Funded through waste reduction grants from the City and County of Santa Cruz Departments of Public Works, and in cooperation with Ecology Action.

Green BuildingA Guide to Sustainable Building MaterialsA Guide to Sustainable Building Materials

Green BuildingA Guide to Sustainable Building Materials

Green Buildingand Methods in Santa Cruz County

A Guide to Sustainable Building Materialsand Methods in Santa Cruz County

A Guide to Sustainable Building Materials

Table of ContentsGeneral Requirements

Introduction to Green BuildingConstruction Waste ReductionRecycled Content MaterialsReusable, Recyclable, & Biodegradable Materials

Deconstruction

Sitework

Grading & PavingResource Effi cient Landscapes

Structural Elements

Earthen Building MaterialsStraw Bale ConstructionConcrete

Concrete FormworkPervious Concrete

Insulated Structural SystemsInsulating Concrete Forms (ICFs)Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Advanced Framing TechniquesLumber & Engineered Wood

FSC Certifi ed Wood

Exterior Elements

Decks & FencingRecycled Plastic LumberRoofi ng

Metal Roofi ngRecycled-Content Roofi ng

Green (“Living”) Roofs Siding

Reclaimed Wood SidingFiber Cement Siding

InsulationWindows

Interior Elements

Gypsum Wall BoardHomasote

TileBamboo

Reclaimed HardwoodCarpetLinoleumCork Earthen FlooringPaint

Natural WallcoveringVinylMaintenance & Cleaning Products Adhesives, Stains & Sealants

Equipment and Plumbing

Appliances & Offi ce EquipmentWater-Effi cient FixturesSolar Photovoltaics

Passive Solar Design

Appendix

Green Building ChecklistIllustrated Building Section of Materials

This booklet, which offers a broad introduction to green building ma-This booklet, which offers a broad introduction to green building ma-terials and waste reduction methods, was funded through waste reduc-terials and waste reduction methods, was funded through waste reduc-tion grants from the County and City of Santa Cruz Departments of tion grants from the County and City of Santa Cruz Departments of Public Works. A basic overview of environmental considerations and Public Works. A basic overview of environmental considerations and an outline of environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional an outline of environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional techniques are included, as well as resources for further investigation. techniques are included, as well as resources for further investigation. For additional information, and to see samples of many of the sus-For additional information, and to see samples of many of the sus-tainable building materials and methods found in the guide, visit our tainable building materials and methods found in the guide, visit our area planning departments and browse the informational kiosks on area planning departments and browse the informational kiosks on display there.

This project was made possible through generous contributions of This project was made possible through generous contributions of funding, time and materials from many organizations, most impor-funding, time and materials from many organizations, most impor-tantly the County of Santa Cruz Departments of Public Works and tantly the County of Santa Cruz Departments of Public Works and Planning, City of Santa Cruz Departments of Public Works and Plan-Planning, City of Santa Cruz Departments of Public Works and Plan-ning & Community Development, and Ecology Action. Many thanks ning & Community Development, and Ecology Action. Many thanks to Ana Maria Rebelo, Dick Stubendorff, Mary Arman, and Virginia to Ana Maria Rebelo, Dick Stubendorff, Mary Arman, and Virginia Johnson.

Thank you, reader, for your attention. We hope to inspire your interest Thank you, reader, for your attention. We hope to inspire your interest and collaboration to support green building in our region, conserve and collaboration to support green building in our region, conserve our environment, strengthen our economy, and create a healthy com-our environment, strengthen our economy, and create a healthy com-munity.

Green Building: A Guide to Sustainable Building Materials and Methods in Santa Cruz County

© 2004, Ecology Action of Santa CruzPrincipal Authors: Barry Hooper & Karsten Mueller, Ecology Action

Editor & Kiosk/Graphic Designer: Jenny Shelton, Shelton Design

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Online access to this material is available at www.buildgreensc.orgOnline access to this material is available at www.buildgreensc.org

Introduction to Green Building

1 Inspired by language from GreenBlue, a non-profit promoting cradle-to-cradle design. 1 Inspired by language from GreenBlue, a non-profit promoting cradle-to-cradle design. www.greenblue.org/about.html2 USEPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program (1999) Painting the Town Green - Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Pilot Paint 2 USEPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program (1999) Painting the Town Green - Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Pilot Paint Project. Project. www.epa.gov/opptintr/epp/pubs/paint.pdf

What is a Green Building Material?What is a Green Building Material?

The ideal building material would have no negative environmental impacts, and The ideal building material would have no negative environmental impacts, and might even have positive environmental impacts, including air, land, and water might even have positive environmental impacts, including air, land, and water purification. Such a material would be infinitely reusable or recyclable.purification. Such a material would be infinitely reusable or recyclable.1 “Perfect” materials are rare, but in practice, there are a growing number of green materials that materials are rare, but in practice, there are a growing number of green materials that reduce or eliminate negative impacts on people and the environment. As manufac-reduce or eliminate negative impacts on people and the environment. As manufac-turers, building professionals, and owners constantly strive for better buildings, we turers, building professionals, and owners constantly strive for better buildings, we encourage others in the supply chain to join us in pursuit of a better world.encourage others in the supply chain to join us in pursuit of a better world.

Incorporating green products into a project does not imply sacrifice in performance, Incorporating green products into a project does not imply sacrifice in performance, or aesthetics, and does not necessarily entail higher cost. While one or aesthetics, and does not necessarily entail higher cost. While one can spend con-siderably more for green materials, careful shoppers will find cost-competitive envi-siderably more for green materials, careful shoppers will find cost-competitive envi-ronmentally-preferable options. For example, a joint US EPA/Army study of more ronmentally-preferable options. For example, a joint US EPA/Army study of more than 2200 paints showed than 2200 paints showed environmentally preferable options cost an average of $1.76 less per gallonper gallon.2

ConsiderationsConsiderations

This booklet offers simple suggestions to help select greener options for a wide array This booklet offers simple suggestions to help select greener options for a wide array of common materials, and provides references to resources for more detailed infor-of common materials, and provides references to resources for more detailed infor-mation. For materials not included in this document, the checklist in the appendix mation. For materials not included in this document, the checklist in the appendix and the sidebars of pages 2-3 can help you to organize your analysis. and the sidebars of pages 2-3 can help you to organize your analysis.

The evaluation of materials is based upon three questions:The evaluation of materials is based upon three questions:

• Is the material renewable and resource efficient in its manufacture, installation, • Is the material renewable and resource efficient in its manufacture, installation, use, and disposal?use, and disposal?

• Does the material support the health and well being of occupants, construction • Does the material support the health and well being of occupants, construction personnel, the public, and the environment?personnel, the public, and the environment?

The most critical question is left to you:The most critical question is left to you:

• What materials are appropriate for the application, and what are the environ-• What materials are appropriate for the application, and what are the environ-mental and economic trade-offs among alternatives?mental and economic trade-offs among alternatives?

Research is required to evaluate alternatives and select the best material for a project. Research is required to evaluate alternatives and select the best material for a project. Material selection ideally considers the impacts of a product throughout its life cycle Material selection ideally considers the impacts of a product throughout its life cycle (from raw material extraction, to use, and then to reuse, recycling, or disposal). Areas (from raw material extraction, to use, and then to reuse, recycling, or disposal). Areas of impact to consider at each stage in the life cycle of a material include:of impact to consider at each stage in the life cycle of a material include:

Resources: Resources: Natural Resource Depletion; Air and Water Pollution; Hazardous and Solid Waste Disposal; Durability.Solid Waste Disposal; Durability.

Energy: Energy: Energy required for Extraction, Manufacturing, and Transport of Materi-als; Energy Performance in Useful Life of Material; Durability.als; Energy Performance in Useful Life of Material; Durability.

Health: Health: Effect on Indoor Air Quality; Exposure of Occupant, Manufacturer, or In-staller to Harmful Substances; Moisture and Mold Resistance; Cleaning and Main-staller to Harmful Substances; Moisture and Mold Resistance; Cleaning and Main-tenance Methods. tenance Methods.

• Durable

• Salvaged for reuse, refur-bished, remanufactured, or recycled

• Easily recyclable or reusable when no longer needed

• Manufactured from a waste material (such as straw or fl y ash) or a waste-reducing process

• Sustainably harvested from renewable resources

• Minimally packaged and/or wrapped with recyclable packaging

• Able to reduce or eliminate the need for another material (e.g., panel construction, or fi nished concrete fl ooring)

• Locally extracted and pro-cessed

• Energy effi cient in use

• Use less energy in extrac-tion, processing, and trans-port to the job site (low embodied energy)

• Generate renewable energy

• Water-effi cient

• Manufactured with a water-effi cient process

Green Building Techniques and

Materials are Resource Efficient:

2

Summaries

Environmental Building News (2000) ‘What Makes a Product Green?’ www.buildinggreen.com/features/gp/green_products.cfm

City of Seattle (2000) “Primer on Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Buildings” www.seattle.gov/sustainablebuilding/Leeds/docs/LCA_Primer.pdf

Material Lists and Databases

Green Spec (Fee-based)www.greenspec.com Center for Resourceful Building

Technology www.crbt.orgEPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/

Oikoswww.oikos.com

California Integrated Waste Management Board Green Building Materials www.ciwmb.ca.gov/GreenBuilding/Materials/default.htm Monterey Bay Area Green Building Directoryavailable at local planning counters or www.thegreenarchitect.com Alameda County Waste Management Authority Green Building Materials Resource Guide

www.stopwaste.org/fsbuild.html Third Party Certification

Forest Stewardship Council www.fscus.org Green Guardwww.greenguard.org

Green Sealwww.greenseal.org

Scientifi c Certifi cation Systemswww.scscertified.com

R E S O U R C E S

• Zero or low emissions of toxic or irritating chemicals

• Moisture and mold resistant

• Low maintenance and require no toxic cleansers

• Filter indoor pollutants

• Emit no volatile organic com-pounds (VOCs), particularly indoors

• Monitor for indoor pollutants or poor ventilation (e.g. radon and carbon monoxide detec-tors)

• Manufactured with a low-pol-lution process and from non-toxic components

• Free of toxic materials such as chlorine, lead, mercury, and arsenic

• Not ozone depleting (free of HCFCs and halons)

Green Building Techniques and

Materials are Healthy:

Tools for Selecting Green Construction MaterialsTools for Selecting Green Construction Materials

Life Cycle Analysis and CostingLife cycle assessment (LCA) is the systematic evaluation of the environmental Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the systematic evaluation of the environmental impacts of every stage in the life of a material, from extraction/harvest, to use, to impacts of every stage in the life of a material, from extraction/harvest, to use, to recycling or disposal. LCA is information-intensive, so the most time and cost-ef-recycling or disposal. LCA is information-intensive, so the most time and cost-ef-fective way to capture the benefits of the life cycle perspective is through the use of fective way to capture the benefits of the life cycle perspective is through the use of LCA software, such as the free BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic LCA software, such as the free BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) software package available from the National Institute of Standards Sustainability) software package available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html).

Related to LCA, life cycle costing (LCC) is the systematic evaluation of financial Related to LCA, life cycle costing (LCC) is the systematic evaluation of financial implications of a material, a design decision, or a whole building. LCC tools can implications of a material, a design decision, or a whole building. LCC tools can help calculate payback, cash flow, present value, internal rate of return, and other help calculate payback, cash flow, present value, internal rate of return, and other financial measures. Such criteria are helpful in understanding how a modest up-front financial measures. Such criteria are helpful in understanding how a modest up-front cost for environmentally preferable materials or design features can be a very sound cost for environmentally preferable materials or design features can be a very sound investment over the life of a building.

Free LCC tools available online include:

• eVALUATOR from Energy Design Resources www.energydesignresources.com

• BLCC (developed by the Federal Energy Management Program) www.eere.energy.gov/femp/information/download_blcc.cfm

Third Party CertificationThird party testing and certification provides an independent analysis of manu-Third party testing and certification provides an independent analysis of manu-facturers’ environmental performance claims, based upon established standards facturers’ environmental performance claims, based upon established standards (similar, for example, to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) evaluation of electrical (similar, for example, to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) evaluation of electrical product safety). Making choices based on third party analysis is simpler than Life product safety). Making choices based on third party analysis is simpler than Life Cycle Analysis, but care should be taken to evaluate the independence, credibility, Cycle Analysis, but care should be taken to evaluate the independence, credibility, and testing protocols of the third party certifiers.

3

King County Contractors’ Guide to Preventing Waste and Recycling http://dnr.metrokc.gov/swd/bizprog/sus_build/ContrGde.pdf

Alameda County Waste Management Board Builder’s Guide to Reuse & Recycling www.stopwaste.org/2003bg.pdf Santa Cruz County Department of Public Workswww.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us

California Integrated Waste Management Board www.ciwmb.ca.gov/ConDemo/

Monterey Bay Area Green Building Directoryavailable at local planning counters or www.thegreenarchitect.com Environmental Building News www.buildinggreen.com

Oikos Library www.oikos.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technology www.crbt.org

Construction Waste Reduction

R E S O U R C E S

Design ConsiderationsDesign Considerations• Smaller projects use less material, reducing both solid waste and operating costs.• Smaller projects use less material, reducing both solid waste and operating costs.• Design assemblies to match the standard dimensions of the materials to be used.• Design assemblies to match the standard dimensions of the materials to be used.• Consider designing for disassembly, so materials can be readily reused or re-• Consider designing for disassembly, so materials can be readily reused or re-

cycled. • Use clips and stops to support drywall or wood paneling at top plates, end walls, • Use clips and stops to support drywall or wood paneling at top plates, end walls,

and corners. Clips can provide the potential for two-stud corners, reducing wood use, easing electrical and plumbing rough-in, and improving thermal perfor-use, easing electrical and plumbing rough-in, and improving thermal perfor-mance.

• Materials attached with removable fasteners are generally quicker, cheaper, and • Materials attached with removable fasteners are generally quicker, cheaper, and more feasible to deconstruct than materials installed with adhesives. However, adhesives distribute loads over larger areas rather than fasteners alone.

• Remodel to make use of existing foundations and structures in good condition, • Remodel to make use of existing foundations and structures in good condition, reducing waste, material requirements, and (frequently) labor costs.reducing waste, material requirements, and (frequently) labor costs.

• Design for flexibility and changing use of spaces.• Design for flexibility and changing use of spaces.• Specify materials such as structural insulated panels, panelized wood framing, • Specify materials such as structural insulated panels, panelized wood framing,

and precast concrete, that can be delivered pre-cut for rapid, nearly waste-free installation.

• For wood construction, consider 24” on center framing with insulated headers • For wood construction, consider 24” on center framing with insulated headers (i.e. ‘advanced framing’), trusses for roofs and floors, finger-jointed studs, and engineered wood framing and sheathing materials.

• Specify materials with high recycled-content.• Specify materials with high recycled-content.

Construction PracticesConstruction Practices• Basic but true: Measure twice and cut once. Protect materials from the elements.• Basic but true: Measure twice and cut once. Protect materials from the elements.• Consider deconstructing and salvaging existing materials.• Consider deconstructing and salvaging existing materials.• Develop a waste reduction plan, including waste prevention, then assign respon-• Develop a waste reduction plan, including waste prevention, then assign respon-

sibility for implementing the plan to a motivated individual on the construction team. Post the plan and set up on-site locations for recycling, with color coding team. Post the plan and set up on-site locations for recycling, with color coding for separation. Be sure to include time in the schedule for salvage and recycling. Require participation of all team members, including subcontractors.

• Delineate and limit the construction footprint (building, hardscape, and staging), • Delineate and limit the construction footprint (building, hardscape, and staging), and coordinate construction with a landscape professional to minimize grading and retain native soils and vegetation.

• Use drywall clips to fasten drywall. Recycled-content polyethylene clips are avail-• Use drywall clips to fasten drywall. Recycled-content polyethylene clips are avail-able as an alternative to metal.

• Donate surplus materials to organizations like Habitat for Humanity.• Donate surplus materials to organizations like Habitat for Humanity.

Purchasing ConsiderationsPurchasing Considerations• Materials that are durable, locally made, non-toxic, and/or have low embodied • Materials that are durable, locally made, non-toxic, and/or have low embodied

energy help reduce solid waste, minimize air and water pollution, and support the local economy. the local economy.

• Choose products with little or no packaging, or seek suppliers who will reuse or • Choose products with little or no packaging, or seek suppliers who will reuse or recycle the packaging.recycle the packaging.

• Confirm that estimating methods result in the delivery of the correct quantity of • Confirm that estimating methods result in the delivery of the correct quantity of material to the job site.

• Seek high-quality, used building materials early in the purchasing process to en-• Seek high-quality, used building materials early in the purchasing process to en-sure availability, reduced materials cost and waste.

• Rent infrequently used tools.• Rent infrequently used tools.

Avoiding Waste

Environmentally and fi nan-cially, avoiding generating waste in the fi rst place is a far better practice than recycling. Waste reduction has the bene-fi ts of minimizing energy use, conserving resources, and easing pressure on landfi ll ca-pacity. The suggestions found throughout this guide will aid in reducing construction and demolition waste.

4

EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/

Alameda County Waste Management Authority Green Building Materials Resource Guide www.stopwaste.org/fsbuild.html

Green Spec (Fee-based) www.greenspec.com

Oikos www.oikos.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technology www.crbt.org

Monterey Bay Area Green Building Directoryat local planning counters or www.thegreenarchitect.com

From the California Integrated Waste Management Board:

• Recycled Content Products Databasewww.ciwmb.ca.gov/RCP/

• C&D Recyclingwww.ciwmb.ca.gov/ConDemo/• Technical Manual for Material Choices in Sustainable Constructionwww.ciwmb.ca.gov/GreenBuilding/pubs.htm• Annual Recycled Products Tradeshow www.ciwmb.ca.gov/buyrecycled/events/tradeshow/• Resource List www.ciwmb.ca.gov/BuyRecycled/Resources/Products.htm

R E S O U R C E S

Recycled-Content Materials

When selecting a recycled-content When selecting a recycled-content When selecting a

building material:recycled-content building material:recycled-content

• Choose the highest recycled content available. Some recycled products may only be 10% recycled and 90% virgin material.

• Seek high post-consumer recycled content. Some “recycled” content is waste from manufacturing process-es. Reducing manufacturing waste is the fi rst step, but recycling post-consumer ma-terial is neccessary to close the loop.

• Evaluate materials carefully; are they appropriate for your application? Are they du-rable?

• Salvaging (reusing) whole materials is even better than recycling. Reuse all but eliminates waste, energy and water use, and pollution.

• Look for materials that are not only recycled, but recy-clable or biodegradable at the end of their useful life. Ideally, a material may be re-cycled again and again back into the same product.

Overview

Waste has a cost, and we all bear it. The extraction, manufacture/transport, and Waste has a cost, and we all bear it. The extraction, manufacture/transport, and disposal of building materials clogs our landfills, pollutes air and water, depletes disposal of building materials clogs our landfills, pollutes air and water, depletes resources, and damages natural habitats. According to the California Integrated resources, and damages natural habitats. According to the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), construction and demolition (C&D) are Waste Management Board (CIWMB), construction and demolition (C&D) are responsible for 28% of California’s solid waste stream. More than 85% of that ma-responsible for 28% of California’s solid waste stream. More than 85% of that ma-terial, from flooring to roofing, is reusable or recyclable. In addition to C&D waste, terial, from flooring to roofing, is reusable or recyclable. In addition to C&D waste, the material in our recycling bins, our used bottles, paper, cans, and cardboard, are the material in our recycling bins, our used bottles, paper, cans, and cardboard, are also the raw materials for recycled content products.

Keeping a substance out of the landfill is only the first step to putting “waste” Keeping a substance out of the landfill is only the first step to putting “waste” back into productive use. The material must be processed into a new, high-quality back into productive use. The material must be processed into a new, high-quality item, and that product must be sold to a builder or homeowner who recognizes it’s item, and that product must be sold to a builder or homeowner who recognizes it’s benefits. By mining our “waste” as the raw material for new products, we increase benefits. By mining our “waste” as the raw material for new products, we increase demand for recycling, and convince manufacturers to use more recycled material, demand for recycling, and convince manufacturers to use more recycled material, continuously strengthening this cycle.

Benefits of recycled content materials include reduced solid waste, reduced energy Benefits of recycled content materials include reduced solid waste, reduced energy and water use, reduced pollution, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a health-and water use, reduced pollution, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a health-ier economy. Yes, a healthier economy: Every 15,000 tons of solid waste recycled ier economy. Yes, a healthier economy: Every 15,000 tons of solid waste recycled creates nine jobs, while sending that same amount of waste to a landfill provides creates nine jobs, while sending that same amount of waste to a landfill provides only one job, according to the CIWMB. Using recycled content materials also sup-only one job, according to the CIWMB. Using recycled content materials also sup-ports companies that make environmentally preferable products.

Recycled-content building materials include, but are not limited to: • Plastic and wood-plastic composite lumber from plastic and wood chips, ideal for • Plastic and wood-plastic composite lumber from plastic and wood chips, ideal for

outdoor decking and railings.• Insulation, such as cotton made from denim, newspaper processed into cellulose, • Insulation, such as cotton made from denim, newspaper processed into cellulose,

or fiberglass with some recycled glass content.• Carpet made of plastic bottles (or sometimes from used carpet). Up to half of all • Carpet made of plastic bottles (or sometimes from used carpet). Up to half of all

polyester carpet made in the U.S. contains recycled plastic.• Tile containing recycled glass.• Concrete containing ground up concrete as aggregate, or fly ash - a cementious • Concrete containing ground up concrete as aggregate, or fly ash - a cementious

waste product from coal-burningpower plants.• Countertops made with everything from recycled glass to sunflower seed shells• Drywall made with recycled gypsum, and Homasote wall board made from re-• Drywall made with recycled gypsum, and Homasote wall board made from re-

cycled paper.

5

What types of materials?

Reusable, Recyclable, & Biodegradable Materials

OverviewOverview

Reuse is the salvage and reinstallation of materials in their original form. Reuse is the salvage and reinstallation of materials in their original form. Recycling is the collection and remanufacture of materials into a new material or product, is the collection and remanufacture of materials into a new material or product, typically different from the original. Biodegradable materials are those which break typically different from the original. Biodegradable materials are those which break down organically and may be returned to the earth with none of the damage associ-down organically and may be returned to the earth with none of the damage associ-ated with the generation of typical waste materials.ated with the generation of typical waste materials.

Reusing materials slated for the landfill is one of the most environmentally sound Reusing materials slated for the landfill is one of the most environmentally sound ways to build because the extraction, manufacture/transport, and disposal of virgin ways to build because the extraction, manufacture/transport, and disposal of virgin building materials pollutes air and water, depletes resources, and damages natural building materials pollutes air and water, depletes resources, and damages natural habitats. Construction and demolition are responsible for roughly 30% of the U.S. habitats. Construction and demolition are responsible for roughly 30% of the U.S. solid waste stream. Real-world case studies by the Alameda County Waste Manage-solid waste stream. Real-world case studies by the Alameda County Waste Manage-ment Authority have demonstrated that more than 85% of that material, from floor-ment Authority have demonstrated that more than 85% of that material, from floor-ing to roofing to packaging, is reusable or recyclable. ing to roofing to packaging, is reusable or recyclable.

Salvage and ReuseSalvage and ReuseBy salvaging materials from renovation projects and specifying salvaged materials, By salvaging materials from renovation projects and specifying salvaged materials, material costs can be reduced while adding character to projects and maximizing material costs can be reduced while adding character to projects and maximizing environmental benefits, which include: reduced landfill waste, reduced embodied environmental benefits, which include: reduced landfill waste, reduced embodied energy, and reduced impacts from harvest/mining of virgin materials (e.g., logging energy, and reduced impacts from harvest/mining of virgin materials (e.g., logging old-growth or tropical hardwood trees, mining metals, etc.) old-growth or tropical hardwood trees, mining metals, etc.)

Be aware, however, that some materials require remediation or should not be reused Be aware, however, that some materials require remediation or should not be reused at all. Materials contaminated by hazardous substances such as asbestos, arsenic and at all. Materials contaminated by hazardous substances such as asbestos, arsenic and lead paint must be treated and/or disposed of properly. Avoiding materials that will lead paint must be treated and/or disposed of properly. Avoiding materials that will cause future problems is critical to long-term waste reduction, as well as the health of cause future problems is critical to long-term waste reduction, as well as the health of our community and the planet.our community and the planet.

Considerations for Selecting Reusable Building MaterialsConsiderations for Selecting Reusable Building Materials• The reuse of existing building shells, when appropriate, can yield the greatest over-• The reuse of existing building shells, when appropriate, can yield the greatest over-

all reduction in project impacts. Also, for remodels/renovations, materials may be reused on site.reused on site.

• For remodels and redevelopment, allow time in the construction schedule for de-• For remodels and redevelopment, allow time in the construction schedule for de-construction and recycling.

• Avoid reuse of inefficient fixtures, components, and appliances (e.g. toilets using • Avoid reuse of inefficient fixtures, components, and appliances (e.g. toilets using more than 1.6 gallons per flush, single-pane windows, and refrigerators or other appliances over 5 years old).

