minnesota sustainable design guide · © 2000 regents of the university of minnesota, twin cities...

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© 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved. (Draft May 2000) 2-1 Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide The design strategies for the Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide fall into six environmental topics: site, water, energy, indoor environment, materials, and waste. Many of the sustainable design strategies relate to more than one environmental topic. Subsequently, linkages are provided between topics. Some of the greatest design and ecological benefits occur when strategies combine with others to address and integrate multiple concerns (such as the relationship between environmental impacts, human experience, economics, and design aesthetics). ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS

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Page 1: Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide · © 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved

© 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved. (Draft May 2000)

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

The design strategies for the Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide fall into six environmental topics: site, water, energy,indoor environment, materials, and waste. Many of the sustainable design strategies relate to more than one environmentaltopic. Subsequently, linkages are provided between topics. Some of the greatest design and ecological benefits occurwhen strategies combine with others to address and integrate multiple concerns (such as the relationship betweenenvironmental impacts, human experience, economics, and design aesthetics).

ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS

Page 2: Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide · © 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved

© 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved. (Draft May 2000)

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

Page 3: Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide · © 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved

© 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved. (Draft May 2000)

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

Site Environmental ConcernsFrom the very outset, building development affects and transforms the land. On a macro levelit contributes to deforestation, destruction of wetlands and sprawl among other environmentalproblems. Nearly half of the forests that once covered the earth are gone. Over 50% of thewetlands of the contiguous United States have been destroyed - filled, contaminated orotherwise “reclaimed” (National Science and Technology Council, 1994). In addition to thesheer quantity of loss of forest cover it is the quality and biodiversity of the remainingecosystem that is under threat by human enterprise. According to the Natural ResourcesDefense Council (NRDC), at least 50,000 species become extinct per year (137 per day or 6per hour). The sprawl of cities also affects the environment adversely. Further, whendevelopment is spread out at a low density it requires more infrastructure - sewer pipes, powerlines, water mains, roads and so on. In addition, the thousands of energy burning vehiclesdriving out to these areas contribute to environmental damage.

Site Goals

In view of these environmental concerns,sustainable design embodies the following goals:

• Reduce sprawl due to new development.• Maintain and/or restore the biodiversity of natural

systems.• Respond to microclimate and natural energy

flows.• Restore, maintain, and/or enhance the natural

character of the site.• Reduce energy use for transportation.

Site Strategies

The sustainable design goals listed are translatedinto the following strategies:

1.1 Direct Development to EnvironmentallyAppropriate Areas

1.2 Maintain and Enhance the Biodiversity andEcology of the Site

1.3 Use Microclimate and EnvironmentallyResponsive Site Design Strategies

1.4 Use Native Trees, Shrub, and Plants1.5 Use Resource Efficient Modes of

Transportation

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© 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved. (Draft May 2000)

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

Strategy 1.1: Direct Development to Environmentally Appropriate Areas

Purpose: To direct development to appropriate sites and locations (i.e. previously developedareas, brownfields, and locations with existing infrastructure or transportation connections),and to avoid disturbing undeveloped sites, green spaces, and farmland.

Points Possible: 3

Related Strategy: Strategy 1.2: Maintain and Enhance the Biodiversity and Ecology of theSite

1 point: The building is constructed on a site that is characterized as at least one of thefollowing:• previously developed land• a remediated brownfield (see EPA’s Brownfield Redevelopment Requirements)• an existing minimum development density of 60,000 square feet per acre (2 story

downtown development)

AND

2 points: A site is selected that avoids all of the following:• Prime agricultural land as defined by the Farmland Trust• Land with an elevation lower than 5 feet above the elevation of the 100-year flood

as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)• Land subject to erosion, wildfire, or landslides• Habitat for any species on the Federal or State threatened or endangered list• Land that is used as a wildlife corridor• Wetland as defined by 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 230-233, and

Part 22

Community-Based Planning in Minnesota.http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us/commplan/overview.html.

Good Levels of Transit Service Supply, Metropolitan Council. http://www.metrocouncil.org.

“Growing Smart in Minnesota: A Preliminary Report” is a 65-page booklet published thisyear by 1000 Friends of Minnesota for the Minnesota Smart Growth Network. It is theNetwork’s first work product and is available at the web site above and as a free printedpublication for MnSCN members. The MN Smart Growth Network includes a diverse rangeof organizations, including builder’s associations, cities, state agencies, farmer groups, andnon-profit organizations. Members endorse ten MN Smart Growth Principles and 36 policyand study recommendations that address barriers to smart growth. The recommendations havealso been endorsed by the Ventura Administration and are organized around barriers (e.g.,“Current zoning regulations, subdivision standards, building codes, and other engineering

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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© 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved. (Draft May 2000)

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

standards that encourage sprawling land use patterns at the expense of Smart Growth”).“Growing Smart” includes the following chapters and appendices:

• Why Worry About Sprawl?• The State of Land Use Planning in MN• The Role of Taxation• Demographic Trends in MN• Previous Reports & Recommendations• Existing MN Statutes: An Early Framework• A Summary of Growth Management Legislation in Other States• National Growth Management Organizations

For a free copy of this booklet, please contact Sally Peterson at (651) 215-0286, (800) 657-3843 or e-mail [email protected]://www.1000fom.org/Smart_Growth/GS_Report/gs_report.html.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop site and development goals and objectives that are environmentally responsible andappropriate.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for site location and development basedon environmental and program considerations.

Site Selection

Select sites which: avoid ecologically sensitive areas; reuse existing urban, industrial andbrownfield sites; are located near mass transit and public amenities to encourage walking toservices instead of driving; and can utilize existing infrastructure such as utilities, roadways,services, etc. Select sites that support Minnesota’s Community-Based Planning Act.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Develop design strategies that avoid inappropriate sites and minimize the disturbance ofundeveloped areas of the site. See also Strategy 1.2: Maintain and Enhance the Biodiversityand Ecology of the Site.

OCCUPANCY

Next Use

Evaluate the site to determine how to maximize the use of developed areas and minimize thedisturbance to undeveloped areas.

Actions

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© 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved. (Draft May 2000)

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

Strategy 1.2: Maintain and Enhance the Biodiversity and Ecology of the Site

Purpose: To maintain or improve the ecology and natural features of the site.

Points Possible: 3

Related Strategy:

1.1 Direct Development to Environmentally Appropriate Areas

The development effectively integrates the building with the site in a manner that minimizesthe impact on natural resources, while maximizing human comfort and social connections.

3 points: The development footprint enhances the existing biodiversity and ecology of thesite by strengthening the existing natural site patterns and making connections tothe surrounding site context. Apply all of the following:

• Select a site where the development process will cause minimum alteration andecological disturbance.

• Design the site to reconnect fragmented landscapes and establish contiguousnetworks with other natural systems both within the site and beyond itsboundaries.

• Avoid major alterations to sensitive topography, vegetation, and wildlife habitat.• Preserve ecologically significant and/or sensitive vegetation, wildlife habitat, and

topography.• Minimize the area of the site dedicated to the building, parking, and access roads.• Site the building to create traffic patterns that cause minimum site disruptions.• Other appropriate issues.

OR

2 points: The development footprint, excluding the building(s), allows approximately 75% ofthe remaining biodiversity and ecology to remain, as determined spatially, by areameasurement, of the existing conditions and surrounding site context.

OR

1 point: The development footprint, excluding the building(s), allows approximately 50% ofthe remaining biodiversity and ecology to remain, as determined spatially, by areameasurement, of the existing conditions and surrounding site context.

McHarg, Ian. Design with Nature (2nd Ed.). New York: Natural History Press, 1979.

U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Building Principles of SustainableDesign. Denver: GPO, 1993.

Sustainable Site Design Philosophy, National Park Service.http://www.nps.gov/dsc/dsgncnstr/gpsd/ch5.html.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

Actions PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop goals and objectives for the biodiversity and ecology of the site.

Programming

Develop specific criteria, standards, and factors to address in maintaining and enhancing thebiodiversity and ecology of the site.

Site Selection

Select a site where the development process will cause minimum alteration and ecologicaldisturbance. Avoid drastically impacting sensitive topography, vegetation, and wildlifehabitat.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Design the site to reconnect fragmented landscapes and establish contiguous networks withother natural systems both within the site and beyond its boundaries.

Preserve ecologically significant and/or sensitive vegetation, wildlife habitat, and topography.

Minimize the area of the site dedicated to the building, parking, and access roads.

Site building correctly to create traffic patterns that cause minimum site disruptions.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify site construction practices that support or enhance the ecological integrity of the site.

Specify procedures to protect the site during construction (i.e. trees, vegetation, habitat, etc.).

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Protect vegetation, topsoil, wildlife habitat, and ecologically sensitive areas duringconstruction.

Select an ecologically appropriate staging area for construction equipment and materials.

OCCUPANCY

Start Up

Educate the building occupants about the biodiversity and ecology of the site.

Train operators to maintain and enhance the biodiversity and ecology of the site.

Develop an educational and training manual.

Operation & Maintenance

Inspect and maintain the biodiversity and ecology of the site.

Next Use

Evaluate the biodiversity and ecology of the site for next use.

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© 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved. (Draft May 2000)

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Strategy 1.3: Use Microclimate and Environmentally Responsive Site DesignStrategies

Purpose: To develop the site to maximize climate and environmental forces in order to reduceenergy consumption and improve comfort.

Points Possible: 2

Related Strategies:3.1 Optimize Building Placement and Configuration for Energy Performance4.4 Provide Appropriate Thermal Conditions4.5 Provide Effective Lighting

The site and building are designed to respond to microclimate and environmental issues.Apply a minimum of three options to the project:

• Locate trees and shrubs to support passive heating and cooling in outdoor spaces andbuildings, and to create seasonally appropriate heatsinks and natural ventilationcorridors.

• Locate site features (walks, plazas, patios, etc.) to take advantage of seasonal sunangles, solar access, and solar orientation.

• Locate site elements at the appropriate elevation to maximize heating and coolingbenefits, reduce erosion, ensure drainage, and to make pedestrian/vehicular movementssafe and coherent.

• Design the overall site to reduce the “heat island” effect. Provide shade on at least 30%of non-roof impervious surfaces on the site (parking, walkways, plazas, etc.), use lightcolored high-albedo materials (with at least 30% reflectance), use high-reflectanceroofing, and/or consider other related alternatives.

• Design site lighting to eliminate light trespass from the building and site and tominimize impact on nocturnal environments (see the Illuminating Engineering Societyof North America Recommended Practice Manual: Lighting for ExteriorEnvironments)

• Other appropriate issues.

Public Technology, Inc., U.S. Green Building Council, U.S. DOE, U.S EPA. SustainableBuilding Technical Manual, Part 3, Chapters 5, 6,7 and 8. Available fromhttp://www.usgbc.org.

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. Recommended Practice Manual:Lighting for Exterior Environments. New York: IESNA.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop goals and objectives for microclimate and environmentally responsive site design.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards to ensure microclimate andenvironmentally responsive site design.

Develop appropriate performance indicators based on the specific site and programmaticconcerns (include the design team and landscape experts).

Site Selection

Select a site where the natural features can accommodate and/or enhance a variety ofmicroclimate design strategies. Look for opportunities to integrate the existing topography,vegetation, and water into effective, strategies that will respond to the microclimate of thesite.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Develop site planning and landscape design to respond to microclimatic conditions andenvironmental forces.

Locate and orient the building to respond to microclimatic conditions and environmentalforces (also consider their relationships to thermal, lighting, and acoustic issues). See Strategy3.1: Optimize Building Placement and Configuration for Energy Performance.

OCCUPANCY

Start Up

Educate the occupants and operations staff on how the site responds to microclimaticconditions and environmental forces.

Next Use

Evaluate the microclimatic conditions and environmental forces for next use.

Actions

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Strategy 1.4: Use Native Trees, Shrubs, and Plants

Purpose: To use climatically and regionally appropriate plants that minimize maintenance,reduce pest management and irrigation requirements, and enhance regional identity.

Points Possible: 2

Related Strategy:

2.1 Manage Site Water

Native vegetation is used on the site to conserve water, reduce pesticide use, maintain a“sense of place,” reduce plant mortality, and lower operational maintenance costs (seeResources for the Native Plant List of Minnesota).

1 point: By species: A minimum of 75% of all species planted on the site are native to thelocal area

-And-

By quantity: A minimum of 75% of all trees and shrubs are native material.

AND

1 point: An integrated pest management system is used to reduce the need for chemical pestcontrol and to reduce site toxicity.

Native Plant List of Minnesota.http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources1_4.html.

Choosing the Best Plant Materials for Your Site, Department of Natural Resourceshttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/backyard/landscape/best_materials.html.

An electronic textbook on the latest information regarding Integrated Pest Managementhttp://www.ipmworld.umn.edu.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop goals and objectives for the use of native or naturalized trees, shrubs, and plants.

Programming

Develop programming criteria and standards for the selection of trees, shrubs, and plants.

PerformanceIndicator

Actions

Resources

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Site Selection

Analyze site to determine where native trees, shrubs, and plants should be used such as inareas where mass coverage is needed and/or in locations with harsh environmental and builtconditions.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Use a majority of native trees, shrubs, and plants to minimize maintenance, reduce yardwaste, and decrease water consumption.

Use an integrated pest management system to reduce cost and effect of chemical applications.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify native trees, shrubs, and plants.

Specify an integrated pest management system.

OCCUPANCY

Start Up

Educate the building occupants about the use of native trees, shrubs, and plants.

Train operations and maintenance staff to maintain trees, shrubs, and plants; educate staff onuse of pest management system.

Operation & Maintenance

Inspect and maintain trees, shrubs, and plants.

Use a majority of native trees, shrubs, and plants for replacement plantings and futurealterations.

Next Use

Evaluate the use of native trees, shrubs, and plants for next use.

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© 2000 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. All rights reserved. (Draft May 2000)

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Strategy 1.5: Use Resource Efficient Modes of Transportation

Purpose: To conserve transportation energy by encouraging users to use publictransportation, carpool, bike, or walk.

Points Possible: 2

Alternative forms of transportation to the automobile are included in the design of the site toreduce dependence on the automobile, reduce the amount of pavement impacting naturalsystems, and to allow for more ecologically responsive approaches to the site.

1 point: The building is located within 1/4 mile of 2 or more bus lines or a light rail station,or within 1/4 mile of retail and public services.

AND

1 point: Carpool parking is designed to encourage its use by occupants. Carpool parking,pick-up areas, and covered waiting spaces are clearly marked and within closeproximity of the building entrance.

-And-

Bicycle parking areas are designed to avoid vehicular/pedestrian conflicts and arelocated conveniently next to building entrances. Parking and changing facilities areprovided for 5% of the building occupants.

Calthorpe, Peter. The Next American Metropolis. Princeton Architectural Press, 1993.

For information on Light Rail Transit see Metropolitan Council.http://www.metrocouncil.org/planning/lrt-index.htm.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop goals and objectives for resource efficient transportation.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for resource efficient transportation.

Site Selection

Select a site that provides easy access to public transportation and/or encourages carpooling,biking, and walking.

Actions

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Encourage carpooling and vanpooling by providing conveniently located parking and sheltersfor those waiting for rides.

Provide secured bicycle parking and storage facilities.

Provide change and shower facilities for those who bike to work.

If rider demand permits, contact Metro Transit to provide bus stop and shelter.

Provide a landscaped connection between building and bus stop.

OCCUPANCY

Start Up

Educate the occupants and operations staff about alternative modes of transportation andresources at the facility.

Operation & Maintenance

Maintain transportation information at the facility.

Periodically evaluate transportation needs to ensure that there are adequate resources at thefacility.

Next Use

Evaluate existing transportation resources for next use.

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Water Environmental ConcernsBuilding construction and operation draw heavily on water from the environment. Most of theearth’s water is located in oceans and is too salty for residential, commercial or industrial use.Only about 0.003 percent of earth’s water is readily available as fresh water for human use(Miller, 1992). Building materials manufacturing, construction and operations consumes 16percent of available fresh water annually. This does not reflect the impact of the buildingindustry on the quality of water. Growth in urban water use is lowering water tables andnecessitating large projects that siphon supplies away from agriculture. Since the turn ofcentury, the worldwide municipal use of water has grown 19 times and industrial use hasgrown 26 times. In contrast, agricultural use has increased only 5 times (Worldwatch Institute,1999).

Water Goals

In view of these environmental concerns,sustainable design embodies the following goals:

• Preserve site watersheds and groundwateraquifers.

• Conserve and reuse stormwater.• Reduce potable water consumption.• Reduce off-site treatment of wastewater.• Maintain appropriate level of water quality on the

site and in the building(s).

Water Strategies

The sustainable design goals listed aretranslated into the following strategies:

2.1 Manage Site Water2.2 Use Gray Water Systems2.3 Use Biological Waste Treatment Systems2.4 Conserve Building Water Consumption2.5 Conserve Cooling Tower Water

Consumption

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

Strategy 2.1: Manage Site Water

Purpose: To protect watersheds, maintain water quality, reduce erosion, and consumption ofpotable water. Another goal is to maintain rain water on site instead of diverting it to the stormdrain system.

Points Possible: 5

Related Strategies:

2.2: Use Gray Water Systems4.2: Control Moisture to Prevent Microbial Contamination

3 points: Stormwater:A stormwater management plan is implemented that meets or exceeds the bestpractice recommendations in the document “Protecting Water Quality in UrbanAreas: Best Management Practices for Minnesota” (Minnesota Pollution ControlAgency). Also apply all the options below that are appropriate to the project:

• Select a site that will require minimum alterations and ecological impacts to thewatersheds.

• Develop design strategies that minimize disturbances to the watershed.• Use biologically based stormwater management features such as swales; sediment

control ponds, pools, and wetlands along drainage courses; and infiltration basinsto retain and treat stormwater on site.

• Retain and/or maximize pervious and vegetated areas of the site.• Minimize hardscapes and use permeable paving and surface materials to

maximize site water absorption.• Design pavements and locate them in such a manner as to reduce stormwater

velocity between pavements and to facilitate water infiltration into the soil.• Capture rainwater from impervious areas of the building for groundwater recharge

or reuse in the building (see related Strategy 2.2).• Design drainage to keep water away from the building.• Other appropriate issues.

AND

1 point: Irrigation and Specialty-use Water:Eliminate the need for irrigation through selection of drought resistant plant speciesand/or use systems that maximize efficient use of water in the landscape. Alsoapply all the options below that are appropriate to the project:

• Specify irrigation systems and vegetation that minimize water consumption.• Use efficient irrigation systems (drip irrigation, moisture sensors, and weather

data based controllers).• Match system to water use.• Use correct nozzles on irrigation heads.• Use recirculating water in fountains and water displays.• See related Strategy 2.2 for gray water irrigation systems.

