F THE 60,000 new homes that sprout up annually in the Metro Atlanta region, the greenest of them are part of the EarthCraft House program. "We (businesses and organiza- tions) started having round-ta-

bles z1996," says Ken patters06 president of the Construction Materials Recycling As- sociation and founder of Packer Industries Inc. "Our main concern was that there was so much clean construction waste that could be recycled that was going to landfills. And recycling those materials is cost competi- tive on top of it." Nearly two million tons of c~s t ruc t ion re la teddebr i s~chas lumber, - -

gypsum wallboard, bricks and cinder blocks, were generated in Georgia in 2000, according to the Southface Energy Insti- tute, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organiza- tion dedicated to offering education, re- search and technical assistance programs on sustainable energy and environmental technologies.

From the roundtables, the idea for an en- vironmentally friendly, resource efficient home building program was born. At that time, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) was offering grants for green building pilot programs. The 4,000 member Greater Atlanta Home Builder's Association (GAHBA) received one of the grants and began to study both mandatory and voluntary green building programs in the United States. "We wanted to try to write a program that would work for the en- tire Southeast," says Pam Sessions, presi- dent of GAHBA and Hedgewood Properties Inc. A strong alliance between the GAHBA green building committee members, many of whom attended the original roundtables, and Southface Energy Institute was formed. Together, the team created the EarthCraft House program. "We are nontraditional

And Product Innovations I

GREEN BUILDING SH l~N-E SI N-ATLANTA - fortable homes that reduce utility bills and

protect the environment. "At the heart of the

Regional program is a different way to think about homebuilding," Sessions says. "It includes

manufacturers, both mainstream and innovative ways to be a part of the bigger solution to improve air

construction and water quality - issues that are big in Atlanta and across the country."

ally became almost as important as the ini- tial green building planning phase."

ON-THE-JOB MCYCLING

fimzs and organizations partner for affordable, earth- friendly homes and communities in the EarthCraft

wfio came together to create some- program, thing with lasting value," Sessions reflects. "Our partnership with them (Southface) re-

SMART GROWTH MANAGEMENT The goal of EarthCraft House is to posi-

tion Atlanta's homebuilders as leaders in smart growth management and environ- mental stewardship. Packer, one of the grand sponsors of the EarthCraft House program and Sessions, who is known for building homes in some of Atlanta's most sought-after neighborhoods, were involved in the initial building of six pilot homes that incorporated different combinations of energy, water and air saving techniques. After the program was underway, Sessions made a commitment to build only Earth- Craft Houses.

EarthCraft is considered one of the most progressive home building programs in the country. Introduced in the fall of 1999, more than 100 builders have joined the program. It is a voluntary green building program that serves as a blueprint for healthy, com-

Amy Satkofsky

More than 85 percent of construction and demolition debris is reusable or rec clable. l Drywall, wood, asphalt, brick and lock, and roofing shingles can all be ground and used again on-site.

ON-SITE RECYCLING Without reusing or recycling, the NAHB

says on average (and depending on the builder), 6,000 to 10,000 pounds of material per home ends up in landfills. Patterson says that more than 85 percent of the mate- rial generated is reusable or recyclable, therefore only 900 to 1,100 pounds per 2,050 square foot home would have to be land- filled, reducing the environmental impact significantly. Wood and drywall make up more than two-thirds of the residential con-

with used food," he chuckles. The tribe determined the food residuals

composting odor was caused by lack of aera- tion. Originally lifted and turned by a front- end loader, piles are now aerated by a windrow turner every day. Odors essential- ly have been eliminated. On the first day of the composting process, piles are turned just once. Beginning on the second day, and con- tinuing throughout the process, the compost is turned three or four times daily. The pro- cess takes a minimum of 15 days a t a con- stant temperature of 135°F or higher. The Tribe, however, likes to go above and beyond those specifications, maintaining the tem- ~ e r a t u r e for 18 davs. Dailv moisture and

If the tribe has continued success with odor management, it would like to expand the food residuals com~os t in~

~empe~tYtiirKiEZiit&iiig ~ri&ddocumerit~dET 1- V

a logbook. program. Once the odor was under conjh-01, sanita-

buffer between the com

mandated by the EPA, it is transferred to a covered storage a rea for curing, then screened to one-half inch. Samples are sent to the North Carolina Department of Agri- culture for metal and nutrient testing. Fin- ished compost that meets state standards is then marketed and sold.

