Green Building, It’s Materials, and Ways to Make it Succeed

Green Building, It’s Green Building, It’s

Materials, and Ways to Make Materials, and Ways to Make

it Succeedit Succeed

What is a Green Building?What is a Green Building?

• A structure that is designed, built, renovated, A structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner.resource-efficient manner.

• A structure where the qualities of both the indoor A structure where the qualities of both the indoor and outdoor environments have been and outdoor environments have been considered and protected during its design, considered and protected during its design, construction, maintenance and use.construction, maintenance and use.

Purpose: Purpose: To enhance a building’s To enhance a building’s

overall performance while improving overall performance while improving comfort; indoor air; energy, water and comfort; indoor air; energy, water and materials efficiency; and the bottom materials efficiency; and the bottom line.line.

Buildings use or produce:Buildings use or produce: 30% of total energy use30% of total energy use 60% of electricity60% of electricity Billions of gallons of water dailyBillions of gallons of water daily 30% of solid waste generated30% of solid waste generated

Why “Green” Build?Why “Green” Build?

What makes a Building Green?What makes a Building Green?

• It's made with recycled, salvaged or agricultural It's made with recycled, salvaged or agricultural wastes (most commonly crop straws).wastes (most commonly crop straws).

• It conserves natural resources because it's It conserves natural resources because it's especially durable or it's made with a rapidly especially durable or it's made with a rapidly renewing material such as bamboo that can be renewing material such as bamboo that can be harvested every ten years.harvested every ten years.

• It enhances indoor air quality because it has low It enhances indoor air quality because it has low or no emission of toxic chemicals into the air or or no emission of toxic chemicals into the air or because it helps block the introduction of indoor because it helps block the introduction of indoor contaminants such as mold.contaminants such as mold.

What makes a Building Green ContdWhat makes a Building Green Contd

• Its manufacture does not produce toxic Its manufacture does not produce toxic emissions.emissions.

• It saves energy or water.It saves energy or water.• It reduces the environmental impact of the It reduces the environmental impact of the

construction itself. For example, porous construction itself. For example, porous driveway paving products absorb a driveway paving products absorb a substantial amount of the rain that hits them substantial amount of the rain that hits them and this reduces the amount that runs off into and this reduces the amount that runs off into a local and often overwhelmed storm water a local and often overwhelmed storm water collection system.collection system.

Scope of the Problem Scope of the Problem 136 million tons of building-related C&D debris (1996)

43% from residential sources, 57% non-residential

Demolition = 48%, renovation = 44%, construction = 8%Demolition = 48%, renovation = 44%, construction = 8%

20 - 30% recovered for processing & recycling20 - 30% recovered for processing & recycling

Most often recycled: concrete, asphalt, metals, wood.

““Deconstruction” Deconstruction” highest diversion rates (76%) highest diversion rates (76%)

Construction & Demolition Construction & Demolition

Debris RecyclingDebris Recycling

Environmental Benefits Environmental Benefits

Reuse or recycling (vs. dumping) C & D debris:Reuse or recycling (vs. dumping) C & D debris: Saves “embodied” energy in materialsSaves “embodied” energy in materials Demand for virgin resourcesDemand for virgin resources Need for limited landfill spaceNeed for limited landfill space

C & D Debris RecyclingC & D Debris Recycling

Economic Barriers to Increased Recovery Economic Barriers to Increased Recovery Cost of collecting, sorting, and processingCost of collecting, sorting, and processing

Contamination of recovered materialsContamination of recovered materials Value of recycled material vs. cost of virgin materialValue of recycled material vs. cost of virgin material Low cost of C&D debris landfill disposal (tipping fees)Low cost of C&D debris landfill disposal (tipping fees)


Economic Benefits of Debris Recovery Economic Benefits of Debris Recovery Cost often Cost often hauling and dumping as wastehauling and dumping as waste

Daily pick-up by recycling company Daily pick-up by recycling company

Keeps site cleanerKeeps site cleaner Work efficiency & safetyWork efficiency & safety

Compliance with landfill disposal reduction ordinancesCompliance with landfill disposal reduction ordinances

Landfill disposal (tipping) fees are increasingLandfill disposal (tipping) fees are increasing

Revenue from sale of recovered materialsRevenue from sale of recovered materials


Development of 95 large, single-family homesDevelopment of 95 large, single-family homes

