Reception/Lobby
Office reception areas welcome visitors and provide opportunity for wayfinding, corporate branding and education. Include signage to educate visitors regarding sustainable attributes of office space. Utilize entry mats to help stop dirt and debris from entering the office space. Receptionists should be provided with comfortable work stations and a good quality indoor environment. To optimize daylighting strategies, use glazing for door and wall materials to allow daylight to penetrate beyond the building periphery. View Planning Strategies
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Lighting
- Use controls that turn off electric lighting in response to natural light levels to reduce energy consumption.
- Use sustainable lighting practices such as occupant sensors to decrease utility costs.
- Limit the use of accent lighting to specific artwork or educational items to reduce energy consumption.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
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Walls
- Consider replacing part of the standard wall with interior glazing to allow natural light to penetrate into the interior space.
- Consider demountable walls or partitions that can be moved and altered to create different types of spaces to meet the needs of the occupants.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
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Furniture / Furnishings
- Select ergonomically-designed furniture to provide maximum comfort and convenience for the occupants.
- Use low-emitting furniture to protect indoor air quality.
- Select third-party certified wood to ensure extraction is from a sustainably managed forest.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
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Flooring
- Consider installing entryway mats to effectively capture dust, dirt and other pollutants.
- Dry vacuum regularly and follow with a wet vacuum water extraction machine when necessary to protect indoor air quality.
- Evaluate sustainable attributes such as high recycled content and low VOC''s to determine the most appropriate sustainable product for the space.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
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Ceiling
- Drop down soffits and accent lights decorate the space, however these features are resource intensive, use these strategies conservatively.
- Use acoustical ceiling tiles to reduce noise pollution.
- Use light-colored ceilings tiles to reflect daylight to allow natural light to effectively move throughout the space.
- Evaluate sustainable attributes such as regionally manufactured or low VOC''s to determine the most appropriate materials to use for a sustainable ceiling.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
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Walls
- Consider replacing part of the standard wall with interior glazing to allow natural light to penetrate into the interior space.
- Consider demountable walls or partitions that can be moved and altered to create different types of spaces to meet the needs of the occupants.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
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Flooring
- Consider installing entryway mats to effectively capture dust, dirt and other pollutants.
- Dry vacuum regularly and follow with a wet vacuum water extraction machine when necessary to protect indoor air quality.
- Evaluate sustainable attributes such as high recycled content and low VOC''s to determine the most appropriate sustainable product for the space.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
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Ceiling
- Drop down soffits and accent lights decorate the space, however these features are resource intensive, use these strategies conservatively.
- Use acoustical ceiling tiles to reduce noise pollution.
- Use light-colored ceilings tiles to reflect daylight to allow natural light to effectively move throughout the space.
- Evaluate sustainable attributes such as regionally manufactured or low VOC''s to determine the most appropriate materials to use for a sustainable ceiling.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
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Furniture / Furnishings
- Select ergonomically-designed furniture to provide maximum comfort and convenience for the occupants.
- Use low-emitting furniture to protect indoor air quality.
- Select third-party certified wood to ensure extraction is from a sustainably managed forest.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
-
Lighting
- Use controls that turn off electric lighting in response to natural light levels to reduce energy consumption.
- Use sustainable lighting practices such as occupant sensors to decrease utility costs.
- Limit the use of accent lighting to specific artwork or educational items to reduce energy consumption.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
-
Walls
- Consider replacing part of the standard wall with interior glazing to allow natural light to penetrate into the interior space.
- Consider demountable walls or partitions that can be moved and altered to create different types of spaces to meet the needs of the occupants.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
-
Furniture / Furnishings
- Select ergonomically-designed furniture to provide maximum comfort and convenience for the occupants.
- Use low-emitting furniture to protect indoor air quality.
- Select third-party certified wood to ensure extraction is from a sustainably managed forest.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
-
Flooring
- Consider installing entryway mats to effectively capture dust, dirt and other pollutants.
- Dry vacuum regularly and follow with a wet vacuum water extraction machine when necessary to protect indoor air quality.
- Evaluate sustainable attributes such as high recycled content and low VOC''s to determine the most appropriate sustainable product for the space.
Click Design Guidance to View Additional Green Tips
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Lighting
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
Lighting within the office space is a major contributor to energy consumption. Incorporating sustainable lighting practices, such as lighting controls and daylighting, may reduce energy consumption and increase occupant satisfaction. Improper lighting systems are inefficient and give off extensive heat, leading to discomfort and more energy waste through the air conditioning system. Daylighting is usually preferred to artificial light and contributes to the well being of the individuals in the office space.Occupant Sensor
Occupant controls use sensors to determine when there are people in a given space. The lights turn on when motion or heat is detected in the space and they turn off based on a set amount of time in the absence of heat or motion.Daylight Controls
Daylight controls measure the amount of daylight/ambient light in a room and adjust the electric light levels accordingly. Daylight controls should be designed with multiple zones to reflect the differing levels of ambient light entering a space. In areas closest to the window where there is a great deal of daylight in the space, the controls dim the electric light levels; and in areas farther away from the window with lower levels of daylight, the controls increase the amount of electric light in the space.Manual Light Switch
Manual light switches are typically wall mounted switches that control lighting within a room.Timer
Timer controls can be set to turn lights on and off at certain times, therefore specifying the duration of time the lights will be turned on.Daylight Controls
Daylight controls measure the amount of daylight/ambient light in a room and adjust the electric light levels accordingly. Daylight controls should be designed with multiple zones to reflect the differing levels of ambient light entering a space. In areas closest to the window where there is a great deal of daylight in the space, the controls dim the electric light levels; and in areas farther away from the window with lower levels of daylight, the controls increase the amount of electric light in the space.Overhead Direct / Indirect
A direct-indirect light fixture has down light passage areas in the bottom of the housing through which the direct lighting component is produced. The remaining light is emitted upward to produce reflected light on the ceiling.Direct
Direct down lighting with 2-by-4 or 2-by-2 fluorescent fixtures are common in office buildings and are usually recessed into a dropped ceiling. The pattern of light distribution from a direct fixture is determined by the reflectors, lenses or diffusers it may use.Additional Design Guidance and Product Info
- BuildingGreen - Lighting GreenSpec® approved products and insights
Green Tips
- Use controls that turn off electric lighting in response to natural light levels to reduce energy consumption.
