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Learn & Plan Topics

  • LCA Example: Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

    The US EPA has developed a guide about conducting LCA. The LCA process is a systematic, phased approach and consists of four components: goal definition and scoping, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation.

  • Materials, Furniture, and Furnishings Replacement

    Daily wear and tear means that materials, furniture and furnishings require periodic replacement.

  • 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.

  • Spatial Equity

    Organizations today are less hierarchical and work is more team based, more mobile, and more cross functional. A key to spatial equity is that space layout and workstation standards are based on new ways of working and specific work tasks and business needs rather than organizational hierarchy.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.


Whole Building Analysis


Materials

  • 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.

  • Pressure-Assisted / Low-flow

    Pressure-assisted toilets use the pressure from the main water line to more efficiently empty the bowl and use less water. Low-flow flush valves used in toilets are those that use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush.

  • Low-Flow

    Low-flow faucets use aerators to restrict the flow of water to less than 2.2 gallons of water per minute GPM. Most manufactures make low-flow aerators for both manual and metering faucets.

  • Low-Flow Shower

    Low-flow showerheads use less than 2.5 gallons of water per minute GPM. Look for dual-flow shower controls that allow the user to reduce and restore the water flow during times of soaping and rinsing while maintaining the same temperature of the water.

  • Low-flow Faucet

    Low-flow faucets are those that use less than 2.2 gallons of water per minute GPM. Most faucet manufacturers make low-flow faucets and/or aerators that restrict the flow of water. Low-flow faucets within kitchens or breakrooms are typically manual faucets.

  • Low-Flow Urinal

    Low-flow urinals are those that use less than 1.0 gallon of water per flush. Low-flow urinal flush valves are available in varying levels of water use, from 0.5 gpf to 0.125 gpf.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Metering / Sensor-operated

    Metering faucets dispense water for a pre-determined period of time. Combined with a low-flow aerator, metering faucets deliver a pre-defined volume of water (0.125 gpc - gallon per cycle). Electronic faucets use a motion controlled sensor to activate water flow. They can either be programmed to turn off when motion ceases or based on a predetermined period of time. Both metering and sensor-operated faucets can use low-flow aerators; however, the faucet may cost more than conventional faucets.

  • 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.

  • Dual-flush Toilets

    Dual-flush toilets have two levels of flushing - one for solid waste and a lower flush for liquid waste. There are dual-flush options for both commercial flush valve applications and for tank-type toilets.

  • Lamp Types

    There are many different types of light bulbs / lamps used at commercial buildings including fluorescent, compact fluorescent, and Light Emitting Diode (LED). Incandescent lighting is becoming obsolete. Lamp selection should be driven by efficiency, lamp life, color quality of the light and its intended use. - Fluorescent lights do not give off as much heat, can be highly efficient and have a long useful life. However, they contain mercury and typically are not dimmable unless using a dimmable ballast. - CFLs can produce a warm light, are highly efficient and have a long useful life. However, CFLs contain small amounts of mercury and are also sensitive to frequent on/off cycling and as such their rated lifetimes may be reduced if switched on/off regularly. Not all CFLs are dimmable. - LED lamps do not contain mercury, are highly efficient, turn on quickly, are dimmable, and have a long useful life. LEDs are currently more costly and have a light quality that is typically whiter than incandescent.

  • Casework / Millwork

    Select casework and millwork that have sustainable attributes such as rapidly renewable, recycled content and sustainably managed forest material. Also look for products that are low-VOC and formaldehyde-free. In addition, consider ease of maintenance and durability when choosing any material.

Green Products

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