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Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is the presence of unwanted or unpleasant noise. Noise pollution comes from improperly functioning HVAC equipment, street noise, or the conversations of others. Besides the fact that it is obnoxious and distracting, noise pollution can be detrimental to human health. It is therefore important to consider ways to eliminate noise pollution in project planning.

http://www.epa.gov/air/noise.html

Learn & Plan Topics

  • Sustainable Sites

    Choosing a building's site and managing that site during construction are important considerations for a project’s sustainability. Environmentally responsible site selection discourages development of previously undeveloped land; minimizes a building's impact on ecosystems and waterways; encourages regionally appropriate landscaping; rewards smart transportation choices; and controls stormwater runoff. Additionally, appropriate site management can reduce erosion, light pollution, the heat island effect and construction-related pollution. Buildings can be placed in various locations; project teams should choose the environmentally preferred option and follow up with responsible stewardship of the site.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Sound Masking

    Electronic sound masking systems can be installed in office areas. A sound masking system generates "white noise" that helps mask other sounds. Sound masking systems help make an open office area more functional for the occupants.

Green Products

  • Everything 53

    • Learn & Plan Topics 10

      • Learn
      • Plan

    • Whole Building 18

    • Compare Materials 2

Procure Products 23

in the Green Products Compilation