Environmental Building NewsTM The Leading Source for Environmentally Responsible Design & Construction

A Publication of BuildingGreen, Inc. www.BuildingGreen.com Volume 24, Number 7 · July 2015

look at the large body of scientific Design Strategies for Occupant research that suggests how and why Engagement—and Why They Boost these strategies work. Performance Waste does not equal energy Not all engagement strategies make Researchers reveal simple ways to empower occupants to reduce sense across all areas. For example, a energy, water, and waste. It all starts with good design. strategy that works for waste manage­ ment (which is a “visible” practice By Lindsay Toland and Paula Melton since one can easily see what goes into the recycling bin) could be ineffective Sign, sign, everywhere a sign From Design to for energy use reduction (which is an Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind Performance “invisible” practice since one cannot Do this, don’t do that. see kilowatt-hours). For this reason, Can’t you read the sign? A building’s inhabitants and operators we’ll look at design strategies and play a key role in determining –Five Man Electrical Band background research in general while whether or not a building is sustain­ also examining specific work on You’ve completed your models, able: they significantly impact energy energy, water, and waste management. installed low-flow toilets, and use, water use, procurement practices, collected your LEED points. Yay! and waste management practices. Our companion checklist for success­ ful occupant engagement can be But for some reason, a year later, the In this article—which collects the building is using twice as much water shared with building owners and results and conclusions of 51 resources operators as a guide for maximizing as expected. Is it because the fixtures in one place—we’ll lay out five design are faulty? Did the model miss some­ performance based on the ground­ strategies that set the stage for success­ work you’ve laid during design. It thing? Maybe the occupants just can’t ful occupant engagement. Then we’ll be bothered to save the Earth.

Any of that could be true, but a grow­ ing body of social science research suggests the most obvious problem is likely to be bad signage—an issue so common in green buildings that you could probably pave the entire road to Hell with useless instructions for dual-flush toilets.

Consider this case: researchers study­ ing occupant engagement (the art and science of enabling responsible use of building resources) found a bath­ room stall in which the sign on the wall facing the toilet and the sign on the stall door directly contradicted one another. The instructions on the dual-flush handle were practically illegible, and there was no sign near the toilet handle itself (see photos). Photo: Robert Benson This mess of bad communication is a case study in occupant disengagement. This Payette project at George Washington University is providing the firm with post-occupancy data for future use.

Environmental Building News • July 2015 Copyright © 2015 BuildingGreen, Inc. All rights reserved. encapsulates a variety of evidence- 2. Choose intuitive lighting When designing energy feedback based solutions for empowering systems systems that provide such messages, occupants to internalize sustainable avoid locating them in an infrequently behaviors so the building can be used The demands just keep piling up: visited basement area or mechanical as efficiently as possible. the lighting system has to integrate room. Instead, find ways to ensure with the daylighting design and they’re integral to most occupants’ These resources are presented by the shading system, and automated everyday routines. BuildingGreen in partnership with controls have to respond to occupancy 4. Don’t make flushing the toilet a sustainability consulting company as well. As the complexity builds, YR&G. it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that baffling ordeal none of these sophisticated systems Design to Empower will save the slightest bit of energy In some cases, water conservation Occupants if occupants can’t figure out how to strategies occur in response to the switch the lights on and off when they onset of drought, but these strategies You’re already designing with occu­ need to. Without the ability to control are temporary and do not necessarily pants in mind, but it can be hard to their own lighting, people have been address much more than short-term know what will really stick with most known to sabotage the automation solutions. people once they’ve taken control with “workarounds.” Workarounds Long-term strategies that employ of a space. Researchers in the social like ducts tape over occupancy consistent messaging, on the other sciences and neurology provide in­ sensors. sight into what is most likely to work hand, can help with internalizing a and why. Light switches should be in obvious “conserva­tion mentality.” Importantly, locations and intuitive to operate. these long-term strategies should 1. Conduct your own research— This is especially important in rooms focus on performance as well as and act on it that may require options for different conser­vation. Low-flow toilets, kinds of lighting, such as auditoriums faucets, or showerheads do not need As we discussed in our recent piece on or conference rooms—the very spaces to sacrifice functionality, so opera­ post-occupancy evaluations, or POEs, where we might be most tempted to tions teams should pay close attention there are a lot of good reasons to install the most sophisticated systems. to both efficiency and effectiveness engage with occupants as they begin before and after installation. to use the spaces you’ve designed for 3. Offer relevant, accessible But designers have an impact on them. One is to inform future design energy feedback what happens once those fixtures decisions. Neurological studies show that people go in as well. Universally formatted, Through interviews, focus groups, are more likely to internalize and well-placed signage (such as per­ surveys, shadow studies, and other absorb information when it is trans­ manent wall plaques) should be data-gathering techniques, designers mitted in a way that is personally used—particularly when it comes can go back to existing projects and relevant and exciting. to dual-flush toilets. It is especially learn what is working and what isn’t. important for the signs to be posted A group at Payette, for example, has Feedback on energy use is especially where the user will see them before the conducted formal research on issues important, as it can highlight the desired behavior is to take place. such as how occupants use collabora­ connection between someone’s daily Just as important? That the signs users tive space, how to create comfortable activities and their energy use. For see during the behavior actually match spaces near glazing without perimeter example, communicating in terms of what’s stated on the plaques. heating, and the part of a lab building monetary savings where scientists actually do most of (in cases where their work. occupants are re­ sponsible for utility Many researchers whose work we payments) or envi­ discuss below have done similar ronmental exter­ research focused on how occupants nalities (e.g., trees interact with energy, water, and required to offset waste systems in their buildings. This emissions) can be work can provide valuable feedback more effective in for more productive collaboration decreasing energy with owners, operations staff, and consumption than occupants on both existing and future communicating in Images: DualFlush and Sloan projects. abstract terms such as kilowatt-hours. These two signs were found by researchers in the same toilet stall, providing exactly contradictory advice about how to save water.

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 2 5. Remember recycling isn’t a principles that come up consistently Don’t mess with Texas throwaway and that can be broadly applied: “The benefits of engaging with deeply held beliefs is well illustrated by the ‘Don’t mess Decisions about recycling, trash, and • Recognition that everyone is with Texas’ campaign, an initiative designed composting bins are often made by different and there is no one-size- to tackle the growing litter problem in Texas. fits-all solution architects—typically using solely “The advertisers carried out research which aesthetic reasoning. • Use of community-based social showed that the main culprits— young males—were unlikely to respond to messages However, to ensure proper disposal of marketing (CBSM) or some about not spoiling the natural environment. comparable approach different material types, universal bins “Instead, they decided to base the message should be in place: the same recycling • Empowerment through active on state pride, hence the ‘Don’t mess with Texas’ tagline. Within 12 months, the number bins should be used throughout the involvement building, the same trash bins should of litter incidents plummeted by 29%.” be used throughout the building, and • Reliance on collective action and Carrots, Sticks, and Sermons: Influencing the same composting bins should be social norms Public Behavior for Environmental Goals used throughout the building. • Simple, direct, and positive cultural trends; creating a new, appeal­ For example, in a building that allows communication ing “brand” is one possible strategy single-stream recycling, don’t confuse One size fits none to encourage pro-­environmental the end user with bins that have round behaviors. openings for cans and bins that have thin openings for paper. The most successful occupant Similarly, people have different engage­ment efforts are tailored to motivations for their behaviors, and Similarly, if there are opportunities the audience in question. Designers it’s necessary to know why some­ for creating permanent signage should identify current practices one chooses to take a certain action near waste receptacles (e.g. on wall and behavioral complexities before before you can go about exploring plaques), language and images should implement­ing strategies. alternatives. Individuals who are be consistent and clear. generally supportive of sustainability It is important to recognize whether initiatives may respond well to efforts it’s habits, lifestyle choices, or purchas­ How Occupant Engagement that engage them or enable them. ing behaviors that you’re trying to On the other hand, UK government Works make more sustainable. A different studies suggest that those who are strategy may be necessary for each, Although many themes arise in more hesitant or who are skeptical of notes water researcher David Brooks. successful­ occupant engagement “green” lifestyle choices may respond Purchasing behaviors, for example, are strategies, there are five general more favorably to someone they often based on impulse and stem from respect leading by example.

