Enviromental Impacts on Buildings
Sustainable Building Construction
The Building Life Cycle
Sustainable building construction must address all phases of the life of a building material, that is, from cradle to grave.
USGBC
U.S. Green Building Council
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Enviromental Design
-Existing Buildings LEED-EB
-Commercial Interiors LEED-CI
-Building core and shell construction LEED-CS
-Homes LEED-H
also Schools, Retail, Healthcare, Neighborhood Development
LEED-NC
LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations projects LEED-NC
LEED Classification
Platinum: 80+ points
Gold: 60-79 points
Silver: 50-59 points
Certified: 40-49 points
Other Green Building Assesment Programs
Energy Conservation Programs
Product Certificaton
Green Seal
Greenguard
Tests indoor products for acceptable Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) guidelines & standards
Scientific Certification Systems
Tests biodegradability and recycled content; also certifies forests under Forest Certification Program
ISO 14000
Collection of standards & guidelines covering performance, product standards, labeling, environmental management, and life-cycle assessment
Life cycle Assessment
Criteria for Evaluating Building Materials
Philosophy on Salvaged Material
Metals
Reclaimed Wood
Wood salvaged from old buildings and prepared for new use
Ecologically sound, unique visual character
Sustainable or Alternative Materials
Certified Wood Products
Plastic
Plastics used in interior projects should be marked for recycling.
Adhesives
Adhesives are a major cause of VOC contamination – low VOC adhesives:
Carpet
Carpet – three major considerations for sustainability