Green Building Components

Components of Green Building

Conserve natural resources
Minimize slope disturbance
Align roads with natural topography
Minimize soil disturbance and erosion
Stockpile and cover good soil for later use
Proper management of storm water
Incorporate pre-existing natural vegetation into the landscape whenever possible
Utilize permeable materials for parking areas, walkways and driveways

Use efficient floor plan designs
Use detailed framing plans and detailed material takeoffs. Provide on-site cut lists for framing and sheathing material
Use pre-manufactured roof framing package
Provide a covered entry at exterior doors to prevent water intrusion and subsequent rotting of joists, sills and finishes
Use recommended-sized roof overhangs for the climate
Install gutter and downspout system to divert water 5’ away from foundation
Divert surface water from all sides of building
Employ flashing around all windows and doors
Use scrap building materials wherever possible
Use recycled-content building materials
Use materials manufactured from renewable resources
Use locally available, indigenous materials

Heating system designed and duct system installed in conditioned space using ANSI/ACCA Manual D
Heating system sized appropriately, according to ANSI/ACCA Manual J edition
Third party plan review
Airtight building envelope
2x6” exterior walls
Continuous thermal barrier/exterior insulation (Tyvek)
Spray applied cellulose insulation
Caulk bottom plate of exterior walls
Energy Star Windows appropriate for local climate
Windows flange sealed to sheeting
Sheeting and dry wall form air barriers
Caulk/foam all electrical, plumbing, heating penetrations between floors and to exterior
All duct work sealed with mastic
Stack Framing
2 ft. on-center wall studs and roof
Install whole house tank-less water heater
Install Energy Star-labeled appliances

Install space heating equipment and water heating equipment in isolated mechanical room or closet with an outdoor source of combustion and ventilation air
Install direct-vent, sealed combustion gas fireplace or no fireplace installed
Install carpet, carpet pad and floor covering adhesives that hold “Green Label” from Carpet and Rug Institute’s indoor air quality testing program
Use low or no VOC indoor paint
Use low VOC sealants
Vent kitchen range exhaust to the outside

Identify goals as a team
Provide training to team members on green development practices that will be used onsite
Create a checklist to be filled out onsite that contains only those targeted green development practices that will be implemented in each project

Distribution of handout/flyer stressing importance of maintenance of energy efficient features
Operation and maintenance instruction for equipment and appliances
Explanation of the benefits of using compact fluorescent light bulbs in high usage areas
A list of habits/actions to optimize water and energy use
User-friendly maintenance checklist
A list of local service providers

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