CxGreen™ a division of CxCentral.com

Wow, where has the time gone.

2009-07-27T11:48:00.003-04:00

Wow! It is hard to believe that a year has almost pasted since my last post. LEED 2009 is in full force. Here is a interesting article about it.

Buildings Seeking LEED to Provide Performance Data

LEED 2009 Open for Second Public Comment

2008-08-23T13:33:00.001-04:00

LEED 2009 is now open for second public comment. All changes made since the first public comment period are tracked in the rating system documents that accompany the public comment announcement. Comment period closes Tuesday, September 2 at 5pm PT.

Submit Comment Today

Advanced Energy Design Guide" Available for Free Download

2008-07-05T17:00:00.000-04:00

The Advanced Energy Design Guide series of publications is now available as free electronic downloads. The publication series, now with four publications, has provided 30 percent energy reduction guidance for the following types of buildings:

Small retail buildings
Small office buildings
K-12 school buildings
Warehouse buildings

USGBC members can download the publications for free in partnership with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), U.S. Department of Energy, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and the American Institute of Architects.

If you would like something for your bookshelf, full-color print copies may still be purchased from the ASHRAE Bookstore accessible through the same link.

ASHRAE also has sent free print copies of the Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools to more than 14,000 school systems in the United States to encourage energy-efficiency. More than 88,000 of the publications have been obtained via free download since January and 100,000 copies of the Advanced Energy Design Guide series are now in circulation.

LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Templates Now Available in LEED Online

2008-05-02T13:38:00.000-04:00

Improved submittal templates are now available for LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance in LEED Online. The new submittal templates streamline the LEED certification process in several ways

Charlottesville's Downtown Transit Station Awarded PrestigiousUSGBC LEED-NC Gold Certification

2008-03-25T18:19:00.000-04:00

Charlottesville's Downtown Transit Station Awarded PrestigiousUSGBC LEED-NC Gold Certification

Autodesk® to Acquire Green Building Studio ®

2008-02-13T10:04:00.001-05:00

After nearly 10 years of market changing innovation, Green Building Studiois delighted to announce we have signed an agreement for Autodesk, Inc. to acquire our assets. In other words, our Green Building Studio (GBS) web service will soon join the Autodesk product family. Please be assured that our talented team will continue selling, training, and supporting architects as they use our web service to design carbon neutral buildings today and in the future.
Read More>>

LEED AP Credential Now Administered Through GBCI.org

2008-01-11T19:33:00.000-05:00

Over the last seven years, the LEED Professional Accreditation program has verified that more than 43,000 building professionals have an understanding of green building techniques, the LEED® Green Building Rating System™ and the certification process.
Now, with USGBC’s enthusiastic backing, the LEED AP credential will be administered by a separately incorporated organization, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The formation of GBCI creates administrative independence between the LEED Rating Systems and the LEED AP credential—an important requirement in seeking accreditation for professional credentialing programs by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

USGBC will continue to handle development of the LEED Rating Systems and offer LEED-based education programs. GBCI will manage all aspects of the LEED Professional Accreditation program including exam development, registration and delivery. Nothing will change for LEED Accredited Professionals except that the LEED AP Directory listing can now be updated at the GBCI Web site, www.gbci.org. GBCI.org is also the place to learn about LEED Professional Accreditation, register for the LEED AP Exam, find LEED Accredited Professionals in your area, and access your LEED AP exam records. Visit GBCI today!

AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects

2007-12-06T12:53:00.000-05:00

Two projects that EEI commissioned was selected as the AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects

Hawaii Gateway Energy Center(Hawaii Gateway Energy Center)

Sidwell Friends Middle School

Free educational sessions: Mechanical Systems Energy & Efficiency and Efficient Windows

2007-12-03T14:11:00.000-05:00

Join Ecobuild America in DC December 12-13!

Pair innovative, efficient products with top notch education and you get the special exhibit Pavilions at Ecobuild Fall.

Don't miss this special offer, courtesy of GreenMech and ASE for
FREE exhibit and keynote admission. Plus you can attend any of the sessions listed below! This $45 value costs you $0 when you use promotional code HSEOC. Register now!

Mechanical Systems Energy and Efficiency - for green, sustainable, and high performance buildings. Sponsored by Green Mechanical Council
The Pavilion will showcase mechanical systems products and services designed to save energy and reduce emissions. The following sessions will be presented at the Pavilion Theater:
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
11:15 -12:00
Energy Reduction In Existing Buildings
Mike Feutz
12:15 - 1:00
Zurn EcoVantage Water Conservation Fixture Systems
John Hemphill
2:15 - 3:00
Radiant Ceiling Panel System by Legend Hydronics
Bill Melvin
3:15 - 4:00
Conducting a Green Charrette
Ken Riead
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13
11:15 -12:00
WaterSense: Water Efficiency and Assured Performance
Kimberly Wagoner
12:15 - 1:00
Green Awareness Program
Jerry Weiss
2:15 - 3:00
Active Chilled Beams and Radiant Panels - What are they? Why would we use them?
Mike O'Rourke

Efficient Windows Collaborative Pavilion

A project by the Alliance to Save Energy
This special pavilion will display windows and products that have made a commitment to manufacture and promote energy-efficient windows. These participants will provide unbiased information on the benefits of energy-efficient windows, descriptions of how they work, and recommendations for their selection and use.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
11:15 -12:00
Glazing trends for sustainable design
John Carmody, Efficient Windows Collaborative
Don McCann, Viracon Architectural Glass
2:00 - 2:30
New developments in pultruded fiberglass fenestration products
Jeff Miller, Comfort Line Inc.
3:00 - 3:30
An overview of fenestration energy performance ratings
Jim Benney, National Fenestration Rating Council
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13
11:15 -11:45
High-performance window films
Craig Wesley, Southwall Technologies
2:00 - 3:00
Recent and upcoming developments in efficient window technologies
Nils Petermann, Efficient Windows Collaborative
Lou Podbelski, SAGE Electrochromics, Inc.
John Meade, Southwall Technologies

For additional related educational opportunities, check out the entire conference program running Dec. 10-13.

GreenBuild 365

2007-11-21T09:19:00.000-05:00

It is through green building education, outreach, and the sharing of best practices that we will achieve our vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation. Greenbuild365 makes this possible by providing a learning portal for green building education, accessible to all. Special thanks to United Technologies, the founding sponsor of Greenbuild365.
More>>

USGBC's "Innovation in Design" Point

2007-10-18T10:45:00.001-04:00

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that projects seeking certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System can earn an "Innovation in Design" point by using building products and materials that have been certified as "carbon neutral" by an independent third-party certifier...MORE>>

U.S. Announces Largest Environmental Settlement in History

2007-10-18T10:44:00.000-04:00

American Electric Power (AEP) has agreed to cut 813,000 tons of air pollutants annually at an estimated cost of more than $4.6 billion, pay a $15 million penalty, and spend $60 million on projects to mitigate the adverse effects of its past excess emissions. An unprecedented coalition of eight states and 13 citizen groups joined the United States government in the settlement. The agreement imposes caps on emissions of pollutants from 16 plants located in five states...MORE>>

Maryland fails to pass funding for green building tax credit

2007-04-19T08:54:00.000-04:00

Link>>

Study: Green roofs blooming with stormwater efficiency

2007-04-19T08:53:00.001-04:00

A new two-year study on green roofs in Seattle concludes that a green roof can reduce stormwater runoff by as much as 94%. Green roofs can also allow building owners to reduce the size of stormwater detention tanks required for peak rainfall, according to the study. Engineering News-Record