Another is to ask, “What is my Occupant Engagement: Working with Human Nature audience’s chief concern?” Appealing to someone’s deeply held beliefs can Tendency Strategies to Adopt Strategies to Avoid be a productive way of connecting with them and, in turn, engaging them on matters of sustainability. Propensity for self-interest Foster group identities Asking people to value the group above themselves In addition to focusing on the specific audience, efforts should also capitalize Motivation for relative rather Identify and highlight people who Focusing on the fact that some people than absolute status engage in self-sacrificing behavior have more than others on what people have in common— namely, evolutionary history. A study led by Vladas Griskevicius of the Uni­ Proclivity to unconsciously Emphasize the prevalence of the Highlighting what the “average” versity of Minnesota argues that there copy others desired behavior person is doing are five tendencies that many humans share, perhaps stemming from our Predisposition to be Emphasize the consequences that Emphasizing that the world is a evolutionary heritage: shortsighted unsustainable actions will have on the fast-paced, ever-changing place present, not the future • Propensity for self-interest

Proneness to disregard Showcase tangible links by highlighting Using statistics to demonstrate • Motivation for relative rather than impalpable concerns local, visible environmental problems environmental problems absolute status

Source: Adapted from Griskevicius, Vladas et al. “The Evolutionary Bases for Sustainable Behavior: Implications for Marketing, Policy, and Social Entrepreneurship.”

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 3 • Proclivity to unconsciously copy • Obtaining a commitment of some When good information others kind from the audience goes bad • Predisposition to be shortsighted • Employing multiple, interactive “In an effort to offset the cost of building a new water-processing plant, Durham Region, strategies rather than simply • Proneness to disregard impalpable Ontario, developed a CBSM strategy to re- distributing information duce water use by 10%. concerns • Rolling out simple yet personal “Residents were provided with a water gauge Once you have a clear understand­ communications and a prompt that was to be placed over the ing of the audience in question, outside water faucet to remind them to water multiple, integrated efforts can be • Providing feedback their lawns on either odd or even days. implemented—not just one. “Further, these residents were asked to sign • Learning from the process and commitments that they would water only on Marketing that works adapting it accordingly odd or even days and would limit watering to one inch per week. Other households were provided only with an information packet on Assessing the behavioral complexities Help them own it efficient water use. of your audience is part of the first step of a popular, comprehensive Successful occupant engagement “The first group decreased watering by 54%, while the information-only group increased approach to occupant engagement strategies recognize that people by 15% .” generally known as community-based typically want to feel integral to social marketing, or CBSM. any process that involves them. As Promoting Sustainable Behavior: An psychologist Raymond De Young Introduction to Community-Based Social Conventional, information-intensive notes, “It is suggested that when Marketing programs are typically unsuccessful people discern a role for themselves because they measure outputs (such and become convinced that their All the cool kids are greening it as the number of flyers distributed) contribu­tion is not optional but rather than outcomes (actual necessary, then a powerful motive As a general rule, people tend to care behaviors). CBSM uses behavioral force becomes available.” what other people think of them, and psychology and social marketing to their reputation matters to them— stress the importance of interpersonal A sense of ownership and invest­ particularly within their social circles. communication, social diffusion, and ment comes into play—not unlike the social norms, explains marketing phenomenon wherein individuals Individuals may be more willing to researcher Doug McKenzie-Mohr. who test drive a car and are allowed to behave sustainably if they think their keep it overnight become more likely peers will perceive them positively, There are five steps to CBSM: to buy it. and this is more likely to happen if these sustainable behaviors have • Select the behaviors you want to Playing a key role in sustainability become the social norm. In addition modify or promote. efforts can provide individuals with a to not wanting to be perceived nega­ sense of purpose, but it can also help tively or differently, individuals do not • Uncover barriers and benefits to remedy a common barrier to partici­ want to feel as though they are acting the behaviors, and prioritize them pation: lack of knowledge. Individuals alone. accordingly. may avoid attempting a new behavior—even if it is a behavior they What makes something “normal”? • Design a program to overcome the agree with—if they do not fully under­ People have a tendency to uncon­ barriers to the selected behavior. stand it. However, most people tend to sciously copy others and consequently • Pilot the program. feel satisfied and therefore motivated may mimic sustainable behaviors to continue when they have a sense of if they perceive others performing • Evaluate the program once it is behavioral competence, according to them—particularly individuals whom broadly implemented. De Young. Reducing uncertainty and they respect, admire, and trust. For providing constructive feedback gives example, witnessing celebrities or Most successful occupant engagement individuals the space to explore a new authority figures behaving sustainably strategies utilize CBSM or a behavior without the fear of being can suggest normality; whether or not comparable approach to achieve judged. the behavior is “green” can be of less more sustainable behaviors in the importance than whether or not it is built environ­ment. What do these Competition is one way to empower popular. approaches have in common? They all individuals by engaging them in a fun involve: and informative fashion, but it’s not People are less likely to adopt sustain­ a panacea: people may not become able behaviors that are not perceived • Identifying a clearly defined fully engaged, and even a successful as normal than they are to change objective and targeting the competition generally ends up with less-sustainable behaviors that are audience in question short-lived performance results.

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 4 Competition Caveats Targeting Energy-Related whether or not individuals have a sufficient degree of control (e.g. of It is important to note that competitions tend Behavior to work best among similar types of people, thermostats or lighting) and can, in peer groups, and friends. People can lose According to Raymond Cole of the turn, be motivated to take action. interest (or have no interest to begin with) if University of British Columbia, a they are competing against strangers. typical office workstation is occupied • Concern for safety and personal Similarly, a competition among friends is just 16% of the time—yet many build­ privacy can be a barrier to energy more likely to encourage participation and ings use energy constantly as though conservation, one study found. For less likely to result in feelings of animosity or they were fully occupied. example, first-floor residents may resentment (such as assuming someone has not want to open their blinds for an unfair advantage). Many people assume that a building’s natural heat and lighting because In order to help ensure the experience is a efficiency projections will be realized they do not want outsiders looking positive one for all involved, consider avoid- upon completion of construction, in. ing any extreme rewards or punishments so but this fails to take into account the that no one feels rejected or embarrassed. human element. There are, therefore, • People value personal luxuries, creative opportunities for maximizing such as taking long, hot showers. perceived as normal, one research efficiency post-occupancy. It is important to frame energy-­ team concluded. related engagement strategies not Barriers to successful engagement as a removal of these luxuries but Keep it specific but simple on energy rather as a way to avoid waste. Energy savings (a great deal of it, at Individuals respond more favorably Before embarking on an energy least) does not need to come at the to simple, powerful messages, but engagement strategy, the following expense of personal happiness and the communications must be clear, barriers should be considered and well-being. direct, and specific. For example, “Be addressed: Green!” is simple and positive, but There are four main avenues for re­ it is not actually saying a lot and is • Information about energy conser­ ducing energy consumption through not providing a clear directive for the vation is not enough and must be occupant engagement. desired behavior. paired with engaging activities. Hit home with positive messages Messaging should be broken down • Response to feedback diminishes into digestible phrasing that iden­ over time. For sustained change, It can be difficult to engage occupants tifies the precise behavior being there must be continued efforts if they feel an issue does not pertain encouraged. toward awareness and education. to them; this can be especially chal­ lenging in the energy realm, where For example, researchers used a sign • Lack of personal control can the consequences of one’s actions are to see whether or not it could success­ prevent energy conservation; invisible. The challenge only increases fully increase the frequency of “lights strategies must take into account if occupants are not responsible off” behavior (see photo). Interesting­ ly, while this sign was indeed success­ ful in creating the desired behavior, an earlier iteration of the sign was not.

