New Home Construction Green Building Guidelines

2005 Edition NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES

2005 Edition NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES Green Building in • Bay-Friendly Landscaping Guidelines and Alameda County Bay-Friendly Gardening Guide. Builders in Alameda County are encouraged to meet all Debris from construction, the Bay-Friendly Landscaping prerequisites and demolition and landscape incorporate additional practices to meet the projects comprises nearly minimum score required for a Bay-Friendly 30% of the materials Landscape. Refer to the Bay-Friendly Landscape disposed in Alameda County landfills. To reduce this Plan Review and Scorecard at www.BayFriendly.org. waste, Green Building in Alameda County has formed • US Green Building Council’s Leadership in a public/private partnership with the construction and Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) building industries. The program serves three target Green Building Rating System for commercial markets: cities and public agencies in Alameda and civic buildings. To learn more, visit County; design and building industry professionals; www.usgbc.org. and residents of Alameda County. The key components of Green Building in Alameda Bay-Friendly Landscaping County are: Bay-Friendly Landscaping is a whole • Guidelines systems approach to the design, • Technical Assistance and Grants construction and maintenance of the • Education landscape in order to support the • Partnerships S

E integrity of one of California's most

N • Policy Development I L

E magnificent ecosystems, the San

D • Case Studies and a Product Directory I

U Francisco Bay watershed. G

G Green Building in Alameda County endorses the use N I A well-designed and maintained Bay-Friendly Landscape D

L of the following: I

U can cost less to maintain in the long run by consuming B • Alameda County Residential Green Building N

E fewer resources. Bay-Friendly Landscapes embody E Guidelines (for New Home Construction, Home R

G community values for health, wildlife and the environ-

N Remodeling and Multifamily). This publication is O I

T ment, while providing benefits to the homeowners,

C the 2005 Edition of the Alameda County Green U

R such as lower water or garbage bills. T Building Guidelines for New Home Construction. For S N O

C guidelines for Home Remodeling and Multifamily, E

M the Builders’ Guide to Reuse and Recycling, and O H

W other resources, visit www.BuildGreenNow.org. E N

StopWaste.Org Disclaimer: GreenBuilding in Alameda County and Bay-Friendly Landscaping are programs of StopWaste.Org, which is the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board operating as one public agency. The information provided in these Guidelines should be considered by contractors, architects and other professionals, as well as owners, in the course of designing and constructing new or modified structures. These Guidelines are provided as a public service byGreenBuildinginAlamedaCounty, in conjunction with Build It Green, in an attempt to provide environmental benefits to the public. The Guidelines are not a substitute for the exercise of sound judgment in particular circumstances and are not intended as recommendations for particular products or processes. The Guidelines are also subject to Build It Green’s disclaimer on the following page. NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES t 2005 vice tractors December & in the g .or g g uction een.or een.or r eenNow of local facilities, vendors and ser y een building question? The Ask an Exper ector .BuildItG .BuildGr .BuildItGr dir oviders to help Alameda County builders, con oviders to help Alameda County builders, ervice providers that correspondervice providers that measures with the Design & Building Professionals section under Constr Demolition Recycling. hotline is a FREE service that provides homeowners hotline is a FREE service that provides technical and building professionals with unbiased, information for their green project. Call today! 888-40-GREEN (888-404-7336) or www Have a gr Builders’ Guide to Reuse and Recycling A RESOURCES Materials Database products, local suppliers and Locate green building s guidelines. The databaselisted in the green building is based on the local availability continuously updated of new materials.of products and development It is names, product categories, searchable by product and green building measures. Available at www Ask an Expert pr and residents reuse and recycle construction and demolition materials. at Available www - 100% post-consumer recycled paper using soy-based inks. or oduct, mation to egulations Printing: disclaimed, and the e g: oaches beyond the ograms Berkeley, CA Berkeley, , applying any of this infor een.or not limited to, laws and r e e Indoor Air Package, LEED-H, ® ess or implied, ar oduct or material associated with this infor .BuildItGr intended use, specific attributes of that use, and the ofessional befor ranties, expr for any pr ongly encouraged to consult with a building, pr mation for a given use depends on various factors specific to mation about new practices and materials mation about new practices and materials Celery Design Collaborative een Points calculator measures described in the Guidelines with other residential initiatives Cross-referencing (e.g. ENERGY STAR in conjunction with other pr CA Green Builder and the NAHB Guidelines) corrections that are identified after publication Gr Innovation checklist for appr List of references for all Guidelines measures Infor specific use or purpose. violation of copyright, trademark and other laws. bout Build It Green bout Build rganization whose mission is to promote healthy, rganization whose mission esources at www eader is str Design: and/or design pr a Nothing in these Guidelines constitutes an endorsement, approval, or recommendation of any kind by any persons or organizations affiliated with developing these Guidelines. The suitability and applicability of this infor that use. These include, but ar Disclaimer education and These Guidelines are provided exclusively for general It Green, a informational purposes and as a public service of Build California non-profit corporation registered under Section 501(c)(3) of these view to you the Internal Revenue Code. Built It Green authorizes Guidelines for your use and to copy any part of them as-is. In exchange agreeyou (i) authorization: this for not to alter, sell or publish the Guidelines in any way without first receiving written permission from Build It Green; and (ii) you waive, release and covenant not to sue Build It Green and all others affiliated with developing these Guidelines liability, any from and actions, both known and unknown, for claims any losses, damage or equitable relief you may now have a right to assert or later acquire, arising from such use or reliance on the Guidelines. and Unauthorized use of these Guidelines is prohibited a applicable to the specifications • • Build It Green is a professional non-profit membership Build It Green is a professional o resource-efficient buildings in durable, energy- and by a solid foundation of outreach California. Supported It Green connects consumers and and education, Build with the tools and technical building professionals build quality green homes. Build expertise they need to with key stakeholder It Green fosters collaboration the adoption of green building groups to accelerate and programs. standards, policies, for educational In addition to providing these Guidelines companion purposes, Build It Green offers the following r A •that explain how to use the Guidelines Addendums • mation. All war r • • 4 NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES • following reasons: T Foreword of Brothers, providedinputanddirectioninthedevelopment Homes,andTollSignature Properties,Silverwood Ponderosa Homes,PulteShea Homes, builders, includingCentexHomes,Greenbriar Alameda County gr process andpublic-privatepartnershipamongbuilders, wer Home ConstructionGreenBuildingGuidelines,which These guidelinesarebasedontheAlamedaCountyNew following steps: thr The NewHomeConstructionGuidelinesweredeveloped Guidelines DevelopmentPr To offerasetofguidelinesdevelopedbyan • To integratevaryingresidentialinitiativesinorderto • To establishregionalconsistencyingreenbuilding • To createapolicyfoundationforlocalgovernments • To presentarangeofvoluntarymeasuresfor • hese residentialGuidelinesweredevelopedforthe een buildingexperts,andlocalgovernmentstaffin i tool forcitystaff,buildersandhomeownersinterested To providelocalgovernmentswithaneducational independent, third-partysource. achieve greatersimplicityandlocalapplicability guidelines toincreasepredictabilityforbuilders interested inimplementingagreenbuildingprogram home inCalifornia builders tochoosefromwhenconstructingagreen n the originalGuidelines. ough acollaborativeprocessthatincludedthe e green residentialconstruction first developedin2000throughacollaborative . Representatives frommajorproduction ocess green measuresaredeveloped. Cycle Assessmentbecomemor becomes available,measurementtoolssuchasLife additional technicalandquantitativeinformation be alivingdocument,andwillr of theseGuidelines.TheGuidelinesar thir Publicly availableinformation,scientificdata,and Non-Profit Network,andSuppliersCouncil. including thePublicAgencyCouncil,Builders pr California—expanded andfacilitatedthestakeholder whose missionistopromotegreenbuildingin Build ItGr input intheupdateoftheseGuidelines. Resources Board,providedtechnicalexpertiseand Department ofWater Air Resources,andCalifornia Architect, DepartmentofGeneralServices, Health HazardAssessment,OfficeoftheState California EnergyCommission,OfficeofEnvironmental California IntegratedWaste ManagementBoard, (GREAT), ataskforceofstateagenciesincludingthe The GreenResidentialEnvironmentalActionTeam Homes checklist. Builders guidelines,andthepilotdraftLEEDfor Builder program,NationalAssociationofHome green buildinginitiativessuchastheCaliforniaGreen Title 24,andincorporatemeasuresfromotherresidential applicability throughoutCalifornia,addresschangesin T he Guidelineswereupdatedin2005toexpandits ocess toincludeinputfromitsvariouscouncils, d-party standards were referenced inthedevelopment d-party standardswerereferenced een—a pr ofessional non-pr e accessible, andnew egularly updatedas ofit or e intended to ganization NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 5 yville orking W s ts, City of Sacramento een een USA edinnick, City of Santa Rosa r eg Reitz, City of Santa Monica Healthy Building Network Initiative Group David Johnston, What’ Build It Gr Global Gr Keith Rober Peter Schultze-Allen, City of Emer Alameda County Donner Public Truckee Scott Terrell, Utility District Dell T Community Development Gr Rosalind Rondash, City of Pleasanton • • San Luis Obispo County Green Building • Group Santa Cruz Green Building Working OTHERS • • Working Marc Richmond, What’s • Sullens, KEMA Wes • Jennifer Roberts, Editor • Rosen, Black & Dean Donald Simon, Wendel, NON-PROFIT AND COMMUNITY GROUPS • • • • City of Berkeley Billi Romain, • • •City of Dublin Gregory Shreeve, • Green Building in Sommer, Wendy • • PUBLIC AGENCIES • RecycleWorks Jill Boone, County of San Mateo • Peter Bruck, City of Rohnert Park • City of San Jose Michael Foster, • Alec Hoffmann, County of Marin •San Francisco Laura Ingall, City and County of • County Karen Kho, Green Building in Alameda • City of Union City Glenn Kirby, • City of Pasadena Mauricio Mejia, • Costa County Kae Ono, Contra • City of Palo Alto Annette Puskarich, • nia EPA, Office of nia EPA, d Shea Homes , Lam, Califor vation Council d onmental Health Hazard Assessment Christopherson Homes Jeff Jacobs, Centex Homes Dave Kay Management Boar Health Services Conser Management Board Cynthia Havstad, Bay-Friendly Landscaping Board Peggy Jenkins, California Air Resources Richar Quality Association Envir Works Agency Works Troy Bevilacqua, Christopherson Homes Troy cknowledgments Front cover photo courtesy of Christopherson Homes. Back cover photos courtesy of East Bay Habitat for Humanity, Bruce Hammond, Humanity, Front cover photo courtesy of Christopherson Homes. Back cover photos courtesy of East Bay Habitat for and Michael Johnston,Victoria Leger Wanaselja Architecture, and Ponderosa Homes. • Ponderosa Homes Pamela Hardy, • Stephen Holmes, Brookfield Homes • • BUILDERS • Don Babbitt, Heartwood Communities • • Amy Christopherson Bolten, • Eade, Bay-Friendly Landscaping Teresa • • California Integrated Waste Clark Williams, IAQ/HEALTH • • • California Department of Jed Waldman, • Consulting Dan Cloak Environmental • Urban Water California John Koeller, • District Metropolitan Water Carlos Michelon, RESOURCES • California Integrated Waste Gregory Dick, • California Stormwater Geoff Brousseau, ENERGY EFFICIENCY • Associates Douglas Beaman, Douglas Beaman • Commission Elaine Hebert, California Energy • Commission Randel Reidel, California Energy • Davis Energy Group David Springer, MANAGEMENT STORMWATER EFFICIENCY & WATER •Public Diamera Bach, Alameda County Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations for contributing to the development of these guidelines: for contributing to the development of these following individuals and organizations Special thanks to the A Table of Contents

1. OVERVIEW OF GREEN BUILDING 7 Introduction 8 Fundamental Objectives of Green Building 9 The House as a System 12 Cost Considerations 13

2. HOW TO START BUILDING GREEN 14 What’s Inside the Guidelines 16

3. GREEN POINTS 17

4. GREEN BUILDING MEASURES 22 Community Design and Planning 23 A. Site 25 B. Landscaping 27 C. Foundation 32 D. Structural Frame and Building Envelope 33 E. Exterior Finish 37 F. Plumbing 38 G. Appliances 39 H. Insulation 40 I. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) 41 J. Building Performance 45 K. Renewable Energy 47 L. Finishes 49 M. Flooring 52 N. Other 54

5. MARKETING GREEN HOMES 55 Chapter One: Overview of Green Building O V E R V I E W O F G R E E N B U I L D I N “As our population along the coast increases, our resources are decreasing G and it is only responsible to build homes that use less water and energy if the technology is available and cost-effective.”

—Amy Christopherson Bolten, Christopherson Homes

Overarching Principles of Green Building

Build for the long-term 1 Build durable homes & livable communities.

Build for our children 2 Make their homes, communities & environment safe.

Build for the planet 3 Use natural resources wisely.

7 8 NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES OVERVIEW OF GREEN BUILDING homebuilders, homeownersandcommunities. discover intheseGuidelines,greenbuildingprovidesmyriadbenefitstoCalifornia’s you’ll As construction, energyefficiency, goodindoorairqualityandlivableneighborhoods. quality are embracing“greenbuilding.”Thisholisticapproachtohomebuildingemphasizes costs anddwindlingnaturalresources,anincreasingnumberofCaliforniahomebuilders In responsetogrowingconcernsaboutbuildingquality, health,qualityoflife,energy Introduction makers andhomeownersagr builders, developers,realestateprofessionals,policy- today, Increasingly, isitreallyworththeextraeffort? With we’reallunder thebudgetandtime pressures and pr that people,communitiesandecosystemscanthrive resources andimprovingthebuiltenvironmentso people’s health.Italsoinvolvesprotectingnatural will lastlonger, costlesstooperate,andwon’tharm today construction practicessothatthehomeswebuild Green buildingmeansimprovingourdesignand Does greenbuildingreallymatter? ef r may findthemselvesatacompetitivedisadvantageas professionals whofollow“buildingasusual”practices business. Developers,buildersandotherrealestate efficient andlesspolluting. resource built environmentsthatarehealthier, more egulator for t. Betterhomes,ittur osper y andmarketforcesshifttheindustrytoward . ns out,ar ee thatitiswor e alsobetterfor th the of Californianstodayandfordecadestocome. tosafeguardthewell-beingandprosperity are helping water andother durable, healthyhomesthatconsumelessenergy, while minimizingenvironmentalimpacts.Bybuilding Green buildingofferssolutionstomeetingthosedemands r our waterandenergysupplies,forests,farmlands, Imagine thedemandsthatallthosehomeswillputon homes overthenext15years. million 3.3 That’s units needtobeaddedannually. between nowand2020,appr growth for goodreason.To meetexpectedpopulation and Green buildingisgainingmomentuminCalifornia, ecr eational areas,roadwaysandmunicipalinfrastructure. r esources, today’s greenhomebuilders oximately 220,000 housing oximately OVERVIEW OF GREEN BUILDING NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 9 . fective, elated gy-r ess ener ith homes accounting for . Homes built and landscaped to e-feet of applied water annually esh water ficiency appliances and landscape water Use energy wisely to the most New houses in California must be built but given the stringent energy code in the country, projected population growth, evenstate’s be this may not enough to keep demand for energy in check. Generation major are energy of use and contributors to air pollution and global climate change. W roughly 31% of the electricity consumed in the state, clear is it that homebuilders have a significant role to play in helping our society addr concerns now and in the coming decades. often exceed conventional materials. For example, often exceed conventional materials. For mixeddecking materials made of recycled plastic with longer than wood waste fibers can last up to five times or painted. wood decking, and never needs to be treated is another critical resource. California residences Water use 5.6 million acr Our prosperity and ability to meet the needs of our Our prosperity and ability to meet the supplies growing population hinge on having adequate of clean, fr use water wisely make a tremendous contribution to use water wisely make a tremendous contribution protecting our shared resources. An added benefit is builders can Today’s lower expenses for the homeowner. take advantage of a new generation of cost-ef high ef management systems. oduces ranties, ces. For esour owth forests. oducts put waste to niques can substantially otect natural r otect old-gr tified by the Forest Stewardship average 2,000-sq. ft. house pr ces, as well as provide benefits such as oofing materials with 40- or 50-year war esour oducts cer 7,000 pounds of waste.

4. Plan for livable communities 3. Improve indoor air quality 3. Improve indoor 2. Use energy wisely 1. Conserve natural resources 1. Conserve natural e are many effective building strategies that conserve

eclaimed lumber and other pr Conserve natural resources operation Conventional building construction and fossil metals, consumes large quantities of wood, water, thoughfuels and other natural resources. Even the majority of the materials used toput are home a build to good use, vast quantities of resources are wasted. In fact, building an and specifying recycled-content products that divert waste from landfills. Recycled-content decking, r cost savings. These include using durable products such as r of four fundamental objectives: of four fundamental good use, while providing quality and durability that of green building as quality design and construction achieved through the convergence as quality design and construction of green building sense. To move forwardproject, it is helpful to think greening your construction with sense. To Council can help pr Ther natural r There’s nothing mysterious about green building—it’s really just applied common just applied really green building—it’s about nothing mysterious There’s Fundamental Objectives of Green Building of Green Objectives Fundamental about management Much of this waste is avoidable. Careful difference.of the construction process makes a big There are also many well-established homebuilding practices that help pr example, advanced framing tech reduce lumber requirements without compromising Using engineered lumber and structural integrity. wood pr Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of every green fiberboard. These pressed-wood products are typically G

N home. Improving energy efficiency and using renewable made with adhesives that release urea formaldehyde— I D L I energy sources are effective ways to reduce the potential a known human carcinogen—into the home for years U B

N of energy supply interruptions, improve air quality, after installation. Also, many paints, floor finishes, E E

R reduce the impacts of global warming, and slow the adhesives and sealants emit unhealthy volatile organic G

O rate at which we need to build new power plants. compounds (VOCs). That “new house smell” is a

W E I telltale sign that there are harmful chemicals in the V Energy efficiency also makes good sense for home- R E

V indoor environment.