Green building methods take hold around nation

2007-03-21T15:37:00.000-04:00

Green building laws are sweeping the nation, requiring some government buildings to be constructed with more consideration for energy efficiency and the health of building occupants. The measures come amid research showing that traditional buildings cause as much as 38% of carbon dioxide emissions that are blamed for global warming.
The Washington Times

USGBC to Purchase First Green Bonds

2007-03-21T13:32:00.000-04:00

USGBC is planning to purchase one of the first federally sanctioned Green Bonds being sold on Wall Street. The AAA-rated bonds are the first of $2 billion allocated by the U.S. Treasury to fund four large green building projects around the country. Read More>>

Bank of America Commits to LEED

2007-03-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

As part of a $20 billion environmental initiative, USGBC member Bank of America has committed to achieving LEED certification for all new construction of office facilities and banking centers. Read More>>

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

2007-02-07T09:58:00.000-05:00

Would you like to reduce your carbon footprint? Then follow the lead of many businesses and organizations and partner with Carbonfund.org! Carbonfund.org is a national non-profit organization leading the fight against climate change. To learn more about how your chapter can offset its emissions, contact Ramsay Huntley at 240.450.2113 or rhuntley@carbonfund.org.

Carbonfund.org reduces the threat of climate change by making it easy and affordable for any individual or business to reduce their carbon footprint and support climate-friendly projects. Please take action today!

USGBC announcements: January 11, 2006

2007-01-11T21:41:00.000-05:00

USGBC is kicking off the New Year with new incentives for high-performance building.

FREE Platinum Certifications
Beginning January 1, 2007, USGBC is challenging the building industry to put us out of business: we will fully rebate the certification fees for any project that earns LEED Platinum certification. Platinum buildings are highly energy and resource efficient; provide superior indoor comfort for the building's occupants; and dramatically reduce CO2 emissions, a primary cause of global climate change. Help us build a healthy, sustainable, and prosperous future by raising your building's performance to Platinum, and we'll send you a check with your LEED plaque.
The rebate currently applies to projects that certify using LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors or LEED for Core and Shell. Projects that certify under future versions of the LEED rating system (excluding pilot projects) will also be eligible. Please note that the rebate applies only to certification fees paid to USGBC. Registration with USGBC and other fees that may be incurred over the course of the project are not included. Please email leedinfo@usgbc.org with any questions.

FREE LEED for Existing Buildings Registration
Making the jump from new building design to ongoing operations is easier than ever. Effective January 1, 2007, LEED for Existing Buildings registration is free for all certified LEED for New Construction and LEED for Core and Shell buildings. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole building operations and maintenance practices, and will maximize your building’s performance over time ensuring a high return on your investment. E-mail us at leed-eb@usgbc.org to take advantage of this offer. You'll get instant access to the LEED-Online letter templates to get started on the LEED for Existing Buildings certification process.
Free LEED for Existing Buildings registration is available both to projects certified before January 1, 2007 and to projects that certify after this date. Please note that projects that are currently registered with LEED for New Construction or LEED for Core and Shell will not be eligible for the free registration until after completing certification. Free LEED for Existing Buildings registration will also be available for future whole building LEED Rating Systems including LEED for Schools. Please email leed-eb@usgbc.org with any questions.

New LEED AP Exams Launch
Building industry professionals can now choose from three different tracks towards earning LEED Professional Accreditation: The LEED for Commercial Interiors exam, for professionals participating in the design and construction of high performance commercial spaces and tenant improvements; and the LEED for Existing Buildings exam, for professionals participating in the operation and maintenance of existing buildings; and the LEED for New Construction exam, which has now been updated to reflect LEED for New Construction Version 2.2. We expect a dramatic increase in the demand for education programs related to these exams; be sure to take advantage of it by hosting a LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors, or LEED for New Construction Technical Review. Email workshop@usgbc.org to learn more about these and other educational offerings, or visit www.usgbc.org/leedap to learn more about the new exams.

GSA Says LEED Most Credible Green-Building-Rating System

2006-11-15T14:56:00.000-05:00

The General Services Administration (GSA) issued a report that found the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC's) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system to be the most credible among five green-building-rating systems evaluated. In the report, the U.S. Department of Energy Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) researchers compared the following five methods for determining whether a building's design and construction are green: the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method, the Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efficiency (CASBEE), the GBTool, Green Globes U.S., and LEED...Read More>>

Green Research for Travel, Vacation

2006-11-07T19:30:00.000-05:00

Mountain View, Calif. - Google has added another service to its "Green Pages:" A way to research the greenest hotels and vacation possibilities. Google also provides "Green Vacation Tips." For more information, visit http://services.google.com/earth/green/.

Architectural Consulting Company Launches Website

2006-11-07T19:29:00.000-05:00

Brooklyn, N.Y. - Based on the precepts of Bau-Biologie, Bio-Solar LLC has launched a new website to serve as a resource for addressing optimal living and health inquiries. For more information, visit www.bio-solar.com.

Deadline for LEED AP Exam Extended to November 30

2006-10-31T15:47:00.000-05:00

The deadline to take the LEED AP Exam has been extended until November 30 to accomodate unprecedented demand. Read More>>

Is God Green?

2006-10-10T12:19:00.000-04:00

In "Is God Green?"--airing October 11 at 9 pm on PBS--Bill Moyers looks at evangelicals' growing concern for saving the environment, debates within conservative Christian communities about environmentalism, and how Christian attitudes about the environment are informed by faith.
Watch clips from the show.

When Are Green Products Selected?

2006-10-05T09:20:00.000-04:00

There are five phases in the typical construction project, and selection requirements for green products depend on the phase.

1. Schematic Design: Prepare outline specifications or a project description. Determine the owner’s requirements for green, any budget impact, and possible need for green products to meet industry green evaluation programs, such as the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Certification or GreenGlobes. Green products and alternative mechanical and electrical systems may involve an initial premium price, with justification usually based on a reduction in life-cycle costs.

2. Design Development: Update outline specifications or prepare a draft of full specifications. Verify project requirements, including the essential evaluation of the green products’ performance requirements. Explore information on product options and features.

3. Construction Documents: Prepare full specifications, illustrating the requirements for green products. Re-evaluate detailed information, compatibility with adjacent materials, and material performance. If the contractor is not familiar with the product, additional details and installation instructions will be needed.

4. Bid and Award: Assist with sourcing green products and answering bidders’ questions. The contractor may require phone numbers or sources for green products unfamiliar to them. Bidders must be advised that they are bidding the products specified, which may not be familiar to them.

5. Construction Administration: Enforce your specifications. Be wary of substitutions that, while meeting other performance criteria, cannot meet green requirements. Verify that green products are ordered on time, and that the installers are factory-trained or acceptable to the manufacturer. For a USGBC project, maintain project documentation for final submittal for LEED certification. This will require collection of specific manufacturer information on chemical content limits, usually described in the manufacturer’s MSDS (material safety data sheet). For items where the manufacturing location and source of materials is important, an affidavit from the manufacturer should be required. The subcontractor will be required to separate labor and material costs for LEED calculations.