The difference? The first iteration did not include the sentence “And that’s a good thing, thanks,” or the accompanying smiley face.

In addition to the positive framing, the sign uses clear language and targets a specific issue. Ambiguous messaging, even if positive or humorous, is likely to be more confusing than a basic, direct sign.

Simplicity is powerful. Although it may seem helpful to have a compre­ hensive list of information, when signs are too wordy, people usually don’t take the time to read them. Image courtesy YR&G Smileys can make all the difference to a message.

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 5 for paying for a building’s energy. The key elements of There are two ways of tackling this effective signage, according challenge: to research in applied ergonomics: • by making sure messages connect to the occupants’ personal beliefs • The targeted behavior is or are based on daily experiences convenient: turning off the light requires flipping • by framing these messages in a a simple, easy-to-locate positive light switch.

Pointing out the negative environ­ • The behavior is very spe­ mental implications of excessive cific: “Turn off the light energy usage, while informative, is when you leave.” not necessarily motivating. Messaging should focus on solutions rather than • The message is delivered problems. in close proximity to the desired behavior—e.g., Rethink your signage directly above the light switch. Prominent signs that feature images are more effective than text-only signs. • The message is positive Images courtesy YR&G Where the sign is placed plays a key and polite: “Please turn Good design can call positive or even humorous attention to a role in how it impacts subsequent off the light when you mundane detail like how you dry your hands after washing. behavior. In addition to appearing at leave!” eye level, signs should be located in significant; as social scientist Robert P. places where they can be read imme­ One study of electricity use showed Cialdini says, “The mere perception of diately prior to the action being tar­ that occupants were eight times the normal behavior of those around geted. For example, the further away more likely to turn off lights in bath­ us is very powerful.” a “Please Turn Off the Lights” sign rooms that had signs requesting this Offer incentives is from a light switch, the less likely behavior. Larger signs tended to be people will be to turn off the light. more effective than smaller ones. Signs placed in 15 of the bathrooms Incentives can be a successful tool correlated with savings of 10.6 kWh for engaging occupants on issues of per day—which could translate to al­ energy reduction. These may include most 4 MWh over the course of a year. financial incentives, but it turns out The Incentives Within money does not need to change hands Keep up with the Joneses in order to change behavior. Energy-efficiency campaigns were rolled out in two U.S. military bases where residents Some people are more likely to Economic incentives do not need were not responsible for paying their utility bills. internal­ize behaviors that their peers to be real money. Virtual currency exhibit because they do not want to in a friendly competition setting, “Campaigns were aimed at raising aware- be seen as deviating from the norm, the reward of comfort via a “dress ness, providing links between energy-­ efficient behaviors and lifestyle benefits, and psychology research has found. This down day” in a business office, or appealing to existing values of patriotism and is especially true in cases of public an organized board game night environmentalism. … behavior. We may be so uncomfortable for undergraduate students are all “Residents who adopted new energy habits with the prospect of others seeing us examples of viable, non-monetary cited a variety of socially responsible and perform a socially unacceptable act possibilities for people who may not personal motives as the top reasons for their that we will change our behavior. be automatically inclined to reduce own behavioral change. They said that they Energy conservation is considered a energy use. were motivated a great deal by the need to pro-social behavior and is subject to do the right thing, to model good habits for social comparison. If you are going to pursue incentives, their children, and to have a more comfort- however, knowing your audience is able home. … In a study conducted by OPOWER, especially key: participants should “The range and complexity of motivation the combination of informational actually desire the reward. Rewarding for energy use demonstrate a key point of pamphlets on energy conservation and a group of scientists doing extensive this study: An effective intervention must be the social comparison of energy usage research in a lab with a pizza party customized to the population and situation being targeted.” to one’s neighbors (“Below Average,” could backfire, and even be off-­ “Good,” or “Great”) led to an average putting. Offering a small grant for Motivating Residents to Conserve Energy reduction of 0.62 kWh per day. The new lab equipment might be better without Financial Incentives use of the comparative terminology is received.

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 6 Targeting Water-Related For example, strategies that empha­ Behavior size the scarcity of resources may not be very effective among low-income As noted in the Energy section, people groups that are already limiting value personal luxuries. What’s more their consumption. Similarly, com­ likely to work, a campaign focusing municating the need for low-flow on low-flow toilets or showerheads? showerheads among higher-income Start with the toilets, then and add populations could result in offset­ lawn-watering; later, be ready to em­ ting behavior, such as individuals phasize sufficiency over indulgence in taking longer showers. Personalized communications about water con­ communication,­ researchers have servation or pollution when it comes discovered, is key—to both promoting to showerheads and other personal conservation and decreasing the effect activities. of offsetting behavior.

Keep in mind that social norms and One effective means of personalized communication within a community communication is sharing a personal can work against water conservation testimonial from an individual in the efforts. In one study, members of a same socio-demographic group you community responded to requests to are trying to reach. This testimonial conserve water by using more water: should highlight how the individual Images: Dartmouth College everyone assumed other people would has benefited from performing the Used at Dartmouth College, this polar bear runs out of ice when collective energy use goes up. save water and make up for their own suggested conservation measure. excessive use. However, research suggests that, un­ do not need to sacrifice function­ Personalize it like with energy, negative messaging ality, so project teams should pay may be effective in promoting water close attention to both efficiency and conservation. The message may carry Behavioral commitment to water effective­ness before and after installa­ even more weight if it emphasizes conservation can vary, particularly tion, or water conservation messages what the socio-­demographic group when considering socio-demographic can backfire. differences. will lose if others fail to follow the example highlighted in the Print communications may not be testimonial. Some studies have found the best strategy for messaging—at that “loss aversion” least not by themselves. Utilizing can make negative clever outlets that lend themselves water-related to repetition (radio spots), or that engage­ment twice people will be exposed to repeat­ as effective as more edly (prominently placed signs or positive messages— billboards), is one way to approach the opposite of how it communication surrounding water works with energy. conservation. Message, rinse, Engage all the senses repeat Knowledge of best practices in Occupant engage­ sustain­ability is not enough to effect ment is not a one- change in the long term. Direct inter­ time event, but rather action makes it harder for occupants to requires a consistent ignore or forget the message. effort over the long term. This is particu­ Engaging an audience in dynamic larly true in the realm and inclusive presentations can lead of water savings. But to motivation to act and result in keep in mind that significant water savings—and this long-term strategies is particularly true if the activity should focus on engages two or three senses. With Photos courtesy YR&G performance as well water in particular, seeing, tasting, or Messages about water are sometimes best delivered through outlets that as conservation; low- smelling the effects of pollution can be provide repetition or constant exposure, as with this Use Only What You flow toilets, faucets, compelling. Need campaign in Denver. or showerheads

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 7 There’s also emotional connection through the senses: Dartmouth College uses visual cues to promote conservation with a digital system in common areas that shows a polar bear on a glacier; collective conservation protects the bear, while overuse causes the glacier to melt, putting the polar bear in danger. Targeting Waste Management Collective action and social norms are particularly relevant in the realm of waste management. Accountability for recycling and other desired waste-related behaviors is already standard in many groups. Change social norms

In cases where desired waste-­ management behaviors are not the norm, the following steps can be taken to encourage collective action, according to University of California– Berkeley researcher Manisha Anantharaman:

• Conduct awareness campaigns.

• Create new discourse around waste.

• Train occupants about waste-­ management practices.

• Identify champions among occupants who are willing to remind their peers of the desired behavior.

The concept of “peers” is particularly important here. Comparisons to non-similar individuals or groups can have an adverse effect. If you’re providing feedback in an effort to spur collective action, do so only among like-minded individuals (e.g. in a university setting, between students living in dorms only, not between students living in dorms and faculty members).