O owners: an energy-efficient house saves money by reducing utility bills year after year, and provides Fortunately, the building products industry is responding other valuable benefits. Better insulation, for example, to these indoor pollution problems by developing safer reduces uncomfortable drafts, and double-pane windows products, including low-VOC paints, cleaners and make for a quieter home. adhesives. These products are now commonly available from most major suppliers at costs comparable to Improve indoor air quality conventional products. California also now has specifications available for some materials to assure On average, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, that they are low emitting and safe. yet the air in new homes can be ten times more polluted Poor indoor air quality is also often caused by biological than outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental contaminants, such as mold that grows as a result of Protection Agency. Children are particularly vulnerable moisture infiltration due to inadequate ventilation, when it comes to air pollution. A report in the New

S poor design and maintenance, and other factors. Dust, E

N England Journal of Medicine states that 40% of I

L another major source of air pollution inside homes, E

D children will develop respiratory disease, in part due I

U can be reduced by installing permanent front door G

to the chemicals in their homes. G

N walk-off mats and by using hard surface flooring I D

L A common source of indoor air pollution is the off- I materials such as natural linoleum, bamboo, wood or U B

gassing of chemicals found in many building materials.

N wood alternatives, or concrete. E

E Kitchen cabinets, countertops, shelving and furniture R G

N may be made from particleboard or medium density O I T C U R T S N O C

E M O H

W E N

Pleasant Hill CoHousing Common House, Pleasant Hill, CA.

10 Plan for livable communities views and natural habitats. Pedestrian- and bicycle- O V

friendly neighborhoods provide people with opportunities E R V

California’s homebuilders and homebuyers are making I to exercise and get to know their neighbors. Higher E W

decisions today that will affect the quality of our lives O

density urban infill developments allow people to F

G for decades to come. New construction, whether of a live closer to where they work, shop and go to R E E single home or a large development, contributes to the N

school, which means less time spent driving and B U

state’s economic vitality and helps meet our pressing I more time for family, community and personal activities. L D I need for more housing. At the same time, every new N Clearly, green building cannot solve all the social, G home places additional demands on our supplies of economic or environmental challenges facing land, water and energy, and on our infrastructure of California’s communities. Still, green building roads, sewers and other services. gives homebuilders a valuable set of strategies for Green building offers homebuilders, community leaders meeting residents’ expectations for livable, healthy, and California residents sensible solutions that improve sustainable communities. an individual home’s performance and provide broad- based community benefits. These benefits range from cleaner air to reduced traffic congestion, from Centex Homes, PowerSave Plus home at Lunaria in more appealing recreational opportunities to greater Windemere, San Ramon. economic vitality. For local municipalities, green building can provide many economic benefits. Developments designed to N E W

reduce dependence on cars help ease traffic congestion, H O M

which can improve business productivity. Mixed-use E

C O

developments encourage economic vitality and a N S T diversified municipal tax base. Infill projects help R U C T

revitalize older urban areas and allow public funds I O N

to be used for upgrading existing services such as G R E schools, transit and sewers, rather than diverting limited E N

B funds to the development of new services. U I L D I For California residents, developments designed to N G

cluster homes help preserve open space for recreation, U I D E L I N E S

11 12

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES OVERVIEW OF GREEN BUILDING appr into theirpracticesaspar Ideally vital concer safety, affordability, durability, profitabilityandother improvements inoneareawon’tjeopardizehealth, analysis, andtestingverificationtoensur approach. Itemphasizesstrategicplanning,systems across thenationarenowsuccessfullyusingthis Building Americapr agencies suchastheU.S.Depar r approach. Incollaborationwithbuilding-science to homebuilding,calledthewhole-housesystems what grewoutofthisexperiencewasanewapproach uncomfortable housesthatwastedenergy. Instead, The solutionwasnottoreturnthedaysofleaky, to moisturetrappedwithinthestructure. to inadequateventilationorproblemswithmolddue results, suchasincreasedindoorairpollutiondue and coolingcostsbutsometimeshadunintended Tightly sealingthethermalenvelopereducedheating houses inthe1970sresponsetorisingenergycosts. reminded ofthiswhentheybeganbuildingtighter create arippleofeffectsinotherareas.Builderswere components. Changingoneaspectofthissystemcan A The HouseasaSystem also lowerthe owner and coolingsystems.Properly sizedHVAC systems use ofsignificantlysmaller—and lesscostly—heating low-e windows.Theseimpr energy losses,increasinginsulation, andchoosing air leakage,designingandlocating ductworktominimize decrease heatingandcoolingloads,suchasbyreducing opportunities toimprovethethermalenvelopeand and callitaday. Instead,thebuilderwilllook for select amor the performanceofwholehousewillnotmerely For example,agreenbuilderconcernedwithimproving and howtheoccupantswillusehouse. structures; aesthetics;healthandsafetyrequirements; site’ electrical systems;renewableenergythe thermal envelope;heating,cooling,waterheatingand action ofmanyfactors:thebuilding’s and structure greater comfort. esearchers, home-buildingassociationsandgovernment houseisanintricatesystemmadeupofinterdependent s climate,topography oach. Thisr , homebuildersshouldincorporategreenbuilding ns. e ener equir gy-ef ogram, manyhomebuilders ’ es takingintoaccounttheinter s ener ficient heatingandcoolingsystem , landscapingandsurrounding t ofthiswhole-housesystems ovements mayallowthe gy costsandpr tment ofEner ovide e that gy’ s - • • Goodcommunicationamongtheentire team, • • • • This involves: design andconstructionprocessbehighlyintegrated. The whole-housesystemsapproachrequiresthatthe use andlaborcosts. What’s more,the2x6framingtechniquereduceswood allow thedownsizingofheatingandcoolingequipment. improves comfort.Also,asmentionedabove,itmay insulation savesheatingandcoolingenergy conventional 2x4studsspacedat16inches.Increased at 24inchesallowsincreasedinsulationcomparedto For example,framingthehomewith2x6studsspaced part ofawhole-houseapproachyieldmultiplebenefits. the costofconstruction.Usuallydecisionsmadeas houses byasmuch40%withlittleornoeffecton approach canreducetheenergyconsumptionofnew A health andcomfor but cansignificantlyreduceenergy needs,improve takestimeandcare, Improving buildingperformance a whole-housesystemsappr It’s nocoincidencethatgreenhomesdesignedwith www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america. the whole-housesystemsapproachontheirwebsite, Building Americaprovidesdetailedinformationabout ccording toBuildingAmerica,awhole-housesystems constr Adequate trainingandsupervisiontoensurequality tion process. activities throughouttheentiredesignandconstruc- Pr builders, tradecontractors,andmaterialsuppliers. including thedevelopers,ar including theprinciplesofair, heatandmoistureflow. Understanding ofbuildingscienceprinciples, outset ofdesignthroughallthephasesconstruction. impr constr T Car esting andverifyingperformanceduringafter oper sequencingofdecision-makingandbuilding eful planningandattentiontodetailfr ove futur uction. uction, andestablishingafeedbackloopto e designsbasedonthetestingresults. t, andreducebuilderrisk cost. oach ar chitects, engineers, e betterhomes. om the Cost Considerations

There are many reasons to build green. These include How green building can reduce costs O V concern for the environment, desire for higher quality E R V

While the health and environmental benefits of I buildings, health considerations and interest in creating E W

green building are well established, many people O

an environmentally friendly image for your business. F

Although some individual green building strategies still assume that green building costs more. But taking R E E

a whole-house systems approach to green building, N may cost more, the benefits of adopting a green B U

as described on the previous page, can actually I approach to homebuilding are remarkable. L D I reduce construction and operating costs compared to N G Balancing costs and benefits standard practice. This integrated approach to green building can help steer the design away from expensive These Guidelines recommend methods and materials solutions and toward cost-effective ones. that range in cost—some of them cost no more or During schematic design, for example, the team even less than conventional options. In fact, when a might consider strategies such as simplifying a building’s home is designed from the outset to be green, it wall structure by changing the wall articulation to need not cost more than a conventionally built home. a flat wall with bolted-on overhangs and thick trim. While not all measures recommended in these Such a change can often save money and materials, Guidelines will be applicable to your project, the but would be costly to do once construction documents measures included are relevant and reasonable for were underway. residential developments built today. To give another example, a design team that takes a Some of the recommended measures do cost more whole-house systems approach might recommend N E initially, but this additional cost needs to be evaluated W

increasing the exterior wall thickness to accommo- H O in the context of the longer-term benefits provided: M

date more insulation, which could result in reducing E

utility cost savings, better indoor air quality for O

the size and cost of the heating system. N S residents, healthier jobsites for workers, and longer T R

The key to reducing costs is to evaluate opportunities U building life. When considering green building measures, C T I as early as possible in the design process because O it is very important to balance upfront design, product N

the range of cost-effective solutions narrows as the R and construction costs with these other E E

design progresses. Consider framing techniques. N

significant benefits. B U

During schematic design, the design team might I L D I decide to incorporate advanced framing techniques. N G

These techniques, as described in the Guidelines, U I D E

reduce wood and construction costs while maintaining L I N

structural integrity and meeting building code. But if E S framing changes aren’t considered until much later in the design or construction process, significant cost- and resource-saving opportunities may be missed. Green building is pushing the design and construction industry to do things that may be new, such as taking a whole-house systems approach to design and construction. Learning new practices sometimes involves an initial outlay of time and money. But green buildings are more than just buildings. They are the end result of a collaboration between people on all levels of design and construction who are committed to improving on past practices and Sample utility bill for a zero net energy home. improving homes for today and the future.

13 14

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES HOW TO START BUILDING GREEN —Dennis Swickard, Ponderosa—Dennis Swickard, Homes “Ponderosa Homesbelievesgreenhomesarekindertotheenvironmentand for higherlevelsofbuildingperformance. who arenewtogreenconstructionaswellthoseaiming green buildingpracticesthatcanbeimplementedbypeople TheGuidelinesprovidearangeof project inCalifornia. owners planningtoconstructasingle-familyresidential These Guidelinesarefordevelopers,buildersandhome- How toStartBuildingGreen Chapter Two: lower utilitybills,higherresalevaluesandreducedmaintenance. provide substantialeconomicandcomfor t benefits.Homeownerscanexpect ” How to Start Building Green

For building professionals, building green involves No matter where you are on the green building new ways of thinking about common building practices. spectrum—from novice to expert—you will find Generally, it is best to build from your existing market resources, design ideas, and real-world advice that base, adding green features as the market evolves and you can put to use today. H O matures. If you start gradually, you are less likely to W

If you are new to green building, you can start taking T O

make expensive mistakes. It is critical to carefully S

steps right away toward creating healthier and more T A consider the changes you make and the additional R energy- and resource-efficient homes. Inside these T B costs you might incur. The earlier you start integrating U I

Guidelines, you’ll find many strategies that are easy to L D I green strategies into your building process, the less it N

implement and add virtually no cost. G may cost you and the consumer in the long run. G R

As your team’s experience with green building grows, E E Local governments can facilitate green building by you’ll likely find yourselves scaling up to even healthier N providing educational opportunities and considering and more effective design and construction practices. incentives for better quality construction. Builders The Green Points checklist described in Chapter value incentives that save them time in the development Three provides a very convenient way for you to track process or allow them to differentiate their homes in green features in a particular project, as well as the marketplace. Incentives can include streamlined or benchmark your progress over time as you and your expedited permitting, offering community recognition company gain experience with green building. or partnering with organizations that offer consumer If you are experienced with building green homes, marketing programs. some of the approaches and practices recommended N E

here may already be part of your daily practice. In that W

Taking steps toward building green H O

case, these Guidelines will help you employ more M E

advanced green-building strategies that will reinforce C

The measures in these Guidelines range from basic, O N

your organization’s leadership position. S common sense recommendations such as venting T R U bathroom fans to the outside, to more sophisticated C T I O strategies such as installing renewable energy systems. N

G R E E N

B U I L D I N G

G U I D E L I N E S

15 16

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES HOW TO START BUILDING GREEN accessible topeopleofallphysicalabilities. and communitysafety;makehomesmore space; pr This sectionincludestrategiestohelppr may notbeinthedeveloper’s orbuilder’s control. not par Community DesignandPlanning.Thesemeasur The sectionsarebrieflysummarizedhere: Green Points. for educationalpurposesandarenotlistedin required byCaliforniaorlocalcodes.Theyareincluded Basics.” Thesearegreenbuildingpracticesthat The Guidelinesincludeafewsidebarstitled“Building planned forholisticallypriortodesigningahome. it’s and essentialthateachmeasurebeconsidered various pointsofaconstructionproject.However, green buildingmeasurescanbeincorporatedat This organizationwillhelpyouunderstandwhich corresponding tothevariousstagesofconstruction. Chapter 4.Themeasuresaregroupedintosections Points checklist(Chapter3)anddescribedindetail T What’s InsidetheGuidelines .ExteriorFinish. E. D. Foundation. C. Landscaping. B. A. Site. he measuresintheseGuidelinesarelistedtheGreen and otherresourcesmoreefficiently. prevent pollutionofair, soilandwaterways. will r floors androof.Followingtheserecommendations building’ r This sectionincludessuggestionsforincorporating to makethebuildingsgreenfromgroundup. damage, fire,and generalwear-and-tear. decades andhelpprotectthe home frommoisture and deckingmaterialsthatwill holdupwellfor and reduceexcessiveoutdoorlighting. pr keep pollutantsoutofwater managing theconstr disr Str radon-mitigation measur shallow foundationsincoldclimates,andinstalling ecycled flyashinconcr omote healthysoils,cr uctural Frame. uptions tothebuildingsite,r t oftheGr esult inmor Site measuresincluderecommendationsfor omote socialinteraction,physicalactivity s str New-home buildershavetheopportunity uctural frame,includingthewalls, These measuresofferstrategiesto This sectionfocusesonsiding, roofing een Pointschecklistbecausethey e durablebuildingsthat These measur uction pr ete, usingfrost-protected es whereappropriate. eate fire-safelandscaping, ways, r ocess tominimize es addr educe waste,and educe wateruse, eserve open ess the use ener es ar gy e .Insulation. H. Appliances. G. F .Other. N. Flooring. M. L. RenewableEnergy. K. J. Heating,Ventilation andAirConditioning. I. Plumbing. . attractive, long-lastingandenvir a widerangeoffinishflooringmaterialsthatare water-efficient toilets. runs, insulatinghotwaterpipesandinstalling by designingtheplumbingsystemtoreducehot-water builders andhomeownerscansavewaterenergy electricity fr costs, andphotovoltaicsystemsthatgenerate hot watersystemsthatr aeil forinteriorfinishes. materials measur available.Other perform wellandarereadily for paints,trim,cabinetsandcountertopsthat measur noxious chemicalsintothehome.Mostof including particleboard,paintsandsealants,offgas state’ high per effective recommendationsfordesigningandbuilding minimum federalefficiencystandards. clothes washers,andrefrigeratorsthatexceed This sectionrecommendschoosingdishwashers, can significantlycutahome’s energyandwateruse. Finishes. Building Per indoorairquality. provide better ductworkandventilation Effective comfortable. and coolingequipmenttendtobemore heating envir benefits: ener measur and lowornoformaldehydeemissions. use ofinsulationproductswithrecycledcontent proper insulationinstallationtechniques,andthe described intheseGuidelines. to gr een buildingthatgobeyondthe basicmeasur onmental quality s buildingener This sectionencouragesinnovative approaches es pr es inthissectiondescribehealthieroptions es providetwomain,andcomplementary, for This sectionprovidesrecommendationsfor Many conventionalinteriormaterials, T The measuresinthissectionencourage mance homesthatmeetorexceedthe omote envir his sectionaddresseswaysinwhich formance. High efficiencyresidentialappliances om sunlight. gy ef ficiency and better indoor indoor ficiency andbetter These measuresdescribesolar gy ef . Houseswithhigh-ef This sectionpr onmentally pr educe waterheatingener ficiency standar onmentally friendly. eferable ovides cost- These ds. ficiency gy es NEW HOME GREEN POINTS NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 17

Checklist provides a meaningful way to gauge our progress.” Checklist provides a meaningful way to gauge our progress.” practices in all our Northern California neighborhoods. The Green Points best practices as well as new products and technologies. best practices as well as new In the future, the checklist may be adjusted to reflect currentIn the future, the checklist may and the environment, as well as its ease of implementation. and the environment, as well as Green Points value based on its benefits to the homeowners Points value based on its Green building officials. Each green measure has been assigned a building officials. Each green measure with the cooperation of local builders, city planners and with the cooperation of local friendly or green a home is. Green Points was developed a home is. Green Points was friendly or green and municipalities a tool to assess how environmentally and municipalities The Green Points checklist offers builders, homeowners checklist offers builders, The Green Points

New Home Green Points Home New Chapter Three: Chapter

—Jeff Jacobs, Centex Homes “Centex Homes continues to pursue sustainable building methods and “Centex Homes continues to 18