- Use sustainable lighting practices such as occupant sensors to decrease utility costs.
- Limit the use of accent lighting to specific artwork or educational items to reduce energy consumption.
- Incorporate daylighting or views to the outside to create an inviting, ascetically pleasing environment as natural light is usually preferred to artificial lighting.
- Use efficient LED task lighting to reduce energy consumption while providing occupants control of the light levels.
- Use direct-indirect lighting to contribute to an efficient lighting system.
- Use efficient fluorescent lamps as they do not give off as much heat and have a long useful life.
EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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Environmentally Preferable Product ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Use products that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment over their lifecycle when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. A number of standards and ecolabels are available in the marketplace to assist specifiers in making environmentally preferable decisions. For recommendations, consult the Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers.
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Energy Efficiency ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [NC])
Establish a whole building performance target that takes into account the intended use, occupancy, operations, plug loads, other energy demands, and design to earn the ENERGY STAR - targets for new construction and major renovation where applicable. For new construction, reduce the energy use by 30 percent compared to the baseline building performance rating per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., (ASHRAE)/Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential. For major renovations, reduce the energy use by 20 percent below pre-renovations 2003 baseline. Laboratory spaces may use the Labs21 Laboratory Modeling Guidelines. Use ENERGY STAR and FEMP-designated Energy Efficient Products, where available.
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Daylighting and Lighting Controls ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB])
Automated lighting controls (occupancy/vacancy sensors with manual-off capability) are provided for appropriate spaces including restrooms, conference and meeting rooms, employee lunch and break rooms, training classrooms, and offices. Two options can be used to meet additional daylighting and lighting controls performance expectations: ? Option 1: Achieve a minimum daylight factor of 2 percent (excluding all direct sunlight penetration) in 50 percent of all space occupied for critical visual tasks, or? Option 2: Provide occupant controlled lighting, allowing adjustments to suit individual task needs, for 50% of regularly occupied spaces.
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Energy Efficiency ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB])
Three options can be used to measure energy efficiency performance: Option 1: Receive an ENERGY STAR rating of 75 or higher or an equivalent Labs21 Benchmarking Tool score for laboratory buildings, Option 2: Reduce measured building energy use by 20% compared to building energy use in 2003 or a year thereafter with quality energy use data, or Option 3: Reduce energy use by 20% compared to the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline building design if design information is available. Use ENERGY STAR and FEMP-designated Energy Efficient Products, where available.
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Windows
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
Maximizing the thermal performance of the windows in an office space can drastically reduce the energy spent on heating and cooling. Window upgrades play a key part in a sustainable workplace. A window's energy efficiency criteria is based on the entire window assembly including the frame and the glass. Factors such as heat loss, solar gain, and visible light can be optimized by carefully selecting window coatings and frames. Solar-powered shades can be used to limit solar gain in the summer months or vice versa in the winter months. There are several important factors to consider regarding glazing. The first factor relates to the efficiency of the glass which contributes to the window's U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Typically, a lower U-Factor and SHGC is desired. Additionally, Visible Light Transmittance (Tvis) must be considered. An optimal window system achieves desired efficiency while allowing light penetration.Vinyl Frame
Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fresh air and closed tight to prevent intrusion. Vinyl frames deliver exceptional thermal performance; however, various toxic emissions are related to the manufacture of vinyl.Fiberglass Frame
Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fresh air and closed tight to prevent intrusion. Fiberglass window frames are structurally strong and are good thermal insulators.Steel Frame
Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fresh air and closed tight to prevent intrusion. Steel frames were popular in the early to mid 1900's, but they are not typically used in this day and age because they are heavy and rust easily. Sometimes steel is specified where fire-protection and extra-strength assemblies are required by code.Aluminum Frame
Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fresh air and closed tight to prevent intrusion. Aluminum frames are strong, less prone to warping, but typically are less energy efficient since aluminum is a good conductor of heat. Look for thermally improved aluminum window frames.Wood Frame
Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fresh air and closed tight to prevent intrusion. Wood window frames deliver exceptional thermal performance; however, they may require more maintenance.Glass - Single Pane
Single pane windows are not typical in new commercial buildings as they resist the transfer of heat poorly and have an insulating value of approximately R-1.Glass - Multi-Pane
Single-pane glass has been replaced by double, triple and even quadruple panes, with insulating materials separating the layers. Inert gasses may be pumped between the panes to add to the windows insulating properties.Glass - Low Emissivity
A Low-E coating is a microscopic thin layer of metal or metal oxide deposited on window glass to prevent heat and ultra-violet (UV) rays from passing through the glass.Glass - Tinted / Colored
Although clear glass is the most common glass component of a window system, tinted glass may be used to reduce solar heat gain. The principal colors available are bronze, gray and green and the degree of tint depends on both the composition of the glass and the thickness of the coating. Tinted glass is usually placed on the exterior of the glass.Shades
Shades are window coverings that block or reduce sunlight penetration through windows. Shades are available in different operational styles such as roller, cordless, or corded shades. Shades can be drawn and stacked at the top of the window or stopped at different intervals, offering a neat and finished look for your windows. Shades are available in a variety of materials such as fabric, vinyl, bamboo, grass, and reeds. When utilizing light shelves consider installing two sets of rolling shades, one above and one below.Blinds
Blinds are versatile window coverings. Blinds block or reduce sunlight penetration through windows. They are made with either vertical or horizontal slats that can be rotated for privacy control and maximum light tolerance. They are available in a variety of materials and styles such as bamboo, wood, composite wood, aluminum, vinyl or fabric. When utilizing light shelves consider installing two sets of rolling shades, one above and one below.Additional Design Guidance and Product Info
- BuildingGreen - Windows GreenSpec® approved products and insights
Compare Windows Options
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Window frames
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Glazing
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Shading Devices
EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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Recycled Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (PDF), for EPA-designated products, specify products meeting or exceeding EPA's recycled content recommendations. For other products, specify materials with recycled content when practicable. If EPA-designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. EPA's recycled content product designations and [recycled content] recommendations are available on EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline website.
