Green Building Design Tips

Green Building Guide Benefit Summary
	Strategy	Benefits
A. Community Planning and Design
1	Orient Homes on E/W Axis for Solar Access	Reduces the need for energy and lowers utility bills.
2	Orient Living Rooms and Porches to Streets and Public Spaces	Fosters community living.
3	Build Mixed Use, Residential/Commercial	Creates walkable communities, reduces smog and automobile use.
4	Design for Diverse Family Types	Opens housing market to wider range of buyers.
5	Provide Mother-in-Law Home Above Garages	Creates more affordable housing.
6	Build within 1 Mile of Public Transit Hub	Reduces dependence on automobiles and reduces smog.
7	Minimize Street Widths	Slows traffic.
8	Locate Buildings to Preserve Open Space and Wildlife Habitat	Preserves habitats, wetlands.
B. Building Site Design
1	Recycle Job Site Construction and Demolition Waste	Reduces pressure on landfills, saves money by reducing landfill fees,and provides raw materials for future building products.
2	Donate Unused Materials	Reduces landfill deposits, helps local charitable organizations. Donations may be tax deductible.
3	Protect Native Soil	Reduces storm runoff, fertilizer and pesticide requirements, improves water quality and conserves irrigation water.
4	Minimize Disruption of Existing Plants and Trees	Helps prevent soil erosion, maintains existing sources of natural cooling, diverts waste from landfills, and adds a unique character to the community.
5	Implement Construction Site Storm water Practices	Minimizes erosion, water pollution, and protects the waterways.
6	Protect Water Quality with Landscape Design Features	Reduces the volume of polluted water flowing into rivers or the ocean.
7	Design Resource-Efficient Landscapes and Gardens	Helps conserve water, reduces use of chemicals, creates healthier soil and plants.
	Reuse Materials or Use Recycled Content Materials for Landscape Areas	Conserves natural resources and strengthens markets for recycled materials.
9	Install High Efficiency Drip Irrigation Systems	Reduces landscape water use and lowers water costs.
10	Provide for On-Site Water Catchment/Retention	Reduces the need to use treated, potable water for lawns and gardens.
C. Foundation
1	Incorporate Aerated Concrete	The closed cellular structure reduces the amount of concrete needed and contributes to a higher insulating value.
2	Use Clay Bricks	Sustainable material that is low maintenance, has a long life cycle and its thermal mass helps reduce energy costs.
3	Build To a Low Energy Building Standards	Zero-energy building standards reduces the need for heating and cooling.
4	Reuse Form Boards	Saves money and conserves resources as solid sawn lumber is becoming increasingly expensive and scarce.
5	Use Recycled Content Aggregate	Saves money, natural resources and energy.
6	Insulate Foundation/Slab Before Backfill	Reduces energy loss and utility bills by minimizing heat loss.
7	Use Aluminum Forms	Reduces wood use, and despite higher initial cost, will pay for themselves quickly.
8	Install Rigid Foam, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)	ICFs are not subject to rot and results in a better insulated foundation.
D. Plumbing
1	Insulate Hot and Cold Water Pipes	Saves energy, water, and reduces water heating costs.
2	Install Flow Reducers in Faucets and Showerheads	Saves water and is a low cost option.
3	Install Ultra-Low-Flush Toilets	Saves water.
4	Install Chlorine Filter on Showerhead	Reduces chlorine absorbed by skin.
5	Install Tankless Water Heater or Under Sink Instant Hot Water System	Saves energy, is often quicker and more reliable.
6	Pre-Plumb for Graywater Conversion	Cuts down on the use of potable water for outside irrigation and lawn watering.
7	Install Water Filtration Units at Building Point of Entry (POE) and at Faucets (POU)	Reduces contaminants in water.
8	Install On-Demand Hot Water Circulation Pump	Deliver hot water quicker to fixture, saving water and energy.
9	Install Rain Barrels or Water Cistern System	Rain-catching systems saves resources and reduces pollution from storm water runoff.
E. Insulation
1	Upgrade Wall and Ceiling Insulation to Exceed Title 24 Requirements	Lowers utility bills, improves comfort, decreases heating and cooling needs and makes home quieter.
2	Install Recycled Content, Formaldehyde-Free Fiberglass Insulation	Reduces indoor air quality problems due to formaldehyde binders, and can contain up to 30% recycled glass.