Similarly, comparisons or feedback that shames people will likely do more harm than good.

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Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 9 Bibliography (continued) Make recycling a no-brainer Because they feel powerless to change things, many people ignore the prob­ “Neighborhood Testimonials.” MeterSave. Location, location, location. Recycling, lems altogether. City of Chicago, 2009. Web. 14 December landfill, and composting bins should 2014. be accessible, convenient, and con­ Occupant engagement is a way of O’Callaghan, Ben et al. “Exploring the sistent: for every landfill bin, there sharing solutions and offering alter­ Influence of Housing Design and Occupant should be a recycling bin (and, if you natives. It’s an opportunity to effect Environmental Attitudes on Energy and Water compost, a composting bin). These lasting change not only in the environ­ Usage.” Architectural Science Review 55.3 bins should also be consistent in ap­ ment but also in the people who (2012): 176–185. Print. pearance so that they are familiar to all contribute to its well being. Oxford Properties Group. “Operations Guide occupants and elicit the correct default for Multi-Residential Buildings.” Sustainable Lindsay Toland is the Metrics & behavior. Different styles of recycling Intelligence. 2011. Web. 13 August 2014. Program Manager for the Yale Office of bins may be visually appealing, but Sustainability, where she oversees and Rettie, Ruth, Kevin Burchell, and Chris they only confuse things for the end Barnham. “Social Normalization: Using manages the process of collecting and user. Marketing to Make Green Normal.” Journal presenting campus sustainability metrics. of Consumer Behavior 13 (2013): 9–17. Print. Language used to describe these bins She has a Master of Environmental Schultz, P. Wesley. “Changing Behavior can help or hurt your cause. “Garbage Management degree from the Yale School with Normative Feedback Interventions: A bin” is less effective than “Landfill of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Field Experiment on Curbside Recycling.” bin,” which not only indicates that where she focused her studies on occupant Basic and Applied Psychology 21.1 (1998): engagement in the built environment and 25–36. Print. there is another step in the process but also highlights that there are impacts urban land use planning. Schweiker, Marcel and Masanori Shukuya. that will follow after placing materials “Investigation on the Effectiveness of Various Methods of Information Dissemination Aiming in that bin. at a Change of Occupant Behavior Related to NEWS Thermal Comfort and Exergy Consumption.” Follow through Energy Policy 39 (2011): 395–407. Print. Automatic LEED Points for Shiraishi, Miyuki et al. “Using Individual, Lack of accountability makes it diffi­ CALGreen Code Compliance Social, and Economic Persuasion Techniques cult for occupant engagement strate­ to Reduce CO2 Emissions in a Family Setting.” gies to stick. One way of addressing Little more than a building Persuasive (2009): 1–8. Print. this is through comprehensive waste permit is now needed to Sousa, José Luís, António Gomes Martins, audits, which highlight not only which document six LEED credits and Humberto Jorge. “Dealing with the materials are contributing to the waste if your project is subject to Paradox of Energy Efficiency Promotion stream but also how much recycling is California code requirements. by Electric Utilities.” Energy 57 (2013): ending up in the trash. 251–258. Print. By Candace Pearson Syme, Geoffrey J., Blair E. Nancarrow, and There is a tendency for people to be Clive Seligman. “The Evaluation of Infor- skeptical of the validity of recycling A lot of cumbersome LEED document­ mation Campaigns to Promote Voluntary and suspicious that recycling and ation can now be bypassed for projects Household Water Conservation.” Evaluation trash only end up going to the same in California, according to new rules Review 24 (2000): 539–578. Print. place. Some people need to see it from the U.S. Green Building Council “Use Only What You Need.” Denver Water. to believe it. This skepticism can be (USGBC). Designed to lure more 2014. Web. 17 December 2014. answered with an actual walk through projects into LEED certification and to Van de Velde, Lisbeth et al. “The Importance showing occupants the waste disposal recognize the high benchmark set by of Message Framing for Providing Informa- process at the end of the day, or even California codes, the ruling says three tion about Sustainability and Environmental taking a field trip to the processing prerequisites and three credits will Aspects of Energy.” Energy Policy 38 (2010): plant. now be earned by virtue of meeting 5541–5549. Print. that state’s building code. Water: Use it Wisely. Park & Co., 2014. Web. 3 July 2014. Changing People, Not Just Setting up a “receiving line” “Water for Energy, Energy for Water.” World Behaviors Water Council. n.d. Web. 17 December The California Green Building Engagement campaigns are not just 2014. Standards Code (known as an opportunity for education and CALGreen) is the country’s only Willis, Rachelle M. et al. “Quantifying the increased awareness: they also give Influence of Environmental and Water Con- statewide code to make green build­ people hope. servation Attitudes on Household End Water ing requirements mandatory. Since Consumption.” Journal of Environmental these buildings are already required to Management 92 (2011): 1996–2009. Print. According to one study funded by the UK government, 73% of people implement a few basic sustain­ability are more aware of environmental strategies, in theory it should be a problems than they are of solutions. small jump to pursue voluntary green

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 10 ratings like LEED. But in the past, But for the majority of projects, basic Equivalency with v4 CALGreen and LEED have sometimes CALGreen documents are enough been competing for the same turf, and to prove achievement of the follow Bachman also questions how this doc­ California hasn’t become the obvious six credits and prerequisites in LEED umentation path will be implemented market for LEED that it might have BD+C or LEED ID+C for 2009 or v4 for both LEED 2009 and v4. “This is a been. versions: great story for the 2009 version,” she says. It proves LEED has been success­ However, a USGBC task force • WE Prerequisite Indoor Water Use ful with “taking stuff that was once convened recently to examine the Reduction bleeding-edge and seriously moving synergies between CALGreen and the industry up to that standard.” • EA Prerequisite Fundamental LEED found plenty of opportunity to However, some of the referenced Refrigerant Management align. According to Jeremy Sigmon, prerequisites and credits have gotten the director of technical policy for • MR Prerequisite Storage & more stringent in v4, she points out, USGBC, the question became, “How Collection of Recyclables pulling ahead of CALGreen. can we roll out the red carpet and set up a receiving line to bring these • MR Credit Construction Waste For example, diverted materials must projects into the rewards program Management include at least three material streams [LEED] that challenges them to do under the LEED v4 construction even more?” • IEQ Credit Low-Emitting Materials waste management credit (unless – Adhesives you generate less than 2.5 pounds of Code compliance for credits construction waste per square foot), • IEQ Credit Low-Emitting Materials while CALGreen doesn’t. And the new The task force recommended stream­ – Paints low-emitting credits include require­ lining documentation between the two Documentation hack or added ments for manufacturers’ VOC testing systems as a simple first step. The new complexity? methods that aren’t covered in the rule means that where CALGreen and California code. LEED overlap the most, project teams can now use approval documents Katie Bachman, LEED project Detailed guidance from USGBC from CALGreen to verify compliance manager at Environmental Building (promised July 2015) may help clear with several LEED credits. Most proj­ Strategies (EBS) consulting, located up some of these questions—but it ects need only submit a copy of the in San Francisco, California, told may also mean this “streamlined building permit or certificate of occu­ BuildingGreen that she thinks the new path” gets more complicated with pancy, along with a letter attesting that rules will help cut down on redundant more supporting documents. LEED and CALGreen requirements documentation time. The IEQ credits have been met. and the recyclables prerequisite, in The big picture particular, can take a lot of time. In some cases, some projects may need For Sigmon, the alternative to submit supporting documentation However, the indoor water use documenta­tion path signals that addressing equivalency gaps between prerequisite that’s on the list is less USGBC is “putting faith in the regu­ CALGreen and LEED, according to useful, Bachman says. LEED requires latory instrument being used,” and this press release. a 20% reduction, while CALGreen “handing over the baton” for strate­ requires 30%. That gies that might once have been imple­ Synergies between CALGreen and LEED v4 means project teams mented by green building leaders but will naturally go for are now seen as baseline. the optional Indoor Water Use credit as The rules are certainly one more step well, which in LEED in the broader effort to harmonize v4 rewards two codes, standards, and rating systems, points for the 30% including recent progress toward inte­ reduction already gration of ASHRAE 189.1, the Interna­ required by code in tional Green Construction Code, and California. However, LEED. project teams will still have to document On the ground, Bachman hopes the those 30% (or high­ new rules spur more interest in LEED er) reductions to get by “mitigating the perception that Source: StopWaste optional credits for it is an added cost.” “If people see According to a StopWaste evaluation referenced by the USGBC task force, indoor water use. that they already have to do a lot of the gap has widened between CALGreen Tiers and LEED point scores from these things to meet code, then they’ll 2010 to 2013, largely due to new credits in LEED v4, but projects can still think of it less as just another added benefit from up to 30 LEED points in overlap.