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Environmentally Preferable Product ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Use products that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment over their lifecycle when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. A number of standards and ecolabels are available in the marketplace to assist specifiers in making environmentally preferable decisions. For recommendations, consult the Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers.
-
Energy Efficiency ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [NC])
Establish a whole building performance target that takes into account the intended use, occupancy, operations, plug loads, other energy demands, and design to earn the ENERGY STAR - targets for new construction and major renovation where applicable. For new construction, reduce the energy use by 30 percent compared to the baseline building performance rating per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., (ASHRAE)/Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential. For major renovations, reduce the energy use by 20 percent below pre-renovations 2003 baseline. Laboratory spaces may use the Labs21 Laboratory Modeling Guidelines. Use ENERGY STAR and FEMP-designated Energy Efficient Products, where available.
-
Daylighting and Lighting Controls ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB])
Automated lighting controls (occupancy/vacancy sensors with manual-off capability) are provided for appropriate spaces including restrooms, conference and meeting rooms, employee lunch and break rooms, training classrooms, and offices. Two options can be used to meet additional daylighting and lighting controls performance expectations: ? Option 1: Achieve a minimum daylight factor of 2 percent (excluding all direct sunlight penetration) in 50 percent of all space occupied for critical visual tasks, or? Option 2: Provide occupant controlled lighting, allowing adjustments to suit individual task needs, for 50% of regularly occupied spaces.
Leasing Solicitation for Offers (SFO)
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ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE BUILDING PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS (DEC 2007) (SFO)
A. The Lessor shall use environmentally preferable products and materials. The Lessor is encouraged to consider the lifecycle analysis of the product in addition to the initial cost. B. Refer to EPA's environmentally preferable purchasing web site, www.epa.gov/epp and USDA BioPreferred products web site biobased.oce.usda.gov/fb4p/. In general, environmentally preferable products and materials do one or more of the following: 1. Contain recycled material, are biobased, are rapidly renewable (10-year or shorter growth cycle), or have other positive environmental attributes; 2. Minimize the consumption of resources, energy, and water; 3. Prevent the creation of solid waste, air pollution, or water pollution; or 4. Promote the use of nontoxic substances and avoid toxic materials or processes. C. The Lessor is encouraged to use products that are extracted and manufactured regionally.
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WOOD PRODUCTS (AUG 2008) (SFO)
A. For all new installations of wood products, the Lessor is encouraged to use independently certified forest products. For information on certification and certified wood products, refer to the Forest Certification Resource Center (www.certifiedwood.org), the Forest Stewardship Council United States (www.fscus.org), or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.aboutsfi.org). B. New installations of wood products used under this contract shall not contain wood from endangered wood species, as listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The list of species can be found at the following web site: www.certifiedwood.orglResources/CITES/CITESContent, html. C. Particle board, strawboard, and plywood materials shall comply with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards for formaldehyde emission controls. Plywood materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.2 parts per million (ppm), and particleboard materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.3 ppm.
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QUALITY AND APPEARANCE OF BUILDING (AUG 2008) (SFO)
The building shall have energy efficient windows or glass areas consistent with the structural integrity of the building, unless not appropriate for intended use.
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WINDOWS (SEP 2009) (SFO)
B. All windows shall be weather tight. Operable windows that open shall be equipped with locks. Off street, ground level windows and those accessible from fire escapes, adjacent roofs, and other structures that can be opened must be fitted with a sturdy locking device. Windows accessible from fire escapes must be readily operable from the inside of the building.
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Furniture / Furnishings
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
Furniture and furnishings play a large part in the indoor air and environmental quality of a space. Low-emitting furniture should be selected wherever possible in order to minimize any negative IAQ impact. finishes and flame retardants for the furniture should come from low emitting sources, and any hardwood should be third-party certified. Select simple furniture with fewer variations in materials. Metal fastenings or low VOC adhesives should be used to construct the furniture rather than high VOC adhesives. Use of metal fastenings is preferred reduces the amount of VOCs emitted as well as allowing for the furniture to be recycled or reused at the end of it's useful life. Additionally, furniture should be ergonomically-designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience for the occupant.Concrete
Concrete countertops are composed of cement, aggregates, admixtures, and water. Concrete can be molded into custom shapes in place and/or given distinctive blended looks though polishing and pigment techniques.Paper Composite
Paper Composite is a type of solid surfacing countertop made from paper, fibers and resin. The resin typically does not come from recycled sources; however, it only constitutes a small portion of the material used. They are available in a range of colors, are very durable and handle heat well.Natural Stone
Natural stone countertops are those composed of granite, soapstone, slate, or other naturally occurring minerals. Natural stone is used scarcely within the office space as the price and feasibility of full stone coverage is typically impractical.Laminate
Laminate is created from layers of decorative paper and kraft paper - a strong, moisture-resistant product. These papers are treated with melamine resin or plastic coating and fused together using high heat and pressure. The name Formica is often used to describe laminate, but Formica is actually a name brand, much like Kleenex.Ceiling Hung Partitions
Ceiling mounted toilet partitions require structural ceiling support, which makes installation more technical. They can be made of plastic or metal, both durable options.Composite Wood Furniture
Engineered wood, also known as composite wood, is man-made and includes a range of wood products that are bound together by adhesives. Plywood, particleboard, MDF and OSB are examples of composite wood.Metal Furniture
Metal options include steel and aluminum. Durability of items selected may be important depending on the application. Also treatment of the metal should be considered.Wood / Bamboo Furniture
Wood is a hard fibrous natural plant material that is often used for furniture. Bamboo, while not technically wood, is commonly included in this category.Glass Furniture
Glass is primarily used for desks and desk top applications. Consider use of tempered or safety glass as applicable.Additional Design Guidance and Product Info
- BuildingGreen - Furniture & Furnishings GreenSpec® approved products and insights
Green Tips
- Select ergonomically-designed furniture to provide maximum comfort and convenience for the occupants.