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES NEW HOME GREEN POINTS 1 and meetsthefollowingminimumpointspercategory: can beconsideredgreenifitearns50pointsormore, green featuresincorporatedintothehome.Ahome T New HomeGreenPoints . s ao eitn osrcin(nA-ikLctosOl)1 3 1 UseRadon ResistantConstruction(InAt-Risk LocationsOnly) 3. UseFrost-ProtectedShallowFoundationinColdAreas(Climate Zone16) 2. 1. ReduceLightPollutionfromSiteLightingbyShieldingFixturesand/or 10. UseSalvagedorRecycled-Content MaterialsforNon-PlantLandscapeElements 9. 1 MulchAllPlantingBeds togreaterof2”orLocalWater Ordinance 8. Apply2inchesCompostinto theTop 6to12inchesofSoil 7. InstallHigh-EfficiencyIrrigation Systems 6. ImplementHydrozoning:GroupPlantsbyWater Needs 5. 4. 3 MinimizeTurf AreasinLandscapeInstalledbyBuilder 3. UseFireSafeLandscapingTechniques 2. ConstructResource-EfficientLandscapes 1. UseRecycledContentAggregate(Minimum25%) 4. RecycleJobSiteConstructionWaste (IncludingGreenWaste) 3. DeconstructInsteadofDemolishingExistingBuildingsOnSite 2. A. Site B. Landscaping C. Foundation POINTS PERCATEGORY . Protect Native Soil and Minimize Disruption ofExistingPlants&Trees ProtectNativeSoilandMinimizeDisruption . he GreenPointschecklistisbasedonthevarious c d. Turf is<10%ofLandscapedArea(total4pts) .LmtadDlnaeCntuto otrn o aiu rtcin1 b. LimitandDelineateConstructionFootprintforMaximumProtection a ietn ih onad1 1 1 b. 25%Flyash(total2points) a. 20%Flyash(total1points) Incorporate RecycledFlyashinConcrete 2 Directing LightDownward (50% ofelementsuse50%ormorerecycled/salvagedmaterial) b. SystemHasSmar a. SystemUsesOnlyLow-FlowDrip,Bubblers,orLow-flowSprinklers Plant ShadeTrees c. T b. T Pre a. AllTurf Will HaveaWater RequirementLessthanorEqualtoTall Fescue c. 75%ofPlantsar b. NoSpeciesWill Require Shearing a. NoInvasiveSpecieslistedbyCal-IPCarePlanted b. RoadwayBase a. Walkway andDriveway b a. Minimum50%Waste DiversionbyWeight (RecyclingorReuse) iiu 0 at ieso yWih Rccigo es)(oa ons 2 . Minimum80%Waste DiversionbyWeight (RecyclingorReuse)(total4points) rtc aieTpolfo rso n es fe osrcin11 1 . ProtectNativeTopsoil ErosionandReuseafterConstruction from . Minimum65%W ur r o ntle nSoe xedn 0 ri ra esta etWd 2 urf NotInstalledonSlopesExceeding10%orinAreasLessthan8FeetWide f is<33%ofLandscapedAr e Califor aste DiversionbyW t (W eather Based)Contr nia NativesorMediter ea e ight (RecyclingorReuse)(total2points) ollers ranean Species adcp=oa 321218 2 1 2 Landscape=Total 23 onainTtl615 1 Foundation=Total 6 Site=T any categorytoaddupatotalof50. and Water (3).Additionalpointscanbeachievedfrom E nergy (11),IndoorAirQuality/Health(5),Resources(6), otal 12 2005 EDITION C muiyEeg A/elhRsucsWater Resources IAQ/Health Energy ommunity 1 11 2 1 1 1 1 1 92 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 POINTS PER CATEGORY Community Energy IAQ/Health Resources Water D. Structural Frame and Building Envelope 1. Apply Optimal Value Engineering (Advanced Framing) a. 2x4 Studs at 24-Inch On Center Framing 1 b. Door and Window Headers Sized for Load 1 c. Use only Jack and Cripple Studs Required for Load 1 2. Use Engineered Lumber a. Beams and Headers 1 b. Insulated Engineered Headers 1

c. Wood I-Joists or Web Trusses for Floors 1 N E W

d. Wood I-Joists for Ceilings 1 H O

e. Engineered or Finger-Jointed Studs for Vertical Applications 1 M E

3. Use FSC Certified Wood G R E

a. Dimensional Studs (Minimum 40% - 2 pts; Min. 75% - 4 pts) 4 E N

b. Panel Products (Min. 40% - 1 pt; Min. 70% - 2 pts) 2 P O I N

4. Design Energy Heels on Trusses (75% of Attic Insulation Height at T S Outside Edge of Exterior Wall) 1 5. Design Trusses to Accommodate Ductwork 1 6. Use Oriented Strand Board (OSB) a. Subfloor 1 b. Sheathing 1 7. Use Recycled-Content Steel Studs for 90% of Interior Wall Framing 1 8. Use Solid Wall Systems (Includes SIPs, ICFs, and Any Non-Stick Frame Assembly) a. Floors 22

b. Walls 22 N E W

c. Roofs 2 2 H O 9. Thermal Mass Walls: 5/8-Inch Drywall on All Interior Walls Weigh More than 40 lb/ft3 1 M E

10. Design and Build Structural Pest Controls O N S

a. Install Termite Shields and Separate All Exterior Wood-to-Concrete Connections T R by Metal or Plastic Fasteners/Dividers 1 U C T I

b. All New Plants Have Trunk, Base, or Stem Located At Least 36” from Foundation 1 O N

11. Reduce Pollution Entering the Home from the Garage R E

a. Tightly Seal the Air Barrier between Garage and Living Area 1 E N

b. Install Separate Garage Exhaust Fan 1 B U I L

12. Install Overhangs and Gutters D I N

a. Install 16-Inch Overhangs and Gutters (total 1 points) 1 G

b. Install 24-Inch Overhangs and Gutters (total 2 points) 1 U I D E

Structural Frame and Building Envelope=Total 38 11 2 25 L I N E E. Exterior Finish S 1. Use Recycled-Content (No Virgin Plastic) or FSC-Certified Wood Decking 2 2. Install a Rain Screen Wall System 2 3. Use Durable and Non-Combustible Siding Materials 1 4. Select Durable and Non-Combustible Roofing Materials 2 Exterior Finish=Total 7 7 F. Plumbing 1. Distribute Domestic Hot Water Efficiently a. Insulate Hot Water Pipes from Water Heater to Kitchen 1 b. Insulate All Hot Water Pipes or Install On-Demand Hot Water Circulation System in Conjunction with F.I.a. 1 1 c. Locate the Water Heater within 25 Feet of All Fixtures 1 d. Use Engineered Parallel Piping 1 2. Install Only High Efficiency Toilets (Dual-Flush or <=1.3 gpf) 3 Plumbing=Total 8 2 6 19 20

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES NEW HOME GREEN POINTS 2 InstallInsulationwith75%RecycledContent 1. 4 InstallENERGYSTAR 3. 2 InstallENERGYSTAR 1. . ntl ihEfcec VCFle MR + 1 InspectionandDiagnosticEvaluations 3. 2. 1 DesignandBuildHighPerformanceHomes(2ptseach1%energy 1. 1 12. 11. Install MechanicalVentilation System 10. InstallZoned,HydronicRadiant HeatingwithSlabEdgeInsulation 9. InstallHighEfficiencyHVAC Filter(MERV 6+) 8. 1 DesignandInstallEffectiveDuctwork 7. 6. InstallVentilation System forNighttimeCooling 5. 4 4. NoFireplaceorSealedGaswithEfficiencyRatingnotlessthan60% 3. 2. DesignandInstallHVAC System toACCAManualJ,D,andSRecommendations 1. 3 H. Insulation G. Appliances J. BuildingPerformance I. Heating,V P InstallInsulationthatisLow-Emitting(CertifiedSection01350) . InstallBuilt-InRecyclingCenter . InstallENERGYSTAR . . OINTS PERCATEGORY b. Ceilings b. Ceilings a. ENERGYSTAR a. ENERGYSTAR a a. Walls and/orFloors .Boe orTs efre 1 1 1 1 c. HousePassesCombustion SafetyBackdraftT b. BlowerDoorTest Performed a. ThirdPartyEnergyandGreenBuilding ReviewofHomePlans 2 House ObtainsENERGYST ef 1 1 1 1 1 Install CarbonMonoxideAlar Use Low-SoneRangeHoodV 3 3 2 b. InstallENERGYST a. AnyWholeHouseVentilation SystemThatMeetsASHRAE62.2 e. ProtectDuctsduringConstructionandCleanallbeforeOccupancy d. PressureBalancetheDuctworkSystemforMasterBedroom c. InstallDuctworkunderAtticInsulation(BuriedDucts) b. UseDuctMasticonAllJointsandSeams a. InstallHVAC UnitandDuctworkwithinConditionedSpace Install AirConditioningwithNon-HCFCRefrigerants c. IntegratedSystemwithVariable SpeedControl b. AutomaticallyControlledIntegratedSystem a. WholeHouseFan Install ENERGYSTAR b. Water Heaters a. Furnaces Install SealedCombustion(Dir Pr .Dswse ssN oeta . aln/yl 1 1 b. DishwasherUsesNoMorethan6.5Gallons/Cycle .SprEfcetHm plac SH)Te :2%aoeFdrlMnmm1 b. SuperEfficientHomeAppliance(SEHA)Tier 2:25%aboveFederalMinimum .AlBtro asAeo ie rHmdsa 1 c. AllBathroomFansAreonTimer orHumidistat . Walls and/orFloors ficiency aboveT e -Dr ywall InspectionShowsQualityInstallationofInsulation entilation &AirConditioning ® ® -24) 5 bv eea iiu 1 : 15%aboveFederalMinimum ® AR ® ® ® C Ceiling FanswithCFLsinLivingAr Refrigerator Dishwasher ® ohsWsigMciewt ae atro rLs 3 1 lothes Washing MachinewithWater Factorof6orLess Bathr AR m(s) ented totheOutside ® ect V oom Fan with IndoorAirPackageCer ent) UnitsinConditionedSpace est Building Per a n eros1 eas andBedrooms tification A pine=oa 1524 2 5 ppliances=Total 11 for Insulation=T mance=T VCTtl3 914 19 1 HVAC=Total 34 otal 42 o tal 5 C muiyEeg A/elhRsucsWater Resources IAQ/Health Energy ommunity 1 30 32 1 1 1 122 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 5 7 1 1 2 2 3 NEW HOME GREEN POINTS NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 21 50 25 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 31 292 1 1 1 1 64 45 20 107 ommunity Energy IAQ/Health Resources Water C otal 22 16 6 ood, 24 Community Energy IAQ/Health Resources Water Total Other=Total 43Other=Total 20 1 1 1 Flooring=Total 7Flooring=Total 1 2 4 Finishes=T ements (50% Min.) 2 Renewable Energy=Total 34Renewable Energy=Total 34 tified or Reclaimed W equir oaches or local priorities not listed above. een Label Plus r eferable Flooring: A) FSC-Cer ea ea maldehyde in Interior Finish (Section 01350) e given for innovative appr onmentally Pr vailable Points ) FSC-Certified Wood, B) Reclaimed Lumber, C) Rapidly Renewable C) Rapidly B) Reclaimed Lumber, ) FSC-Certified Wood, . Interior Trim (50% Minimum) . Interior Trim . Zero-VOC Interior Wall/Ceiling Paints (<5gpl VOCs - Flat) Paints (<5gpl VOCs . Zero-VOC Interior Wall/Ceiling 3 . Cabinets (50% Minimum) . Low-VOC Interior Wall/Ceiling Paints (<50gpl VOCs - Flat; <150gpl VOCs - Non-Flat) Paints (<50gpl VOCs - Flat; . Low-VOC Interior Wall/Ceiling 1 50% of Floor Area 75% of Floor Area 30% of Floor Ar B) Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials (Cork, Linoleum, Bamboo, Natural B) Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials (Cork, Linoleum, Concrete as D) Exposed Fiber Carpet), C) Recycled-Content Ceramic Tiles, Finished Floor or E) Recycled-Content Carpet 15% of Floor Ar of the Guidelines. Maximum of 20 points total. Use Envir a. Subfloor (50% Minimum) Reduce For A D) Recycled-Content or E) Finger-Jointed a b c. Shelving (50% Minimum) d. Doors (50% Minimum) e. Countertops (50% Minimum) b. Cabinets (50% Minimum) (50% Minimum) c. Interior Trim d. Shelving (50% Minimum) a b and Provide 200 square feet of South-facing Roof square feet of South-facing and Provide 200 2 OINTS PER CATEGORY OINTS otal A . Adhesives Construction Adhesives (<70gpl VOCs) for All Use Low-VOC 2 . Paint Use Low/No-VOC . pts; 3.6kw - 18 pts) (PV) Panels (1.2kw - 6 pts; 2.4kw - 12 Install Photovoltaic 18 . System Heating Install Solar Water 10 P K. Renewable Energy K. Renewable N. Other M. Flooring L. Finishes MINIMUM POINTS REQUIRED Points Required from Specific CategoriesAdditional Points from Any Category - 11 5 6 3 25 T 3. Community Design Measures and Local Priorities: Maximum of 20 points.4. Innovation: List innovative measures that meet the green building objectives 20 1. Incorporate Green Points Checklist in Blueprints2. Develop Homeowner Manual of Green Features/Benefits Pre 1 1 1 These points ar 2. Floors Provide Thermal Mass: Use Tile or Concrete for Floors2. Floors Provide Thermal Mass: Use Tile 3. Flooring Meets Section 01350 or CRI Gr 1 1. 8. Level <27ppb of Indoor Air Shows Formaldehyde After Installation of Finishes, Test 3 7. 5. Paint Use Recycled-Content 6. Use Environmentally Preferable Materials for Interior Finish: 3. Finishes (<150gpl VOCs) Wood VOC, Water-Based Use Low 4 2 1. and Shoe Storage at Home Entrances Mats Permanent Walk-Off Provide 2 1 4 2 3. Photovoltaic (PV) Installation Conduit for Future Install Wiring 1. Heating Hot Water Pre-Plumb for Solar 4 Points will be evaluated and awarded by the municipality where project is located 22

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES GREEN BUILDING MEASURES —Don Babbitt, HeartwoodCommunities —Don Babbitt, “Green Buildingisaboutcombininglanduseplanningandbuilding Green PointsChecklist. educational purposesandarenotnumberedorlistedinthe local codes.These“BuildingBasics”areincludedfor byCaliforniaor green buildingpracticesarerequired should beused,anddescribesthebenefits.Afew it lists eachfeature,discussestheconditionsunderwhich builder, homebuyerandtheenvironment.Thischapter Every green featureintheseGuidelinesbenefitsthe Green BuildingMeasures Chapter Four: growth tocreateahealthierandmoreenvironmentallysustainablefuture.” homebuilders tocombinestewardshipoftheenvironmentwitheconomic tocreatecommunitiesthatarebetterforpeople.Itistime construction GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 23 . ees to ees and gy eets by tr ess these concerns. educe heating and cooling hoods, lower homeowners’ gy use, and facilitate placement ooftop solar electric and solar ovide good solar access to . Subdivision Layout . Subdivision eighborhoods that have large eighborhoods that Application: Plan streets and lot layouts to provide for shading of str Benefit: Planning for solar access and shading can create more pleasant neighbor energy bills, and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based ener 3 and Orientation Description: in Summer temperatures n reduce this “heat island” effect. Keeping streets narrow will make them easier to shade by tr will contribute to traffic calming, improving safety. Orient homes on an east-west access to facilitate passive solar design, r expanses of pavement exposed to expanses of pavement degrees the sun can be several with warmer than neighborhoods that are shaded pavement. Homes to solar oriented without regard access may require excessive energy to heat and cool. Planning strategies that take solar access into account can addr ener of r thermal systems. Use alley ways, greenbelts, and other methods to pr the homes. fer e educe cial manent ter commutes, e there is access . Homes that ar oviding per ve Resources by . Cluster Homes and Keep . Cluster Homes ptions for placing and orienting ptions for placing and open spaces can help protect the local ecosystem and enhance the community C. Design Homes for Reasonable Size Homes can be designed to be comfortable and spacious without being excessively large; smaller, compact homes conserve more land, and energy. building materials Benefit: Minimizing the development footprint and pr clustered and not overly large may cost less to build. B. Conser Increasing Density Developments that allow for more households on a given site r pressure to develop greenfields or open space. Wher to public transit or commer activities, dense developments of the advantage of shor less dependence on cars, and walkable communities. Application: A. Cluster Homes for Land Preservation strategies for minimizing Two developed areas are clustering homes and building upward instead of outward. Besides preserving open space, certain clustered designs also use building materials and energy efficiently due to shared walls or roofs. 2 Size in Check Description: are often many On a given site, there o attention to homes. Paying careful can help land use and home size conserve natural resources. geted ea; tar eclaiming ficials to bring ence to locations efer mland by r eenfields such as open

e: in a downtown ar

ommunity design and planning ommunity Urban infill allows public funds to be used for maintaining or upgrading existing services such as schools, transit and sewers, rather than diverting limited funds to the of costlier new services. development Benefit: Application: When selecting a development site, choose built urban settings where public infrastructure is already in place. Give pr abandoned and underutilized sites and buildings. that ar for revitalization; close to major employment centers; and/or within an urban growth boundary or designated for development by the local jurisdiction. Also, locate the within walking distance of a project major transit stop; look for locations where good transit service already exists or work with of public transit to the area. Infill development reduces pressure to develop gr space and far 1. Develop Infill Sites Description:

C influ- have a substantial measures environmental ence on the overall following impact of a home. The are green building practices Guidelines recommended in the in Green but not listed separately may not be Points because they or builder’s in the developer’s control. Projects may receive points these for in Section N measures of Green Points. Community Design and Planning and Design Community 4. Design for Walking 5. Design for Safety and or if they wish to have elderly and Bicycling Social Gathering relatives join their household.

Application: Description: Description: Design homes so that at least one Walking and bicycling are inexpensive, Design buildings and landscapes prominent entrance (not from a healthy forms of transportation but to deter crime and promote safety garage) has a zero-step clearance, they are often incompatible with through casual observation and with less than 1/2-inch difference conventional car-based development community interaction. in height. Design all main-floor patterns. Convenience, safety and Application: interior doors and passageways to

S aesthetics are key factors in E

R Design all home entrances so that have a minimum 32-inch clear

U promoting travel by foot and bicycle. S

A outside callers can be seen from passage space to accommodate E M

G Application: inside the home. Place tall windows disabled persons. Locate at least a N I

D half-bath on the ground floor with

L A. Provide Pedestrian Access to with low sill heights at front doors, I U

B Neighborhood Services or use transparent panels in the blocking in the walls for grab bars. N E

E Build pedestrian-friendly communities doors so any occupant, including Ideally, also locate a bedroom on R G that combine residential and children and the disabled, can view the ground floor. Consider providing commercial spaces so that people all visitors. a full-function, independent unit can shop, play and meet their daily Orient porches to streets and public that would allow extended family needs close to where they live. spaces to provide natural surveil- members to reside at home yet

S maintain independence. E B. Include Pedestrian Pathways that lance. Help keep the community N I L

E Connect to Recreation safe and neighborly by orienting D

I Benefit: U G Many new home developments windows so that residents can easily Over the long term, money can G N I include plans for new roadways and view and feel comfortable using D be saved and remodeling waste L I

U pedestrian paths. Where applicable, nearby areas such as outdoor

B minimized if homes are designed

E connect walkways to places of interest, benches, pathways, pocket parks,

E from the outset to accommodate R G such as parks, stores, and recreation children’s play areas and other changing occupant needs and a N O I areas. Use landscaping buffers to features that promote socializing. T wider range of physical abilities. C U

R separate sidewalks from roadways. T

S Benefit: N

O C. Design Traffic-Calming Elements to C While it may be possible to deter

M Encourage Walking and Bicycling

O some crime with tall fences, gates, H Design 10-foot vehicle travel lanes, Sacramento Street Cohousing, Berkeley. W video surveillance and bright lights, E N rather than the standard 12-foot these elements also deter outdoor lanes, to discourage fast driving. play and neighborliness. Creating a Use the remaining right of way for greater sense of community in bike lanes. Consider rumble strips, residential areas results in safer bulbouts and raised crosswalks to and more inviting living. reduce speeding.