• Products containing hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, or arsenic should • Products containing hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, or arsenic should either be disposed of properly or remediated prior to reuse.

• Note that salvaged materials can vary in availability, quality and uniformity. Be • Note that salvaged materials can vary in availability, quality and uniformity. Be sure that you can get materials to satisfy your project needs before specifying them. Don’t be overwhelmed by the offerings at salvage yards; ask for what you want and be creative with what is available. be creative with what is available.

• Building materials composed of one substance (e.g., steel, concrete, wood, etc.), or • Building materials composed of one substance (e.g., steel, concrete, wood, etc.), or that are readily disassembled are generally easiest to reuse or recycle.that are readily disassembled are generally easiest to reuse or recycle.

• Materials composed of many ingredients, such as vinyl siding, OSB, or particle-• Materials composed of many ingredients, such as vinyl siding, OSB, or particle-boardare typically not recyclable or biodegradable.boardare typically not recyclable or biodegradable.

• Evaluate materials carefully. Are they the best choice for the application? Are they • Evaluate materials carefully. Are they the best choice for the application? Are they durable? Can they be readily disassembled for reuse, recycling, or biodegrading at

the end of the useful life of the building?the end of the useful life of the building?

Salvaging materials from renovation projects, and incorporating reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable building materials in your project can reduce waste, pollution, and energy use. Some examples of reusable (RU), recyclable (RC) and biodegradable (B) building materials include:

• Asphalt (RC)

• Earthen materials (RU, B)

• Bricks (RU, RC)

• Steel, aluminum, iron, cop-per (RU, RC)

• Wood and dimensional lum-ber, including beams, studs, plywood, and trusses (RU, RC, B)

• Concrete (ground and used as aggregate) (RC)

• Gypsum wall board1 (RU, B)

• Straw bales (B)

• Wool carpet (B)

• Linoleum fl ooring (B)• Doors & windows (RU)• Plumbing & lighting fi xtures

(RU)• Unique and antique products that may no longer be available, such as rare woods, cabinetry, and architectural elements (RU)

1 Gypsum off cuts are an excellent soil amendment, but gypsum contaminated with paints or adhesives should not be applied to soils1 Gypsum off cuts are an excellent soil amendment, but gypsum contaminated with paints or adhesives should not be applied to soils6

Monterey Bay Area Green Building DirectoryAvailable at local planning counters or online at www.thegreenarchitect.com

Promax - A local materials exchange web site where anyone may post “wanted” or “available” ads for all types of materialswww.ecoact.org/zero_waste/promax.html

City of San Jose Deconstruction Recovery & Reuse Listings www.sjrecycles.org/business/cddd-deconstruction.htm

Bay Area Build It Green Materials Databasewww.build-green.org/guide

California Integrated Waste Management Board Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling www.ciwmb.ca.gov/ConDemo

CIWMB Recycled-Content Product Directory www.ciwmb.ca.gov/RCP

Alameda County Waste Management Authority Builder’s Guide to Reuse and Recyclingwww.stopwaste.org/bg2001.pdf

Deconstruction Institute www.deconstructioninstitute.com

Used Building Materials Association www.ubma.org

The Reuse People www.thereusepeople.org

Whole House Building Supply www.driftwoodsalvage.com

Ohmega Salvage: Bay Area Salvage Yards -www.ohmegasalvage.com

Photo courtesy of Deconstruction Industries, Inc.

R E S O U R C E S

Deconstruction is the dismantling of a building to preserve the useful value of its component materials. Consider requesting bids to deconstruct rather than demolishing; the combination of tax breaks, new tools, and increasing local expertise are making it easier to keep materials out of the landfi ll, and money in owner’s wallets.

• Reduces or eliminates unnec-essary waste – extending the life of our landfi ll and reduc-ing material costs.

• Older structures may contain hardwoods and dimensional lumber that are superior in size or quality to virgin mate-rials.

• The tax deduction from donat-ing deconstructed materials to a non-profi t organization can be more valuable than the ad-ditional labor cost.

• Deconstruction takes longer and initially cost more than demolition, but can reduce the overall project cost.

Deconstruction

Above: Reusable ma-terials are sorted and stacked prior to trans-port to a retail materi-als warehouse.

Left: A comparison of the economic advan-tage of deconstruction over conventional demo and dump prac-tices. Costs shown are for a typical 2000 sf, 3 bdrm, 2 bath home with hardwood fl oors, crawl space, and composition shingle roofi ng. Actual costs will vary from one project to the next.

7

Physical lowering of housePhysical lowering of houseDisposal of Trash & DebrisAppraisal of Salvaged MaterialsTotal Costs

Donation Value*Tax Savings* (after tax value of donated materials)Total CostAfter Tax Benefi t/(Out of Pocket Cost)

$13,238$4,100$3,000

$20,338

$84,000$29,400

$20,338$9,062

$6,000$4,100

$0$10,100

$0$0

$10,100($10,100)

*Total materials (lumber, plywood, cabinets, plumbing and electrical fi xtures, doors, *Total materials (lumber, plywood, cabinets, plumbing and electrical fi xtures, doors, windows, etc.) would generally appraise for $84,000 to $112,000 in good usable condition. Assuming a combined tax bracket of 35%, the after-tax cash value, based on the lower appraisal value of $84,000, is $29,400. Source: The Reuse People.

The after tax difference between the two methods is $19,162.The after tax difference between the two methods is $19,162.The after tax difference between the two methods is $19,162.The after tax difference between the two methods is $19,162.The after tax difference between the two methods is $19,162.

Demolition

$3,000

Deconstruction

Unit pavers are often used in porous pavement systems. Some unit pavers contain recycled content or are madefrom salvaged material, such as cobblestone or brick. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and some are interlocking.

Photo courtesy of EP Henry Corporation

Grading & Paving

OverviewOverview

Dirt, rock, and fines, primarily from grading, makes up 11% of Santa Cruz County’s Dirt, rock, and fines, primarily from grading, makes up 11% of Santa Cruz County’s construction and demolition waste stream, and is one of the largest single sources construction and demolition waste stream, and is one of the largest single sources of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste in California. Prior to construction, of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste in California. Prior to construction, building sites are generally cleared of vegetation and the topsoil is removed. When building sites are generally cleared of vegetation and the topsoil is removed. When construction is complete, areas to be landscaped frequently receive sod laid on construction is complete, areas to be landscaped frequently receive sod laid on amended subsoil. Subsoil lacks the nutrients and biota to maintain soil health, ini-amended subsoil. Subsoil lacks the nutrients and biota to maintain soil health, ini-tiating a cycle of chemical and water dependency. Soil underlying areas to be paved tiating a cycle of chemical and water dependency. Soil underlying areas to be paved is compacted, covered with engineered fill as necessary, and concrete or asphalt is is compacted, covered with engineered fill as necessary, and concrete or asphalt is installed. Potential groundwater recharge and soil permeability are lost, and the flow installed. Potential groundwater recharge and soil permeability are lost, and the flow of water to stormwater infrastructure increases. The potential for flooding in vulner-of water to stormwater infrastructure increases. The potential for flooding in vulner-able areas is increased, as is stormwater flow, water pollution, and negative impacts able areas is increased, as is stormwater flow, water pollution, and negative impacts to riparian species.to riparian species.

With thoughtful planning and material selection, each of these impacts can be miti-With thoughtful planning and material selection, each of these impacts can be miti-gated or eliminated. Successful, reduced-maintenance landscaping is facilitated by gated or eliminated. Successful, reduced-maintenance landscaping is facilitated by storing topsoil from areas that must be graded on sites to be paved, and re-spreading storing topsoil from areas that must be graded on sites to be paved, and re-spreading the soil when construction is complete. This retains soil nutrients and biota on-site, the soil when construction is complete. This retains soil nutrients and biota on-site, while keeping the skin of the earth (a living resource,) out of the landfill. The practi-while keeping the skin of the earth (a living resource,) out of the landfill. The practi-cal benefits of such care include reduced: stormwater runoff, fertilizer needs, pest cal benefits of such care include reduced: stormwater runoff, fertilizer needs, pest problems, and irrigation requirements.problems, and irrigation requirements.

Pervious PavingPervious PavingPervious paving material (which allows water to pass through into the ground below) Pervious paving material (which allows water to pass through into the ground below) reduces runoff, contributes to stormwater quality, facilitates groundwater recharge reduces runoff, contributes to stormwater quality, facilitates groundwater recharge (if underlying soils are not overly compacted), and can help reduce irrigation re-(if underlying soils are not overly compacted), and can help reduce irrigation re-quirements if carefully designed. In addition to familiar options such as grass pavers quirements if carefully designed. In addition to familiar options such as grass pavers and sand-grouted brick, pervious concrete and asphalt have been proven effective and sand-grouted brick, pervious concrete and asphalt have been proven effective and equally durable to traditional materials through decades of use in demanding and equally durable to traditional materials through decades of use in demanding environments. Pervious pavements have open void structures (15-25% by volume) environments. Pervious pavements have open void structures (15-25% by volume) that reduce heat capacity and allow air and heat exchange with underlying soil, keep-that reduce heat capacity and allow air and heat exchange with underlying soil, keep-ing paved surfaces (and surrounding air temperatures) cooler and more comfortable ing paved surfaces (and surrounding air temperatures) cooler and more comfortable in hot weather. The surface area of the voids acts as a filter, helping to catch and in hot weather. The surface area of the voids acts as a filter, helping to catch and degrade oils and chemical pollutants, reducing contamination of local waters.degrade oils and chemical pollutants, reducing contamination of local waters.

Suggestions for Greener Grading &

Suggestions for Greener Grading &

Suggestions for

Paving

• Delineate and limit the con-struction footprint (building, hardscape, and staging), and coordinate construction with a landscape professional to minimize grading and retain native soils and vegetation.

• Where grading is necessary, store native topsoil during construction in areas to be paved. When construction is complete, redistribute with compost amendments.

• Help preserve existing trees by keeping potential sources of compaction (such as ve-hicles) away from the rooting zone (the area under the tree canopy.)

• Manage stormwater respon-sibly.

- Keep sediment out of the storm drainage system by protecting drain inlets with biodegradable fi lter fabrics.

- Protect hazardous materials from the weather, and dis-pose of containers properly.

- Consider using pervious ma-terials such as sand-bedded brick pavers, grass pavers, and pervious concrete or asphalt for paved areas.

• Consider salvaged and recycled-content materials, such as used brick, post-consumer glass beads, and plastic lumber for walkways, patios, small garden walls, and edging.

8

California Native Plant Society, Santa Cruz Chapter - A statewide non-profi t promoting the understanding, appreciation, and preser-vation of California’s native plants. www.cruzcnps.org/

Santa Cruz Permaculture Guild - A group dedicated to teaching and implementing the conscious design of harmonious, integrated, sustainable landscapes. www.santacruzpermacultureguild.com

City of Santa Cruz Water Department - Provides an array of excellent booklets on the design and maintenance of water ef-fi cient landscapes. Visit the Water Conserva-tion Offi ce, or call 420-5230 for copies. A list of available titles is online.www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/wt/wtcon/tips.html

Native Revival Nursery - Soquel nursery specializing in native California plants www.nativerevival.com

Water Saving Tips.org - Extensive water conservation information funded by local water agencies in Santa Cruz and North Monterey Counties www.watersavingtips.org

Pacifi c Institute report (2003) “Waste Not, Want Not: The Potential for Urban Water Conservation in California” www.pacinst.org/reports/urban_usage

R E S O U R C E S

Resource-Efficient Landscapes

The benefits of environmentally friendly

landscapes include:

• Reduced irrigation, saving money and conserving for our common water needs.

• Reduced maintenance and green waste, saving time, money, and energy.

• Reduced or eliminated ex-pense of piping and trenching for irrigation.

• Reduced air and water pollu-tion, because well-designed permaculture does not use synthetic pesticides or fertil-izer.

• Improved habitat for native fauna like bees, butterfl ies and hummingbirds.

Overview

Resource-efficient landscaping, permaculture, and xeriscape are techniques tha re-Resource-efficient landscaping, permaculture, and xeriscape are techniques tha re-duce or eliminate the burden that many conventional landscaping practices place on duce or eliminate the burden that many conventional landscaping practices place on our water supply, local ecosystems, landfills, and even our health. Resource-efficient our water supply, local ecosystems, landfills, and even our health. Resource-efficient landscaping matches local resources, native/appropriate species, soil, and climate landscaping matches local resources, native/appropriate species, soil, and climate with the aesthetic and environmental goals of the owner.

Landscaping choices can have long-term positive or negative environmental impacts. Landscaping choices can have long-term positive or negative environmental impacts. Standard landscaping typically includes “exotic” non-native plants not adapted to Standard landscaping typically includes “exotic” non-native plants not adapted to the local climate; such plants often require expensive, thirsty irrigation systems and the local climate; such plants often require expensive, thirsty irrigation systems and may be invasive as well.

Many landscape designs also include impermeable pavement, which prevents water Many landscape designs also include impermeable pavement, which prevents water from percolating into and recharging underground aquifers while also increasing from percolating into and recharging underground aquifers while also increasing flooding and overloading wastewater treatment plants during heavy rains. Minimiz-flooding and overloading wastewater treatment plants during heavy rains. Minimiz-ing pavement and using permeable pavement where paving is necessary offers, envi-ing pavement and using permeable pavement where paving is necessary offers, envi-ronmental benefits and saves money.

Suggested Techniques

• A moisture sensor will help you to water only when necessary, saving water and • A moisture sensor will help you to water only when necessary, saving water and improving the health of plants and soil.

• Minimize paving for your project, or choose permeable options that help water to • Minimize paving for your project, or choose permeable options that help water to percolate into underground aquifers rather than running into storm drains.

• Deciduous trees (which lose their leaves in winter) allow sun into your home or • Deciduous trees (which lose their leaves in winter) allow sun into your home or yard, helping reduce heating requirements and energy use in winter.

• Composting yard waste and food scraps is a great way to retain nutrients in local • Composting yard waste and food scraps is a great way to retain nutrients in local soils and reduce waste.

• Alternate water sources (such as roof rainwater collection or greywater) combined • Alternate water sources (such as roof rainwater collection or greywater) combined with efficient irrigation (such as drip systems and soaker hoses) can efficiently with efficient irrigation (such as drip systems and soaker hoses) can efficiently provide water for edible or other desirable plants that many not be ideal for your provide water for edible or other desirable plants that many not be ideal for your local microclimate.

• Avoid invasive exotics, which can spread quickly, crowd out native species, and are • Avoid invasive exotics, which can spread quickly, crowd out native species, and are often difficult to remove. Common examples include most ivy varieties, Bermuda often difficult to remove. Common examples include most ivy varieties, Bermuda or crab grass, acacia trees, pampas grass, French or Scotch broom, and ice plant. or crab grass, acacia trees, pampas grass, French or Scotch broom, and ice plant.

Contact the local California Native Plant Society chapter for details.

9

BOOKS (many available at local libraries)

The Rammed Earth House ; David EastonBuilding with Earth; John NortonThe Cob Builders Handbook; Becky BeeAlternative Building Sourcebook: Tradi-tional, Natural and Sustainable Building Products and Services; Steve Chappell.The Art of Natural Building; Joseph F. KennedyBuildings of Earth and Straw: Structural Design for Rammed Earth and Straw Bale Architecture; Bruce King

ONLINE

Ecological Building Networkwww.ecobuildnetwork.org

Sustainable Building Sourcebook: Earth Materialswww.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/EarthMaterials.html

Dirt Cheap Builderwww.dirtcheapbuilder.com

TRAINING IN CALIFORNIA

Solar Living Institutewww.solarliving.org

Ecological Design Institutewww.ecodesign.org

R E S O U R C E S

Earthen Building Materials

OverviewOverview

Beautiful, sculptural and durable, common earthen building materials include: Beautiful, sculptural and durable, common earthen building materials include: adobe bricks - made from clay, sand, and straw; adobe bricks - made from clay, sand, and straw; rammed earth - compressed with fly rammed earth - compressed with fly rammed earthash and/or fibers for stabilization; and cob - clay, sand and straw that is stacked and ash and/or fibers for stabilization; and cob - clay, sand and straw that is stacked and shaped while wet.shaped while wet.

Provided they are obtained locally, earthen building materials can reduce or elimi-Provided they are obtained locally, earthen building materials can reduce or elimi-nate many of the environmental problems posed by conventional building materials nate many of the environmental problems posed by conventional building materials since they are plentiful, non-toxic, reusable, and biodegradable. Pollution of all types since they are plentiful, non-toxic, reusable, and biodegradable. Pollution of all types is reduced (or potentially eliminated by the rugged souls who do all labor by hand). is reduced (or potentially eliminated by the rugged souls who do all labor by hand). By substituting earth for all or part of the wood, concrete, gypsum board (drywall), By substituting earth for all or part of the wood, concrete, gypsum board (drywall), fiberglass, and other materials, local and global environmental effects from the har-fiberglass, and other materials, local and global environmental effects from the har-vest, processing, transportation, and waste of these materials are reduced .vest, processing, transportation, and waste of these materials are reduced .

Though labor intensive, well-built earthen buildings last indefinitely with little Though labor intensive, well-built earthen buildings last indefinitely with little maintenance. For thousands of years, people throughout the world have crafted maintenance. For thousands of years, people throughout the world have crafted cozy homes and communities with earthen materials that provide excellent shelter cozy homes and communities with earthen materials that provide excellent shelter after centuries of use. A key element of American architectural vernacular, the after centuries of use. A key element of American architectural vernacular, the Great Plains are home to sod and straw bale construction, and in the Southwest, Great Plains are home to sod and straw bale construction, and in the Southwest, adobe construction provides protection from extremes in summer and winter. The adobe construction provides protection from extremes in summer and winter. The Adobe Santa Cruz Mission near downtown Santa Cruz, survived both the 1906 Adobe Santa Cruz Mission near downtown Santa Cruz, survived both the 1906 and the 1989 earthquakes. Though the domestic popularity of earthen materials and the 1989 earthquakes. Though the domestic popularity of earthen materials waned during the 20th century, a revival has emerged since the 1970s. By contrast, waned during the 20th century, a revival has emerged since the 1970s. By contrast, modern “stick-frame” construction, which requires specialized skills and tools, has modern “stick-frame” construction, which requires specialized skills and tools, has been standard practice in the U.S. only since the end of World War II and remains been standard practice in the U.S. only since the end of World War II and remains uncommon in many parts of the world. uncommon in many parts of the world.

Considerations in Earthen Construction:Considerations in Earthen Construction:• Thick walls may comprise a high percentage of floor area on a small site.• Thick walls may comprise a high percentage of floor area on a small site.• Construction is labor-intensive, although minimal skill is required.• Construction is labor-intensive, although minimal skill is required.• Multi-story and cob structures require post-and-beam designs.• Multi-story and cob structures require post-and-beam designs.• May be more difficult to obtain necessary permits - but the necessary code recogni-• May be more difficult to obtain necessary permits - but the necessary code recogni-

tion, structural testing, etc. is available tion, structural testing, etc. is available • Travel may be required for training• Travel may be required for training• If labor is done primarily by building professionals, the square-foot cost of earthen • If labor is done primarily by building professionals, the square-foot cost of earthen

construction may be equivalent to conventional building methods.

Benefits of Earthen Materials include:

• Minimal environmental im-pacts, provided the materials come from local sources.

• Low-maintenance and likely to last for centuries

• Thermal mass helps keep indoor temperatures stable, particularly in the mild to warm climates of coastal California

• Biodegradable or reusable

• Can be easy to build with, requiring few special skills or tools

• Can be affordable to build because materials are in-expensive and labor may include owner/builders and volunteers

• Unique, pleasant aesthetics

• Highly resistant to fi re and insects

• Require no toxic treatments, and do not offgas hazardous fumes; good for chemically-sensitive individuals

• May be used for new con-struction, and, with planning, in additions and remodels as well

10

BOOKS (many available at local libraries)The New Straw Bale Home; Catherine Wanek

Buildings of Earth and Straw: Structural Design for Rammed Earth and Straw Bale Architecture; Bruce King Straw Bale Building: How to Plan, Design, and Build with Straw; Chris Magwood and Peter Mack

The Straw Bale House; Athena and Bill Steen

Build It With Bales: A Step-by-Step Guide to Straw Bale Construc-tion; Matts Myhrman and S.O. MacDonald

ONLINECalifornia Straw Building Association www.strawbuilding.org

California Health and Safety Codes - Including codes relating to straw bale constructionwww.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/calawquery?codesection=hsc

Greenbuilder Sourcebookwww.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/straw bale.html

Ecological Design Institutewww.ecodesign.org

R E S O U R C E S

Straw Bale Construction

Benefits of Straw Bale Construction include:

• Excellent thermal and acous-tic insulation - enhances com-fort throughout the year.

• Reduced construction waste: the main building material is a ‘waste’ and excess straw can be used on-site in compost or as soil-protecting ground cover.

• Biodegradable or reusable at the end of its useful life.

• Potential for major reduction in wood and cement use, par-ticularly in load-bearing straw bale designs.

• Requires no toxic treatments; can be good for chemically-sensitive individuals.

• Highly resistant to vermin (including termites).

• Can be economical. Straw bales are inexpensive, (or free), and owner/builders and volunteers can contribute signifi cantly to labor.

• Aesthetic fl exibility - from conventional linearity to or-ganic undulation.

• Usable in new construction, additions, and remodels.

Overview

Straw bale construction is the use of compressed blocks (bales) of straw, either as Straw bale construction is the use of compressed blocks (bales) of straw, either as fill for a wall cavity (non-load bearing) or as a structural component of a wall (load fill for a wall cavity (non-load bearing) or as a structural component of a wall (load bearing.) The interior and exterior sides of the bale wall are covered by stucco, plas-bearing.) The interior and exterior sides of the bale wall are covered by stucco, plas-ter, clay, or other treatment. This sandwich of straw and plaster can offer structural ter, clay, or other treatment. This sandwich of straw and plaster can offer structural properties superior to the sum of its parts. Both load- and non-load bearing straw properties superior to the sum of its parts. Both load- and non-load bearing straw bale design divert agricultural waste from the landfill for use as a building material bale design divert agricultural waste from the landfill for use as a building material with many exceptional qualities.

Growing in popularity since the 1970s, there are now thousands of straw bale homes Growing in popularity since the 1970s, there are now thousands of straw bale homes in the U.S., including several locally. The method was invented more than a century in the U.S., including several locally. The method was invented more than a century ago on the Nebraska plains. Load bearing, or “Nebraska-style,” straw bale construc-ago on the Nebraska plains. Load bearing, or “Nebraska-style,” straw bale construc-tion, is limited by the California Health and Safety Code to a single story in the tion, is limited by the California Health and Safety Code to a single story in the absence of supporting engineering calculations. The greater familiarity and adapt-absence of supporting engineering calculations. The greater familiarity and adapt-ability of non-load bearing straw bale construction, which involves post-and-beam ability of non-load bearing straw bale construction, which involves post-and-beam support for the roof and the use of bales as a fill that insulates and defines the shape support for the roof and the use of bales as a fill that insulates and defines the shape of the wall cavity, has made this method far more common than “Nebraska-style”. of the wall cavity, has made this method far more common than “Nebraska-style”.

Standard wood-frame residential construction practices require specialized skills Standard wood-frame residential construction practices require specialized skills and tools, as well as large quantities of wood, concrete, gypsum board (drywall), fi-and tools, as well as large quantities of wood, concrete, gypsum board (drywall), fi-berglass, and other building materials which have significant environmental impacts berglass, and other building materials which have significant environmental impacts during extraction, processing, and disposal. Some standard building materials such during extraction, processing, and disposal. Some standard building materials such as toxic adhesives, binders and sealants are also potential problems during applica-as toxic adhesives, binders and sealants are also potential problems during applica-tion and use. Straw bales are one ‘alternative’ building material that helps to reduce tion and use. Straw bales are one ‘alternative’ building material that helps to reduce or eliminate many environmental problems because they use plentiful, non-toxic, or eliminate many environmental problems because they use plentiful, non-toxic, reusable, and biodegradable elements to build durable, comfortable, healthy places reusable, and biodegradable elements to build durable, comfortable, healthy places to live and work.

Considerations in Straw Bale Construction• Thick walls may comprise a high percentage of floor area on a small site.• Straw bales may be plastered inside and out to provide thermal mass and, like stan-• Straw bales may be plastered inside and out to provide thermal mass and, like stan-

dard construction, the walls must be protected from moisture.• Straw bale can be more resistant to termites and vermin than stick construction, but • Straw bale can be more resistant to termites and vermin than stick construction, but

(as with any type of construction), elimination of cracks and holes is key.• If labor is done primarily by building professionals, the square-foot cost of straw • If labor is done primarily by building professionals, the square-foot cost of straw

bale construction may be equivalent to conventional building methods.• Because straw bales do not hold nails as well as wood, nailing surfaces must be • Because straw bales do not hold nails as well as wood, nailing surfaces must be

provided.