- Use low-emitting furniture to protect indoor air quality.
- Select third-party certified wood to ensure extraction is from a sustainably managed forest.
- Evaluate sustainable attributes such as high recycled content and rapidly renewable materials when selecting furniture for the space.
- Select furniture constructed with metal fastenings rather than high VOC adhesives to protect indoor air quality.
Compare Furniture / Furnishings Options
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Counter Tops
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Furniture Materials
EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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Biobased Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (FSRIA), for USDA-designated products, specify products with the highest content level per USDA's biobased content recommendations. For other products, specify biobased products made from rapidly renewable resources and certified sustainable wood products. If these designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. USDA's biobased product designations and biobased content recommendations are available on USDA's BioPreferred website.
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Low-Emitting Materials ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Specify materials and products with low pollutant emissions, including composite wood products, adhesives, sealants, interior paints and finishes, carpet systems, and furnishings.
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Recycled Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (PDF), for EPA-designated products, specify products meeting or exceeding EPA's recycled content recommendations. For other products, specify materials with recycled content when practicable. If EPA-designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. EPA's recycled content product designations and [recycled content] recommendations are available on EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline website.
Leasing Solicitation for Offers (SFO)
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ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE BUILDING PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS (DEC 2007) (SFO)
A. The Lessor shall use environmentally preferable products and materials. The Lessor is encouraged to consider the lifecycle analysis of the product in addition to the initial cost. B. Refer to EPA's environmentally preferable purchasing web site, www.epa.gov/epp and USDA BioPreferred products web site biobased.oce.usda.gov/fb4p/. In general, environmentally preferable products and materials do one or more of the following: 1. Contain recycled material, are biobased, are rapidly renewable (10-year or shorter growth cycle), or have other positive environmental attributes; 2. Minimize the consumption of resources, energy, and water; 3. Prevent the creation of solid waste, air pollution, or water pollution; or 4. Promote the use of nontoxic substances and avoid toxic materials or processes. C. The Lessor is encouraged to use products that are extracted and manufactured regionally.
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WOOD PRODUCTS (AUG 2008) (SFO)
A. For all new installations of wood products, the Lessor is encouraged to use independently certified forest products. For information on certification and certified wood products, refer to the Forest Certification Resource Center (www.certifiedwood.org), the Forest Stewardship Council United States (www.fscus.org), or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.aboutsfi.org). B. New installations of wood products used under this contract shall not contain wood from endangered wood species, as listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The list of species can be found at the following web site: www.certifiedwood.orglResources/CITES/CITESContent, html. C. Particle board, strawboard, and plywood materials shall comply with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards for formaldehyde emission controls. Plywood materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.2 parts per million (ppm), and particleboard materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.3 ppm.
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FLOOR COVERING AND PERIMETERS (AUG 2008) (SFO)
A. BUILDING SHELL: 1. Exposed interior floors in primary entrances and lobbies shall be marble, granite or terrazzo. Exposed interior floors in secondary entrances, elevator lobbies, and primary interior corridors shall be high grade carpet, marble, granite, or terrazzo. Resilient flooring shall be used in telecommunications rooms. Floor perimeters at partitions shall have wood, rubber, vinyl, marble or carpet base. 2. Terrazzo, unglazed ceramic tile, recycled glass tile, and/or quarry tile shall be used in all toilet and service areas. 3. Any alternate flooring must be pre-approved by the Contracting Officer.