Benefit: 6. Design for Diverse Households Walking and bicycling are inexpensive, healthy forms of physical activity, Description: transportation and neighborhood Simple universal design elements interaction. Traffic-calming measures make it much more likely that reduce pedestrian injury rates and residents can remain in their increase neighborhood economic homes as they age, if they become activity and public safety. temporarily or permanently disabled, 24 GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 25 d coat) and oof sheathing. ecommended south rier r ejecting (har roofing materials, and/or roofing ® formance for additional eater than 0.70. See e two types of low-e glazing. One radiant bar Roofing materials are available that have a reflectance greater than 0.75 and an emittance gr Building Basics in Section J: for Building Performance application details. (double-paned, low-conductivity frames and low-e coating). There ar is heat r the other is heat receiving (soft coat). The r glazing for passive solar buildings is low-e hard coat, heat receiving glazing with a U-factor of .33 and a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of .65 See Building Basics in Section J: Building Per information about windows. exterior surfaces by using light exterior colors or paints with pigments, ENERGY reflective STAR Healthy soils can significantly fertilizer reduce runoff, storm reduce Benefit: topsoil shall be stockpiled and be stockpiled and topsoil shall during final landscape re-spread to be paved grading. Identify areas topsoil as a place to store native Protect stored during construction. with soil from erosion, amend after compost, and re-spread soil shall construction. Any new soil in pH, be similar to existing and other texture permeability, evidence is characteristics, unless provided that a different type of soil amendment approach is justified. g. Install energy-efficient windows f. Reduce solar heat gain through in Section uction footprint; uctural Frame hot air and mally Massive Walls in Section M: Flooring. ovide Ther B: Landscaping. prevailing breezes and provide prevailing ventilation. Install high cross windows, skylights or cupolas with securable low windows to a stack effect that create exhausts rising draws in coolerair. outdoor awnings, trellises and shade trees to selectively control solar heat gain through windows. See Plant Shade Trees Use wall and floor materials that improve thermal mass. For additional information, see and Building Envelope and axis running east-west and minimize east- and west-facing windows to improve passive solar performance. Pr in Section D: Str Thermally Massive Provide Floors eas that will be paved or built d. Design windows to catch e. Incorporate roof overhangs, c. b. the long Orient the home with and native vegetation. Protect trees vegetation. Protect and native from construction and shrubs temporary equipment by placing driplines. fencing beyond their Create or preserve wildlife corridors wild lands adjacent to open space, and creeks. for minimum Evaluate the soil. Design footprints building and hardscape Limit and and little or no grading. delineate the constr restrict heavy equipment that compacts soil, including cars, to ar When grading is unavoidable, over. existing horticulturally suitable Incorporate Passive Solar Design Incorporate Passive in nace Subdivision , taking advantage mal mass to moderate

in summer Community Design and Planning. Layout and Orientation layout to optimize solar access for all homes. See

educing the need for fur Passive solar heating involves storing energy during the day in the sun’s building materials that have high mass; those materials later thermal convey their heat to interior spaces, r of ther temperature swings, ventilating the and other home with cool night air, to reduce or eliminate practices air conditioner operation. Some of the energy benefits derived from passive strategies can be evaluated using California Building Energy Efficiency 24) compliance Standards (Title models. Consider implementing these passive strategies: a. Plan subdivision lots and street operation. Passive cooling involves using overhangs and other exterior window shading to keep the sun out BUILDING BASICS BUILDING Application: Complete a landscape survey to determine the feasibility of preserving or relocating mature trees, shrubs Description: resource Soil is a valuable, living Through that should be protected. construction careful planning and as well as practices, valuable soil plants can mature trees and other into be preserved and incorporated new landscapes and neighborhoods.

1. Protect Native Soil and 1. Protect of Existing Minimize Disruption Plants and Trees A. Site A. and pesticide requirements, improve Benefit: Board at www.ciwmb.ca.gov for water quality and conserve irrigation Reusing building materials typically more information on recycling facilities. water. Protection of existing generates less waste and pollution Benefit: mature landscape features helps than recycling does. Reuse and recycling of construction prevent soil erosion, maintains debris conserves natural resources sources of natural cooling, diverts 3. Recycle Job Site Construction and slows the rate at which land- waste from landfills, preserves nature Waste fills reach capacity. In addition, and adds value to the community. builders can save money by lowering Description: disposal fees.

S 2. Deconstruct Instead of

E Each year over 4,000,000 tons of R

U Demolishing Existing Buildings

S construction and demolition (C&D)

A 4. Use Recycled-Content E

M debris is disposed of in California

G Aggregate for Walkway, Driveway

N Description: I landfills. This represents 21% of D and Roadway Base L I Deconstruction of existing buildings U the statewide waste stream, but in B

N is a good way to salvage quality

E newer communities C&D waste

E Description: R building products that have not yet G sent to landfills can be as high as Virgin aggregate comes from sources reached the end of their usable 50%. Construction waste generally such as riverbeds and quarries life, even if the building or part of consists of wood, drywall, metal, where mining activities may it has. Salvaged materials are often concrete, dirt and cardboard. It disturb the environment. Recycled less expensive to purchase than new can also include plant debris S aggregate consists mainly of E

N materials, and may be of higher I (green waste) from the landscape. L crushed concrete and crushed E

D quality, especially salvaged wood. I Much of this material can be

U asphalt pavement. Recycled concrete G

G reused or recycled.

N Application: and asphalt crushed to 3/4-inch I D L

I Whole house deconstruction requires meets the California Department of

U Application: B

N a team of workers experienced in Transportation’s (CalTrans) specifi-

E Identify the types and quantities of E

R dismantling buildings. Locate a cation for Class 2 Aggregate Base.

G materials generated at the job site

O demolition contractor who offers I and reuse or recycle at least 50% T Application: C

U deconstruction services or an

R of the construction debris, including

T Use wherever Class 2 aggregate is

S organization specializing in

N green waste. Allocate space for

O specified; for example as drainage C

salvaged materials. In some cases, E recycling bins and containers on backfill, and under driveways, side- M

O deconstruction may cost more than

H the job site and train workers. walks and building slabs. W traditional demolition, but donating E Separate green waste from other N the salvaged materials to a nonprofit materials. Contact the California Benefit: or charity may result in a substantial Integrated Waste Management Recycled aggregate puts waste tax deduction that can offset the cost. materials to good use. Common salvageable materials Construction Waste Generated from a 2,000-Square-Foot New Home include timber, doors, sinks, fencing, bricks, tile, pipes, hardware and Other 21% light fixtures. Reclaimed lumber, in Metal 3% the form of studs, beams, flooring Wood 42% and trim, is among the most Corrugated 6% valuable and available of salvaged building products. Concrete 15% TOTAL 100%

Wallboard 13%

Source: Based on waste generation studies for three residential developments in Alameda County (1999–2004) and compiled by Matthew J. Southworth, P.E. – Civil Engineer 26 GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 27 f during emove unof m. The pond's ocesses r , filter pollutants, and eceive the excess water; ect stormwater runoff from etain and filter r expanses of contiguous expanses of contiguous impermeable surfaces. that allow and permeable pavers through stormwater to percolate and infiltrate into subsurface the ground. drainage systems or runoffThis reduces stormwater and filters out sediments. Dir hardscapes toward adjacent landscaped areas that are graded to r this will help recharge groundwater water vegetation. systems such as ponds, cisterns and other rainwater collection basins. Stormwater ponds collect, r and after a stor natural chemical, physical and biological pr suspended solids, metals and dissolved nutrients. swale, to slow the flow of stormwater into storm drains and allow pollutants to settle and decompose. This will reduce sedimentation and other Large pollutants in the water. planting beds designed as swales can absorb stormwater from a building's downspouts. b. Install gravel, porous concrete c. d. Construct rainwater catchment e. such as a Create a biofilter, event oject: . ea used for operly ed topsoil exposed to vious paved ar imper roadways, driveways, walkways, and patios by avoiding large practice good housekeeping practices and implement best management practices to pr stormwater pollution. measures before and after each rainstorm. washout areas for use by contractors to prevent pollution from entering storm drains. and stor rain; store wastes under cover and dispose of pr combination of effective erosion combination of effective measures. and sediment control Place barriers around storm drain inlets to pond water and allow sediments to settle out. turbed slopes are stabilized and turbed slopes are stabilized non-rainy revegetated during the delineate season. Minimize and the area to be disturbed. a. Minimize the total amount of Post-construction activities include protecting the stormwater by implementing permanent stormwater controls. Consider incorporating the following BMPs into your pr e. Educate on-site workers to f. Inspect and maintain control d. Install temporary concrete c. Cover construction materials b. sediment on site using a Trap a. grading so that dis- Schedule Control Stormwater Runoff Control Stormwater - eductions eas sedi uction NPDES vious surfaces olling stormwater elated to r ol requirements. faces wher osion control protects ectly r

eases in imper

evention Plan (SWPPP) per the eeks, reservoirs and the ocean. e dir Incr ment control traps soil particles after they have been dislodged. Consider implementing these BMPs during the construction stage: Land development and construction Land development and alter activities can significantly and natural drainage patterns pollute stormwater runoff. runoff can Excessive stormwater and erode residential landscapes local local streams, and stress systems, stormwater drainage increasing flood risks. Keeping sediment and pollutants out of storm drains helps protect local cr State General Constr in water quality in nearby creeks, rivers, lakes and bays. Because contr runoff is critical to protecting many projects will water quality, need to file a Notice of Intent (NOI) and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Pr Permit. Be sure to contact your local municipality for during-construction and post-construction stormwater quality contr During construction and grading, use stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control erosion and to prevent sediment and pollutants from entering storm drains. Er the soil sur ar

BUILDING BASICS BUILDING B. Landscaping B. 28

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES GREEN BUILDING MEASURES escape intonaturalar plants usedinlandscapingoften wildlife, rainfallandclimate.Invasive plants areadaptedtooursoils, and soilconditions.Californianative planted withoutregardforclimate water andchemicalsareoften cultures thatrequirehighinputsof Conventional landscapesaremono- Description: Landscapes 1. ConstructResource-Efficient and increasethewildfirefuelload. natives, degradewildlifehabitat, can spreadrapidly, out-compete 6 5 4 3 2 1 to theirnaturalsize All plantsgiventhespacetogr no invasivespecies but groundcovers, shrubsandtrees, plantings withmanyCalifornianative Fr plants between Pavers withspacesandlowwateruse Water forwildlifehabitat W walkway tofr Permeable pavingondrivewayand ont lawnr ater fr om roofchanneledtocistern eplaced bydiverse ont door eas, wher 12 11 ow e they 14 15 13 mulching plantdebris.Findout Include asiteforcompostingand will meetr Limit turftothesmallestareathat Prune andwaterappropriately. the needforpruningandshearing. plenty ofroomtomature,reducing and limitannuals.Giveplants andotherperennials trees, shrubs microclimates. Plantavarietyof appropriate forthesitesoiland Mediterranean speciesthatare California nativeorother the soil.Selectdrought-tolerant, topography ofthesiteandassess Evaluate theclimate,exposure,and Application: 10 9 8 7 10 tr Repository forleavestocollectunder summer cooling southwest ofthehouse&patiofor Deciduous treesplacedtothewest& and weather according toplantneeds,soilmoisture Ir the micr Plants selectedtomatch ees asmulch rigation contr 16 9 oclimates ecreational needs. 17 oller watershydrozones 8 6 7 your area.) a listoflocalinvasivespeciesfor planting. (Seewww.Cal-IPC.org for eliminate anyfromthesitebefore them intheplantingpaletteand problematic locally;donotinclude w to landfills. the amountofplantdebrissent plants appropriatelywillalsoreduce than onewithlittlevariety resist diseaseandotherpestsbetter bees andotherinsectsmay species supportsbeneficialbirds, A diverselandscapeofnative Benefit: 12 11 13 15 14 17 16 5 4 hich invasivespeciesare Drip ir where feasible shrubs, treesandelsewhere kitchen debris Compost binr Mulched pathskeepsoilcovered plastic Raised bedsareconstructedfrom will useit Small lawninbackyardwherefamily winter winds Evergreen windbreakblocksnorth Trees properly nottoppedbutpruned rigation forvegetablebeds, 2 or compositelumber 3 ecycles plantand 1 . Choosing GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 29 oom ge s south ee cover on der and drives ee species that are ticularly to the west of educing the need for e, r , thereby lowering cooling ranean tr opriate for the site soil and ees and give them plenty of r ees too close to the home’ up peak utility demand. Lar shade trees keep direct sun off the roof, walls and windows in the summer costs and increasing comfort while providing an attractive landscape. Benefit: Shade trees can create a microcli- mate that is up to 15°F cooler than the surrounding area, and can During summer months, the sun heats up homes, which makes air conditioners work har Application: Augment the existing tr the site, par the building, by planting drought- tolerant, California native or other Mediter Benefit: water. Minimizing turf conserves lawn needs If a 1,000-square-foot week, reducing 1 inch of water per can save it to 500 square feet gallons of approximately 10,000 Chemical use water per dry season. thereby may also be decreased, of local protecting the quality waterways and aquifers. 4. Plant Shade Trees Description: side. Avoid planting trees too close to side. Avoid utilities. Plant a variety of deciduous tr to matur pruning and shearing. appr microclimates. Plant trees to shade walls, windows and paved areas. If the building design includes passive solar heating, do not plant tr ement equir o spray heads. ees. If lawns are rigated with subsurface e most likely to be used for requires frequent watering and ubs and tr f e-safe landscaping and building rigation or micr verhangs as they mature. To they mature. To verhangs as Lawns (or turf) are useful for and relaxation, but recreation tur Application: Replace decorative lawns with California native water-conserving groundcovers or perennial grasses, shr Benefit: Fir reduces risk of harm to residents and firefighters, and protects valuable personal and community assets. Areas 3. Minimize Turf Description: application of fertilizers or other chemicals to stay green during long dry season. California’s desired, plant in small areas where they ar play and relaxation. Choose plant species that have a water r less than or equal to tall fescue. planting turf on slopesAvoid greater than 10% or in irregularly shaped areas that cannot be irrigated isolated turf in Avoid efficiently. (driveway strips) or other areas areas less than 8 feet wide on the shortest side, unless ir ir o fire ladders, do not minimize or space tall plant dense hedges together. vegetation too closely shredded Use mulch (except fine granite to bark) and decomposed fuel for control weeds and reduce fires. Construct roofs, siding and materials. decks with fire-resistant to wood Consider alternatives walls. fences, such as rock ease wind e-resistant . ticularly y season and ound buildings; eadily n r owing, fir that bur slopes that can incr each the house or grow under their vegetation, par rigated, low-gr steep Application: Determine whether the site is in a high-risk area. Map the site, identifying exposure to prevailing winds during the dr speed and convey heat. Identify adjacent wildlands or open space, as well as south- and west-facing slopes and California’s hot, dry climate makes hot, dry climate California’s fire protection an important consideration for landscape design, especially because are new home developments increasingly located adjacent to to wild- areas that may be prone fires. Simple landscaping design practices can help defend the homes by reducing fuel accumulation and interrupting the fire path. Description: 2. Use Fire-Safe 2. Use Fire-Safe Landscaping Techniques vegetation, patios, paving stones and other low-risk features in the zone immediately surrounding the structure. Specify plants with low fuel volume and/or high moisture plants with high oil content. Avoid content or that tend to accumulate an excessive amount of dead wood or debris. Do not plant trees and shrubs at distances where limbs and branches will r species For sites adjacent to fire sensitive open space or wildlands, create defensible space ar this is an area where vegetation is modified to reduce fuel load and allow firefighters to operate. Use ir 30

