When to Apply Green Building Strategies

Heather McCune, Editor in Chief
May 1, 2003
Professional Builder

Green Building Guidelines, a handbook published recently by the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council, compiles hundreds of checklists and ideas to help builders meet the demand for low-energy, resource-efficient homes. Green design requires attention to every aspect of the building process, with particular attention paid to the right time to make every decision. Failure to plan might mean closing off options or implementing more expensive solutions later in development.

The chart below from Green Building Guidelines is a quick reference to aid in this decision-making process. To purchase a copy of the handbook, go to www.sbicouncil.org.

Appropriate Stage of Design and Construction to Apply Green Building Strategies

	Stage	Issues
	Community Planning	Traditional Neighborhood Design Mixed-use development Saving natural plants/areas Solar access Reduced paving Grayfield/brownfield/infill Transportation Infrastructure Buffers from adjacent development Clustering Community storm-water management Wind buffers Utilities Wildfire buffers
	Site Planning	Septic systems and wells Acoustical and visual buffers Porches and decks Utility service entries Reduced site paving Auto, pedestrian access Grading and site water management Parking Landscaping and shading Wind buffers Basic space layout in home relative to sun, wind, views
	Construction Process Planning	Reduced site disturbance Construction waste management and recycling Hazardous waste removal Site construction access and storage Storage and reuse of on-site excavation and soils
	Basic Design	Ways to avoid attached garages Avoiding excessive size Natural lighting wherever possible Glazing and final solar access design Provisions for efficient and energy-saving duct layout Recycling space for homeowners Mechanical equipment inside the conditioned envelope
	Specifications	Materials and methods not covered under previous headings
	During Construction	Changes that don't affect other elements or increase energy consumption or otherwise compromise green building standards Photography and record keeping of work to be hidden Performance compliance testing
	Post-Construction	Commissioning of mechanical, other systems Performance compliance testing Corrections that ensure proper operation of green building elements and systems