To access in-depth information about Green Products on ReedFirstSource.com, please click here

ASHRAE Looks at Making ASHRAE Handbook More “Sustainable”

2006-09-19T11:56:00.000-04:00

ATLANTA – To help engineers respond to environmental challenges, ASHRAE is working to ensure guidance on sustainable design is incorporated in its Handbook. ASHRAE is conducting a review of the sustainability content of all Handbook chapters and is looking at writing a new chapter on sustainability with a view toward integrated building design in its Fundamentals volume. The ASHRAE Handbook is the most widely used reference book in the HVAC&R industry for system design, application and equipment operation and maintenance.To give feedback on incorporating sustainable design guidance in the ASHRAE Handbook, visit the “comment on the Handbook section” at www.ashrae.org/handbook.

Oct. 31 is Last Day for Current LEED AP Exam

2006-09-02T18:25:00.000-04:00

USGBC is preparing to launch two new tracks for the LEED Professional Accreditation exam, in addition to an updated version of the LEED for New Construction exam. In order to transition over to the new exams, there will be a short period during which testing is unavailable. The last day to take the current version of the LEED Professional Accreditation exam will be October 31, 2006. Testing is expected to resume in mid to late November. More>>

DVD Addresses Logistics of Waterfree Urinal Technologies

2006-08-01T15:42:00.000-04:00

Grand Rapids, Mich. - A new DVD from Falcon Waterfree Technologies (http://falconwaterfree.com ) is now available, which demonstrates how waterfree urinals work and why they are the most hygienic, safe, and economical urinals available. The DVD also provides step-by-step instructions for the installation and maintenance of waterfree urinals. The 22-minute English/Spanish DVD is free and is available for delivery within the U.S. and Canada. To order, use the online form at http://www.falconwaterfree.com/dvd/ or call 866-275-3718.

Greener Computers and Monitors Soon to Hit Market

2006-08-01T15:26:00.000-04:00

Washington, D.C. - More environmentally friendly computer equipment will soon be available to large-volume purchasers thanks to manufacturers with products that meet the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) standard; a project funded through a grant by EPA and managed by the Green Electronics Council (GEC), promoting continuous improvement in the environmental design of electronic products and informing purchasers of the environmental criteria of electronic products. EPEAT-registered computer products have reduced levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury to better protect human health, and are easier to upgrade and recycle, in addition to meeting the government's ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
For more information, visit www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/products/epeat.htm.

How to Streamline your LEED Submittals

2006-05-23T16:53:00.000-04:00

If you were unable to attend the eSeminar to learn about “How to Streamline your LEED Submittals” with LEED Online, I have put the link to the seminar here:
http://seminars.breezecentral.com/p66741910/

The eSeminar is 60 minutes in length and you can probable skip the last 15-20 minutes unless you want to see the full potential of the Adobe product used.

When you view the eSeminar, you'll learn how to:

-Submit LEED certification forms online using Adobe Acrobat® Professional software to increase accuracy and save time.
-Use efficient and easy-to-use electronic Adobe PDF documentation process to simplify workflows around LEED submittals.
-Simplify the exchange of technical and design documentation within project teams — use Acrobat to assemble content-rich packages from multiple document types.
-Convert paper-based forms into digital documents that can be reviewed, changed, and managed with free Adobe Reader® software.
-Reduce the overall cost of LEED certification by streamlining critical forms-based processes for every member of the project team.

LEED NC 2.2 Online Available

2006-05-23T16:44:00.000-04:00

Project teams using LEED for New Construction Version 2.2 can now submit their applications for certification via LEED Online. As of May 22, project administrators can visit leedonline.usgbc.org to download the new, easy-to-use PDF templates. These forms can be completed offline, and then uploaded along with supporting documents like construction drawings and site plans for certification review.

For more information about the streamlined documentation and certification process, visit our Web site or email us at leedinfo@usgbc.org. Please don't hesitate to contact us via email or phone at (202) 828-7422 if you have any questions or problems.

EA TAG Committee Discussions - Additional Commissioning

2006-04-07T10:23:00.000-04:00

Below is an excerpt from the March 16th meeting minutes of the EA TAG Committee. From this excerpt, you will definitely see that we need good Commissioning representation on this committee.

Taken from the March 16th meeting minutes of the EA TAG Committee.

"2. CIRs - EAc3 – Additional Commissioning

Question 1 allows the schematic designer to be the commissioning agent
- One felt that the order of work does not matter (schematic to Cx). It could still be a conflict of interest.
- Two others disagreed with this.
- Producing a schematic design for a job is only the basis of design intent.
- The TAG agreed with the draft ruling to question 1.

Question 2 does not allow the design drawing developer to be the commissioning agent.
- The TAG agrees with the draft ruling to question 2."

A sincerely thanks for the TAG committee members who voted this down!

One-Year Anniversary

2006-03-23T10:40:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that it has been one year of scanning the Internet for articles to post on this site! Time flies when you are having fun!

High-Performance Buildings: Lessons Learned

2006-03-23T10:37:00.000-05:00

By Paul A. Torcellini, Ph.D., Member ASHRAE; Ron Judkoff, Member ASHRAE; and Drury B. Crawley, Member ASHRAE

This article discusses a study by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that documented the operating performance of six buildings to understand how these buildings performed according to their design goals. Each building was significantly better than minimum code requirements; however, each used more energy than calculated during design. In some cases, information gained from monitoring resulted in changes to the building to improve performance. Many of the lessons learned can be used in future buildings.

Read More>>

This article was originally published in ASHRAE Journal in September 2004. It will be available here through April 5.

Online Program Designed to Simplify Sustainable Building

2006-03-23T10:21:00.000-05:00

PORTLAND, Ore.—The nonprofit Green Building Initiative (GBI) is sponsoring pilot design projects around the U.S. to promote its Green Globes online tool. The program enables users to plug in information about proposed commercial building projects and receive feedback about how to maximize sustainability in the project. The GBI is touting the program as a user-friendly way to incorporate green concepts in designs. It expects Green Globes to be active in 30 major U.S. building markets by the end of 2007.

Read more>>

Save Time (and Paper!) with the New LEED-Online

2006-03-18T22:01:00.000-05:00

USGBC announced a series of major enhancements to the LEED Rating System certification process at the 2005 Greenbuild Conference and Expo in Atlanta, GA. The result of a nearly year-long process involving extensive customer feedback and market research, the LEED process innovations will greatly reduce the LEED documentation process time, paperwork, and cost. To learn more about these enhancements, please click here, or download an informational brochure. Detailed information about the certification process is also available on the LEED Web site.

14th Annual National Conference on Building Commissioning

2006-03-08T10:10:00.000-05:00

Portland, OR- Building green has become the answer for many in the commercial building industry as a means to improve the quality, performance and energy efficiency of their buildings – as well as their bottom line. A key component to all green commercial building practices is building commissioning, a process for ensuring that a building – new or existing – is operating at its optimal performance. On April 19th, industry leaders will convene in San Francisco for the 14th National Conference on Building Commissioning (NCBC).

Read More>>

Best Practices for Underfloor Air Systems

2006-02-23T09:44:00.000-05:00

By Mike Filler
Although UFAD has increased in popularity, knowledge of how to apply the technology is not widespread. This article addresses the design, construction and commissioning phases of UFAD building projects.
This article was originally published in ASHRAE Journal in October 2004. It will be available here through March 8. Click here to download the article.

After March 8, access to the article from this eNewsletter will no longer be available. It will remain available for free download by Members and for purchase by nonmembers in the ASHRAE Journal section of the ashrae.org bookstore.