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES GREEN BUILDING MEASURES use zonespr increasing propertyvalues. neighborhood morebeautifuland places forchildren,making habitats forbirds,providingplay including cleansingtheair, creating numerous additionalbenefits reducing thisdemand.Trees provide rolein trees playanimportant afternoons inthesummer;shade d costs by25to40%.Peakutility reduce summerair-conditioning also reduced,saving timeandmoney. is resistance topests.Plantmortality conserving waterandfostering the plants’waterr Hydrozoning matchesirrigation to Benefit: them fromplantsthatneedirrigation. established; besuretoseparate water inthesummeraftertheyare California nativesdonottolerate zones.Considerdifferent thatsome Install separateirrigationvalvesfor with dr Plant thelargerperimeterareas Gr Application: into low Dividingthelandscape requirements. water Different plantshavedifferent Description: Plants byW 5. ImplementHydrozoning:Group spots thatnaturallycollectwater visible areasandifpossible,in plants inrelativelysmall,highly and plantingplans.Placethirstier hydrozone onthesite,irrigation their exposure.Delineateeach plants’ waterrequirementsand irrigation zonesbasedonthe emand isatitshighestduringlate oup plantsbywaterneeds,cr ought-adapted species. , mediumandhighwater ater Needs events over equir watering. ements, eating . - ar California natives, oncetheplants or hydrozonethatincludesall system orvalveforthelandscape necessary, turnoff theirrigation B=shrubs, C=waterfeatures). If pr and 6)morethanoneoperating the weekorsame-dayinter 5) ir to supportlow-volumeapplications, ple starttimes,4)run-timesable provider-supplied signal,3)multi- historical weatherdataora stored external sensors,internally gram, accomplished pro- adjustments totheirrigation featur capabilities: 1)waterbudgeting have ataminimumthefollowing based) ir Upgrade tonew“smar tems foralllandscapeapplications. in placeofstandardsprinklersys- subsurface driporlow-flowsprinklers conservation ordinance.Installdrip, the r Design theirrigationsystemtomeet Application: klers inar appropriate thanoverheadsprin- absorb it,andareoftenmore root zonesattheratesoilcan apply watertothesoilatplant and bubblerirrigationtechnologies is vitaltoCalifornialandscapes.Drip water resources,efficientirrigation With increasingdemandonour Description: Irrigation Systems 6. InstallHighEfficiency apply wateruniformlyandslowly. medians. Low-flowsprinklerheads areas suchasparkinglotsand shaped ordenselyplanted,in e established. ogram (forexample,A=tur rigation inter equir e, 2)automatic rigation contr ements ofyourlocalwater eas thatar vals fordaysof e narrow, oddly thr periodic ollers that t” (weather ough vals, f, - improve soilquality. nutrients, minimizediseaseand many naturalpr existing soilorganisms,fueling brings lifetothesoilandfeeds quality compostbefor low-impact landscape.Addinggood a water-conserving, resource-efficient, organic contentisthefoundationof A robust,livingsoilwithsufficient Description: Healthy Topsoil 7. ApplyComposttoPromote results fromoverwatering. minimizing weedgrowththat while preventingdiseaseand reducing landscapewateruse and reducerunoff,dramatically minimize oversprayandevaporation High efficiencyirrigationsystems Benefit: prior tofinallandscape grading. to aminimumdepthof6inches Loosen allplantingandtur a soilamendmentwhereappropriate. fully stabilized,cer will notthriveinsuchsoils.Use beds, exceptforplantspeciesthat 3.5% forturfand5%planting the soilor or asmuchisrequiredtobring into thetop6to12inchesofsoil, Incorporate 2to4inchesofcompost amendments. organic orenvironmentallyfriendly recommendations bemadefor constr topsoil wasnotpr content andpH,especiallyifthe texture, nutrientandorganicmatter the soilpr Assess thesoilqualityonsite:have Application: uction. Requestthelaborator ganic mattercontentto ofessionally analyzedfor ocesses thatsupply otected during tified compostas e planting f ar eas y GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 31 oved property values, cut water bills ights for security, rather than all rather than ights for security, l Exterior lighting night illumination. on critical that provides low contrast and home areas, such as sidewalks for visual acuity entrances, is better all than overlighting. Eliminate flood- as such unshielded fixtures, lights. Look for fixturesby certified the Dark Sky Association for light pollution reduction (www.darksky.org). Benefit: Reducing light pollution minimizes neighborhood or wildlife habitat disruption and saves energy. Landscape before and after an upgrade that reduced lawn size, increased diversity, impr by 50% and reduced maintenance costs by 20%. ecycled ot, tified). dscaping, ties and e durable than oper ecycled-content dscapes (planting vested wood (FSC cer . Use Salvaged or . Use Salvaged into the night sky. recycled plastics or composites are generally much mor 10. Reduce Light Pollution Description: Light pollution occurs when outdoor light fixtures let excess light escape onto neighboring pr Application: outdoor lighting where it is not Avoid needed. Use motion and photosensor Benefit: For landscaping and har wood because they do not r crack or splinter or require ongoing wood treatments. Application: Use salvaged or r 9 Description: present Landscaped elements for using many opportunities materials. salvaged or recycled recycled Recycled plastic or a very composite lumber makes broken durable landscape edging; a very attractive concrete can make retaining wall or path and tumbled glass cullet a beautiful walkway. materials for har beds, patios, decks, walls, walkways and driveways) and other landscape features (for example, edging, benches, play equipment). If r plastic or composite lumber is not appropriate, use sustainably har Recycled-Content Materials Recycled-Content Materials for Landscape Elements ganic , dscapes or e preferable ve water om har face of the soil. Or ectly against any plant ganic materials because ees and away fr enefit: opdress with compost around opdress with reduce weed growth and simplify maintenance operations. Benefit: Mulch can conser Apply and maintain a minimum of 2 inches of natural mulch to all soil surfaces or at least until plants grow to cover the soil. Do not place mulch dir stem or tree. Designate areas under tr Application: materials, including chipped landscape debris, ar over inor they supply nutrients over time and provide wildlife habitat. Description: Mulch is any material spread evenly over the sur 8. Mulch All Planting Beds B permeability, Compost can increase and plant capacity, water-holding and improve nutrient availability to filter the ability of the soil healthy pollutants. This encourages water quality, plant growth, improves irrigation, and reduces the need for lowers water bills. T and shrubs and trees established on turf. storm drains as repositories for fallen leaves to remain as mulch. Buy mulch produced from urban plant waste debris, or from local suppliers within a 150-mile radius. C. Foundation

1. Incorporate Flyash in Concrete 2. Use Frost-Protected Shallow 3. Use Radon-Resistant Foundation in Cold Areas Construction (in At-Risk Description: (Climate Zone 16) Locations Only) Flyash is a byproduct of coal-burning power plants. It is typically land- Description: Description: filled, but can be an inexpensive and Radon gas is naturally emitted by Foundations in cold climates are quality substitute for a portion of some soils and rocks. The U.S. typically quite large, sitting deep the Portland cement in concrete. Environmental Protection Agency below the frost line to reduce the Concrete suppliers routinely replace estimates that exposure to radon possibility of heaving damage from 10 to 15% of the Portland cement may be the second leading cause of

S the freeze-thaw cycle. A frost-protected E

R in their mixes with flyash. lung cancer, after cigarette smoking.

U shallow foundation (FPSF) is sur- S

A In California about 1% of homes have E rounded by insulation, which, in M Application:

G radon levels above the recommended N

I Typically, up to 50% of cement effect, raises the frost line to just D

L mitigation level (4 picocuries). Most I below the surface, allowing reduced U can be replaced with flyash in B of these homes are located in the

N excavation and foundation wall depths.

E residential concrete mixes. However,

E Sierra foothills and coastal moun- R

G high-volume flyash mixes may Application: tains and foothills. require longer cure times than Excavate the foundation perimeter to standard concrete. Application: 16 inches rather than the 36 to 48 Use radon-resistant construction if Benefit: inches typical for cold climates. Place a home is being built in EPA S

E Flyash improves the performance insulation horizontally 4 feet extending N

I Radon Zone 1 or identified by the L out from the foundation, against the E of concrete by increasing strength, D

I California Department of Health

U outside face of the foundation wall,

G reducing permeability and reducing

G Services as having above average

N and under the entire slab. I corrosion of reinforcing steel. Using

D risk (www.cal-iaq.org/RADON). Lay L I

U flyash also reduces the amount of

B Benefit:

a perforated pipe in a 4- to 6-inch

N water and cement needed, thereby E

E An FPSF typically results in a layer of large gravel under the R

G decreasing the overall environmental reduction of both concrete use

N foundation slab. Connect this to a O

I impacts of cement production and T and labor of up to 40%. Reducing

C solid pipe running to the attic and

U water sourcing. R

T excavation minimizes soil com- through the roof. Attach a fan to S N

O paction and vehicle disturbance. this pipe for discharging the radon. C

M Finally, the insulation under an O Benefit: H FPSF can significantly moderate W

E Installing a radon mitigation system N the foundation temperatures, making will significantly reduce the the home more energy efficient occupants’ levels of radon exposure. and comfortable. BUILDING BASICS Building Basics: Foundation Drainage System

Without proper rain and groundwater A properly installed foundation Effective water management dispersion elements (as well as drainage system includes systems are important elements in crawl space sealing techniques), the following: maintaining the structural integrity unwanted moisture can easily • Soil grade sloped away from of the home’s foundation and migrate into the home, basement or the home. reducing opportunities for mold crawl space. Once inside, mois- • Gutter system with downspouts growth within the home. Consult ture can cause decay of building directing away from the foundation. your local jurisdiction to ensure materials and mold growth, and • Foundation wall drainage panel. compatibility with stormwater potentially lead to structural failure • Footing perimeter drainage system. management requirements. and indoor air quality problems. 32 D. Structural Frame and Building Envelope

1. Apply Optimal Value A. Beams and Headers D. Floor Web Trusses Engineering (Advanced Framing) Engineered beams and headers can For long-span floor joists use floor easily replace any solid-sawn member web trusses instead of solid-sawn Description: of similar size or even larger. Optimal Value Engineering (OVE) is lumber. Not only are web trusses In addition, solid-sawn lumber is a set of framing techniques that stronger than solid beams, they are often used for headers and beams reduce the amount of lumber used lighter, and allow for easy passage of when smaller dimension lumber to build a home, while maintaining would suffice. structural integrity and meeting the I-Joists use 50% less wood B. Insulated Engineered Headers fiber than solid sawn lumber.

building code. G R

Engineered headers with pre- E E Application: N

installed insulation are lighter than B U I Implement any number of common solid wood headers, do not shrink L D I N

OVE techniques including framing (reducing cracks in drywall), and G M on 24-inch centers instead of E are sometimes less expensive than A S U

16-inch, using right-sized headers, solid wood. R E and avoiding unnecessary lumber S C. Wood I-Joists for Floors and for sills and excess jack and cripple- Ceilings studs around doors and windows. The typical 2x10 and larger solid Benefit: lumber used for floor and ceiling N

joists, can be replaced with engi- E Using OVE techniques saves wood W

H and construction costs without a neered lumber in most applications. O M E

significant reduction in structural C O N strength, while allowing for more of S T

Optimal Value Engineering Techniques. R the wall to be better insulated. U C T I O N

2. Use Engineered Lumber R E E N

Description: U I L D

Solid-sawn lumber in sizes 2x10 I N G

and greater typically comes from G U I old-growth forests. Engineered D E L I lumber products, on the other hand, N E come from small-diameter, fast- S growing plantation trees. These products include glued laminated timber (glulam), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), laminated strand lumber (LSL), parallel strand lumber (PSL), wood I-joists, wood floor trusses, oriented strand board (OSB), and finger-jointed studs.

Application: Substitute solid-sawn lumber with engineered lumber wherever applicable.

Adapted from Building Science Corporation 33 ducts, pipes and wires through them, products are straighter and Application: resulting in quicker installation. stronger than solid-sawn equivalents, Use FSC wood where wood framing E. Engineered or Finger-Jointed Studs eliminating crooked walls and is required. Certified solid framing Use engineered or finger-jointed squeaky floors, and reducing and plywood are available from studs wherever conventional studs material waste. some suppliers. are typically used. Finger-jointed Benefit: studs use short pieces of 2x4 or 3. Use FSC-Certified Wood FSC certification assures that 2x6 material glued together to for Framing forests are managed in a way that form standard stud lengths, while protects the long-term availability

S Description:

E engineered lumber is typically R

U Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) of wood resources and the health S veneers, strands or flakes of wood A

E certification assures that the forest of old-growth forests. M glued to form studs. These studs G

N from which the wood was harvested I are all dimensionally straight and D L I is managed in an environmentally, 4. Design Energy Heels U save on labor and material costs B

N economically and socially responsible on Trusses E associated with culling crooked E

R manner. FSC is the only lumber G lumber and shimming and straight- Description: ening crooked walls. verification rating that maintains chain-of-custody certification Energy heels raise the height of Benefit: throughout the cutting, milling and the truss at exterior wall top plates Reducing demand for large dimen- final delivery of products, thus to accommodate increased insulation S E sional lumber decreases pressure at the home’s perimeter. N ensuring that wood labeled as FSC I L

E to cut down old-growth forests. D actually came from a certified I Application: U G

Engineered lumber uses wood fiber sustainably managed forest. G Install where conventional trusses N I more efficiently than conventional D

L are used. The increased height may I

U lumber. Most engineered wood B require modifications to exterior N E E soffit and trim details. R G

N O I

T Energy Heels on Trusses Allow More Insulation. Benefit: C U

R The perimeter intersection between T S

N walls and roof framing is often an O C

E ventilation baffle area of increased heat loss since M O H

conventional trusses reduce insulation W E

N to less than 6 inches. Raising the Standard heel height heels allows for full insulation less than 4” for a 4/12 pitch around the house, saving energy and money. compressed insulation in this area 5. Design Trusses to Accommodate Ductwork

Description: One way to include HVAC ducts in Energy heel conditioned space (see Section I.7.A) is to design trusses with a raised center section that accomo- dates the ducts. This may add only slightly to the cost of the trusses. 34 Truss with Insulated Recess Keeps Application: Duct in Conditioned Space. Coordinate with the HVAC contractor and structural engineer before ordering trusses to identify opportunities for including all ducts in conditioned space. If feasible, order trusses with a plenum space between Steven Winter Associates the bottom truss chord and the ceiling; insulate the plenum and seal it with G

“C” channel. Steel studs may or Application: R drywall or another air barrier. E E

may not be load-bearing, depending Each of these systems entails N B

Benefit: U on their rating. its own specialized installation I L D I Designing trusses to accommodate techniques. Always follow N Application: G ducts can reduce the cost of the M

manufacturer specifications. E A

Use in non-insulated interior walls. S duct installation. It also reduces U R

Benefit: E duct heat loss/gain and air leakage Benefit: S These walls replace wood stud to outdoors. In addition to its recycled content, construction by including structure, steel provides strength, light weight, sheathing and insulation in a single 6. Use Oriented Strand Board exacting specifications, fire- and (OSB) for Subfloor and Sheathing durable, energy-efficient system.

pest-resistance, and fewer of the N E W

twisting, warping and other defects H

Description: 9. Provide Thermally Massive Walls O that can plague wood framing. M E

OSB is manufactured from fast- C O

Description: N growing farm trees. OSB comes in S 8. Use Solid Wall Systems T R

Use wall materials that improve U

sheets and is used for sheathing C T I

thermal mass. O and subfloors. Description: N

G R

Solid wall systems include structural Application: E Application: E N

insulated panels (SIPs), insulated Low cost strategies for thermal B Use OSB as an alternative to U I L

pre-cast concrete, insulated concrete mass walls include using 5/8” D plywood for sheathing or subfloors. I N

forms (ICFs), aerated autoclaved drywall on all interior surfaces. G

G U

Benefit: I

concrete (AAC), rammed earth and Less conventional approaches D E L

OSB is as strong as traditional I

similar systems. N E plywood sheet materials and is less S Construction using SIPs. expensive. OSB reduces the need for large-diameter old-growth trees required for plywood. Some OSB uses lower formaldehyde content adhesives that contribute to healthier indoor air quality.

7. Use Recycled-Content Steel Studs for Interior Framing

Description: Steel studs can be either stand-alone or contain wood pieces within the

35 include using pre-cast insulated for termite tunnels around the door or put on a timer to run after concrete walls or insulated concrete home’s foundation wall. door has been opened or closed.

forms (ICFs). Benefit: Benefit: Benefit: Physical pest controls are permanent Properly designed garages keep Increasing thermal mass will controls that reduce the need to use polluted air out of the home. reduce heating and cooling energy unsafe chemicals. They also increase use and will moderate indoor durability of the home’s structural 12. Install Minimum 16-in. temperature swings, keeping the elements, reducing the time and Overhangs with Gutters home more comfortable. money needed for repairs.

S Description: E R U

S 10. Design and Build Structural 11. Reduce Pollution Entering the Overhangs increase a home’s A E

M Pest Controls Home from the Garage durability by protecting it from G N I the elements and helping regulate D L I

U Description: Description: the amount of rain striking walls. B N

E Pests are attracted to water, food According to the U.S. Overhangs also provide shading for E R

G and rotting wood. Permanent, Environmental Protection Agency windows. Gutters provide a pathway structural pest controls can stop (EPA), an attached garage is the for water to exit the roof without pests along their typical pathways single most significant contributor entering walls and splashing back of entering the home. to poor indoor air quality in a home. onto the foundation and siding. Car exhaust contains many known S Application: Application: E N I carcinogens and can migrate into L a. Install Termite Shields and Design at least a 16-inch overhang E D I living spaces through doors and

U Separate All Exterior Wood-to- with gutters around the building’s G

G cracks in walls and ceilings adjacent

N Concrete Connections by Metal or entire roof. Consider adding deeper I D

L to the garage. Other pollutants

I Plastic Fasteners or Dividers overhangs where needed to shade U B

commonly found in garages include

N Install a continuous, durable termite walls and windows to provide cooling E

E benzene from lawn mowers and

R shield around all foundation slab during summer. Drain gutters at G

N power tools, pesticides for gardens,

O penetrations (such as pipes), at the least 24 inches from the home and I T

C toxic cleaning agents, and chemicals

U junction of the foundation or piers into a rainwater cistern or toward R

T in paints and adhesives. S and the wall framing, and wherever adjacent landscaped areas that are N O C

slab perimeter insulation is installed. Application: graded to receive the excess water E M

O a. Tightly Seal the Air Barrier so as to recharge groundwater, filter

H When structural wood elements

W between Garage and Living Area pollutants, and water vegetation. E (such as posts, stairs and decks) are N in constant contact with concrete or Use foams, weatherstripping and Benefit: soil, they remain moist for prolonged caulking to completely seal garage Overhangs and gutters protect periods. Create a separation to walls and ceilings adjacent to the siding, windows and doors from allow water to drain and wood to interior. Doors should have full water intrusion, thereby reducing easily dry out. weatherstripping and sealed the likelihood of rot and mold thresholds. Spray-applied foam b. Locate All New Plants At Least issues. Overhangs also provide insulation that creates a complete 36 in. from Foundation protection from the sun’s harsh air barrier is recommended. Maintaining this minimum distance UV rays, which can degrade keeps roots away from the foundation, b. Install Separate Garage building materials and furnishings. reduces the chance of pests traveling Exhaust Fan from nearby branches onto the Install an exhaust fan on the opposite home, and allows the homeowner wall from the door to the house. It to more easily inspect can be wired to an electric garage

36 E. Exterior Finish

1. Use Sustainable Benefit: protect a home from rain intrusion Decking Materials Recycled-content plastic and and the associated problems with composite decking is more durable rot and mold in the wall structure. Description: than wood. It doesn’t rot, crack or A home’s deck takes more abuse splinter, doesn’t require staining, 3. Use Durable and than just about any other building and isn’t treated with potentially Noncombustible Siding Materials material. Besides being exposed to toxic chemicals. Using recycled- all the elements, the deck often gets content decking also reduces pressure Description: heavy foot traffic. to harvest old-growth forests. FSC Sidings made of metal, stone,

brick, stucco and fiber-cement G certification guarantees that forests R Application: E E are managed in a way that will offer a durable and non- N a. Use Recycled-Content Decking B combustible home exterior. U I

assure the long-term availability of L (Avoid Virgin Plastic) D I N Use recycled-content decking in all wood resources and the health of Application: G M

old-growth forests. Use in place of conventional E A

nonstructural deck applications. S U

wood siding. R

Recycled plastic lumber contains E S only recycled plastic, while composite 2. Install a Drainage Plane Benefit: lumber is made by combining (Rain Screen Wall System) Using these siding materials can recycled wood fiber and recycled reduce repainting and other main- plastic. Both can be used in place Description: tenance needs, protect the home