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 11 expense,” she says. If the streamlining What should really saves time, associated fees will students have be lower as well. to learn about green building? More on codes and green building A significant Finding Furniture Without Toxic move at the ARC Flame Retardants was to change One Standard to Rule Then All: LEED, environmental IgCC, 189.1 to Be Parts of Single building science System from occupying a “Student Perfor­ Maryland May Accept IgCC for Public mance Criterion” Buildings Along with LEED (SPC), dictated by student work, to a Photo: Ragesoss CC BY-SA 3.0 “perspective,” with Desks stand, currently empty, in the Yale Art and Architecture Building. Class of 2030: Groups more ambiguous forms of measurement. relevant,” Lechner says. “Schools are Agitate for Sustainability in totally ignoring reality.” Architecture Schools According to Andrea Rutledge, Hon. AIA, the director of NAAB, this was Lechner responded to the NAAB Not everyone was satisfied meant to emphasize that an environ­ condi­tions by co-founding a green with the 2014 environmental mental building perspective cannot certification system for architecture building criteria conditions be taught in a single class but instead schools. Lechner compares it to LEED from the NAAB. Here’s what’s should permeate the entire program. in that it is a voluntary program that happening now. NAAB determines accreditation, but builds on the basics of accreditation Rutledge notes that it strives to avoid (analogous to building codes in this By Alana Fichman influencing curriculum. comparison) and focuses on sustain­ ability: “[LEED] is built on status, a Forty-three architecture professionals This is why, she explains, environ­ driving force in human nature,” he gathered at a retreat in the mountains mental building should be a part of claims. of Utah for the National Architectural all the measurable conditions rather Accrediting Board’s (NAAB) 2014 than being validated by a specific class Together with fourteen or so accreditation review conference or lab. Environmental stewardship professionals in the field, the organi­ (ARC). The goal: to debate and decide is a part of the broader category of zation, BEEnow (Built Environmental upon the most important guidelines “Integrated Architectural Solutions.” Education now) has drafted its for schools of architecture accredited It shows up in other places, too, with own set of prerequisites to certify by NAAB. at least seven mentions throughout the the level of architectural schools’ document. environmentalism.­ The organization, The conditions for accreditation were currently working to establish itself published after a final review process Preparing tomorrow’s architects with a board and formal program, at the end of summer. There was less for 2030 aims to “sharply expand the teach­ controversy at this stage than there ing of high-­performance, low-­energy had been after the original draft was Despite NAAB’s stated intentions, design in architecture schools,” posted, but some groups remained some see the alteration in the condi­ according to a statement shared with unappeased. Many of the comments tions as a demotion of sustainable BuildingGreen. on the original draft were from the design. Society of Building Science Educators That’s critical, Lechner says, to meet­ (SBSE) and the Environmental Norbert Lechner, Professor Emeritus ing the 2030 Challenge posed by Design Research Association (EDRA), and LEED AP, taught low-energy Edward Mazria, FAIA, and embraced both of which had suggestions and architecture for 33 years. He is by the American Institute of Architects objections to the NAAB conditions for currently an international speaker on (AIA) in its 2030 Commitment. sustainable design. (BuildingGreen climate change. Lechner believes that Others also on the move also joined in with a comment: see the conditions set forth by the NAAB Architectural Board Should Reinstate and the attitude of many architectural now Sustainability Criteria.) schools are insuffcient to prepare BEE was originally co-founded by the architects of tomorrow to meet Peter Papesch, AIA, who resigned and net-zero-energy goals. “The ivory went on to propose another organi­ now tower metaphor has never been more zation, termed, CCMA , (Climate Change Mitigation Architecture now!),

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 12 based on the goal of “rethinking and redesigning architectural education.”

Both men’s proposals were met with positive and negative feedback, most notably from the President of SBSE, Pablo La Roche, who told BuildingGreen, “I am not sure that we need another rating or ranking system.” He seemed put off by the comparison with LEED, adding, “I feel that a new system to rank ‘green’ in our environments is already created every day. Instead of spend­ ing $80,000 to demonstrate that a building is green, I would rather spend that money on research, tied with education, linked with software Source: U.S. General Services Administration development.” Having an integrated, cross-disciplinary team likely enabled the Wayne Aspinall Federal Building to become the first net-zero-energy building to be listed in the National Registrar of Historic Places, despite challenges Neither BEEnow or CCMAnow has with sizing the solar array. established a website. BEEnow is but three recent U.S. General Services A comparative qualitative analysis seeking more advisors and recognition Administration (GSA) buildings was then conducted on these and 11 from major architectural groups and that were designed and delivered other ARRA-funded projects that did currently has 12 members and three by integrated teams provide a rare not use an integrative process to deter­ advisors, including Mazria. opportunity to compare against GSA’s mine whether the approaches made a More on green building education conventional projects with similar difference. and training programmatic goals. Greener outcomes The comparison, authored by Three Imperatives to Create the Future Renée Cheng of the University of Based on a questionnaire and inter­ of Green Building Minnesota, shows that the integrated views with the project teams, the Sustainable Design 101: A Syllabus teams definitively delivered greener analysis shows that the integrated Supplement for Green Building buildings. teams all exceeded their ARRA Coursework counterparts in management Apples-to-apples comparison strategies—such as communicating Architectural Board Should Reinstate clear objectives—and matched them Sustainability Criteria The American Recovery and in terms of utilizing tools like building Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 information modeling. The integrated enabled the uniform conditions for teams also rated “spectacularly high” GSA Links High- the study. As part of the stimulus, in team engagement and collaboration, GSA was awarded $4.5 billion to according to the report. Performance Outcomes to convert its existing buildings to high-­ Integrated Design performance green buildings and Their buildings performed better, thus was subject to pre-established too: all far exceeded the ARRA high-­ Project teams appear to performance goals and reporting performance goals, all became AIA/ function better, and their requirements until 2013. COTE Top Ten winners, and all were buildings end up greener, certified LEED Platinum. under collaborative project Three of these projects pursued delivery. integrated delivery models: Correlation, possible causation

By Candace Pearson • Wayne N. Aspinall Federal The study methodology was not Building and U.S. Courthouse in designed to identify a causal relation­ Experts have long advised that an Colorado ship, but the case studies show how integrated design process is needed enhanced collaboration led to the • Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal to take us to the next level of green kinds of innovations that enabled this Building in Oregon design, but so far there’s been sparse award-winning performance. analysis tying it directly to better • Federal Center South Building 1202 performance outcomes. The number On the Wayne N. Aspinall building, in Washington of case studies available is still small, the team had to problem-solve when