DuPont Developing New Sustainable Refrigerants

2006-02-23T09:41:00.000-05:00

WILMINGTON, Del.—DuPont Fluorochemicals is testing new proprietary refrigerants that will meet European Union requirements to reduce the global warming potential of refrigerants in future automotive air-conditioning systems. The company also will investigate whether the refrigerants can be used for other air-conditioning and refrigeration applications. Unlike CO2, the refrigerants are expected to offer similar performance to HFC-134a and will not require a redesign of current air-conditioning systems.

Read More>>

Lessons From Commissioning Green Buildings

2006-02-20T14:03:00.000-05:00

Not that again! Five problems frequently occurring with LEED projects could be solved with a little commissioning guidance.

Read More>>

New standard to drive high performance building practices to the mainstream

2006-02-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

February 15, 2006 - (Washington, DC) - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC); the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) announced today that the three organizations have agreed to co-sponsor the development of a new ASHRAE/USGBC/IESNA minimum standard for high performance green building.

Proposed Standard 189, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, will provide minimum requirements for the design of sustainable buildings to balance environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, occupant comfort and well-being, and community sensitivity. Using USGBC's LEED(R)Green Building Rating System, which addresses the top 25% of building practice, as a key resource, Standard 189P will provide a baseline that will drive green building into mainstream building practices.

Read More>>

U.S. Government Agencies Adopt Sustainable Building Guidelines

2006-02-10T09:15:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Several U.S. federal government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Defense and the General Services Administration, have agreed to a set of guiding principles for designing, building, and operating federal facilities. The "Federal Leadership Memorandum of Understanding to Adopt Guiding Principles for High Performance and Sustainable Buildings" calls for building components to exceed the energy code. It also states that the actual energy performance of a building should be verified against its design target using EPA's Energy Star performance rating system for buildings.

Read More>>

Going Green Can Pay Off on Your Taxes

2006-01-26T10:36:00.000-05:00

Going green can pay off in more ways than one. Under federal legislation that went into effect Jan. 1, consumers who invest this year in energy-efficient products - from insulated windows to heat pumps and hybrid cars - will be able to save on their taxes next year.

Read More>>

Repost: LEED 2.2 Update from the BCA

2006-01-20T19:13:00.000-05:00

The LEED 2.2 for new construction program has undergone some revisions especially in the area of commissioning.
The group was well represented by the BCA members and other notable commissioning people in the industry such as:

Joseph Higgins - Aramark Facilities Management, Group Chair
Michael C. English, P.E - Horizon Engineering, Vice President of the BCA Board of Directors
Chad Dorgan - Farnsworth Group, BCA Board of Directors
Eric Baxter - EB Engineering
Dan Burgoyne - State of California Department of Public Works
Karl Stum - CH2Mhill, BCA Member
Dan Turner - Texas A&M University

More>>

13 SEER Saves Energy But Presents Challenges

2006-01-20T15:44:00.000-05:00

ROANOKE, Va.—All central air-conditioning systems and heat pumps manufactured on or after Jan. 23 must have an energy efficiency rating of at least 13 SEER. The larger units are 30% more efficient, but can reqire higher labor costs for both new installations and replacements.

Read more>>

Wanted: A Summary (List) of LEED Adopters

2006-01-18T10:26:00.000-05:00

There has been a request for an updated list of cities, states, agencies, etc. that have "Adopted LEED". The USGBC used to have a "LEED Users Summary;" the most recent document I can find is from 2004. Here's a link to that: Click Here>>

Does anyone have something more up to date?

New Year, New Energy Tax Credits

2006-01-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

The tax credits offered as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 took effect Jan. 1

Read More>>

Green Matrix

2006-01-18T10:11:00.000-05:00

This website offers a Matrix that suggests Green building initiatives, sites specific articles from "Environmental Design and Construction" and references resources for further research.

Green Matrix>>

Call for Reviewers

2006-01-18T09:40:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Green Building Council is seeking peer reviewers to evaluate proposals for educational sessions at Greenbuild 2006, which will be held November 15-17 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

Click here for full details and to apply!

USGBC Launches First Web-Based Training Course

2005-12-15T23:02:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has partnered with Turner Construction to launch the USGBC's first web-based training course designed to educate building industry professionals about LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Professional Accreditation requirements. LEED Accreditation enables industry professionals to demonstrate their understanding of integrated design and green building practices and principles, and ensures that they have the knowledge and skills needed to successfully steward a building project from design to LEED certification.

Read More>>

USGBC Launches Web-Based Training Course

2005-12-02T13:31:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has launched its first Web-based training course designed to educate building industry professionals about Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) professional accreditation requirements. The three-hour course, "Essentials of LEED Professional Accreditation" includes selected case studies, interactive learning exercises, and a practice exam with questions similar to those on the LEED Professional Accreditation exam.

Read more>>

LEED Credits Now Available for Energy Design Guide Use

2005-11-21T13:08:00.000-05:00

ATLANTA – Designers can now earn credit under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for use of the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings.
The inclusion of the design guide will help designers achieve LEED certification, offered by the U.S. Green Building Council.
“The small office design guide clearly meets the overall goal of LEED in that it accelerates the development and implementation of green building practices,” Lee Burgett, P.E., ASHRAE president, said. “The design guide series is intended to provide prescriptive guidance to bring us 30 percent closer to a net zero-energy building, meaning those that use equal or less energy than they produce on an annual basis. Our goal is to provide the technical resources needed to assist the HVAC&R industry in creating the most sustainable buildings possible.”
Specifically, the design guide has been added in LEED-NC 2.1 and the upcoming LEED-NC 2.2 as a prescriptive compliance path to achieve LEED-NC Energy and Atmosphere Credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance (EAc1), credit.
LEED-NC EAc1 is intended to reduce environmental impacts associated with excessive energy use by awarding LEED credit to buildings that achieve increasing levels of energy performance above ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999.
The guide establishes a previously unavailable prescriptive compliance path and enables small office design teams to earn LEED-NC EAc1 points without incurring the costs associated with whole building energy simulation. Small office buildings that successfully demonstrate compliance with the guide will be awarded 4 LEED EAc1 points.

USGBC and Adobe Team to Streamline LEED

2005-11-16T16:34:00.000-05:00

Adobe and U.S. Green Building Council Team to Streamline Green Building Certification Process. Adobe LiveCycle and Acrobat Software Deliver Capabilities for Automating Previously Cumbersome, Paper-based Workflow

Read More>>

Building community converges for Greenbuild

2005-11-16T16:30:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Green Building Council hosted its annual conference, Greenbuild, in Atlanta last week, drawing nearly 10,000 people and 600 exhibitors. The conference included the major announcement of the council's overhaul of the submittal process for LEED certification so that the process is now conducted entirely online.

Read More>>

Live from Greenbuild Blog!

2005-11-10T11:24:00.000-05:00

Whether you are going to Atlanta for Greenbuild or not, be sure to check out ED+C’s Blog “Live from Greenbuild” for daily updates from me and others, which will include photos, the latest industry news, and some of the hottest new products in the marketplace.

Read More>>

Lingerie Company Produces Heated Bra

2005-11-10T11:12:00.000-05:00

TOKYO—A lingerie company has introduced a heated bra in Japan to, as it says in a statement, "not only help prevent global warming but also provide a little fashion chic to the office." The bra contains special pads filled with an environment-friendly gel that can be heated in a microwave or with a hot water bottle. The Japanese government this year launched a campaign encouraging measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy.

