Green 200: The Science of Green Building

Green 200: The Science of Green Building

Course Goals

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Learning Objectives1. Green Home Design  

How professionals make choices and work together

2. Green Home Construction—The Building Envelope Moving design choices from the

drawing table to the site

3. Green Home Construction—Systems Green systems inside the home

4. Power Off the Grid Generating electricity off the grid

5. Greening Existing Homes Retrofitting, remodeling, and

renovating existing homes

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Green Home DesignGreen Home Design1

3 Reasons for Green

1. Health and indoor air quality concerns

2. Energy efficiency

3. Environmental concerns consumers are willing

to reward or penalize a company based on its green actions and priorities.

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Green Design, Green Choices

Four phases

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Site Selection

Traditional building Starts with the design

of the home

Less consideration for the site

Green building Starts with

assessment of the site

Create a structure that integrates into the environment

Proximity to transportation and walkability to amenities

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Site SelectionGreen building; consider

seasonal impacts of the site: Location—transportation and

walkability Greenfield, greyfield, or brownfield? Sunlight patterns Prevailing winds Storm water runoff and snow

accumulation patterns Natural features such as hills and

trees Climate and microclimates Ecosystems, wildlife habitats and

corridors, wetlands

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The Green Team

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Home Design

Green building, “functional” and “compact”

Small homes cost less to build and

maintain use less material feel cozy and sheltering

Large homes contribute to sprawl require more materials consume more energy

Tip: Homeowners should make a list of all activities to assure home will meet their needs.

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Home Design Checklist

Layout and size Minimize solar heat gain Maximize natural lighting Framing Building codes and zoning Incentives Landscaping Water management Energy efficiency Recycling Certifications Future marketability Architectural appeal

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Building Materials Reclaimed sawdust in

composite floorings Bamboo in decorative

veneers Shredded paper and

cardboard in waterproof building sheathing

Recycled glass in countertops and flooring

Crushed seashells in decorative tiles

Tip: Refer to Green 100 for a list of material certifying organizations.

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Embodied Energy

the sum of all energy inputs over the lifetime of materials

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Low Toxicity

Green construction materials minimize or eliminate emissions from: Paint and adhesives Carpet Cabinetry Wall board Wall coverings Pressure treated lumber

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Pressure Treated Lumber

Purposes: to retard rotting and repel pests.

Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)• May be present in older

buildings .

• Requires special handling for disposal.

• Burning CCA emits arsenic.

Copper-based preservatives (arsenic-free)

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Managing Construction Waste

2,000 sq ft home = up to 8,000 lbs of waste

Most waste Wood

Cardboard

Drywall

Green construction plan: Efficient cuts

Minimal or recycled packaging

Deconstruction instead of demolition

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Interior SystemsInterrelationships

Balance; site with building orientation, ventilation with air quality and moisture control, HVAC with insulation.

Sound and Light Balance privacy, natural lighting,

ventilation, connection with nature, interior heating or cooling, and quiet spaces.

Indoor Climate Balance livability with sustainability and

energy-efficiency.

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Interior Systems

Water Management Conserving, harvesting and heating

Energy Load Energy modeling estimates energy

consumed in BTUs, dollars, or pollution avoidance as a result of design and system choices.

On Site Energy Generation Home design systems for generating and

storing, or selling back, electricity.

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