11

GENERAL INFORMATION

Green Specwww.greenspec.com

David Hertz “A Material for a Finite Planet” w w w. s y n d e s i s i n c . c o m / c r e t e /concrete.html

Concrete Networkwww.concretenetwork.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technologywww.crbt.org

RECYCLED AGGREGATE

CIWMB Recycled Content Providers w w w . c i w m b . c a . g o v / R C P /Construction.asp

Debris Recyclers Databasew w w. c i w m b. c a . gov / C o n D e m o /Recyclers/

Santa Cruz County Buena Vista Landfi ll - Accepts clean and sorted concrete, asphalt, brick, base rock, and porcelain for recycling w w w. d pw. c o. s a n t a - c r u z . c a . u s /swdispose.htm

R E S O U R C E S

Concrete

OverviewOverview

Concrete is a mixture of aggregate (usually sand and crushed stone,) paste (typically Concrete is a mixture of aggregate (usually sand and crushed stone,) paste (typically Portland cement,) and water. Strong, inexpensive, and durable, it is the most widely Portland cement,) and water. Strong, inexpensive, and durable, it is the most widely used structural building material in the United States. used structural building material in the United States.

Due to the vast scale of concrete demand, the impacts of its manufacture, use, and Due to the vast scale of concrete demand, the impacts of its manufacture, use, and demolition are widespread: habitat disturbance from materials extraction; energy use demolition are widespread: habitat disturbance from materials extraction; energy use in extraction, production, and shipping of cement; and toxic air and water emissions in extraction, production, and shipping of cement; and toxic air and water emissions from cement manufacturing. Cement manufacture is particularly energy intensive. from cement manufacturing. Cement manufacture is particularly energy intensive. Approximately one ton of carbon dioxide is released per ton of cement produced, Approximately one ton of carbon dioxide is released per ton of cement produced, totaling 7-8% of man-made COtotaling 7-8% of man-made CO2 emissions. Concrete is typically only 9-13% cement, yet cement accounts for 92% of concrete’s embodied energy. Cement dust contains yet cement accounts for 92% of concrete’s embodied energy. Cement dust contains free silicon dioxide crystals, the trace element chromium, and lime, all of which free silicon dioxide crystals, the trace element chromium, and lime, all of which impact worker health. Mixing concrete requires a great deal of water, and generates impact worker health. Mixing concrete requires a great deal of water, and generates alkaline waste water and run-off that can contaminate waterways and vegetation. alkaline waste water and run-off that can contaminate waterways and vegetation.

Minimizing Environmental EffectsMinimizing Environmental EffectsIncorporating local and/or recycled aggregate (such as ground concrete from demo-Incorporating local and/or recycled aggregate (such as ground concrete from demo-lition) is an excellent way to reduce the impacts of solid waste, transit emissions, and lition) is an excellent way to reduce the impacts of solid waste, transit emissions, and habitat disturbance. habitat disturbance.

Substituting alternative pozzolansSubstituting alternative pozzolans1 (industrial by-products such as fly ash, silica fume, rice husk ash, furnace slag, and volcanic tuff) for Portland cement signifi-fume, rice husk ash, furnace slag, and volcanic tuff) for Portland cement signifi-cantly reduces environmental impacts. Fly ash, the residue from coal combustion, cantly reduces environmental impacts. Fly ash, the residue from coal combustion, is a widely available cement substitute that generally decreases porosity, increases is a widely available cement substitute that generally decreases porosity, increases durability, and improves workability and compressive strength, though at the cost of durability, and improves workability and compressive strength, though at the cost of increased curing time. Fly ash often makes up 10-15% of standard mixes, but it can increased curing time. Fly ash often makes up 10-15% of standard mixes, but it can substitute for 35-60% of cement in many applications, and certain types of fly ash substitute for 35-60% of cement in many applications, and certain types of fly ash (Class C) can completely replace cement for some projects. (Class C) can completely replace cement for some projects.

Concrete use may be reduced in non-structural applications by trapping air in the Concrete use may be reduced in non-structural applications by trapping air in the finished product or through the use of low-density aggregates. On site or local meth-finished product or through the use of low-density aggregates. On site or local meth-ods of air entrainment include the addition of chemical foaming agents (Neopor ods of air entrainment include the addition of chemical foaming agents (Neopor blocks); heat and steam [autoclaved aerated blocks (AAC)]; or mechanical systems blocks); heat and steam [autoclaved aerated blocks (AAC)]; or mechanical systems (AirCrete). Trapped air displaces concrete, enhances insulation value, and reduces (AirCrete). Trapped air displaces concrete, enhances insulation value, and reduces weight and material costs, while retaining the durability and fire-resistance of stan-weight and material costs, while retaining the durability and fire-resistance of stan-

Concrete Formwork

Poured-in-place applications require on-site formwork to give shape to walls and slabs. Plywood and milled lumber are the most common form materials, contributing to construction waste, and the impacts of timber harvest and processing. Wooden formwork can be made from salvaged wood and typically be disas-sembled and reused several times. Consider disassembling-construction-grade lumber and exterior-grade plywood forms, for reuse within the project (after approval by the proj-ect engineer and/or building inspector).

Low- and zero-VOC water-based form release compounds that incorporate biologi-cally-derived oils dramati-cally reduce the health risks to construction staff and occu-pants that are associated with conventional petroleum-based oils. Many plant-based options are less expensive and often make it easier to apply fi nishes or sealants.

Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are an excellent alterna-tive, eliminating the waste of form materials, adding insula-tion, and eliminating the use of toxic release agents.

12

City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility (831) 420-5545

USGS “Recycled Aggregates - Profi table Resource Conservation” http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs-0181-99/ LIGHTWEIGHT AGGREGATE

Green Home Building.com w w w. g r e e n h o m e b u i l d i n g. c o m /pumicecrete.htm Glass Mountain Pumice www.g lassmtnpumice.com/agg/index.htm

FLY-ASH CONCRETE

ISG Resources www.flyash.com/

Fly Ash Resource Centerwww.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/2095/

Silica Fume Associationw w w. s i l i c a f u m e . o r g / g e n e r a l -concrete.html

FOAMED CONCRETE

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products As-sociation www.aacpa.org

Pervious/Porous Concrete

Up to 75% of urban surface area is covered by imperme-able pavement, which inhibits groundwater recharge, contrib-utes to erosion and fl ooding, conveys pollution to local wa-ters, and increases the complex-ity and expense of stormwater treatment. Pervious paving contains voids that allow water to percolate through to the base materials below.

• Reduces peak storm water fl ow and water pollution and promotes groundwater re-charge.

• May incorporate recycled ag-gregate and fl y ash, reducing waste and embodied energy.

• Compressive strength (up to 4000 psi) is suitable for park-ing and access.

• Reduces problems with tree roots; percolation area encourages roots to grow deeper.

• Enhanced heat exchange with the underlying soil can decrease summer ambient air temperature by 2-4°F.

dard concrete. Low-density aggregates such as pumice, vermiculite, perlite, shale, dard concrete. Low-density aggregates such as pumice, vermiculite, perlite, shale, polystyrene beads or mineral fiber, provide similar insulation and weight-reduction polystyrene beads or mineral fiber, provide similar insulation and weight-reduction benefits.

Considerations for Cast-In-Place or Precast Concrete, and Con-Considerations for Cast-In-Place or Precast Concrete, and Con-crete Masonry Units (CMU) • Design for the reuse of portions of existing structures, such as slabs or walls in • Design for the reuse of portions of existing structures, such as slabs or walls in

suitable condition.• Recycle demolished concrete on site for use as aggregate or fill material for new • Recycle demolished concrete on site for use as aggregate or fill material for new

projects, or recycle at our local landfills.• Incorporate the maximum amount of fly ash, blast furnace slag, silica fume, and/• Incorporate the maximum amount of fly ash, blast furnace slag, silica fume, and/

or rice husk slag appropriate to the project, reducing cement use by 15-100%.• Install precast systems to minimize the waste of forming material and the impact • Install precast systems to minimize the waste of forming material and the impact

of wash water on soils.• Consider whether other materials can be incorporated or substituted for concrete:• Consider whether other materials can be incorporated or substituted for concrete:

- Insulating concrete forms (ICF) reduce waste, enhance thermal performance and - Insulating concrete forms (ICF) reduce waste, enhance thermal performance and may reduce construction schedules.

- Cellular, foamed, autoclaved aerated (AAC) and other lightweight concretes add - Cellular, foamed, autoclaved aerated (AAC) and other lightweight concretes add insulation value while reducing weight and concrete required.

- Earthen and rapidly renewable materials, such as rammed earth, cob, or straw - Earthen and rapidly renewable materials, such as rammed earth, cob, or straw bale reduce the need for insulation and finish materials in both residential and bale reduce the need for insulation and finish materials in both residential and commercial projects.

- Salvaged or locally quarried stone may be used in place of CMUs.• Leave stamped, textured or colored concrete exposed, using it as a finish material. • Leave stamped, textured or colored concrete exposed, using it as a finish material.

Relatively benign concrete stains like iron (ferrous) sulphate, a common plant Relatively benign concrete stains like iron (ferrous) sulphate, a common plant fertilizer, can create tones ranging from yellow to rusted umber. Integral color is fertilizer, can create tones ranging from yellow to rusted umber. Integral color is the most durable finish option, reducing long-term waste or maintenance. When the most durable finish option, reducing long-term waste or maintenance. When sealants are required, use a low- or zero-VOC product.

• Use non-toxic form-release agents.• Minimize waste by carefully planning concrete material quantities.• Suppliers may use excess ready-mix returned from job sites in cast products for • Suppliers may use excess ready-mix returned from job sites in cast products for

non-structural applications such as planters and benches.• For footings, consider fabric-based form systems for fast installation and wood • For footings, consider fabric-based form systems for fast installation and wood

savings• Reduce wood waste by using steel or aluminum concrete forms, which can be re-• Reduce wood waste by using steel or aluminum concrete forms, which can be re-

used many more times than wood forms, reducing waste and material costs.1 Substances that act like cement when they react with alkaline materials. The term pozzolanic comes from Greek and Roman use of a mixture of lime and fine volcanic ash from Pozzuoli, Italy, which was used to build the Coliseum, the Pantheon, the Appian Way, and the mixture of lime and fine volcanic ash from Pozzuoli, Italy, which was used to build the Coliseum, the Pantheon, the Appian Way, and the Roman baths. In those times, animal fat, milk, and blood were also incorporated in the mix.

Used concrete may be ground and used as fi ll or aggregate.

Photo courtesy of Ecology Action.

13

Structural Insulated Panel Associationwww.sips.org/

“Structural Insulated Panels - Strength and Energy Effi ciency Through Structural Panel Construction”; MorleyAt local libraries

U.S. Offi ce of Energy Effi ciency and Renewable Energy Building Technologies www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/index.cfm

Prescriptive Method for Insulating Concrete Forms in Residential Construction www.nahbrc.org/tertiaryR.asp?DocumentID=2621&CategoryID=1652

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Moisture Control Handbookw w w. o r n l . gov / s c i / r o o f s + wa l l s / f a c t s / m o i s t u r e /Moisturehandbook2.pdf

Insulated Concrete Form Associationwww.form.com

Granite Rockwww.graniterock.com/concreteformsystems.html

Rastrawww.rastra.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technologywww.crbt.org

R E S O U R C E S

ICFs are set in place. Rebar will be in-stalled prior to pouring concrete between the layers of foam.

Photo courtesy of Insulating Concrete Form Association

Insulated Structural Systems

OverviewOverview

Insulated structural systems integrate a building’s structure and insulation into Insulated structural systems integrate a building’s structure and insulation into a single component. They can reduce construction waste through factory built a single component. They can reduce construction waste through factory built components, reduce or eliminate structural wood use, and provide structural, components, reduce or eliminate structural wood use, and provide structural, thermal, and acoustic performance superior to conventional framing. Rastra and thermal, and acoustic performance superior to conventional framing. Rastra and Insulated Concrete FormsInsulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) consist of a hollow shell that acts both as insulation and a permanent form for concrete. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are factory-and a permanent form for concrete. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are factory-built walls/roof panels consisting of rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two built walls/roof panels consisting of rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two layers of structural facing.layers of structural facing.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) use an insulating material as permanent formwork Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) use an insulating material as permanent formwork that becomes a part of the finished wall. All ICFs can be considered ‘green’ materi-that becomes a part of the finished wall. All ICFs can be considered ‘green’ materi-als; they are durable, produce little or no waste during construction, and dramati-als; they are durable, produce little or no waste during construction, and dramati-cally improve the thermal performance of concrete walls. cally improve the thermal performance of concrete walls.

Standard concrete is a dense material with a high heat capacity, which can be used Standard concrete is a dense material with a high heat capacity, which can be used as thermal mass, reducing the energy required to maintain comfortable interior tem-as thermal mass, reducing the energy required to maintain comfortable interior tem-peratures. However, concrete is not a good insulator, standard formwork is waste-peratures. However, concrete is not a good insulator, standard formwork is waste-intensive, and toxic materials are frequently used to separate formwork from the intensive, and toxic materials are frequently used to separate formwork from the hardened product. ICF address each of these weaknesses, reducing solid waste, air hardened product. ICF address each of these weaknesses, reducing solid waste, air and water pollution, and potentially reducing construction cost. Thermally superior, and water pollution, and potentially reducing construction cost. Thermally superior, ICF wall systems are useful for passive heating and cooling; comfort is enhanced ICF wall systems are useful for passive heating and cooling; comfort is enhanced and energy costs are reduced while first costs can be minimized through reduced and energy costs are reduced while first costs can be minimized through reduced heating/cooling system size. heating/cooling system size.

Many types of materials may be used in ICF systems, such as lightweight foamed Many types of materials may be used in ICF systems, such as lightweight foamed concrete panels, rigid foams like expanded polystyrene, and composites that com-concrete panels, rigid foams like expanded polystyrene, and composites that com-bine concrete with mineral wool, wood waste, paper pulp, or expanded polystyrene bine concrete with mineral wool, wood waste, paper pulp, or expanded polystyrene beads. There are also ICF systems, such as BaleBlock and Faswall, that substitute beads. There are also ICF systems, such as BaleBlock and Faswall, that substitute straw bales or fiber-cement for polystyrene. Rigid foams used in ICFs generally do straw bales or fiber-cement for polystyrene. Rigid foams used in ICFs generally do not have significant recycled content and are less likely to be recyclable at the end of not have significant recycled content and are less likely to be recyclable at the end of their life, but may be reused in fill or other composite concrete products.their life, but may be reused in fill or other composite concrete products.

ICFs offer the structural and fire-resistance benefits of reinforced concrete; structural ICFs offer the structural and fire-resistance benefits of reinforced concrete; structural failure due to fire is rare to nonexistent. Due to the addition of flame-retardant ad-failure due to fire is rare to nonexistent. Due to the addition of flame-retardant ad-

When building with Insulated Concrete

Forms:

• Specify ICFs with high post-consumer polystyrene content, if any.

• Build with an ICF system such as Rastra that would not necessarily require addition-al fi nish materials.

• Consider ICFs that incorpo-rate mineral fi ber rather than polystyrene to eliminate a (small) potential source of toxic emissions during fi res.

14

When building with Structural Insulating

Panels (SIPs):

• Design to minimize waste: - Order SIP panels precut

for your project, including window and door open-ings.

- Design to standardized panel dimensions.

• Ask if your SIP supplier or manufacturer will take back any off-cuts for recycling.

• Consider the thermal perfor-mance of SIPs when sizing your heating system to save money up front and energy over time. Oversized heating and cooling systems are inef-fi cient.

• SIP roofs do not necessarily require ventilation, making them appropriate for low-slope roofs. If your local jurisdiction mandates ven-tilated roofs, consider SIPs with integrated air channels, or upgrading from composi-tion roofi ng.

• Some SIP manufacturers will provide SIP’s with fi nish ma-terials pre-attached, particu-larly for non-structural use.

ditives, polystyrene ICFs tend to melt rather than burn, and interior ICF walls tend ditives, polystyrene ICFs tend to melt rather than burn, and interior ICF walls tend to contain fires much better than wood frame walls, improving fire safety overall. to contain fires much better than wood frame walls, improving fire safety overall. Rastra may be the most fire resistant among ICFs because the polystyrene in Rastra Rastra may be the most fire resistant among ICFs because the polystyrene in Rastra blocks is encapsulated in cement.

As with any heated structure, moisture control is a key design consideration for ICF As with any heated structure, moisture control is a key design consideration for ICF walls. Solid concrete walls sandwiched in polystyrene blocks tend to be very well walls. Solid concrete walls sandwiched in polystyrene blocks tend to be very well sealed (enhancing energy efficiency), but they consequently also tend to seal water sealed (enhancing energy efficiency), but they consequently also tend to seal water vapor within the structure. Potential mold growth and impaired indoor air quality vapor within the structure. Potential mold growth and impaired indoor air quality are serious health concerns, so (as with any well sealed construction technique) me-are serious health concerns, so (as with any well sealed construction technique) me-chanical ventilation is often necessary. Systems such as straw bale and Rastra tend to chanical ventilation is often necessary. Systems such as straw bale and Rastra tend to be more vapor permeable, reducing this concern. Consult with your building official be more vapor permeable, reducing this concern. Consult with your building official and design professional to determine requirements for your ICF structure.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are manufactured panels that consist of two Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are manufactured panels that consist of two sheets of rigid structural facing [oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood] bonded sheets of rigid structural facing [oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood] bonded to an insulating core, commonly polystyrene foam, that is 4 or more inches thick. to an insulating core, commonly polystyrene foam, that is 4 or more inches thick. SIPs offer excellent insulation, airtight assembly, noise attenuation, and superior SIPs offer excellent insulation, airtight assembly, noise attenuation, and superior structural strength. Though SIP panels cost more per square foot of wall, floor, or structural strength. Though SIP panels cost more per square foot of wall, floor, or ceiling than conventional construction, total construction costs are often minimized ceiling than conventional construction, total construction costs are often minimized due to reduced labor and accelerated construction schedules.

SIPs reduce construction waste; they can be delivered precut to the precise dimen-SIPs reduce construction waste; they can be delivered precut to the precise dimen-sions required, and each panel contains the structure, insulation, and moisture bar-sions required, and each panel contains the structure, insulation, and moisture bar-rier of the wall system. OSB is the most common sheathing and facing material in rier of the wall system. OSB is the most common sheathing and facing material in SIPs, reducing wood use by as much as 35% and reducing pressure on mature forests SIPs, reducing wood use by as much as 35% and reducing pressure on mature forests by allowing the use of smaller farm-grown trees for structural applications. The exte-by allowing the use of smaller farm-grown trees for structural applications. The exte-rior grade plywood used in some products requires more mature timber.

SIP wall assemblies tend to be well sealed, enhancing energy efficiency. As with SIP wall assemblies tend to be well sealed, enhancing energy efficiency. As with any tightly sealed structure, moisture control and well designed ventilation are any tightly sealed structure, moisture control and well designed ventilation are critical. SIP construction can contribute to very good indoor air quality; the plastic critical. SIP construction can contribute to very good indoor air quality; the plastic insulating foams (expanded polystyrene or polyurethane/polyisocyanurate) are very insulating foams (expanded polystyrene or polyurethane/polyisocyanurate) are very chemically stable, and OSB is a low-emitting material.

SIP Core MaterialsStraw Core SIPs are made from waste agricultural straw. They are renewable and Straw Core SIPs are made from waste agricultural straw. They are renewable and recyclable, and the pressed straw core does not require a binder. On the other hand, recyclable, and the pressed straw core does not require a binder. On the other hand, straw-core SIPs offer less insulation per inch of thickness and are considerably straw-core SIPs offer less insulation per inch of thickness and are considerably heavier than other options; energy use in shipping is a significant consideration.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is the most common SIP core material. It requires less Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is the most common SIP core material. It requires less energy to manufacture than other options, and is more recyclable than polyurethane energy to manufacture than other options, and is more recyclable than polyurethane or polyisocyanurate. Many products offer a one-hour fire rating when installed with or polyisocyanurate. Many products offer a one-hour fire rating when installed with 5/8” or thicker gypsum sheathing. EPS foam is expanded with pentane, which does 5/8” or thicker gypsum sheathing. EPS foam is expanded with pentane, which does not contribute to ozone depletion or global warming, and is often recaptured at the not contribute to ozone depletion or global warming, and is often recaptured at the factory for reuse.

Polyurethane or Polyisocyanurate offer greater insulation per inch of foam than Polyurethane or Polyisocyanurate offer greater insulation per inch of foam than EPS, and are more resistant to thermal breakdown. However, polyurethane and EPS, and are more resistant to thermal breakdown. However, polyurethane and polyisocyanurate are unlikely to be recycled. Polyurethane and polyisocyanurate use polyisocyanurate are unlikely to be recycled. Polyurethane and polyisocyanurate use HCFC blowing agents, which contribute to global warming and ozone depletion HCFC blowing agents, which contribute to global warming and ozone depletion (though to a lesser degree than CFCs.) New polyurethane/polyisocyanurate resins (though to a lesser degree than CFCs.) New polyurethane/polyisocyanurate resins derived from soy are not yet available in SIPs.

SIPs are factory built to custom specifi cations, are quick to assemble, and have excellent energy performance.

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15

ONLINEUS Dept. of Energy Building Technologies Program: Wood Framing www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/components/envelope/framing/wood.html

Energy Star Builder Guides www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.pt_builder_guides

Building Science Corporation www.buildingscience.com/housesthatwork/advancedframing/default.htm

Toolbase.orgwww.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?TrackID=&CategoryID=70&DocumentID=2021

BOOKS (available through local Public Libraries)“Builder’s Essentials: Advanced Framing Methods”; Scott Simpson

R E S O U R C E S

Advanced framing techniques reduce wood usage, minimize labor costs, and increase the area available for insulation.

Advanced Framing Techniques

OverviewOverview

Advanced framing techniques reduce construction waste and the lumber required for Advanced framing techniques reduce construction waste and the lumber required for wood-framed houses, while increasing energy efficiency through increased space for wood-framed houses, while increasing energy efficiency through increased space for insulation. The extraction, manufacture, transport, and disposal of lumber deplete insulation. The extraction, manufacture, transport, and disposal of lumber deplete resources, damage natural habitats, and pollute air and water. Dimensional lumber resources, damage natural habitats, and pollute air and water. Dimensional lumber supplies depend upon larger trees that require decades to mature. supplies depend upon larger trees that require decades to mature.

Conventional framing is frequently structurally redundant, using wood unnecessar-Conventional framing is frequently structurally redundant, using wood unnecessar-ily, for convenience. According to the US Department of Energy’s Office of Building ily, for convenience. According to the US Department of Energy’s Office of Building Technology, advanced framing techniques can save $500 in material costs per 1200 Technology, advanced framing techniques can save $500 in material costs per 1200 square feet of house, shave 3-5% off of labor costs, and reduce annual heating and square feet of house, shave 3-5% off of labor costs, and reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 5%. cooling costs by 5%. While advanced framing is more wood-efficient than conven-tional framing, keep in mind that alternative structural technologies such as insulat-tional framing, keep in mind that alternative structural technologies such as insulat-ed structural systems, straw bale or earthen construction, and high-recycled content ed structural systems, straw bale or earthen construction, and high-recycled content steel framing with thermal breaks, place fewer demands on our forest resources than steel framing with thermal breaks, place fewer demands on our forest resources than stick framing.stick framing.

ConsiderationsConsiderations• Insulation values are enhanced (whole-wall R-value) because fewer studs means the • Insulation values are enhanced (whole-wall R-value) because fewer studs means the

insulated wall area is maximized, the deeper wall cavity allows for thicker insula-tion, and thermal bridging (conduction of heat through framing) is reduced. tion, and thermal bridging (conduction of heat through framing) is reduced.

• Sustainability can be further enhanced with FSC certified dimensional lumber.• Sustainability can be further enhanced with FSC certified dimensional lumber.• Most advanced framing techniques must be considered early in the design process.• Most advanced framing techniques must be considered early in the design process.• Contractors may be unfamiliar with some techniques, requiring extra training or • Contractors may be unfamiliar with some techniques, requiring extra training or

consultation with experienced installers. Installing drywall clips can be more la-bor-intensive than nailers.bor-intensive than nailers.

• Techniques may leave little tolerance for stud grade, and, in most cases, structural • Techniques may leave little tolerance for stud grade, and, in most cases, structural use of salvaged wood is not appropriate.use of salvaged wood is not appropriate.

• When windows and doors make up more than 10 percent of wall area, 2x6 24”OC • When windows and doors make up more than 10 percent of wall area, 2x6 24”OC framing may require as much lumber as conventional framing.

Advanced Framing Techniques Include:

• Framing with 2x6 studs on 24” centers (in lieu of 2x4 on 16” centers) and two-stud corners.

• Stacking roof rafters directly over studs and fl oor mem-bers, to transfer loads direct-ly downward.

• Using single top plates, sin-gle-studs around windows, and eliminating window cripples.

• Using framed-in and insu-lated headers in lieu of solid dimensional lumber.

• Using prefabricated trusses or wall-units.

• Designing on 24” or 48” modules optimized for com-mon lumber and sheet sizes, reducing waste, minimizing cutting, and reducing labor cost.

