Materials

5.1.1

Use components, materials, and finishes to minimize material consumption and reduce waste

Reduce the level of complexity of finishing to reduce cost and consumption of resources

Use standard material dimensions and modules to reduce waste

Use exterior and interior materials, components, and finishes that are reused or recycled or that contain reused or recycled content or components

Use salvaged and reused lumber, materials, and components

Use materials and components from renewable and/or certified sustainable managed forests (Forest Stewardship Council - FSC-certified), OSB or plywood from fast growth material; and renewable sources such as bamboo, cork, recycled ceramic and carpet, reclaimed wood, etc.

Use engineered lumber and I-joists when possible

Provide a waste reduction, recycling, and disposal plan during construction and for operation

Provide kitchen recycling center and compost bin

Guide Links:
House
Assemblies
Components

Web Links:
Partnership for the Advancement of Technology in Housing, www.pathnet.org
Forest Stewardship Council, www.fsc.org/fsc

5.1.2

Use components, materials, and finishes that optimize indoor environmental quality

Use nontoxic or low-toxicity materials and finishes

Use formaldehyde-free sub-floor, cabinets, storage units, underlayment materials, etc.

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

Use nontoxic or low-toxicity insulation

Provide proper waterproofing and moisture protection

Guide Links:
Components

Web Links:
Indoor Air Quality Association, www.iaqa.org

5.1.3

Use insulation and air sealing for energy efficiency

Install high recycled-content insulation

Use advanced framing to increase R values

Flash and seal all penetrations

Use advanced infiltration reduction practices (expandable foam and caulk for framing, plumbing, electrical)

Consider using rigid foam, insulated concrete form (ICFs) for insulated foundation

Use exterior insulated core doors

Separate living spaces from areas that need less heating or cooling (e.g. entries, storage, mechanical, and utility spaces)

Perform a blower door test to assess air sealing and combustion safety

Guide Links:
Components
Assemblies

Web Links:
Energy and Environmental Building Association, www.eeba.org
Insulating Concrete Forms Association, www.forms.org
Toolbase Services: Blower Door Test, www.toolbase.org/docs/MainNav/
NewBuildingTechnologies/2159_siteab7.html

5.1.4

Consider where to use high quality durable finish materials versus the use of less expensive and more frequently replaced materials (e.g. interior paint, fabrics, fixtures, etc.)

Finish materials are a large percent of construction cost; look at where to put high quality finishes (What gives the greatest benefit?)

Consider where to use lower cost materials (e.g. hollow-core doors, less expensive light fixture, interior paint, etc.)

Consider what materials are replaced frequently due to interior design changes (paint, carpet, some fixtures, etc.)

Guide Links:
Components

Equipment

5.2.1

Select heating and cooling systems that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR ratings for energy efficiency.

Weigh the economic and environmental trade-offs for first costs and long term operating costs of equipment

Install a furnace with 90 AFUE rating or higher

Include a programmable set-back thermostat

Use a high efficiency air conditioner (ENERGY STAR or minimum SEER 12-14) with non-HCFC refrigerants if A/C is provided

Run all duct work in conditioned spaces

Centrally locate the furnace to minimize duct runs and optimize efficiency

Consider using a high efficiency whole house fan

Consider installing ceiling fans

Consider other efficient options such as: ground coupled heat pumps; heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) "air to air heat exchanger"

Integrate HVAC equipment with passive systems

Guide Links:
Components: Heating (furnace)
Components: Ventilation
Components: Thermostat

Web Links:
www.energystar.gov
www.focusonenergy.com
www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/appliances.html

5.2.2

Select ENERGY STAR appliances to optimize performance and minimize long-term operating costs

Web Links:
www.energystar.gov
www.focusonenergy.com
www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/appliances.html

5.2.3

Select efficient water heating systems

Use a gas water heater with an energy factor of more than .58 or greater for direct vented systems, or use tankless system

Locate the water heater in close proximity to the dishwasher and clothes washer

Insulate hot and cold water lines

Consider other efficient alternatives such as: tankless water heaters, drain water heat recovery, combined efficiency domestic hot water/space heating; passive or active solar DHW heating systems

Guide Links:
Components: Domestic water heating

Web Links:
www.pathnet.org

5.2.4

Select efficient plumbing fixtures

Use low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads

Consider graywater systems to recover water for non-potable uses

Guide Links:
Components: Fixtures

5.2.5

Select efficient electric and lighting fixtures

Use ENERGY STAR or comparable efficient lighting fixtures and lamps outside and inside

Install lighting control systems such as dimmers, timers, and motion detectors

Consider solar lighting for outdoor areas

Integrate lighting with daylighting strategies at the Site and House Scales

Consider photovoltaic and alternative electric systems

Web Links:
www.energystar.gov

5.2.6

Design heating and ventilation systems to optimize indoor environmental quality

When using gas furnaces, only use sealed combustion units

Install continuous exhaust ventilation or central exhaust fan ducted from bathrooms and kitchens; provide make-up air vents.

Install kitchen range hood vented to the exterior.

Consider furnace filters; furnace or duct mounted electronic air cleaner and/or High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters

Seal ductwork joints with water based, low VOC mastic or metalized tape

Install non-mercury programmable thermostats

Use operable windows

Guide Links:
Components: Ventilation

5.2.7

Install carbon monoxide detectors

Provide appropriate number of detectors per floor area and number of floors (see manufacturer guidelines on detectors)

5.2.8

Address fireplace safety

Eliminate fireplaces unless proper safety and pollution control can be ensured

Provide sealable doors with outdoor combustion air supply for wood fireplaces

Use direct vent gas fireplaces to eliminate backdrafting

5.2.9

Provide efficient layout of services (stack plumbing, efficient wiring, and centralized services)

Centralize or provide back-to-back or vertical plumbing connections for kitchen and baths

5.2.10

Provide service and plumbing hook-ups for future expansion (attics/basements/future expansion)

Provide gas, electric, and plumbing rough-in for future expansion spaces