There are many sustainable building practices.
Environmental Building News has a priority list that ranks ten of
these in terms of environmental impact. Energy savings, listed as
number one, is considered the best investment of time and money
to reduce environmental impacts of buildings. All the practices
listed below are important. Each on its own does not make a building
green or red to sustainable development. Sustainability can be achieved
when multiple sustainable approaches are integrated into the design,
construction and operation phases. Implement as many of the following
as possible based on available resources for a project:
Save energy - use efficient
mechanicals, natural ventilation & heating, renewable energy,
high R-Value insulation. Work with local utility to look at payback
programs, rebates. Consider photovoltaics.
Recycle buildings - use
existing buildings and infrastructure vs. developing new space.
Create community - locate
in the urban service area; decrease dependence on cars by providing
access to public transit, bike and walking paths; permit mixed
use of development so people can walk to stores and work.
Reduce material use - build
smaller and smarter. Reduce surface areas of buildings; optimize
use of interior space and materials.
Protect & enhance the site
- landscape the site to prevent erosion, shade the building in
summer, minimize the need for use of chemicals or pesticides.
Preserve or restore natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
Select low-impact materials
- avoid materials that generate pollution (toxic glues & grouts,
materials & paints that emit (offgas) volatile organic compounds
(VOC's). Materials selection is a major factor in indoor air quality.
Avoid materials that deplete limited natural resources like old-growth
timber. Specify recycled, reused and nontoxic materials. Life
Cycle Assessment tools are available to designers to aid in choosing
green materials. Design for durability, future reuse and adaptability
- use durable materials, design for low maintenance and long term
aesthetics.
Save water - design buildings
& landscapes that are water-efficient. Use water efficient plumbing
fixtures, native plantings and groundwater recharge through stormwater
infiltration designs.
Make the building healthy
- provide occupant control over temperature, light, air, moisture
and noise. Place mechanicals away from intake of combustibles.
Avoid materials that off gas volatile organic compounds (standard
adhesives, paints, particleboard, and some carpets). Minimize
waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling on the construction
site.
* The above information was adapted from an article
in SHWEC's Waste Education Series entitled "Building Alternatives
for Public Projects: A Smart Growth Approach" by Sherrie Gruder.