PerformanceIndicator

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

AND

1 point: Erosion Control:Meet or exceed the standard for erosion control measures outlined in “ProtectingWater Quality in Urban Areas: Best Management Practices for Minnesota,”Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Also apply all the options below that areappropriate to the project:

• Prevent soil erosion before, during, and after construction by controllingstormwater runoff and wind erosion. Consider silt fencing, sediment traps,construction phasing, stabilization of slopes, and maintaining and enhancingvegetation and groundcover.

• Protect hillsides using adequate erosion control measures such as hydro seeding,erosion control blankets, and/or sedimentation ponds to collect runoff.

“Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas: Best Management Practices for Minnesota,”Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (Scheduled to be updated and published Fall 1999-Winter 2000.). http://www.pca.state.mn.us.

“Stormwater Program for Construction Activity,” Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/stormwater-c.html#info.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop goals and objectives for the management of site water.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards that must be met in the management ofsite water.

Site Selection

Select a site that will require minimum alterations and ecological impacts to the watershedsand/or water features.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Develop design strategies that minimize disturbances to the watershed.

Use swales, sediment control ponds, pools and wetlands along drainage courses or infiltrationbasins to retain and treat stormwater on site.

Minimize hardscapes and use permeable surface materials to maximize site water absorption.

Design drainage to keep water away from the building.

Actions

Resources

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

Use drought resistant vegetation to reduce the need for irrigation (see Strategy 1.4: Use NativeTrees, Shrubs, and Plants).

Use efficient irrigation systems to minimize water consumption.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify systems that retain and treat stormwater on the site.

Specify permeable surfaces.

Specify irrigation systems and vegetation that minimize water consumption.

Specify erosion control procedures to protect the site during construction.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Monitor all erosion control measures before, during, and after a storm.

Protect hillsides using adequate erosion control measures such as hydro seeding, erosioncontrol blankets, and/or sedimentation ponds to collect runoff.

Commissioning

Ensure that site water management systems are installed and working properly.

OCCUPANCY

Start-Up

Educate the occupants on the site water management strategies and systems.

Train the operations and maintenance staff on the site water management strategies andsystems.

Provide an operating manual for site water management.

Operation & Maintenance

Inspect and maintain site water management systems.

Next Use

Evaluate existing site water management systems for next use.

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

Strategy 2.2: Use Gray Water Systems

Purpose: To reduce the consumption of water by using gray water for activities that do notrequire potable water (such as toilets, process water, irrigation, and vehicle washing, etc.).

Points Possible: 2

Related Strategies:

2.3: Use Biological Waste Treatment Systems

Gray water systems are used to reduce the use of potable water on the site and/or within thebuilding. Use rainwater and/or gray water for non-potable water uses such as irrigation,toilets, vehicle washing, sewage transport, HVAC/process make-up water, etc. Technologiescould include constructed wetlands, basins, and ponds; cisterns; a mechanical re-circulatingsand filter; and gray water reclamation and plumbing systems.

Public Technology, Inc., US Green Building Council, US DOE, and US EPA, SustainableBuilding Technical Manual, Part 3, Chapter 6.

Burks, Bennette; and Mary Minnis. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, Madison, Conn:Hogarth House Ltd., 1994.

Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment and Wildlife Habitat, EnvironmentalProtection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/construc/intro.html.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Determine whether gray water systems are appropriate based on program and activities withinthe building and on the site. If so, develop goals and objectives for gray water reclamation.

Programming

If gray water systems are to be used, develop specific programming criteria and standards.

Site Selection

Evaluate the site to determine if there are opportunities to collect rainwater for non-potableuse on the site or within the building.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Evaluate the site and building for opportunities for gray water reclamation (from exteriorcatchment areas, sinks, showers, etc.) and nonpotable water uses (i.e. irrigation, toilets, etc.).Evaluate availability of potential storage areas on the site (basins, cisterns, ponds, etc.).

Actions

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide

Research and analyze systems early in the design process to ensure successful and effectivedesign solutions. Evaluate requirements for permits and/or variances. Design and selectappropriate gray water system based on site and building determinants.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify gray water systems for the site and building. Specify the type of storage area that ismost applicable for use.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Educate occupants and operations staff about gray water strategies and systems.

Next Use

Determine whether existing gray water systems are appropriate for next use.

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Strategy 2.3: Use Biological Waste Treatment Systems

Purpose: To treat liquid waste on the site and within the building by using use biologicalmethods instead of the municipal water treatment plant.

Points Possible: 1

Related Strategies:2.2: Use Gray Water Systems

A biological waste treatment system is used to reduce the volume of blackwater entering themunicipal system. Alternatives include peat moss drain fields, constructed wetlands, aerobictreatment systems, solar aquatic waste systems (or living machines), and composting orecologically-based toilets, etc.

“Development of Alternative On-site Treatment Systems for Waste Water Treatment: ADemonstration Project for Northern Minnesota,” Natural Resources Research Institute, (800)234-0054.

Public Technology, Inc., US Green Building Council, US DOE, and US EPA, SustainableBuilding Technical Manual, Part 3, Chapter 6.

Burks, Bennette; and Mary Minnis. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, Madison, Conn:Hogarth House Ltd., 1994.

Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment and Wildlife Habitat, EnvironmentalProtection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/construc/intro.html.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop goals and objectives for biological waste treatment.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for biological waste treatment.

Site Selection

In areas not served by a public waste treatment facility, select a site that can accommodateapproved exterior biological waste treatment systems such as peat moss drain fields, treatmentwetlands, etc.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Develop appropriate design strategies and select appropriate systems based on program,occupants, and site.

Actions

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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For wetland systems, identify design requirements based on users, capacity, pollutants to beremoved from water, area and detention time necessary for thorough treatment, vegetation andaquatic life survival requirements, and aesthetics.

Develop strategies that integrate ecologically appropriate toilets and related systems.

Use alternative waste treatment systems, such as peat moss drain fields, wetlands,consolidated systems, and composting (or ecologically appropriate) toilets instead of treatingwaste at municipal treatment plant.

Use constructed wetlands which use microbes and plants to break down waste. (Two wetlandoptions are: 1) Surface-flow wetlands, or waste water lagoons, which consist of a tieredsystem of ponds filled with wetland plants to remove the waste (Subsurface-flow wetlands,which use a gravel medium to anchor plants instead of soil.), and 2) Use composting toilets.Whether self-contained units or central systems, use heat and fresh air to turn human wasteinto a light, dry odorless humus.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify biological waste treatment systems for the site and building.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Educate occupants and operations staff on biological waste treatment systems on the site andin the building.

Next Use

Evaluate biological waste treatment systems for next use.

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Strategy 2.4: Conserve Building Water Consumption

Purpose: To conserve water by using efficient toilets, faucets, showers, dishwashers, andother equipment.

Points Possible: 1

Related Strategies:

3.6: Use Efficient Equipment and Appliances

Design strategies and systems are used to exceed the building water conservationrequirements of the Energy Policy Act (EPACT) of 1992 (not including irrigation). Apply allthe options below that are appropriate to the project:

• Use infrared faucet sensors and delayed action shut-off or automatic mechanical shut-off valves.

• Use low flow toilets. EPACT requirement: 1.5 gallons per flush (GPF).• Use lavatory faucets with flow restrictors for a maximum rate of .5 gallons per minute

(GPM), or use metering faucets at 0.25 gallons per cycle. EPACT requirement: 2.5GPM.

• Use low-flow kitchen faucets. EPACT requirement: 2.5 GPM.• Use low-flow showerheads. EPACT requirement: 2.5 GPM.• Use domestic dishwashers that use 10 gallons a cycle or less. Use commercial

dishwashers (conveyor) which use 120 gallons per hour.• Use waterless urinals.

Energy Policy Act of 1992, Advisory Committee on External Regulation of Department ofEnergy Nuclear Safety. http://www.em.doe.gov/adc/rpt9-2.html.

Department of Energy’s NEPA web site. http://www.whitehouse.gov/CEQ/.

The Regulatory Assistance Project. http://www.rapmaine.org/epact92.html.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop goals and objectives for building water consumption.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for building water consumption.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Review the Energy Policy Act (EPACT) of 1992 which outlines water conservationrequirements for fixtures.

Actions

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Use infrared faucets sensors and delayed action shut-off or automatic mechanical shut-offvalves.

Use low flow toilets. EPACT requirement: 1.5 gallons per flush (GPF).

Use lavatory faucets with flow restrictors for a maximum rate of .5 gallons per minute (GPM),or use metering faucets at 0.25 gallons per cycle. EPACT requirement: 2.5 GPM.

Use low-flow kitchen faucets. EPACT requirement: 2.5 GPM.

Use low-flow shower heads. EPACT requirement: 2.5 GPM. (Consider lower levels sincesome states allow 2 GPM.)

Use domestic dishwashers which use 10 gallons a cycle or less. Use commercial dishwashers(conveyor) which use 120 gallons per hour.

Use waterless urinals, especially in regions with limited water. Waterless urinals are odor free,and are installed to a typical drain line. A small quantity of “blue seal” liquid isolates urinefrom room atmosphere and is recharged periodically (every 1500 uses). Verify compliancewith local codes.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify water saving fixtures and appliances.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Verify that substitutions meet water conservation requirements.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Educate building occupants and operations staff about water saving practices. Post signage toencourage water conservation.

Next Use

Evaluate the existing water consumption and systems. Determine whether systems areappropriate for next use.

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Strategy 2.5: Conserve Cooling Tower Water Consumption

Purpose: To conserve and reuse cooling tower water by using efficient systems andstrategies.

Points Possible: 1

If a cooling tower is used, select systems that maximize water conservation (i.e. automatedblowdown systems, conductivity probes, deduct water meters, and delimiters to reduce driftand evaporation). Use discharge water for irrigation.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Determine whether a cooling tower will be used in the design. If so, establish waterconservation as a project goal for the system. Develop specific programming criteria andstandards for cooling tower water conservation.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Avoid “once-through systems” which are prohibited by Minnesota Statute 15.03. “Once-through” systems are used for evaporation coolers, ice makers, hydraulic equipment, and aircompressors.

Select systems that maximize water conservation (i.e. automated blowdown systems,conductivity probes, deduct water meters, delimiters to reduce drift and evaporation, etc.)

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify automated blowdown systems so that blowdown is done only as needed (rather thanon a routine).

Specify conductivity probes so that actual solid amounts can be measured and the blowdowncycle can be used only when necessary.

Specify cooling towers with delimiters to reduce drift and evaporation.

Specify a deduct water meter to measure water that is not discharged to sewage system, suchas water evaporated from cooling tower. Contact water supplier to obtain water saving credit,if available.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Regularly clean the blowdown detector (if dirty, it detects the need for blowdown too earlyand discharges water for too long).

Actions

PerformanceIndicator

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If a conductivity meter exists, switch from a batch method to a continuous method. Acontinuous, low volume bleed-off keeps the conductivity steady at the desired level, whichconserves water and reduces the need for treatment chemicals.

Use discharge water for irrigation.

Next Use

Determine whether the cooling tower systems can be reused for next use.

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Energy Environmental ConcernsBuildings are energy intensive in their construction and operation. According to theWorldwatch Institute about 40 percent of the world’s total energy usage is dedicated to theconstruction and operation of buildings. Buildings consume energy, from the mine to foundryto construction site. In the United States, construction and material production account forroughly 9 percent of energy use. In contrast, buildings operation accounts for approximately30 percent of U.S. energy consumption. This energy use has serious impacts on theenvironment. Buildings account for about one-third of the emissions of heat-trapping carbondioxide from fossil fuel burning and two-fifths of acid rain-causing sulfur-dioxide andnitrogen oxides. Buildings also contribute to other side effects of energy use, including oilspills, nuclear waste generation, river damming, toxic run-off from coal mines, and mercuryemissions from coal burning (Worldwatch Institute, 1992, 1994).

Energy Goals

In view of these environmental concerns,sustainable design embodies the followinggoals:

• Reduce total energy consumption ofbuildings.

• Reduce air pollution, global warming, andozone depletion impacts of energy sources.

• Slow depletion of fossil fuel reserves.

Energy Strategies

The sustainable design goals listed aretranslated into the following strategies:

Reduce Loads

3.1 Optimize Building Placement andConfiguration for Energy Performance

3.2 Optimize Building Envelope ThermalPerformance

3.3 Provide Daylighting Integrated withElectric Lighting Controls

Design Efficient Systems

3.4 Provide Efficient Electric LightingSystems and Controls

3.5 Maximize Mechanical SystemsPerformance

3.6 Use Efficient Equipment and Appliances

Use Energy Sources with Low

Environmental Impact

3.7 Use Renewable or Other AlternativeEnergy Sources

Simulate Total Building Energy Use

3.8 Integrate All Systems and Reduce TotalEnergy Use

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Strategy 3.1: Optimize Building Placement and Configuration for EnergyPerformance

Purpose: Place, orient, and configure the building on the site to minimize energy use bymeans of daylighting, solar heating, natural ventilation, and shading from vegetation or otherbuildings.

Points Possible: 2

Related Strategies:

Strategy 1.3: Use Microclimate and Environmentally Responsive Site Design Strategies

The building is sited and configured to optimize passive solar opportunities for heating,cooling, and daylighting. Apply all of the options below that are appropriate to the project.Locate and orient the building and configure occupied spaces and openings:

• To maximize opportunities for daylighting and desired solar heat gain.• To maximize passive solar gains and/or control unwanted solar heat gain

(including the use of existing vegetation, land forms and buildings to provideshading).

• To minimize thermal losses due to wind-driven infiltration.• To maximize opportunities for natural ventilation.

Watson, Donald, ed. The Energy Design Handbook. Washington DC: The American Instituteof Architects Press, 1993.

Steven Winter Associates, Inc., Adrian Tuluca (lead author). Energy Efficient Design andConstruction for Commercial Buildings. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.

City of New York Department of Design and Construction. High Performance BuildingGuidelines. New York, NY: April 1999.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish goals related to strategies such as natural ventilation, solar heating, daylighting, andshading.

Site Selection

Select a site that provides opportunity for energy conserving design strategies. Consider solaraccess, adjacent buildings, vegetation, topography, and wind patterns.

Actions

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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DESIGN

Schematic Design

Develop the site and building plan to take advantage of energy conserving strategies. Locateand orient the building and configure occupied spaces and openings to maximizeopportunities for daylighting and desired solar heat gain. Use strategies to avoid unwantedsolar heat gain and heat loss. Consider thermal losses due to wind-driven infiltration. Developshading alternatives. Maximize passive solar and passive cooling opportunities (includingnatural ventilation).

Evaluate effectiveness of design strategies with an annual energy use calculation.

Design Development

Further develop components of the energy conserving systems such as window placement fordaylighting, solar gain or natural ventilation. Use an annual energy use calculation to comparealternative strategies. Determine initial and operating costs of any strategies employed.

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Strategy 3.2: Optimize Building Envelope Thermal Performance

Purpose: To reduce heating and cooling energy consumption by heat losses or heat gainsthrough the building envelope. To ensure the integrity of the building envelope to providethermal comfort and prevent condensation.

Points Possible: 2

Related Strategies:

Strategy 3.3: Provide Daylighting Integrated with Electric Lighting ControlsStrategy 4.4: Provide Appropriate Thermal Conditions

The building envelope is designed to optimize thermal performance. Apply all of the optionsbelow that are appropriate to the project:

• Size openings, select glazing, and utilize shading devices (interior or exterior) tooptimize daylighting and glare control while minimizing unwanted heat loss andheat gain. Glazing with a high Visible Transmittance (VT) is desirable fordaylighting. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)/Shading Coefficient (SC)requirements depend on desire for maximizing passive solar heating (higherSHGC) or minimizing heat gain (lower SHGC). In colder climates, glazing with alow U-factor minimizes energy use and may reduce need for perimeter heating.

• Optimize insulation amounts to reduce heating and cooling energy consumption byheat losses or heat gains through the building envelope.

• Moderate interior temperature extremes by using thermal mass where appropriate.• Ensure the integrity of the building envelope to provide thermal comfort and

prevent condensation. Use best air/vapor barrier practices and avoid thermalbridging.

Steven Winter Associates, Inc., Adrian Tuluca (lead author). Energy Efficient Design andConstruction for Commercial Buildings. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.

City of New York Department of Design and Construction. High Performance BuildingGuidelines. New York, NY: April 1999.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish heating and cooling energy consumption goals for the building.

Actions

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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DESIGN

Schematic Design

Develop design strategies that optimize the performance of the building envelope. Sizeopenings, select glazing, and utilize shading devices (interior or exterior) to optimizedaylighting and glare control while minimizing unwanted heat loss and heat gain. Selectglazing with a high Visible Transmittance (VT) to maximize daylighting. Select anappropriate Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)/Shading Coefficient (SC) to correspond withheating and cooling loads. For passive solar heating us a higher SHGC or to minimize heatgain use a lower SHGC. In colder climates, glazing with a low U-factor minimizes energy useand may reduce need for perimeter heating. Optimize insulation amounts to reduce heatingand cooling energy consumption by heat losses or heat gains through the building envelope.Moderate interior temperature extremes by using thermal mass where appropriate. Ensure theintegrity of the building envelope to provide thermal comfort and prevent condensation. Usebest air/vapor barrier practices and avoid thermal bridging.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the design with an annual energy use calculation.

Design Development

Use an annual energy use calculation to compare alternatives. Determine initial and operatingcosts related to envelope design utilized.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Develop a detailed thermal envelope design. Provide adequate air barrier and moistureretarders. Avoid thermal bridging to prevent discomfort and condensation. Develop detailedglazing specifications for U-factor, shading coefficient, and visible light transmittance.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Properly install insulation, air barriers, and moisture retarders.

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Strategy 3.3: Provide Daylighting Integrated with Electric Lighting Controls

Purpose: To ensure that daylighting is designed in coordination with the electric lightingsystem to reduce energy consumption while maintaining desired lighting characteristics.

Points Possible: 2

Related Strategies:

4.4: Provide Appropriate Thermal Conditions4.5: Provide Effective Lighting

The building is designed to maximize daylighting. Apply all of the options below that areappropriate to the project:

• Shape the architectural plan and section and use appropriate strategies to maximizethe amount of useful, controlled daylight that penetrates into occupied spaces (roofmonitors, clerestory windows, atriums and courtyards).

• Use shading devices such as overhangs on south elevations, vertical fins on eastand west elevations, and/or vegetation to let in natural light but reduce glare andoverheating.

• Use light shelves combined with higher, more reflective ceilings, to bring naturallight deeper into perimeter spaces and control glare and excessive contrast.

