4.1

Select assemblies that are resource efficient and durable

Use salvaged and reused assemblies

Use assemblies from sustainable materials such as certified sustainable yield wood, ACQ treated wood, and recycled materials

Use assemblies and materials from local or regional sources

Guide Links:
Components: Certified Wood

Web Links:
Forest Stewardship Council, www.fsc.org/fsc

4.2

Design assemblies to reduce material consumption and minimize waste

Use advanced Framing, prefabricated components or other alternative building systems such as SIP or SEP panels, etc.

Use standard dimensions and assemblies

Eliminate redundant assemblies, framing, and materials by using common spacing for floor joists, wall studs, and roof trusses

Use advanced wall framing and assemblies

Guide Links:
Assemblies: Foundation
Assemblies: Walls
Assemblies: Roofs
Assemblies: Floors

Web Links:
Energy and Environmental Building Association, www.eeba.org
Structural Insulating Panel Association, www.sips.org
Building Science Corporation, www.buildingscience.com
Partnership for the Advancement of Technology in Housing, www.pathnet.org
Steven Winter Associates, www.swinter.com

4.3

Use assemblies that optimize indoor environmental quality

Use assemblies with components from nontoxic or low-toxicity materials

Use assemblies with formaldehyde-free materials

Use assemblies with zero-VOC or low-VOC materials, paints, finishes, and adhesives

Avoid assemblies with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) lumber

Guide Links:
Components: Paint

Web Links:
Toolbase Services, Low- or No-VOC Paints, www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?TrackID=&CategoryID=1312&DocumentID=2174

4.4

Consider prefabricated assemblies

Consider prefabricated assemblies for walls, floors, roofs, windows, pre-hung doors, kitchen cabinets, etc.

Guide Links:
Assemblies: Wall
Assemblies: Roof

4.5

Use energy efficient glazing assemblies

Look for NRFC labeled windows with a U value less than or equal to 0.35.

Provide window shading with trees, overhangs, or blinds and shades to control heat gain during the overheated period

Guide Links:
House: Window Area
House: Window Orientation
Assemblies: Window

Web Links:
The Efficient Windows Collaborative, www.efficientwindows.org