Read more>>

LEED-NC v2.2 Ballot Passes; LEED-NC v2.1 Project Registrations Extended

2005-11-01T11:44:00.000-05:00

USGBC is pleased to announce that LEED® for New Construction (LEED-NC) v2.2 has been approved by our membership, and will be launching on November 11, 2005 at our Greenbuild Conference and Expo in Atlanta, Ga. At that time LEED-NC v2.2 project registrations will be available. The LEED-NC v2.2 Reference Guide will also be available for purchase at the Greenbuild bookstore.

Register Now for LEED®-NC Version 2.1

2005-10-25T16:24:00.000-04:00

USGBC encourages all projects that are not registered with the LEED Rating System but working with LEED-NC Version 2.1 to register their project now. The USGBC member balloting of LEED-NC version 2.2 ends on October 27, 2005, with approval expected shortly afterward. The last day to register projects under LEED-NC version 2.1 will be October 28, 2005.

To register your project for LEED-NC version 2.1, click here.

LEED®-NC version 2.2 Member Ballot is Open

2005-10-02T16:05:00.000-04:00

As the first commercially successful green building rating system in the U.S., LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) has had an unprecedented positive impact on building design and construction practices both domestically and internationally. Over the course of the past 5 ½ years while project teams have been using LEED-NC, USGBC volunteers, consultants and staff have been working with project teams to identify opportunities to optimize or clarify credits. LEED-NC Version 2.1 was an un-balloted update, which included process and documentation changes, but no substance changes. Our goal in the development of LEED-NC v2.2 was to incorporate recent advances in building technology (updated codes, etc.) and lessons learned from project experiences to create smarter credits that can accelerate market transformation.

This new version 2.2 contains substantive changes to credits in the rating system, therefore it requires a member ballot.

The member ballot is the final step in the process used to develop, test, evaluate, revise and publish LEED rating systems. Voting instructions were sent by email to the primary contact for each member organization this week. Your organization is strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the evolution of the LEED Green Building Rating System™.

Period for Vote
In accordance with the USGBC Balloting Policy, the ballot period will be open for 30 days from Wednesday, September 28, 2005 through Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Who can Vote
Your organization's USGBC Primary Contact can vote. To identify the primary contact for your organization, visit the USGBC Member database at http://www.usgbc.org , under Members>Member Directory and enter the name of your organization. If you are the primary contact for your organization and have not received voting instructions by email, please contact us at nc@committees.usgbc.org .

N.C. High School Seeks LEED Silver

2005-09-30T16:55:00.000-04:00

I have the privilege of being the Commissioning Authority/Project Manager on the following LEED project. I am excited about working with Carrboro City School System and Moseley Architects on this project!

MORRISVILLE, N.C. - Designed by Moseley Architects, construction has begun on the new 148,000-square-foot high school for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District. A LEED rating of silver is the goal for the finished project, which is scheduled to welcome students in August 2007.
In recent years, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board adopted the "Policy Code: 9040 High Performance Building Design Criteria," which includes such criteria as energy conservation, water reduction, high efficiency lighting and positive indoor air quality.
"The criteria, which are referred to as Policy 9040, really show the investment this district has made in its children, teachers and the environment. This policy is not optional," says associate Steven A. Triggiano, AIA, LEED AP, of Moseley Architects.
"We simply had to execute the district's requirements and design a building that met its policy. The project is LEED registered and will be submitted for silver certification. This certification will validate that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board's High Performance Building Policy 9040 is one of the most progressive in the nation."
Some of the green features at Chapel Hill-Carrboro High School #3, which will accommodate an initial enrollment of 800 students (with core capacity for an eventual 1,200 students), include:
Low-kilowatt chilling systems, T-8 lighting and occupancy sensors that will reduce kilowatt use dramatically.
Hot water provided by solar energy.
Use of low-VOC, enabling a higher quality of indoor air.
Use of FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council)-certified wood doors, which are manufactured using wood from forests that practice sustained-yield management.
A construction waste diversion system is in place to recycle/reuse 50 percent of construction waste materials.
Currently, there is only one LEED-certified school in North Carolina, Third Creek Elementary School, which was also designed by Moseley Architects.

Green Building Initiative Becomes ANSI-Accredited Standards Developer

2005-09-30T11:55:00.000-04:00

PORTLAND, Ore.—The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) formally recognized the Green Building Initiative™ (GBI) as an accredited national standards developer. GBI plans to develop its Green Globes sustainable building program as an ANSI standard.
Read more

Architects/Engineers Beware!

2005-09-28T16:58:00.000-04:00

In the LEED-NC Version 2.2 EA-Prerequistite 1: Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems (which is in public review), the scope for the Commissioning Authority is more defined. You now, at a minimum, have to commission the following energy-related systems:

* Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems (mechanical and passive) and assoicated controls
* Lighting and Daylighting controls
* Domestic hot water systems
* Renewable engergy systems (wind, solar, etc.)

Architects remember this when you are in budget mode! The commissioning authority has very little room to decrease scope to fit your budget. My suggestion would be to ask before submitting a proposal.

Waterless Urinals - A Technical Evaluation

2005-09-27T20:29:00.000-04:00

Waterless urinals offer many economic, operational, and environmental benefits: They reduce water and sewer costs. (Each unit can save up to 45,000 gal of water and sewage per year.) They require no freeze protection. They lower electricity costs (to pump water and sewage). They eliminate infrastructure costs to provide fresh water or collect and treat sewage. They reduce septic system load and treatment time. They require no installation, maintenance, or repair costs for flush valves, handles, sensors, or water supply piping. They require no batteries, transformers or other electronics. They are environmentally friendly. More>>

UPPERCUT - Fastest Way to Start Saving Water!

2005-09-27T15:57:00.000-04:00

Sloan's new Dual-Flush Flushometer is the first commercial Flushometer to reduce water volume by 30%. The Dual-Flush handle also easily retrofits to most existing valves. More>>

Ask the Green Architect: Top Ten Green Building Questions

2005-09-20T22:44:00.000-04:00

These are the most common questions I receive in regards to building green:

by Eric Corey Freed

Study Of Green Building Reveals LEED Cost Impacts

2005-09-08T16:33:00.000-04:00

Washington DC – The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees the majority of the federal government’s design and construction projects, has released a study estimating the costs of developing green federal facilities using the U.S.Green Building Council’s LEED rating system, Version 2.1.The study was prepared by Steven Winter Associates, Inc., with cost estimating support provided by Skanska USA Building, Inc.

The report provides a detailed and structured review of both the hard and soft costs of achieving LEED Certified, Silver, and Gold ratings for two common GSA building types. The two buildings compared in the study-a new mid-rise federal courthouse and a mid-rise federal office building modernization-reflect a significant portion of GSA’s planned projects over the next five to ten years.

An analysis, including DOE.2 energy modeling, was performed to identify green building measures above and beyond those included in GSA’s standards that would likely be implemented to meet the specific LEED ratings. From these measures, the design and construction costs were estimated for each prerequisite and credit, with variations defined for both the courthouse and office building models.

The entire study can be downloaded at no cost from http://www.wbdg.org/newsevents/news_040105.php

Hydrogen station in DC

2005-08-17T23:56:00.000-04:00

Driving into a gas station in Washington D.C., you may now have the choice between fossil fuels and hydrogen. Shell Oil chose the U.S. capital as the site of its first hydrogen filling station.

Read about it>> from Carolinas USGBC

Fundamentally Green

2005-08-06T14:20:00.000-04:00

Fundamentally Green from Carolinas USGBC

Carolinas USGBC

2005-08-04T14:43:00.000-04:00

Carolinas USGBC is a collection of thoughts, comments, questions, articles and links to information pertaining to sustainability. It is hosted jointly by the South Carolina,the Triangle Area(NC) and Charlotte Region (NC)chapters of the USGBC. Check them out!