• Select glazing with Visible Transmittance (VT) as high as possible to increasedaylighting.

• Use photocell-dimming sensors that adjust electric lighting in response to availabledaylight.

• Use other appropriate daylighting strategies and technologies.

American Institute of Architects. Architect’s Handbook of Energy Practice: Daylighting.Washington DC: AIA, 1992.

Ander, G.D. Daylighting Performance and Design. New York: Van Nostrand and Reinhold,1995.

Guzowski, M. Daylighting for Sustainable Design. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000.

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. Illuminating Engineering Society ofNorth America (IESNA) Handbook, 8th Edition. New York, NY: Illuminating EngineeringSociety of North America, 1993.

E-Source, Inc. E-Source Technology Atlas Series, Volume 1: Lighting. Boulder, CO: E-Source,Inc., 1033 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80302-5114.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish energy consumption and daylighting goals as well as lighting requirements for thebuilding.

Site Selection

Evaluate the daylighting implications of the site (solar access and control, views, seasonalissues, etc.).

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Locate the building to optimize solar access and daylighting opportunities. Develop thebuilding massing, plan, and section to maximize daylighting. Address the building zoning toprovide daylight to appropriate spaces. Integrate daylighting with electric lighting. Evaluateeffectiveness of the design with annual energy use and daylighting calculations.

Design Development

Develop detailed daylighting and lighting system designs in conjunction with glazing and suncontrol elements. Include the use of light sensors to minimize electric lighting usage. Use anannual energy use calculation to compare alternatives. Determine initial and operating costsrelated to proposed daylighting and electric lighting systems.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Develop detailed specifications for daylighting systems, glazing, and electric lightingcontrols. Specify that an operating manual must be provided.

CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Ensure that daylighting technologies, lighting control devices, and sensors are installed andworking properly.

OCCUPANCY

Start-Up

Educate building occupants about the daylighting design and systems. Train buildingoperators in the use and maintenance of the lighting system. Provide an operating manual.

Operation & Maintenance

Educate occupants and operations staff about daylighting and electric lighting systems. Cleanwindows and any reflective surfaces to maximize daylight. Inspect and maintain lightingcontrols and sensors.

Next Use

Evaluate whether daylighting design and lighting controls support next use. Make adaptionsto systems as appropriate or salvage and recycle systems.

Actions

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Strategy 3.4: Provide Efficient Electric Lighting Systems and Controls

Purpose: To minimize electric lighting energy use while still meeting project requirementsand improving visual quality.

Points Possible: 2

Related Strategies:

Strategy 3.3: Provide Daylighting Integrated with Electric Lighting ControlsStrategy 4.5: Provide Effective Lighting

The electric lighting systems and components are designed for optimum efficiency and humancomfort. Apply all of the options below that are appropriate to the project:

• Use high efficiency lamps and luminaires with electronic ballasts.• Use controls to reduce energy use (e.g. dimmers, occupancy sensors, photocells,

and time clocks).• Use low levels of ambient light with task lighting where appropriate. Direct/

indirect lighting fixtures illuminate ceilings and walls producing low level ambientlight that minimizes glare in workplaces.

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. Illuminating Engineering Society ofNorth America (IESNA) Handbook, 8th Edition. New York, NY: Illuminating EngineeringSociety of North America, 1993.

E-Source, Inc. E-Source Technology Atlas Series, Volume 1: Lighting. Boulder, CO: E-Source,Inc., 1033 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80302-5114.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish energy consumption goals as well as lighting requirements for the building.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Integrate daylighting with electric lighting. Evaluate effectiveness of the design with anannual energy use calculation.

Design Development

Develop detailed electric lighting design. Use energy efficient design strategies. Use efficientlamps, luminaires, and ballasts. Include the use of light and motion sensors, timeclocks andcontrol systems to minimize electric lighting usage. Use an annual energy use calculation tocompare alternatives. Determine initial and operating costs related to proposed electriclighting system.

Actions

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Construction Documents & Specifications

Develop detailed specifications for energy efficient lighting fixtures, ballasts and lamps.Specify appropriate controls such as switching, dimming, and/or occupancy sensors and/ortimers to minimize electric lighting usage. Specify that an operating manual must be provided.

CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Ensure that lighting control devices and sensors are installed and working properly.

OCCUPANCY

Start-Up

Educate building occupants about lighting system, devices, and controls. Train buildingoperators in the use and maintenance of the lighting system. Provide an operating manual forthe systems.

Operation & Maintenance

Educate occupants and operations staff about the electric lighting systems. Use energyefficient replacements for lighting ballasts and lamps. Inspect and maintain lighting sensors.Periodically measure lighting energy consumption. Compare to design loads, identify and fixproblems to improve operating efficiency.

Next Use

Evaluate whether electric lighting systems can be reused in the next use. Make adaptions tosystems as appropriate or salvage and/or recycle systems.

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Strategy 3.5: Maximize Mechanical System Performance

Purpose: To design the building heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system tominimize energy use while maintaining standards for indoor air quality and occupant comfort.

Points Possible: 2

Related Strategies:

Strategy 4.1: Provide a Clean and Healthy EnvironmentStrategy 4.2: Control Moisture to Prevent Microbial ContaminationStrategy 4.3: Provide Ample Ventilation for Pollutant Control and Thermal ComfortStrategy 4.4: Provide Appropriate Thermal Conditions

The mechanical systems are designed to optimize energy performance. Apply all of theoptions below that are appropriate to the project:

• Use cogeneration (district or building scale) to reduce the environmental impact of totalbuilding energy use.

• Design boilers and chillers using high efficiency equipment, multiple modular boilers(to allow more efficient part-load operation), high efficiency condensing boilers, or gasheater/chillers.

• Modulate outside air according to occupancy, activities, and operations. Zone thebuilding to use separate air handling units for areas with different hours of occupancyand loads. Use occupancy sensors and variable-air-volume distribution systems tominimize unnecessary heating or cooling.

• Use heat recovery systems, thermal storage (ice or water to reduce peak loads), anddesiccant dehumidification to reduce heating and cooling energy use.

• Use high efficiency motors and variable speed drives in the mechanical systemequipment.

• Use zero CFC-based refrigerants in HVAC and refrigeration equipment. Complete acomprehensive CFC phaseout conversion.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. ASHRAE 62-1989. “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (ANSI Approved).”http://www.ashrae.org.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. ASHRAEHandbook of Fundamentals. Atlanta, GA: ASHRAE, 1997. http://www.ashrae.org.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. ThermalEnvironmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. Atlanta, GA: ASHRAE, 1992. ASHRAEStandard 55-1992, with 55-1995 addendum.

E-Source, Inc. E-Source Technology Atlas Series, Volume 2: Commercial Space Cooling andAir Handling, Volume 3: Space Heating, and Volume 4: Drive Power. Boulder, CO: E-Source,Inc., 1033 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80302-5114.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Steven Winter Associates, Inc., Adrian Tuluca (lead author). Energy Efficient Design andConstruction for Commercial Buildings. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.

Herzog, P. Energy Efficient Operation of Commercial Buildings. New York: McGraw-Hill,1997.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).Guideline for Commissioning of HVAC Systems. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating,Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers , 1996. ASHRAE Guideline 1996-1.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).Preparation of Operating and Maintenance Documentation of Building Systems. Atlanta, GA:American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE),1993. ASHRAE Guideline 4-1993.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish heating and cooling energy consumption goals for the building.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Select an energy efficient HVAC system for preliminary evaluation. Evaluate theeffectiveness with annual energy use calculation.

Design Development

Develop detailed HVAC system design. Utilize strategies such as efficient equipment andcontrols, variable air volume (VAV) distribution boxes, and heat recovery devices. Modulateoutside air according to occupancy, activities, and operations. Use occupancy sensors. Usecogeneration (district or building scale) to reduce environmental impacts. Use zero CFC-based refrigerants in HVAC and refrigeration equipment. Complete a comprehensive CFCphaseout conversion. Use an annual energy use calculation to compare alternatives.Determine initial and operating costs related to proposed HVAC system alternatives.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Develop detailed specifications for HVAC system. Specify that an operating manual must beprovided.

CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Ensure HVAC systems are balanced and operating properly.

OCCUPANCY

Start-Up

Educate building occupants about operating thermostats and general HVAC operation. Trainbuilding operators in the use and maintenance of HVAC system. Provide operating manual forsystems.

Actions

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Operation & Maintenance

Inspect and maintain HVAC system on a regular schedule. Periodically measure performanceof building heating and cooling systems for total energy use. Compare to design intent,identify and correct problems to improve operating efficiency.

Next Use

Evaluate whether the HVAC system supports the next use. Make adaptions to the system asappropriate or salvage and/or recycle system.

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Strategy 3.6: Use Efficient Equipment and Appliances

Purpose: To design and/or select any building equipment and appliances to minimize energyuse.

Points Possible: 1

Efficient equipment and appliances are used to optimize energy efficiency. Apply all of theoptions below that are appropriate to the project:

• Use equipment with high efficiency motors and variable speed drives.• Select new equipment and appliances that meet Energy Star criteria.• Use efficient equipment to heat and supply service water to the building.

E-Source, Inc. E-Source Technology Atlas Series, Volume 4: Drive Power, Volume 5:Appliances. Boulder, CO: E-Source, Inc., 1033 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80302-5114

Energy Star Program. http://www.energystar.gov.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish energy consumption goals for plug loads (equipment and appliances) and servicehot water system.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Conduct research to evaluate the efficiency of possible equipment and appliances. Selectenergy efficient equipment, appliances, and a service water system for preliminary evaluation.Evaluate with an annual energy use calculation.

Design Development

Use an annual energy use calculation to compare equipment and appliance alternatives.Determine initial and operating costs of proposed service water system alternatives.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify energy efficient equipment, appliances, and service water system.

Specify equipment that meets the Energy Star criteria.

CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Ensure that equipment and appliances are installed and performing at optimum efficiency.

Actions

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Select additional or replacement equipment and appliances that meet Energy Star criteria.Select additional or replacement service water equipment that meets efficiency standards.

Next Use

Evaluate whether equipment and appliances support the next use. Make adaptions asappropriate or salvage and/or recycle equipment.

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Strategy 3.7: Use Renewable or Other Alternative Energy Sources

Purpose: To use renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels, wind generators, andgeothermal energy to minimize environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels such as airpollution and global warming. To use other alternative energy supply systems such as fuelcells that reduce total environmental impact.

Points Possible: 3

Grid-source and/or on-site renewable and/or alternative energy sources (such as wind,photovoltaics, geothermal, biomass, low-impact hydro, fuel cells, etc.) are used to decreaseenvironmental impacts.

3 points: Supply 30% of the building’s total energy load through building-integrated ordirectly-connected renewable or other low impact energy systems.

OR

2 points: Supply 20% of the building’s total energy load through building-integrated ordirectly-connected renewable or other low impact energy systems.

OR

1 points: Supply 10% of the building’s total energy load through building-integrated ordirectly-connected renewable or other low impact energy systems.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Photovoltaics in the Built Environment: A DesignGuide for Architects and Engineers. DOE/GO Publication #10097-436, September 1997.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Solar Electric Buildings: An Overview of Today’sApplications. DOE/GO publication 10097-357, February 1997.

Greene, N., A. Gupta, and J. Bryan. Choosing Clean Power: Bringing the Promise of FuelCells to New York. Natural Resources Defense Council, March 1997.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish goals related to selecting energy sources with low environmental impacts.

Site Selection

Evaluate the potential for on-site or grid-source renewable energy. Consider solar access forphotovoltaics and wind availability for power generation. Consider access to other types ofenergy delivered to the site.

Actions

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DESIGN

Schematic Design

Develop the site and building plan to include alternative energy sources if appropriate.Evaluate effectiveness with initial computer modeling of energy use.

Design Development

Develop alternative means of supplying energy to include renewable and nonrenewablesources and on- and off-site generation. Use detailed computer model of energy use tocompare alternative energy sources. Quantify environmental impacts. Determine the life cyclecost of alternatives.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Develop detailed specifications for renewable or other on-site energy generation system.Specify that an operating manual must be provided.

CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Ensure that alternative energy generation systems are installed and working properly.

OCCUPANCY

Start-Up

Educate building occupants about any on-site alternative energy generation systems. Trainbuilding operators in the use and maintenance of any on-site energy generation systems.Provide operating manual for systems.

Operation & Maintenance

Inspect and maintain on-site energy systems on a regular schedule. Periodically measureperformance of on-site energy generation systems. Compare to design intent, identify andcorrect problems to improve operating efficiency.

Next Use

Evaluate whether energy generation systems support next use. Make adaptions as appropriateor salvage and/or recycle systems.

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Strategy 3.8: Integrate All Systems and Reduce Total Energy Use

Purpose: To reduce total energy consumption of building by using computer simulations andanalysis of total performance with integrated systems.

Points Possible: 12

A building energy analysis is conducted to evaluate and optimize the building energyperformance.

12 points:Exceed the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1989 and subsequentrevisions by 50% or more.

OR

9 points: Exceed the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1989 and subsequentrevisions by 40% or more.

OR

6 points: Exceed the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1989 and subsequentrevisions by 30% or more.

OR

3 points: Exceed the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1989 and subsequentrevisions by 20% or more.

ASHRAE 90.1-1989. “Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except New Low-RiseResidential Buildings.” ASHRAE. http://www.ashrae.org/.

In Minnesota, the NSP Energy Assets Program is available to Minnesota NSP businesscustomers in the design phase of a new construction or major renovation project. The programoffers computer modeling (using DOE2.1E), consultation, and performance verification.http://www.nspco.com/fb/fb_ps_eas.htm.

DOE2.1E Simulation Program. Contact the Building Simulation Group at Lawrence BerkeleyNational Laboratory. http://gundog.lbl.gov/.

Passive Solar Industries Council, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Lawrence BerkeleyNational Laboratory, Berkeley Solar Group. Designing Low-Energy Buildings with Energy-10. Washington DC: Passive Solar Industries Council, 1997. http://www.PSIC.org.

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PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish energy consumption goals for the entire building.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Identify possible energy efficiency strategies. Evaluate the effectiveness of each strategy withan annual energy use calculation.

Design Development

Develop feasible bundles of strategies that represent levels of performance such as 30%, 40%and 50% savings compared to a building that meets the base energy code. Use an annualenergy use calculation to compare alternative bundles. Determine initial and operating costsrelated to bundles of strategies.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Develop detailed specifications for all selected strategies and systems.

CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Ensure all energy efficient systems and devices are installed and operating properly.

OCCUPANCY

Start-Up

Educate building occupants about the total building energy performance. Train buildingoperators and provide operating manual for systems.

Operation & Maintenance

Inspect and maintain all energy efficient systems and devices. Periodically measure energyconsumption. Compare to design loads, fix problems and improve operating efficiency.

Next Use

Evaluate whether the energy systems support next use. Make adaptions as appropriate orsalvage an/or recycle systems.

Actions

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Interior Environmental Quality EnvironmentalConcernsA healthy, productive, and comfortable environment is expected at home and in theworkplace. Yet many modern buildings create unhealthy and potentially dangerous interiorenvironments for their occupants. Lighting may be inadequate or incorrect for it’s intendedfunction. Thermal conditions may become extreme, and it’s control may be unaccessible tothe occupants. Ventilation systems installed to protect air quality often subject occupants tostale air, or harbor and spread unhealthy molds, bacteria, and viruses. The medical, humancomfort, performance and productivity costs of unhealthy interior environments may run intothe tens of billions of dollars each year (Roodman & Lenssen, 1995). Research also showsthat buildings with daylight, fresh air, and occupant control are consistently rated as morecomfortable and contribute to occupants’ performance and productivity. In a typical U.S.office, salaries are so high that if productivity rises just 2 percent, it is worth more to acompany then entirely eliminating utility bills (Romm, 1994).

Interior Environmental Quality Goals

In view of these environmental concerns,sustainable design embodies the followinggoals:

• Provide an environment for occupants that isphysiologically and psychologically healthy.Minimize production and transmission of airpollution.

• Provide the full range of supportive sensoryconditions (olfactory, thermal, vibroacoustic,tactual and visual) for occupants.

• Provide needed operational control ofsystems to occupants.

• Produce environments that enhance humancomfort, well-being, performance andproductivity.

Interior Environmental Quality Strategies

The sustainable design goals listed aretranslated into the following strategies:

Indoor Air Quality

4.1 Provide a Clean and Healthy Environment4.2 Control Moisture to Prevent Microbial

Contamination4.3 Provide Ample Ventilation for Pollutant

Control and Thermal Comfort

Human Comfort

4.4 Provide Appropriate Thermal Conditions4.5 Provide Effective Lighting4.6 Provide Appropriate Building Acoustical

and Vibration Conditions4.7 Provide Views, Viewspace, and

Connection to Natural Environment

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Strategy 4.1: Provide a Clean and Healthy Environment

Purpose: To provide good indoor air quality by minimizing and controlling air pollution fromthe site and surroundings.

Points Possible: 3

Related Strategies:

1.3: Use Microclimate and Environmentally Responsive Site Design Strategies

1 point: Minimize air pollution from the building site by analyzing and/or testing to identifypotential sources of air pollution using ASHRAE Standard 62-1989R.

AND

1 point: Work with the owner to eliminate as many pollutant-generating activities from thebuilding as feasible. If they must occur within the building they should be zoned toan isolated area of the building having a separate ventilation system. See alsorelated Strategy 5.6: Use Low VOC-emitting materials.

AND

1 point: Clean the air with filtration systems that meet or exceed the efficiency ratings ofASHRAE Standard 52.2, “Method of Testing General Ventilation Air CleaningDevices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size.”

Filters shall have a minimum efficiency rating of not less than MERV 6 when ratedin accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2.

Guidance on the evaluation of potential air quality issues at a site, zoning a building to isolatepollution generating facilities, and operations and maintenance is available in ASHRAEStandard 62-1989R (the August 1996 public review draft of the Standard 62).

Guidance on low-emitting construction products can be found in Strategy 5.6 of thisdocument.

Guidance on filtration can be found in ASHRAE 52.2, Method of Testing General VentilationAir Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size.

ASHRAE documents can be obtained from ASHRAE at the following address:American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)1791 Tullie Circle NEAtlanta GA 30329Phone: (404) 636-8400Fax: (404) 321-5478http://www.ashrae.org

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Guidance on operations and maintenance can be found in the EPA/NIOSH document,Building air quality: a guide for building owners and facility managers, US EnvironmentalProtection Agency and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, EPA 400/1-91/033. http://www.epa.gov/reg5oair/radon/healbld1.htm#bldgaqguinfo.

