Are Aluminum Curtain Walls Suitable for LEED or Green Building Certification Projects?

Aluminum curtain walls support sustainability goals and can contribute to LEED, BREEAM or local green building certifications when designed for energy efficiency, embodied carbon reduction and recyclability. High-performance IGUs with low-E coatings and thermally broken frames reduce operational energy and help meet LEED energy prerequisites. Selecting aluminum with recycled content and specifying PVDF finishes with long lifespans lowers embodied impacts. Designs that maximize daylight while controlling glare and solar gain contribute to occupant well-being credits. Recyclability of aluminum is a strong asset—at end of life the material can be reclaimed and reused. Water management in façade design (drainage, integrated storm details) and a façade mock-up testing program for air and water tightness support verification credits. Additionally, local sourcing, low-VOC sealants and documented environmental product declarations (EPDs) assist in earning regional and material transparency credits. For Middle East and Central Asian projects aiming for LEED or equivalent, integrating façade performance into whole-building modeling and providing manufacturer documentation will ensure the curtain wall contributes positively to certification outcomes.