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 13 the historic review rejected the design Greenbuild grew from a fledgling of the roof-mounted solar array. The trade show and in-crowd powow to a building still achieved net-zero-energy massive international conference—and performance with a smaller array and then was sold to Hanley Wood in 2013. a combination of increased efficiency in the building envelope and increased In 2007, the group spun off the capacity of the ground-source heat Green Building Certification Institute pump system. (GBCI)—which recently changed its name to Green Business Certification At the Edith Green-Wendell Waytt Inc. to reflect its own rapid expansion. building, close collaboration with a Fedrizzi will also step down as CEO manufacturer allowed the team to use of GBCI. radiant cooling ceiling panels— a relatively new technology that was In keeping with his focus on perceived as risky, but this innovation expanding LEED’s international scope, alone cut the building’s energy use by Fedrizzi also served briefly as CEO 36%. of the World Green Building Council before passing the torch to Terri Wills. The report concludes that GSA should continue to pursue collaborative “When we started USGBC 22 years project delivery and adopt some ago, I don’t think any of us could have integrated processes—such as imagined the organization would Photo: USGBC become what it is today,” said Fedrizzi quality-­based procurement and team Rick Fedrizzi selection—as standards. in a statement. “We set out to simply A long green road build better buildings, but we quickly Learn more about integrated learned that in doing so, we were design and delivery changing the world.” During the founding of USGBC, Fedrizzi was the director of communi­ New Concepts in LEED v4 cations and environmental affairs for NEWSBRIEFS Building as an Organism: HVAC manufacturer Carrier, a post he Understanding the Integrative Process left in 2001 to found a consulting com­ Green Label to Highlight Credit in LEED v4 Projects pany called Green-Think. He replaced Christine Ervine as USGBC’s CEO in Sustainable Building How to Make Integrated Project 2004. Products in Resource Delivery Work for Your Project “I was on the USGBC Board when Libraries we chose Rick to replace Christine,” With its free Mindful Materials Fedrizzi Announces recalls Alex Wilson, founder of BuildingGreen, “and I admit that label, HKS Architects offers Departure from USGBC I was skeptical about choosing an a quick reference for finding insider to lead the organization, which green products on library The board has until the end of had recently launched the LEED rating shelves. 2016 to complete its search for system and was experiencing a period By Alana Fichman the leader’s replacement. of extraordinarily rapid growth.” He By Paula Melton continues, “But Rick was the right Your firm’s resource library might be a choice. He deserves tremendous credit go-to source for aesthetic inspiration, Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding for what the Council has achieved.” but how much of its content is really chairman of the U.S. Green Building green? Some firms have sustainability Council (USGBC), will step down A decade of growth and change filters for what can make it onto the at the end of 2016, the organization shelves, but still, connecting samples announced today. USGBC has transformed significantly with green certifications can be a under Fedrizzi’s leadership. challenge. The move signals the end of an era for the group, of which Fedrizzi has been One of the first major changes he Enter HKS Architects and its new the charismatic public face since 2004, ushered in was allowing trade Mindful Materials label. Its simple and the USGBC board of directors associations to become members, in checkboxes are designed to attach says it has already begun its search for concert with a greater role for regional to binders and product samples to his replacement. chapters of USGBC. indicate when a product meets specific

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 14 health and environmental targets. Its The firm refers to its labeling system criteria cover: as “a practical means to incorporate • Health Product Declaration (HPD) transparency information into designers’ everyday work process.” • Participation in the Pharos product HKS emphasizes that the label puts database the relevant information—much of • Declare label which can help projects qualify for • Other material ingredient list LEED v4 material transparency and optimization credits—“where de­ • Absence of PVC signers search for it most often: on Photo: Peter Mooney. License: CC BY-SA 2.0 • Cradle to Cradle certification resource library shelves.” At HKS, A truck transports a pre-fabricated housing unit. • Environmental product declaration this process involves a “labeling (EPD) champion” to fill out the boxes. polled. About 93% responded that they had used off-site components at • BuildingGreen Approved The firm is offering free downloads least somewhat in the past year, and of its mindful material labels • Pre- and post-consumer recycled 83% agreed that they plan on using for designers at hksinc.com/ content the strategy “more often or the same mindfulmaterials. • Place of manufacturing amount” over the next year. More on building product research HKS is already using the label in and transparency With all of the positive results, why several of its own offices, including isn’t prefabricated construction the norm? Although distance between the Dallas, Detroit, Chicago, and Take Control of Your Materials: Four place of production and the jobsite Indianapolis. Empowering Lessons from Teams remains a major issue, the construction That Beat the Red List and design culture itself was reported Finding Products for LEED v4: A as a bigger obstacle. “Late design Guide changes, lack of collaboration, and an adversarial climate for project delivery Product Watchdogs Pledge lead to difficulties in realizing the Standardized Ingredient Reporting benefits of off-site construction” reads Platform a survey summary.

Seventy-eight percent of respondents Off-Site Construction Can believed that the process required Cut Project Time 73% moderate to high degrees of stakeholder investment. The pressures of prefabrication However, participants reported encourage an integrative improved cooperation in the process. process and on-time project The survey concluded that “Increased delivery, though transportation integration and collaboration and culture remain issues. throughout the delivery process can By Alana Fichman result in higher quality and reduced changes throughout construction.” Although prefabrication completely changes the traditional construction More on prefabricated process, there hasn’t been a lot of hard components and green building data on its benefits. A new survey conducted by the National Institute Engineering a Wood Revolution of Building Science (NIBS) indicates that off-site construction can reduce Unity Homes: Pushing the Boundaries construction time and improve dead­ Project Frog Modular Green line performance enough to cut overall Classrooms construction phase time by 73.2%. For more information Participants across multiple disciplines—312 in total, Image: HKS Architects National Institute of Building Science including architects, engineers, The Mindful Materials label is a scannable format www.nibs.org for identifying products that meet a variety of contractors, construction managers, sustainability criteria. subcontractors, and developers—were

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 15 Health and Wellness Adoption Curve Green Real Estate Trusts Yield Higher Returns A high GRESB score could mark a good real estate stock or equity investment, according to researchers.

By Candace Pearson

The University of Cambridge is giving out some free investment advice: real estate investment trusts (REITS) with higher sustainability ratings perform better in the stock market, when adjusted for risk.

These publicly traded portfolios of large-scale properties typically offer high yields with long-term capital appreciation, but REITS that have pur­ Source: ASID report: 2015/16 Outlook and State-of-the-Industry sued energy efficiency and renewable Health and wellness was the #1 trend identified by the report, though residential designers reported energy systems do the best, according much higher adoption of these strategies to date than commercial designers. to the recent study, “The Financial Health and Wellness the top three trends for the industry. Rewards of Sustainability: A Global Trending Among Interior In 2015, 40% of interior design projects Performance Study of Real Estate included green elements that were Investment Trusts.” Designers either requested by the client or sug­ Using data from the 2014 GRESB gested by the designer. Residential survey (a system that scores real estate ASID’s Outlook Report designers reported higher adoption portfolios based on company-specific ranks health and wellness of wellness strategies than commer­ sustainability metrics), researchers first and sustainability third cial designers, while commercial found that for every 1% increase in in most-influential industry designers reported higher adoption of GRESB score, return on assets in­ trends. sustainability strategies—though both creased by roughly 1.3%, and return characterized energy optimization and By Candace Pearson on equity increased 3.4%. Researchers providing a connection to nature as expect the higher returns are a combi­ Energy efficiency is the new normal, close to being the “new normal.” nation of better cash flow due to oper­ designing for health and wellness ational savings and reduced risk from is on the uptake curve, and resilient Resilient design was also identified design is poised to make inroads, as a significant trend for the industry, according to the 2015/2016 Outlook including designing for social and State-of-the-Industry Report responsibility and adaptability, but from the American Society of Interior many residential designers reported Designers (ASID), which was released that more information is needed for at NeoCon 2015. adoption to take off. More about top design trends “The problems interior designers are tasked with solving are far more com­ plex than they’ve ever been before, Resilient Design: 7 Lessons from Early and design is becoming more inter­ Adopters disciplinary as a result,” concludes Green Design: What’s Love Got to Do the report. But with the industry now with It? fully recovered from the 2008 reces­ sion (annual sales now amount to $8.6 Building for People: Integrating Social billion), designers are positioned well Justice into Green Design for the challenge.