Second Public Comment Period for LEED® NC 2.2

2005-07-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is soliciting comments on the second draft of the LEED for New Construction Rating System (LEED-NC), version 2.2. The second public comment period will be open until July 30 at 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

Read more>>

LEED IAQ - Part II

2005-07-05T23:34:00.000-04:00

In the LEED-NC Version 2.2 EQ Credit 3.2: Construction IAQ Management Plan - Before Occupancy (which is in public review) the requirements for the 2-week flush-out are being more defined. Now during the flush-out, the user has to deliver a certain volume of air per square foot of floor area while maintaining an internal temperature and relative humidity.

Below are the actual requirements (remember this is from the LEED-NC version 2.2 which is under public draft at the time of this post)

After construction ends, prior to occupancy and with all interior finishes installed, install new filtration media and perform a building flush-out by supplying a total air volume of 14,000 ft3 of outdoor air per ft2 of floor area while maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60 degrees F and, where mechanical cooling is operated, relative humidity no higher than 60%.
OR
If occupancy is desired prior to completion of the flush-out, the space may be occupied following delivery of a minimum of 3,500 ft3 of outdoor air per ft2 of floor area to the space, and provided the space is ventilated at a minimum rate of 0.30 cfm/ft2 of outside air or the design minimum outside air rate, whichever is greater, a minimum of three hours prior to occupancy and during occupancy, until a total of 14,000 ft3/ft2 of outside air has been delivered to the space.

LEED Credit 5 – Measurement and Verification - Part I

2005-06-24T09:31:00.000-04:00

Lesson Learned: Make sure that you have proper metering for the 10 required loads for LEED. If you do not provide the proper metering you will need to comply with Option D of the 2001 International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol (IPMVP) Volume I: Concepts and Options for Determining Energy and Water Savings. Which requires you to calibrate the energy simulation and model; calibrated with hourly or monthly utility billing data and/or end-use metering.

-Lighting systems and controls
-Constant and variable motor loads
-Variable frequency drive (VFD) operation
-Chiller efficiency at variable loads (kW/ton)
-Cooling load
-Air and water economizer and heat recovery cycles
-Air distribution static pressures and ventilation air volumes
-Boiler efficiencies
-Building-related process energy systems and equipment
-Indoor water risers and outdoor irrigation systems

Make sure that the Engineer provides meters for each of these loads!!

USGBC Developing LEED® for Homes Certification

2005-06-23T09:59:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON-The Home Depot Foundation is giving the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) a $375,000 grant to help develop the LEED™ for Homes (LEED-H) Rating System. Pilot projects to test LEED-H certification requirements are scheduled for this summer in several states.

LEED IAQ Testing - Part 1

2005-06-22T10:33:00.000-04:00

Per the LEED-NC EQ3.2 credit, in lieu of conducting a two-week building flush-out with new MERV 13 filtration media at 100% outside air, one can conduct a baseline indoor air quiality testing procedure consistent with the US EPA's current "Protocol for Enviromental Requirements, Baseline IAQ and Materials, for the Research Triangle Park Campus, Section 01445.

Now the LEED-CI EQ3.2 credit has a less intensive testing protocol than the original EPA Research Triangle Park (RTP) post-construction IEQ testing procedure

Post Construction-Pre-Occupancy Indoor Air Test Scope of Work

Test Requirements
Conduct a baseline indoor air quality testing procedure that randomly selects sampling points for every 25,000 square feet, or for each contiguous floor area, whichever is larger, to measure the maximum concentration levels for the chemical contaminates listed below:

Chemical Contaminant Maximum Concentration Reference Standard
- Carbon Monoxide: (CO) 9 parts per million and no greater than 2 parts per million above outdoor levels
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 530 parts per million* ASHRAE 62-1999
- Formaldehyde 50 parts per billion (State of Washington IAQ Standard)
- Particulates 150 micrograms per cubic meter (EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standard)
- TVOC 500 micrograms per cubic meter (State of Washington IAQ Standard)
- 4-PCH 6.5 micrograms per cubic meter (State of Washington IAQ Standard)

(* This measurement is required only if the building is regularly occupied during the testing. Measured differential between indoor and outdoor conditions is based on occupancy type as defined by ASHRAE 62-1999. Maximum concentration differential in parts per million = 10,300 / ventilation rate in cubic feet per minute.)

Performance
The tests shall be conducted before the arrival of furniture and occupants and after all construction activities are completed, including punch list items, and final touch up painting/sanding/finishing in order to not have those activities negatively effect the testing and sample collection.

For each building area where the maximum concentration limits for any one test are exceeded, stop sample collection, notify the owner, and recommend actions to mitigate cause. Then retest the indoor air quality levels to indicate the requirements are achieved.

Submittals
Provide a copy of the IAQ testing results indicating the methods used and measured chemical contaminate concentrations compared to the maximum chemical contaminate concentration requirements noted above. Reported concentration units of measure should be consistent with those stated in the maximum limits noted above.

Which LEED credits are related to Commissioning?

2005-06-13T09:53:00.000-04:00

Energy and Atmosphere is the only category that directly requires commissioning. However, the requirements of credit 3 of Water Efficiency and all credits of Environmental Quality will more easily be met if a commissioning process is in place.

Energy and Atmosphere-17 points

Prerequisite 1 – Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning: Requires the hiring of a commissioning agent, documenting design intent, including Cx in DDs, utilize a Cx Plan, verify installation, FT, training and documentation, final Cx report.

Prerequisite 2 – Minimum Energy Performance: Building is designed to the more stringent of the local energy code or ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999 – verification part of Cx Authority's design review service.

Prerequisite 3 – CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment: Zero use of CRC refrigerants in new buildings/phasing out program in existing buildings. Cx Authority in particular can advise of alternatives that will meet this and credit 4 - Elimination of HCFC’s and Halons.

Credit 1 – Optimize Energy Performance: Receive points based on % of design energy cost saved by implementing Energy Conservation Measures as compared to the energy cost budget for energy components described in ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999. % determined by building simulation using Energy Cost Budget Method. With the Cx Authority's lessons learned/design experience, we can review the design for possible energy savings measures not already in the documents.

Credit 2 – Renewable Energy: Receive points for using alternative energy sources, such as wind energy, biomass, geothermal, high temp solar, biogas. This is fairly dependent on project location, in some instances project generated power can be sold back to the local power grid.

Credit 3 – Additional Commissioning: Receive points for Cx design review (DD and CD), review of select submittals, re-commissioning management manual, post occupancy/end of warranty review (seasonal testing, review of operation and outstanding issues).

Credit 4 - Elimination of HCFC’s and Halons: Requires HVAC and fire suppression equipment that does not use HCFC refrigerants or Halons. Cx Authority can advise of alternatives.

Credit 5 – Measurement and Verification: Requires continuous monitoring of lighting systems and controls, motor loads, VFD operation, Chiller efficiencies (KW/ton), cooling load, economizers, heat recovery, system static pressures, OA volumes, boiler efficiencies, building specific process energy systems, indoor water risers and outdoor irrigation systems. The commissioning process will verify the accuracy, operation and reporting of the metering required to meet this credit. The Cx Authority can produce the Measurement and Verification Plan.

Credit 6 – Green Power: Requires using power generated from renewable sources for a two year period.

