Green Building Standards

Planning & Design

• Proximity to public transit and neighborhood services
• Xeriscape landscaping to reduce water dependency and eliminate pesticide use
• Orientation for natural lighting and ventilation and community interaction (for new construction)
• Overhangs and trees on southern/western exposures to reduce heat gain in the summer months
• Permeable hardscape to absorb the first inches of rainfall and reduce water runoff into the sewer system
• High interior volumes for maximum ventilation and daylighting

Sitework

• Waste management plan
• Plan to donate unused construction materials

Structure

• Low-e double glazed vinyl windows (new construction)
• Durable siding such as stucco or fiber-cement (new construction)
• High-volume recycled flyash concrete (new construction)
• Engineered lumber and OSB sheathing (new construction)
• Advanced framing (new construction) (don’t use for party walls)
• Formaldahyde-free fiberglass insulation
• 5/8 gypboard on all walls and ceilings for improved thermal mass
• Durable roof
• Cool roof

Systems

• High-efficiency heating system
• Duct-effectiveness testing and sealing and improved sizing and layout
• Sealing Details: gaskets, caulking, taping
• Flourescent and high efficiency lighting
• Energy Star appliances
• Low-flow showerheads, toilets and quality faucet aerators
• Energy-efficient Kone Ecodisc elevator (where applicable)
• Garage ventilation
• Light pollution reduction

Finishes & Furnishings

• Low-VOC Interior Paint
• Low emission cabinets and countertops
• Hard flooring, concrete, bamboo, wood or natural linoleum
• Prefinished metals (i.e. railings)