Information on operations and maintenance can also be obtained from the InternationalPerformance Measurement & Operations Protocol's IEQ appendix. http://www.ipmvp.org/.

Guidance on maintaining air quality during construction can be found in the SMACNAGuide, IAQ guidelines for occupied buildings under construction, Sheet Metal and AirConditioning Contractors National Association, Chantilly, VA, 1995.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop goals and objectives for the evaluation and control of site pollution, the eliminationor isolation of pollutant-generating activities, and air cleaning and filtration systems.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for the control of site pollution.

Develop appropriate performance indicators for pollution isolation based on program anddesign considerations (include the design team, and IAQ experts).

Determine air cleaning and filtration needs for the ventilation systems.

Site Selection

When feasible, select a site with minimum sources of pollution from agriculture, industry,and transportation. Analyze the site to determine whether there are sources of pollution thatmay affect air quality. The site shall be surveyed for sources of contaminants that may beunacceptable for use indoors. These may include odors and sensory irritants from facilitiesengaged in manufacturing, food preparation, and dry cleaning located near the building site.Survey results shall be documented.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Develop site planning to minimize potential pollutant sources in areas adjacent to thebuilding. Consider the locations of outdoor rooms, buildings, vehicular circulation, parkinglots, loading docks, and pedestrian drop-offs.

Control, limit, or clean air pollution on or near the site through landscaping, setbacks, andbuffer zones.

Minimize the use of plants or plantings that shed spores (that are irritating to people withallergies) near building entries, operable windows, and outdoor rooms.

Provide a smoke-free environment. If smoking is allowed outside, designate an area that isremotely located from building windows and openings. Provide outdoor ashtrays tominimize litter.

Actions

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Zone the building to isolate pollutant-generating activities such as garages, shops, printingfacilities, laboratories, and manufacturing spaces. Use separate ventilation systems asappropriate.

Air cleaning or filtration system should be chosen to meet or exceed the efficiency ratings ofASHRAE Standard 52.2, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air Cleaning Devices forRemoval Efficiency by Particle Size.

Particulate matter filters or air cleaners should be provided upstream of all humidifiers,evaporative coolers, fin-tube heating coils, cooling coils and heat exchangers through whichair is supplied to a space. Particulate matter filters or air cleaners shall have a minimumefficiency of not less than MERV 6 when rated in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Space shall be provided around all ventilation equipment as recommended by themanufacturer for routine maintenance and inspection. This includes, but is not limited to,filter replacement and fan belt adjustment and replacement.

Filter racks shall be designed to minimize the bypass of air around the filter media or filtercartridge frames when the fan is operating.

CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Ensure that air cleaning or filtration systems have been installed and are working properly.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Monitor the site for air pollution and address concerns as needed.

Monitor areas adjacent to pollutant-generating activities to ensure isolation of potentialsources of contamination and appropriate ventilation within these spaces.

Educate occupants and operations staff about procedures concerning pollutant-generatingactivities.

Monitor and maintain air cleaning or filtration systems. Routinely clean or replace filters inmechanical systems.

Next Use

Evaluate site to determine whether there are sources of air pollution that need to be addressedin next use.

Analyze the building to determine if there are air quality issues that have resulted frompollutant-generating activities that need to be addressed prior to next use.

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Strategy 4.2: Control Moisture to Prevent Microbial Contamination

Purpose: To provide appropriate air quality by controlling moisture and microbialcontamination.

Points Possible: 3

Related Strategies:

1.3: Use Microclimate and Environmentally Responsive Site Design Strategies2.1: Manage Site Water

Where moisture precautions are needed, materials should be specified to discourage microbialgrowth. Mechanical systems are to be installed in compliance with ASHRAErecommendations for prevention of standing water (ASHRAE 62-1999, Ventilation Standardsfor Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, Part 5). Where a cooling tower has been used it is designedand installed to meet the most current recommendations and specifications for the preventionof Legionnaires Disease.

1 point: Moisture control is addressed on the site.

AND

1 point: Moisture control is addressed within the building envelope.

AND

1 point: Moisture control is addressed inside the building.

Lstiburek, J and J. Carmody, Moisture Control Handbook, Van Nostrand, New York, 1993.

ASTM Standard D-3273 94, Standard test method for resistance to growth of mold on thesurface of interior coatings in and environmental chamber, American Society for Testing andMaterials, West Conshohocken, PA, 1994.

ASTM Standard G-21 96, Standard practice for determining resistance of synthetic polymericmaterials to fungi, American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA,1996.

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PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop goals and objectives for moisture control.

Programming

Develop appropriate performance indicators for moisture control on the site, within thebuilding envelope, and inside based on program and design considerations (include the designteam, and IAQ experts).

Site Selection

When feasible, select a site that will minimize problems associated with moisture control.Assess and identify any site locations that may influence decisions related to moisture controlfor the landscape and building design.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Minimize the accumulation of undesirable moisture on the site and/or in outdoor spaces.

Minimize the accumulation of moisture within the building envelope and related materials.Consider strategies that control moisture such as eliminating water leakage and moisturemigration through the envelope due to poor detailing. Include adequate moisture barriers andrain screens on ventilation air intakes.

Control standing water and system moisture in HVAC systems to prevent the growth ofpathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Where moisture precautions are needed, materials should be specified to discourage microbialgrowth by meeting the following standards:

• Air filters and humidifier pads meet ASTM G-21• Carpets meet American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) 174

Parts II and III• Adhesives meet ASTM G-21• Fabrics meet AATCC Methods 30 and 100• Polymeric surfaces for vinyl, epoxy, rubber flooring, an laminates meet ASTM G-21• Ceiling tile coatings meet ASTM D-3273• Paints meet ASTM G-21 and ASTM D-3273

Where cooling towers are used they should be designed to meet recommendations andspecifications for the prevention of Legionnaires Disease and located to prevent spray fromentering the building and from falling on public areas. Treatment of tower water shouldminimize the use of caustic or hazardous treatment chemicals.

In existing buildings, remove all materials damaged by moisture to eliminate microbialcontamination of absorbent materials due to roof failures, plumbing failures, flood waterdamage, leaks, or other accidents.

Actions

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Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify materials, finishes, and mechanical systems that minimize the accumulation ofmoisture on the site and within the building.

CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Ensure that building has been designed and detailed to control moisture.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Inspect and maintain site and building to control moisture.

Next Use

Evaluate site and building to determine whether there are issues related to moisture controlthat need to be addressed for next use.

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Strategy 4.3: Provide Ample Ventilation for Pollutant Control and ThermalComfort

Purpose: Provide proper ventilation during construction and operations for good indoor airquality.

Points Possible: 6

Related Strategies:

4.4: Provide Appropriate Thermal Conditions5.6: Use Low VOC-emitting Materials

Strategies are used to provide appropriate ventilation and thermal comfort.

3 points: The ventilation systems meet ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, Ventilation forAcceptable Indoor Air Quality.

AND

1 point: Carbon dioxide detectors are used to assess air quality and air ventilation rates.

AND

1 point: Air intakes are separated from pollution sources with a minimum separationdistance to minimize risk of capture of contaminated air.

AND

1 point: Ducted returns are used within the building and internal duct insulation iseliminated.

ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.

ASHRAE Standard 62-1989R, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (the August1996 public review draft of the Standard 62).

ASTM Standard C 1071 98, Standard Specification for Fibrous Glass Duct Lining Insulation(Thermal and Sound Absorbing Material), American Society for Testing and Materials, WestConshohocken, PA, 1998.

ASHRAE Guideline 1-1996, The HVAC Commissioning Process.

Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers, USEnvironmental Protection Agency and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,EPA 400/1-91/033. http://www.epa.gov/reg5oair/radon/healbld1.htm#bldgaqguinfo.

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Sterling, E., Bieva, C. & Collet, C., eds. “Building Design, Technology and Occupant Well-Being in Temperate Climates.” Conference Proceedings, Brussels, Belgium, Feb 17-19, l993,American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. Atlanta, GA.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop goals and objectives for air quality and mechanical and/or natural ventilation.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for ventilation rates and air distributionfor natural and/or mechanical ventilation.

Develop programming criteria and standards for locating air intakes and exhausts for naturaland/or mechanical ventilation.

Develop specific programming criteria and standards to minimize and control pollutants in theventilation air path.

Site Selection

Evaluate the site to determine appropriate air intake and exhaust locations for natural and/ormechanical ventilation.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Develop design strategies for natural and/or mechanical ventilation based on occupancy loads,building program, and size.

Design ventilation systems to meet or exceed ASHRAE 62-1999, “Ventilation Standards forAcceptable Indoor Air Quality.” Determine whether it is appropriate to increase or decreaseventilation rate as user demands change.

Provide adequate distribution of air to building occupants from natural and/or mechanicalventilation. Consider design strategies to achieve this goal such as proper location of windowsand/or supply diffusers and return registers; space planning and partition locations to ensuregood air distribution; strategies to prevent stratification; ventilation of occupant breathingzones and balanced supply and return systems.

Locate windows and/or air intakes for mechanical and natural ventilation away from potentialcontaminants from the outside. Air intakes are to be separated from potential pollution sourcesby a minimum separation distance to minimize risk of capture of contaminated air.

Property line 3'Areas where vehicles are standing and idling 25'Driveway or street 10'Limited access highway 25'Mantles or ledges 3'Landscaped grade 6'Roof or grade 9 inchesCooling towers (closest wetted surface) 15'

Select ventilation systems that minimize pollution in the ventilation air path.

Actions

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Use ducted returns within the building and eliminate internal duct insulation. If internal ductinsulation must be used it must meet the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 181 and ASTM C1071 standards.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify ventilation systems to meet or exceed ASHRAE 62-1999.

Specify a ventilation schedule that includes a flush period to remove stale air or contaminantsthat may have developed during unoccupied hours when the ventilation rates are reduced.

Specify systems and components that prevent the release of pollution and fibers into theventilation air path.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

If other parts of the building are occupied during construction, recirculating return air ductsfrom the construction area shall be temporarily capped and sealed to prevent the spread ofcontaminants. If the system has been operated and has returned air from areas underconstruction, clean filters shall be installed after the construction is complete but before thespaces served by the system are occupied.

Commissioning

Ensure that natural or mechanical ventilation systems are installed, balanced, and workingproperly to ensure appropriate ventilation rates and air distribution. Ensure that air intakes andexhausts are properly located to minimize contamination of outdoor ventilation air, and thatthe components of the ventilation systems are installed and working properly to minimize therelease of pollutants in the air path.

OCCUPANCY

Start-Up

Educate the building operators and occupants about the natural and/or mechanical ventilationsystems.

Train building operators in the use and maintenance of the natural and/or mechanicalventilation systems.

Provide operating manual for the ventilation system.

Operation & Maintenance

Inspect and maintain ventilation systems. Maintain appropriate ventilation schedule based onoccupancy loads and activities. Routinely measure indoor air quality. See EPA/400/1-91/0033,“Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers,” for a list of aircontaminants to measure. Appropriate contaminant guideline limits are listed in the resourcesfor this strategy.

Monitor air intakes and exhausts to maximize air quality.

Monitor and maintain the components of the ventilation system to ensure good air quality.

Next Use

Determine whether the existing natural and/or mechanical ventilation systems meetventilation needs for next use.

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Strategy 4.4: Provide Appropriate Thermal Conditions

Purpose: To create a healthy, comfortable, supportive and flexibly controllable thermalenvironment for the users.

Points Possible: 3

Related Strategies:1.3: Use Microclimate and Environmentally Responsive Site Design Strategies3.1: Optimize Building Placement and Configuration for Energy Performance3.2: Optimize Building Envelope Thermal Performance3.3 : Provide Daylighting Integrated with Electric Lighting Controls4.3: Provide Ample Ventilation for Pollutant Control and Thermal Comfort

The ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, isused to ensure appropriate thermal conditions. The thermal design addresses environmentaland seasonal considerations for dry bulb temperature and radiant temperature profile, relativehumidity, and occupants’ activities and modes of dress.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

The ASHRAE Standard 55 should be used as the design criteria for thermal comfort; however,it should be considered within a larger human and cultural context. In addition, the thermaldesign should be considered within the context of other related issues such as daylighting,shading, and solar control. ASHRAE Standard 55 can be obtained from ASHRAE at thefollowing address:

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).1791 Tullie Circle NEAtlanta GA 30329Phone: (404) 636-8400Fax: (404) 321-5478http://www.ashrae.org

SECONDARY RESOURCES

Books:

ASHRAE. 1998 ASHRAE Handbook. Atlanta, Georgia: American Society of Heating,Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers, 1998.

Banham, Reyner. The Architecture of the Well-tempered Environment. London: TheArchitectural Press, 1969.

Fitch, James, Marston. American Building: The Environmental Forces that Shape It. Boston,Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1972.

Heschong, Lisa. Thermal Delight in Architecture. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press,1979.

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Stein, Benjamin and John, Reynolds. Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 9thEdition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2000.

Articles and Journals:

ASHRAE Journal. Atlanta, Georgia: American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and AirConditioning Engineers.

Sterling, E., Bieva, C. & Collet, C., eds. “Building Design, Technology and Occupant Well-Being in Temperate Climates.” Conference Proceedings, Brussels, Belgium, Feb 17-19, l993,American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. Atlanta, GA.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop appropriate thermal goals and objectives based on the program, users, activities, andseasonal considerations.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for thermal comfort based on theprogram, users, activities, and seasonal considerations.

Site Selection

Select a site that provides appropriate solar access based on the thermal comfort criteria.Evaluate the solar access on the site.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Use design strategies at the site and building scales to provide thermal comfort. Useappropriate mechanical, glazing, and shading systems to maximize thermal comfort andcontrol excessive heat gain and heat loss.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify appropriate mechanical, glazing, and shading systems to provide thermal comfort andcontrol excessive heat gain and heat loss.

CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Verify that mechanical systems are successfully operating and that they will successfullyoperate through their complete range of designed conditions in order to maintain appropriatethermal comfort.

OCCUPANCY

Start Up

Educate the building occupants about the thermal comfort strategies and features in thefacility.

Train operators to maintain appropriate thermal comfort in the facility.

Develop educational and training manual.

Actions

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Operation & Maintenance

Maintain appropriate thermal comfort in the facility based on program, users, activities, andseasonal conditions.

Choose to operate the building in the low temperature and low humidity quadrant of thethermal comfort region of ASHRAE Standard 55. This will increase the occupant's perceivedindoor air quality.

Next Use

Utilize flexible and adaptive HVAC systems and design strategies to accommodate interiorspace reorganization and extension of programmatic uses of the building.

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Strategy 4.5: Provide Effective Lighting

Purpose: To ensure visual performance and comfort for occupants by providing appropriatelighting conditions and control of those conditions in the most energy efficient manner.

Points Possible: 3

Related Strategies:3.3: Provide Daylighting Integrated with Electric Lighting Controls

1 point: Illuminance Levels:Design strategies and features are used to ensure that the Illuminance Levels andLuminance Ratios are appropriate for the users, activities and tasks. TheIlluminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) RecommendedIlluminance Categories and Weighting Levels are used to determine appropriateilluminance levels for different activities and users.

AND

1 point: Color Temperature Levels:Design Strategies and features are used to ensure that color temperature, colorrendering and modeling of light are appropriate for the users, activities and tasks.

AND

1 point: Glare:Design strategies and features (e.g. selection of lighting fixtures, installations, andcontrols) are used to avoid glare, discomfort, disability, and veiling reflections andrender the environment in ways that support the program, user purposes andpreferences.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

Illuminance Levels

The IESNA Lighting Handbook explains the procedure for determining target illuminancelevels using the IESNA Illuminance Categories and Illuminance Values for Lighting Designand the IESNA Weighting Factors. For a detailed discussion of this topic, please see thefollowing reference:

Rae, Mark, S., ed. The IESNA Lighting Handbook, 8th edition. New York: IESNA, 1993 (seeChapter 11: Illuminance Selection, pp. 459-478).

Color of Light

The IESNA Lighting Handbook also describes fundamental concepts and principles as well asreferences which compare and contrast the color temperature and color renderingcharacteristics of common light sources. This information should be used to select electriclight sources that have appropriate color characteristics based on the program, tasks, andusers. For a detailed discussion of this topic, please see the following reference:

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Rae, Mark, S., ed. The IESNA Lighting Handbook, 8th edition. New York: IESNA, 1993 (seeChapter 4: Color, pp. 107-134, Figure 4-19: Color and Color Rendering Characteristics ofCommon Light Sources, p. 128. See also Light Source Tables, Figures 6-77 to 6-124, pp. 246-322).

Visual Comfort

For additional discussion of the concepts and principles of luminance ratios, please see thefollowing reference:

Rae, Mark, S., ed. The IESNA Lighting Handbook, 8th edition. New York: IESNA, 1993 (seeChapter 3: Vision and Perception - Luminance Contrast, pp. 83, Chapter 16: EducationalFacility Lighting - Quality and Quantity of Illumination, pp. 542-544).

Glare

The following resources discuss design strategies for the control of glare from bothdaylighting and electric lighting sources. These guidelines can be used to inform thedevelopment of appropriate daylighting and electric lighting designs. For a detailed discussionof the concepts and principles of glare and glare control, please see the following reference:

Rae, Mark, S., ed. The IESNA Lighting Handbook, 8th edition. New York: IESNA, 1993 (seeChapter 3: Vision and Perception - Veiling Luminance (Disability Glare), Discomfort Glare,and Reflections, pp. 79-84, Chapter 8: Daylighting - Daylighting Penetration and GlareControl, p. 368).

SECONDARY RESOURCES

Websites & Organizations:

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)120 Wall Street F117New York, New York 10005Phone: (212) 248-5000Fax: (212) 248-5017/18http://www.iesna.org

Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE - The International Commission onIllumination): http://www.ping.at.cie.

Books:

Anders, Gregg. Daylighting: Performance and Design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold,1995.

Gordon, Gary and James L. Nuckolls. Interior Lighting, 3rd Edition. New York: John Wileyand Sons, Inc., 1995.

Guzowski, Mary. Daylighting for Sustainable Design. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000.

Hopkinson, R.G., P. Petherbridge, and J. Longmore. Daylighting. London: WilliamHeinemann Ltd., 1966.

Lam, William. Sunlight as Formgiver for Architecture. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold,1986.

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Millet, Marietta. Light Revealing Architecture. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.

Moore, Fuller. Concepts and Practice of Architectural Daylighting. New York: Van NostrandReinhold, 1985.

Rea, Mark, S., ed. The IESNA Lighting Handbook, 8th edition. New York: IESNA, 1993.

Robbins, Claude. Daylighting: Design and Analysis. New York: Van Nostran ReinholdCompany, 1986.

