Spring 2007

GREEN CONSTRUCTION

By Brad Lidell, Forest Engineer, Hoosier National Forest

What is green construction? Green construction goes hand in hand with sustainable development with the shared goal of meeting present needs without compromising the ability to meet the needs of future generations. Building design, construction, and maintenance may have significant environmental and natural resource impacts. Facilities sustainability focuses on buildings and associated development. The goal of meeting needs related to construction of residential or commercial facilities is accomplished through careful design taking into consideration the following items:

• Building orientation

• Super-insulation

• Reducing air filtration

• Window sizing, location, and glazing

• Energy efficiency

• Occupant health and safety

• Building operation and maintenance

• Material efficiency

Sustainably built homes conserve natural resources, minimize waste products, conserve energy, and create a healthy environment for the occupants. Another question that might be asked is; “What would a green constructed building look like?“ First of all it would sit on a site that is close to major activities, where one could walk or ride a bike to work. The site selection would consider proximity to existing sewer, water, power, and fire infrastructure. The building placement should not interfere or negatively impact streams, wetlands, or groundwater. The building would face south taking advantage of passive solar heating and natural lighting. Super-insulation and air infiltration sealing techniques would be used. The floor plan would be efficient but comfortable, reducing the overall size of the structure. Hard surface flooring materials are used to improve health and reduce maintenance costs, such as carpet replacement. The roofing color would be light to reduce heat absorption. Plumbing and mechanical systems would be efficient, using less water and fuel, while providing adequate ventilation and filtration for improved air quality. Materials used would take into consideration, recyclability, low toxicity, low harmful air emissions, sustainably harvested materials, durability, longevity, and local availability.

How would you know how “green“ your newly constructed building is? There are a few sustainability rating systems available. One of the best known in the United States is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). It is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings created and maintained by the U.S. Green Building Council. There are four levels of LEED ratings depending on the number of sustainable features incorporated into the building. The ratings are:

• Certified - minimum level rating

• Silver and Gold - intermediate ratings

• Platinum - highest rating

The Forest Service requires all new district offices, supervisor's offices, visitor centers, research facilities, and climate controlled warehouses containing 2,500 square feet or more to be registered and certified under the LEED rating system at the Silver certification level. With the national emphasis to decrease dependence on fossil fuels, address global warming issues, and protect the environment, green construction will become more common among the general public. For the consumer, green constructed homes have several advantages over standard construction. Benefits would be increased user comfort and health, reduced energy use, lower operations and maintenance costs, and less waste production. These benefits come with little additional upfront cost, just careful attention to the green construction standards.

For more information on green construction practices and LEED certification, see the following websites:

www.usgbc.org/LEED U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Certification

www.oikos.com Oikos Green Building Source

www.smartcommunities.ncat.org Smart Communities Network

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

 

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