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Learn & Plan Topics
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Indoor Air Quality
EPA studies indicate indoor levels of pollutants may be up to ten times higher than outdoor levels. Source: Environmental Protection Agency (2008). An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html -
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is most simply described as the conditions inside a building. It does not refer to the air quality alone, but the entire environmental quality of a space, which includes air quality, access to daylight and views, pleasant acoustic conditions, and occupant control over lighting and thermal comfort.
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What is Sustainability
Sustainability is best thought of as a process, rather than a thing. US Executive Order 13423 states that sustainability “means to create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations.” In order to achieve such conditions, new ways of designing, constructing and operating buildings and facilities must be identified.
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Materials, Furniture, and Furnishings Replacement
Daily wear and tear means that materials, furniture and furnishings require periodic replacement.
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Comfort
Comfortable workers are more likely to be productive and engaged with their work than those who struggle to work in spaces that create barriers and stresses. With ever increasing needs to be mindful of the environment when designing spaces, GSA is developing practices that support both sustainability and worker comfort.
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Health
Good health has both physical and psychological components. Being healthy means the absence of disease and illness, as well as feeling positive about life and work. The workplace can play a role in the health of workers by eliminating risks and creating conditions that support cognitive, emotional, and social well being.
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Planning to Build Green
Sustainability "means to create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations." Executive Order 13514
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Sustainable Building Operations and Maintenance Services
Follow these sustainable strategies as your space renovations are complete and the building and interiors are operated in an environmentally sustainable manner. Operations staff should endeavor to establish best practices in energy efficiency, resource conservation, ecologically sensitive products, and other sustainable practices, and implement them.
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Fiber Paper Recycling
Every 40 cases of 100% post-consumer fiber paper saves the equivalent of the following:
- 24 trees 40 feet in height
- 7,000 gallons of water
- 4,100 kilowatt hours of electricity
- 60 pounds of air pollution
Source: http://www.sustain.ucla.edu/handbook/article.asp?parentid=3465 UCLA Sustainability
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Post Consumer Fiber Paper
Every 40 cases of 100% post consumer fiber paper saves the equivalent of the following:
- 24 trees 40 feet in height
- 7,000 gallons of water
- 4,100 kilowatt hours of electricity
- 60 pounds of air pollution
Source: UCLA Sustainability
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Best Practices Applicable to All Project Types
This section presents key issues that should be considered for each project type. It is intended to help you think about your overall project, before you begin to compare and select specific materials. This will enable you to select the "best" strategies and materials for your project, given the opportunities and constraints you have identified. Use the sidebar to navigate to your specific project type.
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Keys to Success
Sustainable design, construction, operation, and renovation are best thought of as an integrated process, rather than a collection of things. The process involves new ways of designing, constructing and operating our buildings and facilities.
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Energy & Atmosphere
Buildings and facilities rely on the operation of mechanical systems and electrical systems to maintain a comfortable indoor environmental quality for occupants. Building operations consume approximately 39% of the energy and 74% of the electricity produced annually in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Greenhouse gases are generated and released throughout the life cycle of producing and consuming fossil fuel energy. These greenhouse gases directly contribute to air pollution and climate change. Therefore, atmospheric problems can be reduced by increasing the efficiency with which energy is used‚ optimizing the use of natural energy resources‚ and understanding the effects of energy technologies on the atmosphere.
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LCA Standards, Tools and Resources
ISO 14040:2006 describes the principles and framework for life cycle assessment (LCA) including: definition of the goal and scope of the LCA, the life cycle inventory analysis (LCI) phase, the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) phase... -
Plan Section Guidance
For each project there is a selection of issues and questions you should consider before selecting specific materials or products. This will help you and your team address the most critical sustainability concerns and opportunities for that project type; look for synergies and mitigate unintended consequences. There are ways to improve even the simplest projects, such as repainting or re-carpeting.
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Space Reconfiguration and Renovation Projects
As needs change over time, tenants often need to convert space or phase the conversion of individual space or rooms to meet these changing needs.
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Under 10,000 SF Interiors Gut Rehab Project
Following are Sustainable Strategies to consider as the space has or will undergo a major tenant gut rehab for projects under 10,000 SF. Note to use a current version of LEED for Commercial Interiors for tenant improvement projects over 10,000 SF. Refer to the Share Section for a represented project Case Study to discover key practices, benefits, results and checklists.
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Flexibility
Today's workplaces are often in flux. As organizations change direction or develop new services, people also move. Teams form and re-form. People move to new spaces and take on new responsibilities. The spaces themselves are transformed to meet new needs. These changes are much easier to accommodate, with less stress on people and the organization, when the workplace is designed to support flexibility.
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Building Systems Upgrades
The following are Sustainable Strategies to consider as your space undergoes a building system upgrade to improve energy, water use and occupant comfort. Refer to the Share Section for a representative project Case Study to discover key practices, benefits, results and checklists.
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Conducting LCA
The US Department of Energy has developed an LCA report to help evaluate the energy and environmental benefits of LEDs when compared to incandescent and fluorescent lighting. This analysis follows the four steps outlined above. When using LCA to compare equipment, it is important to establish a common unit of performance by which each will be judged. -
Life Cycle Approach
Materials and resources all have environmental, social and economic impacts beyond just their "use" phase in a project. Analyzing these environmental impacts and financial costs over the entire life span of a product or material is what is known as a Life Cycle Approach. -
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Overview
When seeking to make the most sustainable choice, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides the most data to inform your decision. By including the impacts throughout the product life cycle, LCA provides a comprehensive view of the environmental aspects of the product or process and a more accurate picture of the true environmental trade-offs in product and process selection.