THE BlOSOLlDS CONNECTION While tribal utilities

working during the past

sified as a "special

pense to the trib

ment plant with belt filter presses, chemi- cally treated and transported three days a week to the composting site adjacent to the solid waste transfer station. An average of 24 tonslweek are delivered.

Biosolids are composted using a fan- forced aerated stat ic pile method in a roofed, partially walled building. While equipment is shared between the two com- posting operations, "We use a separate bucket and thoroughly wash the machinery between biosolids and food residuals mix- ing," says Long. The compost beds consist of seven inches of wood chips with a six- inch, hole-filled plastic pipe running through the center. The pipe is connected to a blower unit that can push positive air

or pull negative air from the pile. For every eight tons of biosolids, 21 cubic yards of mulch, three cubic yards of paper and 1.5 cubic yards of straw are added. The mate- rial must reach a temperature of 146" F. I t usually takes 13 to 15 days to reach that temperature and the temperature is main- tained for 15 days. Long says a t least two extra days are added to each cycle to ensure no pathogens are present.

The compost is dried for 30 days and cured until the moisture level is 30 percent or less. At that point, it is screened to quarter-inch size with a Screen USA unit. The fines are marketed and sold. Overs are mixed in with new biosolids as an amendment. There is a l e a ~ l i a t e ~ l l e c t i ~ ~ s ~ s t ~ r n ~ o ~ s i t e %well that was installed when the biosolids com- poyting program was started. After the c mpost meets EPA s tandards for pathogens and vector attraction reduction, P samples are sent to the North Carolina De- partment of Agriculture for nutrient testing. The Tribe then posts the results and appli- cation uses and customers can determine what type of compost they want to buy.

Both the biosolids and food residuals compost sell quickly to landscapers and homeowners. "We get letters of praise about our products," Long confesses. "The before and after pictures included in the guide book are like photos from Better Homes & Gardens magazine. People are on waiting lists to get their hands on some." Both prod- ucts sell for $35lton. Some food residuals compost is reserved for use within the reser- vation's Qualla Boundary on rhododen- drons that are planted around the facility. The North Carolina Department of Trans- portation and the EBCI-are also discussing the use of food residuals compost on high- way flower projects.

TOUCHING THE FUTURE For members of the tribe, the "Reduce,

Reuse, Recycle" mantra is nothing new. Re- cycling since 1989, the tribe "showed they

\believe in recycling through the success of t e food composting program," Long says. \ On ,way the utilities department ensures the three-pronged catch phrase continues is through educational programs - aimed at both young people and adults. The theory behind the educational programs is to teach children the benefits of composting and re- cycling. Consisting of video presentations, worksheets and demonstrations, the pro- gram has worked. "Kids go home and talk to their parents about it. Word spreads like wildfire," says Long. The subsequent inter- est has sparked the formation of backyard composting programs for adults.

If the tr ibe has continued success with odor management, it would like to ex- pand the food residuals composting program. Three area restaurants have al- ready expressed interest in participating. For more information about the program or the Composting Made Simple guide, log on to www.epa.gov/tribalmsw/thirds/ cherokee.htm1. -A.S..

struction waste stream by weight, according to NAHB statistics. Georgia enacted "no burn, no bury" legislation for construction waste about three years ago, which has giv- en a boost to recycling these feedstocks, adds Patterson.

