T H E B A S I C S I N G R E E N D E S I G N A N D

G R E E N C O N S T R U C T I O N

P A R T 1

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Green Building 101

Introduction

In this series we are going to discuss what green building is and explore some of the general strategies used in this type of construction.

This is meant as an introductory course, so there won’t be a lot of detail presented.

Resources are listed at the end of each episode for those who want more information.

Thanks for viewing!

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What is Green Building?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Green Building is:

the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from site selection to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.

Green building addresses the three Es:

Environment – protecting and encouraging it

Economy – local resources

Equality – social responsibility

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Why Build Green?

Green building is becoming the new standard for how buildings are built. For example, California adopted a green building code (CALGreen) in 2010 for all new structures.

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Why Build Green?

Green building helps reduce greenhouse gas and carbon production, preserves natural resources and habitats, and reduces waste.

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Why Build Green?

Buildings built sustainably have better indoor air quality.

The reduced level of allergens and toxins in the indoor environment helps people feel better and leads to increased productivity and feelings of well-being in work environments.

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Why Build Green?

Green buildings are generally more energy efficient than traditional ones (up to 50% or more).

This is due to:

efficient equipment +

better systems design +

proper equipment sizing +

tightly sealed building =

reduced need for heating and cooling

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Why Build Green?

Sustainable materials are comparable in quality to many of their non-sustainable counterparts.

Often they are even more durable and/or have other characteristics that make them more desirable. For example, cork is naturally antimicrobial, making it perfect for kitchen and bathroom flooring.

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Why Build Green?

Many states and local utilities have programs offering tax credits and rebates for sustainable building components.

For example, Oregon has tax credit programs for both commercial and residential buildings.

Local utilities in the area offer rebates for energy efficient installations and retrofits.

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Why Build Green?

Several studies have shown that commercial spaces in green buildings receive higher lease rates and have lower vacancies.

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Green Strategies

Green building strategies can be broken up into six categories:

1. Site Characteristics

2. Water Efficiency

3. Energy Efficiency

4. Building Materials

5. Indoor Air Quality

6. Construction Procedures

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Green Strategies

Site Characteristics: This category deals with issues related to the ground the building is built on and its location; such as the size and shape of the building, which direction it is oriented, connection to public transportation and community, and the amount of disturbance of the natural environment that is caused by the project.

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Green Strategies

Water Efficiency: As the name suggests, here we will be looking at ways to make water use more efficient. This includes domestic water use (drinking, cooking, washing, flushing), and irrigation.

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Green Strategies

Energy Efficiency: This is probably the number one concern of most building owners, as it translates directly into operating costs. Building energy efficiency is affected not only by the systems and appliances inside, but also by the construction of the outside of the building and how well it is sealed and insulated.

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Green Strategies

Building Materials: Materials selection is very important in determining how sustainable a building is. There are many factors to look at, including:

source of the material

chemicals used to make it

transportation of the material

processes and materials used to install it.

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Green Strategies

Indoor Air Quality: Selecting materials without added chemicals and using proper material handling techniques can greatly affect the quality of the indoor environment.

Using proper ventilation, improved filtration, and environmentally friendly cleaning materials and methods can help to offset any detrimental effects.

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Green Strategies

Construction Procedures: The way a building is constructed can have a great effect on its sustainability.

Recycling refuse and demolition waste can lower the environmental footprint, as can using proper construction cleaning procedures.

There are also some special building techniques that can reduce the amount of building materials needed.

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Summary18

Green building is environmentally responsible and resource efficient.

The six categories of strategies include:

1. Site Characteristics

2. Water Efficiency

3. Energy Efficiency

4. Building Materials

5. Indoor Air Quality

6. Construction Procedures

A short quiz follows so you can test your knowledge.

Knowledge Measurement

Thanks for your interest in learning about Green Building. If you want to test what you’ve learned about this subject, try your hand at the five multiple choice questions in the next slides.

Resources for additional information are available on slide 29.

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1. What are the 3 Es concerning green building?

A. Environment, Economy, Equality

B. Energy, Efficiency, Excellence

C. Electricity, Energy, Environment

D. Excellent quality, Energy efficiency, Economically smart

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1. Answer

A. Green building addresses the three Es:

• Environment – protecting and encouraging it

• Economy – local resources

• Equality – social responsibility

See slide #3

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2. How does green building most affect indoor air quality?

A. Improves how well the structure is ventilated

B. Reduces the level of toxins and allergens

C. Uses HVAC systems that do not use forced air

D. Controls pets and indoor plants

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2. Answer

B. The reduced level of allergens and toxins in the indoor environment helps people feel better and leads to increased productivity and feelings of well-being in work environments.

See slide #6

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3. What are the biggest factors affecting energy efficiency?

A. Efficient equipment

B. Tightly sealed buildings

C. Properly-sized equipment

D. All of the above

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3. Answer

D. Green buildings are generally more energy efficient than traditional ones due to efficient equipment, better systems design, proper equipment sizing, and a tightly sealed building.

See slide #7

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4. What are the six categories of green building strategies?

A. Sustainability, Waste Management, Personnel, Design, Green Materials, Construction Experience

B. Environmental Footprint, Stewardship, Craftsmanship, Design, Experience, Personnel

C. Waste Management, Methods, Design, Awards, Energy Efficiency, Workforce Quality

D. Site Characteristics, Water Efficiency, Building Materials, Indoor Air Quality, Construction Procedures

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4. Answer

D. Six green building six categories include:

1. Site Characteristics

2. Water Efficiency

3. Energy Efficiency

4. Building Materials

5. Indoor Air Quality

6. Construction Procedures

See slide #11

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5. Four key factors in looking at building materials include:

A. Source of material, chemicals used to make it, material transportation, processes & materials used to install it

B. Source, organic, certification, sustainability, expense

C. Competitive cost factors, source of materials, how materials were manufactured, chemicals used to make it

D. Material durability, installation protocol, cost, USGBC approval

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5. Answer

A. Source of material, chemicals used to make it, material transportation, processes & materials used to install it

See slide #15

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What’s Coming Up

In the next episode, we will begin to look at different green building strategies, starting with Site Characteristics.

Resources:EPA Site http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/about.htm

CALGreen http://www.bsc.ca.gov/Home/CALGreen.aspx

Green Building Incentives (United States) http://www.dsireusa.org/

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