• Use of drywall clips (recy-cled polyethelene is avail-able) or scrap lumber for drywall nailers.

16

Illus

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The FSC Logo identifi es prod-ucts which con-tain wood from well managed forests certifi ed in accordance the rules of the Forest Steward-ship Council (FSC).

© 1996 Forest Stewardship Council

FSC-US-0050

Lumber & Engineered Wood

Overview

Wood is a renewable material, and requires less energy than most materials to pro-Wood is a renewable material, and requires less energy than most materials to pro-cess into finished products. However, logging, manufacture, transport, and disposal cess into finished products. However, logging, manufacture, transport, and disposal of wood products have substantial environmental impacts. Standard logging prac-of wood products have substantial environmental impacts. Standard logging prac-tices cause erosion, pollute streams and waterways with sediments, damage sensitive tices cause erosion, pollute streams and waterways with sediments, damage sensitive ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and lead to loss of soil carbon. The key to reducing ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and lead to loss of soil carbon. The key to reducing these impacts is the minimization of wood use by: substituting preferable materi-these impacts is the minimization of wood use by: substituting preferable materi-als or building systems; reusing of salvaged wood; selecting wood from responsibly als or building systems; reusing of salvaged wood; selecting wood from responsibly managed forests; controlling waste; and minimizing redundant components.

Certified Forest ProductsWhere salvaged or reclaimed wood is not available or applicable (i.e. structural ap-Where salvaged or reclaimed wood is not available or applicable (i.e. structural ap-plications,) specify “FSC certified” wood. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifi-Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifi-cation is a widely recognized and respected standard for responsible forest manage-cation is a widely recognized and respected standard for responsible forest manage-ment. The term, ‘responsibly managed,’ is used rather than ‘sustainably managed’ ment. The term, ‘responsibly managed,’ is used rather than ‘sustainably managed’ because sustainability in forestry is a complex, site-specific endeavor that is difficult because sustainability in forestry is a complex, site-specific endeavor that is difficult to define or attain. FSC is an international, non-profit association whose member-to define or attain. FSC is an international, non-profit association whose member-ship comprises environmental and social groups and progressive forestry and wood ship comprises environmental and social groups and progressive forestry and wood retail companies working in partnership to improve forest management worldwide.retail companies working in partnership to improve forest management worldwide.

Engineered Wood ProductsEngineered lumber consists of oriented strips of wood pressed or laminated to-gether with a binding agent. The superior strength and durability of engineered lumber allows it to displace the use of large (and increasingly unavailable), mature timber. Using engineered lum-ber instead of large dimension rafters, joists, trusses and posts can save money and reduce total wood use by as much as 35%. The wider spacing of members possible with engineered lumber also has the advantage of increasing the insulated portion of walls. Builders like engineered products because they are economical, typically longer, stronger, straighter, more durable, and lighter than compa-rable solid lumber.

Structural SheathingSheathing is the structural covering [most commonly plywood or oriented strand Sheathing is the structural covering [most commonly plywood or oriented strand board (OSB)] applied to studs and roof/floor joists, providing shear strength and board (OSB)] applied to studs and roof/floor joists, providing shear strength and serving as a base for finish flooring or a building’s weatherproof exterior. OSB relies serving as a base for finish flooring or a building’s weatherproof exterior. OSB relies on smaller (aspen and poplar) trees, which are a more rapidly renewable resource on smaller (aspen and poplar) trees, which are a more rapidly renewable resource than the mature timber required for plywood. Nonetheless, sheathing is the second than the mature timber required for plywood. Nonetheless, sheathing is the second most wood-intensive element of wood-frame construction.

Engineered wood sheathing materials do have some environmental trade-offs because Engineered wood sheathing materials do have some environmental trade-offs because the wood fibers are typically bound with formaldehyde-based resins. Interior grade the wood fibers are typically bound with formaldehyde-based resins. Interior grade plywood contains urea formaldehyde (UF), which is less chemically stable than the plywood contains urea formaldehyde (UF), which is less chemically stable than the phenol formaldehyde (PF) found in water-resistant exterior grade plywood and OSB. phenol formaldehyde (PF) found in water-resistant exterior grade plywood and OSB. This actually makes exterior grade plywood preferable for indoor applications, as it This actually makes exterior grade plywood preferable for indoor applications, as it

To Minimize Wood Usage and Waste:

• Use alternate materials or building systems, like earthen or straw bale construction, or recycled plastic lumber.

• Consider materials uch as panelized wood framing and structural insulated panels, that can be delivered pre-cut for rapid, nearly waste-free installation.

• Design for common material dimensions, and order ma-terials accordingly, to mini-mize on-site cutting. Measure twice and cut once.

• Consider salvaged or re-claimed wood for non-load-bearing walls, fi nish carpen-try, and wood fl ooring.

• Consider steel studs with high-recycled content or fi nger-jointed wood studs for framing interior walls.

• Use advanced framing tech-niques.

• Design for disassembly, so materials can be readily re-used or recycled.

• Consider OSB as an alterna-tive to plywood sheathing.

Photo courtesy of the Engineered Wood Association

.

Exterior-grade plywood subfl oor is installed over engineered I-joists.

17

Forest Certifi cation Resource Center www.certifiedwood.org/

Forest Stewardship Councilwww.fscus.org

Resource Conservation Alliance www.woodconsumption.org/alts/agfibers.html

Natural Resources Defense Council “Effi cient Wood Use in Residential Construction: A Practical Guide to Saving Wood, Money, and Forests”www.nrdc.org/cities/building/rwoodus.asp

CIWMB Recycled Construction Products Guide www.ciwmb.ca.gov/RCP/

Bay Area Build It Green Materi-als Database http://build-green.org/guide/

ACWMA Green Building Materi-als Resource Guidewww.stopwaste.org/fsbuild.html

PROMAX Local Materials Exchange www.promaxreuse.org/

CalMAX Materials Exchangewww.ciwmb.ca.gov/CALMAX/

Big Creek Lumber http://www.big-creek.com/ (831) 722-7137 / (831) 476-3800

Hayward Lumberwww.haywardlumber.com/ (831) 373-1326 / (831) 755-8800

OSB sheathing, which uses fewer timber resources, may be substituted for plywood on roofs or walls.

Photo courtesy of the Engineered Wood Association.

Lumber & Engineered Wood, continued

emits fewer toxic and suspected carcinogenic compounds. emits fewer toxic and suspected carcinogenic compounds.

There are alternatives to these wood-intensive conventional and engineered materials. There are alternatives to these wood-intensive conventional and engineered materials. Fiberboard products rated for structural applications (such as Homasote’s 100% Fiberboard products rated for structural applications (such as Homasote’s 100% recycled nailable structural board) are alternatives to plywood and OSB. Structural-recycled nailable structural board) are alternatives to plywood and OSB. Structural-grade fiber cement siding combines sheathing and cladding, providing shear strength grade fiber cement siding combines sheathing and cladding, providing shear strength and protection from the elements, while reducing labor costs for installation. Under and protection from the elements, while reducing labor costs for installation. Under brick and stucco exterior finishes, water-resistant exterior-grade gypsum is an option. brick and stucco exterior finishes, water-resistant exterior-grade gypsum is an option. Designs that combine bracing with non-structural sheathing can provide necessary Designs that combine bracing with non-structural sheathing can provide necessary strength while enhancing insulation and reducing wood requirements. Structural strength while enhancing insulation and reducing wood requirements. Structural insulated panel construction provides interior and exterior sheathing as well as insulated panel construction provides interior and exterior sheathing as well as insulation, in pre-cut, factory-made panels. And by designing for disassembly, insulation, in pre-cut, factory-made panels. And by designing for disassembly, sheathing materials can be readily reused or recycled. Materials attached with sheathing materials can be readily reused or recycled. Materials attached with removable fasteners are more readily deconstructed than materials installed with removable fasteners are more readily deconstructed than materials installed with adhesives (but adhesives distribute loads over larger areas than fasteners alone).adhesives (but adhesives distribute loads over larger areas than fasteners alone).

Other Wood Panels and Agricultural “Ag” BoardsOther Wood Panels and Agricultural “Ag” BoardsMedium density fiberboard (MDF), typically made from sawdust and urea Medium density fiberboard (MDF), typically made from sawdust and urea formaldehyde resins (UF), is common in furnishings, doors and trim. MDF with formaldehyde resins (UF), is common in furnishings, doors and trim. MDF with diphenyl diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI) binders is preferable to UF [MDI is highly toxic to manufacture, but does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in toxic to manufacture, but does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in use.].use.].

For interior walls and partitions, there are a number of alternatives to plywood, OSB For interior walls and partitions, there are a number of alternatives to plywood, OSB and MDF. Examples include “Ag” boards made from waste wheat or rice strawand MDF. Examples include “Ag” boards made from waste wheat or rice straw1, which are aesthetically pleasing, often stronger than MDF, and just as functional. which are aesthetically pleasing, often stronger than MDF, and just as functional. Under heat and pressure, microscopic ‘hooks’ on the straws link together, reducing Under heat and pressure, microscopic ‘hooks’ on the straws link together, reducing or eliminating the need for binders. Homasote, made of 100% recycled newspaper or eliminating the need for binders. Homasote, made of 100% recycled newspaper fiber, has actually been in production longer than plywood and OSB. It’s potential fiber, has actually been in production longer than plywood and OSB. It’s potential applications include structural roof decking, paintable interior panels, and concrete applications include structural roof decking, paintable interior panels, and concrete forms. forms. 1 At the time of writing, agricultural straw panels are difficult to find due to a combination of intense demand, lack of supply, and the time 1 At the time of writing, agricultural straw panels are difficult to find due to a combination of intense demand, lack of supply, and the time required to bring a manufacturing facility online. However, the market is hot. One manufacturer surveyed for this document indicated the required to bring a manufacturing facility online. However, the market is hot. One manufacturer surveyed for this document indicated the entire capacity of their factory (currently under construction) had already been pre-purchased - 15 years out! entire capacity of their factory (currently under construction) had already been pre-purchased - 15 years out!

18

R E S O U R C E S

Green Resource Center: Recycled Plastic Lumber w w w. g r e e n r e s o u r c e c e n t e r . o r g /MaterialsSheets/RecycledPlasticLumber.php

Alternatives to CCA-Treated Wood w w w. g r e e n r e s o u r c e c e n t e r . o r g /MaterialsSheets/AltTreatedWood.php

Tools of the Trade “Pressure Treated Lumber Update” www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles/showarticle.asp?articleID=2115&position=1&type=article&partID=1

R E S O U R C E S

Decks and Fencing

Recycled Plastic and Plastic-Wood

Composite Lumber:

Polyethylene grocery bags, soda bottles, and pallet wrap are re-manufactured into dimensional “lumber” products. These may be pure plastic, or incorporate wood fi bers to form a compos-ite. Both are widely available alternatives to wood for outdoor projects, such as decks.

• Very durable, immune to insects and rot, and UV resis-tant.

• High recycled content, re-ducing waste and embodied energy.

• Reduces logging of mature trees, particularly redwoods.

• Requires virtually no main-tenance, eliminating the re-peated use of solvent-based sealants commonly applied to wood.

• Composites are not biode-gradable or currently recycla-ble, though remanufacturing options may be developed.

• Structural options are limited.

• Higher fi rst cost, but lower life-cycle cost.

Overview

Decks are a great way to enjoy the fresh air and our temperate climate, but demand Decks are a great way to enjoy the fresh air and our temperate climate, but demand for common decking materials such as redwood, cedar, and some hardwoods for common decking materials such as redwood, cedar, and some hardwoods has a significant impact on our forest resources. The extraction, manufacture has a significant impact on our forest resources. The extraction, manufacture and transport, and disposal of timber pollutes air and water, depletes resources, and transport, and disposal of timber pollutes air and water, depletes resources, and damages natural habitats. Some of the most decay-resistant trees (cedar and and damages natural habitats. Some of the most decay-resistant trees (cedar and redwood) require decades to centuries to mature. Old growth forests develop their redwood) require decades to centuries to mature. Old growth forests develop their biodiversity over millennia; remaining old-growth stands should be preserved for the biodiversity over millennia; remaining old-growth stands should be preserved for the benefit of all.

Incorporating environmentally preferable decking, railing, and fencing materials in Incorporating environmentally preferable decking, railing, and fencing materials in construction projects can reduce habitat destruction, waste, pollution, energy use, construction projects can reduce habitat destruction, waste, pollution, energy use, and can mean a lasting, low- or even zero-maintenance finished product. Plastic and can mean a lasting, low- or even zero-maintenance finished product. Plastic lumber helps reduce solid waste, reduce impacts from harvest or mining of virgin lumber helps reduce solid waste, reduce impacts from harvest or mining of virgin materials, and provide greater durability and low- to no-maintenance.

Pressure Treated Lumber Pressure treated lumber has been popular for decades for its resistance to rot and Pressure treated lumber has been popular for decades for its resistance to rot and insects. The familiar copper chromated arsenate (CCA) was largely phased out in insects. The familiar copper chromated arsenate (CCA) was largely phased out in a cooperative effort between manufacturers and the US Environmental Protection a cooperative effort between manufacturers and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Because arsenic is acutely toxic and carcinogenic, and was shown to be Agency. Because arsenic is acutely toxic and carcinogenic, and was shown to be leaching into surrounding soils, production for residential use ceased at the end of leaching into surrounding soils, production for residential use ceased at the end of 2003. These problems arguably should have been predicted before it was put into 2003. These problems arguably should have been predicted before it was put into widespread use.

Existing CCA-treated lumber poses a challenge. It remains resistant to rot and Existing CCA-treated lumber poses a challenge. It remains resistant to rot and insects, and its reuse would help conserve forest resources and keep a potentially insects, and its reuse would help conserve forest resources and keep a potentially useful resource out of landfills. However, it would also continue to leach arsenic into useful resource out of landfills. However, it would also continue to leach arsenic into soils if reused. CCA-treated wood should not be composted or disposed of in green soils if reused. CCA-treated wood should not be composted or disposed of in green waste or wood waste bins. Burning CCA-treated wood is highly toxic. Disposal is waste or wood waste bins. Burning CCA-treated wood is highly toxic. Disposal is now mandated in a lined landfill or as class I hazardous waste. The newer, much less-now mandated in a lined landfill or as class I hazardous waste. The newer, much less-toxic wood treatments (C-A: Copper Azole and ACQ: Alkaline Copper Quaternary) toxic wood treatments (C-A: Copper Azole and ACQ: Alkaline Copper Quaternary) are more corrosive than CCA. Be sure to use manufacturer-recommended fasteners are more corrosive than CCA. Be sure to use manufacturer-recommended fasteners to minimize rust and prevent staining.

Considerations• Repair and/or refinish existing decks, railing, or fencing.• Reuse wood in good condition.• Build with durable materials such as plastic lumber (see side bar).• For structural elements that will be in contact with soil and water,

consider:- Heartwood from decay-resistant species such as redwood or cedar which has been FSC Certified as harvested from a responsibly managed forest

- If you choose pressure-treated lumber, the two water-resistant preservatives in current use (C-A and ACQ) are significantly less toxic than CCA.

-Avoid the few remaining stocks of CCA. • For fencing, consider a living fence of bushes, shrubs, live bamboo in

urban settings, or fencing made of cut bamboo (which grows much more rapidly than wood). Avoid highly invasive shrub and bamboo varieties, particularly in areas adjacent to wildlands.

19

Roofing

OverviewOverview

Charged with the critical role of keeping the weather outside a structure and protect-Charged with the critical role of keeping the weather outside a structure and protect-ing the structural members and interior materials from deterioration and moisture, ing the structural members and interior materials from deterioration and moisture, dependability and durability are the most essential features of roofing materials. dependability and durability are the most essential features of roofing materials. The extraction, manufacture, transport, and disposal of roofing materials pollutes The extraction, manufacture, transport, and disposal of roofing materials pollutes air and water, depletes resources, and damages natural habitats. Roofing materials air and water, depletes resources, and damages natural habitats. Roofing materials comprise 12 to 15% of construction and demolition waste, which makes up 28% of comprise 12 to 15% of construction and demolition waste, which makes up 28% of California’s solid waste stream.California’s solid waste stream.

An environmentally preferable roof must first be durable and long-lasting, but may An environmentally preferable roof must first be durable and long-lasting, but may also contain recycled or low-impact materials. Environmentally preferable roofing also contain recycled or low-impact materials. Environmentally preferable roofing provides aesthetically pleasing design options, reduced life cycle costs and environ-provides aesthetically pleasing design options, reduced life cycle costs and environ-mental benefits such as reduced landfill waste, energy use, and impacts from harvest mental benefits such as reduced landfill waste, energy use, and impacts from harvest or mining of virgin materials. It takes roughly the same materials, energy, and labor or mining of virgin materials. It takes roughly the same materials, energy, and labor to manufacture and install a 50-year warranted roof as a 30-year roof, yet disposal to manufacture and install a 50-year warranted roof as a 30-year roof, yet disposal and replacement is delayed, A well-installed 50+ year rated roof can reduce roofing and replacement is delayed, A well-installed 50+ year rated roof can reduce roofing waste by 80 to 90% over its lifetime, relative to a roof warranted for 20 years. waste by 80 to 90% over its lifetime, relative to a roof warranted for 20 years.

The mild climate of the Central Coast is well suited for passive temperature control The mild climate of the Central Coast is well suited for passive temperature control that reduces winter heating and reduces or eliminates the need for mechanical that reduces winter heating and reduces or eliminates the need for mechanical cooling. Few homes in the area are air-conditioned, because operable windows and cooling. Few homes in the area are air-conditioned, because operable windows and skylights can easily provide ventilation and cooling for a small building. Larger, skylights can easily provide ventilation and cooling for a small building. Larger, non-residential buildings can also be effectively cooled without air conditioning in non-residential buildings can also be effectively cooled without air conditioning in our area, but more careful design is required, and roofing that minimizes heat gain our area, but more careful design is required, and roofing that minimizes heat gain is a key consideration. Since few local commercial buildings are designed for passive is a key consideration. Since few local commercial buildings are designed for passive cooling, roofing that reduces cooling loads will provide direct financial payback.cooling, roofing that reduces cooling loads will provide direct financial payback.

Considerations Considerations • Color:Color: Better reflection of solar radiation with high reflectivity (lighter color) re-

duces heat gain and improves summertime comfort.• Weight:Weight: Heavier roofing requires a more substantial structure, and larger or more

numerous rafters increase resource use and cost.numerous rafters increase resource use and cost.• Recycled content:Recycled content: The resistance to water, sun, pests, and chemical breakdown

that make tires, rubber, and many plastics poor candidates for disposal in our that make tires, rubber, and many plastics poor candidates for disposal in our landfills also make them exceptional roofing materials. landfills also make them exceptional roofing materials.

• Recyclability: Recyclability: Even the most durable roofing will eventually need to be replaced. Asphalt composition shingles and some plastic products, for example, can be Asphalt composition shingles and some plastic products, for example, can be ground up and recycled into new roofing, or into asphalt pavement (ideally keep-ground up and recycled into new roofing, or into asphalt pavement (ideally keep-ing the material out of the landfill).

• Water quality:Water quality: Sediment or noxious trace chemicals released by many petroleum-derived roofing products are undesirable in rainwater collection systems.

Low Slope Commercial RoofingLow Slope Commercial Roofing

Ideally, roofing should renew our natural resources. For example, the potential Ideally, roofing should renew our natural resources. For example, the potential habitat for birds and native plants on a green or living roof can be an island of habitat for birds and native plants on a green or living roof can be an island of safety in the urban environment, and can help provide pathways for migration safety in the urban environment, and can help provide pathways for migration through fragmented ecosystems. Similarly, electricity from solar photovoltaic panels through fragmented ecosystems. Similarly, electricity from solar photovoltaic panels displaces demand for fossil fuels. Cool roofing does not renew resources, but is often displaces demand for fossil fuels. Cool roofing does not renew resources, but is often a highly cost-effective way to conserve them.a highly cost-effective way to conserve them.

Reduce waste, liability and frustration by pursuing roofing with a proven track Reduce waste, liability and frustration by pursuing roofing with a proven track record - the most durable roofing material that will fit your budget. Some options record - the most durable roofing material that will fit your budget. Some options

Residential Roofing Options

• Clay or cement tiles - very durable and made from abun-dant materials, but heavy and expensive.

• Recycled plastic, rubber, or wood composite shingles-durable, lightweight, and sometimes recyclable, but not biodegradable .

• Composition shingles - 50-year are better than 20 to 40 year products. Can be recycled, but typically landfi lled.

• Fiber cement - durable, fi re- and insect-proof, but heavy and not renewable or biodegradable. May be ground up and used as inert fi ll at demolition.

• Metal - durable, fi re- and insect-proof, recyclable and typically contain recycled-content. However, manufacture is energy intensive and causes pollution and habitat destruction.

• Built-up roofing - durability is strongly dependent on the structure, installation, fl ashing, and membrane chosen. Most membranes are not made from renewable resources, but some may contain recycled content. High-VOC products emit air pollution during installation.

• Vegetated green or “living” roofs - any slope up to 90° (vertical), but are most commonly installed on slopes less than 30°.

• Wood shakes - biodegradable, but fl ammable, not very durable and typically not a “green” option for fi re-prone areas.

20

Bay Area Build It Green Materials Database www.build-green.org/guide/

Oikos www.oikos.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technologywww.crbt.org

California Energy Commission: Cool Savings with Cool Roofs www.consumerenerg ycenter.org/coolroof/

Lawrence Berkeley Labs: Heat Island Group eetd.lbl.gov/HeatIsland/CoolRoofs/

Professional Roofi ng “Sustainability and Roofi ng: Its Time has Arrived” (2004)

DOE Federal Energy Management Program “Greening Federal Facilities” 2nd Edition http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/29267-7.1.4.pdf

Asphalt Roofi ng Shingle Recycling: Introduc-tion - CIWMB fact sheet w w w. c i w m b. c a . g o v / C o n D e m o /Shingles/

R E S O U R C E S

Recycled roofi ng materials can take the appearance of slate or wood shakes, com-plementing any architectural style.

photo courtesy of Carlisle Eco Star

that are not yet locally common have been extensively tested elsewhere, often in that are not yet locally common have been extensively tested elsewhere, often in more challenging climates.

Choose cool roofs or systems that :• Reflect sunlight and re-emit surface heat. Cool roofs can reduce cooling loads and • Reflect sunlight and re-emit surface heat. Cool roofs can reduce cooling loads and

urban heat-island effects while providing longer roof life. However, beware of urban heat-island effects while providing longer roof life. However, beware of “magic in a bucket.” Reflective coatings are not a panacea, particularly if a roof “magic in a bucket.” Reflective coatings are not a panacea, particularly if a roof is weathered or in poor condition.

• Resist the flow of heat from the roof into the interior, whether through insulation, • Resist the flow of heat from the roof into the interior, whether through insulation, radiant barriers, or both.

• Reduce ambient roof air temperatures through evaporation and shading, as in the • Reduce ambient roof air temperatures through evaporation and shading, as in the case of vegetated green roofs.

• Are recyclable or reusable, reducing waste, pollution, and resource use. Look for • Are recyclable or reusable, reducing waste, pollution, and resource use. Look for options with high post-consumer recycled content- 30% is a good starting point, options with high post-consumer recycled content- 30% is a good starting point,

and the CIWMB Recycled Products Database is an excellent free resource.

Look for non-halogenated roofing membranes (i.e. materials that do not contain Look for non-halogenated roofing membranes (i.e. materials that do not contain bromine or chlorine.) In the event of fire, burning polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and bromine or chlorine.) In the event of fire, burning polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic olefin (TPO) produce strong acids and toxic persistent organic thermoplastic olefin (TPO) produce strong acids and toxic persistent organic pollution, including dioxin. Protective ballast such as concrete tile may be necessary pollution, including dioxin. Protective ballast such as concrete tile may be necessary to comply with fire codes. Existing PVC and TPO roofing membranes, as well as to comply with fire codes. Existing PVC and TPO roofing membranes, as well as underlying polystyrene insulation, can sometimes be recycled, and this practice is underlying polystyrene insulation, can sometimes be recycled, and this practice is expected to get more common as Federal construction specification requirements expected to get more common as Federal construction specification requirements generate increased demand.

Metal Roofing

• Extremely durable.

• Recyclable, typically with high post-consumer recycled content.

• Low maintenance costs.

• Lightweight – useful for retrofi ts and seismic safety.

• Galvanized, painted, and powder-coated options are appropriate for rainwater collection systems or growing edible plants near downspouts.

• Excellent fi re resistance.

• Higher initial cost, but typically offers favorable life cycle cost.

• Manufacture is energy intensive (but partially offset by durability/recyclability).

Recycled-Content Roofing

• Durable, available with a 50-year warranty.

• Contains recycled post-industrial (typically not post-consumer) rubber and plastics.

• Attractive appearance of slate or wood shakes/shingles, and with integral color, will retain its appearance over time.

• Lightweight, potentially reducing the size of roof rafters.

• Products made from a mix of plastic and rubber may not be recyclable.

