems compliant with Irish environmental regulations?
Yes, StormTech systems meet SuDS guidelines used in Ireland and the UK, ensuring compliance with local planning and environmental standards.
4. Can StormTech be used for rainwater harvesting?
Yes. In some projects, StormTech chambers are part of rainwater harvesting setups, collecting water that can be reused for irrigation or landscaping, helping earn extra LEED water credits.
5. What materials are StormTech chambers made from?
They are usually made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), often with recycled content, helping reduce environmental impact and earn LEED credits.
6. What maintenance do StormTech systems require?
They require low maintenance thanks to built-in access ports and filter systems, making inspections and cleaning straightforward.