Articles and Journals:

Lighting Design and Application (LD+A), IESNA.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop appropriate daylighting and electric lighting goals and objectives based on program,users, activities, and seasonal considerations.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for daylighting and electric lightingbased on program, users, activities, and seasonal considerations.

Site Selection

Select a site that provides appropriate solar access for the daylighting program. Evaluate thesolar access and daylight availability on the site.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Use strategies that provide appropriate illuminance levels and light distribution for bothdaylighting and electric lighting integration. Consider strategies that use the room form andconfiguration, reflective surfaces, lightshelves, and/or finishes to maximize the distribution ofdaylight. Use the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America's (IESNA)Recommended Illuminance Categories and Weighting Factors to determine appropriate“target illuminance levels” based on the users program, activities, climate, and geographiclocation.

Consider those circumstances under which external windows seem to disappear to oncomingpedestrians and or wildlife such as birds. These conditions produce accidents by walking intoglass or (in the case of birds) flying into sides of buildings. Such conditions are generallyproduced when the interior illumination level is significantly less than the exteriorillumination level in the near vicinity of the window, when moving towards the window fromoutside the building.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify appropriate daylighting and electric lighting systems.

Verify that light controls and related adjustments can be operated over the full range of useconditions, by the expected variety of users.

Actions

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CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Verify that daylighting and electric lighting systems are successfully operating in order tomaintain appropriate illuminance levels and light distributions.

OCCUPANCY

Start Up

Educate the building occupants about the daylighting and electric lighting strategies andfeatures in the facility.

Train operators to maintain appropriate light levels and distribution in the facility.

Develop educational and training manual.

Enact a “Lumen Maintenance Plan” which includes monitoring and regular cleaning andreplacement of lamps before they fail, based on the lamps operating life and measured lumendepreciation.

Operation & Maintenance

Maintain the “Lumen Maintenance Plan.”

Check and clean lamp fixtures regularly.

Next Use

Ensure that lighting can be turned off and on and adjusted to support activities in the spaceand that there is always more than one way to provide needed light for critical activities.Consider possible disabilities and age related constraints on users in the placement andoperation of lighting controls.

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Strategy 4.6: Provide Appropriate Building Acoustical and VibrationConditions

Purpose: To create an interior environment with acoustic and vibration qualities that arehealthy and functionally supportive of the use and programmed activities of the building.

Points Possible: 3

Related Strategies:

3.2: Optimize Building Envelope Thermal Performance4.2: Eliminate or Isolate Pollutant - Generating Activities Inside the Building4.7: Control Moisture to Prevent Microbial Contamination(Note: Consider the acoustic implications of the design of the building envelope for each ofthese strategies.)

1 point: Vibrations:Design features and strategies are used to control sources of externally andinternally induced vibrations from wind loads, passing traffic, interior foot traffic,building HVAC systems, and interior machinery.

AND

1 point: Noise Control:Design features and strategies are used to control sources of noise from mechanicaland electrical equipment and from sources exterior to the building. Wallassemblies have been selected with appropriate Sound Transmission Class (STC)ratings based on the conditions of the site, building program and activities. Noiseelimination, control, or isolation from equipment should be addressed throughacoustic zoning, equipment selection, construction, and appropriately designedducts, piping, and electrical systems.

AND

1 point: Soundscapes:Design features and strategies are to create appropriate sound reverberation levels,background sound levels, sound rendition, and speech interference levels so as toproduce the proper ‘soundscape’ for the building program and expected variationsin user activities.

PerformanceIndicator

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PRIMARY RESOURCES

Sound Isolation

A summary of Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings forstandard wall, partition, and floor/ceiling assemblies can be found in the following resources:

Stein, Benjamin and John S. Reynolds. Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings,8th edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons., 1992 (see Appendix F: Sound Transmission Datafor Walls and Appendix G: Sound Transmission and Impact Insulation Data for Floor/CeilingConstruction, pp. 1514-1533).

Charles M. Salter Associates. Acoustics. San Francisco: William Stout Publishers, 1998 (seeChapter 7 - Sound Isolation, Data for Walls and Floor/Ceiling Constructions, pp. 127-134).

Mechanical Equipment Noise and Vibration

The most common sources of mechanical noise are the air conditioning and air-handlingsystems (including fans, condensers, dampers, mixing boxes, etc.) as well as pumps, motors,and even elevators and escalators. Noise from mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systemscan be addressed in a variety of ways including:

• Acoustic zoning and isolation (separating noisy and quiet activities)• Selection of low noise equipment• Reducing the generation of airborne and structure-borne noise in machines and

appliances• Duct, plumbing system, and electrical equipment noise reduction• Vibration isolation (quieting machines and equipment by vibration isolation or

reduction and/or decoupling vibrating sources from the structure)• Soundproofing mechanical equipment room• Silencers, sound attenuators, mufflers, and sound traps• Active noise control

Discussion of strategies to isolate and reduce sources of mechanical, electrical, and plumbingsystem noise can be found in the following sources:

Stein, Benjamin and John S. Reynolds. Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings,8th edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons., 1992 (see Chapter 27 - Building Noise Control,Mechanical System Noise Control, pp. 1407-1415).

Charles M. Salter Associates. Acoustics. San Francisco: William Stout Publishers, 1998 (seeChapter 9 - Mechanical & Electrical Systems, pp. 143-160).

SECONDARY RESOURCES

Websites & Organizations:

Acoustical Society of North America (ASA)Suite 1N012 Huntington quadrangleMelville, New York 11747-4502Phone: (516) 576-2360Fax: (516) 576-2377http://[email protected]

Resources

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American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).1791 Tullie Circle NEAtlanta GA 30329Phone: (404) 636-8400Fax: (404) 321-5478http://www.ashrae.org

Books:

ASHRAE. ASHRAE Guide and Data Book, Sound and Vibration Control Chapter. Atlanta,Georgia: American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers.

Charles M. Salter Associates. Acoustics. San Francisco: William Stout Publishers, 1998.

Egan, David, M. Architectural Acoustics. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1988.

Harris, Cyril, M. Handbook of Acoustical Measurements, 3rd edition. Woodbury NY:Acoustical Society of America.

Lothar Cremer and Helmut A. Muller. Translated by Theodore J. Schultz. Principles ,andApplications of Room Acoustics, vols. 1 and 2. London: Applied Science Publishers, 1978.

Stein, Benjamin and John, Reynolds. Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 8thEdition, Acoustic Chapters. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1992.

Articles and Journals:

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, ASA.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop appropriate acoustic goals and objectives based on the users, activities, and tasks.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for the acoustic environment based onprogram, users, and activities.

Site Selection

Select a site that has appropriate acoustical conditions. Evaluate the acoustical conditions onthe site.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Develop strategies that acoustically zone the site to enhance positive acoustic experiences (i.e.from the landscape, wildlife, water, etc.) or to appropriately isolate sources of noise (considerthe location of outdoor rooms, the building, entries, and windows).

Develop strategies that provide appropriate acoustical zoning of the building interioraccording to sound levels and sources of noise (consider clustering or isolating activities bysound levels).

Actions

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Depending on the ambient noise from the site, develop appropriate sound isolation strategiesfor the building envelope and windows (including acoustic zoning, wall construction, glazing,and Sound Transmission Class standards).

Develop strategies to minimize sound transmission between rooms and floors (includingacoustic zoning, sound isolation, wall construction, Sound Transmission Class standards,structure-borne noise, etc.).

Develop strategies in the design of the layout, size, and shapes of ducts to minimize noisefrom mechanical systems and equipment (consider zoning, isolation, acoustic characteristicsof the systems, Noise Criteria, etc.).

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify appropriate wall assemblies, materials, and glazing systems to minimize inappropriatesound transmission from the outside and between rooms and floors.

Specify appropriate mechanical systems and equipment to minimize noise.

CONSTRUCTION

Commissioning

Ensure that the acoustical equipment, systems, and assemblies are installed and workingproperly.

OCCUPANCY

Start Up

Educate the building occupants and operations and maintenance staff about the acousticstrategies, features, and concepts within the facility.

Develop educational and training manual.

Operation & Maintenance

Maintain and monitor the acoustic conditions within the facility to ensure appropriate acousticconditions and acoustic comfort.

Next Use

Evaluate the existing acoustic conditions within the facility and determine whether theysupport next use. Make modifications as appropriate.

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PerformanceIndicator

Strategy 4.7: Provide Views, Viewspace, and Connection to NaturalEnvironment

Purpose: To ensure a high level of visual and psychological comfort; enhance well being; andimproved human performance and satisfaction with the built environment by providing accessto windows and natural views (e.g. information about outdoor weather conditions, visualprivacy and security, and contact with nature).

Points Possible: 3

Related Strategies:

3.3: Provide Daylighting Integrated with Electric Lighting Controls

2 points: Exterior and Interior Views:Design strategies are used to provide windows, skylights, and/or clerestories foroutside view access from all work areas or regularly occupied spaces or to providecontact with patterns and textures of the natural world through interior recreations(e.g. atria, plazas, gardens, courtyards, plantings, and similarly restorative interiordesign treatments).

AND

1 point: Viewspaces:Design features and strategies are used to create connected interior and exteriorviewspaces which provide the proper combinations of spaciousness, privacy,personal security, visual relief, and visual access to routes and settings within and tothe outside of the building.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

Views and Visual Relief

For information on the role of views and visual relief in human health and well-being pleasesee the following references and resources:

Browning, William. “NMB Bank Headquarters,” Urban Land, June 1992.

Heerwagen, J.H. “Windowscapes: The Role of Nature in the View from the Window,”Proceedings of the 1986 International Daylighting Conference, 352-355.

Ne’eman, E., and Hopkinson, R.G. “Critical Minimum Acceptable Window Size: A Study ofWindow Design and Provision of View,” Light. Res. Technology 2: 1970, pp. 17-27.

Nicklas, Michael, H. and Gary B. Bailey. “Analysis of the Performance of Students in DaylitSchools,” in the Proceedings of the 21st National Passive Solar Conference, American SolarEnergy Society, 1996, pp. 133-137.

Ruck, Nancy. Building Design and Human Performance. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold,1989.

Resources

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Smith, Richard. “Light and Health: A Broad Overview,” Lighting Design + Application, 26,no. 2 (February 1986): 32-40.

Ulrich, R.S. “View Through a Window may Influence Recovery from Surgery,” Science, 224,pp. 420-421.

Vischer, Jacqueline. “The Psychology of Daylighting,” Architecture, June 1987, 109-111.

Control and Modification of the Indoor Environment

There are no hard and fast rules or single solutions for creating environments that respond tohuman comfort and well being. Appropriate strategies will depend on the occupants,activities, and program. The following factors may be useful in considering different scalesand issues that may facilitate the occupant’s ability to modify and interact with the thermal,luminous, and acoustic environment:

Thermal Opportunities• Energy management systems, control strategies, and integrated systems• Room and/or space controls• Desktop controls• Operable windows (integrated with thermal systems)

Lighting Opportunities• Lighting control systems• Adjustable and variable lighting strategies and conditions• Task lighting• Adjustable blinds and shading

Acoustic Opportunities• Variable room acoustics and/or finishes• Variable degrees of acoustic privacy• Adjustable electronic acoustics where appropriate

Miscellaneous Issues Related to Modification and Change of Indoor• Environment• Adjustable furnishings• Flexible power and data supplies that enable reconfiguration of space

For additional information, please contact the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society(HFES) and the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA):

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)P.O. Box 1369Santa Monica, CA 90406-1369Phone: (310) 394-1811Fax: (310) [email protected]

Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) http://www.telepath.com/edra/home.html

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SECONDARY RESOURCES

Books:

Brand, Stewart. How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They’re Built. New York: PenguinBooks, 1994.

Brill, Michael. Now Offices, No Offices, New Offices. Buffalo: Technion, 1993.

Duffy, Francis, Andrew Laing and Vic Crisp. The Responsible Workplace: The Redesign ofWork and Offices. Boston: Butterworth Architecture, 1993.

McGowan, D. Window Architectonics. 2 vols. Winnipeg, Manitoba: Ecological TechntonicsResearch Institute, University of Manitoba, 1985.

Rea, Mark, S., ed. The IESNA Lighting Handbook, 8th edition. New York: IESNA, 1993.

Ruck, Nancy. Building Design and Human Performance. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold,1989.

Articles and Journals:

Coffin, Christine Johnson. “Thick Buildings,” Places 9, no. 3 (Winter 1995), 70-75.

Environmental Design Research Association, EDRA Annual Meeting Proceedings.

Harris, Louis, and Associates. The Steelcase National Study of Office Environments. Vol. 2,Comfort and Productivity in the Office of the ‘80s. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Steelcase Inc., 1980(see also the Steelcase Office Environment Index).

Human Factors Ergonomics Society, HFES Annual Meeting Proceedings.

Human Factors Ergonomics Society, Ergonomics in Design, a quarterly journal.

Laughery, Kenneth, et al. Human Factors Perspectives on Warnings: Selections from HumanFactors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting Proceedings, 1980-1993, Santa Monica:HFES, 1994.

Weiner, Philip. “Time to Look Again at Desktop Control.” Architectural Record, May 1994,pp. 34-35, 44-45.

Wotton, Ernest, and B. Barkkow. “An Investigation of the Effects of Windows and Lighting inOffices,” in the Proceedings of the 1983 International Daylighting Conference.

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PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop appropriate goals and objectives for access to views, visual relief, and contact withthe environment based on program, users, activities, and seasonal considerations.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria, standards, and concepts for the access to views, visualrelief, and contact with the environment.

Site Selection

Evaluate the opportunities for views and connections to the site.

Select a site that provides access to views, visual relief, and contact with the environment.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Use daylighting and space planning strategies that maximize the access of views, visual relief,and contact with the environment. Consider the building massing, room form andconfiguration, space planning, and window size, placement, and detailing. Use designstrategies that maximize access to windows for all building occupants.

OCCUPANCY

Start Up

Educate the building occupants and operations and maintenance staff about the designfeatures and strategies used to provide views, visual relief, and contact with the environment.

Develop educational and training manual.

Operation & Maintenance

Maintain the views, visual relief, and contact with the environment that are provided in thefacility.

Next Use

Evaluate the existing conditions for views, visual relief, and contact with the environment anddetermine whether these conditions support next use. Make modifications as appropriate.

Actions

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Materials Environmental ConcernsBuilding design and construction use significant quantities of natural resources and materials.The building industry consumes 3 billion tons of raw materials annually — 40 percent of thetotal material flow in the global economy. The manufacturing process of new materials iswater and energy intensive and contributes to environmental degradation and pollution.Harvesting, extraction, mining, and processing new materials pollute the air and rivers andthreaten ecosystems and wildlife habitat. North America, Europe and Japan consume morethan 25 percent of the world’s annual 3.5 billion cubic meters of wood production(Worldwatch Institute, 1991). According to the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), atpresent rates of destruction the rainforests will be gone by 2050. In addition, global woodproduction is expected to double over the next 30 years. Consumption of other raw materialsand natural resources continue to accelerate.

Materials Goals

In view of these environmental concerns,sustainable design embodies the followinggoals:

• Minimize consumption and depletion ofmaterial resources.

• Minimize the life-cycle impact of materialson the environment.

• Minimize the impact of materials on indoorenvironmental quality.

Materials Strategies

The sustainable design goals listed aretranslated into the following strategies:

Raw Material Extraction

5.1 Use Materials with Low EnvironmentalImpact During Their Life Cycle

Production

5.2 Use Salvaged and RemanufacturedMaterials

5.3 Use Recycled Content Products andMaterials

5.4 Use Materials from Renewable Sources

Distribution

5.5 Use Locally Manufactured Materials

Installation

5.6 Use Low VOC-emitting Materials

Use

5.7 Use Durable Materials

Eventual Reuse or Recycling

5.8 Use Materials that are Reusable,Recyclable or Biodegradable

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Strategy 5.1: Use Materials with Low Environmental Impact During Their LifeCycle

Purpose: To use building materials manufactured with a low environmental impact duringtheir life cycle. The phases of the life cycle are: Raw Material Extraction, Production,Distribution, Installation, Use, and Maintenance, and Eventual Reuse or Recycling. (Lowenvironmental impact refers to reducing greenhouse gas and toxic air emissions, waterpollutants, and minimizing waste in each phase.)

Points Possible: 3

Materials are evaluated using a life-cycle methodology (such as Athena or BEES assessmenttools) focusing on those used in large quantities or with significant negative environmentalimpact.

Tools:

Athena software for material assessment, Sustainable Materials Institute.http://www.athenaSMI.ca.

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software for materialassessment. http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html.

Environmental Impact Questionnaire (EIQ).http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources5_1.html.

Books:

Demkin, J., Ed. American Institute of Architects. Environmental Resource Guide. New York:John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

High Performance Building Guidelines. City of New York, Department of Design andConstruction. April 1999.

LeClair, Kim and David Rousseau. Environmental by Design, Volume I: Interiors: ASourcebook of Environmentally Aware Choices. 1992.

Spiegel, Ross and Dru Meadows. Green Building Materials; A Guide to Product Selectionand Specification. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1999.

Articles and Journals:

Cole, Raymond J. and David Rousseau, “Environmental Auditing for Building Construction:Energy and Air Pollution Indices for Building Materials,” Building and Environment, 1992,Vol. 27, No.1, pp. 23-30.

“The Resource.” Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance Newsletter website.http://www.moea.state.mn.us/res/index.cfm.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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“Building Green on a Budget.” Environmental Building News.http://www.ebuild.com/Archives/Features/Low_Cost/Low_Cost.html#Products.

Product Resources:

“Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction.” EnvironmentalBuilding News. http://www.ebuild.com/Resources/Checklist.html.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish the use of materials with low environmental impacts during their life cycle as aproject goal.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Develop design strategies that utilize materials with a low environmental impact.

First, research and evaluate building materials generically, such as concrete, steel, and wood.Refer to the Environmental Resource Guide as well as software tools such as Building forEnvironmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) and Athena to identify building materialswith low environmental impacts. The life cycle phases are: Raw Material Extraction,Production, Distribution, Installation, Use and, Maintenance, and Eventual Reuse orRecycling.

Second, research and evaluate building material manufacturers. Survey specific manufacturersusing a questionnaire to analyze the environmental impacts at each phase of the product's life:Raw Material Extraction, Production, Distribution, Installation, Use, and Maintenance, andEventual Reuse or Recycling. See Resources for Environmental Impact Questionaire (EIQ).

Design Development

Evaluate building materials for each life cycle phase using manufacturer's response. Establisha process to compare and assess similar building materials in like categories. See Resourcesfor sample process.