Water Efficiency-5 points

Credit 3 – Water Use Reduction: Requires reducing the consumption of potable water by % less than the baseline calculated for the building after meeting the Energy Policy Act of 1992. While this is a design issue, Cx will assist with compliance through the submittal process.

Indoor Environmental Quality-15 points

Prerequisite 1 – Minimum IAQ Performance: meet ASHRAE 62-1999. The Cx Authority will review compliance as part of the design intent documentation review and project drawing review.

Prerequisite 2 – Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control: Requires zero exposure of nonsmokers to tobacco smoke by prohibiting smoking in the building or by providing designated smoking areas with proper ventilation. If smoking areas are designated in the building, the Cx process will verify capture of smoke and operation of ventilation equipment.

Credit 1 – Carbon Dioxide Monitoring: Requires monitoring of building CO2 levels throughout the building. The Cx process will verify calibration and initial setpoints of the sensors and verify equipment reactions to high levels.

Credit 2 – Increased Ventilation Effectiveness: Requires mechanically ventilated buildings to have air change effectiveness rating greater than or equal to 0.9 (requires specialized tracer gas testing), or a design narrative that describes compliance with ASHRAE Fundamentals Chapter 31 – Space Air Diffusion (points are easier to achieve if the design implements this from the get go). The Cx process can assist in either of these methods. We can administer the tracer gas testing or review the design for compliance with Chapter 31.

Credit 3 – Construction IAQ Management Plan: Points obtained for meeting minimum requirements of SMACNA IAQ guidelines and protect on-site absorptive materials from moisture and replace filtration media before occupancy. Points obtained for conducting a two-week building flush with new filtration and 100% OA after construction and before occupancy or performing baseline IAQ testing per EPA protocol. Both of these points can be obtained with a properly executed IAQ plan. The Cx process can assist in producing or reviewing the plan, and documenting implementation.

Credit 4 – Low-Emitting Materials: Requires the reduction in use of odiferous adhesives, sealants, paints, composite wood products and carpets. The Cx process can document the compliance for this credit by obtaining the MSDS and cut sheets for material used from the appropriate contractors.

Credit 5 – Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control: Requires the design to avoid exposure of occupants to potentially hazardous chemicals, such as housekeeping areas, copy/print rooms, provide appropriate plumbing for chemical waste, and implement systems that will capture particulate/dirt at high traffic entries/exits. The Cx process can review these issues during DD and CD review periods.

Credit 6 – Controllability of Systems: Requires one operable window and one lighting control zone per 200 sqft for all occupied areas within 15 feet of the perimeter wall for one point. Requires individual control for airflow, temperature, lighting for 50% of the non-perimeter, regularly occupied areas. Again, a design issue that can be verified by the Cx Authority during DD and CD review. Actual operation of the controls will be verified during functional testing.

Credit 7 – Thermal Comfort: Compliance with ASHRAE 55-1992, Addenda 1995, for temperature and humidity control. An additional point is obtained by installing a temperature and humidity monitoring system that gives operators control. The Cx process will document compliance with ASHRAE during design intent and will verify calibration and operation of any temperature and humidity monitoring system during functional testing.

Credit 8 – Daylight and Views: Requires a minimum Daylight Factor of 2% in 75% of all spaces occupied for critical visual tasks. Requires a direct line of sight to vision glazing from 90% of all regularly occupied spaces. The Cx process can evaluate compliance during the design review process.

GREENGUARD Certification Program™

2005-06-10T20:15:00.000-04:00

The GREENGUARD Certification Program™ is an independent, third-party testing program for low-emitting products and materials. Access to the GREENGUARD Product Guide, an indoor air quality (IAQ) resource, is provided at no charge. The guide features products, which are regularly tested to ensure that their chemical and particle emissions meet acceptable IAQ pollutant guidelines and standards. GREENGUARD Certification is a valuable tool for architects, designers, product specifiers, and purchasing organizations that want to locate, specify, and purchase off-the-shelf, low-emitting products for indoor environments. GREENGUARD Certification is a voluntary program available to all manufacturers and their suppliers.

http://www.greenguard.org

EPA/OPPT - Green Buildings

2005-06-09T18:10:00.000-04:00

EPA/OPPT - Green Buildings

Environmental Valuation & Cost-Benefit News - U.S. General Service Administration Green Building Cost Study

2005-06-06T15:08:00.000-04:00

Environmental Valuation & Cost-Benefit News - U.S. General Service Administration Green Building Cost Study

Manipulated Media: USGBC to provide guidelines for equipment and refrigerant selection

2005-06-06T15:05:00.000-04:00

Manipulated Media: USGBC to provide guidelines for equipment and refrigerant selection

C2C Breaks Ground In Gainsboro

2005-05-26T15:40:00.000-04:00

Roanoke, Va. - C2C Home began construction on the first of several environmentally friendly and affordable houses in Roanoke, Virginia on May 24, 2005. The first home will be built through a joint effort between Fralin and Waldron and EJ Miller Construction at 314 Hackley Avenue in the Gainsboro neighborhood. The home was designed by Ekaterina Kohlwes and will make use of passive solar design strategies and non-toxic building materials. For more information, please visit http://www.c2c-home.org.

Using Gray Water in Sustainable Design

2005-05-26T14:57:00.000-04:00

ATLANTA – While “water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink” is becoming increasingly common around the world, plenty of non-drinkable water exists for use in HVAC systems such as cooling towers.
Although drinkable water is a scarce commodity in many parts of the world, cooling towers continue to consume large quantities. While cooling towers don’t require drinkable quality water to operate, in most instances, such as office buildings, that is the only available supply, according to Mark Hodgson, Clayton Group Services, Edison, N.J.
One way to reduce use of drinkable water in cooling applications is to use “gray water,” or tertiary treated municipal effluent, better known as sewage.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified cooling towers as an area where gray water could be substituted for potable water, reducing demand on a limited resource and potentially saving money. In addition, water use efficiency is a recognized incentive for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points.
Electricity generating stations and large industries such as oil refineries and steel mills are already using gray water.
“The question becomes ‘can we make a similar switch for HVAC and building systems with cooling towers? Do we have adequate water treatment capability? Would we need to change cooling tower design? And do we fully understand the possible health risks?,’” Hodgson said.
Those questions will be explored in a forum, chaired by Hodgson, at ASHRAE’s 2005 Annual Meeting, June 25-29, Denver, Colo. What Do You Need to Know About Gray Water Before It can be Used in HVAC Cooling Systems will be held from 10:15-11:05 a.m., Monday, June 27, Adam’s Mark Denver.

ASHRAE Commissioning Guideline Helps Achieve Sustainable Design

2005-05-23T09:10:00.000-04:00

ATLANTA – Commissioning can help ensure that the sustainable development principles contained in building rating systems, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) perform as intended.
“Commissioning typically helps to ensure good indoor environmental quality, reduce energy and water consumption, and improves how well the building is operated, all of which are the intent of LEED,” Jay Enck, a member of ASHRAE’s technical committee on building commissioning, said.
A new guideline, Guideline 0-2005, The Commissioning Process, from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) describes how to verify that a facility and its systems meet the owner’s project requirements.
Those requirements also define sustainable development goals and how the building will function before designers begin the design process. To keep costs at a minimum, the design team must understand what they are tasked with accomplishing, which is provided by the requirements.
“Attaining LEED certification can be easy or nearly impossible depending on when the goals are identified and the level of experience of the team,” Enck said.
The guideline will be used by the National Institute for Building Sciences (NIBS) as its Total Building Commissioning Process Guideline. It is the foundation for a series of commissioning guidelines dealing with specific disciplines (HVAC&R, envelope, lighting and fire protection) to be issued by ASHRAE and NIBS.
The cost of ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005, The Commissioning Process, is $59 ($49 ASHRAE members).
To order, contact ASHRAE Customer Service at 1-800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide), fax 404-321-5478, by mail at 1791 Tullie Circle NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, or visit the ASHRAE.org Bookstore at www.ashrae.org.
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 55,000 persons. Its sole objective is to advance through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve the evolving needs of the public.

