Introducing Connecticut LEED Program for Green Buildings Presented by John Guszkowski, AICP, LEED-AP

What is the USGBC? USGBC is an acronym for the United States Green Building Council. A Non-Profit Coalition started in 1993 Over 18,000 member companies and organizations belong to USGBC Provides leadership to promote “Green Building” practices One of many green building standards – has most cache

What is “GREEN BUILDING”? Green Building is the practice of using resources and methods to create sustainable environments. Some of the elements of Green Building are: Appropriate Siting and Footprint Use of Recycled, Natural and/or Local building / landscaping materials Energy and Water Efficiency Implementation of Sustainable Practices Indoor Environmental Quality Adequate Siting Use of Recycled, Natural and/or Local building / landscaping materials Energy and Water Efficiency (smart appliances, systems and fixtures, insulation, natural lighting, etc.) Implementation of Sustainable Practices (such as composting, “gray”water recycling, use of rainbarrels / rain gardens, clotheslines, native plant landscaping, etc.)

What is LEED? LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a nationally-recognized rating system that measures energy and performance efficiency, environmental health and sustainability. It addresses today’s important challenges: Global Climate Change Dependence on Non-Sustainable Energy sources Threats to Human Health

Program Components LEED for New Construction, Core, Shell, and Schools Scoring system 100 Base Points 6 “Innovation in Design” 4 Regional Priority Levels of Certification Certified 40-49 Silver 50-59 Gold 60-79 Platinum 80+

Key Program Components Sustainable Sites Water Efficiency Energy and Atmosphere Materials and Resources Indoor Environmental Quality Innovation in Design Regional Priority

SUSTAINABLE SITES Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Environmental Site Assessment Site Selection Development Density and Community Connectivity Brownfield Redevelopment Alternative Transportation Site Development Stormwater Design Heat Island Effect Light Pollution Reduction Choosing the most appropriate site and positioning of the structure(s) is essential for optimizing success. Features that can prove advantageous may be: good solar exposure (southern exposure, free of obstruction) steady winds (for turbine use) reliable water resources (for hydro-power, potable drinking/washing) geologic features (sheltering formations, geothermal attributes) access to pedestrian / bicycle routes, public transportation, etc.

WATER EFFICIENCY Water Use Reduction Water-efficient landscaping Innovative Wastewater Technologies Process Water Use Reduction Reducing water consumption and protecting water quality are important objectives of sustainable building. Use of some of the following elements can help achieve this: Ultra-low flush toilets and low-flow shower heads Rain barrels placed at downspouts (to collect rainwater) Dual Plumbing Systems (to use recycled water to flush toilets or irrigate gardens/landscaping)

ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems Minimum Energy Performance Fundamental Refrigerant Management Optimize Energy Performance On-Site Renewable Energy Enhanced Commissioning Enhanced Refrigerant Management Measurement and Verification Green Power Use of certain materials and design techniques can minimize energy usage, reducing a building’s carbon footprint. Examples can be: High-Efficiency Windows and Insulation Passive Solar Design (window placement / use of awnings / shade trees) Energy-Efficient Light fixtures and appliances On-site Energy Generation Scoring based on computer models for energy usage and projected efficiencies

MATERIALS & RESOURCES Storage and Collection of Recyclables Building Reuse Construction Waste Management Materials Reuse Recycled Content Regional Materials Rapidly Renewable Materials Certified Wood Careful selection of materials is integral to optimizing the site’s overall efficiency and sustainability, and determines its degree of environmental impact. Positive choices may include: Recycled / Recyclable / Renewable materials Natural, local materials Environmentally-Friendly materials (such as permeable concrete)

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control Minimum Acoustical Performance Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring Increased Ventilation Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan Low-Emitting Materials Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control Controllability of Systems Thermal Comfort Daylight and Views Enhanced Acoustical Performance Mold Prevention Purposeful steps taken to minimize exposure to potential health hazards and maintain comfort are an important factor of green building. Some proactive steps may include: Use of Zero / No Emission or All-Natural Non-Toxic Finishes Installation of Air Filtration / Humidifying / Ventilation systems Adequate use of Eco-friendly Insulation Operable windows

INNOVATION IN DESIGN Innovation in Design LEED Accredited Professional Creativity, innovation and awareness are essential elements in the development of a successful green building project. Some objectives of “green design” are: To maximize site assets To utilize local material resources To employ efficient systems that are easy to maintain and operate To create a healthy living environment

REGIONAL PRIORITY Regional Priority - 4 points possible - Regional USGBC determination

LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT Low Impact Development (LID) is a land planning and engineering design approach to managing stormwater runoff using natural on-site features to protect water quality near its source. These engineered features process stormwater using the following methods: infiltration filtration storage evaporation detention

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES Implementation of Sustainable Practices may include: Composting Use of Rain Barrels for water collection or Rain Gardens for natural run-off control Open-air laundry drying (clotheslines) Native Plant Landscaping

PREFABRICATED TECHNOLOGIES Structural Insulated Panels Precast Concrete Modular Components Reduced Construction Times Quicker Site Stabilization Smaller Footprint

Under what circumstances? What does it actually get you? QUESTIONS ABOUT LEED Is LEED Necessary? Under what circumstances? What does it actually get you? What does it cost? - Project costs - Opportunity costs - LEED vs. “Small G green”

QUESTIONS ABOUT LEED Are there alternatives? National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) “Green Buildings” Energy Efficient Building Association State of California City of Seattle Energy Star

Is LEED Right for Southern New England? QUESTIONS ABOUT LEED Is LEED Right for Southern New England?

CME Associates, Inc. www.cmeengineering.com Woodstock, CT East Hartford, CT Southbridge, MA Salt Lake City, UT