Builder worked with recycling subcontractor Builder worked with recycling subcontractor

85% of construction waste recovered and recycled85% of construction waste recovered and recycled

1,000 tons of materials diverted from landfill1,000 tons of materials diverted from landfill


Case Study: New Construction - Union City, CACase Study: New Construction - Union City, CA

2,000 truckloads of recyclable debris 2,000 truckloads of recyclable debris

30,000 tons of concrete crushed on site 30,000 tons of concrete crushed on site

Crushed concrete used as infill at new stadium Crushed concrete used as infill at new stadium

$2 million budgeted for demolition$2 million budgeted for demolition

Final cost only $800,000Final cost only $800,000

Recycling of concrete saved $1.2 millionRecycling of concrete saved $1.2 million


Case Study: Demolition, Milwaukee County StadiumCase Study: Demolition, Milwaukee County Stadium

First Costs/SavingsFirst Costs/Savings = = costs and savings from costs and savings from

incorporating green features into a building incorporating green features into a building Life-Life-Cycle Costs/SavingsCycle Costs/Savings == costs/savings over a costs/savings over a

building’s or feature’s useful lifebuilding’s or feature’s useful life Relative costs components of a Relative costs components of a

commercial building over 30 yearscommercial building over 30 years Design & building = 2%Design & building = 2% Operations, maintenance, finance &Operations, maintenance, finance &

employees = 98%employees = 98% Key point: more should be spent on better designKey point: more should be spent on better design

Economic FactorsEconomic Factors

First Costs of green buildings:First Costs of green buildings: will vary significantly depending on the will vary significantly depending on the specific project goals. specific project goals.

While there are many significant benefits that are ‘no additional cost’ While there are many significant benefits that are ‘no additional cost’ (e.g, South facing windows), some features will cost more in both design (e.g, South facing windows), some features will cost more in both design and materials costs.and materials costs.

Estimates for additional first cost are as low as 0-3%, for LEEDEstimates for additional first cost are as low as 0-3%, for LEEDTMTM Certified, Certified, to 10% or more for higher LEEDto 10% or more for higher LEEDTMTM ratings. ratings.

Existing incentives aimed at offsetting additional first costs range from Existing incentives aimed at offsetting additional first costs range from 3% (Federal Office of General Services and California DGS) to 6% (NY 3% (Federal Office of General Services and California DGS) to 6% (NY State tax credit).State tax credit).



Life-Cycle Savings from:Life-Cycle Savings from: Energy & Lighting EfficiencyEnergy & Lighting Efficiency Water EfficiencyWater Efficiency Materials EfficiencyMaterials Efficiency Employee ProductivityEmployee Productivity Employee HealthEmployee Health Construction & Debris RecyclingConstruction & Debris Recycling

Green buildings Green buildings worker productivity worker productivity

Environmental factors impacting productivityEnvironmental factors impacting productivity Indoor air qualityIndoor air quality Climate controlClimate control Lighting, esp. daylightingLighting, esp. daylighting ““Biophilic” features -- views, plants, etc.Biophilic” features -- views, plants, etc.

Employee ProductivityEmployee Productivity

Employee ProductivityEmployee ProductivityCase Study: US Post Office, Reno, NVCase Study: US Post Office, Reno, NV

Energy efficient lighting and dropped ceilingEnergy efficient lighting and dropped ceiling Cost = $300,000Cost = $300,000 Energy savings $22,400/year, payback 13 yearsEnergy savings $22,400/year, payback 13 years

Impact on productivityImpact on productivity Sorting errors dropped to 0.1%Sorting errors dropped to 0.1% 8% 8% in mail sorted per hour in mail sorted per hour Annual productivity gains $400-500K Annual productivity gains $400-500K Payback period < 1 yearPayback period < 1 year

Employee ProductivityEmployee Productivity

Example: Daylighting & Student PerformanceExample: Daylighting & Student Performance

Daylighting, windows, skylights Daylighting, windows, skylights 15-25% faster progress on math and reading tests15-25% faster progress on math and reading tests 7-18% higher test scores 7-18% higher test scores

Students in daylit facility for multiple yearsStudents in daylit facility for multiple years 14% 14% on standardized tests on standardized tests

Employee HealthEmployee Health

• US EPA ranks indoor air quality (IAQ) as one of top US EPA ranks indoor air quality (IAQ) as one of top 5 environmental risks to public health.5 environmental risks to public health.

