Depending on the application, MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys may contribute to earning LEED credits as part of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification program. For healthcare and other commercial buildings focused on sustainable design practices, MicroGuard antimicrobial copper materials and component hardware provide benefits throughout the entire life cycle of the product.

The life cycle cost alone can make MicroGuard materials economical for commercial buildings. Initial cost, maintenance, and the life expectancy of the product must be evaluated as well as the salvage value of the metal. MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys are inherently recyclable and retain most of the primary metal cost.

For sustainable buildings with antimicrobial touch surfaces, only MicroGuard building materials offer all of these green benefits:

• Recycled content of up to 100%
• Produced with renewable wind energy of up to 100% for electric
• Shipped with recyclable or biodegradable packaging
• Shipped from a plant located in the Midwest
• Available in coil, strip, sheet, plate, bar, tube and wire forms
• Attractive finishes and textures available
• EPA registered with public health claims
• Kills 99.9% of bacteria* within two hours

Economical, when compared to other building materials, maintenance-free and long-lasting, MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys are an excellent value for touch surfaces in high performance buildings.

*Testing demonstrates effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.