3	Use Advanced Infiltration Reduction Practices	Reduces drafts, and makes home more energy-efficient.
4	Use Cellulose Insulation	Increases energy-efficiency, uses recycled materials and contains no formaldehyde.
5	Use Natural Insulation Such as Cork.	Excellent Insulating Properties, Recyclable, Rapidly Renewable and Environmentally Preferred Product.
F. Renewable Energy and Roofing
1	Pre-Plumb for Solar Water Heating	Saves money should a solar system be installed in the future.
2	Install Solar Water System	Reduces the use of gas or electricity and pay back in as little as seven years.
3	Pre-Wire for Future Photovoltaic Installation	Allows installation of PV system in the future.
4	Install Photovoltaic (PV) Panels	Decreases reliance on conventional power plants.
5	Install Solar (PV) Walkway Lights	Reduces the need for grid-provided electricity.
6	Select Safe and Durable Roofing Tiles Such as Clay, Concrete or Slate	Reduces landfill deposits, saves money on replacement costs and saves non renewable resources such as oil.
7	Install Radiant Barrier Roof Sheathing	Keeps the whole home cooler by reducing heat build-up in attic spaces.
G. Flooring
1	Select FSC or SFI Certified Wood Flooring	Assures the long-term availability of woods while protecting ancient, old-growth forests.
2	Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials	Reduces demand for old-growth hardwood.
3	Use Recycled Content Ceramic Tiles	Uses recycled content materials and is easy to maintain.
4	Install Natural Linoleum in Place of Vinyl Flooring	Reduces exposure to toxins, is more durable and also healthier for occupants and installers.
5	Use Exposed Concrete as Finished Floor	Eliminates the need for additional flooring materials, is easy to maintain and very durable.
6	Install Recycled Fiber Content Carpet That Does Not Contain Adhesives or Flyash.	Saves on non-renewable resources such as oil, better indoor air quality and diverts waste from landfills.
7	Install Natural Fiber Carpet Such as Wool	Insulates room, it regulates humidity, it is recyclable, also rapidly renewable and an environmentally preferable product.
8	Use Recycled or Reclaimed Wood Materials	Saves old growth forests and diverts wood from landfills.
H. Indoor Air Quality and Finishes
1	Install Whole House Vacuum System	Expels dust outside the house, improving indoor air quality.
2	Use Low/No-VOC and Formaldehyde-Free Paint	Improves indoor air quality, reduces smog, and is healthier for installers and occupants.
3	Use Low VOC, Water-Based Wood Finishes	Reduces smog and is healthier for installers and occupants.
4	Use Solvent-Free Adhesives	Improves indoor air quality, and are healthier for occupants and installers.
5	Substitute Particleboard with Formaldehyde-Free Materials	Reduces formaldehyde and chemical exposure to occupants.
6	Use Exterior Grade Plywood for Interior Uses	Reduces formaldehyde exposure to occupants.
7	Use Formaldehyde-Free MDF/HDF and Materials	Improves indoor air quality
8	Seal all Exposed Particleboard or MDF	Reduces exposure of harmful emissions to occupants.
9	Use Third Party Certified Solid Wood Products Such as FSC, SFI and PEFC	Reduces Exposure to Chemicals, Assures the long-term availability of precious woods and protects ancient old-growth forests.
10	Use Finger-Jointed Wood or Recycled Formaldehyde-Free Content Trim	Uses material more effectively, saves money and resources, and is straighter and more stable than conventional clear wood.
I. Structural Frame
1	Substitute Solid Sawn Lumber with Engineered Lumber	Reduces demand for virgin lumber, is stronger, straighter, and more durable.
2	Use FSC Certified Wood for Framing	Guarantees long-term availability of precious woods.
3	Use Wood I-Joists for Floors and Ceilings	Uses 50% less wood fiber, will not twist, warp or split, stronger and lighter than 2x10s or 2x12s and can span greater distances.
4	Use Steel Interior Web Trusses	Eliminate waste. Reduce the pressure on old growth forests.
5	Design Energy Heels on Trusses 6" or More	Allows for full insulation around the house, saving energy and money.
6	Use Formaldehyde Free Plywood or Strawboard for Subfloor and Sheathing	Reduces the need for large diameter old-growth trees.
7	Use Finger-Jointed Studs	Uses recycled content materials, is straighter and stronger than solid sawn studs, and eliminates crooked walls, thereby reducing material waste.
8	Use Engineered Studs for Vertical Application	Engineered studs are straighter, and will not deform, twist, split or warp. They save wood by using small laminated pieces.
9	Use Either Aluminum or Steel for Joists and I- Beams	Abundant materials that are often from recycled sources, saves forests from being clear cutting and which reduces land erosion.