• Indoor contamination levels can be 25 times as Indoor contamination levels can be 25 times as high as outdoors.high as outdoors.

• Solutions: eliminate sources and increase Solutions: eliminate sources and increase ventilationventilation

Factors contributing to poor IAQFactors contributing to poor IAQ Inadequate ventilationInadequate ventilation Chemical contaminants from indoor sourcesChemical contaminants from indoor sources

VOCs, smoke, other toxicsVOCs, smoke, other toxics Sources: building materials, cleaning productsSources: building materials, cleaning products

Chemical contaminants from outdoor sourcesChemical contaminants from outdoor sources Vehicle & building exhausts thru vents & windowsVehicle & building exhausts thru vents & windows Combustion products from garagesCombustion products from garages


Factors contributing to poor IAQ Factors contributing to poor IAQ Biological contaminantsBiological contaminants

Bacteria, molds, pollen, & viruses Bacteria, molds, pollen, & viruses

Inadequate temperature, humidity & lightingInadequate temperature, humidity & lighting


““Sick Building Syndrome”Sick Building Syndrome” (SBS)(SBS) Health & comfort linked to time in buildingHealth & comfort linked to time in building No specific illness or cause identifiedNo specific illness or cause identified

““Building Related Illness” (BRI)Building Related Illness” (BRI) Symptoms of diagnosable illness identified, Symptoms of diagnosable illness identified,

(e.g., asthma, upper respiratory infections) (e.g., asthma, upper respiratory infections) Directly linked to airborne building contaminantsDirectly linked to airborne building contaminants


Healthy buildings can Healthy buildings can illness and costs illness and costs Estimated annual productivity Estimated annual productivity $30 - 150 billion $30 - 150 billion 10 - 30% 10 - 30% respiratory diseasesrespiratory diseases 20 - 50 20 - 50 SBS symptoms SBS symptoms .5 - 5% .5 - 5% office worker performance office worker performance $17 - 43 billion annual health care savings$17 - 43 billion annual health care savings $12 - 125 billion direct $12 - 125 billion direct in worker productivity in worker productivity


Elements of a Green Building PlanElements of a Green Building Plan

• DesignDesign• SitingSiting• Energy EfficiencyEnergy Efficiency• Materials EfficiencyMaterials Efficiency• Water EfficiencyWater Efficiency

DesignDesign

• Smaller is better:Smaller is better: Optimize use of interior space through Optimize use of interior space through careful design so that the overall building size--and resource careful design so that the overall building size--and resource use in constructing and operating it--are kept to a minimum.use in constructing and operating it--are kept to a minimum.

• Design an energy-efficient buildingDesign an energy-efficient building: Use high levels of : Use high levels of insulation, high-performance windows, and tight construction. insulation, high-performance windows, and tight construction. In southern climates, choose glazing with low solar heat gain.In southern climates, choose glazing with low solar heat gain.

• Design buildings to use renewable energy:Design buildings to use renewable energy: Passive solar Passive solar heating, day lighting, and natural cooling can be incorporated heating, day lighting, and natural cooling can be incorporated cost-effectively into most buildings. Also consider solar water cost-effectively into most buildings. Also consider solar water heating and photovoltaics--or design buildings for future solar heating and photovoltaics--or design buildings for future solar installations.installations.

DesignDesign

• Optimize material use:Optimize material use: Minimize waste by designing Minimize waste by designing for standard ceiling heights and building dimensions. for standard ceiling heights and building dimensions. Avoid waste from structural over-design (use optimum-Avoid waste from structural over-design (use optimum-value engineering/advanced framing). Simplify building value engineering/advanced framing). Simplify building geometry.geometry.

• Design for durability: Design for durability: To spread the environmental To spread the environmental impacts of building over as long a period as possible, impacts of building over as long a period as possible, the structure must be durable. A building with a durable the structure must be durable. A building with a durable style ("timeless architecture") will be more likely to style ("timeless architecture") will be more likely to realize a long life.realize a long life.

DesignDesign

• Make it easy for occupants to recycle waste: Make it easy for occupants to recycle waste: Make provisions for storage and processing of Make provisions for storage and processing of recyclables: recycling bins near the kitchen, under recyclables: recycling bins near the kitchen, under sink compost receptacles, and the like.sink compost receptacles, and the like.