According to a survey of more than 200 practitioners, addressing wellness and sustainability are ranked among Image: Carbon War Room

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 16 the added transparency of conducting At the top of the MEP game the GRESB assessment. Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical The research also showed that most equipment (MEP), and related systems real estate companies have plenty like conveyances, have lagged in ma­ more room to capitalize on the returns terial transparency and optimization. of sustainability improvements: the There have been a couple reasons for median GRESB score in 2014 was only this: 58 out of 100. • The primary environmental More about green real estate consideration­ for building systems investments that consume energy should be efficiency, not embodied energy or Property Giant Ties Cities Investment toxicity (we make a case for that in Prospects to Resilience What Makes a Product Green?). Photo: ThyssenKrupp GBCI Acquires Sustainable Real Estate • These systems are so complex that ThyssenKrupp has a Bronze C2C Material Health Benchmark GRESB tracking the footprint of every certificate for all its standard elevator cabs. component along its supply chain New Index Could Bring New contradictory response on that from Investors to Green Building is a daunting task (see Take Control of Your Materials). Green Business Certification Inc., which has the final say.) • MEP systems have a high relative PRODUCT NEWS & REVIEWS cost, so programs like LEED have Lessons from early adoption of largely ignored them. If they were material health tools The Great Transparent included in the cost calculations As early adopters of three of the major for LEED’s materials credits, they Elevator: Disclosure on the material health programs on the could disproportionately affect the market, ThyssenKrupp provides some Rise for Conveying Systems outcome. perspective on their merits and limita­ ThyssenKrupp is documenting “A black box” tions—at least so far. Miller shared her its footprint and optimizing experience with these tools: ingredients for some of the ThyssenKrupp has C2C Material • Piloting the Health Product most complex and costly Health certificates at the Bronze level building systems: elevators. Declaration helped the company for all its standard cabs. These certifi­ discover how little it knew about By Paula Melton cations required the company to track its supply chain. Miller sees it as down the ingredients of 665 elevator a good first step, which led to the Most manufacturers of even the sim­ cab components—each one to 100 intensive supply-chain tracking plest of building products are not yet parts per million (ppm). that followed. on board with the rising demand for transparency. ThyssenKrupp Elevator “Elevators are this big, complex • ThyssenKrupp participates in the Americas, in contrast, began account­ thing,” explains Monica Miller, Declare program in order to qualify ing for embodied energy and life-cycle sustainable design manager at for LBC projects. Because the Red toxicity for several of its products ThyssenKrupp. “It’s a black box, and List for LBC is shorter and the years ago. no one knows how it works. But we entry-­level reporting threshold (at wanted to be transparent about our 100 ppm) is more stringent than Now the company is moving toward products.” with the HPD, “it starts to give releasing an environmental product a little bit of analysis, which we declaration (EPD) and has produced In addition, “we knew we weren’t go­ liked,” she notes (see our side- Health Product Declarations (HPDs) ing to be exempt forever,” says Miller, by-side comparison of HPD and and a Declare label. It recently became referring to programs like LEED. Declare). the first manufacturer to achieve MEP systems have also gotten a pass • C2C was the next logical step for certification through the new Cradle to in many Living Building Challenge the company, says Miller, and it Cradle (C2C) Material Health pro­ (LBC) projects because they have so allowed ThyssenKrupp to learn gram—a spin-off of full C2C certifica­ many components, but that is likely more about its supply chain. “We tion that looks exclusively at ingredi­ changing. One cab, the endura MRL, still needed a more in-depth look ent optimization (see Material Health is Red List compliant and therefore and needed a little help to get Tools Harmonize). pre-vetted for use in LBC projects. (Miller also claims that the elevator started with our suppliers. They cab components can qualify for LEED are not always excited about giving v4 credits, but BuildingGreen got a us 100 ppm information.”

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 17 of manufacturers who simply hung up on him. You could tell, he said, that the elevator maker was very serious about vetting and improving its products. Next up for ThyssenKrupp

The manufacturer is not resting on its laurels. Cradle to Cradle requires con­ stant improvement, so the company is already working on achieving the next level of certification. It is looking at removing formaldehyde altogether, which means replacing standard plywood flooring, particleboard walls, and other finishes.

Miller says the optimization process through C2C means that ThyssenKrup now will vet all materials before it tests for other types of performance— Image: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson namely, weight and fire ratings. ThyssenKrupp worked closely with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson in Pittsburgh to ensure the Frick Environmental Center elevator met stringent Living Building Challenge standards. “We need it down to 100 ppm before we can spend any money on R&D,” Like full C2C certification, the Material Working together she says. “Our biggest mission has Health Certificate allows suppliers been integrating sustainability into to disclose their information to the For the Frick Environmental Center, a product development and strategy— C2C assessor instead of directly to the 15,000 ft2 nature center currently un­ as opposed to letting R&D develop manufacturer or to the public. If the der construction in the largest public a product and hoping we can stick chemical is considered problematic park in Pittsburgh, ThyssenKrupp’s a sticker on it and get certification.” based on the C2C system, an assessor transparency and optimization efforts She adds, “It has changed the way we then works with the supplier to seek were much appreciated. think and do business.” alternatives. Also, at an assessor’s discretion, some toxic chemicals may “They worked very closely with us For more information not be considered problematic due to for the better part of a year-and-a- half,” recalls Patricia Culley of Bohlin low risk of exposure—a feature Miller ThyssenKrupp Cywinski Jackson. The manufacturer likes. thyssenkruppelevator.com hadn’t yet completed its Declare label It “sometimes makes people are at the time, so “they gave us a sheet unduly alarmed” when chemicals are of every possible component of every publicly disclosed, claims Miller. She elevator.” All-in-One Sheathing provided the example of trace toxic and Air Barrier Speeds metals, which she says are part of This resulted in a lot of back-and-forth Construction stainless steel, “but by the time it gets about whether certain components into a product, it’s benign.” The pres­ had to be part of the cab that would The Securock 430 ence of such ingredients is one reason end up in the Frick. Because of form­ system combines USG’s the company has not released its aldehyde in plywood and certain gypsum sheathing with a HPD to the public. The company also ceiling panels (added formaldehyde factory-applied air-and-water declined to release it to BuildingGreen, is prohibited in LBC) and because of barrier from Tremco for jobsite adding that it will share the document the weight of concrete (which would quality control. with “educated customers.” increase energy use), the project ended up with a mostly stainless steel cab By Brent Ehrlich ThyssenKrupp says it plans to pub­ that will likely have sheet flooring that licly release its new HPD once the matches other flooring in the building. Proper air-barrier installation requires more refined 2.0 version is available, careful application and attention to echoing sentiments BuildingGreen has “Thyssen was just one of thousands detail, and controlling the quality heard from other manufacturers. of phone calls we had to make,” adds of liquid membranes and sealants Robert Aumer Jr., AIA, senior asso­ applied to gypsum sheathing onsite ciate at the firm, who contrasted the can be particularly challenging. To company’s responsiveness with that simplify the process, USG and Tremco

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 18 have teamed up to offer the Securock 430 building envelope system.