To facilitate on-site recycling, Packer In- dustries designed two horizontal grinders in the early 1990s that can handle green wood residuals, construction and demolition (C&D) debris, masonry, gypsum drywall, brick and block, asphalt, asphalt roofing shingles and municipal solid waste. Wood with nails or metal bracing can be pro- cessed; a magnet a t the end of the grinder's conveyor belt separates the metal from the

- source choices, pass a final on-site inspec- tion, and score 150 points during the in-

Earthcraft Houses spection for green concepts and products used in the house. The role of the final in-

are designed to save spector is not just to ensure that builders meet the program's guidelines, but to act as

money energy and a consultant, helping builders improve their

the environment. homes, preventing callbacks from new homeowners, explains Jim Hackler, director of the EarthCraft House program at South- face Energy Institute.

EarthCraft Houses are designed to save money, energy and the environment. They can range in size from small, low-income homes built by Habitat for Humanity to $2 million mansions. The building envelope is

wood mulch. Existing vegetation removed . ,.,i..ku; 4..ce;.yx '+P'w

for construction also is ground. , .;,K , , .. .' ;I..r;.:. - - ., . ." .~A'.,.&@

Sediment runoff from construction sites '.'..', ,:;..;;<. .:. ,:,. ... a

',f&' ":? has been identified as the "number one non- . A- &.- point source pollutant in Georgia's water- ways," Patterson explains. The state re- quires that two to three-inches of mulch has to cover the entire site during construction. In addition, mulch is put in berms around a site's perimeter to control sediment runoff. It also is used around trees on the proper- ties, and to build walking paths around the house, allowing prospective buyers easy and safe access to the house even in inclement

% ~ . weather. "It's great even for construction crews in mud-

4 dy weather,"Patterson says. The drywall is applied as a

p - 4 soil amendment, ei ther spread on top or incorporat- ed into the soil. Cement blocks and bricks are used in driveways or in landscaping designs, and in trail systems in housing subdivisions. Reusing the materials is

cost competitive to tradi- tional landfilling. I n the metro Atlanta area, tipping fees are about $27/ton. When builders are spending $15,000 to $20,00O/month in tipping fees, they start to look a t alternatives. "When a builder realizes the eco- nomic benefit, as well as the

additional marketing advantage recycling gives them, they will try the service," Pat- terson says.

WHAT MAKES AN EARTHCRAFT HOUSE? Southface and the GAHBA determined

that rapid growth, such as what Atlanta is experiencing, takes a toll on general home quality. They used that information as a hook to interest builders. "That factor alone opened up a dialog between EarthCraft and homebuilders," Sessions explains. So far, more than 300 EarthCraft homes have been I built and almost 1,000 more are scheduled to be built in the near future.

To be certified as an EarthCraft House, builders must be members of the GAHBA, complete a comprehensive training course, submit detailed worksheets that outline re-

BUILDING INSPECTION CRITERIA HAT does a builder learn in the Building envelope and systems; Appli- duce a pressure change determines mandatory GAHBA training ances and lighting; Resource efficient how leaky a house is. A house that course and what does the in- design; Resource efficient building ma- meets EarthCraft specifications for be- W

spector look for once a house is fin- terials; Waste management; Indoor air ing airtight is about twice as tight as a ished? The EarthCraft home design is quality; Indoor water quality; Outdoor typical home, according to inspectors. based on Building America's "whole water quality; Homeowner education; Builders can have a maximum five per- house" systems engineering approach, Builder operations; and Bonus points. cent leakage to pass a duct blast test which considers a house a complete Based on a point system, the builder and can have no more than 0.35 air system, instead of separate compo- outlines how points for environmental changes per hour to pass a blower door nents, to improve health and safety, en- value will be achieved. A builder must test. Inspections are about three hours hance comfort, and increase durability score 150 points to pass the inspec- long and most first-time builders don't and affordability - all while optimizing tion. The most points are given out for pass on the first try. Southface Energy energy efficiency. Building America is an easily implemented practices that have provides the inspections for free to the organization that helps builders meet high environmental impact. At least 75 builders through funding from the Pol- performance-based energy-efficient cri- of those points must come from an en- lution Prevention Assistance Division teria without raising the cost of con- ergy-efficient building envelope and (P2AD) of the Georgia Department of struction. The national approach is tak- energy-efficient systems. To test this, Natural Resources and the Georgia En- en one step further by EarthCraft with a EarthCraft inspectors use special fans vironmental Facilities Authority. A rating system that fully analyzes 12 ar- to pressurize the house and the duct- builder scores bonus points by using eas of homebuilding: Site planning; work. How hard the fans work to pro- innovative green building techniques.