A drainage plane or rain screen wall N of old-growth redwood, cedar and from fire, and possibly lower the E W

system is an effective envelope homeowner’s insurance rates, espe- H

pressure-treated lumber. These O solution to external moisture M cially in fire-prone areas. E products accept screws and nails, C

penetration. It allows for an air O and cut like wood. Follow manu- N S T

space between the siding and wall R facturer recommendations closely 4. Select Durable and Non- U C

structure, protecting it from dam- T combustible Roofing Materials I regarding installation techniques. O N

aging rain intrusion. G b. Use FSC-Certified Wood Decking R E

Application: Description: E N

FSC-certified lumber comes from B

Install siding with an air space Forty- to fifty-year asphalt shingles, U I forests managed in an environmentally L D

tile, slate, fiber-cement, recycled I

between it and the wall. Flash all N

and socially responsible manner. Use G

wall openings correctly and create plastic and metal are examples of G FSC-certified lumber for all exterior U I D

vent strips at the top and bottom durable roofing materials. A Class E decking applications or as structural L I N

of the wall. A fire rating offers a home the E deck members in conjunction with S highest in fire protection. recycled-content decking. Benefit: This system will significantly help Application: Applicable anytime roofing materials are specified. The Class A fire rating BUILDING BASICS Avoid Moisture Intrusion is achieved through the roofing material itself or through the roof Most major building failures and construction defect lawsuits are related assembly as a whole.

to water intrusion into the building’s walls, ceilings and floors due to Benefit: incorrectly installed flashing. Water intrusion leads to rot, mold and Short-lived roofing materials result mildew, and may eventually result in structural and health problems. in more waste going to landfills Offer detail drawings on plans that show how moisture drains away from and more money spent on roof building elements. Show proper shingle-flashing of all penetrations and replacement. In extreme cases, joints such as chimneys, pipes, roofs, windows, doors, vents and decks. early failure of a roofing material It is a highly recommended practice to provide on-site training for workers. can allow for water damage and require costly repairs. 37 38

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES GREEN BUILDING MEASURES will reducethisenergyuse. hot watercir water circulation,anon-demand For largerhousesthatrequirehot an excessiveamountofener or timedpumpoperationwastes r water recirculationsystemsto Larger housesmayrequirehot user, andreduceswaterwaste. the rateofhotwaterdeliveryto points reducesheatloss,speeds water (DHW)sourceclosetousage fixtures. Locatingthedomestichot lost inlongpipingrunstoremote w Much oftheenergyusedtoheat Description: Water Efficiently 1 F. Plumbing motion sensor activated). Onlyone on-demand contr r times. Thesesystemsconsist of a system toshortenhotwaterdelivery an on-demandhotwatercirculation heater tothekitchen,andinstall hot waterpipesfromthe that isnotfeasible,insulatethe hot waterpipesinthehome.If Reduce heatlossbyinsulatingall Cir Install On-DemandHotWater or InsulatePipestoKitchenand b. InsulateAllHotWater Pipes, in ceilinginsulation. run throughatticsistoburythem no-cost optionforinsulatingpiping the waterheatertokitchen.A length ofthehotwaterpipefr standards; inaddition,insulatethe Follow T W a. InsulateHotWater Pipes from Application: educe waitingtime,butcontinuous ecirculation loopandapump with . DistributeDomesticHot ater fordomesticpurposesis ater HeatertoKitchen culation System itle 24pipeinsulation culation pumpcontrol ols (pushbutton or gy om . and diameterofhotwaterpipes. be preparedtoshowthelocation an “engineered”pipingplanshould that sufficientflowwillbeprovided, lengths arekepttoaminimumand water toallfixtures. p other fixtur 1/2” pipingshouldbeusedfor piping maybeadequateforsinks; W conduction rateanditcostsless. permit becauseithasalowerheat latter shouldbeusedwherecodes (cr using eithersoftcopperorPEX Parallel pipingcanbeimplemented elbows andotherfittings. r volume ofwaterinthepipingand the fixtures,therebydecreasing near thewaterheaterdirectlyto amanifoldlocated are runfrom water and energyneededforheating “branched” pipingcansavewater piping, thisalter Often ter d. UseEngineeredParallelPiping one tanklesswaterheater. the attic,orbyusingmorethan tankless waterheatercentrallyin house thefurnace,byinstallinga mechanical spacewhichcanalso floor planbycreatingacentral be accomplishedinaspread-out to shortenpipelengths.Thiscan to bathrooms,kitchenandlaundry L 25 feetofAllFixtures c and speedshot waterdelivery. conser domestic hotwatersavesenergy, Ef Benefit: educing frictionlossimposedby . LocatetheWater Heaterwithin ump isneededtosupplyhot ocate thewaterheatertankclose ith low-flowfixtur ficient designanddistribution of oss-linked polyethylene).The . Smalldiameterflexiblepipes ves water med "homer es. T native totypical , useslesspiping, o ensur es, 3/8”diameter un" or"mani e thatpipe fold" for details. T or Conservation Council:www.cuwcc. page oftheCaliforniaUrbanWater downloaded fromtheproductweb- HETs canbe andthe MaPreport report.Acompletelistingof testing the MaximumPer waste removalthresholdasdefinedin orexceedinga 250 gram meeting These fixturesareidentifiedas of NorthAmericanwateragencies. requirements rigorous performance Install HETs qualified asmeetingthe Application: fed toilets. toilets, andconventionalgravity- toilets, 1.0-gpfpressure-assist category offixtureincludesdual-flush E per flush(gpf)arecalledHigh- Toilets thatuselessthan1.3gallons Description: 2 to fur HET Benefit: provider forpossiblerebates. Check withthelocalwater from lesswastewatertotreat. and wastewateragenciesbenefit water supplies.Municipalities by reducingdemandupontheir sewer costs.W ankless W fficiency Toilets (HETs). This . InstallHighEfficiencyToilets g/pr s per ther r oducts_tech.lasso for ater Heater m wellandallowresidents educe theirwaterand ater providersbenefit for . Seepage45 mance (MaP) G. Appliances

1. Install ENERGY STAR® washers. Less moisture means less Super-Efficient Home Appliances Dishwasher drying time, saving additional energy (SEHA) Tier 2 designation save from the drying operation. at least 20% over minimum federal Description: standards. Benefit: High efficiency dishwashers use less ENERGY STAR®–qualified washing Application: water and energy than conventional machines use substantially less water A. Select ENERGY STAR®-qualified dishwashers. They save at least 25% and energy than conventional washers. refrigerators. For information, go to over the federal minimum standards. www.energystar.gov. Some dishwashers are more water-

B. Select SEHA Tier 2 refrigerators. G efficient than others, even among R E

® E ENERGY STAR —qualified models. For information, go to www.cee1.org/ N B

resid/seha/refrig/refrig-main.php3 U The most water-efficient models use I L D I 6.5 gallons or less per cycle. N Benefit: G M

® E ENERGY STAR refrigerators can A

Application: S U

® reduce the total annual electricity R Select ENERGY STAR –qualified E S dishwashers. They use an internal Horizontal Axis Washing Machines. bill by more than 10%. water heater to boost temperatures 3. Install ENERGY STAR® inside the dishwasher. This means 4. Install Built-In Refrigerator that household water heaters can Recycling Center N be turned down to 120°F, saving E W

Description: Description: H water heating costs. O Refrigerators and freezers are M Built-in recycling centers provide bins E

Benefit: among the largest users of electricity O for separated recyclables and trash. N S T

Water-efficient dishwashers reduce in most homes. They can account R U

Application: C water and energy use. for up to 25% of household energy T I O

® Recycling and trash bins should be N

use. ENERGY STAR refrigerators G

® R save at least 15% over the federal built into kitchen cabinets. E

2. Install ENERGY STAR E N

Clothes Washing Machine minimum standards. Refrigerators B Benefit: U I L

that qualify for the Consortium for D I

A built-in recycling center provides N G

Description: Energy Efficiency's convenience by locating a recycling G ® U I

ENERGY STAR clothes washing D

bin right next to a trash bin, keeping E L I machines use 50% less energy N

materials separated and free from E and 45 to 60% less water while S contamination. performing as well as a standard washer. To maximize water efficiency, choose models with a water factor rating of 6.0 or less. You will find the ENERGY STAR® label on products that exceed Application: energy performance guidelines for ® Most ENERGY STAR washing energy efficiency. If all consumers, machines save energy and water businesses, and organizations in through a front-loading design the United States chose ENERGY (horizontal axis) that tumbles STAR® products over the next clothes in a small amount of decade, the national annual energy water. Most models also include bill would be reduced by about a high-speed final spin cycle that $200 billion. For more information, extracts more moisture than standard visit www.energystar.gov. Built-In Recycling Center. 39 H. Insulation

1. Install Recycled-Content Benefit: Application: Insulation Buying products with high post- Select a product that has been consumer recycled content reduces tested for low emissions according to Description: reliance on virgin raw materials, the California “Standard Practice Nearly all building insulation contains closes the loop in the curbside for the Testing of Volatile Organic some recycled content. Fiberglass recycling process, and reduces Emissions from Various Sources insulation typically contains 30% landfill deposits. Using Small Scale Environmental recycled glass, with a combination of Chambers.” (For information, go to post-industrial and post-consumer 2. Install Insulation That Is Low www.ciwmb.ca.gov/GreenBuilding/

S content. Materials such as recycled E Emitting for Formaldehyde and Specs/Section01350.) R

U cotton or newspaper insulation S Volatile Organic Compounds A

E Benefit:

M contain up to 80% post-consumer (Certified Section 01350) G

N Minimizing formaldehyde and

I recycled materials. D L

I VOCs in the home improves indoor

U Description: B Application:

N air quality.

E Many insulation products emit E Choose products with the highest R

G formaldehyde and other volatile recycled content possible. Give 3. Quality Installation of Insulation organic compounds (VOCs). Look preference to materials with a high for products that have been tested level of post-consumer recycled Description: for low emissions by a reputable materials. Post-consumer waste is Studies have shown that poorly third-party organization or govern- S

E recovered after a product’s useful installed insulation severely N I ment agency. L

E life has ended and the product is decreases the material's insulating D I

U ready to be discarded. G value. Ensure quality installation of

G N I insulation in walls, floors and ceilings. D L I

U Consider installing above Title 24 B Damp-Blown Spray Cellulose Wall Insulation.

N Recycled-Content Batt Insulation.

E minimum levels. E R G

N Application: O I T

C Pay proper attention to detail and U R T

S quality assurance. Install insulation N O

C with no gaps or voids. Size insulation

M correctly to fill the cavity side-to-side, O H

W top-to-bottom and front-to-back. E N Cut or fill to fit around wiring and plumbing without compression. Insulate hard to access cavities.

Benefit: Effectively installed insulation creates a more comfortable home and reduces the owner's utility costs. Lower energy demand reduces pollution and improves public health.

40 GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 41 Ceiling ® . e ideally culation may be –qualified light fixtures. –qualified models can be –qualified models can ® ® educing or eliminating the need Benefit: Ceiling fans can make residents feel more comfortable, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning and heating. Compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) lasts longer and saves money System for 5. Install Ventilation Nighttime Cooling Description: Even when windows ar placed to provide natural ventilation, passive air cir inadequate to keep the home cool. Mechanical ventilation cooling systems use nighttime air to thermal mass, cool the home’s r for air conditioning. One type of system—a whole house fan—can provide nighttime However, cooling if used properly. they require open windows to 4. Install ENERGY STAR 4. Install Fans with CFLs Description: interior comfort Ceiling fans improve Most ENERGY by circulating air. STAR Application: locations are areas where Preferable occupants tend to spend more time, such as bedrooms and family Anchor ceiling fans to ceiling rooms. select increase efficiency, joists. To models that include ENERGY STAR adjusted to either draw warm air adjusted to either draw or push upward during the summer the winter. it downward during om Natural eplaces unless ficiency listings ficiency (as low as naces can also be , ef ficiency (fr ficient Gas Fireplaces centage of new homes y low ef ficiency ces Canada) exceeds 60%. ge per Application: Do not install gas fir Benefit: Efficient gas fireplaces consume less gas and reduce winter heating costs. 3. Install Ef Description: Gas fireplaces are installed in a lar mostly for decorative use. Many have ver 13%), yet homeowners depend on them to meet some percentage of the heating load. Though there are regulating no U.S. or state standards their ef their listed ef are required in Canada and are available for many models sold in the U.S. Benefit: such as gas Some gas appliances requiredryers and fireplaces indoor exhaust air for combustion and is When a house conditioned air. by exhaust negatively pressurized ducts, carbon fans, dryers or leaky into the monoxide can be pulled chamber. house from the combustion water heaters Sealed furnaces and thereby eliminate that condition, improving indoor air quality and reducing the danger of carbon monoxide contamination. Sealed combustion fur installed (by code) in conditioned indoor spaces in tightly sealed houses, thus reducing heat loss to outdoors. Resour t naces and gy savings.

ater Heaters Application: Install in place of conventional atmospherically vented furnaces or water heaters. Sealed combustion fur Description: water heaters duct outdoor air directly into a sealed jacket around the combustion chamber and then vent it directly outdoors, eliminating the use of house air for combustion. 2. Install Sealed Combustion Furnaces and (Direct Vent) W and ener Doing these calculations correctly and installing the system indicated by the calculations will result in an efficient and effective HVAC system that will deliver comfor Benefit: Application: system Design and install the HVAC according to results obtained from heat load Manual J (the home’s calculation), Manual D (ductwork design and sizing) and Manual S (equipment selection and sizing). Description: Contractors The Air Conditioning developed of America (ACCA) has set of calculation manuals— a determine Manuals J, D and S—to and design of the appropriate size and heating, ventilation a home’s system. air conditioning (HVAC)

1. Design and Install 1. Design System to HVAC ACCA Recommendations I. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Air and Ventilation Heating, I. 42

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES GREEN BUILDING MEASURES of handlers uselessfanenergyand variable speedfurnacesorair cooling systemsthatcombinewith two speeds.Integratedventilation per hour, andshouldhaveatleast be sizedforfourtosixairchanges Ventilation coolingsystemsshould Application: deliver filteredoutdoorair. require theuseofwindows,and are automaticallycontrolled,donot with heatingandcoolingequipment, systems, ontheotherhand,integrate air. Integratedventilationcooling a (HCFC) r R-22 isahydrochlorofluorocarbon Description: Non-HCFC Refrigerants 6. InstallAirConditioningwith conditioning incoastalclimates. can eliminatetheneedforair of 35%ininlandclimatesand energy consumptionbyanaverage system canr A properlyappliedventilationcooling Benefit: backdrafting isnotanissue. depressurize) thehouse,so systems pr Integrated ventilationcooling ceiling. T should beinstalledinahallway insulated, tight-sealingshuttersand Whole housefansshouldhave under theClean AirAct,HVAC destroying chemical. In2010, R-22 containschlorine,anozone- heating andcoolingsystems. as asour fireplaces thatrelyonindoorair with waterheaters,furnaces,or never useawholehousefan dmit air, andtheydonotfilterthe fset mor efrigerant usedinr ce ofcombustionair. o pr e airconditioningener essurize (ratherthan educe totalcooling event backdrafting, esidential gy. new airconditionersusingR-22. m at ther installed inanatticthatisinsulated accommodate them,ortheymaybe sof installed inclosets,chases,and The unitandductr insulated envelopeofthehome. and coolingductworkinsidethe Install HVAC unitandallheating within ConditionedSpace a. InstallHV Application: and comfor contribute topoorindoorairquality efficiency andcapacity, andcan lowers heatingandcoolingsystem Poorly designedandinstalledductwork Description: Ef 7. DesignandInstall will notdamagetheozonelayer replacement, anon-HCFCrefrigerant If therefrigerantleaksduring Benefit: handle refrigerants. to have achievedEPA certification employs servicetechnicianswho that always selectareputabledealer refrigerants arehandledproperly; refrigerant, R-410A.Makesurethat already useanalternativetoR-22 refrigerants. SomenewACunits Install ACunitsthatdon’tuseHCFC Application: cause negative pressureinthe air toleakout. Leaky airductscan average, 20to30%ofconditioned have beenshowntoallow, on Leaks inthejointsbetweenductwork and Seams b. UseDuctMasticonAll Joints anufacturers cannolongerproduce fective Ductwork fits purposefullydesignedto oof deck(non-ventedattic). t pr AC UnitandDuctwork oblems. uns maybe . inspected byaHERSrater. to indicateductlocationsandif this measureifmarkersareplaced Title 24creditmaybetakenfor and aidsburial. top connectionskeepsductslow supply bootswithsideinsteadof insulate toatleastR-38.Using them. T of tr over ceilingjoistsorthebottomchor rafters ortrusses,allowductstolay Instead ofsuspendingductsfrom be tightlysealed. approach, ductconnectionsmust maximize theeffectivenessofthis loose-fill ceilinginsulation.T impr ductwork canbesignificantly efficiency, theinsulationvalueof space toimproveHVAC system installing ductworkinconditioned As alowcostalternativeto Insulation (“BuriedDucts”) c. InstallDuctworkunderAttic or crawlspace, orbackdraftingof contaminated air fromtheattic This maycauseinfiltrationof the r with thebedroomoverpressurized and problems imbalance, andapressure air movement,leadingtocomfor path. Inlargerrooms,thisrestricts r When abedr Ductwork System d. Pressure Balancethe and seam. Install masticateveryductjoint maintains atightsealfordecades. effectiveness inafewyears.Mastic Don’t useducttape;itlosesits from gaswaterheatersandfurnaces. home, includingcarbonmonoxide and indoorcontaminantsintothe h educes orcutsof ouse, whichcandrawmanyoutdoor usses andblowinsulationover oved bybur est ofthehousedepr o achievemoderatecover oom doorisclosed,it ying ductsin f ther eturn airflow essurized. o age, t d GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 43 e e e mor uction is used gy by reducing thermal onic heating systems ar entilation System fficient boilers or water heaters fficient boilers or water Application: 24 standards California Title require mechanical ventilation when “tight” constr for compliance (specific leakage area, or SLA, is less than 3). Design the mechanical ventilation systems to meet established ventilation standards such as in Benefit: Hydr 10. Install Mechanical V Description: Mechanical ventilation systems ar used to deliver fresh air in tightly sealed homes. There are several types of mechanical ventilation systems that can be grouped into categories of exhaust fans, systems that integrate with furnaces, and stand-alone balanced ventilation systems. in one-story houses located where in one-story They can utilize cooling is not needed. e for both that provide hot water heating. domestic use and space with a Install slab edge insulation minimum of R-5. Application: heating Use hydronic radiant heating where instead of forced air or where cooling is not needed, comfort requirements are rigorous. The system should be designed in accordance with Radiant Panel Association guidelines by an RPA- certified installer. comfortable than forced air heating, save ener stratification and eliminating duct heat loss, and are easily zoned. eas culate educing ent ar fer t. By r ough radiant floor y discomfor onic heating systems cir ticulates as a leading cause of AC equipment elements and espirator 9. Install Zoned, Hydronic Radiant Heating with Slab Edge Insulation Description: Hydr hot water thr panels, wall radiators, or baseboard convectors located in dif or zones of the house. Hydronic heating is most practical when installed with radiant heating distri- bution in slab-on-grade foundations Benefit: has identified micro- The EPA par r Application: 6 to 10 are Filters of MERV for cleaner air without recommended of compromising the performance systems. standard mechanical 10 or ratings of Filters with MERV to airflow, more create resistance becomes because the filter media increases. denser as efficiency of a MERV Only use a filter with system is 10 or higher if the HVAC specifically designed for it. a these particles in the indoor air, high efficiency filter protects the HV makes the living space healthier. Radiant Floor Heating. pletely uction uction, is com om constr uction alue, is a metric used e efficient the filter is at ting V eturn duct in the master bedroom eturn duct in the master removing particles. to measure an air filter’s efficiency. to measure an air filter’s scale ranges from 1 to The MERV number, 20. The higher the MERV the mor Description: or Minimum Efficiency MERV, Repor 8. Install High Efficiency Filter HVAC Benefit: Effective ductwork practices significantly reduce energy loss, minimize indoor air quality problems and improve occupant comfort. Debris and dust fr e. Protect Ducts during Construction e. Protect Ducts during and Clean All Ducts before Occupancy can lodge in HVAC units and the can lodge in HVAC ductwork, potentially causing occupants to have allergic reactions and reducing the effectiveness of the blower fan and heating/cooling elements. During constr completely seal off each duct register unit to block out any and the HVAC construction dust. Use methods and materials that will stay in place under the abuse of a typical construction site. After constr and other large rooms that can be and other large rooms install a Or closed off with a door. grilles between transfer duct to join area and the hall or main living the transfer these rooms. Make minimize duct long enough to sound transmission. finished, vacuum the blower unit and ductwork as necessary. combustion appliances. At a appliances. At a combustion additional minimum, install an r 44