• Some recycled rubber products made from tires are not desirable for rainwater collection or growing edible plants near a downspout.

21

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities www.greenroofs.org

Green Roofs.com www.greenroofs.com

Local workshops: Green Roof Innovationswww.grinnovations.com (831) 625-5625

“Making Green Roofs Simple” Markham and Wallesw w w . e d c m a g . c o m / C D A /ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,4120,107506,00.html

“Green Roofs: Stormwater Management from the Top Down”, Scholz-Barth w w w . e d c m a g . c o m / C D A /ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,4120,18769,00.html

“The Green House Effect”, Moorew w w. m o n t e r e y h e r a l d . c o m / m l d /m o n t e r e y h e r a l d / e n t e r t a i n m e n t /10653554.htm

National Research Council of Canada “Energy Effi ciency and Environmental Benefi ts of Rooftop Gardens” http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/fulltext/prac/nrcc45345/nrcc45345.pdf

R E S O U R C E S

Green (“Living”) Roofing

Benefits of a “Living” or Green Roof

• Enhanced insulation and more moderate rooftop tem-peratures, which reduce cool-ing and heating requirements, saving energy and money.

• Filtration and detention of stormwater, reducing pollu-tion and the cost of new and expanded infrastructure as paved areas increase.

• Absorption of dust and airborne pollutants (like a house-plant, but outdoors).

• Reduced ambient air temper-atures, reducing urban heat-island effects and helping to keep surrounding areas more comfortable.

• Extended life of roof mem-branes, which are protected from ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures, and mechanical damage. (Plant species, soil depth, and root-resistant layers are carefully matched to ensure the roof membrane is not damaged by the roots themselves.).

• Lightweight extensive systems can be designed with dead loads comparable to standard low-slope roofi ng ballast. Structural reinforcement may not be necessary, and cost can be comparable to con-ventional high quality roofi ng options.

OverviewOverview

Green or “living” roofing is the use of vegetation as the weathering surface for a roof. Green or “living” roofing is the use of vegetation as the weathering surface for a roof. It reduces extremes in rooftop temperature, saves energy, and extends the useful life reduces extremes in rooftop temperature, saves energy, and extends the useful life of the roof. High temperatures shorten the life of a roof (leading to increased C&D of the roof. High temperatures shorten the life of a roof (leading to increased C&D waste), and increase summer cooling costs. On a typical low-slope black-surfaced waste), and increase summer cooling costs. On a typical low-slope black-surfaced roof, summer roof surface temperatures will fluctuate daily by more than 80° F. roof, summer roof surface temperatures will fluctuate daily by more than 80° F.

Green roofing is effective for three reasons: Green roofing is effective for three reasons: the large surface area of soil and plants helps to re-radiate heat; it provides shade and insulation for the waterproof roof helps to re-radiate heat; it provides shade and insulation for the waterproof roof membrane, and the plants’ transpiration provides cooling. The net result is a 25 to membrane, and the plants’ transpiration provides cooling. The net result is a 25 to 80 degree decrease in peak roof temperature, and up to 75% reduction in cooling 80 degree decrease in peak roof temperature, and up to 75% reduction in cooling energy demand.energy demand.

Green roofs provide additional environmental and aesthetic benefits. The soil and Green roofs provide additional environmental and aesthetic benefits. The soil and vegetation in many common extensive designs can detain up to 75% of a 1-inch vegetation in many common extensive designs can detain up to 75% of a 1-inch rainfall event and will filter the remainder. This on site stormwater management rainfall event and will filter the remainder. This on site stormwater management helps reduce demand on stormwater infrastructure, saving resources and money for helps reduce demand on stormwater infrastructure, saving resources and money for the entire community. Green roofs provide urban wildlife micro-habitat. Although the entire community. Green roofs provide urban wildlife micro-habitat. Although not a replacement for wildlands, a vegetated roof accommodates birds, beneficial not a replacement for wildlands, a vegetated roof accommodates birds, beneficial insects, and native plants far better than tar and gravel. Cooler roof temperatures insects, and native plants far better than tar and gravel. Cooler roof temperatures also reduce the urban heat island effect, helping to reduce the cooling load for also reduce the urban heat island effect, helping to reduce the cooling load for surrounding buildings. It can also benefit local property values.surrounding buildings. It can also benefit local property values.

Two classes of green roofs: Two classes of green roofs: Extensive and IntensiveExtensive and IntensiveExtensive green roofs have layer of Extensive green roofs have layer of soil media that is relatively thin (2 soil media that is relatively thin (2 to 6 inches), and lightweight (10 to to 6 inches), and lightweight (10 to 50 lbs. per square foot for the entire 50 lbs. per square foot for the entire system when saturated with water). system when saturated with water). Lightweight, relatively easy-to-Lightweight, relatively easy-to-install, durable, and cost-effective install, durable, and cost-effective green roof options are available green roof options are available for virtually any building type or for virtually any building type or location. location.

Intensive green roofs are designed Intensive green roofs are designed to accommodate trees and gardens. to accommodate trees and gardens. Soil can be as deep as is needed to Soil can be as deep as is needed to

a c c o m m o d a t e the desired tree or plant species, but deeper, denser soil dramatically increases dead load, requiring a stronger and more expensive structure, greater maintenance, and either terracing or a relatively flat roof.

24

Illustration Courtesy of American Wick Drain Corp. Illustration Courtesy of American Wick Drain Corp. Illustration Courtesy of

Bay Area Build It Green www.build-green.org/

Oikos www.oikos.com

Green Spec www.buildinggreen.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technology www.crbt.org

Toolbase.org www.toolbase.org

USGBC PVC Task Group - Detailed analysis of the relative impact of PVC and other common options in siding, drain pipes, fl ooring, and windows. w w w. u s g b c . o r g / L E E D / t s a c /pvcvinyl.asp

Blue Vinyl - award winning documentarywww.bluevinyl.org

R E S O U R C E S

Siding

Overview

Siding protects wall systems from moisture and the heat and ultraviolet radiation Siding protects wall systems from moisture and the heat and ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Selecting siding that is reclaimed, recyclable, or incorporates recycled of the sun. Selecting siding that is reclaimed, recyclable, or incorporates recycled material will reduce waste and pollution. However, there is no universal best option; material will reduce waste and pollution. However, there is no universal best option; environmental impacts of siding products vary considerably. Select siding that is environmental impacts of siding products vary considerably. Select siding that is durable and provides the environmental benefits you value the most.

Considerations Earth or lime plasters last a long time with relatively little maintenance (inevitable Earth or lime plasters last a long time with relatively little maintenance (inevitable small cracks are repairable). Cement or lime is commonly added for improved hard-small cracks are repairable). Cement or lime is commonly added for improved hard-ening and durability, but the relatively (or zero) overall cement content of natural ening and durability, but the relatively (or zero) overall cement content of natural plasters means the material requires relatively small amounts of pollution and en-plasters means the material requires relatively small amounts of pollution and en-ergy use to prepare and install. Deep eaves or overhangs that protect the siding from ergy use to prepare and install. Deep eaves or overhangs that protect the siding from extended moisture exposure are critical to the longevity of natural plasters.

Fiber-cement siding is very durable, with many products backed by 50 year or life-Fiber-cement siding is very durable, with many products backed by 50 year or life-time warranties. It is fire and pest-resistant, and emits no pollutants in use. However, time warranties. It is fire and pest-resistant, and emits no pollutants in use. However, it has a high embodied energy because of its cement content and because it is manu-it has a high embodied energy because of its cement content and because it is manu-factured with wood fiber from overseas.

Cement stucco is extremely durable, minimizing long-term waste, but cement is Cement stucco is extremely durable, minimizing long-term waste, but cement is energy intensive to manufacture. Cement substitutes such as fly ash or rice hull ash energy intensive to manufacture. Cement substitutes such as fly ash or rice hull ash can reduce the environmental cost of stuccos. In the coastal zone, salt spray can ac-can reduce the environmental cost of stuccos. In the coastal zone, salt spray can ac-celerate corrosion of reinforcing meshes.

Metal siding is very durable, recyclable, and typically contains significant post-con-Metal siding is very durable, recyclable, and typically contains significant post-con-sumer recycled content. It is energy intensive to manufacture, but recycled steel and sumer recycled content. It is energy intensive to manufacture, but recycled steel and aluminium require far less energy than virgin ore.

Composite siding (hardboard), is made of newspaper or wood fiber mixed with re-Composite siding (hardboard), is made of newspaper or wood fiber mixed with re-cycled plastic or binding agents. It is highly durable, resists moisture and decay, often cycled plastic or binding agents. It is highly durable, resists moisture and decay, often has significant recycled content, and does not warp or crack like wood. Composites has significant recycled content, and does not warp or crack like wood. Composites require less frequent repainting and some need not be painted at all, saving waste require less frequent repainting and some need not be painted at all, saving waste and resources.

Wood requires more maintenance than most other siding options, but it is renew-Wood requires more maintenance than most other siding options, but it is renew-able and it requires relatively little energy to harvest and process. If it is not well able and it requires relatively little energy to harvest and process. If it is not well maintained, wood can easily be the least durable option, generating significant maintained, wood can easily be the least durable option, generating significant waste. Unfortunately, the most durable solid wood siding comes from old growth waste. Unfortunately, the most durable solid wood siding comes from old growth and tropical forests.

When Selecting Siding

• Select the most durable product available. Siding failures that allow water into the wall cavity can lead to expensive repairs, the waste of damaged compo-nents, and the environmen-tal costs of replacement materials. Fire resistance similarly helps reduce the fi nancial and environmental impact of rebuilding, par-ticularly in high-risk areas.

• For existing buildings, consider refi nishing existing siding to minimize waste, pollution, and energy use.

• Select materials that are biodegradable, have re-cycled-content and/or are recyclable.

• Use reclaimed or remilled wood siding to minimize demand for virgin wood and reduce waste (painted wood should be tested for lead contamination prior to use).

• If you use new wood sid-ing, look for FSC certifi ed products.

• Vinyl is somewhat durable, but it is not a green build-ing material. Strikes against it include pollution gener-ated in manufacturing, air emissions, human health hazards of manufacturing and installation, the release of dioxin and other toxic persistent organic pollutants in the event of fi re, and the unlikelihood that it will be recycled. (See the vinyl sec-tion on page 36 for greater detail.)

25

Home Energy Magazine “Calculating Whole Wall R-Values on the Net” (1999) by Jeffrey Christian and Jan Kosny. http://hem.dis.anl.gov/eehem/99/991110.html

Greenbuilder Sourcebook: Insulation www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/Insulation.html

Home Energy Saver - Easy online calculator determines how much insulation you should have and annual energy savings http://hes.lbl.gov/

Green Resource Center: Fact Sheets www.greenresourcecenter.org/FactSheets/

Bay Area Build It Green Materials Databasewww.build-green.org/guide/

Oikoswww.oikos.com

Green Specwww.buildinggreen.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technologywww.crbt.org

Environmental Building News “Insulation Materials: Environmental Comparisons” www.buildinggreen.com

R E S O U R C E S

Insulation

Environmentally Preferable Insulation

Options:

• Recycled cotton insulation insulates as well as fi berglass and offers superior noise reduction. Cotton insulation poses no health risk and is not irritating during installation.

• Cellulose (recycled newspa-per) insulation, sprayed in wet or dry, poses no health risk and offers superior R-value per inch. (Both cotton and cellulose are treated with borate, which is not toxic to humans, and makes both materials more resistant to fi re and insects than fi berglass).

• Sprayed polyurethane foams expand to fi ll cracks, provid-ing insulation, vapor barrier, and additional shear strength. Sprayed cementious foams such as Air-Krete have similar properties.

• Structural insulating systems integrate a building’s structure and insulation into a single component. They produce little or no waste during construction, and provide excellent thermal performance.

OverviewOverview

Well-insulated building envelopes are primary considerations in comfort and Well-insulated building envelopes are primary considerations in comfort and sustainability. Insulation helps to protect people inside a building from heat, cold, sustainability. Insulation helps to protect people inside a building from heat, cold, and noise, and conserves the energy (and reduces pollution) required to heat and cool and noise, and conserves the energy (and reduces pollution) required to heat and cool a building. Environmentally preferable insulation options offer additional benefits, a building. Environmentally preferable insulation options offer additional benefits, such as reduced waste and pollution in manufacture and installation, more efficient such as reduced waste and pollution in manufacture and installation, more efficient resource use, recyclability, enhanced R-value, and reduced or eliminated health risks resource use, recyclability, enhanced R-value, and reduced or eliminated health risks for installers and occupants. for installers and occupants.

The comfort and energy efficiency of your home depends on the R-value of the entire The comfort and energy efficiency of your home depends on the R-value of the entire wall, roof, or floor (i.e. “Whole-Wall R-value”), not just the R-value of the insulation. wall, roof, or floor (i.e. “Whole-Wall R-value”), not just the R-value of the insulation. For example, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory has found the whole-wall R-value For example, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory has found the whole-wall R-value of 2x6 wood frame walls with R-19 fiberglass batts and paper facer fastened to the of 2x6 wood frame walls with R-19 fiberglass batts and paper facer fastened to the inside surface of each stud to be only R-11. Techniques such as Advanced Framing in-inside surface of each stud to be only R-11. Techniques such as Advanced Framing in-crease the wall area covered by insulation, increasing whole-wall effectiveness. Fram-crease the wall area covered by insulation, increasing whole-wall effectiveness. Fram-ing conducts far more heat than insulation, much as most window frames conduct ing conducts far more heat than insulation, much as most window frames conduct more heat than double-paned glass. An additional layer of rigid insulation between more heat than double-paned glass. An additional layer of rigid insulation between framing and exterior sheathing (or insulating sheathing) helps improve whole-wall R-framing and exterior sheathing (or insulating sheathing) helps improve whole-wall R-value by insulating the entire wall, not just clear space. In non-”breathable” wall de-value by insulating the entire wall, not just clear space. In non-”breathable” wall de-signs, closed-cell rigid foam with taped seams can provide an effective vapor barrier.signs, closed-cell rigid foam with taped seams can provide an effective vapor barrier.

Fiberglass: the Conventional ChoiceFiberglass: the Conventional ChoiceFor economic reasons, fiberglass is frequently the insulation of choice. When pur-For economic reasons, fiberglass is frequently the insulation of choice. When pur-chasing fiberglass insulation ask for formaldehyde-free products with a minimum chasing fiberglass insulation ask for formaldehyde-free products with a minimum 50% total recycled content (minimum 25% post-consumer). Some products are man-50% total recycled content (minimum 25% post-consumer). Some products are man-ufactured with heavier, intertwined glass fibers to reduce airborne fibers and reduce ufactured with heavier, intertwined glass fibers to reduce airborne fibers and reduce the fraction of fibers that can enter the lungs. Like all glass products, fiberglass insula-the fraction of fibers that can enter the lungs. Like all glass products, fiberglass insula-tion is made primarily from silica heated to high temperatures, requiring significant tion is made primarily from silica heated to high temperatures, requiring significant energy and releasing formaldehyde. Short term effects include irritation to eyes, nose, energy and releasing formaldehyde. Short term effects include irritation to eyes, nose, throat, lungs, and skin during installation or other contact. Longer term effects are throat, lungs, and skin during installation or other contact. Longer term effects are controversial, but OSHA requires fiberglass insulation to carry a cancer warning la-controversial, but OSHA requires fiberglass insulation to carry a cancer warning la-bel. Binders in most fiberglass batts contain toxic formaldehyde that is slowly emitted bel. Binders in most fiberglass batts contain toxic formaldehyde that is slowly emitted for months or years after installation, potentially contaminating indoor air.for months or years after installation, potentially contaminating indoor air.

26

Spray in cellulose insulation contains approximately 85% post-consumer recycled newspaper.

Photo courtesy Can-Cel Industries.

EPA Energy Star ® -- Window and door selection criteriawww.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_tips_windows

Oikoswww.oikos.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technologywww.crbt.org

R E S O U R C E S

Windows

NFRC (National Fenestration Rating

Council) Ratings include

• U-Factor summarizes the ability of a window to keep heat inside or outside a building. The lower the U-factor, the better its insulating value; look for values of 0.4 or lower.

• Solar Heat Gain Coeffi cient (SHGC) summarizes how well a window blocks heat from sunlight. Low SHGC values are best for our climate; look for SHGC values less than 0.4. (If one is designing for passive solar heating with the help of a knowledgeable professional, higher values may be desirable.)

• Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) is a measure of how much light gets through a window. Desired VLT varies with taste and application.

• Low values for Air Leakage are best.

• The higher the Condensation Resistance, the better; values range from 0 to 100. Condensation can contribute to mold growth, but new, high quality windows (with low U-Factor) will generally

resist condensation far better than older windows. In Santa Cruz County’s mild climate, Condensation Resistance is generally the least important concern of these factors.

Overview

Windows provide ventilation, light, views, and a connection to the outside world. Windows provide ventilation, light, views, and a connection to the outside world. Drafty, old, poorly insulated, or simply poorly chosen windows can compromise the Drafty, old, poorly insulated, or simply poorly chosen windows can compromise the energy efficiency of a building envelope. As with any manufactured product, the energy efficiency of a building envelope. As with any manufactured product, the fabrication of windows requires energy, generating primarily air pollution. Energy fabrication of windows requires energy, generating primarily air pollution. Energy efficiency is the primary consideration in reducing the environmental impacts of efficiency is the primary consideration in reducing the environmental impacts of a window, followed by waste generated in manufacturing and general durability. a window, followed by waste generated in manufacturing and general durability. Older, single pane windows are very unlikely to perform comparably with new Older, single pane windows are very unlikely to perform comparably with new windows, and should be reused only in unheated structures such as greenhouses.

Residential window frames are typically made from wood, vinyl, aluminum, or Residential window frames are typically made from wood, vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass, or a combinations of wood and aluminum or vinyl (i.e. “clad” ). Each has fiberglass, or a combinations of wood and aluminum or vinyl (i.e. “clad” ). Each has different cost, insulating ability, and durability: • Wood requires maintenance for durability. Consider the source of the wood and • Wood requires maintenance for durability. Consider the source of the wood and

seek FSC certified products. • Fiberglass is energy intensive to manufacture, but is strong, durable, and has • Fiberglass is energy intensive to manufacture, but is strong, durable, and has

excellent insulating value.• Aluminum and steel are poor insulators, and very energy intensive to manufacture. • Aluminum and steel are poor insulators, and very energy intensive to manufacture.

When using metal-framed windows, look for recycled content and seek frames When using metal-framed windows, look for recycled content and seek frames with ‘thermal breaks’ to limit the loss of heat to outdoors.

• Vinyl offers good insulation, but is highly toxic in its manufacture, and if burned.• Vinyl offers good insulation, but is highly toxic in its manufacture, and if burned.

High-efficiency windows typically utilize dual or triple panes with low-e (low High-efficiency windows typically utilize dual or triple panes with low-e (low emissivity) coatings and gas fill (typically argon) between panes to help control heat emissivity) coatings and gas fill (typically argon) between panes to help control heat gain and loss, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Factory-gain and loss, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Factory-applied Low-E coatings on internal glass surfaces are more durable and effective applied Low-E coatings on internal glass surfaces are more durable and effective than films.

High-quality, efficient windows are widely available from local retailers. To make High-quality, efficient windows are widely available from local retailers. To make an informed choice, consider only windows that have NFRC ratings (see sidebar). an informed choice, consider only windows that have NFRC ratings (see sidebar). The EPA Energy Star ® label for windows can be a useful summary of these factors. The EPA Energy Star ® label for windows can be a useful summary of these factors. For the California’s climate region, Energy Star ® qualified windows must have a For the California’s climate region, Energy Star ® qualified windows must have a U-factor of 0.40 or less and a SHGC of 0.40 or less.

Operable skylights can enhance ventilation in warm weather, improving comfort. Operable skylights can enhance ventilation in warm weather, improving comfort. Energy Star ® skylights must have a U-factor of 0.60 or less and a SHGC of 0.40 Energy Star ® skylights must have a U-factor of 0.60 or less and a SHGC of 0.40 or less. Skylights are the interface between the roof and ceiling, where convection or less. Skylights are the interface between the roof and ceiling, where convection

creates the warmest air, so ideally creates the warmest air, so ideally skylights would be designed skylights would be designed to have a lower U-factor than to have a lower U-factor than windows.

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Low-e and/or solar control coating

Inert Gas fi llDouble panes

StoolSashSill

Jamb

California Integrated Waste Management Board Recycled Products Database www.ciwmb.ca.gov/RCP/

CIWMB Drywall Recycling Fact Sheet www.ciwmb.ca.gov/ConDemo/Wallboard/

EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing www.epa.gov/opptintr/epp/database.htm

Green Specwww.greenspec.com

Oikoswww.oikos.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technology www.crbt.org

Drywall Composting: Korcak, R.F., R. Meininger and P.A. Yost. 2000. Benefi cial reuse of aggregate mineral fi nes and scrap new construction wallboard. pp. 583-603. In J.F. Power and W.A. Dick (eds.) Land Application of Agricultural, Industrial and Municipal By-Products, Soil Sci. Soc. Am., Madison, WI

R E S O U R C E S

Gypsum Wall Board

Homasote

• Homasote panels consist of 100% recycled newspaper combined with a paraffi n binder for water resistance.

• Primarily used as an acoustical barrier behind gypsum board or under fl oor fi nishes, but can also be used for vertical sheathing. Other Homasote fi berboards are used as an insulating nail base for roofi ng, roof decking, and sub fl ooring. Prefi nished panels with decorative cork or fabric coverings are a suitable interior wall paneling.

• Effective acoustical barrier, and can add shear strength to a structure.

• 100% recycled, and recyclable (except when coated by paints or adhesives).

• Non-toxic; contains no asbestos, formaldehyde, or fi berglass.

• Resists termites, rot, and fungi.

• Reduces solid waste, helps conserve trees.

OverviewOverview

Due to its ease of installation, familiarity, fire resistance, non-toxicity, and sound Due to its ease of installation, familiarity, fire resistance, non-toxicity, and sound attenuation, gypsum wall board, known by it’s proprietary names Dywall ® and attenuation, gypsum wall board, known by it’s proprietary names Dywall ® and Sheetrock® is ubiquitous in construction. Gypsum wall board is a benign substance Sheetrock® is ubiquitous in construction. Gypsum wall board is a benign substance (basically paper-covered calcium sulfate,) but it has significant environmental impacts (basically paper-covered calcium sulfate,) but it has significant environmental impacts because it is used on a vast scale; domestic construction uses 30 billion square feet per because it is used on a vast scale; domestic construction uses 30 billion square feet per year.year.

The primary environmental impacts of gypsum are habitat disruption from mining, The primary environmental impacts of gypsum are habitat disruption from mining, energy use and associated emissions in processing and shipment, and solid waste from energy use and associated emissions in processing and shipment, and solid waste from disposal. Using ‘synthetic’ or recycled gypsum board significantly reduces several of disposal. Using ‘synthetic’ or recycled gypsum board significantly reduces several of these impacts. Synthetic gypsum, which accounts for 20% of U.S. raw gypsum use, is these impacts. Synthetic gypsum, which accounts for 20% of U.S. raw gypsum use, is made from the by-product of manufacturing and energy-generating processes, primar-made from the by-product of manufacturing and energy-generating processes, primar-ily from desulfurization of coal power plant exhaust gases. More than 80% of coal fly ily from desulfurization of coal power plant exhaust gases. More than 80% of coal fly ash sold in the U.S. is used in gypsum board. ash sold in the U.S. is used in gypsum board.

Though synthetic gypsum board use is growing, diverting drywall from the waste Though synthetic gypsum board use is growing, diverting drywall from the waste stream is proving more challenging. Reclaimed gypsum board can be recycled into stream is proving more challenging. Reclaimed gypsum board can be recycled into new gypsum panels that meet the same quality standards as natural and synthetic new gypsum panels that meet the same quality standards as natural and synthetic gypsum, but gypsum is an inexpensive material that can require significant labor to gypsum, but gypsum is an inexpensive material that can require significant labor to separate for recycling. Gypsum board face paper is commonly 100% recycled, from separate for recycling. Gypsum board face paper is commonly 100% recycled, from newsprint, cardboard, and other post-consumer waste streams, but most recycled newsprint, cardboard, and other post-consumer waste streams, but most recycled gypsum in wallboard products is post-industrial from gypsum board manufacture. Ex-gypsum in wallboard products is post-industrial from gypsum board manufacture. Ex-ceptional deconstruction operations have successfully reclaimed used gypsum board ceptional deconstruction operations have successfully reclaimed used gypsum board in good condition for reuse. in good condition for reuse. Purchase gypsum board in sizes that minimize gypsum board in sizes that minimize the need for trimming (saving time the need for trimming (saving time and waste) and waste)

Raw gypsum is benign and is regularly Raw gypsum is benign and is regularly consumed as a calcium supplement consumed as a calcium supplement as well as in many foods and prod-as well as in many foods and prod-ucts, including toothpaste, wine, beer, ucts, including toothpaste, wine, beer, cheeses, and bread. Clean pulverized cheeses, and bread. Clean pulverized off-cuts are a safe soil amendment. off-cuts are a safe soil amendment. Working crushed gypsum off cuts Working crushed gypsum off cuts (that have not been painted, glued, (that have not been painted, glued, or otherwise contaminated) into soil or otherwise contaminated) into soil helps reduce waste while improving helps reduce waste while improving the workability and calcium availabil-the workability and calcium availabil-ity of many soils.ity of many soils.