• Design for future reuse and adaptability: Design for future reuse and adaptability: Make Make the structure adaptable to other uses, and choose the structure adaptable to other uses, and choose materials and components that can be reused or materials and components that can be reused or recycled.recycled.

SitingSiting

• Renovate older buildings: Renovate older buildings: Conscientiously renovating existing Conscientiously renovating existing buildings is the most sustainable buildings is the most sustainable construction.construction.

• Nature:Nature: Protect trees and topsoil during Protect trees and topsoil during site work: Protect trees from damage site work: Protect trees from damage during construction by fencing off the "drip during construction by fencing off the "drip line" around them and avoiding major line" around them and avoiding major changes to surface grade.changes to surface grade.

SitingSiting

• Locate buildings to minimize environmental impact: Locate buildings to minimize environmental impact: Cluster buildings or build attached units to preserve Cluster buildings or build attached units to preserve open space and wildlife habitats, avoid especially open space and wildlife habitats, avoid especially sensitive areas including wetlands, and keep roads and sensitive areas including wetlands, and keep roads and service lines short. Leave the most pristine areas service lines short. Leave the most pristine areas untouched, and look for areas that have been previously untouched, and look for areas that have been previously damaged to build on. damaged to build on.

• Situate buildings to benefit from existing vegetation: Situate buildings to benefit from existing vegetation: Trees on the east and west sides of a building can Trees on the east and west sides of a building can dramatically reduce cooling loads. Hedge rows and dramatically reduce cooling loads. Hedge rows and shrubbery can block cold winter winds or help channel shrubbery can block cold winter winds or help channel cool summer breezes into buildings.cool summer breezes into buildings.

SitingSiting

• Minimize automobile dependence: Minimize automobile dependence: Locate buildings Locate buildings to provide access to public transportation, bicycle to provide access to public transportation, bicycle paths, and walking access to basic services. paths, and walking access to basic services. Commuting can also be reduced by working at home--Commuting can also be reduced by working at home--consider home office needs with layout and wiring.consider home office needs with layout and wiring.

• Pesticides:Pesticides: Avoid use of pesticides and other Avoid use of pesticides and other chemicals that may leach into the groundwater: Look chemicals that may leach into the groundwater: Look into less toxic termite treatments, and keep exposed into less toxic termite treatments, and keep exposed frost walls free from obstructions to discourage insects. frost walls free from obstructions to discourage insects. When backfilling a foundation or grading around a When backfilling a foundation or grading around a house, do not bury any construction debris.house, do not bury any construction debris.

EnergyEnergy EfficiencyEfficiency• Develop strategies to provide natural lighting.Develop strategies to provide natural lighting.• Install high-efficiency lighting systems with Install high-efficiency lighting systems with

advanced lighting controls. Include motion sensors advanced lighting controls. Include motion sensors tied to dimmable lighting controls. Task lighting tied to dimmable lighting controls. Task lighting reduces general overhead light levels. reduces general overhead light levels.

• Use a properly sized and energy-efficient Use a properly sized and energy-efficient heat/cooling system in conjunction with a thermally heat/cooling system in conjunction with a thermally efficient building shell. Maximize light colors for efficient building shell. Maximize light colors for roofing and wall finish materials; install high R-roofing and wall finish materials; install high R-value wall and ceiling insulation; and use minimal value wall and ceiling insulation; and use minimal glass on east and west exposures.glass on east and west exposures.

EnergyEnergy EfficiencyEfficiency

• Minimize the electric loads from lighting, equipment, Minimize the electric loads from lighting, equipment, and appliances. and appliances.

• Consider alternative energy sources such as Consider alternative energy sources such as photovoltaics and fuel cells that are now available in photovoltaics and fuel cells that are now available in new products and applications. Renewable energy new products and applications. Renewable energy sources provide a great symbol of emerging sources provide a great symbol of emerging technologies for the future. technologies for the future.

• Install water-conserving toilets, showerheads, and Install water-conserving toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators not only reduce water use, they also faucet aerators not only reduce water use, they also reduce demand on septic systems or sewage treatment reduce demand on septic systems or sewage treatment plants. Reducing hot water use also saves energy. plants. Reducing hot water use also saves energy.