Construction Documents & Specifications

In Division 1, state the project's environmental goals and the general environmentalprocedures. In PART 1 - GENERAL of each technical section use language that enhances theenvironmental strategies for that particular product or system.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Use simple, nontoxic, or low-VOC methods of cleaning.

Educate the occupants and operations staff about the building's low environmental impactmaterials through signage, brochures, or other publicity.

Next Use

Evaluate whether materials can be used for the next use. Reuse, salvage, or recycle allappropriate materials.

Actions

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Strategy 5.2: Use Salvaged and Remanufactured Materials

Purpose: To conserve the embodied energy of salvaged materials (such as floor tile, granite,marble, brick, timber, windows, doors, door frames, bathroom accessories, toilet partitions,sinks, cabinets, furniture and hardware) instead of consuming natural resources tomanufacture new materials. To use remanufactured products in order to extend the life of anexisting product and reduce the amount of raw material required on the project.

Points Possible: 2

Salvaged and/or remanufactured materials are used to conserve embodied energy and reducethe consumption of natural resources.

1 point: Salvaged Resources:For new construction, 10% of the total percentage of products or materials aresalvaged building materials or equipment. For renovations, 10 % of the totalnumber of products or materials used are existing materials or equipment orsalvaged materials from an off-site source.

AND

1 point: Remanufactured Materials:For new construction, 10% of the total percentage of products or materials areremanufactured building materials or equipment. For renovations, 10% of the totalpercentage of products or materials used are existing materials or equipment orremanufactured materials from an off- site source.

Tools:

Athena software for material assessment, Sustainable Materials Institute.http://www.athenaSMI.ca.

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software for materialassessment. http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html.

Environmental Impact Questionnaire (EIQ).http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources5_2.html.

Books:

Goldbeck, Nikki & David. Choose to Reuse: An Encyclopedia of Services, Businesses, Tools& Charitable Programs That Facilitate Reuse. Woodstock, NY: Ceres Press, 1995.

Articles and Journals:

“Building Green on a Budget.” Environmental Building News.http://www.ebuild.com/Archives/Features/Low_Cost/Low_Cost.html#Products.

“Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction.” EnvironmentalBuilding News. http://www.ebuild.com/Resources/Checklist.html.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Resource Efficient Building: Reducing Material Use, Toxicity and Waste in Design &Construction. Reduction Institute for Training and Applications Research (WRITAR), LHBEngineers & Architects; Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, March 1995. Toorder this book, contact the MN OEA’s: [email protected] or phone 651-215-0232 or 800-877-6300.

Product Resources:

Product directory from Oikos. http://www.oikos.com.

Product exchange website - Minnesota Technical Assistance Program.http://www.mntap.umn.edu/.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish the use of salvaged and remanufactured materials as a project goals.

Understand possible conflicts between salvaged and remanufactured (environmental) andindoor air quality (health) initiatives. Use environmental and indoor air quality goalsestablished by the design team and building owner to guide decision-making.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Identify project's salvaged and remanufactured material opportunities.

Develop design strategies that utilize salvaged and remanufactured materials.

Refer to Strategy 5.1 for lifecycle analysis of materials that are salvaged or remanufactured.

Design Development

New construction and renovations: Research local sources for salvaged material andremanufactured product availability. Determine quantity of materials, products, and theirdimensions. Consider adjusting design to accommodate available materials.

Renovations: Identify existing materials and equipment that can be reused on-site such asHVAC systems or furniture.

Construction Documents & Specifications

In Division 1, state the project's environmental goals and the general environmentalprocedures that address salvaged materials and remanufactured products. In each CSItechnical section identify salvaged and remanufactured items in appropriate specificationsections.

Highlight salvaged items in drawings so that they receive special attention.

For scoring purposes, document the total percentage of salvaged and remanufactured buildingmaterials or equipment.

Actions

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OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Use simple, nontoxic, or low-VOC methods of cleaning.

Educate the occupants and operations staff about the building’s salvage materials andremanufactured products through signage, brochures, or other publicity.

Next Use

Evaluate whether materials can be used for the next use. Reuse, salvage, or recycle allappropriate materials.

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Strategy 5.3: Use Recycled Content Products and Materials

Purpose: To utilize building materials with a recycled content instead of those manufacturedusing virgin materials.

Points Possible: 1

50% of the total percentage of products or materials contain at least 10% post-consumerrecycled content or a minimum of 50% post-industrial recycled content.

Tools:

Athena software for material assessment, Sustainable Materials Institute.http://www.athenaSMI.ca.

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software for materialassessment. http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html.

Environmental Impact Questionnaire (EIQ).http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources5_3.html.

Books:

LeClair, Kim and David Rousseau. Environmental by Design, Volume I: Interior, ASourcebook of Environmentally Aware Choices. 1992.

High Performance Building Guidelines. City of New York, Department of Design andConstruction, April 1999.

Articles and Journals:

“Building Green on a Budget.” Environmental Building News.http://www.ebuild.com/Archives/Features/Low_Cost/Low_Cost.html#Products.

“Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction.” EnvironmentalBuilding News. http://www.ebuild.com/Resources/Checklist.html.

Environmental Building News, GreenSpec Product Directory and Guideline SpecificationLanguage. http://www.ebuild.com/Greenspec/Greenspec_info.html.

Product Resources:

Environmental Building News Product Catalog. Boulder, CO, 1998.http://www.ebuild.com/Greenspec/Greenspec_info.html.

Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance Recycled Product Directory.http://www.moea.state.mn.us/berc/resprod/resprod.cfm.

Recycled Paint Resource in Minnesota.http://www.oikos.com/products/finishes/amazon/default.htm.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Product Exchange Website - Minnesota Technical Assistance Program.http://www.mntap.umn.edu/.

Oikos Product Directory website. http://www.oikos.com/.

Product directory website for The Harris Directory. http://www.harrisdirectory.com/.

National Park Service Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design.http://www.nps.gov/dsc/dsgncnstr/.

Environmental Protection Agency Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG).http://www.epa.gov/cpg/.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish the use of recycled-content building materials as a project goal.

Understand possible conflicts between recycled-content building materials and healthinitiatives (such as the opportunities and constraints of recycled content paint and low-VOCpaint). Use recycled content building materials and health goals established by the designteam and building owner to guide decision-making.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Research and evaluate recycled-content building materials.

Develop design strategies that utilize recycled-content building materials.

Refer to Strategy 5.1 for lifecycle analysis of materials with recycled-content.

See Resources for list of recycled-content building material guides.

Design Development

Evaluate recycled-content building materials. Survey manufacturers to obtain information onthe recycled-content of the product or material. See Resources for the Environmental ImpactQuestionaire (EIQ).

Construction Documents & Specifications

In Division 1, state the project’s environmental goals and the general environmentalprocedures that address recycled-content materials. Provide references to local, state, federal,and industry recycled-content standards, regulations, and requirements. In each CSI technicalsection provide specific recycled-content percentages for post-industrial or post-consumermaterial. For public bid projects, list three manufacturers or discuss possible difficulty ofproviding three manufacturers with owner.

For scoring purposes document the total percentage of products or materials which contain atleast 10% post-consumer recycled-content or a minimum of 50% post-industrial recycled-content.

Actions

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CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Verify that substitutions meet recycled-content percentage requirements.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Use simple, nontoxic, or low-VOC methods of cleaning.Educate the occupants and operations staff about the building’s recycled-content materialsthrough signage, brochures, or other.

Next Use

Evaluate whether materials can be used for the next use. Reuse, salvage, or recycle allappropriate materials.

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Strategy 5.4: Use Materials from Renewable Sources

Purpose: To use materials from renewable resources (especially those that are agriculturallybased). Avoid building materials manufactured from raw materials that are scarce or finite,which include concrete, steel, and petroleum-based materials.

Points Possible: 1

10% of the total percentage of products or materials are from renewable raw sources (e.g.certified wood, wheat, cotton, cork, bamboo, etc.).

Tools:

Athena software for material assessment, Sustainable Materials Institute.http://www.athenaSMI.ca.

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software for materialassessment. http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html.

Environmental Impact Questionnaire (EIQ).http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources5_4.html.

Books:

LeClair, Kim and David Rousseau. Environmental by Design, Volume I: Interior, ASourcebook of Environmentally Aware Choices. 1992.

Demkin, J., Ed. American Institute of Architects. Environmental Resource Guide. New York:John Wiley & Sons. 1996.

Product Resources:

Product Directory website. http://www.oikos.com.

Environmental Building News Product Catalog. Boulder, CO, 1998.http://www.ebuild.com/Greenspec/Greenspec_info.html.

“Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction.” EnvironmentalBuilding News. http://www.ebuild.com/Resources/Checklist.html.

Certified Wood website, http://www.certifiedwood.org/.

National Park Service Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design.http://www.nps.gov/dsc/dsgncnstr/.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish the use of materials from renewable sources as a project goal.

Understand possible conflicts between renewable sources (environmental) and indoor airquality (health) initiatives. Use environmental and indoor air quality goals established by thedesign team and building owner to guide decision-making.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Research and evaluate the environmental impact of materials manufactured from rawmaterials that are nonrenewable such as concrete, steel and those that are petroleum-based.Refer to lifecycle approach outlined in Strategy 5.1 (Strategy 5.4 focuses on the Raw MaterialExtraction phase of the product’s life). Utilize lifecycle tools, the Environmental ResourceGuide, Athena and BEES (outlined in Strategy 5.1) to study environmental impacts ofextracting, harvesting, or mining raw materials from nonrenewable sources.

Research and evaluate the environmental impact of materials manufactured from renewablematerials such as wheat, cotton, wood, cork, and bamboo. Refer to lifecycle approach outlinedin Strategy 5.1 (Strategy 5.4 focuses on the Raw Material Extraction phase of the product’slife). Utilize lifecycle tools, the Environmental Resource Guide, Athena and BEES (outlined inStrategy 5.1) to study environmental impacts of extracting, harvesting, or mining rawmaterials from nonrenewable sources.

For doors, veneers, millwork, frames, windows and other items use wood from certified well-managed forests. Avoid wood from endangered or scare species such as redwood, tropicalhard woods, and some domestic woods.

Avoid or limit the use of materials manufactured from finite resources. Use materials withhigh-recycled content.

Develop design strategies that utilize materials from renewable sources.

Construction Documents & Specifications

In Division 1, state the project’s environmental goals and the general environmentalprocedures that address certified sustainable wood. Provide references to local, state, federal,and industry certified wood standards, regulations, and requirements. In Divisions 6, 9, and 12list three suppliers of certified wood. For public bid projects, provide three producers, ordiscuss with Owner the difficulty in providing three suppliers.

For scoring purposes document the total percentage of products or materials from renewableraw sources.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Verify that lumber, wood products, and veneers are from certified managed forests, includingsubstitutions.

Verify that any substitutions meet project criteria and standards for materials from renewableresources.

Actions

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OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Use simple, nontoxic, or low-VOC methods of cleaning.

Use renewable materials for future replacements and renovations.

Next Use

Evaluate whether materials can be used for the next use. Reuse, salvage, or recycle allappropriate materials.

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Strategy 5.5: Use Locally Manufactured Materials

Purpose: To save energy and resources in the transportation of materials and installation ofmaterial. This goal includes locally supplied or manufactured products or materials that aresupported by local installers and reuse or recycling programs.

Points Possible: 1

25% of the total percentage of products or materials are manufactured within 500 miles of theproject site.

Tools:

Athena software for material assessment, Sustainable Materials Institute.http://www.athenaSMI.ca.

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software for materialassessment. http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html.

Environmental Impact Questionnaire (EIQ).http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources5_5.html.

Articles and Journals:

Resource Efficient Building: Reducing Material Use, Toxicity and Waste in Design &Construction. Reduction Institute for Training and Applications Research (WRITAR), LHBEngineers & Architects; Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, March 1995. Toorder this book, contact the MN OEA’s:[email protected] or phone 651-215-0232 or 800-877-6300.

Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction; Environmental BuildingNews. http://www.ebuild.com/Resources/Checklist.html.

Product Resources:

Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance website.http://www.moea.state.mn.us/berc/resprod/resprod.cfm.

Recycled Paint Resource in Minnesota.http://www.oikos.com/products/finishes/amazon/default.htm.

National Park Service Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design.http://www.nps.gov/dsc/dsgncnstr/.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish the use of locally manufactured materials as a project goal during the programmingphase.

Understand possible conflicts between locally manufactured materials (environmental) andindoor air quality (health) initiatives. Use environmental and health goals established by thedesign team and building owner to guide decision-making.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Research materials manufactured within a 250 - 500 mile radius of the project site. Includecriteria for location of raw resources.

Develop design strategies that utilize locally manufactured materials.

Research and evaluate the environmental impacts of shipping products and materials. Refer tothe lifecycle approach outlined in Strategy 5.1. This strategy focuses on the Distribution Phaseof the product’s life. Utilize lifecycle tools, Environmental Resource Guide, Athena andBEES, outlined in Strategy 5.1 to study the environmental impacts of shipping. See WasteStrategy 6.7 regarding packaging waste.

Survey producers and manufacturers for data on transportation procedures.

Construction Documents & Specifications

For public bid projects, provide three producers, or discuss with Owner the difficulty inproviding three suppliers.

For scoring purposes, document total percentage of products or materials manufactured within250 - 500 miles of project site.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Use simple, nontoxic, or low-VOC methods of cleaning.Educate occupants and operations staff about building’s locally manufactured materialsthrough signage, brochures, or other publicity.

Next Use

Evaluate whether materials can be used for the next use. Reuse, salvage, or recycle allappropriate materials.

Actions

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Strategy 5.6: Use Low VOC-emitting Materials

Purpose: To contribute to good indoor air quality during building operations (specifyproducts that have minimal chemical emissions and emit low or no volatile organiccompounds or VOC’s and install materials with minimal VOC-producing compounds orno-VOC mechanical attachment methods). Another objective is to use material frommanufacturers who have reduced toxicity emissions at their manufacturing plants and whoseproducts do not contain carcinogenic compounds and ingredients.

Points Possible: 3

Low or no VOC-emitting materials are used to ensure good indoor air quality. Meet all of thefollowing criteria:

• At a minimum all adhesives and sealants must meet VOC limits of the SouthCoast Rule #1168 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

• At a minimum, all paints, coatings, carpet, and furniture systems must meetthe requirements of State of Washington Department of GeneralAdministration Indoor Air Quality Compliance Table.

• Carpets must conform to the Carpet and Rug Institute and the EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) VOC emission rate of 0.5 milligrams per squaremeter per hour.

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all materials contributingsignificantly to indoor air quality are submitted.

Tools:

Athena software for material assessment, Sustainable Materials Institute.http://www.athenaSMI.ca.

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software for materialassessment. http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html.

State of Washington Department of General Administration Indoor Air Quality ComplianceTable. http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources5_6.html.

Environmental Impact Questionnaire (EIQ).http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources5_6.html.

Books:

LeClair, Kim and David Rousseau. Environmental by Design, Volume I: Interior, ASourcebook of Environmentally Aware Choices. 1992.

Demkin, J., Ed. American Institute of Architects. Environmental Resource Guide. New York:John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

High Performance Building Guidelines. City of New York, Department of Design andConstruction. April 1999.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Articles and Journals:

Building Green on a Budget.” Environmental Building News.http://www.ebuild.com/Archives/Features/Low_Cost/Low_Cost.html#Products.

“Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction.” EnvironmentalBuilding News. http://www.ebuild.com/Resources/Checklist.html.

Resource Efficient Building: Reducing Material Use, Toxicity and Waste in Design &Construction. Reduction Institute for Training and Applications Research (WRITAR), LHBEngineers & Architects; Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, March 1995. Toorder this book, contact the MN OEA’s: [email protected] or phone 651-215-0232 or 800-877-6300.

Product Resources:

Environmental Building News, GreenSpec product directory and guideline specificationlanguage. http://www.ebuild.com/Greenspec/Greenspec_info.html.

Product directory website - http://www.oikos.com/.

South Coast (Los Angeles) Air Quality Management District. http://www.aqmd.gov.

Carpet and Rug Institute. http://www.carpetrug.com.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Understand possible conflicts between environmental and health initiatives. Useenvironmental and health goals established by the design team and building owner to guidedecision-making.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Research and evaluate the environmental impacts of installing building materials, such asVOC’s emission. Refer to the lifecycle approach outlined in Strategy 5.1 (Strategy 5.6 focuseson the Installation phase of the product’s life). Utilize lifecycle tools, the EnvironmentalResource Guide, Athena and BEES (outlined in Strategy 5.1) to study the environmentalimpacts of installation (including accessories for installation: adhesives, tapes, primers,sealants, finishes, protective coatings, cleaning agents).

Obtain and review manufacturer-supplied Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Avoidproducts with significant quantities of toxic, flammable, corrosive, or carcinogenic materialand potential for harmful chemical emissions.

Select paints and coatings based on State of Washington Department of GeneralAdministration Indoor Air Quality Compliance Table.

Select adhesives and sealants based on South Coast Rule #1168 VOC limits.

Minimize use of carpets in the building. Where used, select carpets based on Carpet and RugInstitute and EPA VOC emission rate. The use of carpet and other textiles creates sinks in the

Actions

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interior environment that provide habitat for dust mites. Minimizing the amount of “soft”surface will limit the spaces available for toxins and allergens to settle and remain.

Construction Documents & Specifications

In Division 1, state the project’s environmental goals and the general environmentalprocedures that address indoor air quality. State VOC’s or chemicals to avoid. Providereferences to local, state, federal, and industry environmental standards, regulations, andrequirements. State that the product should not contain specific chemicals such asformaldehyde. In the “Submittals” section, require contractor to provide a “sequence of finishinstallation” schedule prior to construction. All wet applications should be completed prior to“soft” material installations (i.e. carpet, textiles, etc.). In each CSI technical section list threemanufacturers as well as characteristics that make the product environmental, such as lowtoxicity. For public bid projects, provide three producers, or discuss with Owner the difficultyin providing three suppliers.

For scoring purposes, document adhesives and sealants that meet South Coast Rule #1168 ofthe South Coast Air Quality Management District; paints, coatings, and furniture systems thatmeet the requirements of State of Washington Department of General Administration IndoorAir Quality Compliance Table; and carpets that meets the Carpet and Rug Institute and theEPA’s VOC emission rate of 0.5 milligrams per square meter per hour. Compile MSDS formaterials contributing significantly to indoor air quality.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Enforce the installation of low-toxic materials. Verify that proposed material substitutionsmeet low-toxic requirements.

Protect the facility from contamination during construction. Cap duct ends to avoidcontamination of interior duct surfaces or replace filters prior to occupancy.

Require contractor to develop a “sequence of finish installation” schedule as a deliverableprior to construction.