Settlement Reached in Refrigerant Leak Case

2005-05-19T09:08:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have reached a settlement with DuPont to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations of the repair, testing, recordkeeping, and reporting regulations for appliances that use ozone-depleting substances. The agencies alleged that DuPont violated the Clean Air Act after its New Johnsonville, Tenn., manufacturing facility leaked nearly 9,000 lb (4100 kg) of HCFC-22 refrigerant. Under the settlement, DuPont will pay approximately $2.5 million in civil penalties, injunctive relief, and environmental projects.

More>>

This is Me!

2005-05-15T16:35:00.000-04:00

Definition: Sustainable Design and Sustainability

2005-05-15T05:49:00.000-04:00

Sustainable design is the art of producing objects using only renewable resources, and which themselves, in operation, deplete only renewable resources.

There are many definitions of sustainability, here are a few:
-Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
-The ability of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes and functions, biological diversity, and productivity over time.
-The ability to provide for the needs of the world's current population without damaging the ability of future generations to provide for themselves. When a process is sustainable, it can be carried out over and over without negative environmental effects or impossibly high costs to anyone involved.
-An architectural property of a program which allows continued viability.
-A goal, that aims towards preserving quality interactions with the local environment, economy and social system.
-Sustainability is effectively the goal of sustainable development. It is the ideal end state which we must aspire.

LEED® EB & CI Letter Templates Now Available

2005-05-03T17:34:00.000-04:00

USGBC is pleased to announce that Letter Templates for LEED-EB Version 2.0 and LEED-CI Version 2.0 are now available. All LEED-EB and LEED-CI v2.0 registered projects can now use this tool for documentation and certification. Letter Templates streamline preparation of LEED certification applications by providing pre-formatted submittal sheets for each prerequisite and credit. The Letter Templates outline the specific project data needed to demonstrate achievement of the LEED performance requirements and include integrated calculators.

If you'd like to learn more about LEED-EB and LEED-CI, please visit the LEED Web site. Here you'll find valuable information including copies of the rating systems, FAQ's, and other information on how your building can benefit from using LEED.

National Conference on Building Commissioning

2005-04-28T23:28:00.000-04:00

May 4 - 6, 2005
Grand Hyatt, New York, NY
The 13th Annual National Conference on Building Commissioning will take place in New York City to promote building commissioning as a means of improving the quality, efficiency, and performance of commercial buildings. This year’s conference features pre-conference workshops, an opening night Gala dinner, an exhibitor event, presentations from industry experts and testimonials on the value commissioning brings to the building owner’s bottom line.

More>>

New in BuildingGreen's case studies database!

2005-04-28T22:41:00.000-04:00

In honor of Earth Day, AIA's Committee on the Environment has
announced this year's Green Project Awards. Visit
http://www.aia.org/hpb/ to view in-depth descriptions of the winners, or
follow the links below to tour the winning projects through
BuildingGreen Suite!

Austin Resource Center for the Homeless - Austin, Texas

The Barn at Fallingwater - Mill Run, Pennsylvania

Eastern Sierra House - Gardnerville, Nevada

Heimbold Visual Arts Center at Sarah Lawrence College - Bronxville, New York

Leslie Shao-Ming Sun Field Station - Woodside, California

Pittsburgh Glass Center - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Rinker Hall at the University of Florida - Gainesville, Florida

Seminar II at the Evergreen State College - Olympia, Washington

Special Recognition:
Lloyd Crossing Sustainable Design Plan - Portland, Oregon

Washington Is First State to Require LEED Cerification

2005-04-28T17:47:00.000-04:00

SEATTLE—Washington has become the first state to require new, publicly funded buildings to meet a national environmental standard. The law, which takes effect this summer, requires all publicly funded buildings over 5,000 ft² (465 m²) to meet the silver level of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED^® certification program.

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Guideline 0-2005 - - The Commissioning Process

2005-04-21T23:34:00.000-04:00

ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005 - "The Commissioning Process"
is now available to order (both print / electronic type) Click Here>>

What Is LEED?

2005-04-21T23:29:00.000-04:00

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary national standard in which construction and renovation projects earn credits toward certification as sustainable buildings.

For more information about LEED, Click Here>>.

Great Green Photo!

2005-04-19T17:46:00.000-04:00

Green Building: Project Planning and Cost Estimating by Contributing Authors and RSMeans

2005-04-18T15:57:00.000-04:00

The essential guide to estimating, designing and building sustainable construction.

The demand for green building is growing rapidly, as municipalities, government and private owners require energy efficiencies — and as all owners discover that a healthy, resource-efficient building more than pays for itself in dramatically reduced energy costs and better health and productivity.

Green Building: Project Planning and Cost Estimating gives you the whole picture, with the information you need to:
--Identify, compare and specify green materials and systems --Learn about LEED, Energy Star and other recognized rating systems --Take advantage of financial incentives and funding resources --Determine the cost of green products, and calculate energy savings and payback periods

Green Building: Project Planning and Cost Estimating features over 120 pages of cost data on sustainable materials and systems, including many new products and materials and their installed costs. Plus eight case studies that demonstrate the challenges, costs, and rewards of notable green building projects.

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LEED® in Specifications

2005-04-15T10:13:00.000-04:00

A CSI Audio Exchange Presentation
Wednesday, May 4, 2005
2 PM – 3:30 PM

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Zoo Looks to Elephant Dung for Energy!

2005-04-14T13:12:00.000-04:00

SYRACUSE, N.Y—Managers at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo are studying the feasibility of using dung produced by the zoo's elephants to power its heating and electrical systems. The herd of six elephants produces more than 1,000 lb (450 kg) of dung per day. The dung produces methane gas that could be converted into energy. Zoo director Anne Baker said the idea is an effort to promote sustainability and save money.

Scottsdale Mayor Announces all New Public Buildings LEED Gold

2005-04-08T13:42:00.000-04:00

USGBC News

2005-03-28T16:38:00.000-05:00

Greenerbuildings.com

2005-03-26T20:05:00.000-05:00

GreenerBuildings: The resource for environmentally responsible building development is a free, Web-based resource to help companies of all sizes and sectors understand and address building design, construction, and operation in a way that aligns environmental responsibility with business success.

Greenerbuildings is a partnership between Greenbiz.com and USGBC.org

Will Green Globes™ defeat LEED®

2005-03-25T17:21:00.000-05:00

Green Globes™ has stepped up to compete with LEED® in the United States. Read this article from BuildingGreen.com and tell me what you think. Click Here>>

Greenbuild 2005 Now Open for Registration

2005-03-22T17:00:00.000-05:00

Registration is now open for the U.S. Green Building Council's annual conference and exposition - Greenbuild! Once a year, industry professionals gather for three days of intensive educational seminars covering the latest advances in green building design, construction, financing and building management. This year's conference will be held November 9-11, 2005 in Atlanta. Click Here to Register Today!>>

Click here to visit the Greenbuild 2005 conference Web site.