Carpentry

Green Application 5

Key Lessons from CarpentryIn Carpentry, we learned about:

• Tool and equipment use, safety, and maintenance

• Primary materials, including lumber

• Proper rough-in framing methods

• Appropriate exterior and interior finishes

Green Building Principles and Carpentry

Each of Carpentry’s key lessons can shape these important green principles:

• Energy efficiency• Durability and water management• Indoor air quality • Green product selection• Reduce material use and recycle waste• Work with other trades• Homeowner education and training manual

Energy EfficiencyCarpentry shapes the soundness of the building

envelope and, therefore, potential energy leaks.

A green carpenter will install appropriate insulation, will properly caulk and seal around exterior penetrations, and will look for energy-efficient equipment.

Energy EfficiencyA carpenter can:• Use energy-efficient building components• Install wall and cavity insulation • Install air barriers and seal air leaks• Design and install framing to accommodate

HVAC ducts• Install energy-efficient windows and doors, like

ENERGY STAR

Durability and Water ManagementCarpentry, like masonry, directly shapes

the exterior walls and so determines the amount of water and moisture that can enter a home from the outside.

A green carpenter ensures proper water barriers in the exterior walls and roof.

Durability and Water ManagementA carpenter can:• Install capillary breaks in foundation and

slabs• Manage water drainage • Flash roof penetrations • Install balanced roof ventilation• Install weather resistive barriers• Flash wall penetrations like windows

Indoor Air QualityBecause carpenters often install interior

cabinets and finishes, they must be aware of the off-gassing from those components and necessary ventilation requirements.

A green carpenter is always on the lookout for non-toxic (low-VOC) materials and finishes.

Green Product SelectionBecause of the amount of material that a

carpenter uses, selecting environmentally-friendly options makes a significant difference to overall green performance.

A green carpenter can look for materials, finishes, and equipment that have used less energy and materials.

Green Product SelectionA carpenter can:

• Select green concrete

• Select certified lumber and materials

• Select locally harvested and manufactured materials

• Select and install environmentally friendly products

Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste

A carpenter can help promote an efficient house design that does not use more structural framing than absolutely necessary. Lumber is the most used construction material.

A green carpenter will try to select better material, use less, and recycle what’s left.

Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste

A carpenter can:• Design a plan with reasonable dimensions• Use precut components• Use scrap materials onsite• Save or recycle leftover materials• Store and handle materials carefully to avoid damage

and waste• Estimate materials accurately• Integrate carpentry waste into jobsite-recycling

Work with Other TradesA green carpenter must coordinate with

other trades that might change the overall performance of the building.

For example, the carpenter must know where the plumber, electrician, and HVAC technician install equipment to ensure minimal and sealed penetrations.

Homeowner Education and Training Manual

A green carpenter is always ready to make sure that her work is maintained properly to last a long time.

Carpenters can provide information to occupants about what kinds of finishes and materials were used, how to care for them, and what to do if they remodel in the future.

Referencing Carpentry and the Green Application

Carpentry Section Relevant Green Application Section1. Tools and Materials Green Product Selection2. Rough Carpentry Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste

Work with Other Trades

3. Exterior Finish Durability and Water Management Energy Efficiency

4. Interior Finish Green Product SelectionIndoor Air QualityHomeowner Education and Reference Manual