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Entrance Mats
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
Entrance Mats, located at the main doors of the building, trap the contaminants from foot traffic. Dust, dirt and other pollutants are walked off at the building entrance. This supports improved environmental quality within the office building.EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
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Walls
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
The walls within an office can be semi-permanent, multi-use or movable. Walls can be made from a variety of materials depending upon the intended use. Providing dividers in replacement of walls can promote collaboration and permit more sunlight throughout the space. However, drywall is typically composed of 100 percent recycled paper and natural gypsum, an environmentally attractive combination. A variety of wall finishes can be used to decorate or distribute natural light throughout the space and to facilitate creativity within team meeting rooms.Millwork Panels
Millwork wall panels are made of composite wood (particleboard, MDF, plywood, etc). They add texture to a space and come in a variety of styles such as raised, flat, beaded-board, and custom panels.Fabric Wrapped Panels
Fabric wall panels are typically made of a composite wood core (particleboard, MDF, plywood, etc) covered in fabric such as hemp or organic cotton.Linoleum Base
Linoleum wall base serves as a wall finish and a functional protective border. Linoleum is commonly confused with vinyl. True linoleum is made of linseed oil, wood dust, ground limestone, resins and a jute backing.Vinyl Base
Vinyl wall base is a durable material that serves as a wall finish and functional protective border.Wood / Bamboo Base
Wood base is a durable material that serves as a wall finish and protective border. Bamboo, while not technically wood, is commonly included in this category.Wood Base
Wood base is a durable material that serves as a wall finish and protective border. Bamboo, while not technically wood, is commonly included in this category.Drywall
Drywall (also known as gypsum board) is the material used to build standard interior walls.Demountable Partitions
Demountable walls or partitions can be moved and altered to create different types of spaces to meet the needs of the occupants. They typically consist of aluminum frames, solid vinyl or fabric panels, and/or glass panels.Interior Glazing
Interior glazing is an option that may replace part of the standard wall construction to allow natural light to penetrate into the interior spaces.Dry Erase Wall Panels
Dry erase wall panels can transform any smooth surface into a high-performance dry-erase writing surface. A dynamic workspace can be created with a seamless installation. Dry erase wall panels are useful in meeting and conference rooms.Paints and Coatings
Paints and coatings provide an aesthetically appealing atmosphere for a commercial setting.Wall Covering
Wall coverings, such as classic wallpaper, wallpaper murals and borders, provide a unique aesthetically appealing atmosphere for a commercial setting. From fabric to paper there are a variety of PVC-free wall coverings available.Additional Design Guidance and Product Info
- BuildingGreen - Interior Finish & Trim GreenSpec® approved products and insights
- BuildingGreen - Paints & Coatings GreenSpec® approved products and insights
Green Tips
- Consider replacing part of the standard wall with interior glazing to allow natural light to penetrate into the interior space.
- Consider demountable walls or partitions that can be moved and altered to create different types of spaces to meet the needs of the occupants.
- Select easy to clean wall surfaces for ease of maintenance.
- Use low VOC wall finishes to protect indoor air quality
- Look for regionally manufactured drywall to reduce GHG emissions from transportation.
- Use light color schemes such as white or tan painted walls to reflect natural light throughout the space.
Compare Walls Options
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Wall Surfaces
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Wall Base
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Walls
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Applicant
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Finishes
EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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Biobased Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (FSRIA), for USDA-designated products, specify products with the highest content level per USDA's biobased content recommendations. For other products, specify biobased products made from rapidly renewable resources and certified sustainable wood products. If these designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. USDA's biobased product designations and biobased content recommendations are available on USDA's BioPreferred website.
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Low-Emitting Materials ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Specify materials and products with low pollutant emissions, including composite wood products, adhesives, sealants, interior paints and finishes, carpet systems, and furnishings.
-
Recycled Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (PDF), for EPA-designated products, specify products meeting or exceeding EPA's recycled content recommendations. For other products, specify materials with recycled content when practicable. If EPA-designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. EPA's recycled content product designations and [recycled content] recommendations are available on EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline website.
-
Environmentally Preferable Product ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Use products that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment over their lifecycle when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. A number of standards and ecolabels are available in the marketplace to assist specifiers in making environmentally preferable decisions. For recommendations, consult the Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers.
-
Energy Efficiency ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [NC])
Establish a whole building performance target that takes into account the intended use, occupancy, operations, plug loads, other energy demands, and design to earn the ENERGY STAR - targets for new construction and major renovation where applicable. For new construction, reduce the energy use by 30 percent compared to the baseline building performance rating per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., (ASHRAE)/Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential. For major renovations, reduce the energy use by 20 percent below pre-renovations 2003 baseline. Laboratory spaces may use the Labs21 Laboratory Modeling Guidelines. Use ENERGY STAR and FEMP-designated Energy Efficient Products, where available.
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Daylighting and Lighting Controls ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB])
Automated lighting controls (occupancy/vacancy sensors with manual-off capability) are provided for appropriate spaces including restrooms, conference and meeting rooms, employee lunch and break rooms, training classrooms, and offices. Two options can be used to meet additional daylighting and lighting controls performance expectations: ? Option 1: Achieve a minimum daylight factor of 2 percent (excluding all direct sunlight penetration) in 50 percent of all space occupied for critical visual tasks, or? Option 2: Provide occupant controlled lighting, allowing adjustments to suit individual task needs, for 50% of regularly occupied spaces.
Leasing Solicitation for Offers (SFO)
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WOOD PRODUCTS (AUG 2008) (SFO)
A. For all new installations of wood products, the Lessor is encouraged to use independently certified forest products. For information on certification and certified wood products, refer to the Forest Certification Resource Center (www.certifiedwood.org), the Forest Stewardship Council United States (www.fscus.org), or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.aboutsfi.org). B. New installations of wood products used under this contract shall not contain wood from endangered wood species, as listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The list of species can be found at the following web site: www.certifiedwood.orglResources/CITES/CITESContent, html. C. Particle board, strawboard, and plywood materials shall comply with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards for formaldehyde emission controls. Plywood materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.2 parts per million (ppm), and particleboard materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.3 ppm.
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FLOOR COVERING AND PERIMETERS (AUG 2008) (SFO)
A. BUILDING SHELL: 1. Exposed interior floors in primary entrances and lobbies shall be marble, granite or terrazzo. Exposed interior floors in secondary entrances, elevator lobbies, and primary interior corridors shall be high grade carpet, marble, granite, or terrazzo. Resilient flooring shall be used in telecommunications rooms. Floor perimeters at partitions shall have wood, rubber, vinyl, marble or carpet base. 2. Terrazzo, unglazed ceramic tile, recycled glass tile, and/or quarry tile shall be used in all toilet and service areas. 3. Any alternate flooring must be pre-approved by the Contracting Officer.
