An Overview of Sustainability and the Built Environment

Overview of Sustainability and the Built Environment as it relates to Fossil Fuel Consumption and Climate Change

The basics of Green BuildingIntroduction to LEED, Green Points,

One Planet & other rating systems and criteria related to Green Building.

OBJECTIVES –

An Overview Of Sustainability And The Built Environment

What is “Green Building”?

GREEN BUILDING. A holistic approach to design, construction, and demolition that minimizes the building’s impact on the environment, the occupants, and the community.

Today’s Green Homes Emeryville, CA

Can You Tell the Difference?

The Differences are…

Bamboo Flooring

No VOC Paint

Salvaged

Wood

Low VOC Finish Hardwood Flooring

Paint with VOCs

Old GrowthWood

Finish with VOCs

The United States comprises 5% of the total world population and

Americans use 25% of the world’s energy resources.

Buildings and the building industry consumes between 1/3 and ½ of the nations energy.

Why Build Green?

Home Size

478 SF/person average floor area 1,500 SF 3.14 people per household

In 1950

In 1970

1.6 x 1950

In 2000

2.8 x 1950

297 SF/person average floor area 1,000 SF 3.37 people per household

840 SF/person average floor area 2,200 SF 2.62 people per household

RESOURCE USE

Construction of a 2,085 sq ft home uses up to 1.5 acres of forest

95% of old growth forests have been depleted

Generation and use of energy (electric, gas, oil, coal) are major contributors to air pollution and global climate change.

ENERGY USE

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

We spend 90% of our time indoors

Air inside the average home is 10 times more polluted than outside air on the smoggiest days

Million tons generated in a year in each county

21% from construction and demolition industry

WASTE GENERATION

Site Selection & Environmental ImpactDevelopment Density & Community

ConnectivityAlternative TransportationStorm water Management

SUSTAINABLE SITES

locally producedminimally-processeddurable and able to be maintainedhigh in recycled-content readily-recyclable

Give preference to materials that are:

Flyash is a byproduct of coal burning power plantsUse of flyash in concrete diverts it from

landfills.The U.S. produces 1.3 billion tons of

Portland cement annually. This emits 1.3 billion tons of CO2 into the environment.

Recycled Flyash in Concrete

Concrete and rubble can be crushed and used for backfill and drainage purposes at the base of foundations

Using recycled instead of virgin materials saves money and natural recourses

Recycled-Content Aggregate

Engineered Lumber

FSC certification assures that the forest from which the wood is produced is managed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Certified Wood

Recycled-Content Steel Studs

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Wood saving techniques:Framing walls 24” on

center2-stud cornersLadder blocking at

partitionsStacking trusses over

studsUse single top plates

Advanced Framing

REUSE Building MaterialsBuilders’ Guide online at www.R

ECYCLENOW.ORG Hardware Lumber Plumbing Tile Windows Reclaimed wood

Reclaimed lumber can be used for non-structural applications

Reduces resource consumptionReduces landfill deposits

Reclaimed Lumber

Plastic lumberContains only recycled

plastic resinsCheck manufacturer for

amount of expansion

Composite lumberMade with recycled

wood fiber and recycled plastic resins formed into deck boards

Sustainable Decking Material

FIBER-CEMENT SIDING is composed of Cement, sand, and recycled cellulose

Minimize the amount of fresh water used within buildings and outside for landscaping.

Water Use

RESOURCE - EFFICIENT LANDSCAPES30-60% of an average home’s fresh water is used for watering the yard.Use:Non Invasive SpeciesNo Species Require

ShearingDrought-tolerant Natives Minimal Turf AreasPlants Grouped by Water

Needs (Hydronizing)

Other Good Landscaping Practices:

• Mulch All Planting Beds• Soil Amended with Compost• Rainwater Harvesting• Greywater Systems

Install water conserving appliances

Install low flow aerators on faucets and showerheads

Plumbing/Water Conservation

Distribute Hot Water Efficiently

Insulate Water Heaters & Pipes

On-Demand Hot Water Circulation Pump

Hot water arrives at the fixture 5 times faster than on average

Distribute Hot Water EfficientlyLocate Water Heater within 12 Feet of All

Fixtures

Water Efficient FixturesToilets Dual-Flush or maximum

1.28gpfShowers use max 2.5 gpmFaucets use max 1.5 gpm

Improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources are effective ways to improve air quality and reduce the impacts of global warming

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of any green

building project.

Passive SolarPassive solar buildings aim to maintain

interior Thermal comfort.Passive solar design does not include active

systems..

Passive Solar Design Aspects

Plant deciduous trees for shade

Natural ventilation is a key cooling strategy

Install window overhangs and awnings

Passive Cooling

Exceed the Title 24 Standard for your climate by at least 20%

Wall and Ceiling Insulation

Install expanding foam or caulk where wood connections are made or framing is drilled to

provide plumbing and electrical runs.

Air Infiltration Reduction Practices

Low- E double-glazed windowsLow-conductivity framesLook for windows that have a

National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label

Energy-Efficient Windows

Lighting controls include:DimmersSensors and timers

Install either at specific locations or as a whole house system

Lighting Controls Reduce Energy Use

Can be adjusted to either draw warm air upward during the summer or push warm air downward during the winter

Best locations are bedrooms and living rooms

High Efficiency Ceiling Fans

Exhaust excess heat and moisture from attic spaces by natural convection.Code requirement of 1 sq. ft. of net free area of

venting for every 150 sq. ft. of attic floor area – should be doubled.

Keep insulation from blocking soffit/eave vents

Attic Ventilation Systems

Cools a house without the use of air conditioningExhaust warm, indoor airBring in fresh, cool, outdoor air at nightFan mounted in a hallway ceiling on the

top floor

Whole House Fan

PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS (PVs)

SOLAR HOT WATER

Renewable and Solar Energy

Indoor Air Quality & Finishes

Attached garage is the single most significant contributor to poor indoor air quality (source: U.S. EPA)

Garage Exhaust Fan

Low & No VOC Paint & Finishes

Replaces vinyl flooringContains petroleum-

based products or chlorinated chemicals such as PVC which off gases VOCs

Install natural linoleum

For slab-on-grade additions or basements

Great for radiant, in-floor heating systems

Durable and easy to clean

Exposed Concrete

A Builder’s Guide –GREEN FROM THE GROUND UP,Sustainable, Healthy, and Energy-Efficient

Home Construction by David Johnston & Scott Gibson

Chapter 1 – Green Building BasicsChapter 2 – The House as a SystemChapter 3 – Planning and Design

Reading Assignments for Sustainability Overview and the Built Environment:

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