-1 a n essential component and nlally homes arc built using 'l'yvek Weatherization Sys-

"When a builder tems insulatopfroh DuPont to create an air- tight building. Air ducts are carefully sealed

realizes the with insulation and plastic so air cannot es- cape and the water heater is insulated -

economic benefits none of this can be done incorrectly or the builder won't pass the inspection. Energy-

and marketing efficient home appliances and windows are

advantages that installed. Although it is estimated that ini- tial costs for an EarthCraft house are 0.5 to

recycling gives, will try the serv

they three percent higher than a regular house, the difference is inade up in utility bills (an

ice." estimated 30 percent savings annually), maintenance, mortgage payments, insur- ance and health coscs ;elated to air quality, notes Hackler. Saving energy also trans- lates into a significant reduction in released air pollutants - an estimated 3,163 lbs. of carbon, 78 lbs. of sulfur dioxide, and 23 lbs. of nitrogen oxides per home won't enter the atmosphere. Carpet manufactured from re- cycled plastic, low volatile organic com- pound (VOC) paints, radon detection sys- tems, high efficiency lighting, concrete inade of fly ash and xeriscaping are all EarthCraft features builders can choose to implement. Fannie Mae offers low mortgage rates for homes that utilize green building techniques and is a grand sponsor of the EarthCraft House program.

MARKETING STRATEGIES The benefits of EarthCraft Houses are

pitched differently to builders and potential homebuyers. Manufacturiilg partners such as Techshield, DuPont, Whirlpool, Icynene, Inc., Nortlzwest Exterminating and The Home Depot donate money for marketing. Many of the companies already work with builders and can promote the EarthCraft prograin through existing relationships. Lower monthly disposal bills are also a big draw. However, the most effective market-

ing tactic is that the program is voluntary, Sessions says. Should a similar program be- come mandatory, clients actively seeking green builders would be able to go to any company, and the marketing advantage would be lost.

For consumers, the number one pitch is a reduction in energy costs. "Some people want EarthCraft homes for the altruistic ap- peal, but the energy savings is concrete - people want that," Sessions says. Hedge- wood Properties, for example, had a special promotion offering free utilities to buyers for two years to attract attention to the energy- saving advantages of an EarthCraft home. Air quality is another selling point and con- sumers like the use of low VOC paints and carpets. Hedgewood also markets technical features that enhance air quality, such as filtered fresh air intakes and sealed ducts. Satisfied customers also play a role in the marketing. Word of mouth can't be beaten when homeowners are singing the praise of EarthCraft homes. Ads are also strategical- ly placed on television shows, radio stations and in newspapers.

FUTURE DIRECTION EarthCraft is working on developing cri-

teria for traditional design housing develop- ments with even more built-in advantages. Storinwater management, erosion control, land planning and energy are all factors cur- rently being analyzed. Low energy public lighting is "just the tip of the iceberg," Ses- sions says. "We want to do electric charging statioils for cars in each garage." The pro- grain is also looking into renovating houses to meet EarthCraft standards.

Information about the EarthCraft House prograln is available a t www.earthcraft- house.com or by calling the Greater At- l a n t a Home Bui lders Associat ion a t (770) 938-9900.