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Clean gypsum board may be ground and returned to manufacturers to be recycled into new wall board or other consumer products.

Photo courtesy Taylor Recycling

GreenBuilder Sustainable Building Sourcebook: Flooring - Intro www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FloorCoverings.html

Oikoswww.oikos.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technology www.crbt.org

California 1350 Special Environmental Requirements - Emissions standards for an array of materials, developed by the state of Californiawww.healthybuilding.net/healthcare/CHPS_1350_summary.pdf

Fireclay - San Jose manufacturer of recycled glass tile www.fireclaytile.com/

R E S O U R C E S

Tile

Considerations in Selecting Tile

• To maximize durability:

- Choose tile with the appropriate surface hardness for the expected amount of foot traffi c.

- Keep the tile free of grit and sand with regular sweeping and mopping

- Use appropriate subfl oor and profi cient installation.

- A classic look will aesthetically wear longer than trendy tile choices.

• Look for tiles with high post-consumer recycled content to reduce waste. Recycled glass tiles are most common, putting our old bottles and windshields back to beautiful and productive use.

• Natural stone tile requires relatively little energy to process, but signifi cant energy to quarry and ship.

• When no longer wanted, tile can be deconstructed/salvaged for reuse in other areas or projects.

• Larger tiles reduce quantities of exposed grout, which can stain or harbor mold.

• Imported tiles should be tested for lead-based glazes, which are still in use outside the United States.

• Installation is labor intensive, but experience and skill help reduce the risk, waste, and aggravation of repairing an unsuccessful installation.

• Tile can increase thermal mass in passive solar designs.

Overview

Tile, made primarily from fired clay (porcelain and other ceramics), glass, or Tile, made primarily from fired clay (porcelain and other ceramics), glass, or stone, is an option for flooring, countertops, and wall applications whose principle stone, is an option for flooring, countertops, and wall applications whose principle environmental benefit is durability. Tile can last indefinitely even in high-traffic environmental benefit is durability. Tile can last indefinitely even in high-traffic areas, eliminating the waste and expense of replacements. Tile production is energy areas, eliminating the waste and expense of replacements. Tile production is energy intensive. However, tile from recycled glass requires less energy than tile from virgin intensive. However, tile from recycled glass requires less energy than tile from virgin materials. Tiles do not burn, will not retain liquids, and do not absorb fumes, odors, materials. Tiles do not burn, will not retain liquids, and do not absorb fumes, odors, or smoke and, when installed with low- or zero-VOC mortar, can contribute to good or smoke and, when installed with low- or zero-VOC mortar, can contribute to good indoor air quality.

Tile can only offer such performance if it has the appropriate surface hardness for the Tile can only offer such performance if it has the appropriate surface hardness for the location. Hardness is measured on the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) scale of 0 location. Hardness is measured on the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) scale of 0 to 5, with 0 indicating a tile should not be used as flooring and 5 signifying a surface to 5, with 0 indicating a tile should not be used as flooring and 5 signifying a surface designed for very heavy foot traffic and abrasion. Kept relatively free of sand and designed for very heavy foot traffic and abrasion. Kept relatively free of sand and grit, floor tile can easily last as long as the building it is in.

The impacts of mining, producing and delivering a unit of tile are important The impacts of mining, producing and delivering a unit of tile are important considerations. The 650 million of square feet of ceramic tile produced by considerations. The 650 million of square feet of ceramic tile produced by U.S. factories each year, together with the billions of square feet manufactured U.S. factories each year, together with the billions of square feet manufactured throughout the world, requires mining millions of tons of clay and other minerals, throughout the world, requires mining millions of tons of clay and other minerals, and substantial energy to fire material into hardened tile. Stone requires relatively and substantial energy to fire material into hardened tile. Stone requires relatively little energy to process, but significant energy to quarry and ship. Selecting tile little energy to process, but significant energy to quarry and ship. Selecting tile made locally regionally may dramatically reduce the energy use and pollution of made locally regionally may dramatically reduce the energy use and pollution of transport.

Beautiful and durable glass and ceramic tiles can also be made from up to 100% Beautiful and durable glass and ceramic tiles can also be made from up to 100% recycled glass - literally bottles and windshields - reducing energy use and eliminating recycled glass - literally bottles and windshields - reducing energy use and eliminating the need to mine virgin materials.

Glazed vs. Unglazed TilesGlazing ceramic tile requires a layer of liquid glass solution or enamel. Tile in low-Glazing ceramic tile requires a layer of liquid glass solution or enamel. Tile in low-traffic areas, particularly roofing, may use lower-impact water-based glazes. Though traffic areas, particularly roofing, may use lower-impact water-based glazes. Though they can be more slippery, glazed tiles are practically stain-proof. In addition to their they can be more slippery, glazed tiles are practically stain-proof. In addition to their slip-resistance, the integral color and generally greater thickness of unglazed tiles tend slip-resistance, the integral color and generally greater thickness of unglazed tiles tend to make them more durable than glazed tiles. However, unglazed tiles may require a to make them more durable than glazed tiles. However, unglazed tiles may require a sealant (factory-sealed tiles can help minimize or eliminate a source of indoor VOC sealant (factory-sealed tiles can help minimize or eliminate a source of indoor VOC emissions). Glass floor tile can also offer a non-skid surface appropriate for ADA emissions). Glass floor tile can also offer a non-skid surface appropriate for ADA compliance. When installing stone tile, especially for countertop applications, use a compliance. When installing stone tile, especially for countertop applications, use a non-toxic sealer for the grout and tile surface.

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Oikos www.oikos.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technology www.crbt.org

Greenspec www.greenspec.org

Greenguard - Independent indoor emissions testing www.greenguard.org

Environmental Design & Construction A “Bamboo Future (2001) - The properties and applications of bamboo, in fl ooring and beyond “www.edcmag.com/

Green Resource Center: Bamboo Fact Sheet www.greenresourcecenter.org/MaterialsSheets/BambooFlooring.php

R E S O U R C E S

Bamboo

Another Alternative to Conventional Hardwood :Reclaimed Hardwood

Reclaimed wood may be used for fl ooring, trim, siding, furniture, or, in some cases, as structural members. Consider reusing wood from an existing building on site, or look to salvage yards and on-site deconstruction sales for a portion of your materials.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring is made from timbers salvaged from old buildings, bridges, or other timber structures. It may also be manufactured from logs salvaged from river bottoms, or from trees being removed in urban and suburban areas.

• Character and aesthetic of reclaimed fl ooring can be exceptionally beautiful.

• Salvaging or reusing wood reduces solid waste, saves forest resources, and can save money.

• Reclaimed wood is frequently available in dimensions, species, and with old-growth-quality that is no longer obtainable from virgin forests at any price.

• Planning and research are necessary as available species, dimensions, and lumber quality can vary considerably.

OverviewOverview

Bamboo, a perennial grass, has several varieties that produce hard, strong, Bamboo, a perennial grass, has several varieties that produce hard, strong, dimensionally stable wood which have been used as a building material for millennia. dimensionally stable wood which have been used as a building material for millennia. In Asia, bamboo has been used both decoratively and structurally for thousands of In Asia, bamboo has been used both decoratively and structurally for thousands of years, but bamboo flooring is relatively new in the U.S. The swift growth, strength, and years, but bamboo flooring is relatively new in the U.S. The swift growth, strength, and durability of bamboo make it an environmentally superior alternative to conventional durability of bamboo make it an environmentally superior alternative to conventional hardwood flooring. hardwood flooring.

While some hardwood trees require a century to reach maturity, some bamboo While some hardwood trees require a century to reach maturity, some bamboo varieties can be harvested in as little as one year. Most commonly, bamboo is harvested varieties can be harvested in as little as one year. Most commonly, bamboo is harvested on a four or five year cycle, and the mature forest will continue to send up new shoots on a four or five year cycle, and the mature forest will continue to send up new shoots for decades. Pine forests have the most rapid growth among tree species, but bamboo for decades. Pine forests have the most rapid growth among tree species, but bamboo grass species used in flooring can grow more than three feet per day and produce grass species used in flooring can grow more than three feet per day and produce almost twice as much harvestable fiber per year. Though bamboo grows rapidly, it almost twice as much harvestable fiber per year. Though bamboo grows rapidly, it can nonetheless yield a product that is 13% harder than rock maple, with durability can nonetheless yield a product that is 13% harder than rock maple, with durability comparable to red oak. comparable to red oak.

Bamboo may also be used for panelling, furnishings and cabinetry. Vertically laminated Bamboo may also be used for panelling, furnishings and cabinetry. Vertically laminated flooring and plywood products consist of layers of bamboo compressed with a binder, flooring and plywood products consist of layers of bamboo compressed with a binder, creating a durable, resilient finish material.creating a durable, resilient finish material.

ConsiderationsConsiderations• Bamboo floors can last decades when well maintained. As with all flooring, mini-• Bamboo floors can last decades when well maintained. As with all flooring, mini-

mizing grit is the best defense against wear. It can be sanded and refinished when mizing grit is the best defense against wear. It can be sanded and refinished when necessary. The deeper wear pattern of vertical grain bamboo will allow more cycles necessary. The deeper wear pattern of vertical grain bamboo will allow more cycles of refinishing, providing greater longevity. of refinishing, providing greater longevity.

• The installed cost can be high, but good quality bamboo is often less expensive than • The installed cost can be high, but good quality bamboo is often less expensive than comparable hardwoods.comparable hardwoods.

• Bamboo is primarily harvested and processed overseas; its embodied energy is • Bamboo is primarily harvested and processed overseas; its embodied energy is lower than many materials, but shipping does consume non-renewable petroleum lower than many materials, but shipping does consume non-renewable petroleum resources.resources.

• To minimize VOC emissions, prefinished flooring is preferable. Like most interior-• To minimize VOC emissions, prefinished flooring is preferable. Like most interior-grade hardwood plywoods, bamboo flooring is typically made with a urea formalde-grade hardwood plywoods, bamboo flooring is typically made with a urea formalde-hyde binder, which can emit tiny amounts of formaldehyde. Choosing high quality hyde binder, which can emit tiny amounts of formaldehyde. Choosing high quality products, particularly from manufacturers that provide independent air-quality test-products, particularly from manufacturers that provide independent air-quality test-ing data, can help to minimize this source of indoor air pollution. ing data, can help to minimize this source of indoor air pollution.

Many popular wood species are available as reclaimed fl ooring.

Photo courtesy of Duluth Timber Co.Photo courtesy of Duluth Timber Co.

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Green Seal Choose Green Report: Carpet (2001) w w w. g r e e n s e a l . o r g / c g r s /Carpet_CGR.pdf

California Integrated Waste Management Board www.ciwmb.ca.gov/ConDemo/Carpet/

Carpet and Rug Institute www.carpet-rug.com EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasingwww.epa.gov/opptintr/epp/

California 1350 Special Environ-mental Requirements - Emissions standards www.hea l thybui ld ing.ne t/h e a l t h c a r e / C H P S _ 1 3 5 0 _summary.pdf

Sustainable Building Sourcebook w w w. g r e e n b u i l d e r. c o m /sourcebook/FloorCoverings.html

Oikos -www.oikos.com

Green Spec - “Carpeting, Indoor Air Quality, and the Environment” www.greenspec.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technology www.crbt.org

R E S O U R C E S

Carpet

Overview

Carpet manufacture, use, and disposal have significant environmental and health im-Carpet manufacture, use, and disposal have significant environmental and health im-plications. Most carpet is synthetic, made of non-renewable petroleum; its manufac-plications. Most carpet is synthetic, made of non-renewable petroleum; its manufac-ture requires substantial energy and water, and creates harmful air and solid/liquid ture requires substantial energy and water, and creates harmful air and solid/liquid waste. Most carpet is landfilled at the end of its life; in 1999, roughly 2.4 million waste. Most carpet is landfilled at the end of its life; in 1999, roughly 2.4 million tons of carpet was discarded, enough to completely cover New York City (Green tons of carpet was discarded, enough to completely cover New York City (Green Seal, 2001). Selecting classic styles and colors, which are unlikely to quickly go out Seal, 2001). Selecting classic styles and colors, which are unlikely to quickly go out of style, helps to lengthen useful the life of carpet, as can neutral colors that tend to of style, helps to lengthen useful the life of carpet, as can neutral colors that tend to show fewer stains.

A small but growing number of carpet manufacturers are refurbishing and recycling A small but growing number of carpet manufacturers are refurbishing and recycling used carpets into new carpet. Leasing arrangements in which the manufacturer will used carpets into new carpet. Leasing arrangements in which the manufacturer will recycle worn or stained carpets, reducing waste significantly. Keep in mind, resourc-recycle worn or stained carpets, reducing waste significantly. Keep in mind, resourc-es are required for recycling and, unless it can be recycled indefinitely, the carpet will es are required for recycling and, unless it can be recycled indefinitely, the carpet will end up in a landfill after a finite number of uses. Carpet tiles limit waste because only end up in a landfill after a finite number of uses. Carpet tiles limit waste because only worn or stained tiles need to be replaced and are available for both commercial and worn or stained tiles need to be replaced and are available for both commercial and residential applications.

Solution dyeing, in which fibers are dyed prior to extrusion, requires less water and Solution dyeing, in which fibers are dyed prior to extrusion, requires less water and generates less hazardous waste than traditional wet dyeing. Synthetic carpets, back-generates less hazardous waste than traditional wet dyeing. Synthetic carpets, back-ings, and adhesives typically off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which pol-ings, and adhesives typically off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which pol-lute indoor and outdoor air. Redesigned carpets, new adhesives, and natural fibers lute indoor and outdoor air. Redesigned carpets, new adhesives, and natural fibers are available that emit few or zero VOCs. To improve indoor air quality, select carpet are available that emit few or zero VOCs. To improve indoor air quality, select carpet and adhesives that meet a third party standard, such as the Carpet and Rug Institute and adhesives that meet a third party standard, such as the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label or the State of California’s Indoor Air Emission Standard 1350.(CRI) Green Label or the State of California’s Indoor Air Emission Standard 1350.

Natural fibers are an environmentally preferable carpeting option because they are Natural fibers are an environmentally preferable carpeting option because they are renewable and biodegradable. Options include jute, sisal, coir and wool floor cover-renewable and biodegradable. Options include jute, sisal, coir and wool floor cover-ings. Biodegradable carpets made from plant extracts and plant-derived chemicals ings. Biodegradable carpets made from plant extracts and plant-derived chemicals are also available. However, all materials have some impacts, including land, wa-are also available. However, all materials have some impacts, including land, wa-ter and energy use, so designs that minimize or do not require carpet are usually ter and energy use, so designs that minimize or do not require carpet are usually environmentally preferable. Carpets also tend to harbor more dust, allergens and environmentally preferable. Carpets also tend to harbor more dust, allergens and contaminants than other materials. Durable flooring, such as a concrete finish floor, contaminants than other materials. Durable flooring, such as a concrete finish floor, linoleum, cork, or reclaimed hardwoods can help to improve indoor air quality.

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Sisal and Jute are natural alternatives to petroleum-based carpets.

Area rugs harbor fewer allergens and may be cleaned more easily than wall-to-wall carpets.

When installing a rug or carpet, look for low-emit-ting products, like those with the Carpet and Rug Institute’s “Green Label.”

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Oikos www.oikos.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technol-ogy www.crbt.org

Greenspec www.greenspec.org

Bay Area Build-It Green Database www.build-green.org/guide/

Berkeley Green Resource Center: Lino-leum w w w . g r e e n r e s o u r c e c e n te r . o r g / M a t e r i a l s S h e e t s /NaturalLinoleum.php

R E S O U R C E S

Linoleum

Features of Linoleum

• Very durable and usually lasts many decades, which reduces waste associated with the frequent replacement of fl exible vinyl fl ooring.

• Quiet and comfortable.

• Made from natural, non-toxic components - does not con-tain formaldehyde, asbestos, or plasticizers.

• Biodegradable at the end of its useful life.

• Easy to maintain, linoleum should be cleaned with mini-mal water and gentle deter-gent.

• Resistant to temporary water exposure, linoleum is a tried and true option for kitchens. However, its sensitivity to standing water can be a con-cern in bathrooms.

• Naturally anti-static, helps control dust.

• Linoleum has very low VOC emissions when installed with appropriate adhesives - although the scent of curing linseed oil may not agree with the chemically sensitive.

• Square foot cost can be com-parable to high quality fl ex-ible vinyl fl ooring. (However, fl exible vinyl is commonly replaced within 10 years, is toxic to manufacture, and is neither biodegradable or recyclable.)

• Linoleum is the same color all the way through, allow-ing gouges and scratches to be buffed out - reducing long term costs, hassles, and waste.

OverviewOverview

Linoleum is highly durable resilient flooring made from natural materials, a mixture Linoleum is highly durable resilient flooring made from natural materials, a mixture of linseed oil, wood flour, powdered cork, and pine resin, which is pressed onto a jute-of linseed oil, wood flour, powdered cork, and pine resin, which is pressed onto a jute-fiber backing. Ifiber backing. Invented in England in 1863, the name comes from the Latin words for flax (flax (linum), and oil (oleum). Once considered old fashioned, the popularity of this colorful, comfortable, sound dampening, and easy to clean flooring is blossoming once colorful, comfortable, sound dampening, and easy to clean flooring is blossoming once again. again.

Flexible vinyl flooring displaced linoleum from the marketplace in the 1960s, and is Flexible vinyl flooring displaced linoleum from the marketplace in the 1960s, and is often incorrectly referred to as ‘linoleum’. The two materials are quite different. First often incorrectly referred to as ‘linoleum’. The two materials are quite different. First costs of linoleum are higher, but linoleum offers performance that is in many ways costs of linoleum are higher, but linoleum offers performance that is in many ways superior to vinyl: it lasts for decades (reducing cost and waste), is inherently anti-static superior to vinyl: it lasts for decades (reducing cost and waste), is inherently anti-static (inhibiting dust accumulation), and is anti-bacterial. All-natural, linoleum requires less (inhibiting dust accumulation), and is anti-bacterial. All-natural, linoleum requires less energy and creates less waste in its manufacture, and can be chipped and composted energy and creates less waste in its manufacture, and can be chipped and composted at the end of its useful life. Maintenance of linoleum is less labor intensive and less at the end of its useful life. Maintenance of linoleum is less labor intensive and less costly because it does not need to be sealed, waxed, or polished as frequently as vinyl. costly because it does not need to be sealed, waxed, or polished as frequently as vinyl. In comparison, flexible vinyl flooring generates far more solid waste because is manu-In comparison, flexible vinyl flooring generates far more solid waste because is manu-factured from toxic materials, typically lasts less than 10 years, and is neither biode-factured from toxic materials, typically lasts less than 10 years, and is neither biode-gradable nor recyclable. Linoleum emits far fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) gradable nor recyclable. Linoleum emits far fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when installed with a low-VOC adhesive than flexible vinyl, and does not exude the when installed with a low-VOC adhesive than flexible vinyl, and does not exude the phthalate plasticizers which are an increasing concern for human health. Fashion phthalate plasticizers which are an increasing concern for human health. Fashion made vinyl more popular than linoleum, not value.made vinyl more popular than linoleum, not value.

The durability of hard vinyl composition tile (VCT) is comparable to linoleum, but The durability of hard vinyl composition tile (VCT) is comparable to linoleum, but recycling it is impractical; VCT tile will ultimately be sent to a landfill. All vinyl prod-recycling it is impractical; VCT tile will ultimately be sent to a landfill. All vinyl prod-ucts involve toxic manufacturing chemistry which generates hazardous wastes and air ucts involve toxic manufacturing chemistry which generates hazardous wastes and air pollution, and vinyl manufacturing also consumes petroleum. Vinyl flooring manufac-pollution, and vinyl manufacturing also consumes petroleum. Vinyl flooring manufac-tured before 1986 may contain asbestos.tured before 1986 may contain asbestos.

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Flax, jute and wood fl our are combined with dry pigments and resins to create linoleum.

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iFloor.com www.ifloor.com/cat_12/Cork.html

Ask the Builder www.askthebuilder.com/EB008_Cork_EBook.shtml

Demesne www.demesne.info/Improve-Your-Home/Cork-Floors.htm

Sustainable Building Sourcebook www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FloorCoverings.html

Oikos -www.oikos.com

Green Spec - “Carpeting, Indoor Air Quality, and the Environment” www.greenspec.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technology www.crbt.org

R E S O U R C E S

Cork

Overview

Cork, the bark of a Mediterranean oak tree variety, has been used as flooring for Cork, the bark of a Mediterranean oak tree variety, has been used as flooring for a century. Cork’s popularity is growing due to its unique combination of beauty, a century. Cork’s popularity is growing due to its unique combination of beauty, durability, insulation, and renewability. Modern cork floors are typically covered durability, insulation, and renewability. Modern cork floors are typically covered with acrylic finish, but may be covered with polyurethane for bathroom or kitchen with acrylic finish, but may be covered with polyurethane for bathroom or kitchen applications. Cork floors can last for decades and the material is biodegradable at the applications. Cork floors can last for decades and the material is biodegradable at the end of its useful life.

By contrast, the extraction, manufacture and transport, and disposal of synthetic By contrast, the extraction, manufacture and transport, and disposal of synthetic flooring materials pollutes air and water, depletes resources, damages natural flooring materials pollutes air and water, depletes resources, damages natural habitats, and can have negative health impacts. Hardwood flooring requires logging habitats, and can have negative health impacts. Hardwood flooring requires logging slow-maturing trees that require decades to centuries to mature. The majority of slow-maturing trees that require decades to centuries to mature. The majority of carpet is made from petroleum, may off-gas, develops static charges that attract dust carpet is made from petroleum, may off-gas, develops static charges that attract dust and pollen, and is typically recyclable or biodegradable. Vinyl flooring is made from and pollen, and is typically recyclable or biodegradable. Vinyl flooring is made from petroleum, produces toxic waste during manufacture, has a short useful life, is not petroleum, produces toxic waste during manufacture, has a short useful life, is not biodegradable or recyclable, and has been linked to negative health effects.

While cork may most commonly be considered as a resilient flooring option, cork While cork may most commonly be considered as a resilient flooring option, cork is also a natural alternative to carpet. While carpet can attract and hold indoor pol-is also a natural alternative to carpet. While carpet can attract and hold indoor pol-lutants in its fibers, cork is easier to thoroughly clean, inherently resistant to mold lutants in its fibers, cork is easier to thoroughly clean, inherently resistant to mold and mildew, sheds no dust or fibers, and is naturally antistatic. These hypoallergenic and mildew, sheds no dust or fibers, and is naturally antistatic. These hypoallergenic properties, combined with thermal and acoustic insulation, allow cork floors to pro-properties, combined with thermal and acoustic insulation, allow cork floors to pro-vide the majority of the benefits of carpet, without its liabilities.

The benefits of cork extend beyond human health; they include reduced landfill The benefits of cork extend beyond human health; they include reduced landfill waste, low embodied energy, local availability for many products, excellent aesthet-waste, low embodied energy, local availability for many products, excellent aesthet-ics, and reduced impacts from the harvest or mining of virgin materials. The bark ics, and reduced impacts from the harvest or mining of virgin materials. The bark of a cork oak can be harvested once per decade without harm to the tree, helping to of a cork oak can be harvested once per decade without harm to the tree, helping to encourage long-term management of this renewable resource.

Features of Cork

• Comes from a renewable resource: Cork bark can be harvested from a tree once per decade without harm.

• Contributes to indoor air quality - naturally hypoallergenic and mold-resistant.

• Provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.

• Resilient: resists the dents and groove marks common to wood fl ooring.

• Durable, lightweight, and practical: can be installed on almost any subfl oor.

• Provides a high friction surface (e.g. not slippery) - the hollow cork cells form microscopic ‘cups’ when the material is cut in manufac-turing.

• Resistant to water and oils in use, while biodegradable at the end of its useful life.

• Highly attractive surface, available in a wide range grain patterns and shades running from rich, deep brown to natural tan tones.

• Relatively expensive per square foot.

• Though resilient, cork can be gouged, and unsealed cork may stain.

33

Cork fl ooring may be laid in creative patterns. The ma-terial comes from the sustainably har-vested bark of Cork Oak trees.

Photos courtesy of Expanko.

