Green 200: The Science of Green Building

Course Goals Green principles in design and construction Innovative materials, systems, and construction methods Energy-efficient systems including onsite power generation Retrofitting, remodeling, or renovating existing homes 2

Learning Objectives 1.Green Home Design  How professionals make choices and work together 2.Green Home Construction—The Building Envelope  Moving design choices from the drawing table to the site 3.Green Home Construction— Systems  Green systems inside the home 4.Power Off the Grid  Generating electricity off the grid 5.Greening Existing Homes  Retrofitting, remodeling, and renovating existing homes 2

Green Home Design 1

3 Reasons for Green 1.Health and indoor air quality concerns 2.Energy efficiency 3.Environmental concerns  consumers are willing to reward or penalize a company based on its green actions and priorities. 6

Green Design, Green Choices 1. Site selection 2. Home Design 3. Materials selection 4. Interior systems and design Four phases 7

Site Selection Traditional building  Starts with the design of the home  Less consideration for the site Green building  Starts with assessment of the site  Create a structure that integrates into the environment  Proximity to transportation and walkability to amenities 7-10

Site Selection  Green building; consider seasonal impacts of the site: Location—transportation and walkability Greenfield, greyfield, or brownfield? Sunlight patterns Prevailing winds Storm water runoff and snow accumulation patterns Natural features such as hills and trees Climate and microclimates Ecosystems, wildlife habitats and corridors, wetlands 7-10

The Green Team Everyone including the homeowner Planning Design Construction Operation Maintenance Real Estate Professionals Choosing a site Developing new homes Offering market knowledge Guide clients and customers to help make decisions 10

Home Design  Green building, “functional” and “compact”  Small homes  cost less to build and maintain  use less material  feel cozy and sheltering  Large homes contribute to sprawl  require more materials  consume more energy Tip: Homeowners should make a list of all activities to assure home will meet their needs. 11

Home Design Checklist Layout and size Minimize solar heat gain Maximize natural lighting Framing Building codes and zoning Incentives Landscaping Water management Energy efficiency Recycling Certifications Future marketability Architectural appeal 12

Building Materials  Reclaimed sawdust in composite floorings  Bamboo in decorative veneers  Shredded paper and cardboard in waterproof building sheathing  Recycled glass in countertops and flooring  Crushed seashells in decorative tiles Tip: Refer to Green 100 for a list of material certifying organizations. 14

Embodied Energy Before construction During construction After construction the sum of all energy inputs over the lifetime of materials 14

Low Toxicity  Green construction materials minimize or eliminate emissions from:  Paint and adhesives  Carpet  Cabinetry  Wall board  Wall coverings  Pressure treated lumber 15

Pressure Treated Lumber  Purposes: to retard rotting and repel pests.  Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) May be present in older buildings. Requires special handling for disposal. Burning CCA emits arsenic.  Copper-based preservatives (arsenic- free) 16

Managing Construction Waste  2,000 sq ft home = up to 8,000 lbs of waste  Most waste  Wood  Cardboard  Drywall  Green construction plan:  Efficient cuts  Minimal or recycled packaging  Deconstruction instead of demolition 16

Interior Systems  Interrelationships  Balance; site with building orientation, ventilation with air quality and moisture control, HVAC with insulation.  Sound and Light  Balance privacy, natural lighting, ventilation, connection with nature, interior heating or cooling, and quiet spaces.  Indoor Climate  Balance livability with sustainability and energy- efficiency

Interior Systems  Water Management  Conserving, harvesting and heating  Energy Load  Energy modeling estimates energy consumed in BTUs, dollars, or pollution avoidance as a result of design and system choices.  On Site Energy Generation  Home design systems for generating and storing, or selling back, electricity