10	Use Recycled-Content Steel Studs for Interior Framing	Steel reduces the need for wood and provides strong interior walls which gives us long term availability of precious woods while protecting ancient, old-growth forests.
11	Use Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for Walls/Roof	Reduces infiltration relative to frame construction, is energy-efficient, provides excellent soundproofing, is erected quickly and saves wood by eliminating much of the conventional framing lumber.
12	Apply Advanced Framing Techniques	Makes the home more energy efficient, saves wood and construction costs. It also allows for a higher percentage of the wall to be insulated reducing frame conduction heat loss.
13	Use Reclaimed Lumber	Reduces resource consumption and landfill deposits, and is often of higher quality than new lumber.
J. Exterior Finish
1	Use Sustainable Decking Materials	Contains recycled content materials, is more durable and reduces demand for old-growth timbers.
2	Use Treated Wood that Does Not Contain Chromium or Arsenic	Reduces exposure to chromium and arsenic, which are harmful, particularly to children who play on structures built with treated wood.
3	Install House Wrap under Siding	Diverts water away from openings and protects the home from mold.
4	Use Alternative Siding Materials Such as Stone, Clay, Brick	Last longer, is fire-resistant, and reduces maintenance costs.
K. Electrical
1	Install Mercury Free Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) or Light Emitting Diodes Bulbs (LEDs)	Lowers energy bills and reduces need for energy production.
2	Install Insulation-Compatible Recessed Lighting Fixtures for CFLs or LEDs	Reduces the amount of heat loss/gain.
3	Install Automated Lighting Controls	Reduces need for energy and lowers energy bills.
4	Install High-Efficiency Ceiling Fans with LEDs	Reduces the need for air conditioning.
L. Appliances
1	Use ENERGY STAR® Dishwasher and Appliances	Reduces water and energy use, and lowers utility bills.
2	Use Horizontal Axis Washing Machine	Uses less water and energy than conventional top loading washers.
3	Use Energy-Efficient Refrigerator	Reduces energy and can save over 10% on utility bill.
4	Install Built-In Recycling Center	Makes it easy and convenient to recycle.
M. Windows and Doors
1	Install Energy Star Qualified Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors	Increases energy-efficiency, and provides greater comfort.
2	Use Windows and Doors with Low-E Glass	Reflects infrared light and ultra violet light, keeps light rays from entering the building damaging and fading interior elements.
3	Use Windows and Doors with Double or Triple Pane Glass	Gives better insulation, impact resistance and reduces energy usage.
4	Install Doors That Are Well Insulated and Reduce Leakage.	Use less energy and reduce costs.
N. Natural Heating and Cooling
1	Incorporate Passive Solar Heating	Reduces heating requirements by 30-50%, saves energy and money.
2	Use Lighter Colored Reflective Roofing	Reduces heat island effect by reflecting heat which keeps the building cooler and reduces energy usage.
3	Plant Deciduous Shade Trees on the West and South Sides of the Home	Reduce summer air-conditioning costs while providing numerous benefits to the environment.
4	Install Overhangs or Awnings Over South Facing Windows	Increases shading and reduces heat entering the building.
O. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
1	Use Duct Mastic on all Duct Joints	Improves indoor air quality, and keeps the homes more comfortable.
2	Install Ductwork within Conditioned Space	Reduces energy loss and improves occupant comfort.
3	Vent Range Hood to the Outside	Improves indoor air quality.
4	Clean all Ducts Before Occupancy	Reduces dust around the house after occupancy.
5	Install ERV or HRV Attic Ventilation Systems	Increases comfort and reduces air conditioning use.
6	Install Solar Powered Whole House Fan	Reduces electricity usage, and moves large volumes of air to achieve comfort at higher temperatures without air conditioning.
7	Install Sealed Combustion Furnaces and Hot Water Heaters	Improves indoor air quality, reduces the danger of carbon monoxide contamination.
8	Install Geothermal Heat Pump	Saves money and energy, and reduces peak load problems.
9	Install Split Air Conditioning System with NON-HCFC Refrigerants	Reduces costs by having a ductless system and eliminates depletion of the ozone layer.
10	Install 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or Greater Furnace	Reduces air emissions, costs less to operate, and saves natural resources.
11	Install Ducts That are Insulated With Formaldehyde-Free Insulation	Reduces energy costs and Improves efficiency.
12	Install HEPA Filters with UV Bulbs Filtration System	Improves air quality and reduces mold and other pollutants in the building.

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