ONLINENatural Home Magazine (May 2003) “Feet on the Ground” - www.natura lhomemagazine.com/cur rent - i ssues/archive/2003/mayjun03/feetground.htm

Greenbuilder Sustainable Build-ing Sourcebook: Earth Materials www.g reenbui lder.com/s o u r c e b o o k /EarthMaterials.html

Oikos www.oikos.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technology www.crbt.org

TRAININGSolar Living Institute w w w. s o l a r l i v i n g . o r g /index.cfm

Canelo Project - Training and literature from Bill and Athena Steenwww.caneloproject.com/index.html

BOOKSEarthen Floors (1996) by Bill and Athena Steen www.caneloproject.com/index.html

The New Straw Bale Home (2003), by Catherine Wanek

Buildings of Earth and Straw: Structural Design for Rammed Earth and Straw-bale Architec-ture (1996), by Bruce King

Straw bale Building: How to Plan, Design, and Build with Straw (2000) by Chris Magwood and Peter Mack

The Straw Bale House (1994) by Athena and Bill Steen

R E S O U R C E S

Earthen Flooring

OverviewOverview

Earthen flooring is a durable, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and uniquely Earthen flooring is a durable, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and uniquely aesthetic complement to a home or office. Because “dirt” is plentiful and locally avail-aesthetic complement to a home or office. Because “dirt” is plentiful and locally avail-able, earthen flooring virtually eliminates the waste, pollution, and energy necessary to able, earthen flooring virtually eliminates the waste, pollution, and energy necessary to manufacture a floor, and can save money. manufacture a floor, and can save money.

Few local contractors are experienced with earthen floors, but owners can make their Few local contractors are experienced with earthen floors, but owners can make their own floor with a little training, practice, and experimentation. One key to a good earth-own floor with a little training, practice, and experimentation. One key to a good earth-en floor is the proper mixture of dirt, clay, and straw. (Stabilizers such as starch paste, en floor is the proper mixture of dirt, clay, and straw. (Stabilizers such as starch paste, casein, glues, or Portland cement may be added for a harder floor.) Earthen floors are casein, glues, or Portland cement may be added for a harder floor.) Earthen floors are usually sealed with an oxidizing oil such as linseed or hemp oil. usually sealed with an oxidizing oil such as linseed or hemp oil.

Considerations Considerations • Eliminates construction waste - excess earth can be reincorporated into the • Eliminates construction waste - excess earth can be reincorporated into the

landscape.landscape.• Attractive, comfortable, slightly spongy surface, sometimes compared to leather.• Attractive, comfortable, slightly spongy surface, sometimes compared to leather.• Inexpensive materials.• Inexpensive materials.• Minimal to zero pollution - Earthen materials require only simple processing and • Minimal to zero pollution - Earthen materials require only simple processing and

little or no transport. Even when produced by a machine, a finished earthen slab is little or no transport. Even when produced by a machine, a finished earthen slab is estimated to have 90% lower embodied energy than finished concrete. estimated to have 90% lower embodied energy than finished concrete.

• Durable with proper care, and repairable.• Durable with proper care, and repairable.• Low maintenance, able to be swept or moist-mopped; properly sealed, stabilized • Low maintenance, able to be swept or moist-mopped; properly sealed, stabilized

earthen flooring is not dusty. earthen flooring is not dusty. • Labor intensive to instal.l • Labor intensive to instal.l • High traffic areas such as entries or work spaces may require flagstones or other pro-• High traffic areas such as entries or work spaces may require flagstones or other pro-

tective materials. tective materials. • More vulnerable to scratching and gouging than hard tile or cement - but earthen • More vulnerable to scratching and gouging than hard tile or cement - but earthen

flooring is more durable than vinyl because it is repairable.flooring is more durable than vinyl because it is repairable.

• Few local contractors are experienced with earthen flooring.• Few local contractors are experienced with earthen flooring.

34

Owner-builders can easily install their own Earthen fl oor, which should be sealed after installation.

CIWMB Recycled Paint Fact Sheet and list of providers w w w. c i w m b. c a . gov / C o n D e m o /FactSheets/Paint.htm

h t t p : / / w w w. c i w m b . c a . g o v /p u b l i c a t i o n s / B u y R e c y c l e d /43197034.doc

Green Seal www.greenseal.org

EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing www.epa.gov/oppt/epp

California Integrated Waste Management Board www.ciwmb.ca.gov/ConDemo/FactSheets/Paint.htm

California Green Building Special Environ-mental Requirements (Section 1350)www.ciwmb.ca.gov/GreenBuilding/TaskForce/Blueprint/Section1350.doc

FREE SURPLUS PAINT - Not repro-cessed, but sorted and judged to be in useful condition:

Santa Cruz County Second Chance Store (831) 454-2606 w w w. d pw. c o. s a n t a - c r u z . c a . u s /hazwaste.htm

Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program (408) 299-7300 www.hhw.org/

R E S O U R C E S

Paint

Overview

Paint has significant environmental and health implications in its manufacture, appli-Paint has significant environmental and health implications in its manufacture, appli-cation, and disposal. Most paint, even water-based “latex”, is derived from petroleum. cation, and disposal. Most paint, even water-based “latex”, is derived from petroleum. Its manufacture requires substantial energy and water, and creates air pollution and Its manufacture requires substantial energy and water, and creates air pollution and solid/liquid waste. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are typically the pollutants solid/liquid waste. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are typically the pollutants of greatest concern in paints. VOCs from the solvents found in most paints (including of greatest concern in paints. VOCs from the solvents found in most paints (including latex paints) are released into the atmosphere during manufacture, application, and for latex paints) are released into the atmosphere during manufacture, application, and for weeks or months after application.

VOCs emitted from paint and other building materials are associated with eye, lung, VOCs emitted from paint and other building materials are associated with eye, lung, and skin irritation, headaches, nausea, respiratory problems and liver and kidney dam-and skin irritation, headaches, nausea, respiratory problems and liver and kidney dam-age. Exposure to solvents emitted by finish products can be significant. Americans age. Exposure to solvents emitted by finish products can be significant. Americans spend an average of 90% of their lives indoors, and the U.S. E.P.A. has found that spend an average of 90% of their lives indoors, and the U.S. E.P.A. has found that indoor VOC concentrations are often 10 times higher than outdoor levels. Emissions indoor VOC concentrations are often 10 times higher than outdoor levels. Emissions of VOCs also contribute to tropospheric ozone pollution, which irritates the nose and of VOCs also contribute to tropospheric ozone pollution, which irritates the nose and throat, can cause coughing and painful or difficult breathing, and damages crops in throat, can cause coughing and painful or difficult breathing, and damages crops in affected areas.

Renewable alternatives, such as milk paint, address many of these concerns, but of-Renewable alternatives, such as milk paint, address many of these concerns, but of-ten at a premium price and some products are only suitable for indoor applications. ten at a premium price and some products are only suitable for indoor applications. Reformulated low- and zero-VOC latex paints with excellent performance in both Reformulated low- and zero-VOC latex paints with excellent performance in both indoor and outdoor applications are now available at the same or lower price than indoor and outdoor applications are now available at the same or lower price than older high-VOC products. GreenSeal, an independent non-profit organization that older high-VOC products. GreenSeal, an independent non-profit organization that evaluates the impacts of materials, has generated a detailed standard for certification evaluates the impacts of materials, has generated a detailed standard for certification of environmentally preferable paint, called GS-11. Paints that meet GS-11 standard of environmentally preferable paint, called GS-11. Paints that meet GS-11 standard are low in VOCs and aromatic solvents, do not contain heavy metals, formaldehyde, or are low in VOCs and aromatic solvents, do not contain heavy metals, formaldehyde, or chlorinated solvents, and meet stringent performance criteria.

Silicate paints are a solvent-free alternative to conventional paints that may be used Silicate paints are a solvent-free alternative to conventional paints that may be used on concrete, stone and stucco. Silicate paint is odorless, nontoxic, vapor-permeable, on concrete, stone and stucco. Silicate paint is odorless, nontoxic, vapor-permeable, naturally resistant to fungi and algae, noncombustible, colorfast, light-reflective, and naturally resistant to fungi and algae, noncombustible, colorfast, light-reflective, and even resists acid rain. These paints cannot spall or flake off, and will only crack if the even resists acid rain. These paints cannot spall or flake off, and will only crack if the substrate cracks. Though silicate paints are expensive, their extraordinary durability substrate cracks. Though silicate paints are expensive, their extraordinary durability can be a significant compensation.

In addition to new paints, a number of manufacturers and some municipalities repro-In addition to new paints, a number of manufacturers and some municipalities repro-cess surplus paint into like-new recycled latex paint, which typically comes in white, cess surplus paint into like-new recycled latex paint, which typically comes in white, beige, gray, or black.

Natural Wallcoverings

Common vinyl-based wall cov-ering (e.g. “wallpaper”) can be a signifi cant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), will produce both dioxin and hydrochloric acid in the event of a fi re, and can leach phthalate plasticizers, which can disrupt hormonal function. Natural wall coverings, composed primar-ily of plant-derived fi bers, are a beautiful alternative.

• Durable and generally readily cleaned with non-toxic cleansers.

• Breathable and low or no emissions, reducing the likelihood of mold, and contributing to good indoor air quality when applied with appropriate low-VOC adhesive or natural paste.

• Made from non-toxic components, and typically biodegradable at the end of their useful life.

• More expensive than vinyl, but better indoor air quality can potentially yield a much lower life-cycle cost.

35

Vinyl / PVC

OverviewOverview

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC - often referred to as ‘vinyl’) deserves special attention be-Polyvinyl chloride (PVC - often referred to as ‘vinyl’) deserves special attention be-cause it accounts for almost 50% of total plastic use in construction, and because it cause it accounts for almost 50% of total plastic use in construction, and because it is increasingly recognized as problematic. PVC is common in flooring, pipes, siding, is increasingly recognized as problematic. PVC is common in flooring, pipes, siding, wire insulation, conduit, window frames, wallcovering, and roofing, among other wire insulation, conduit, window frames, wallcovering, and roofing, among other areas. areas.

Vinyl is pervasive because of its benefits: good strength relative to its weight, durabil-Vinyl is pervasive because of its benefits: good strength relative to its weight, durabil-ity, water resistance, and adaptability. Vinyl tends to be inexpensive, in part because ity, water resistance, and adaptability. Vinyl tends to be inexpensive, in part because vinyl production typically requires roughly half the energy required to produce other vinyl production typically requires roughly half the energy required to produce other plastics. Products made from vinyl can be resistant to biodegradation and weather, plastics. Products made from vinyl can be resistant to biodegradation and weather, and are effective insulators. The physical properties of vinyl can be tailored for a and are effective insulators. The physical properties of vinyl can be tailored for a wide variety of applications. However, the dramatic environmental liabilities of vinyl wide variety of applications. However, the dramatic environmental liabilities of vinyl argue for the conscientious search for substitutes. argue for the conscientious search for substitutes.

Environmental ConcernsEnvironmental Concerns• Like other common plastics, vinyl is derived from petroleum, so its manufacture • Like other common plastics, vinyl is derived from petroleum, so its manufacture

is energy-intensive, produces emissions of toxic air pollutants and carbon dioxide, is energy-intensive, produces emissions of toxic air pollutants and carbon dioxide, and generates hazardous liquid and solid wastes. and generates hazardous liquid and solid wastes.

• Unlike other common plastics, chlorine is a key component of vinyl resin, account-• Unlike other common plastics, chlorine is a key component of vinyl resin, account-ing for nearly half its weight. Chlorine makes PVC more fire resistant than other ing for nearly half its weight. Chlorine makes PVC more fire resistant than other plastics, but PVC eventually burns and its smoke contains dioxins, among the most plastics, but PVC eventually burns and its smoke contains dioxins, among the most toxic chemicals known to man. Health effects of dioxin, even in minute quantities, toxic chemicals known to man. Health effects of dioxin, even in minute quantities, include cancer and birth defects.include cancer and birth defects.

• Polyvinyl chloride is produced from vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and ethylene • Polyvinyl chloride is produced from vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and ethylene dichloride (EDC), which are carcinogens and acutely toxic. PVC production dichloride (EDC), which are carcinogens and acutely toxic. PVC production releases VCM and EDC to the environment, and there is no safe vinyl chloride releases VCM and EDC to the environment, and there is no safe vinyl chloride exposure level. Clean air regulation and liability concerns have been effective in exposure level. Clean air regulation and liability concerns have been effective in reducing total VCM releases since 1980, while PVC use has roughly tripled. None-reducing total VCM releases since 1980, while PVC use has roughly tripled. None-theless, leaks and accidental releases continue, totaling 335 tons in 2002.theless, leaks and accidental releases continue, totaling 335 tons in 2002.1 Five employees of a Formosa Plastics plant in Illinois were killed in April 2004 when an employees of a Formosa Plastics plant in Illinois were killed in April 2004 when an apparent vinyl chloride release ignited.apparent vinyl chloride release ignited.2 The explosion destroyed most of the plant and forced evacuation of the surrounding community. and forced evacuation of the surrounding community.

• PVC resin is inert in normal use, but older PVC products are often contaminated • PVC resin is inert in normal use, but older PVC products are often contaminated with traces of VCM, which can leach into the surrounding environment and con-with traces of VCM, which can leach into the surrounding environment and con-taminate drinking water.taminate drinking water.

• Pure PVC resin is rigid and brittle; plasticizers (such as phthalates) are required to • Pure PVC resin is rigid and brittle; plasticizers (such as phthalates) are required to make PVC useful. Over time, phthalates can leach out or offgas, exposing build-make PVC useful. Over time, phthalates can leach out or offgas, exposing build-ing occupants to materials linked to reproductive system damage, and cancer in ing occupants to materials linked to reproductive system damage, and cancer in laboratory animals. laboratory animals.

• Lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals are also used in some PVC products.• Lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals are also used in some PVC products.

A Note About TerminologyA Note About TerminologyVinyl chloride -CHVinyl chloride -CH2CHCl- is a monomer - a simple chemical unit that is repeated to create a polymer. In other words, each bit of vinyl chloride is bonded to identical to create a polymer. In other words, each bit of vinyl chloride is bonded to identical units of vinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride products consist primarily of vinyl chlo-units of vinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride products consist primarily of vinyl chlo-ride monomers with some additives that give the material necessary physical proper-ride monomers with some additives that give the material necessary physical proper-ties for a particular use, such as strength or flexibility. Note that in this document the ties for a particular use, such as strength or flexibility. Note that in this document the term “vinyl” is used as shorthand for “polyvinyl chloride” for the sake of readability. term “vinyl” is used as shorthand for “polyvinyl chloride” for the sake of readability. This simplification is common in construction terminology. This simplification is common in construction terminology.

1 USEPA (2004) Toxics Release Inventory report for 2002. http://www.epa.gov/triexplorer/1 USEPA (2004) Toxics Release Inventory report for 2002. http://www.epa.gov/triexplorer/2 US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (2004) Incident Description. http://www.csb.gov/ 2 US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (2004) Incident Description. http://www.csb.gov/

Environmentally Preferable

Environmentally Preferable

Environmentally

Alternatives to Vinyl

Carefully weigh the advan-tages and disadvantages of vinyl products. For many applications, particularly indoors where occupants can be directly exposed to off-gassing plasticizers, substitution for the sake of health is clearly preferable. Substitutes may cost more or require different mainte-nance, but many will also outlast plastics with proper care. Simple, signifi cant ideas include:

• Windows framed with fi berglass, FSC certifi ed wood, or possibly wood-based composites utilizing formaldehyde-free bind-ers. The energy savings of installing dual-glazed windows probably make even vinyl framed win-dows preferable to obso-lete single-glazing.

• Stucco, lime plaster, reclaimed wood, fi ber-ce-ment, and FSC certifi ed wood siding.

• Flooring made from natural linoleum, cork, tile, fi nished concrete, or earth.

• Glass shower doors in-stead of vinyl curtains.

• Natural fi ber furniture.

• Natural wallcoverings instead of vinyl wallpaper.

36

VinylEnvironmental Building News (2001) “Plastics in Construction: Performance and Affordability at What Cost?” www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm?fileName=100701a.xml

Environmental Building News (1994) “Should we phase out PVC?” www.buildinggreen.com/

US EPA Factsheet: Vinyl Chloride www.epa.gov/OGWDW/dwh/t-voc/vinylchl.html

Healthy Building.net “Environmental Impacts of Polyvinyl Chloride Building Materials”www.healthybuilding.net/ US Green Building Council Technical and Scientifi c Advisory Committee www.usgbc.org/LEED/tsac/pvcvinyl.asp

Cleaning ProductsGreen Seal Choose Green Report: www.greenseal.org/recommendations/CGR=GPCleaners.pdf

“Safe & Effective Use of Floor Finish Strip-pers” - Western Regional Pollution Preven-tion Network fact sheet www.wrppn.org/Janitorial/factsheets/floor.htm

Safe, Simple, Effective Homemade Cleaning Supplies www.organizedhome.com/clean/cleansol.html

EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasingwww.epa.gov/oppt/epp/

California Integrated Waste Management Boardwww.ciwmb.ca.gov/WPIE/Cleaning/

R E S O U R C E S

Maintenance & Cleaning Products

Overview

Environmentally preferable cleaning methods and products can reduce indoor air Environmentally preferable cleaning methods and products can reduce indoor air pollution and solid/liquid waste generation. Safe cleansers are among the easiest to pollution and solid/liquid waste generation. Safe cleansers are among the easiest to find and most competitively priced environmentally friendly materials.

Improper use and disposal of many common cleaning and maintenance products Improper use and disposal of many common cleaning and maintenance products contributes to indoor air contamination, water pollution, and toxic waste. At home, contributes to indoor air contamination, water pollution, and toxic waste. At home, cleaning products are the most common cause of poisoning; nearly one million chil-cleaning products are the most common cause of poisoning; nearly one million chil-dren are exposed to harmful household chemicals and medicines each year. Vapors dren are exposed to harmful household chemicals and medicines each year. Vapors and solids from cleansers can be more difficult to disperse indoors than outdoors. As and solids from cleansers can be more difficult to disperse indoors than outdoors. As a result, concentrations of toxic chemicals are commonly far higher inside the home a result, concentrations of toxic chemicals are commonly far higher inside the home or office than outdoors.

Biodegradability is a key factor for surfactants, the active ingredients in cleaners. Biodegradability is a key factor for surfactants, the active ingredients in cleaners. Even low surfactant concentrations in runoff can increase the ability of harmful Even low surfactant concentrations in runoff can increase the ability of harmful chemicals to penetrate plant and animal tissues. Ingredients that break down slowly chemicals to penetrate plant and animal tissues. Ingredients that break down slowly or incompletely pose greater risks to the environment. Generally, petroleum-derived or incompletely pose greater risks to the environment. Generally, petroleum-derived surfactants break down more slowly than vegetable oil-derived fatty acids; some ma-surfactants break down more slowly than vegetable oil-derived fatty acids; some ma-terials are even resistant to municipal sewage treatment. Look for terms like “readily terials are even resistant to municipal sewage treatment. Look for terms like “readily biodegradable” on product labels.

When using materials that are hazardous:• Purchase only the amount needed and store it outside the building envelope.• Take all recommended safety precautions. Goggles, gloves, and respirators are all • Take all recommended safety precautions. Goggles, gloves, and respirators are all

far more pleasant than injury and less expensive than health care.• Dispose of the remainder and containers properly. Call (831) 454-2606 for in-• Dispose of the remainder and containers properly. Call (831) 454-2606 for in-

formation about household hazardous waste disposal in Santa Cruz County, or formation about household hazardous waste disposal in Santa Cruz County, or www.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/hazwaste.htm

Minimize Toxins in your Home/Workplace:

• Select durable fi nish materials that do not require frequent stripping, waxing, or oiling (such as colored concrete, lino-leum, or cork.)

• Select biodegradable, non-toxic cleansers. Other positive features to look for include neutral pH, vegetable-based surfactants (if any), and con-centrates.

• Read labels - Select cleansers, waxes, and oils not labeled as toxic or highly toxic, poison-ous, harmful or fatal if swal-lowed, corrosive, fl ammable, explosive, volatile, causing cancer or reproductive harm, or which require “adequate ventilation” or safety equip-ment.

• Consider substituting a mate-rial with lower maintenance requirements.

• Select products that are certi-fi ed by a third party or a gov-ernment agency:

- Green Seal

- Scientifi c Certifi cation Sys-tems (SCS)

- US EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program

- General Services Agency

- CIWMB Recycled Content Product Directory

• To minimize stripper use:

-Place mats at all building entrances and clean them regularly.

-Dust mop and/or vacuum frequently, and wet mop with a liquid cleaner.

- Refi nish only areas where the fi nish surface is wearing.

37

Bay Area Build It Green Materials Database www.build-green.org/guide/

Monterey Bay Area Green Building Directory Green Builder Sustainable Building Sourcebook www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FinishesAdhesives.html

Healthy Home Designs www.healthyhomedesigns.com

Green Spec www.greenspec.com

Oikos www.oikos.com

Center for Resourceful Building Technology www.crbt.org

EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Databasewww.epa.gov/opptintr/epp/database.htm

California Integrated Waste Management Boardwww.ciwmb.ca.gov/

Santa Cruz County Department of Public Works (831) 454-2606w w w . d p w . c o . s a n t a -cruz.ca.us/hazwaste.htm

City of Santa Cruz Department of Public Workswww.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/pw/landfill/unaccwas.html

R E S O U R C E S

Adhesives, Finishes & Sealants

OverviewOverview

Sealants enhance the resistance of materials to water or other chemical exposure, Sealants enhance the resistance of materials to water or other chemical exposure, while caulks and other adhesives can help control vibration and strengthen assem-while caulks and other adhesives can help control vibration and strengthen assem-blies by spreading loads beyond the immediate vicinity of fasteners. Both properties blies by spreading loads beyond the immediate vicinity of fasteners. Both properties enhance durability of surfaces and structures, but at a cost - these products are gener-enhance durability of surfaces and structures, but at a cost - these products are gener-ally hazardous in manufacture and application. Many construction adhesives formu-ally hazardous in manufacture and application. Many construction adhesives formu-las contain more than 30% volatile petroleum-derived solvents, such as hexane, to las contain more than 30% volatile petroleum-derived solvents, such as hexane, to maintain liquidity until application. Not only are workers exposed to toxic solvents, maintain liquidity until application. Not only are workers exposed to toxic solvents, the materials continue to outgas during curing, potentially exposing occupants to the materials continue to outgas during curing, potentially exposing occupants to emissions for extended periods. emissions for extended periods.

Water-based adhesives are available from a number of different manufacturers. In-Water-based adhesives are available from a number of different manufacturers. In-dustry tests indicate that these products work as well as or better than solvent-based dustry tests indicate that these products work as well as or better than solvent-based adhesives, pass all relevant ASTM and APA performance tests, and available at com-adhesives, pass all relevant ASTM and APA performance tests, and available at com-parable costs to common solvent-based adhesives. When adhesives are purchased in parable costs to common solvent-based adhesives. When adhesives are purchased in bulk, larger containers can often be returned to vendors for refill. A pump or other bulk, larger containers can often be returned to vendors for refill. A pump or other tools are required to distribute the material, but the disposal of caulk tubes containing tools are required to distribute the material, but the disposal of caulk tubes containing potentially hazardous material is eliminated.potentially hazardous material is eliminated.

Stains and sealants also commonly emit potentially toxic volatile organic compounds Stains and sealants also commonly emit potentially toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. The simplest way to manage this problem is to use materials (VOCs) into indoor air. The simplest way to manage this problem is to use materials that do not require additional sealing, such as stone, ceramic and glass tile, and clay that do not require additional sealing, such as stone, ceramic and glass tile, and clay plasters. The toxicity, and the air and water pollution generated in the manufacture plasters. The toxicity, and the air and water pollution generated in the manufacture of chlorinated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, argues strongly for the use of chlorinated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, argues strongly for the use of responsible, effective alternatives, such as plant-based, non-toxic, or low-toxicity of responsible, effective alternatives, such as plant-based, non-toxic, or low-toxicity sealant formulations. sealant formulations.

Finishes, Stains and SealantsFinishes, Stains and Sealants• Consider materials that require no sealants, eliminating this source of indoor VOC • Consider materials that require no sealants, eliminating this source of indoor VOC

emissions.emissions.• Petroleum-derived solvents, particularly products containing chlorinated hydrocar-• Petroleum-derived solvents, particularly products containing chlorinated hydrocar-

bons, are a serious concern for interior applications. Find substitutes for products bons, are a serious concern for interior applications. Find substitutes for products with ingredients or warnings containing the prefix ‘chlor-’, or the word ‘chloride,’ with ingredients or warnings containing the prefix ‘chlor-’, or the word ‘chloride,’ as many are probable human carcinogens. as many are probable human carcinogens.

• Architectural details, such as eaves and flashing, can help minimize sealant require-• Architectural details, such as eaves and flashing, can help minimize sealant require-ments.ments.

• For low-traffic areas, consider using stains without additional sealants.• For low-traffic areas, consider using stains without additional sealants.• Consider plant-based, non-toxic, or low-toxicity sealant formulations. • Consider plant-based, non-toxic, or low-toxicity sealant formulations.

AdhesivesAdhesives•Consider water-based low- or zero-VOC construction adhesives. •Consider water-based low- or zero-VOC construction adhesives. • Consider whether an adhesive is necessary for the application - materials joined by • Consider whether an adhesive is necessary for the application - materials joined by

nails, screws, and other appropriate fasteners are more readily deconstructed for nails, screws, and other appropriate fasteners are more readily deconstructed for recycling, while adhesives distribute loads over larger areas rather than concentrat-recycling, while adhesives distribute loads over larger areas rather than concentrat-ing them at fasteners.ing them at fasteners.