Energy savings up to 80%Energy savings up to 80%

Sources of Savings:Sources of Savings: LightingLighting WindowsWindows HVAC SystemsHVAC Systems

Efficient lighting & better windows can lead to Efficient lighting & better windows can lead to smaller and less costly HVAC systemsmaller and less costly HVAC system

Energy Efficiency & LightingEnergy Efficiency & Lighting

Energy savings from efficient lighting:Energy savings from efficient lighting: Payback period can be Payback period can be < < 2 years2 years Average investment return 50-80%Average investment return 50-80%

Energy efficient buildingsEnergy efficient buildings

Investment return usually 20-40%Investment return usually 20-40%

Higher property asset valueHigher property asset value

Energy Efficiency & LightingEnergy Efficiency & Lighting

EEnergy Efficiency & Lightingnergy Efficiency & Lighting

Example: US Postal Service, Rodeo, CAExample: US Postal Service, Rodeo, CA• Total lighting loadTotal lighting load 71%71%

• in both ambient and task lightingin both ambient and task lighting

EEnergy Efficiency & Lightingnergy Efficiency & Lighting

Example: SchoolsExample: Schools

• Spend more than $6 billion annually on energySpend more than $6 billion annually on energy

• DOE estimates possible 25% savings through:DOE estimates possible 25% savings through: Energy efficiencyEnergy efficiency Renewable energy technologies Renewable energy technologies Improved building designImproved building design

• Daylit schools vs. non-daylit schools:Daylit schools vs. non-daylit schools: 22%-64% energy cost reductions 22%-64% energy cost reductions Payback for new daylit schools Payback for new daylit schools < < 3 years3 years Increase in student performanceIncrease in student performance

Materials EfficiencyMaterials Efficiency

• Reuse and recycle construction and demolition Reuse and recycle construction and demolition materials. For example, using inert demolition materials. For example, using inert demolition materials as a base course for a parking lot keeps materials as a base course for a parking lot keeps materials out of landfills and costs less. materials out of landfills and costs less.

• Require plans for managing materials through Require plans for managing materials through deconstruction, demolition, and construction. deconstruction, demolition, and construction.

• Design with adequate space to facilitate recycling Design with adequate space to facilitate recycling collection collection

• Construct room walls on 4 ft. multiples for plywoodConstruct room walls on 4 ft. multiples for plywood

Efficient use of building materials & land Efficient use of building materials & land Environmental benefitsEnvironmental benefits Saves energy & water over life of buildingSaves energy & water over life of building Use of non-virgin or recycled materials Use of non-virgin or recycled materials

Depletion of natural resourcesDepletion of natural resources Mining & manufacturingMining & manufacturing pollution pollution


Emeryville, CA affordable housing developmentEmeryville, CA affordable housing development Framing at 24” instead of 16”Framing at 24” instead of 16”

Significant saving on volume of wood used Significant saving on volume of wood used

50,000 sq. ft. school50,000 sq. ft. school Costs of carpet vs. durable floor comparedCosts of carpet vs. durable floor compared Includes installation, maintenance & replacement costsIncludes installation, maintenance & replacement costs Over 40 years, durable flooring saves $5.4 millionOver 40 years, durable flooring saves $5.4 million


Case StudiesCase Studies

Water EfficiencyWater Efficiency

• Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a gray water system that recovers toilet flushing or a gray water system that recovers rainwater or other non-potable water for site irrigation. rainwater or other non-potable water for site irrigation.

• Minimize wastewater by using ultra low-flush toilets, Minimize wastewater by using ultra low-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads, and other water conserving low-flow shower heads, and other water conserving fixtures. fixtures.

• Use recirculating systems for centralized hot water Use recirculating systems for centralized hot water distribution. distribution.

• Install point-of-use hot water heating systems for more Install point-of-use hot water heating systems for more distant locations. distant locations.


Water savings from:Water savings from: Water-efficient fixtures and appliancesWater-efficient fixtures and appliances Water-efficient landscapingWater-efficient landscaping Rainwater collection systemsRainwater collection systems

Benefits include:Benefits include: water billswater bills volumes of wastewatervolumes of wastewater energy costs for hot waterenergy costs for hot water


Example: Municipal Plumbing Incentive ProgramsExample: Municipal Plumbing Incentive Programs

• New York City Toilet Rebate ProgramNew York City Toilet Rebate Program Water demand 50-80 million gallons/day Wastewater flow Wastewater flow 7%7% $393 million investment$393 million investment $605 million saved from deferral of expansion projects$605 million saved from deferral of expansion projects

• Santa Monica, CA Toilet Replacement ProgramSanta Monica, CA Toilet Replacement Program 15% in average total water demand 20% in average total wastewater flow

MaterialsMaterials

• A green material is one that simultaneously A green material is one that simultaneously does the most with the least, fits most does the most with the least, fits most harmoniously within ecosystem processes, harmoniously within ecosystem processes, helps eliminate the use of other materials and helps eliminate the use of other materials and energy, and contributes to the attainment of a energy, and contributes to the attainment of a service-based economy.service-based economy.