Air carpets and carpet pads in a well-ventilated, clean, dry environment for several daysbefore installing. Carpet should be installed with good ventilation. Ventilation should continuefor at least 48 to 72 hours after installation, according to Carpet and Rug Institute and the EPAVOC emission rate.

Use the HVAC systems to flush the facility before occupancy. Ventilate the building with100% outside air during installation of materials and finishes and during pre-occupancy.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Use simple, nontoxic, or low-VOC methods of cleaning.

Educate owner and maintenance staff about non-toxic materials and cleaning procedures.

Next Use

Evaluate whether materials can be used for the next use. Reuse, salvage, or recycle allappropriate materials.

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Strategy 5.7: Use Durable Materials

Purpose: To conserve natural resources by specifying materials that are durable and longlasting instead of those that need to be replaced frequently which consumes additional naturalresources.

Points Possible: 1

50% of the total percentage of products or materials are durable with a lifecycle of at least 50 years.

Tools:

Athena software for material assessment, Sustainable Materials Institute.http://www.athenaSMI.ca.

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software for materialassessment. http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html.

Environmental Impact Questionnaire (EIQ).http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources5_7.html.

Books:

LeClair, Kim and David Rousseau. Environmental by Design, Volume I: Interior, ASourcebook of Environmentally Aware Choices. 1992.

High Performance Building Guidelines. City of New York, Department of Design andConstruction. April 1999.

Demkin, J., Ed. American Institute of Architects. Environmental Resource Guide. New York:John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

Articles and Journals:

“Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction.” EnvironmentalBuilding News. http://www.ebuild.com/Resources/Checklist.html.

“Building Green on a Budget.” Environmental Building News.http://www.ebuild.com/Archives/Features/Low_Cost/Low_Cost.html#Products.

Product Resources:

Product directory website. http://www.oikos.com/.

Sustainable Building Sourcebook website. http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/.

Environmental Building News, GreenSpec Product Directory and Guideline SpecificationLanguage. http://www.ebuild.com/Greenspec/Greenspec_info.html.

National Park Service Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design.http://www.nps.gov/dsc/dsgncnstr/.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish the use of durable materials as a project goal.

Understand possible conflicts between locally manufactured (environmental) and indoor airquality (health) initiatives. Use environmental and indoor air quality goals established by thedesign team and building owner to guide decision-making.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Develop design strategies that utilize durable materials.

Research and evaluate materials using lifecycle costing methodology. Refer to lifecyclecosting information such as Athena or BEES (outlined in Strategy 5.1). The software providesdata from environmental lifecycle analysis of building materials and an economic analysisbased on lifecycle costing.

Construction Documents & Specifications

For scoring purposes, document the lifecycle and first cost of materials that meet durabilitycriteria versus lifecycle and standard costs for more traditional choices.

In Division 1, state the project’s environmental goals and the general environmentalprocedures that address durability. In each CSI technical section, list warranty requirementsand maintenance procedure requirements for each product.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Use simple, nontoxic, or low-VOC methods of cleaning.

Educate occupants and operations staff about building’s durable materials through signage,brochures, or other publicity.

Next Use

Document performance and longevity of durable materials.

Evaluate whether materials can be used for the next use. Reuse, salvage, or recycle allappropriate materials.

Actions

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Strategy 5.8: Use Materials that are Reusable, Recyclable or Biodegradable

Purpose: To use reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable materials to reduce the consumptionof natural resources and decrease the landfilling of building materials.

Points Possible: 2

Reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable materials are used to conserve embodied energy andreduce the consumption of natural resources.

2 points: 60% of the total materials are reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable.

OR

1 point: 30% of the total materials are reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable.

Tools:

Athena software for material assessment, Sustainable Materials Institute.http://www.athenaSMI.ca.

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software for materialassessment. http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html.

Environmental Impact Questionnaire (EIQ).http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources5_8.html.

Books:

Goldbeck, Nikki & David. Choose to Reuse: An Encyclopedia of Services, Businesses, Tools& Charitable Programs That Facilitate Reuse. Woodstock, NY: Ceres Press, 1995.

Hermannsson, John. The Green Building Resource Guide. Newtown, CT: The Taunton Press.http://www.greenguide.com.

High Performance Building Guidelines. City of New York, Department of Design andConstruction, April 1999.

LeClair, Kim and David Rousseau. Environmental by Design, Volume I: Interior, ASourcebook of Environmentally Aware Choices. 1992.

Articles and Journals:

Resource Efficient Building: Reducing Material Use, Toxicity and Waste in Design &Construction. Reduction Institute for Training and Applications Research (WRITAR), LHBEngineers & Architects; Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, March 1995. Toorder this book, contact the MN OEA’s:[email protected] or phone 651-215-0232 or 800-877-6300.

Product Resources:

Product directory website. http://www.oikos.com.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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“Building Green on a Budget.” Environmental Building News.http://www.ebuild.com/Archives/Features/Low_Cost/Low_Cost.html#Products.

“Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction.” EnvironmentalBuilding News. http://www.ebuild.com/Resources/Checklist.html.

Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance Product Directory website.http://www.moea.state.mn.us/berc/resprod/resprod.cfm.

National Park Service Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design.http://www.nps.gov/dsc/dsgncnstr/.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Establish the use of reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials as a project goal.

Understand possible conflicts between reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable (environmental)and indoor air quality (health) initiatives. Use environmental and health goals established bythe design team and building owner to guide decision-making.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Develop design strategies that utilize reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials.

Refer to Strategy 5.1 which provides a process to evaluate a specific product using a lifecycleapproach. Use results of the survey on product characteristics, which facilitate reuse,recycling, and composting at the perceived end of its life.

Research and evaluate reusable materials (such as windows, hollow metal doors and frames,wood doors and frames, bathroom fixtures, lighting fixtures, demountable partitions) andresearch recyclable materials (such as aluminum, steel, glass, carpet, and ceiling tile).Research and evaluate materials, that are biodegradable such as some fabrics.

Construction Documents & Specifications

For scoring purposes, document the total percentage of materials that are reusable, recyclable,or biodegradable.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Educate occupants and operations staff about building’s durable materials through signage,brochures, or other publicity.

Next Use

Document the performance and longevity of durable materials.

Evaluate whether materials can be used for the next use. Reuse, salvage, or recycle allappropriate materials.

Actions

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Waste Environmental ConcernsWaste is generated throughout the life of a building. Brick, metals, wood, cardboard, andother waste is generated and landfilled during building demolition, renovation, andconstruction. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, construction anddemolition waste represents 1/4 to 1/3 of all waste landfilled in the U.S. The construction anddemolition waste stream, once thought to total between 30 and 40 millions tons of wastematerials annually in the United States, is more likely to total over three times that amount(Yost, 1999). Landfilling construction and demolition waste, instead of recycling it, is a lossof material resources. During building operations, waste such as paper, aluminum cans, andglass is also generated; it too is a burden on our landfills and a loss of our natural resources.

Waste Goals

In view of these environmental concerns,sustainable design embodies the followinggoals:

• Encourage better management of waste.• Minimize use of resources.• Minimize waste generated from construction,

renovation, and demolition of buildings.• Minimize waste generated during building

occupancy.

Waste Strategies

The sustainable design goals listed aretranslated into the following strategies:

Conserving Resources

6.1 Reuse Existing Buildings6.2 Design for Less Material Use6.3 Design Building for Adaptability6.4 Design Building for Disassembly

Waste Management

6.5 Salvage and Recycle Demolition Waste6.6 Recycle Construction Waste6.7 Reduce and Recycle Packaging Waste6.8 Reduce and Recycle Waste from Building

Users6.9 Reduce and Properly Dispose of

Hazardous Waste

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Strategy 6.1: Reuse Existing Buildings

Purpose: To conserve the existing building’s embodied energy by reusing building materials.To conserve the embodied energy of materials used to construct a new building.

Points Possible: 3

Related Strategies:

6.3: Design Building for Adaptability6.4: Design Building for Disassembly

The existing building’s floor area is reused.

3 points: Total reuse of existing building

OR

2 points: Substantial reuse of existing building

OR

1 point: Modest reuse of existing building

Guidance on Environmental Concerns Associated with Building Demolition, MinnesotaPollution Control Agency. http://www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/pubs/w7-01.pdf.

Minnesota Materials Exchange. http://www.mnexchange.org.

Stuart Brand. How Buildings Learn. New York: Penquin Books, 1994 .

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

If the building can be reused, establish building reuse as a project goal as well as salvagingthe building’s existing HVAC equipment, bathroom fixtures, doors, windows, and othermaterials.

Programming

Critically evaluate structural integrity, building envelope, HVAC system, functionalsuitability, compliance with current codes, historical significance, and other aspects todetermine whether the existing facility can be reused.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

Actions

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DESIGN

Schematic Design

Identify existing walls, equipment, fixtures, and other components that will be reused anddevelop design strategies that incorporate them into the design.

Prepare a salvage plan for materials and equipment that will not be reused in the renovation(such as framing lumber, hardwood flooring, carpet, doors, windows, cabinets, hardware,plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, ductwork, wiring, and piping). Schedule a walk-throughwith local facility salvager(s) to determine what items have value for resale or reuse.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Detail how existing walls, equipment, and fixtures will be reused in construction documents.

Include salvage plan in specifications. Determine requirements for site storage andtransportation to salvage company. Remove salvageable items as early in the project aspossible.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Educate building occupants and operations staff about areas of the building that were reusedthrough signage, brochures, or other publicity.

Next Use

Instead of demolishing buildings and landfilling debris, renovate building for its next use. If itis not possible to renovate the building structurally or functionally, then dismantle, recycle,and salvage materials.

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Strategy 6.2: Design for Less Material Use

Purpose: To reduce the consumption of natural resources by designing material efficientstructural system, avoiding materials which serve no functional purpose, or are sizedinefficiently.

Points Possible: 2

Design strategies are employed to use less materials, including reducing the size of thebuilding and spaces; eliminating unnecessary structural, architectural, and finish materials;using modular and standard dimensioning; and using strategies that decrease waste duringconstruction.

WRITAR, et al. Resource Efficient Building, Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance,June 1997.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Establish the efficient use of structural, architectural, and finishing materials as a project goal.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Develop space-efficient approaches to the building plan, section, and massing to eliminateunnecessary spaces and subsequenty use less materials.

Identify structural, architectural, and finish materials to eliminate because they serve nofunctional purpose or are sized too large.

Design Development

Design structural systems efficiently to conserve resources without compromisingperformance.

Develop design strategies that avoid materials which promote waste during the constructionprocess. Design using modularity and standard sizes to promote efficient use of materials andconstruction methods.

Use standard sized material to reduce off-cuts of lumber, wallboard, and other materials.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Verify that resource efficient construction methods and practices are employed duringconstruction.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

Actions

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Strategy 6.3: Design Building for Adaptability

Purpose: To design the building to accommodate modifications and upgrades that will satisfychanging programmatic, spatial, and infrastructure needs and to facilitate flexible occupationthroughout the life of the building.

Points Possible: 2

Related Strategies:

6.1: Reuse Existing Buildings

Interior or exterior design options are incorporated into the project to facilitate buildingadaptability. Apply the options that are appropriate to the project:

• Consider site planning and building configuration to accommodate future additions andalterations.

• Plan for maximum standardization or repetition of building elements and details toincrease the ease of adapting the structure for future alterations or upgrades.

• Design cladding to accommodate future alterations and upgrades such as shadingdevices, more efficient glazing, and lighting controls.

• Design cladding systems that are fixed by snap release connectors, friction, or otherjoints that do not require sealants. Use joints and connections that facilitateadaptability, including bolts, screws, and clips.

• Consider spatial configurations, floor deck, structure, mechanical and ceiling options tofacilitate adaptability (13-14' maximum is common).

• Use a sandwich space between the ceiling to floor level for structure, sprinklers, supplyand return ductwork, lighting fixtures, and ceiling system (allowing the space to bemore easily altered).

• Use raised floor systems for power and telecommunications wiring to accommodatereconfiguration of spaces and information technology support.

• Use modular space planning, partitions, and furnishings.• Consider other relevant design strategies.

Brand, Stewart. How Buildings Learn. New York: Penquin Books, 1994.

Beal, Christine. Masonry Design and Detailing, 3rd ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 1993.

Demkin, Joseph, ed., AIA Environmental Resource Guide, “Concrete Masonry; MAT 04220.”New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

Rush, Richard. Building Systems Integration. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1990.

St. John, Andrew. The Sourcebook for Sustainable Design, Architects for SocialResponsibility. Boston Society of Architects, Andrew St. John, 1992.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop appropriate adaptabilty goals and objectives for the building structure, windowopenings and cladding, environmental control systems, materials, and space planning basedon program, users, and activities.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for adaptability based on program,activities, and operational change considerations. Establish appropriate adaptability designcriteria, such as considerations for the footprint, window modules, building facade, floor-to-floor height, structural systems, mechanical and information systems, and spatial organizationthat may support a range of anticipated future uses and adaptations.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Use design strategies at the site scale and building scales to accommodate future growth andexpansion. Design the footprint, window modules, and facade to adapt to future alterationsand changes. Design the floor-to-floor height and column spacing to adapt to future uses.Use appropriate structural and spatial definition and mechanical systems to maximizeflexibility and minimize upgrade time and expense. Address adaptability and flexibility in thespace planning and zoning of the building. Use finishes, systems, and components that can beeasily altered and changed with time.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify appropriate structural, cladding, detailing, mechanical systems, and components thatfacilitate building adaptability and flexibility.

OCCUPANCY

Start-up

Educate the operations and maintenance staff and the building occupants about theadaptability strategies and features in the facility (workshops, signage, brochures, or otherpublicity).

Develop educational and training manual.

Operation & Maintenance

Evaluate the on-going needs of the facility and address issues of adaptability, change, andupgrading throughout time.

Next Use

Evaluate the building’s “design for adaptability” elements, such as its footprint, windowmodules, building facade, floor-to-floor height, structural systems, mechanical andinformation systems, and spatial characteristics to determine whether they support the nextuse. Make adaptations as appropriate.

Actions

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Strategy 6.4: Design Building for Disassembly

Purpose: To design the building to use components, assemblages, and systems to facilitatedisassembly for reuse (i.e. fixtures, hollow metal frames, trusses, casework, etc.), salvage (i.e.timber frame, carpet, countertops), or recycling (i.e. metals, glass, concrete materials).

Points Possible: 2

Related Strategies:

5.2: Use Salvaged and Remanufactured Materials6.4: Design Building for Adaptability

Interior or exterior design options are incorporated into the project to facilitate buildingdisassembly. Apply the options that are appropriate to the project:

• Use structural systems, cladding systems, and non-load bearing wall systems thatfacilitate disassembly.

• Use structure/shell systems that maintain integrity when demounted or disassembled(i.e. steel, glass, or concrete and panel claddings).

• Use materials, systems, and components that can be recycled or reused in whole or inpart.

• Use materials that are durable, weather well, and last more than one building lifetime(including masonry, steel, glass, and some timber products such as beams, columns,floorboards, etc.).

• Use materials, systems, and components that can be assembled or fastened in a mannerthat facilitates reassembly into new construction or remodeling.

• Use snap release connectors, friction, or other joints which do not require sealants. Usejoints and connections that facilitate disassembly, including bolts, screws, and clips.

• Use homogeneous materials rather than composite materials, as they are easier toseparate and recycle. Avoid materials that are composites such as reinforced plasticsand carpets fibers and backing which are generally more difficult to recycle thanhomogeneous materials.

• Use modular systems and materials to facilitate deconstruction and reuse of buildingmaterials.

• To facilitate recycling, consider labeling building materials with identificationinformation.

• Consider other relevant design strategies.

The Resourceful Waste Management Guide is produced by the Solid Waste ManagementCoordinating Board (SWMCB). The SWMCB is a joint powers board of six metropolitancounties for the purpose of planning and coordinating solid waste management activities. TheGuide provides a list of Twin Cities material outlets which building owners, contractors, ordesign professionals can contact to recycle demolition waste and donate equipment, materials,and other items generated from a building demolition. The following sections of the Guiderelate to building demolition: Donation Opportunities; Appliances; Building Materials Reuse,Computers, Electronics, and Office Machines; Concrete and Bituminous Asphalt; Fluorescent

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Lamps, Landscaping and Tree Waste; Office Furniture and Equipment; Railroad Ties; ScrapMetal; Textiles; and Wood Waste. If you would like a copy of the Resourceful WasteManagement Guide, please email your name and address to:[email protected] or call (612) 348-6358.

Beckett, D. and Marsh, P. Timber, An Introduction to Structural Design. London: SurreyUniversity Press, 1974.

Brand, Stewart. How Buildings Learn. New York: Penquin Books, 1994

Ching, Francis. Building Construction Illustrated. New York: VNR Inc., 1975

Demkin, Joseph, ed., AIA Environmental Resource Guide, “Concrete Masonry; MAT 04220.”New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

St. John, Andrew. The Sourcebook for Sustainable Design, Architects for SocialResponsibility. Boston Society of Architects, Andrew St. John, 1992.

Vasilev, Timothy, “Deconstructible Buildings,” 1998.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Develop appropriate goals and objectives for building disassembly based on program, users,and activities.

Programming

Develop specific programming criteria and standards for disassembly based on program,activities, and operational change considerations.

DESIGN

Schematic Design & Design Development

Use design strategies at the building and component scales to accommodate buildingdisassembly for reuse and recycling. Use structural systems, cladding systems, and non-loadbearing wall systems that facilitate disassembly. Use materials, systems, and components thatcan be recycled or reused in whole or in part. Use materials, systems, and components thatcan be assembled or fastened in a manner that reduces deconstruction waste and facilitatesreassembly into new construction or remodeling. Use snap release connectors, friction, orother joints which do not require sealants. Use joints and connections that facilitatedisassembly, including bolts, screws, and clips. Use homogeneous materials rather thancomposite materials, as they are easier to separate and recycle. Avoid materials that arecomposites such as reinforced plastics and carpets fibers and backing which are generallymore difficult to recycle than homogeneous materials such as concrete. Use modular systemsto facilitate deconstruction and reuse of building materials.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify appropriate structural, cladding, detailing, mechanical systems, and components thatfacilitate building disassembly.

Actions

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OCCUPANCY

Start-up

Educate the operations and maintenance staff and the building occupants about thedisassembly strategies and features in the facility (workshops, signage, brochures, or otherpublicity).

Develop educational and training manual.

Operation & Maintenance

Evaluate the on-going needs of the facility and address issues related to disassembly andupgrading throughout time.

Next Use

Evaluate building’s “design for disassembly” elements, such as the cladding, glazing systems,structural systems, fixtures, mechanical and information systems, and spatial characteristics todetermine whether they support the next use. Address disassembly, reuse, and recycling asneeded.