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PARTITIONS: SUBDIVIDING (SEP 2009) (SFO)
B. TENANT IMPROVEMENT INFORMATION: 1. Office subdividing partitions shall comply with applicable building codes and local requirements and ordinances shall be provided as part of the Tenant Improvement Allowance. Partitioning shall extend from the finished floor to the finished ceiling and shall be designed to provide a minimum sound transmission class (STC) of 37. Partitioning shall be installed by the Lessor at locations to be determined by the Government as identified in the design intent drawings. They shall have a flame spread rating of 25 or less and a smoke development rating of 50 or less (ASTM E 84). 2. HVAC shall be rebalanced and lighting repositioned, as appropriate, after installation of partitions. 3. If installed in accordance with the "Automatic Fire Sprinkler System" and "Fire Alarm System" paragraphs in the FIRE PROTECTION, LIFE SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES section, sprinklers and fire alarm notification appliances shall be repositioned as appropriate after installation of partitions to maintain the level of fire protection and life safety. 4. Partitioning requirements may be satisfied with existing partitions if they meet the Government's standards and layout requirements.
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Flooring
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
Flooring is the area of the office subject to the most physical abuse from both heavy objects and people alike, therefore making its durability a vital characteristic. Since flooring is not easily adaptable after installation the service life of the system should be as long as possible - taking the production, installation, use, and disposal into consideration.Broadloom Carpet
Broadloom carpet (also known as sheet carpet) is any type of carpet which is woven on a wide loom. The most common carpet fibers are made of Nylon, but broadloom carpet fibers can also be made of bio-based (e.g. corn), natural (e.g. wool) or recycled materials.Carpet Tile
Carpet tile flooring is composed of individual carpet sections installed in sequence. Carpet tile fibers can be made of a variety of materials, but the most common is Nylon. Carpet fibers can also be made of bio-based (e.g. corn), natural (e.g. wool) or recycled materials.Ceramic Tile
Ceramic is an inorganic, non metallic solid surface that has been used in flooring for centuries. Ceramic tiles are commonly used in areas where the effects of water, such as a restroom, are widely prevalent.Linoleum
Linoleum is a type of resilient flooring made of linseed oil, sawdust, pine resin and with a jute backing. It comes in both sheet and tile options in an array of attractive and vibrant appearances.Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a type of resilient flooring made of a mixture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plasticizers. It comes in both sheet and tile options in an array of attractive and vibrant appearances.Wood Flooring
There are many different species of wood and types of wood flooring including reclaimed, suppressed, and wood from responsibly managed forests.Concrete Flooring
Concrete flooring is composed solely of cement, aggregates, admixtures, and water. Recent improvements in polishing and pigment techniques have made concrete a more viable flooring option for a commercial setting.Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring is made from any variety of synthetic elastic materials whose properties resemble natural rubber. Formats include rubber tiles, sheet goods or fluid applied material that are designed to be installed as a permanent flooring solution in a commercial setting.Fluid Applied
Fluid applied flooring is commonly made of a poured epoxy or urethane coating. It is commonly used in restrooms or in decorative areas where easy cleaning and/or a unique visual appearance is desired.Cork
Cork flooring is made from the bark of cork oak trees. The bark can be stripped without introducing damage to the tree.Bamboo
Bamboo is a grass that has a short growth cycle and continues to grow after it is cut without replanting or cultivating. Durability is dependent upon the maturity of the bamboo. Bamboo provides for extremely durable commercial grade floors when fully mature, usually 8-10 years.Cut Natural Stone
Natural stone floors are those composed of granite, limestone, slate, or other naturally occurring minerals. Natural stone is used scarcely within the office space as the price and feasibility of full stone coverage is typically impractical.Terrazzo
Terrazzo floors are made of a combination of marble chips set in concrete or an epoxy resin. Common usages include decorative entrances or restrooms.Additional Design Guidance and Product Info
- BuildingGreen - Flooring & Floor Coverings GreenSpec® approved products and insights
Green Tips
- Consider installing entryway mats to effectively capture dust, dirt and other pollutants.
- Dry vacuum regularly and follow with a wet vacuum water extraction machine when necessary to protect indoor air quality.
- Evaluate sustainable attributes such as high recycled content and low VOC''s to determine the most appropriate sustainable product for the space.
- Prevent stains by cleaning up spills promptly, starting with cold water and blotting cloths.
- Keep extra carpet tiles on hand to replace stained or damaged tiles.
- Use carpet to absorb sound and reduce noise pollution.
- Look for CRI Green Label and Green Label Plus certified carpet which emits fewer emissions than standard carpet.
EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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[recycled content] ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423, Executive Orders 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (PDF), for EPA-designated products, specify products meeting or exceeding EPA's recycled content recommendations. For other products, specify materials with recycled content when practicable. If EPA-designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. EPA's recycled content product designations and recycled content recommendations are available on EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline website.
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Low-Emitting Materials ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423, Executive Orders 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Specify materials and products with low pollutant emissions, including composite wood products, adhesives, sealants, interior paints and finishes, carpet systems, and furnishings.
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Recycled Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423, Executive Orders 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (PDF), for EPA-designated products, specify products meeting or exceeding EPA's recycled content recommendations. For other products, specify materials with recycled content when practicable. If EPA-designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. EPA's recycled content product designations and [recycled content] recommendations are available on EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline website.
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Recycled Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (PDF), for EPA-designated products, specify products meeting or exceeding EPA's recycled content recommendations. For other products, specify materials with recycled content when practicable. If EPA-designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. EPA's recycled content product designations and [recycled content] recommendations are available on EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline website.
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Low-emitting Materials ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Specify materials and products with low pollutant emissions, including composite wood products, adhesives, sealants, interior paints and finishes, carpet systems, and furnishings.