Securock 430 takes USG’s fire- and mold-resistant Securock glass-mat-faced gypsum sheathing and factory coats it with with Tremco’s vapor-permeable ExoAir 230 air- and water-resistant-barrier. Add Tremco’s accessory sealants, and Securock 430 provides a one-stop, packaged building envelope system that should speed installation and provide several other performance and environmental benefits. A long-running performance partnership

USG and Tremco have been working Image: USG on the Securock 430 partnership for The Securock 430 system, seen in this rendering, uses a pre-installed Tremco air-and-water barrier to four years, according to Kurt Peterson, simplify installation. USG’s senior director of product development for building envelope is up. You hang, you detail, and you Improved performance, less solutions. “We made some minor move on.” The process makes weather liability modifications to the formula just for less of a factor and helps keep the job in-factory application, so we get a on schedule, the company claims. The use of a pre-applied, vapor-­ more uniform and consistent mem­ permeable air barrier also reduces brane surface,” he said, but otherwise Brian Stroik, corporate quality senior the risks associated with spraying on the products are the same as those manager for The Boldt Company, a air barriers in the field, according to currently on the market. large U.S. construction firm, concurs. Fiona Aldous, principal with Wiss He said he is seeing more fluid-­ Packaging the system is new, however, Janney Elstner Associates. “You get a applied barriers being installed (as consistent thickness of the air-­barrier and offers several advantages to opposed to self-adhered membranes) standalone products, including: membrane and are avoiding any these days, and “when we apply fluid issues you have with overspray or out in the field, you really have to • one-stop shopping, support, and contamination of adjacent surfaces,” watch the weather since most of those training for easier purchasing and she said. “There is no question of the materials require 24 hours [to cure] installation integrity of the bond, and it tends without rain.” You also have to check to improve the overall quality of the • faster installation and fewer thickness and perform adhesion tests air-barrier membrane.” construction delays caused by along the way, which can add steps weather, testing, and other factors and delays. Marcy Tyler, product manager for air barriers at Tremco, said the companies • tested and verified performance The companies claim that if the joints wanted to conduct performance test­ for the individual products and are sealed, the Securock 430 system ing that was documented and vetted system, giving confidence to can be left exposed to the weather for ahead of time. As part of the product architects and contractors up to six months, providing schedule development process, the materials flexibility. And though Securock 430 passed ASTM tests for adhesion and • lower toxicity and less waste on the is new to the market, Stroik postulates all other relevant criteria (third-party jobsite that by having the board and air testing information is available barrier up in one shot and using Speed is key here), and the company provides sealants instead of tapes on the joints architectural details as well as training (more on this later), it could cut days to ensure proper installation. “The product simplifies the off construction schedules and require installation in so many ways,” says fewer contractors. These installation details are critical Jean Wilcox, USG’s product manager since the weakness of a system like for building envelope solutions. “We this is typically the board-to-board have taken it from a two-step to a one- joints, claimed Aldous. Even when step process. She adds, “When you tapes are used, the screw heads and hang the panel, 80% of the air barrier

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 19 some other gaps are treated with USG’s Petersen claimed the panel source of elevated exposure for build­ sealants first. The Securock 430 system and accessories are “competitive” ing occupants, and there have been uses Tremco’s Dymonic 100 low-VOC with other products, and that they many efforts to reduce emissions from urethane sealant (additional Tremco add value from ease of installation, these products. sealants are used for other applica­ reduced weather impacts, and keeping tions) and takes care of the process the job on schedule. Why composite wood? The binders in one pass. “With their sealants used to make particleboard, medium-­ applied, it does seem to provide a The Securock panel is backed by a density fiberboard (MDF), and robust system once it is completed and five-year materials-only warranty decorative plywood often include detailed correctly,” she said. “They from USG and Tremco. Tremco’s formaldehyde. Here, the substance seem to be looking at it as a holistic accessory sealants are not warranted is responsible for crosslinking the integration with flashing, which is an as part of the system, but individual other chemicals in the adhesive to advantage.” Having all the flashing warranties can be requested. make it into a solid plastic. But when urea formaldehyde is used, this and sealing detailed is critical for For more information keeping air and moisture out of the crosslinking can actually be reversed, entire building envelope, including and formaldehyde can later offgas, Tremco openings and transitions. especially during periods of high heat tremcosealants.com or humidity. Environmental performance and cost USG There are three main ways that usg.com manufacturers reduce the risk of Often the performance and durability elevated emissions from composite of envelope components trump other wood: BACKPAGE PRIMER aspects of environmental impact, but • Favor binders that don’t Securock 430 has a few environmental rely on urea, called advantages compared with standard Is Particleboard Deadly? Formaldehyde Emissions no-added-urea-formaldehyde peel-and-stick and fluid-applied (NAUF) resins membranes. Explained • Choose binders that contain no • The system helps minimize jobsite Formaldehyde emissions from added formaldehyde, called NAF waste, since there are no tapes, composite wood products will resins sheet goods, or cans of fluid to be soon be strictly regulated in transported or disposed of. the U.S., but questions remain. • Use ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) binders that • USG’s Securock is made from By Paula Melton are proven through laboratory gypsum and contains no hazardous testing to emit very low levels of materials other than crystalline Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring formaldehyde silica­­, a natural component of and ubiquitous VOC—we even gypsum (which when inhaled can produce tiny amounts in our own Unfortunately, there are tradeoffs cause silicosis and other respira­ bodies—but exposure to higher-­than- with each of these solutions. Because tory problems, but exposure risk normal levels of formaldehyde can of that, various programs in the U.S., depends on how the gypsum is trigger dangerous reactions, including both regulatory and voluntary, apply handled). asthma. As an industrial chemical, these three strategies in different ways. the substance is known to cause • Although the acrylics in ExoAir nasopharyngeal cancer, though very • CARB—The State of California 230 and the polyurethane in rarely. Some studies have also found a began regulating formaldehyde Dymonic 100 can be respiratory correlation to occupational leukemia, emissions from composite wood sensitizers during application, but causal links aren’t established. products in 2007 and transi­ Exoair is factory applied, minimiz­ tioned to Phase 2 of its CARB ing worker exposure, and both of Background levels of formaldehyde (California Air Resources Board) these Tremco products are certified in developed areas tend to average standard in 2013. The program Greenguard Gold for low emis­ around 0.03 parts per million (it’s requires all interior composite sions—a standard usually applied higher with more vehicle exhaust), but wood products made or sold in to interior products. regulatory agencies around the world the state to meet certain emissions haven’t agreed about how much standards (different for each The Securock 430 system is made formaldehyde is too much. The lack product type), with ongoing up of premium products from both of consensus can make this a diffi­ spot testing and record­keeping USG and Tremco, so it won’t be cult substance to regulate. But we’ve required in the factory as well as cheap. The companies could not give known since the 1980s that composite quarterly third-party testing. The BuildingGreen the exact cost, but wood products can be a significant program includes incentives for

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 20 of many consumer products, including cleaners and cosmetics. More on formaldehyde in building products

New Concepts in LEED v4

Take Control of Your Materials

Knauf Introduces Ecose Biobased Photo: Rotor DB. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Binder How much formaldehyde is too much? No one can agree, but regulations are coming anyway. Columbia Forest Products Launches a Revolution in Plywood Adhesives choosing NAF resins (no ongoing testing required at all) and ULEF resins (less-frequent testing and oversight).

• EPA—The U.S. Congress in 2010 passed a national law based on CARB Phase 2 standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now finalizing the rules but has run into delays that appear to stem from chemical industry pushback. EPA has suggested that even ULEF binders made with urea formaldehyde may emit at elevated levels with high heat and humidity and is recommending that only NAUF binders that are also ULEF should be rewarded with reduced oversight.

• LEED—The LEED rating systems formerly included a simple credit encouraging the use of NAUF binders. This got more complicated in a 2013 addendum. In LEED v4, things are simpler again: the credit’s composite wood evaluation simply references CARB Phase 2.

• LBC—The Living Building Challenge (LBC) is the most stringent program, completely banning added formaldehyde in any building product. This is -controversial,­ however, because many formaldehyde alternatives are made with polyurethane, a major occupational hazard.

Composite wood is becoming less of a problem over time for indoor formaldehyde emissions due to regulatory action and industry vigilance. In contrast, formaldehyde is still a largely unregulated component

Environmental Building News • July 2015 p. 21