Material KeysMaterial Keys

• Choose low-maintenance building materials: Choose low-maintenance building materials: Where Where possible, select building materials that will require little possible, select building materials that will require little maintenance (painting, retreatment, waterproofing, maintenance (painting, retreatment, waterproofing, etc.), or whose maintenance will have minimal etc.), or whose maintenance will have minimal environmental impact.environmental impact.

• Buy locally produced building materials: Buy locally produced building materials: Transportation is costly in both energy use and Transportation is costly in both energy use and pollution generation. Look for locally produced pollution generation. Look for locally produced materials. Local hardwoods, for example, are materials. Local hardwoods, for example, are preferable to tropical woods.preferable to tropical woods.


• Use building products made from recycled Use building products made from recycled materials: materials: Building products made from recycled Building products made from recycled materials reduce solid waste problems, cut energy materials reduce solid waste problems, cut energy consumption in manufacturing, and save on natural consumption in manufacturing, and save on natural resource use. resource use.

• Use salvaged building materials when possible: Use salvaged building materials when possible: Reduce landfill pressure and save natural resources by Reduce landfill pressure and save natural resources by using salvaged materials: lumber, millwork, certain using salvaged materials: lumber, millwork, certain plumbing fixtures, and hardware, for example. Make plumbing fixtures, and hardware, for example. Make sure these materials are safe (test for lead paint and sure these materials are safe (test for lead paint and asbestos), and don't sacrifice energy efficiency or water asbestos), and don't sacrifice energy efficiency or water efficiency by reusing old windows or toilets.efficiency by reusing old windows or toilets.


• Avoid materials that will off gas pollutants: Avoid materials that will off gas pollutants: Solvent-Solvent-based finishes, adhesives, carpeting, particleboard, based finishes, adhesives, carpeting, particleboard, and many other building products release and many other building products release formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.into the air. • These chemicals can affect workers' and occupants' These chemicals can affect workers' and occupants'

health as well as contribute to smog and ground-health as well as contribute to smog and ground-level ozone pollution outside.level ozone pollution outside.

VOCsVOCs

• FormaldehydeFormaldehyde- Used as a preservative in some paints - Used as a preservative in some paints and coatings, as an embalming fluid, and as a and coatings, as an embalming fluid, and as a component of glues and adhesives. component of glues and adhesives.

• SolventsSolvents- Paint thinner, oil and grease dissolvers.- Paint thinner, oil and grease dissolvers.• Pesticides Pesticides • Methylene chloride-Methylene chloride- Used in paint removers, furniture Used in paint removers, furniture

strippers, degreasing agents, and aerosol propellants.strippers, degreasing agents, and aerosol propellants.• Toluene Toluene • Vinyl chlorideVinyl chloride

Green Material BenefitsGreen Material Benefits

• Reduced maintenance and replacement Reduced maintenance and replacement costs over the life of the structure.costs over the life of the structure.

• Energy conservationEnergy conservation• Improved occupant health and productivityImproved occupant health and productivity• Lower costs with changing space Lower costs with changing space

configurationsconfigurations• Greater design flexibilityGreater design flexibility

Green Material CriteriaGreen Material Criteria

• ResourceResource• Can be consumed in extraction, production, Can be consumed in extraction, production,

or disposal.or disposal.

• What kind of energy sources, renewable What kind of energy sources, renewable or not, were used in the production?or not, were used in the production?

• Can it be obtained locally?Can it be obtained locally?


• Performance- Same as ResourcePerformance- Same as Resource• Can be consumed in extraction, production, Can be consumed in extraction, production,

use, or disposal.use, or disposal.

• Is it reused or recycled?Is it reused or recycled?

• If recycled, is it post consumer or post If recycled, is it post consumer or post industrial?industrial?

• Can it be recycled at the end of its Can it be recycled at the end of its product life?product life?