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Strategy 6.5: Salvage and Recycle Demolition Waste

Purpose: To conserve resources by salvaging building materials (brick, wood flooring,windows, doors, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, mechanical and electricalequipment, duct work, framing lumber, hardware, wiring, piping, and other materials) forreuse on-site or resale. The goal is also to recycle or divert from landfill demolition wastesuch as metals, wood or carpet.

Points Possible: 1

80% by volume of demolition waste is diverted from landfill through salvage, recycling and/or recovery.

DEFINITIONS

Recycling is defined as the process of collecting and preparing recyclable materials andreusing them in their original form or in manufacturing processes that do not cause thedestruction of recyclable materials precluding further use.

Recovery is defined as any process that reclaims materials, substances, energy or otherproducts contained within or derived from the waste on site. It includes waste-to-energycomposting and other processes.

Salvage is defined as the recovery or reapplication of a product or material for uses similar oridentical to its originally intended application, without remanufacturing or preparationprocesses that significantly alter the original package or product. Salvage refers to materialsthat are recovered for reuse off-site and sold or donated to a third party.

Reuse is defined as the recovery or reapplication of a product or material for uses similar oridentical to its originally intended application, without remanufacturing or preparationprocesses that significantly alter the original package or product. Reuse refers to materials orequipment that are reused on-site.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

Specification Section 01690 Waste Materials Management and RecyclingThese sample specifications provide language for recycling and recovery of materialsgenerated from building construction and demolition. They should be included and revised inspecifications as appropriate for a specific project. Waste Materials Management andRecycling Specification in PDF format or Microsoft Word format.http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources6_5.html.

Specification Section 02061 Salvage, Reuse, and RecyclingThese sample specifications provide language for salvage and reuse of materials prior to andduring the demolition process. They should be included and revised in specifications asappropriate for a specific project. Salvage, Reuse, and Recycling Specification in PDF formator Microsoft Word format.http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources6_5.html.

Resources

PerformanceIndicator

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The Resourceful Waste Management Guide is produced by the Solid Waste ManagementCoordinating Board (SWMCB). The SWMCB is a joint powers board of six metropolitancounties for the purpose of planning and coordinating solid waste management activities. TheGuide provides a list of Twin Cities outlets which contractors or design professionals cancontact to salvage and recycle waste prior to building demolition. The following sections ofthe Guide relate to salvaging and recycling demolition waste: Metro Recycling Pick-UpService Providers; Metro Recycling Appliances, Building Materials Reuse, DonationOpportunities, Computers, Concrete and Bituminous Asphalt, Electronics and OfficeMachines, Landscaping and Tree Waste, Office Furniture and Equipment, Railroad Ties,Scrap Metal Processors and Redemption Centers, and Wood Waste. If you would like a copyof the Resourceful Waste Management Guide, please email your address [email protected] or call (612) 348-6358.

Guidance on Environmental Concerns Associated with Building Demolition, MinnesotaPollution Control Agency. http://www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/pubs/w7-01.pdf.

Minnesota Materials Exchange. http://www.mnexchange.org/.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Include time in the project schedule for material salvaging and recycling prior to demolition.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Establish a demolition waste management plan that outlines the type and quantities ofmaterials that will be removed for salvage, recycling, or recovery. Items to be salvaged can beeither removed by a separate contractor(s) or by the demolition contractor as part of thedemolition process. For items to be salvaged, schedule a walk-through with a for-profit ornon-profit salvage company to identify items that are valuable. See the resource section for alist of demolition waste recycling, recovery, and salvage outlets.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Include demolition recycling and salvaging in Division 1 and 2 of the specifications. Establisha Waste Materials and Recycling Plan and a Materials Salvage and Reuse Management Planbefore proceeding. Provide extra time in schedule for careful removal of salvageable items.Seek demolition contractors who will carefully remove materials for recycling. See resourcesection for sample specification language.

Include salvage, recycling and recovery of demolition materials in Division 2 of thespecifications. The specifications should either specify a separate contractor(s) to removesalvageable items or require the demolition contractor to remove items for salvage as well asrecycling and reovery. In either case, provide extra time in schedule for careful removal ofitems. See resource section for sample specification language.

Actions

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CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Before the salvage process, explain salvage and recovery goals in the kick-off meeting. Forscoring purposes, document the amount of material salvaged in tons or dollars.

Before demolition, explain the demolition waste recycling goals in the kick-off meeting toeducate contractor and subscontractor. Identify an advocate at the construction site who willenforce demolition recycling. For scoring purposes, document the amount of demolition wasterecycled in tons or dollars.

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Strategy 6.6: Recycle Construction Waste

Purpose: To conserve resources and save money by recycling construction waste (includingmetals, wood, concrete, and cardboard).

Points Possible: 1

75% by volume of waste from construction is diverted from landfills through recycling and/orrecovery.

DEFINITIONS

Recycling is defined as the process of collecting and preparing recyclable materials andreusing them in their original form or in manufacturing processes that do not cause thedestruction of recyclable materials precluding further use.

Recovery is defined as any process that reclaims materials, substances, energy or otherproducts contained within or derived from the waste on site. It includes waste-to-energycomposting and other processes.

Salvage is defined as the recovery or reapplication of a product or material for uses similar oridentical to its originally intended application, without remanufacturing or preparationprocesses that significantly alter the original package or product. Salvage refers to materialsthat are recovered for reuse off-site and sold or donated to a third party.

Reuse is defined as the recovery or reapplication of a product or material for uses similar oridentical to its originally intended application, without remanufacturing or preparationprocesses that significantly alter the original package or product. Reuse refers to materials orequipment that are reused on-site.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

Specification Section 01690 Waste Materials Management and RecyclingThese sample specifications provide language for recycling and recovery of materialsgenerated from building construction and demolition. They should be included and revised inspecifications as appropriate for a specific project. Waste Materials Management andRecycling Specification in PDF format or Microsoft Word format.http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/SustDesGuideContent/resources6_6.html.

The Resourceful Waste Management Guide is produced by the Solid Waste ManagementCoordinating Board (SWMCB). The SWMCB is a joint powers board of six metropolitancounties for the purpose of planning and coordinating solid waste management activities. TheGuide provides a list of Twin Cities outlets which contractors and design professionals cancontact to recycle and recover waste generated during building construction. The followingsections of the Guide relate to construction generated waste: Donation Opportunities, MetroRecycling Pick-up Service Providers, Metro Recycling Drop-off Centers, Scrap MetalProcessors and Redemption Centers, Industrial Scrap Film and Plastic Markets, Landscaping

Resources

PerformanceIndicator

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and Tree Waste, Blueprints, Cardboard, Building Materials Reuse, Concrete and bituminousasphalt, Drums and Pails, Paint, Paint Cans, Pallets, and Wood Waste. If you would like acopy of the Resourceful Waste Management Guide, please email your name and address to:[email protected] or call (612) 348-6358.

Construction Waste Recycling Economics WorksheetThis worksheet can be used calculate the cost of recycling versus the cost of landfilling wastematerials generated during construction. It also includes information and data fromconstruction waste haulers, recycling and recovery outlets, construction and demolition wastelandfills, and/or estimates from previous projects. The Construction Waste RecyclingEconomics Worksheet in PDF and Microsoft Excel format.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Establish construction waste recycling as a project goal.

DESIGN

Design Development

Develop a waste management plan that outlines the type and quantities of waste andprocedures for recycling and reusing. Require the contractor to recycle or divert from landfillas much construction waste as possible. Calculate cost of recycling vs. landfilling by usingC&D Economics Worksheet. See Documents on the web site for a sample copy.

Determine whether construction waste will be recycled by source separation, time-basedseparation, or commingled delivery to off-site separation.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Include construction waste recycling in Division 1. See Documents on the web site for samplespecification.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Include construction waste recycling in the kick-off meeting. If materials are separated onsite, provide separate bins that are prominently labelled for each material. Inform contractorthat the contamination of bins decreases the value of materials.

Use procedures that eliminate ordering excess materials.

Return excess or unused material to suppliers.

Use material to its fullest potential. Avoid one-time use, such as temporary framing andsupports.

Reuse site materials, such as topsoil and land clearing debris which can be shredded formulch.

Prohibit contractor from dumping any construction waste on-site.

For scoring purposes, document the amount of construction waste recycled.

Actions

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Strategy 6.7: Reduce and Recycle Packaging Waste

Purpose: To reduce and recycle construction waste, and to encourage manufacturers to shiptheir product using reusable, recyclable, returnable, or recycled content packaging.

Points Possible: 1

Related Strategies:

6.6: Recycle Construction Waste

50% of all packaging material, by weight, is reused or returned to suppliers or manufacturers.

DEFINITIONS

Recycling is defined as the process of collecting and preparing recyclable materials andreusing them in their original form or in manufacturing processes that do not cause thedestruction of recyclable materials precluding further use.

Recovery is defined as any process that reclaims materials, substances, energy or otherproducts contained within or derived from the waste on site. It includes waste-to-energycomposting and other processes.

Salvage is defined as the recovery or reapplication of a product or material for uses similar oridentical to its originally intended application, without remanufacturing or preparationprocesses that significantly alter the original package or product. Salvage refers to materialsthat are recovered for reuse off-site and sold or donated to a third party.

Reuse is defined as the recovery or reapplication of a product or material for uses similar oridentical to its originally intended application, without remanufacturing or preparationprocesses that significantly alter the original package or product. Reuse refers to materials orequipment that are reused on-site.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

The Resourceful Waste Management Guide is produced by the Minnesota Solid WasteManagement Coordinating Board (SWMCB). The SWMCB is a joint powers board of sixmetropolitan counties for the purpose of planning and coordinating solid waste managementactivities. The Guide provides a list of Twin Cities outlets which contractors or designprofessionals can contact to recycle packaging waste generated at a construction site. Thefollowing sections of the Guide relate to reduction and recycling of packaging waste: MetroRecycling Pick-up Service Providers, Metro Recycling Drop-off Centers, Industrial ScrapFilm and Plastic Markets, Cardboard, Drums and Pails, Paint Cans, Pallets, Wood Waste. Ifyou would like a copy of the Resourceful Waste Management Guide, please email your nameand address to: [email protected] or call (612) 348-6358.

Resources

PerformanceIndicator

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DESIGN

Design Development

Develop environmentally responsible packaging criteria. Identify suppliers that useenvironmentally responsible approaches to packaging. Favor suppliers which meet thiscriteria. See resource section for sample specifications.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Specify that manufacturers use reusable, recyclable, returnable, or recycled contentpackaging. See Documents on the web site for sample specification language.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

At the kick-off meeting, educate the contractor and subcontractors about the packaging wasteobjectives, in particular that vendors must take back wood pallets or other returnablepackaging.

Work with and encourage suppliers to use environmentally responsible packaging.

Set aside a staging area on site for packaging that needs to be returned to the vendor. Monitorconstruction site to verify that packaging waste is appropriately recycled.

Consider rejecting materials which are excessively packaged. Work with and encouragesuppliers to use environmentally responsible packaging.

Actions

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Strategy 6.8: Reduce and Recycle Waste from Building Users

Purpose: To reduce water production and encourage recycling of waste from building users(e.g. white and mixed paper, aluminum cans, plastic, glass, and corrugated cardboard, andorganic food waste).

Points Possible: 1

Dedicated recycling facilities are provided for storage and handling of aluminum, glass,plastic, white and mixed paper and cardboard.

DEFINITIONS

Recycling is defined as the process of collecting and preparing recyclable materials andreusing them in their original form or in manufacturing processes that do not cause thedestruction of recyclable materials precluding further use.

Recovery is defined as any process that reclaims materials, substances, energy or otherproducts contained within or derived from the waste on site. It includes waste-to-energycomposting and other processes.

Salvage is defined as the recovery or reapplication of a product or material for uses similar oridentical to its originally intended application, without remanufacturing or preparationprocesses that significantly alter the original package or product. Salvage refers to materialsthat are recovered for reuse off-site and sold or donated to a third party.

Reuse is defined as the recovery or reapplication of a product or material for uses similar oridentical to its originally intended application, without remanufacturing or preparationprocesses that significantly alter the original package or product. Reuse refers to materials orequipment that are reused on-site.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

The Resourceful Waste Management Guide is produced by the Minnesota Solid WasteManagement Coordinating Board (SWMCB). The SWMCB is a joint powers board of sixmetropolitan counties for the purpose of planning and coordinating solid waste managementactivities. The Guide provides a list of Twin Cities outlets which design professionals andbuilding occupants can contact to coordinate recycling of waste generated during buildingoperations. The following sections of the Guide relate to occupant generated waste: DonationOpportunities, Metro Recycling Pick-up Service Providers, Metro Recycling Drop-offCenters, Scrap Metal Processors and Redemption Centers, Industrial Scrap Film and PlasticMarkets, Appliances, Ballasts, Batteries, Blueprints, Cardboard, Computers, Electronics andOffice Machines, Fluorescent Lamps, High Intensity Discharge (HID), Neon Namps &Ballasts, Landscaping and Tree Waste, Office Furniture and Equipment, Paint, Paint Cans,Pallets, Phone Books, Toner Cartridges and Printer Ribbons, Wood Waste. If you would like acopy of the Resourceful Waste Management Guide, please email your name and address to:[email protected] or call (612) 348-6358.

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Guidance on Environmental Concerns Associated with Building Demolition, MinnesotaPollution Control Agency. http://www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/pubs/w7-01.pdf.

PREDESIGN

Project Initiation

Establish building waste recycling as a project goal (including paper, glass, plastics, metals,newspaper, and organic and dry waste).

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Design recycling system that is as convenient or more convenient than a waste disposalsystem. Provide space for corrugated cardboard near shipping and receiving areas. Design theloading dock for recycling handling and/or compacting waste.

Provide space in food service preparation and service areas to collect food waste.

In the site design, consider including ayard waste composting area.

Construction Documents & Specifications

Detail recycling system in construction documents.

Detail collection system of food waste. Specify compacting equipment, such as pulper andwater press, if needed.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Educate occupants and operations staff about the recycling program. Post signage to facilitaterecycling. Quantify and publicize recycling efforts.

Collect food waste from preparation areas for human consumption or to ship to hog farmers.Educate staff about the program.

Do not pick up grass clippings. Instead allow them to decompose and fertilize the lawn. Trainlawn maintenance personnel or service accordingly. Design a low-maintenance landscapewith limited or no grass.

Next Use

Determine whether the existing recycling system meets the next use needs. Modify asappropriate for the next use.

Actions

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Strategy 6.9: Reduce and Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste

Purpose: To appropriately store, handle, and dispose of hazardous waste during buildingconstruction, operation, and decommissioning.

Points Possible: 1

Related Strategies:

5.6: Use Low VOC-emitting Materials

Dedicated space is provided for the storage of hazardous waste materials during buildingoperations (e.g. fluorescent and HID lamps, medical waste, cleaning products, etc.) andappropriate handling of hazardous waste is addressed during building construction,renovation, or decommissioning (e.g. asbestos, lead, refrigerants, CFC’s HFC’s, etc.).

DEFINITIONS

Recycling is defined as the process of collecting and preparing recyclable materials andreusing them in their original form or in manufacturing processes that do not cause thedestruction of recyclable materials precluding further use.

Recovery is defined as any process that reclaims materials, substances, energy or otherproducts contained within or derived from the waste on site. It includes waste-to-energycomposting and other processes.

Salvage is defined as the recovery or reapplication of a product or material for uses similar oridentical to its originally intended application, without remanufacturing or preparationprocesses that significantly alter the original package or product. Salvage refers to materialsthat are recovered for reuse off-site and sold or donated to a third party.

Reuse is defined as the recovery or reapplication of a product or material for uses similar oridentical to its originally intended application, without remanufacturing or preparationprocesses that significantly alter the original package or product. Reuse refers to materials orequipment that are reused on-site.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

Guidance on Environmental Concerns Associated with Building Demolition, MinnesotaPollution Control Agency. http://www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/pubs/w7-01.pdf

The Resourceful Waste Management Guide is produced by the Minnesota Solid WasteManagement Coordinating Board (SWMCB). The SWMCB is a joint powers board of sixmetropolitan counties for the purpose of planning and coordinating solid waste managementactivities. The Guide provides a list of Twin Cities outlets which building owners or designprofessionals can contact to handle hazardous waste. The following sections of the Guiderelate to hazardous waste: Asbestos, Metro Recycling Pick-up Service Providers, MetroRecycling Drop-off Centers, Industrial Scrap Film and Plastic Markets, Waste PreventionChecklist, Hazardous Waste and Pollution Prevention, Hazardous Waste Brokers, Transporters

PerformanceIndicator

Resources

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Actions

and Disposal Facilities, Ballasts, Batteries, Computers, Electronics and Office machines,Fluorescent Lamps, High Intensity Discharge (HID), Neon Lamps & Ballasts, Mercury andMercury-containing Products, Concrete and Bituminous Asphalt, Paint, Pesticides, PetroleumContaminated Soil, Smoke Detectors, Underground Storage Tanks. If you would like a copyof the Resourceful Waste Management Guide, please email your name and address to:[email protected] or call (612) 348-6358.

PREDESIGN

Programming

Identify hazardous waste materials that may be used on the project (or that exist in buildingthat are reused or renovated). Research less hazardous alternatives. Establish a goal of at leasta 50% reduction in the use of hazardous materials.

DESIGN

Schematic Design

Prior to demolition, inspect and inventory hazardous waste (such as asbestos, fluorescentbulbs, ballasts, cleaning products, appliances, etc.) that may require removal prior todemolition. Establish methods and procedures that will be used to remove materials prior to orduring building demolition.

For building operations, provide storage for hazardous materials (including cleaning products,paints, coatings, and finishes).

Construction Documents & Specifications

Include hazardous waste disposal in specifications and in Division 1. Emphasize thatmaterials should first be reused and recycled, secondly incinerated, and lastly landfilled. Seeresource section for sample specification language.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction

Document removal, proper handling, and disposal of hazardous materials and materials thatrequire special handling (fluorescent and HID lamps, PCB lighting ballast, and mercurycontaining controls, etc.). Also document the name of the contractor that removed material,their method, and the name of the disposal facility. Include documentation verifying properdisposal, recycling, or destruction of material.

OCCUPANCY

Operation & Maintenance

Identify and use alternatives that have little or no hazardous materials content. See theresource section for a list of alternatives.

If hazardous materials are necessary, inventory the products and store them in appropriate,well marked containers and in properly ventilated secured rooms.

Properly dispose of products that contain hazardous materials (such as fluorescent lamps,lighting ballasts, cleaning products, paints, coatings, finishes, and old appliances). Documentmethod of appropriate disposal.