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Biobased Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (FSRIA), for USDA-designated products, specify products with the highest content level per USDA's biobased content recommendations. For other products, specify biobased products made from rapidly renewable resources and certified sustainable wood products. If these designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. USDA's biobased product designations and biobased content recommendations are available on USDA's BioPreferred website.
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Low-Emitting Materials ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Specify materials and products with low pollutant emissions, including composite wood products, adhesives, sealants, interior paints and finishes, carpet systems, and furnishings.
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Biobased Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (FSRIA), for USDA-designated products, specify products with the highest content level per USDA's biobased content recommendations. For other products, specify biobased products made from rapidly renewable resources and certified sustainable wood products. If these designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. USDA's biobased product designations and biobased content recommendations are available on USDA's BioPreferred website.
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Low-Emitting Materials ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Specify materials and products with low pollutant emissions, including composite wood products, adhesives, sealants, interior paints and finishes, carpet systems, and furnishings.
Leasing Solicitation for Offers (SFO)
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ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE BUILDING PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS (DEC 2007) (SFO)
A. The Lessor shall use environmentally preferable products and materials. The Lessor is encouraged to consider the lifecycle analysis of the product in addition to the initial cost. B. Refer to EPA's environmentally preferable purchasing web site, www.epa.gov/epp and USDA BioPreferred products web site biobased.oce.usda.gov/fb4p/. In general, environmentally preferable products and materials do one or more of the following: 1. Contain recycled material, are biobased, are rapidly renewable (10-year or shorter growth cycle), or have other positive environmental attributes; 2. Minimize the consumption of resources, energy, and water; 3. Prevent the creation of solid waste, air pollution, or water pollution; or 4. Promote the use of nontoxic substances and avoid toxic materials or processes. C. The Lessor is encouraged to use products that are extracted and manufactured regionally.
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WOOD PRODUCTS (AUG 2008) (SFO)
A. For all new installations of wood products, the Lessor is encouraged to use independently certified forest products. For information on certification and certified wood products, refer to the Forest Certification Resource Center (www.certifiedwood.org), the Forest Stewardship Council United States (www.fscus.org), or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.aboutsfi.org). B. New installations of wood products used under this contract shall not contain wood from endangered wood species, as listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The list of species can be found at the following web site: www.certifiedwood.orglResources/CITES/CITESContent, html. C. Particle board, strawboard, and plywood materials shall comply with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards for formaldehyde emission controls. Plywood materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.2 parts per million (ppm), and particleboard materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.3 ppm.
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PAINTING (SEP 2009) (SFO)
2. The Lessor shall provide interior paints and coatings that meet or are equivalent to the following standards for volatile organic compound (VOC) off gassing: a. Topcoat paints: Green Seal Standard GS-11, Paints, First Edition, May 20, 1993. b. All other architectural coatings, primers, and undercoats: South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 11 13,
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FLOOR COVERING AND PERIMETERS (AUG 2008) (SFO)
A. BUILDING SHELL: 1. Exposed interior floors in primary entrances and lobbies shall be marble, granite or terrazzo. Exposed interior floors in secondary entrances, elevator lobbies, and primary interior corridors shall be high grade carpet, marble, granite, or terrazzo. Resilient flooring shall be used in telecommunications rooms. Floor perimeters at partitions shall have wood, rubber, vinyl, marble or carpet base. 2. Terrazzo, unglazed ceramic tile, recycled glass tile, and/or quarry tile shall be used in all toilet and service areas. 3. Any alternate flooring must be pre-approved by the Contracting Officer.
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Ceiling
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
A ceiling in an office can either be open, dropped ceiling, or hard lid.Ceiling Tile
Acoustical ceiling tiles are typically used in offices with dropped ceilings. The ceiling tiles come in various sizes and finishes and frequently contain high levels of recycled content.Gypsum Board
Gypsum board (i.e. drywall) ceilings are similar to acoustical ceilings in that they improve the acoustical properties of a space and sometimes contain recycled content.Metal Systems
Metal ceilings are not often used in office spaces as it tends to be a high-end finish and does not offer the same acoustical properties as acoustical ceiling tile or drywall ceilings.Wood
Wood panel ceilings, like metal ceilings, are not often used in office spaces as they tend to be a high-end finish. Wood panel ceilings do not offer the same acoustical properties as acoustical ceiling tile or drywall ceilings.Open Ceiling
Open ceilings offer a modern, industrial-type feel to a space as duct-work and piping are typically visible. Like bare concrete floors, open ceilings do not require additional materials. While they make a space feel larger, they do not offer the acoustical benefits of dropped ceilings, thus, making for a potentially noisy work environment. Acoustical panels placed strategically within the open ceiling system can lessen the noise yet still maintain the industrial feel.Green Tips
- Drop down soffits and accent lights decorate the space, however these features are resource intensive, use these strategies conservatively.
- Use acoustical ceiling tiles to reduce noise pollution.
- Use light-colored ceilings tiles to reflect daylight to allow natural light to effectively move throughout the space.
- Evaluate sustainable attributes such as regionally manufactured or low VOC''s to determine the most appropriate materials to use for a sustainable ceiling.
EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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Biobased Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (FSRIA), for USDA-designated products, specify products with the highest content level per USDA's biobased content recommendations. For other products, specify biobased products made from rapidly renewable resources and certified sustainable wood products. If these designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. USDA's biobased product designations and biobased content recommendations are available on USDA's BioPreferred website.
-
Low-Emitting Materials ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Specify materials and products with low pollutant emissions, including composite wood products, adhesives, sealants, interior paints and finishes, carpet systems, and furnishings.
