Computer/LAN room
Computer/LAN rooms are used to house servers and other computer equipment. Because this equipment gives off heat, additional cooling and ventilation may be required. Use ENERGY STAR servers to save energy. Place this space closer to the building core or interior to leave room for offices and conference rooms on the perimeter. To support compliance with new ENERGY STAR for buildings install at least two meters, one that measures cooling load and the other that measures IT load from the data center. GSA Quick Start Guide View Planning Strategies
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Fire Safety
- Promote safety by installing emergency power down switches.
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HVAC
- Ensure the air supplied by the HVAC system is properly conditioned - providing comfortable temperature ranges, removing moisture and air contaminates such as odors, dust, and carbon dioxide.
- For smaller data rooms consider use of exhaust fans and grills in place of CRAC units.
- Use filtration media to removing moisture and air contaminates such as odors, dust, and carbon dioxide.
- Use underfloor air distribution for reconfigurable technology ready space as power, voice, and data services are easily accessible with access floors.
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Lighting
- Use sustainable lighting practices such as occupant sensors to decrease utility costs.
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Recycling Support
- As equipment reaches its end of life ensure that it is properly diverted from the landfill. Computer equipment contains chemicals that are harmful to the environment if left to leach into soils.
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Computer Equipment
- Select ENERGY STAR certified servers and related equipment to reduce energy consumption and cooling load required.
- Research purchase of recycled content metal server racks.
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Flooring
- Select materials that are extremely durable to withstand high load applications.
- Promote a low static environment with use of rubber flooring
- 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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Walls
- Use durable wall base materials such as linoleum or hard wood to serve as a protective border.
- Select easy to clean wall surfaces for ease of maintenance.
- Use low VOC wall finishes to protect indoor air quality
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Ceiling
- 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.
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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
- 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.
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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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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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HVAC
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is the single greatest use of energy within the workplace. Significant energy loss is attributed to providing a comfortable working environment. HVAC systems run at their most efficient when at full capacity, making it critical to choose a system that correctly fits the needs of the building. A smaller HVAC system can be used by reducing the cooling and heating loads through implementing efficiency strategies such as: installing insulation that meets or exceeds current building codes, tightening the building envelope to prevent air leakage, installing energy efficient windows, reducing solar gain (e.g. cool roofing and window tints), and installing energy efficient lamps that produce less heat. HVAC systems facilitate the exchange of air to the outside as well as circulation of air within the building. They replace air in the occupied space to control temperature or remove moisture and air contaminates such as odors, dust, and carbon dioxide. Through ventilation, fresh air can be distributed to each occupied space. The mechanical system must be efficient, durable, and installed properly. Be aware of the trend to design over-sized systems. Ideally, prior to occupancy, each system will be commissioned, a process that verifies and documents that the systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the Owner's Project Requirements.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.Additional Design Guidance and Product Info
- BuildingGreen - Mechanical Systems/HVAC GreenSpec® approved products and insights
Green Tips
- Ensure the air supplied by the HVAC system is properly conditioned - providing comfortable temperature ranges, removing moisture and air contaminates such as odors, dust, and carbon dioxide.
- For smaller data rooms consider use of exhaust fans and grills in place of CRAC units.
- Use filtration media to removing moisture and air contaminates such as odors, dust, and carbon dioxide.
- Use underfloor air distribution for reconfigurable technology ready space as power, voice, and data services are easily accessible with access floors.
- Install IT load meters to track consumption of the computer equipment as a separate item from HVAC or base-building load.
- For larger data centers use hot/cold isle strategies to maximize HVAC system performance.
EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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Commissioning ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Employ commissioning practices tailored to the size and complexity of the building and its system components in order to verify performance of building components and systems and help ensure that design requirements are met. This should include an experienced commissioning provider, inclusion of commissioning requirements in construction documents, a commissioning plan, verification of the installation and performance of systems to be commissioned, and a commissioning report.
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Ventilation and Thermal Comfort ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [EB, NC])
Meet ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy and ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007: Ventilation for Acceptable indoor air quality.
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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
- Use durable wall base materials such as linoleum or hard wood to serve as a protective border.
- 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.
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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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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
- Select materials that are extremely durable to withstand high load applications.
- Promote a low static environment with use of rubber flooring
- Evaluate sustainable attributes such as high recycled content and low VOC''s to determine the most appropriate sustainable product for the space.
- Use underfloor air distribution for reconfigurable technology ready space as power, voice, and data services are easily accessible with access floors.
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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Computer Equipment
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
Office equipment, such as computers and display monitors, can be energy intensive, so it's important to seek out energy efficient models. Many newly manufactured computers and monitors are ENERGY STAR rated, which means that they use less electricity.Green Tips
- Select ENERGY STAR certified servers and related equipment to reduce energy consumption and cooling load required.
- Research purchase of recycled content metal server racks.
- Use UPS units to reduce down time in case of power outages.
- As required for ENERGY STAR building benchmarking install meters to capture IT load and HVAC load separately.
EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
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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 sustainable lighting practices such as occupant sensors to decrease utility costs.
- 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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Recycling Support
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
Recycling support stations are the backbone of a successful waste diversion plan. Well labeled and strategically placed recycling containers support ease of occupant participation. Industry-wide best practices, as available by region, support single stream recycling, eliminating trash cans at each desk in favor of recycling containers and implementing a composting program for break room and restroom waste.Green Tips
- As equipment reaches its end of life ensure that it is properly diverted from the landfill. Computer equipment contains chemicals that are harmful to the environment if left to leach into soils.
EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
Guiding Principles
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Waste and Materials Management ( Guiding Principles, Executive Order 13514 & 13423 [NC])
Incorporate adequate space, equipment, and transport accommodations for recycling in the building design. During a project's planning stage, identify local recycling and salvage operations that could process site-related construction and demolition materials. During construction, recycle or salvage at least 50 percent of the non-hazardous construction, demolition and land clearing materials, excluding soil, where markets or onsite recycling opportunities exist. Provide salvage, reuse and recycling services for waste generated from major V. Reduce Environmental Impact of Materials renovations, where markets or onsite recycling opportunities exist.
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Fire Safety
Design Guidance
Overall Strategies
Coming soon.
Green Tips
- Promote safety by installing emergency power down switches.
- Fire suppression systems specified by GSA include water based sprinkler systems, this works well for computer/LAN rooms that backed up off-site.
Compare Fire Safety Options
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EB = Existing Buildings NC = New Construction and Major RenovationLegal Requirements
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