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES GREEN BUILDING MEASURES W operate andmaintainthemproperly. a the homeownerwithclearinformation Standard62.2.Provide ASHRAE sones orlessforquieteroperation. Look forbathroomfanswith1.5 when themoisturelevelsubsides. a thresholdlevel,andshutdown on whenmoistureintheairreaches better, astheyautomaticallyswitch Humidistat contr 15 to30minutes)workwell. then r when thelightsareturnedon,and the room.Timers triggered thatare adequately removemoisturefrom to ensureproperrun-time contr attic. Bathroomfansshouldbe fans totheoutdoors,not Exhaust allbathroomventilation climate zones. justify theiruseinmostCalifornia their highfanener ar and/or moisture.HRV’s andERV’s heat exchangerstorecover ventilators (ERV’s) thatemploy (HRV’s) andenergyrecovery include heatr volume ofair. Stand-alonesystems equipped withcontrolstoregulate a damperedduct,andshouldbe fan tobringinoutsideairthrough Integrated systemsusethefurnace forfilteredmakeupair. provisions operate continuouslyandinclude ventilation, exhaustfansshould bout such systems,sothattheycan bout e appr hen usedforwhole-house olled byatimerorhumidistat un forasettime(usually opriate forcolderclimates; ecover ollers ar gy usemaynot y ventilators e even backdrafting offireplaces. not overpower sure topurchasehoodsthatare more likelytousethem.Make so thathomeoccupantswillbe are quiet(lessthan4to5sones), not theattic.Userangehoodsthat Exhaust kitchenhoodstotheoutside, Application: odors andpar Additionally nitr cooktops producecarbonmonoxide, properly ventilated.Gasovensand that cancausemoldgrowthifnot Kitchens pr Description: V 11. UseLow-SoneRangeHood ENERGY STAR and othermoistureproblems. reduce thepossibilityofrot,mold will Properly ventilatingbathrooms air qualitybydilutingpollutants. ventilation systemsimproveindoor fresh outdoorair. Wholehouse provide today’s with tighter homes Mechanical ventilationsystems Benefit: per with lessnoise,andusehigh provide betterefficiencyandcomfort than standardmodels.Theyalso fans use65%lessenergy, onaverage, ented totheOutside formance motorsthatlastlonger. ogen dioxideandotherpollutants. oduce alotofmoisture , cookingfoodproduces ticulates. ed andcancause ® –qualified ventilation Description: Monoxide Alarms 12. InstallCarbon gases andcookingemissions. health effectsfromcombustion home, andhelpspreventadverse the amountofmoistureinside range hoodstotheexteriorreduces causes ofmoldinbuildings.Venting poor ventilationisoneofthemain Excessive moistureresultingfrom Benefit: an addedlevelofhomesafety. A carbonmonoxidealarmprovides Benefit: their sensitivityovertime. three tofiveyears,astheylose Alarms mustbereplacedevery 2034 andCSA6.19standards. Alarms mustcomplywithbothUL per manufactur Install acarbonmonoxidealar Application: known asbackdrafting. back intothehome,apr monoxide fr pipes. Thiscanintroducecarbon reverse theflowofexhaustvent it candepressurizethehomeand is leakinginatightlybuilthome, equipment. Ifahome’s ductwork from carsandsomelandscape fur as stoves,cooktops,waterheaters, such from combustionappliances Carbon monoxide(CO)isemitted naces andfir om theseappliances er eplaces, aswell ’s instructions. ocess m GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 45 occurs e two ovide e ar ed to pr ficiency Air nia. Ther esidential peak equir gy use at 82ºF outdoor e, and EER, which e. The higher the SEER s air conditioning nia’ eflects ener temperatur is measured at 95ºF outdoor temperatur and EER numbers, the less electricity is r comfort. Both values should be considered, since most of Califor Conditioner (SEER >13) with a Thermostatic Expansion (TXV) Valve efficiency ratings, SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio), which r g. Install High Ef Air conditioning is the greatest contributor to r loads in Califor TXV at temperatures above 82ºF. is a refrigerant regulation device that can help ensure that the air conditioning system operates at maximum efficiency over a wide range of conditions, and can compensate for incorrect refrigerant charge. f. Install High Efficiency Furnace f. Install High Efficiency (AFUE 90 % or higher) 90% AFUE Install a furnace with efficiency) (annual fuel utilization A properly sized, high or greater. efficiency furnace costs less to operate and reduces air emissions. Furnaces with variable speed fans also use less electrical energy. Check with your local utility company for rebate information. heating the water rather than heating the water rather This also losing it out of the flue. costs. saves money on fuel gy educe ater Heater with ankless ecommended. See ater heaters with high ener ecommended for south glazing in e. Install W Energy Factor >0.62 W d. Install T Heaters Water The new generation of tankless water heaters can meet the hot water needs of most houses, have no standing pilot, and can r water heating gas use by 50% or more. Instead of storing hot water they heat water as needed, thus reducing standby energy use. Install the tankless water heater as close to the points of use as possible, and adjacent to an exterior wall or roof to reduce the cost of venting (stainless steel venting is required). A control that allows the hot water temperature to be varied is r picture on page 38. label listing a U-value of 0.4 or label listing a U-value 0.4 or less. less and an SHGC of low-e glass The cost premium for pays for is minimal and typically There are two itself very quickly. heat rejecting types of low-e glazing: receiving (soft coat) and heat coat low-e is (hard coat). The soft more commonly available, and it is effective as a cooling strategy. the hard coat low-e is However, r passive solar buildings. Wood, vinyl and fiberglass frames generally insulate much better than aluminum frames. factors use more of the energy for Design Energy-Efficient Homes Design Energy-Efficient es by as rier arm oof sheathing. , if the insulation is not

e quality installation of

ofessional verifies in the field that educe attic temperatur much as 30 degrees on hot days. When selecting windows, look for low-e models that have an NFRC c. Install Energy Efficient Windows Radiant barrier sheathing is a roof sheathing material with a reflective layer (film or foil) applied to the underside. Use in place of, and install in the same manner as, conventional r b. Install Radiant Bar Radiant barrier sheathing can r Roof Sheathing in W Inland Climates Insulation in exterior walls and ceilings can reduce demand for air conditioning and heating and make homes more comfortable. However a. Improve Insulation properly installed, the insulation's stated value will not be achieved. Ensur insulation. California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24) now allows a credit for “quality installation” whereby a certified pr insulation has been installed well, and with minimal gaps and voids. In October 2005, revisions to In October 2005, revisions Building Energy California’s 24) Efficiency Standards (Title went into effect. energy Consider the following to achieve efficiency strategies 24 standards. and exceed Title

BUILDING BASICS BUILDING J. Building Performance Building J. 46

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES GREEN BUILDING MEASURES the homeperformancetesting. available tohelpoffsetthecostof technician. Incentivesmaybe Energy RatingSystem(HERS) conducted byacertifiedHome and passahomeperformancetest 15% home mustexceedTitle 24by Application: ENERGY STAR beyond Title 24maybeeligiblefor w A homethatisdesignedandbuilt Description: STAR 1 Package goesbeyondenergy ENERGY STAR Description: Package Requirements Indoor AirQuality 2. MeetENERGYSTAR higher qualityconstruction. comfort, lowerenergycosts,and home willbenefitfr People livinginahighperformance Benefit: To beENERGYSTAR . DesignandBuildENERGY ith energyefficiencyimprovements ® High PerformanceHomes ® ® ’s IndoorAirQuality designation. om increased ® –qualified, a ® ’s ’s and fixpotentialproblems. inspections canhelpuncoverer poorly. Diagnosticevaluationsand ener benefits. Homesdesignedtobevery efficiency andgreenbuilding help maximizeahome’ Early reviewofprojectplanscan Description: and Inspection 3. Third-PartyPlanReview comfor in ef These requirementsgoveryfar Benefit: STAR qualification. FulfillingENERGY Package, applyforandreceive ENERGY STAR Fulfill therequirementsof Application: all majormoistureissuesmanaged. indoor contaminantsreduced,and pest controlmeasuresinstalled, balanced, freshairintroduced, envelope tightened,airpressures leakage becontrolled,thethermal e gr Have anexperiencedandcertified Application: Indoor AirQualityPackage. ments isaprerequisiteforthe efficiency andinteractionofthe the home'sdesignformaximum fficiency andrequiresthatduct een buildingpr gy efficientmaystillperform fectively managingbuilding ® ’s energy-efficiencyrequire- t, healthanddurability ® Indoor AirQuality ofessional r s ener eview . gy r ors for thepr additional gr Thir Benefit: as intended. ensuring thathomeswillperform performance testingisvitalfor is notbackdraftingintothehome. needed toensur Perform acombustionsafetytestif should becloseto0.35ACH. air changesperhour(ACH);r door testtoestimatetheinterior leakage isunder6%.Useablower Pressurize ductsandverifythat 10% ofdesignflowcalculations. (CFM); resultsshouldbewithin to testductsystemairdelivery Rating System(HERS)technician Use acertifiedHomeEnergy include thefollowingmeasures: and diagnosticevaluationsshould HVAC effectiveness.Inspection tested forthermalenvelopeand L ensure properinstallation. opportunities fortheprojectand can identifyadditionalgreenbuilding b uilding elements.Theplanreviewer ater, havethehomeperformance d-party planreviewcanleadto oject. Thir een buildingbenefits e carbonmonoxide d-par ty home esults GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 47 ger ea can e from oof loads. oof ar uctural . Provide the e-foot or lar un wir e PV systems oofs, and ensuring ovide str oof plan with the om the attic to a location ed location for PV modules r oof trusses are adequate to efer significantly lower the cost when These systems are installed later. provisions include installing conduit fr near the electric service entrance/ circuit breaker panel, allowing space for installation of PV modules on south-facing r that r accommodate any added r section of south or west r clear of vent pipes and other obstructions to allow for the installation of modules. Install 3/4-inch or larger conduit with pull boxes as needed to r the attic to a junction box near the main panel and meter owner with a r pr and the conduit location clearly marked, and pr information on what added loads the roof can accommodate. (One type of PV systems, called building-integrated PV modules, Description: Making provisions during construction for installing futur Application: Maintain a 200-squar Benefit: systems can Many solar water heating needed provide all the hot water and will during summer months, of the gas save more than 50% heating. normally used for water can pay Solar hot water systems years and back in as little as ten or electricity reduce the use of gas for water heating. 3. Pre-Wire for Future Photovoltaic (PV) Installation

Hot

d l o C ater and Heat Hot Water Solar Exchanger Storage Tank Collector Space Heating System Solar Hot W Installing Solar Water System. Installing Solar Water Application: heaters that are Use only solar water Certification SRCC (Solar Rating and sufficient Corp) certified. Provide for collectors, south-facing roof area make sure the roof structure can of the accommodate the weight near system, and make provisions heater the conventional water for any additional mechanical storage tanks, equipment (such as pumps, pipes and controllers). e cost esult of new ater d water heater. e-plumbing will , as a r ovide at least an 8 ft. by e.

eheated by a solar system is fective than ever Solar water heating is mor Description: Solar water heating systems use solar panels and water storage to collect and store heat from the sun for domestic hot water use. Water pr typically used to deliver preheated water to a standar 2. Install Solar W Heating System ef technologies, reliable products, and rising natural gas prices. Benefit: Solar hot water pr make it easier and less expensive to install a solar water heater in the futur Application: copper Installation of insulated pipes and sensor wiring between the attic and the water heater location will facilitate future installation of a accommodate To solar water heater. “active” systems, provisions should also be made for a solar storage tank (with pressure relief drain line) and an electrical outlet for a pump. Pr 8 ft. clear section of south-facing roof for future installation of solar panels. Preparing for the installation of Preparing for the installation substantially solar water heating will reduce the cost of future installation, during the time and adds little cost of construction. Description: 1. Pre-Plumb for Solar 1. Pre-Plumb Heating Water K. Renewable Energy Renewable K. 48

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES GREEN BUILDING MEASURES with tileroofingsystems. incentives mayincrease. the nextfewyears,andCalifornia and systemsmaydropinpriceover power plants.Photovoltaicpanels reduces theneedforbuildingnew produces noairpollutionand annual basis.PV-generated electricity energy neededbyahomeonnet which canprovidealloftheelectrical economics ofphotovoltaicsystems, electric ratesareimprovingthe Net meteringrulesandtime-of-use Benefit: tiles theyreplace.) t ener south orwest-facingroofs.More location forPVmodulesisflushon For costandappearance,thebest Application: ar “building-integrated” PVmodules, residential applications.Onetype, dif strikes thePVcells.Anumberof into electricitywhensunlight PV systemsconvertsolarenergy Description: (PV) Panels 4. InstallPhotovoltaic load. Fortiler and helpreducethesystempeak are availablefromsomeutilities, advantage oftime-of-useratesthat facing modulescantakebetter south-facing modules,butwest- ypically weighlessthantheroof e designedtoattractivelyinter ferent productsareavailablefor gy ispr oduced annuallyby oofs, building- face Photovoltaic PanelSystem,CentexHomes,Liver plants, andimprovedenergysecurity. for thedevelopmentofnewpower burning powerplants,reducedneed reduced emissionsbyfossilfuel— Benefits includelowerutilitycosts, Benefit: bydw”andafederaltaxcredit. “buy-down” California EnergyCommission Current incentives includea mounting thePVpanels. designed racksareavailablefor For otherrooftypes,specially easier toinstallandmoreattractive. i ntegrated modulesareusually electricity generatedandused. Power metershowingtheamountofsolar more. GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 49 - d adhesives oducts (70 gpl or Application: Use low-VOC pr less) in place of standar and caulks for all interior applications such as installation of flooring, countertops, trim, wall coverings, paneling and tub/shower enclosures. Benefit: Low-VOC adhesives and caulks work as well as or better than conven Low/No-VOC paint. Benefit: finishes Using low-VOC wood the home, reduces offgassing into quality and improving indoor air of smog. reducing the formation 4. Use Low-VOC Adhesives and Caulks Description: and Unlike oil-based adhesives caulks that offgas toxic compounds for months, low-VOC products reduce toxic gases such as aromatic hydrocarbons or other petroleum solvents that contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution. tional products, emit fewer pollutants and reduce the potential of harmful health impacts. ed . . educing the ater-Based , contaminating indoor air oviding similar durability mation of smog. ood Finishes to conventional oil-based finishes while pr Application: Low-VOC wood finishes (with VOC concentrations of 150 gpl or less) can be used in most applications where oil-based finishes are typically used. If oil-based wood finishes must be used, they should be applied off-site or left to offgas for three to four weeks prior to occupancy W Description: Conventional oil-based wood finishes can offgas for months and can be harmful to children and chemically sensitive individuals. Offgassing means the solvents are released into the air Low-VOC finishes, such as quality. waterborne urethane and acrylic, are lower in toxic compounds compar Benefit: Low- or zero-VOC paint reduces the emissions of VOCs, improving indoor air quality and r 3. Use Low-VOC, W Application: is Paint with low- or zero-VOCs major available from most is applied manufacturers and like conventional paint. less than Low-VOC paints contain (gpl) of VOCs 150 grams per liter and 50 gpl or for nonflat finishes, Paints that less for flat finishes. gpl of VOCs are contain less than 5 classified as zero-VOC. for educe these tain VOCs react with oom. cer o-VOC paints r fects human health. Low-

ficult to get rid of. ound-level ozone (smog) that sources of pollution. and zer also af Description: Most paint releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a major air pollutant, into the home. Once outside, other pollutants, producing gr 2. Use Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paint Occupants will have a cleaner home with less outdoor pollution tracked in. Benefit: Application: Minimize the amount of contaminants tracked inside the home. For avoid carpet, and specify entryways, easily cleaned flooring with a hard bamboo, such as hardwood, surface, ceramic tile or natural linoleum. Provide features entryways for near removal and storage of outerwear and shoes, such as tiled surface and benches for removing shoes, or a mudr Description: dust and Up to two-thirds of is tracked particulates in houses on in shoes. The dust contains and pesticides everything from soil to sand, mold, road grime abrasive particulates and bacteria. Once these are inside the home, they can be dif