• PollutionPollution• The energy and resources it can save or The energy and resources it can save or

squander doing its use.squander doing its use.• What kind of pollution and waste did its What kind of pollution and waste did its

production and transport generate?production and transport generate?• How must pollution will its disposal create?How must pollution will its disposal create?• How much energy was used to produce and How much energy was used to produce and

transport the product and its components?transport the product and its components?

Actual Materials - DoorsActual Materials - Doors

• Insulated composite doorsInsulated composite doors• Strong- The extra-wide support rails give the Strong- The extra-wide support rails give the

strongest structural support. All surfaces are strongest structural support. All surfaces are bonded with waterproof catalyzed glue.bonded with waterproof catalyzed glue.

• Energy efficient- Packed with rigid insulation.Energy efficient- Packed with rigid insulation.

• Perfect fit- trimmed at the job site for a perfect Perfect fit- trimmed at the job site for a perfect fit every time.fit every time.

• Durable- thick, molded skin with no joints. It Durable- thick, molded skin with no joints. It won't crack, split, separate, shrink, expand, won't crack, split, separate, shrink, expand, rust or dent. rust or dent.

Actual Materials - FlooringActual Materials - Flooring

• BambooBamboo• Actually in the "grass" family, not a tree, and is one of Actually in the "grass" family, not a tree, and is one of

the fastest growing species on the planet. the fastest growing species on the planet. • Bamboo rejuvenates quickly, growing to full maturity in 5 Bamboo rejuvenates quickly, growing to full maturity in 5

to 6 years and is truly sustainable.to 6 years and is truly sustainable.• Very hard, replaces hardwood flooring and uses no Very hard, replaces hardwood flooring and uses no

polymers with VOCspolymers with VOCs

• CorkCork• A renewable resource, cork flooring is environmentally A renewable resource, cork flooring is environmentally

friendly and can improve health and comfort for your friendly and can improve health and comfort for your home.home.

• Cork flooring has anti-microbial properties and is Cork flooring has anti-microbial properties and is resistant to molds, mildews, and common pests. resistant to molds, mildews, and common pests.

Actual Materials - FoundationActual Materials - Foundation

• Insulated Concrete FormsInsulated Concrete Forms• foam block walls are so well insulated that foam block walls are so well insulated that

manufacturers predict a home's monthly heating manufacturers predict a home's monthly heating and cooling costs can be reduced up to 75 and cooling costs can be reduced up to 75 percent.percent.

• Cement in the foam makes it insect-proof Cement in the foam makes it insect-proof • Reduces amount of concrete needed.Reduces amount of concrete needed.

Actual Materials - FoundationActual Materials - Foundation

• Wood-Fiber Cement BlocksWood-Fiber Cement Blocks• hold concrete in place during curing and remain in hold concrete in place during curing and remain in

place to provide thermal and sound insulation. place to provide thermal and sound insulation. • lightweight and are available with mineral fiber lightweight and are available with mineral fiber

insulation to provide an energy-efficient, fire and insulation to provide an energy-efficient, fire and termite resistant, and durable structural wall system.termite resistant, and durable structural wall system.

• inherently moisture regulating, capable of absorbing inherently moisture regulating, capable of absorbing high levels of moisture in the air without damage and high levels of moisture in the air without damage and dopes not support fungal or mold growth. dopes not support fungal or mold growth.

Actual Materials - LumberActual Materials - Lumber

• Certified Engineered WoodCertified Engineered Wood• Contains recovered and reused wood Contains recovered and reused wood

in the product.in the product.• Used post industry recycled product as Used post industry recycled product as

wellwell

• Blended Plastic Resin and SawdustBlended Plastic Resin and Sawdust• Particleboard, fiberboard, and flake Particleboard, fiberboard, and flake

board. Many of these composites are board. Many of these composites are made from recycled wood. made from recycled wood.

• A heat-curing adhesive holds the wood A heat-curing adhesive holds the wood components together, no VOCs. components together, no VOCs.

Actual Materials - RoofingActual Materials - Roofing

• Green RoofingGreen Roofing• Roofs covered with grass and natural Roofs covered with grass and natural

habitats like trees and shrubs.habitats like trees and shrubs.• Soil and plants filter rainwater to make it more pureSoil and plants filter rainwater to make it more pure• Reduces thermal temperatures of building and areaReduces thermal temperatures of building and area

• Solar Roofing PanelsSolar Roofing Panels• Uses photovoltaic cells that generate direct current, can Uses photovoltaic cells that generate direct current, can

power household appliancespower household appliances• Made of no glass, look just like shingles, and use no extra Made of no glass, look just like shingles, and use no extra

materials to secure to roofmaterials to secure to roof• Store energy from sun that can be sold to electric companies.Store energy from sun that can be sold to electric companies.