Whole Building Analysis
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Interactions between lighting and space conditioning energy use in U.S. commercial buildings (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Interactions between lighting and space conditioning energy use in U.S. commercial buildings (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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IEQc1.1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQc1.2 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQc1.4 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQc1.5 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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Indoor Air Quality (Resources > IEQ)
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IEQc1.1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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IEQc1.2 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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IEQc1.4 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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IEQc1.5 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Green Tips and Strategies (Human Behavior > HVAC)
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System Overview (HVAC)
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Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers (Resources > IEQ)
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Indoor Air Quality Scientific Findings Resource Bank (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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EPA Indoor Air Quality (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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Indoor Air Quality Scientific Findings Resource Bank (IAQ-SFRB) (Resources / Case Study > IEQ)
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Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Managers (Resources / Case Study > IEQ)
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Ventilation and IAQ (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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Green Tips and Strategies (O&M > HVAC)
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IEQp1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQc1.3 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQp1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQc1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQc3.1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQc3.2 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQp1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQc1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQc3.1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IEQc3.2 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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Example Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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Green Tips (Resources > IEQ)
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IEQp1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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IEQc1.3 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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IEQp1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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IEQc1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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IEQp1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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IEQc1 (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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System Adjustments (O&M > HVAC)
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Green Tips Behavior (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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Green Tips and Strategies (O&M > HVAC)
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Example Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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System Overview (IEQ)
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Ventilation / Filtration (Resources > IEQ)
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Thermal Comfort (Resources > IEQ)
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Human Behavior on HVAC (Human Behavior > HVAC)
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HVAC Impact on Humans (Human Behavior > HVAC)
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Temperature (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Green Tips and Behavior (Human Behavior > HVAC)
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Green Tips and Behavior (Human Behavior > HVAC)
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Green Tips and Behavior (Human Behavior > HVAC)
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Example Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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IAQ Management (Resources > IEQ)
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Green Cleaning and Integrated Pest Management (Resources > IEQ)
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Controllability (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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Green Tips (O&M > IEQ)
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LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (2009) (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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LEED for New Construction (2009) (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Example Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Example Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Example Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Example Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Occupant Survey (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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Allergies, Asthma and Mold (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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The HPSB Guiding Principles for New Construction and Major Renovations (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Mandates / Rating Systems > HVAC)
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Single Pass Cooling Equipment (Resources > Water)
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Water Reuse and Recycling (Resources > Water)
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The HPSB Guiding Principles for New Construction and Major Renovations (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Facility Manager (Integrative Design Process > Lighting)
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Green Tips and Strategies (O&M > HVAC)
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Case3 (Financial > Water)
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Case7 (Financial > Water)
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Case12 (Financial > Water)
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Resources (IEQ)
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Controllability (Resources > IEQ)
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Lighting Control (Resources > IEQ)
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Mobility (Resources > IEQ)
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The HPSB Guiding Principles for Existing Buildings (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Green Globes New Construction (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Example Questions (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Productivity/Absenteeism (Human Behavior > Lighting)
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The HPSB Guiding Principles for Existing Buildings (Mandates / Rating Systems > Lighting)
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Systems Optimization (Resources > HVAC)
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Integrative Design Process (HVAC)
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Interior Designer (Integrative Design Process > HVAC)
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System Specific Maintenance (O&M > HVAC)
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Landscaping (Resources > Water)
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Low-emitting Materials (Resources > IEQ)
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Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) (Resources > IEQ)
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Thermal Comfort (Resources > IEQ)
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Health (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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Green Globes Continual Improvement of Existing Buildings (CIEB) (Mandates / Rating Systems > IEQ)
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Flow Fixtures (Resources > Water)
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LEED for Commercial Interiors (2009) (Mandates / Rating Systems > Water)
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Facility Manager (Integrative Design Process > IEQ)
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Mechanical Engineer (Integrative Design Process > IEQ)
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Human Behavior (Human Behavior > IEQ)
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Entryway Systems (O&M > IEQ)
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Moisture Control (O&M > IEQ)
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Commissioning (O&M > HVAC)
Materials
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Overhead Air Distribution
Overhead air distribution is the most common approach to mixing and delivering conditioned air to a space. -
Under Floor Air Distribution
Under floor air distribution systems supply conditioned air to an occupied space via diffusers in a raised floor. This system effectively maintains thermal comfort and indoor air quality levels. -
Plants / Planters
Interior plants contribute to an aesthetically pleasing environment. There are several different types of indoor plants, all which vary according to the ease of growth and maintenance, resistance to pests, and efficiency at cleaning the air we breath. Foliage plants are great for indoor work environments because they dont flower and thus do not introduce allergens into the air. http://greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org -
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. -
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. -
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.
Green Products
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Industrial Process Air Conditioning
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning
in Vehicle Products -
Room Air Conditioning
in Appliances -
Room Air Conditioning
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Central Air Conditioning
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Air-Cooled Chillers
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Air-Source Heat Pumps
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Commercial Unitary Air Conditioners
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Room Air Cleaners
in Refrigeration & AC -
Ice Machines: Air-Cooled
in Refrigeration & AC -
Air Fresheners and Deodorizers
in Cleaning Products -
Paint
in Building Finishes