-
Recycled Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (PDF), for EPA-designated products, specify products meeting or exceeding EPA's recycled content recommendations. For other products, specify materials with recycled content when practicable. If EPA-designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. EPA's recycled content product designations and [recycled content] recommendations are available on EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline website.
Leasing Solicitation for Offers (SFO)
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WOOD PRODUCTS (AUG 2008) (SFO)
A. For all new installations of wood products, the Lessor is encouraged to use independently certified forest products. For information on certification and certified wood products, refer to the Forest Certification Resource Center (www.certifiedwood.org), the Forest Stewardship Council United States (www.fscus.org), or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.aboutsfi.org). B. New installations of wood products used under this contract shall not contain wood from endangered wood species, as listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The list of species can be found at the following web site: www.certifiedwood.orglResources/CITES/CITESContent, html. C. Particle board, strawboard, and plywood materials shall comply with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards for formaldehyde emission controls. Plywood materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.2 parts per million (ppm), and particleboard materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.3 ppm.
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CEILINGS (SEP 2009) (SFO)
D. Ceilings shall be a flat plane in each room and shall be suspended with ample light fixtures and finished as follows unless an alternate equivalent is pre approved by the Contracting Officer: 1. Restrooms. Plastered or spackled and taped gypsum board. 2. Offices and Conference Rooms. Mineral and acoustical tile or lay in panels with textured or patterned surface and tegular edges or an equivalent pre approved by the Contracting Officer. Tiles or panels shall contain recycled content. 3. Corridors and Eating/Galley Areas. Plastered or spackled and taped gypsum board or mineral acoustical tile.
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Door System
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
Doors in a sustainable workplace should be insulated to prevent loss of conditioned air. Exterior doors are to be weather resistant, while interior doors should be from recycled or renewable resources. Consider using glass or treated glass for doors as they facilitate collaboration and permit the passing of daylight.Composite Wood
Interior doors are often made of a composite wood core covered with a laminate or wood veneer. Doors made with engineered wood are cheaper than solid wood doors, but may pose indoor air quality problems from emissions in the binders or adhesives. Greener engineered wood alternatives include formaldehyde-free door cores, those that are made of recycled content or made from agricultural waste, such as wheat straw. Additionally, veneers may be made of sustainably grown and harvested wood. These greener alternatives must be explicitly specified, as they are not standard materials.Alternative Bio-based Composite
Bio-composites, or biodegradable composites, are the next generation of sustainable building materials. Plant fibers such as sunflower hulls, or wheat straw, combined with natural resins and binders can be used to make several different products including doors.Solid Wood
There are many different species and types of wood that can be used for doors including reclaimed, suppressed, and wood from responsibly managed forests.Metal
Steel entry doors with foam core insulation can provide good sound insulation and weather proofing. They also can serve as fire breaks, and good security.Glass
Glass doors are useful for allowing light into a space, and may be used as part of a daylighting strategy, both on the exterior and internally.Additional Design Guidance and Product Info
- BuildingGreen - Doors GreenSpec® approved products and insights
EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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Recycled Content ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Per Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (PDF), for EPA-designated products, specify products meeting or exceeding EPA's recycled content recommendations. For other products, specify materials with recycled content when practicable. If EPA-designated products meet performance requirements and are available at a reasonable cost, a preference for purchasing them shall be included in all solicitations relevant to construction, operation, maintenance of or use in the building. EPA's recycled content product designations and [recycled content] recommendations are available on EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline website.
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Environmentally Preferable Product ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Use products that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment over their lifecycle when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. A number of standards and ecolabels are available in the marketplace to assist specifiers in making environmentally preferable decisions. For recommendations, consult the Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers.
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Daylighting ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Achieve a minimum daylight factor of 2 percent (excluding all direct sunlight penetration) in 75 percent of all space occupied for critical visual tasks. Provide automatic dimming controls or accessible manual lighting controls, and appropriate glare control.
Leasing Solicitation for Offers (SFO)
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WOOD PRODUCTS (AUG 2008) (SFO)
A. For all new installations of wood products, the Lessor is encouraged to use independently certified forest products. For information on certification and certified wood products, refer to the Forest Certification Resource Center (www.certifiedwood.org), the Forest Stewardship Council United States (www.fscus.org), or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.aboutsfi.org). B. New installations of wood products used under this contract shall not contain wood from endangered wood species, as listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The list of species can be found at the following web site: www.certifiedwood.orglResources/CITES/CITESContent, html. C. Particle board, strawboard, and plywood materials shall comply with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards for formaldehyde emission controls. Plywood materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.2 parts per million (ppm), and particleboard materials shall not emit formaldehyde in excess of 0.3 ppm.
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DOORS: INTERIOR (AUG 2008) (SFO)
Doors within the Government demised area shall be provided as part of the Tenant Improvements and shall have a minimum clear opening of 32' wide x 80' high. Doors shall be flush, solid core, wood with a natural wood veneer face or an equivalent door pre approved by the Contracting Officer. Hollow core wood doors are not acceptable. They shall be operable with a single effort, and shall meet the requirements of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (current as of the award date of this lease). Doors shall be installed in a metal frame assembly which is primed and finished with a low VOC semi-gloss oil-based paint with no formaldehyde.
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DOORS: SUITE ENTRY (AUG 2008) (SFO)
Doors shall meet the requirements of being a flush, solid core, 1 3/4 inch thick, wood door with a natural wood veneer face or an equivalent pre approved by the Contracting Officer. Hollow core wood doors are not acceptable. They shall be operable by a single effort; and shall meet the requirement of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (current as of the award date of this Lease). Doors shall be installed in a metal frame assembly which is primed and finished with a low VOC semi gloss oil-based paint finish with no formaldehyde.
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