• Purchase adhesives in bulk, which is cheaper and eliminates disposal of empty tubes • Purchase adhesives in bulk, which is cheaper and eliminates disposal of empty tubes with potentially hazardous residue.with potentially hazardous residue.

For adhesives, stains, and sealants that are not water-based:For adhesives, stains, and sealants that are not water-based:• Purchase only the amount needed. • Purchase only the amount needed. • Dispose of the remainder and containers properly. Call (831) 454-2606 for infor-• Dispose of the remainder and containers properly. Call (831) 454-2606 for infor-

mation about free household hazardous waste disposal in Santa Cruz County, or mation about free household hazardous waste disposal in Santa Cruz County, or www.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/hazwaste.htm.www.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/hazwaste.htm.

38

American Council for an Energy Ef-fi cient Economy - ACEEE produces unbiased guides with ratings of the most effi cient appliances and offi ce equipment available www.aceee.org

Home Energy Saver - A web-based do-it yourself energy audit tool from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratorieshttp://hes.lbl.gov

United States Environmental Protec-tion Agency ENERGY STAR ®www.energystar.gov/

Purchasing Advisor: Smart Power Strips www.nstaronline.com/your_business/customer_connections/PA_3.html

R E S O U R C E S

Appliances and Office Equipment

Overview

The cost of energy to power an appliance is typically many times the original price The cost of energy to power an appliance is typically many times the original price of the equipment. By choosing the most energy efficient models available, you can of the equipment. By choosing the most energy efficient models available, you can have a positive environmental impact and save money.

The energy and water that appliances and office equipment consume translates The energy and water that appliances and office equipment consume translates directly into more fuel burned at power plants, which contributes to air pollution, directly into more fuel burned at power plants, which contributes to air pollution, global climate change, and waste of our limited natural resources. The good news is global climate change, and waste of our limited natural resources. The good news is that efficient new appliances and office equipment can use only 1/2 to 1/3 as much that efficient new appliances and office equipment can use only 1/2 to 1/3 as much energy as those over 10 years old. Remember that home energy savings save after-tax energy as those over 10 years old. Remember that home energy savings save after-tax dollars; the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory reports that replacing of older refrigera-dollars; the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory reports that replacing of older refrigera-tors, clothes washers, dishwashers, thermostats, heating equipment, and incandes-tors, clothes washers, dishwashers, thermostats, heating equipment, and incandes-cent lighting with Energy Star equipment can save enough energy and water to pro-cent lighting with Energy Star equipment can save enough energy and water to pro-vide an average after-tax return on investment over 16%, significantly better than the vide an average after-tax return on investment over 16%, significantly better than the stock market. When appliances are well maintained and in good condition, one must stock market. When appliances are well maintained and in good condition, one must weigh the waste, energy, and pollution required to make a new piece of equipment weigh the waste, energy, and pollution required to make a new piece of equipment against gains in efficiency. Of course, there are no savings or environmental benefits against gains in efficiency. Of course, there are no savings or environmental benefits if older appliances remain in use, as is common with refrigerators.

Most retailers carry efficient, durable appliances and office equipment. Ask for the Most retailers carry efficient, durable appliances and office equipment. Ask for the most efficient models that meet your needs. For a simpler option, look for appliances most efficient models that meet your needs. For a simpler option, look for appliances and equipment with the Energy Star ® label - these are not necessarily the most ef-and equipment with the Energy Star ® label - these are not necessarily the most ef-ficient of all available models, but Energy Star ® products must perform significantly ficient of all available models, but Energy Star ® products must perform significantly better than federal minimum efficiency standards. Be sure to ask your retailer about better than federal minimum efficiency standards. Be sure to ask your retailer about rebates or incentives for the purchase of energy and water saving appliances.

When Selecting Equipment, Consider:

• Appliances and equipment that use the least energy and water

• Appliances and equipment that use the least water

• Appliances and equipment that have the Energy Star ® label, which is a good simple indicator of energy use

• Durable appliances and equipment that meet your long-term needs.

• Natural gas appliances for space and water heating; gas is often more cost-effective and can reduce overall energy use. But natural gas, like other fossil fuels, is not a renewable resource.

• Sealed combustion and direct vent furnaces and water heat-

ers increase in-door air quality.

• In offi ces, con-sider occupancy sensors to mini-mize unneces-sary lighting, as well as “smart” power-strips that combine an occupancy sensor with a surge protector. Sensing that an area is unoc-cupied, a smart power-strip will shut down de-vices that can be safely turned off when not in use, such as moni-tors, task lights, space heaters, and printers.

39

ENERGYGUIDEENERGYGUIDE

kWh/year (kilowatt-hours per year) is a measure of energy (electricity) use.Your utility company uses it to compute your bill. Only models with 22.5 to 24.4 cubic feet and the above features are used in this scale.

Based on a 2000 U.S. Government national average cost of 8.24¢ per kWh for electricity. Your actual operating cost will vary depending on your local utility Based on a 2000 U.S. Government national average cost of 8.24¢ per kWh for electricity. Your actual operating cost will vary depending on your local utility Based on a 2000 U.S. Government national average cost of 8.24¢ per kWh for rates and your use of the product.electricity. Your actual operating cost will vary depending on your local utility rates and your use of the product.electricity. Your actual operating cost will vary depending on your local utility

Based on standard U.S. Government tests

Refrigerator-FreezerWith Automatic DefrostWith Side-Mounted FreezerWithout Through-the-Door-Ice Service

XYZ CorporationModel ABC-N

Capacity: 23 Cubic Feet

Compare the Energy Use of this Refrigeratorwith Others Before You Buy

This Model Uses750 kWh/year

Energy Use (kWh/year) range of all similar models

Uses LeastEnergy742

Uses MostEnergy

836

Refrigerators using more energy cost more to operate.This model’s estimated yearly operating cost is:

$58

Manufacturer, model number and appliance type

Information about features, capacity and size, so you can compare models.

Estimates of the appliance’s annual energy use. The lower the number, the more energy-effi cient the appliance, and the less it costs to run.

An estimate of the annual cost to run this model, based on a national aver-age. Californians typically pay up to 50% more, on average.

ENERGYGUIDEENERGYGUIDEXYZ Corporation

ENERGYGUIDE

The range of ratings for models with similar features and capacity.

Water Saving Tips.org -conservation information and rebates by local water agencieswww.watersavingtips.org/

City of Santa Cruz Water Department 831-420-5230 A list of available titles is online at www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/wt/wtcon/tips.html Building Green.com “Hot Water on Demand - and no Energy Penalty” (1995)www.buildinggreen.com/products/metlund.cfm

Pacifi c Institute report (2003) “Waste Not, Want Not: The Potential for Urban Water Conservation in California” www.pacinst.org/reports/urban_usage

R E S O U R C E S

Water-Efficient Fixtures

OverviewOverview

California’s urban water use can be reduced by a full 39% -- cost effectively and with California’s urban water use can be reduced by a full 39% -- cost effectively and with existing, proven technology. Water conservation programs are tapping into this op-existing, proven technology. Water conservation programs are tapping into this op-portunity in new construction, saving 700,000 acre-feet (AF) per year in 2000. An acre portunity in new construction, saving 700,000 acre-feet (AF) per year in 2000. An acre foot is the amount of water that would cover an acre of land one foot deep (approx. foot is the amount of water that would cover an acre of land one foot deep (approx. 326,000 gallons). An additional 890,000 AF per year could be saved by replacing 326,000 gallons). An additional 890,000 AF per year could be saved by replacing existing inefficient fixtures and appliances, and reducing leaks. Such savings from existing inefficient fixtures and appliances, and reducing leaks. Such savings from existing technologies - not including some of the more novel ideas below - would be existing technologies - not including some of the more novel ideas below - would be sufficient to supply the needs of 17 million additional water-efficient Californians ac-sufficient to supply the needs of 17 million additional water-efficient Californians ac-cording to the Pacific Institute. Capturing those savings would reduce the appeal of cording to the Pacific Institute. Capturing those savings would reduce the appeal of more expensive and energy-intensive water sources, such as desalinated ocean water.more expensive and energy-intensive water sources, such as desalinated ocean water.

ConsiderationsConsiderations• Toilets, clothes washers, and showers account for three-quarters of indoor residential • Toilets, clothes washers, and showers account for three-quarters of indoor residential

water demand, and efficient, effective fixtures are widely available, often supported water demand, and efficient, effective fixtures are widely available, often supported by rebate programs.by rebate programs.

• For homes, a water audit is an excellent way to spot costly leaks, which are very com-• For homes, a water audit is an excellent way to spot costly leaks, which are very com-mon: read your water meter, wait two hours without using any water, and read the mon: read your water meter, wait two hours without using any water, and read the meter again. The difference is leakage, and it adds up. meter again. The difference is leakage, and it adds up.

• Adding aerators with flow restrictors is an inexpensive way to save water from the • Adding aerators with flow restrictors is an inexpensive way to save water from the tap, while keeping existing fixtures in use.tap, while keeping existing fixtures in use.

• Make sure your shower heads are less than 2 gallons per minute (gpm). Shower • Make sure your shower heads are less than 2 gallons per minute (gpm). Shower heads using 1.5 - 1.8 gpm can be quiet, comfortable and effective.heads using 1.5 - 1.8 gpm can be quiet, comfortable and effective.

• Composting uses little or no water, while garbage disposals require a great deal of • Composting uses little or no water, while garbage disposals require a great deal of water to work well. Food waste eliminated with a garbage disposal can also account water to work well. Food waste eliminated with a garbage disposal can also account for as much as 50% of home wastewater solids - increasing water treatment costs, or for as much as 50% of home wastewater solids - increasing water treatment costs, or requiring septic tanks to be pumped more frequently. requiring septic tanks to be pumped more frequently.

• Insulating water pipes not only saves energy, it helps hot water reach the tap or • Insulating water pipes not only saves energy, it helps hot water reach the tap or shower faster, wasting less water while it warms up.shower faster, wasting less water while it warms up.

• Energy Star ® labeled dishwashers and clothes washers save water and energy. • Energy Star ® labeled dishwashers and clothes washers save water and energy. • Investigate waterless urinals for businesses, and dual-flush toilets for businesses and • Investigate waterless urinals for businesses, and dual-flush toilets for businesses and

homes.homes.• The water lost while waiting for hot water to reach a tap adds up to an average of • The water lost while waiting for hot water to reach a tap adds up to an average of

10,000 gallons per year per household. Two techniques can eliminate this problem. On-demand systems, which heat water instantly as needed save energy and water. Hot water recirculators can also eliminate this waste by pumping hot water in a loop from the heater to the far-thest fixture in the system. However, constant recircu-lation systems can use more energy than they conserve by losing heat to pipes throughout the building. Recir-culation systems are best suited to new construction plumbed for recirculation. • In new construction, heat-exchangers transfer heat from greywater (e.g., showers, sinks, washers) to incom-ing cold water, reducing hot water demand by as much as 50%.• Consider roof rainwater collection and/or greywater for uses such as yard watering, car washing, and toilet flushing.

Benefits of Water Conservation

• More water available for our common needs and to support healthy eco-systems, now and in the future.

• Individuals save money through reduced water bills, and collectively we save by delaying or elimi-nating the need to expand water infrastructure.

• The energy used to pump and treat freshwater and wastewater is conserved.

• Conserving hot water saves even more energy.

• Most water customers pay a monthly base fee ac-cording to the size of their incoming water line; ag-gressive conservation may reduce the size of the inlet that a business or home needs, further increasing monthly savings.

40

Million Solar Roofswww.millionsolarroofs.org

DSIRE - Database of State In-centives for Renewable Energy www.dsireusa.org/

RESNET - Energy effi cient mortgage information w w w. n a t r e s n e t . o r g /lenders/

Northern California Solar Energy Association www.norcalsolar.org

Solar Living Institute www.solarliving.org/

CAL-SEIA: California Solar Energy Industries Association www.calseia.org/

Renewable Energy Policy Project solstice.crest.org/solar/

Sustainable Building Sourcebook www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/PassiveSol.html

CEC Consumer Energy Center www.consumerenergycenter.org/

Home Passive Solar Design Factsheetw w w. e e r e. e n e r g y. gov /consumerinfo/factsheets/passive_solar.html

Passive Solar Heating, Cooling and Daylighting www.eere.energy.gov/RE/solar_passive.html

National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Solar Radiation Data Manual rredc.nrel.gov/solar/pubs/bluebook/

R E S O U R C E S

Solar Photovoltaics

Overview

Photovoltaic (PV) materials convert sunlight into useful, clean electricity. By adding Photovoltaic (PV) materials convert sunlight into useful, clean electricity. By adding PV to your home or office, you can generate renewable energy, reduce your own PV to your home or office, you can generate renewable energy, reduce your own environmental impact, enjoy protection from rising utility costs, and reduce green-environmental impact, enjoy protection from rising utility costs, and reduce green-house gas emissions. Electricity is only one of many uses for solar energy. The sun house gas emissions. Electricity is only one of many uses for solar energy. The sun of course is essential to your garden, and it can heat water very cost-effectively, but of course is essential to your garden, and it can heat water very cost-effectively, but the most fundamental use of solar energy is in overall building design. Good design the most fundamental use of solar energy is in overall building design. Good design uses solar radiation to passively and/or actively heat your building, and to help keep uses solar radiation to passively and/or actively heat your building, and to help keep it cool.

Building integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV) offer additional design options, al-Building integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV) offer additional design options, al-lowing electricity to be generated by windows, shades and awnings, roofing shingles, lowing electricity to be generated by windows, shades and awnings, roofing shingles, and PV-laminated metal roofing, for example. BIPV options can be used in retrofits and PV-laminated metal roofing, for example. BIPV options can be used in retrofits or new construction.

Considerations• Photovoltaic panels (PV) capture freely available, dependable energy that would • Photovoltaic panels (PV) capture freely available, dependable energy that would

otherwise just heat up your roof and go to waste. • Even in California, most of our electricity comes from fossil fuels that pollute the • Even in California, most of our electricity comes from fossil fuels that pollute the

air and contribute to greenhouse warming. Solar panels are, ironically, generally air and contribute to greenhouse warming. Solar panels are, ironically, generally manufactured with fossil-energy, but produce zero additional pollution over de-manufactured with fossil-energy, but produce zero additional pollution over de-cades of operation, for a dramatic net benefit to the earth.

• The price of solar panels has been declining for decades, and substantial rebates are • The price of solar panels has been declining for decades, and substantial rebates are available to further reduce the cost.

• Solar electricity for residential use still costs more in the short term than energy • Solar electricity for residential use still costs more in the short term than energy from a utility company, but its price is fixed at the time of installation, while the from a utility company, but its price is fixed at the time of installation, while the price of other energy sources rises with inflation, policy, and long-term demand.price of other energy sources rises with inflation, policy, and long-term demand.

• The combination of tax breaks, accelerated depreciation, and rebates can make PV • The combination of tax breaks, accelerated depreciation, and rebates can make PV very cost effective for businesses.

• PV panels can provide most or all of the electricity needed for a home, often even • PV panels can provide most or all of the electricity needed for a home, often even in fairly foggy local microclimates

• Solar electric panels are durable - many panels installed in the 1970’s are still in use • Solar electric panels are durable - many panels installed in the 1970’s are still in use today - and panels shade your roof, helping to keep your building cooler in sum-today - and panels shade your roof, helping to keep your building cooler in sum-mer and extend the life of the roof itself.

• Excess electric-ity produced by a PV system can be fed back into the grid; utilities only bills for the net amount of power used each year.

• Numerous op-portunities exist to finance a PV system at below-market rates, or increase lending limits for a given rate in consid-eration of lower energy costs.

Passive Solar Design

Passive solar design is an ef-fective method of heating and cooling through utilization of sunlight. Proper building orien-tation, thermal mass, and insu-lation are specifi ed in conjunc-tion with careful placement of windows and shading. Thermal mass absorbs heat during the day and radiates it back into the room at night. The effect is a qui-et, comfortable, energy effi cient space with stable year-round temperatures.

• At little or no cost, passive solar design can easily be designed into new construction, and can be retrofi tted into existing buildings in some cases.

• It pays dividends over the life of the building through reduced or eliminated heating and cooling costs.

• Indoor air quality is improved through elimination of forced air systems.

• Retrofi tting is rarely as effec-tive as initially designing for this method.

• Sites with limited southern exposure may be less suitable.

41

P No. Item Applicable

Building Types

Goal: Create a more sustainable community1 Build mixed-use developments and provide public amenities such as open space c t m s

2 Cluster development to minimize paving and utilities, and to preserve open space c t m s

3 Reuse a brownfi eld or previously occupied site c t m s

4 Design for easy pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access c t m s

Goal: Respect your site5 Design and landscape to create comfortable micro-climates and reduce heat island effects c t m s

6 Optimize building orientation for heat gain, shading, daylighting, and natural ventilation c t m s

7 Reduce building footprint - smaller is better c t m s

8 Limit site impacts, balance cut and fi ll, preserve existing vegetation and protect soil during con-struction

c t m s

9 Use native plants that are drought-resistant, create habitat for indigenous species, and do not re-quire pesticides for maintenanceUse native plants that are drought-resistant, create habitat for indigenous species, and do not re-quire pesticides for maintenanceUse native plants that are drought-resistant, create habitat for indigenous species, and do not re- c t m s

10 Use recycled rubble for backfi ll drain rock c t m s

Goal: Save water and reduce local water impacts11 Maximize onsite stormwater management through landscaping and permeable pavement c t m s

12 Use rainwater harvesting c t m s

13 Use water-conserving landscape technologies such as drip irrigation, moisture sensors, and water-ing zones

c t m s

Goal: Reduce, reuse, recycle14 Reuse a building (renovate) instead of tearing down and rebuilding c t m s

15 Deconstruct old buildings for materials reuse (salvage) c t m s

16 Recycle construction & demolition waste c t m s

17 Design for durability and eventual reuse c t m s

18 Provide adequate space for storing and handling recyclables c t m s

Goal: Make concrete with sustainable materials19 Use fl yash in concrete c t m s

20 Use recycled aggregate in non-structural concrete c t m s

21 Use prefabricated forms or save and reuse wood form boards c t m s

Goal: Design to save wood and labor22 Use spacings, sizes, and modular dimensions that minimize lumber use and optimize performance c t m s

23 Use engineered lumber or metal stud framing to replace solid-sawn lumber c t m s

Goal: Support sustainable forests24 Use sustainably harvested lumber (FSC certifi ed) for wood framing c t m s

25 Use reclaimed or salvaged lumber c t m s

Goal: Make a sustainable roof26 Use durable roofi ng materials c t m s

27 Use a cool roof c t m s

28 Use a green or living roof c t m s

Goal: Support healthy environments and sustainable forests29 Use sustainable siding materials c t m s

30 Use sustainable decking materials c t m s

Green Building ChecklistC

om

mun

ity

Plan

ning

Site

& L

and

scap

eW

aste

Red

ucti

on

& M

anag

emen

tC

onc

rete

Wo

od

Fra

min

gEx

teri

or

Trea

tmen

ts,

Sid

ing

& R

oo

fing

c=Commercial/Industrial t=Tenant Improvement m=Multi-family Housing s=Single-family HomeKEY

P No. Item Applicable

Building Types

Goal: Save energy through passive design31 Provide shading on east, west and south windows with overhangs, awnings, or deciduous trees c t m s

32 Plan windows and skylights, light shelves, and window treatments to provide daylight that im-proves indoor environmentsPlan windows and skylights, light shelves, and window treatments to provide daylight that im-proves indoor environmentsPlan windows and skylights, light shelves, and window treatments to provide daylight that im- c t m s

33 Choose window sizes, frame materials, and glass coatings to optimize energy performance c t m s

34 Stop air leakage at doors and windows c t m s

Goal: Save water and energy in plumbing systems35 Use water-conserving plumbing fi xtures c t m s

36 Use water-saving appliances and equipment c t m s

37 Insulate hot and cold water pipes c t m s

38 Use heat recovery equipment, tankless water heaters and/or on-demand hot water circulation pumps

c t m s

39 Pre-plumb for future graywater use for toilet fl ushing and landscape irrigation c t m s

Goal: Reduce environmental impacts from materials production40 Use sustainable materials for pipes c t m s

Goal: Save energy in lighting41 Design lighting levels for actual use, and use task lighting to reduce general lighting levels c t m s

42 Use energy-effi cient lamps and lighting fi xtures c t m s

43 Use lighting controls that save energy such as occupancy sensors c t m s

Goal: Save energy in equipment use44 Use ENERGY STAR® appliances c t m s

45 Use a building energy management system c t m s

Goal: Save energy through passive design46 Use passive solar design, thermal mass, and insulation to reduce space heating needs c t m s

47 Replace air conditioning with natural ventilation and passive cooling c t m s

48 Use ceiling fans for comfort cooling, and use a whole-building fan for night-time cooling c t m s

49 Upgrade wall, fl oor, and ceiling insulation to exceed minimum State requirements c t m s

Goal: Save energy in equipment use50 Use high-effi ciency equipment including furnaces, boilers, fans, and pumps c t m s

51 Use heat recovery equipment c t m s

52 Use geothermal systems, cogeneration, or other alternatives for heating and cooling c t m s

53 Place ductwork within conditioned space, seal joints properly, and clean before occupancy c t m s

54 Zone mechanical systems for more effi cient heating and cooling c t m s

55 Use radiant and hydronic systems for increased effi ciency, health, and comfort c t m s

56 Use equipment without ozone-depleting refrigerants c t m s

Goal: Create healthy indoor environments57 Use recycled-content, formaldehyde-free fi berglass, cellulose, or cotton insulation, or other green

insulation productsUse recycled-content, formaldehyde-free fi berglass, cellulose, or cotton insulation, or other green insulation productsUse recycled-content, formaldehyde-free fi berglass, cellulose, or cotton insulation, or other green c t m s

58 Separate ventilation for indoor pollutant sources and provide advanced fi ltration to improve indoor air quality

c t m s

59 Use clean and effi cient alternatives to wood-burning fi replaces c t m s

Win

dow

s &

Do

ors

Plum

bin

gEl

ectr

ical

Hea

ting

& C

oo

ling

P No. Item Applicable

Building Types

Goal: Replace fossil fuel use with alternatives60 Generate clean electricity onsite using solar photovoltaics c t m s

61 Generate clean electricity onsite using wind turbines c t m s

62 Use solar hot-water systems for domestic use and swimming pools c t m s

63 Use solar hot-water systems for space heating c t m s

64 Pre-plumb for a solar hot-water system c t m s

Goal: Create healthy indoor environments65 Use low- or no-VOC, formaldehyde-free paints, stains, and adhesives c t m s

66 Use low- or no-VOC carpets, furniture, particleboard, and cabinetry c t m s

67 Use exposed concrete as a fi nished fl oor c t m s

68 Use natural materials such as wool and sisal for carpets and wallcoverings c t m s

69 Use sustainable materials for fl ooring, trim, and interior surfaces c t m s

Goal: Support the market for recycled materials70 Use recycled-content fl oor tile, carpets and pads, cabinets, and countertops c t m s

Goal: Support sustainable forests71 Use reclaimed / salvaged, sustainably harvested (FSC certifi ed), or engineered wood for fl ooring

and trim, or use wood alternatives such as bamboo and corkUse reclaimed / salvaged, sustainably harvested (FSC certifi ed), or engineered wood for fl ooring and trim, or use wood alternatives such as bamboo and corkUse reclaimed / salvaged, sustainably harvested (FSC certifi ed), or engineered wood for fl ooring c t m s

Goal: Use creativity and innovation to build more sustainable environments72 Use insulated concrete forms c t m s

73 Use structural insulated panels to replace wood-framed walls c t m s

74 Use natural building materials and techniques, such as earth, clay, and straw c t m s

75 Other sustainable methods or materials c t m s

Green Building Checklist, cont.

44

Inte

rio

r M

ater

ials

Oth

er G

reen

A

lter

nati

ves

New and existing residential projectsSan Mateo County www.recycleworks.org/greenbuilding

Alameda County Waste Management Authority www.stopwaste.org/fsbuild.html

Non-residential projectsUS Green Building Council’s LEED Rating System www.usgbc.org/LEED

Ultimate Green ChecklistHosted by local architect, Marilyn Crenshaw www.thegreenarchitect.com

For

Mo

re

Info

rmat

ion

c=Commercial/Industrial t=Tenant Improvement m=Multi-family Housing s=Single-family HomeKEY

Checklist adapted, with permission, from the San Mateo Countywide Sustainable Buildings Guide and ChecklistChecklist adapted, with permission, from the San Mateo Countywide Sustainable Buildings Guide and Checklist

Ren

ewab

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ower

© 2004, Ecology Action of Santa Cruz. Content may be modifi ed or reproduced by the County of Santa Cruz and the City of Santa Cruz.

Content may be reproduced by others, with permission.Printed on recycled paper. Cover printed with vegetable oil-based inks.