Actual Materials - WallsActual Materials - Walls

• Paper CretePaper Crete• Made with paper, cardboard, sand and Portland cement, Made with paper, cardboard, sand and Portland cement,

which are all free except cement.which are all free except cement.• Excellent insulator (R 2.8 per inch).Excellent insulator (R 2.8 per inch).• Very strong and lightweight.Very strong and lightweight.

• Polyiso SheathingPolyiso Sheathing• Rigid closed cell foam insulator.Rigid closed cell foam insulator.• Be more energy efficient, insulates whole wall and framingBe more energy efficient, insulates whole wall and framing• Protect from moisture and condensation in wall cavityProtect from moisture and condensation in wall cavity• Very high R rating for insulation, 7.2 per inchVery high R rating for insulation, 7.2 per inch

Steps to Ensure SuccessSteps to Ensure Success

• Establish a vision that embraces Establish a vision that embraces sustainable principles and develop a sustainable principles and develop a clear statement of the projects vision, clear statement of the projects vision, goals, design criteria, and priorities.goals, design criteria, and priorities.• Where do you want this product to go?Where do you want this product to go?• Are there certain energy saving costs Are there certain energy saving costs

you want to achieve?you want to achieve?• If you had to sacrifice an item in favor of If you had to sacrifice an item in favor of

another, which would be the ones to go another, which would be the ones to go first?first?


• Remember to develop and research the Remember to develop and research the following:following:

• SitingSiting

• Energy EfficiencyEnergy Efficiency

• Materials EfficiencyMaterials Efficiency

• Water EfficiencyWater Efficiency

Steps to Ensure SuccessSteps to Ensure Success• Develop a project budget that covers green Develop a project budget that covers green

building measures.building measures.• Allocate funding for additional research Allocate funding for additional research

and analysis of specific optionsand analysis of specific options• Make sure enough money is available Make sure enough money is available

in case something doesn’t workin case something doesn’t work• Try process our before you Try process our before you

commit a large developmentcommit a large development

to themto them


• Seek sponsorships and grant opportunitiesSeek sponsorships and grant opportunities

• Talk to local government agencies about Talk to local government agencies about incentives and assistance for green incentives and assistance for green buildingbuilding

• Look towards the sate and federal Look towards the sate and federal government for programs who give government for programs who give funding for environmentally friendly funding for environmentally friendly buildingsbuildings


• Seek advice of a design Seek advice of a design professional with green building professional with green building experienceexperience

• Talk to professionals in the Talk to professionals in the green building fieldgreen building field• Habitat for HumanityHabitat for Humanity• Peace CorpsPeace Corps

Cost/Benefits of Green Building Cost/Benefits of Green Building

Most benefits now accrue to owners & tenantsMost benefits now accrue to owners & tenants

Green practices sometimes Green practices sometimes cost of buildingcost of building

State and local policies canState and local policies can

Builder/contractor “first costs”Builder/contractor “first costs”

Help builders/contractors share in life-cycle savingsHelp builders/contractors share in life-cycle savings

“ “First Cost” IncentivesFirst Cost” Incentives

Local Green Building IncentivesLocal Green Building Incentives

Expedited (“fast track”) permit review for local building Expedited (“fast track”) permit review for local building

permits; environmental features may also address larger permits; environmental features may also address larger

permit issues .permit issues .

Inspection feesInspection fees

Free professional advice & design assistanceFree professional advice & design assistance


Other Local Policy InitiativesOther Local Policy Initiatives Fees based on estimated energy useFees based on estimated energy use

Adjusted for size of buildingAdjusted for size of building

Waived if on-site renewable energy system installedWaived if on-site renewable energy system installed

Standards and regulationsStandards and regulations

Bigger the building, more green components requiredBigger the building, more green components required

Minimum recycled content (in concrete, etc.) requiredMinimum recycled content (in concrete, etc.) required

Old-growth wood, high VOC materials prohibitedOld-growth wood, high VOC materials prohibited


Documents

Green Building, It’s Materials, and Ways to Make it Succeed