1. Provide Permanent 1. Provide Mats and Shoe Walk-Off Storage at Home Entrances L. Finishes L. 50

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES GREEN BUILDING MEASURES portion ofnewpaint. for recyclingandblendingwitha and thensenttopaintmanufactur The paintischeckedforquality hazardous wastecollectionfacilities. household recovered from industrial stock,aswellpaint comes fromunusedconsumeror The recycledportion(20to100%) content latexpaintandprimers. developed high-qualityrecycled- A numberofmanufacturershave Description: 5. UseRecycled-ContentPaint for (FSC)–certified woodcomesfrom Forest StewardshipCouncil Description: a. UseFSC-CertifiedMaterials Interior Finish Preferable Materialsfor 6. UseEnvir the wastestr paint, ratherthanputtingitinto and suppliesamarketforunused need tomanufactur than newpaint.Italsoreducesthe Recycled paintisoftenlessexpensive Benefit: range ofcolors. paint, ittendstocomeinalimited Due totheblendednatureof is appliedlikeconventionalpaint. Latex paintwithrecycledcontent Application: for with stringentsustainable ests managedinaccor estry practices. eam. onmentally e newpaint dance ers quality thannewlumber. Reclaimed lumberisoftenofhigher consumption andlandfilldeposits. buildings r Reclaimed lumberfromdeconstructed Benefit: cabinets anddoors. nonstr applications, suchasmantles, new materialfornonstructural Use reclaimedlumberinplaceof Application: deconstructed. being from oldbuildingsthatare long lengthscanoftenbesalvaged High qualitydimensionallumberin Description: Nonstructural Applications b. UseReclaimedLumberfor of old-growthforests. of woodresourcesandthehealth protects thelong-termavailability forests aremanagedinawaythat FSC certificationassuresthat Benefit: doors, shelvingandwindowframes. materials, suchascabinets,trim, conventional plywoodorstain-grade application thatnormallycallsfor Use FSC-certifiedmaterialsinany Application: of anythecommongrains such for interiortrim.Strawisthe stalk to wood-basedMDFandsolid wood plywood orlaminatearealternatives Straw-based MDFandbamboo Description: Trim Materials c. UseRapidlyRenewable uctural beams,casing,trim, educes r esour ce f from sustainable woodfibersharvestedfrom FSC-Certified cabinets,countertopmade tiles, terrazzo-likematerialsthat counter other plastics.Recycled-content made fr Some r Description: d. UseRecycled-ContentMaterials annually renewablewasteproduct. based MDF, andisderivedfroman equally ormoredurablethanwood- har Bamboo isasdurablemost forests. pressure toharvest attractive, durable,andreduce Rapidly renewablematerialsare Benefit: solid woodorwood-basedMDF. materials inplaceofconventional Use theserapidlyrenewabletrim Application: r tough materialisanannually as wheat,rice,barley, etc.This har is afast-growinggrassthatcanbe orests andlinoleumflooring. enewable wastepr dwoods. Straw-basedMDFis vested inthreetofiveyears. ecycled-content trimis tops includer om r ecycled polystyreneor oduct. Bamboo ecycled glass GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 51 e. maldehyde to this level. oom counters. e available that measure the art because it is used as a binder art because est the building after installation Benefit: Reducing formaldehyde can decrease the risks associated with exposur p in many common and preservative building products. Formaldehyde into the evaporates from products often for many interior, home’s is installed. years after the product Application: formaldehyde ARB recommends that possible levels be as low as cancer- because of formaldehyde’s no greater causing potential, and than 27 parts per billion. Using products with low formaldehyde emissions, such as those mentioned in these Guidelines, will usually lower for T of all finishes. Home test kits ar average indoor concentration of formaldehyde. Recycled content glass tile and concrete bathr nia ding d d (ARB) has ticularly children, nia “Standar ces Boar e most susceptible. maldehyde ces Using Small Scale est Indoor Air for Low Levels pplication: esidents, par n two forms: urea and phenol. n two forms: Air Resour classified formaldehyde as a Toxic Air Contaminant, based on its potential to cause cancer and other adverse health effects. Formaldehyde is usually present at higher levels in in indoor air than outdoor air, Description: Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution. The Califor to the Califor of Volatile Practice for the Testing Organic Emissions from Various Sour Environmental Chambers.” (For information, go to www.ciwmb. ca.gov/GreenBuilding/Specs/ Section01350.) Benefit: Reducing formaldehyde exposure helps protect the health of r 8. T of For A Whenever possible, use materials that emit little or no formaldehyde. Select a product that has been tested for low emissions accor who ar i binders areUrea-formaldehyde products. common in interior-grade binders are Phenol-formaldehyde because used in exterior applications The they are more water-resistant. makes phenolic waterproofing quality and in glues offgas more slowly urea glues, lower quantities than harmful reducing some of the quality. effects on indoor air e maldehyde in -jointed materials in any -jointed elements ar e stable than conventional maldehyde glues used in maldehyde is often used as a eam. Recycled-content trim lend recycled glass and concrete, lend recycled Description: For binder in home-building products. For composite wood products come 7. Reduce For Interior Finishes application where the materials are to be painted. Benefit: Finger straighter and more stable than conventional clear wood, and use wood more efficiently. Application: Use finger Description: trim, studs and fascia Finger-jointed are manufactured from short pieces of clear wood glued together to create a finished material. e. Use Finger-Jointed Materials e. Use Finger-Jointed Benefit: Recycled-content products keep valuable resources out of the waste str materials are often straighter and mor clear wood. Application: trim materials Use recycled-content the trim in any application where recycled- is to be painted. Use kitchen and content products in such as bathroom applications shower countertops, backsplashes, walls or vanity tops. and natural fiber composites and natural renewable or derived from rapidly recycled resources. b M. Flooring

1. Use Environmentally and workers. Reclaimed flooring Cork can also be used as underlayment Preferable Flooring rescues wood from a landfill and for hard-surfaced flooring to reduce gives it a second life. impact noise between rooms. a. Select Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)–Certified Wood Flooring or Benefit: Reclaimed Wood Rapidly renewable flooring materials are attractive, durable, low-toxic, Description: perform well and reduce pressure FSC-certified wood flooring comes to harvest old-growth forests. Bamboo b. Use Rapidly Renewable from forests managed in accordance is as durable as most hardwoods; S

E Flooring Materials R with stringent sustainable forestry cork and linoleum are naturally fire U S

A and moisture resistant as well as

E practices. FSC-certified products are

M Description:

G available in a wide variety of domestic sound absorbent. N I

D Bamboo, cork and natural linoleum

L and exotic species. Reclaimed wood I c. Use Recycled-Content U flooring are alternatives to hardwood B is wood from another building or Ceramic Tiles N

E flooring. Bamboo is a fast-growing E

R other use that is salvaged for use in

G grass that can be harvested in three a new application. Description: to five years. Cork is harvested from Recycled-content ceramic tiles can Application: the outer bark of the cork oak tree; contain up to 70% recycled glass Use FSC-certified or reclaimed the tree regenerates its bark within or other materials. wood in place of conventional S about 10 years. Natural linoleum is E N I hardwood flooring.

L manufactured primarily from Application: E D I renewable materials such as cork, Install recycled-content tiles wherever U

G Benefit:

G wood flour and linseed oil. conventional tiles are specified. N I FSC certification assures that D L I

U forests are managed in a way that Application: Benefit: B

E protects the long-term availability of Use these rapidly renewable flooring Some recycled-content ceramic tile E R G

wood resources, the health of old- materials in place of conventional is very dense, which significantly N O I growth forests, and the economic

T hardwood, carpet or vinyl flooring. reduces the amount of moisture C U

R sustainability of forestry operations T S N O C

E M O H

W E N

Ingredients of natural linoleum

Used with permission from This Old House 52 GREEN BUILDING MEASURES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 53 d .ciwmb. nia “Standar een Label Plus ganic compounds in the eenBuilding/Specs/ mation, go to www ding to the Califor se and will moderate indoor se and will Application: Choose carpet that meets or exceeds the CRI Gr requirements or a flooring product that has been tested for low emissions accor Benefit: Minimizing formaldehyde and volatile or home improves indoor air quality. u swings, keeping the temperature home more comfortable. Is Low- 3. Use Flooring That or Green Emitting (Section 01350 Label Plus) Description: emit Flooring products may volatile formaldehyde and other organic compounds. Look for products that have been tested for low- emissions by a reputable third-party or government organization. ca.gov/Gr Section01350.) Practice for the Testing of Volatile Practice for the Testing Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small Scale Environmental Chambers.” (For infor mally mal mass. ovide Ther Benefit: Increasing thermal mass will reduce heating and cooling energy 2. Pr Massive Floors Description: Use flooring materials that improve thermal mass. Application: Low-cost thermal mass includes using hard floor coverings such as flooring over a tile and wood. Wood concrete slab also provides reasonably good ther Benefit: saves Recycled-content carpet waste from resources and diverts 40 two- landfills. Approximately recycled per liter soda bottles are square yard of carpeting. Bamboo flooring and recycled-content carpet. ecycled oach for slab-on-grade uction. The finish must be inished Floor ecycled nylon/wool or r Application: Use recycled-content carpet in all applications where conventional carpet is specified. cotton. Recycled-content carpet is comparable in appearance, performance and price to conventional synthetic carpet. Description: Recycled-content carpet is made from recycled bottles, plastic r e. Install Recycled-Content Carpet Benefit: Using the slab as a finish floor eliminates the need to use other flooring materials. It is also durable and easy to clean. Application: Use this appr constr designed and constructed when slab is being poured. For slab-on-grade construction, the For slab-on-grade construction, scored concrete can be polished, patterns, or with joints in various to make an stained with pigments This approach attractive finish floor. is especially appropriate for in-floor radiant heating systems and passive solar design. Description: d. Use Exposed Concrete as d. Use Exposed Concrete F and stains that are absorbed into and stains it more durable the tile, making and easier to maintain. 54

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES GREEN BUILDING MEASURES a quickr the builder, buyerandmunicipality. included inthehome. are —to seewhichgreenfeatures builder, homebuyerandmunicipality for everyoneinvolved—includingthe to theblueprintsmakesiteasier Attaching theGreenPointschecklist Description: in Blueprints 1. IncludeGreenPointsChecklist N. Other operating thehome. best practicesformaintainingand gives importantinformationabout features andtheirbenefits.Italso describes allofthehome’s green A greenhomeownermanual Description: Benefits andOperations Manual ofGr 2. DevelopaHomeowner mor encourage builderstoincorporate of greenbuilding.Thismay in theblueprintsraisesvisibility Including theGreenPointschecklist Benefit: that particularpoint. page numberthatcorrespondsto to eachGreenPointtheblueprint to verifytheGreenPoints,notenext points checkedoff.To makeiteasier Points checklist,withtheapplicable project blueprints,includetheGreen In oneofthefirstfewpages Application: e gr een featur efer ence andbenchmarkfor een Featur es. Italsopr es, ovides • instr • infor • instr • infor • informationaboutperiodically • clearlabelingofsafety • waystooptimizewaterand • householdrecyclingopportunities • warranty, operationandmainte- • explanationofimportance • descriptionofthehome’s green include thefollowinginformation: A comprehensivemanualshould in thestandardhomeownermanual. manual orincludeagreensection Develop aseparategreenhomeowner Application: homeowners onbestpractices to Green homeownermanualsinstruct Benefit: chemicals and disposalofhazardous maintenance clean cleaning products fer tubes checking crawlspacefortermite house systems valves andcontr energy use and appliances nance instructionsforequipment benefits achieve ongoinggreenbuilding maintenance andoperationsto building features tilizers, andenvironmental mation onor uctions forpr uctions forkeepinggutters mation onpr ganic pestcon ols formajor oper tr oper handling ee tr ol, Green BuildingShowroom,PonderosaHomes. as well. These canbelistedinsectionN.3. address uniquelocalpriorities. selected greenfeaturesthat N.3. Municipalitiesmayalsoidentify taken forthesemeasuresinline Points checklist,butcreditcanbe not listedindividuallyintheGreen Community Designmeasuresare and LocalPriorities 3. CommunityDesignMeasures environmentally responsiblemanner. l maintaining theirhomeandits maximize theirinvestmentby download atwww sample measur An InnovationChecklistwith custom andpr that aremorelikelytobeusedby rather alistoffield-testedoptions incorporated intoahome,but of gr intended tobeanexhaustivelist The Guidelines’measuresarenot 4. Innovation andscaping inahealthyand een elementsthatcanbe oduction builders. es isavailablefo .BuildItGreen.org r MARKETING GREEN HOMES NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES 55 oad. f ve your business well when you , which may translate into referrals ds of positive media attention. The fectively train them and get them excited ewar our Sales Staf , they will enthusiastically convey this message epeat sales down the r y attractive to them. Media coverage draws public y attractive to them. Media coverage draws news and trade media are hungry for positive stories. news and trade media are hungry for positive making your Green building is still a fresh concept, stor engage your interest and helps you more effectively media possible this positive potential customers. It’s coverage may also ser are working to gain approval for new developments. Reap the r them additional value—whether it’s lower utility it’s them additional value—whether that comes with knowing bills, the peace of mind with healthier products, or the home was built an the prestige and “bragging rights” of owning providing environmentally responsible home. By engender buyers with these valuable amenities, you good will and loyalty and r Educate Y well built Sales are everything. It doesn’t matter how staff doesn’tor how green your projects are if your sales customers. communicate the value of green to your salespeople are your greatestYour advocates, so take the time to ef about the green features and benefits you offer. Providing people with quality homes is a rewarding profession, and adding the green factor gives your sales staff even more reason to be proud of what they do. Once you sell them on the idea that green building is good for business, good for people, and good for the community to potential customers. • een- e tually any Marketing Green Homes Green Marketing . Buyers are s buyers ar esult of your gr egardless of market conditions. esult, today’ eal estate market, vir eputation for quality entiation s hot r fer nia’ oducts. As a r

Enhance your r becoming more informed as home improvement becoming more informed as home improvement publications television shows and mainstream consumer Family like Better Homes and Gardens, Redbook, Circle and Sunset regularly showcase green homes and pr As a green builder, you are not asking your buyers to As a green builder, sacrifice anything. Instead you are offering increasingly associating green builders with high- more, many community quality construction. What’s leaders and government officials associate green builders with companies that care and that are willing best interest. A solid to invest in their community’s reputation for quality and caring will serve your business well over the decades, r In Califor Market Dif greater comfort than if you merely tell her that the house is energy than if you merely tell her that greater comfort efficient. buyer is more likely to perk up her ears if you talk about lower utility bills and you talk about lower utility likely to perk up her ears if buyer is more your green features you offer, Depending on which stewardship, greaterstory may focus on environmental bills, healthier homes and comfort, lower utility benefits. communities, or some combination of these the story you tell leaves a lasting impression Remember, to refine on all your stakeholders—so take the time your message. marketing effort. Train sales staff to tell the stories behind the features. For example,staff to tell the stories behind sales Train marketing effort. a benefits and conveying the superior value of a green home are key aspects of your a green home are key aspects the superior value of benefits and conveying Every green feature providesEvery green these a benefit. Communicating with your customers Chapter Five: Chapter home will sell, whether it’s green or not. But even in a green or not. But home will sell, whether it’s are market where homes are sold before they seller’s and positive finished, building green creates a lasting government image among buyers, community leaders, officials and the media. Here are some of the advantages your company will enjoy as a r building marketing efforts: • • Outshine the competition by offering green amenities. Convey the Benefits • Whole house fans • Photovoltaic panels It is important to complement green products and • Improved wall and ceiling insulation practices with a marketing program that clearly identifies • High efficiency toilets the benefits. Homeowners do not always intuitively • Efficient landscape irrigation systems grasp how they directly benefit from energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, or resource conservation. BENEFITS: Healthier Products and Practices One way to address this in your marketing efforts is to for Families sort the features in terms that are important to the What is more important than the health of our families? buyer. Use the lists below as a tool to assist you in The public health community has identified homes creating marketing materials and assembling the story as one of the most significant threats to children’s of how your homes are different from those built by health. It makes sense to reduce the use of products

S the competition. E

M that are known to have adverse health impacts. O

H The following is a list of green building features that Consider offering the following: N

E help convey the benefits of building green: E

R • Low and no-VOC paints and adhesives G

G • Building products with low or no N I

T BENEFITS: Higher Quality, Low Maintenance, Good E formaldehyde emissions K

R for the Environment A • Water-based, low-VOC wood finishes M Most green building products were developed to do • Exhaust fan in attached garages something better than their conventional counterparts

S • Low-sone range hood vented to outside E

N —they may be stronger, last longer, use resources more I

L • High quality air filters on heating/cooling unit E

D efficiently, or manufactured in an environmentally sound I • Sealed combustion furnace and water heater U G

manner. Consider offering the following features: G N I

D • Durable and noncombustible roofing and siding L I

U • FSC-certified or reclaimed wood BENEFITS: Healthy Communities B

N Living green should extend beyond the boundary of E • Engineered wood beams, joists and studs E R

G the individual home to the entire neighborhood. • Resource-efficient landscaping N O

I Healthy communities offer residents opportunities to T • Natural linoleum, cork and bamboo flooring C

U interact with neighbors and watch out for each other, R • Recycled-content ceramic tile T S

N enjoy walks, bike rides and other outdoor recreation,

O • Recycled-content or composite decking C

E walk to local services, or use mass transit. Consider M O BENEFITS: Greater Comfort and Lower Utility Bills H offering the following:

E Comfort drives high energy use. When it gets hot or • Clustered homes for land preservation N cold, we turn on the air conditioning or furnace. By • Mixed-use, walkable communities designing the home and its systems properly from the • Located near a major transit stop start, you can provide your customers with greater • Pedestrian pathways to open space, continuous comfort while reducing their utility bills. parks, and trails Emphasize that green doesn’t necessarily cost more • Home entrances with porches and views and will generally save money in the long run. of the neighborhood Consider offering the following: • Accessible entrances and pathways • Passive solar heating • Rental units • ENERGY STAR® appliances • Efficiently designed/installed ductwork

2005 Edition NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES