Commercial Reference Guide - Earth Advantage

EARTHADVANTAGE COMMERCIAL
Reference
Guide
VERSION 2.0

2 Reference Guide v2.1 EARTHADVANTAGE COMMERCIAL

EARTHADVANTAGE COMMERCIAL
Reference Guide
VERSION 2.0
Publication Date: November 29, 2012
Copyright and rights reserved.
Requests for reproduction permission or further information should be addressed to:
Earth Advantage
808 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 800
Portland, OR 97204
503.968.7160
earthadvantage.org
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Service Mark and/or Trademarks
The names of Earth Advantage Institute, Earth Advantage®
and Earth Advantage Commercial and the registered logo(s),
service mark(s) and trademark(s) of each may not be used in
any advertising or publicity without the prior explicit written
permission of Earth Advantage Institute. Graduates of the
Earth Advantage Commercial training are granted use of the
Earth Advantage Provider Firm and Project Steward logos.
Copyright ©
All content, materials, graphics, and photographic images
created by, of, and for the companies and marks noted above
and relating to the Earth Advantage Commercial training are
protected by United States copyright law. These contents
may also contain material in which the graphic images
may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted,
displayed, published or broadcast without the express
permission of Earth Advantage Institute, 808 SW Third
Avenue, Suite 800, Portland, OR 97204, (503) 968-7160.
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Contents
Introduction 11
Energy 13
Water 17
Health 21
Materials 25
Land 29
SILVER LEVEL 33
GOLD LEVEL 103
PLATINUM LEVEL 155
ADDITIONAL MEASURES 195
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Measures
SILVER LEVEL
Design Process Strategies.................................................... 35
EN-01
Identify Design Intent.............................................................37
EN-01a
Communicating Design Intent............................................. 39
EN-01b
Building Configuration............................................................41
EN-01c
Mechanical System Design................................................... 43
EN-01d
Core Performance Requirements......................................... 45
EN-02
Energy Code Compliance........................................................47
EN-02a
Air Barrier Performance......................................................... 49
EN-02b
Below-Grade Exterior Insulation...........................................51
EN-02c
Opaque Envelope Performance............................................ 53
EN-02d
Fenestration Performance.................................................... 55
EN-02e
Lighting Controls.....................................................................57
EN-02f
Lighting Power Density......................................................... 59
EN-02g
Mechanical Equipment Efficiency Requirements..............61
EN-02h
Dedicated Mechanical Systems........................................... 63
EN-02i
Demand Control Ventilation (DCV)..................................... 65
EN-02j
Domestic Hot Water System Efficiency..............................67
EN-02k
Fundamental Economizer Performance............................. 69
EN-02l
ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager and Data Sharing..... 71
EN-03
Construction Certification (Acceptance Testing)..............73
EN-04
High-Efficiency Flushing Fixtures.........................................75
WA-01
Low-Flow Lavatory Faucets and Showerheads.................. 77
WA-02
Tracking Water Use in Portfolio
Manager and Data Sharing....................................................79
WA-03
High-Efficiency Irrigation System........................................81
WA-04
Stormwater Pollution Prevention – During
Construction............................................................................ 83
WA-05
Indoor Air Quality During Construction.............................. 85
HE-01
Low-Emitting Interior Paints and Coatings, Adhesives,
Sealants, Carpets, and Carpet Pads.....................................87
HE-02
Silver Environmentally Preferable Materials..................... 89
MA-01
Silver Construction Waste Management............................91
MA-02
Built-in Recycling Center....................................................... 93
MA-03
Silver Native and Adapted Plants....................................... 95
LA-01
Stockpile Topsoil......................................................................97
LA-02
Minimum Bike Storage.......................................................... 99
LA-03
Connectivity Awareness.......................................................101
LA-04
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GOLD LEVEL
Gold Enhanced Performance Strategies.......................... 105
EN-05
Additional Lighting Power Reductions............................. 107
EN-05a
Plug Loads/Appliance Efficiency........................................109
EN-05b
Supply Air Temperature Reset (VAV)................................ 111
EN-05c
Indirect Evaporative Cooling...............................................113
EN-05d
Heat Recovery........................................................................115
EN-05e
Night Venting......................................................................... 117
EN-05f
Premium Economizer Performance....................................119
EN-05g
Variable Speed Control.........................................................121
EN-05h
Demand-Responsive Buildings (Peak Power
Reduction)............................................................................. 123
EN-05i
Energy Management Plan................................................... 125
EN-06
Operator Training and Documentation – AND/OR –
Building User Training and Documentation.....................127
EN-07
Automatic Faucets................................................................131
WA-06
Increased Efficiency Irrigation System............................. 133
WA-07
Gold Stormwater Quality Mitigation................................. 135
WA-08
Indoor Air Quality During Occupancy.................................137
HE-03
Low-Emitting Insulation Products.................................... 139
HE-04
Occupant Access to Daylight + Glare Reduction.............141
HE-05
Gold Environmentally Preferable Materials..................... 143
MA-04
Build for Durability and Minimize Material Use.............. 145
MA-05
Gold Construction Waste Management............................147
MA-06
Gold Native and Adapted Plants....................................... 149
LA-05
Transportation Plan..............................................................151
LA-06
Placemaking.......................................................................... 153
LA-07
Measure and Monitor Energy Use for Major Systems... 129
EN-08
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PLATINUM LEVEL
Additional Lighting Power Reductions..............................157
EN-05a
Plug Loads/Appliance Efficiency........................................ 159
EN-05b
Supply Air Temperature Reset (VAV)................................161
EN-05c
Indirect Evaporative Cooling.............................................. 163
EN-05d
Heat Recovery....................................................................... 165
EN-05e
Night Venting.........................................................................167
EN-05f
Premium Economizer Performance................................... 169
EN-05g
Variable Speed Control......................................................... 171
EN-05h
Demand-Responsive Buildings (Peak Power
Reduction)..............................................................................173
EN-05i
Fault Detection and Diagnostics......................................... 177
EN-10
Third-Party Commissioning.................................................179
EN-11
No Potable Water for Irrigation...........................................181
WA-09
Platinum Stormwater Quality Mitigation........................ 183
WA-10
Reduce Urea Formaldehyde Wood Products................... 185
HE-06
Platinum Environmentally Preferable Materials..............187
MA-07
Platinum Construction Waste Management.................. 189
MA-08
Bicycle Shower and Changing Facilities............................191
LA-08
Enhanced Placemaking........................................................ 193
LA-09
Platinum Enhanced Performance Strategies...................175
EN-09
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ADDITIONAL MEASURES
Grid Source Renewable Energy (100%, two years)..........197
EN-12
Phantom & Unintended Load Management Plan.......... 199
EN-13
Solar-Ready Design.............................................................. 201
EN-14
Onsite Renewable Power 2%..............................................203
EN-15
Onsite Renewable Power 5%..............................................205
EN-16
Onsite Renewable Power 10%............................................ 207
EN-17
Post-Occupancy Optimization Workshop........................209
EN-18
Greywater Reuse....................................................................211
WA-11
Rainwater Harvesting.......................................................... 213
WA-12
Radon Mitigation Design Guidelines................................. 215
HE-07
User Awareness: Environmental Features of Building...217
HE-08
Occupant Thermal Control.................................................. 219
HE-09
Sustainable Housekeeping..................................................221
HE-10
Occupant Comfort Verification and
Corrective Action Plan......................................................... 223
HE-11
Entryway Systems................................................................ 225
HE-12
No Carpet................................................................................227
HE-13
Access to Operable Windows............................................. 229
HE-14
Low-Emitting Furniture....................................................... 231
HE-15
Occupant Lighting Control.................................................233
HE-16
Acoustic Performance..........................................................235
HE-17
Maintain Existing Structures: 70%................................... 237
MA-09
Maintain Existing Structures: 85%...................................239
MA-10
Preferable or No Refrigerants..............................................241
MA-11
Sustainable Timber: 35%....................................................243
MA-12
Sustainable Timber: 70%.................................................... 245
MA-13
Sustainable Timber: 85%.................................................... 247
MA-14
Organic Waste Collection or Compost Facilities.............249
MA-15
Vinyl Reduction Plan............................................................ 251
MA-16
Enhanced Site Ecology........................................................253
LA-10
Heat Island: Roofs................................................................255
LA-11
Vehicle Sharing Program/Carpool Incentive................... 257
LA-12
Dark Sky..................................................................................259
LA-13
Preserve Existing Trees....................................................... 261
LA-14
Open Space for Social Interaction.....................................263
LA-15
Heat Island: Auto-Oriented Hardscape............................265
LA-16
Site Condition: Greyfield..................................................... 267
LA-17
Site Analysis & Assessment...............................................269
LA-18
Site Condition: Brownfield...................................................271
LA-19
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Introduction
Earth Advantage® Commercial (EAC) is a cost-effective, streamlined, and
prescriptive green building rating system that allows small- to mid-size commercial
buildings to obtain a credible third-party green building certification.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Earth Advantage Commercial was a utility-run
certification program for energy efficient and green buildings. After a primary
group of green building stakeholders noted a major gap in green building
certification uptake in the small commercial market, Earth Advantage Institute
revised the Earth Advantage Commercial system beginning in 2008 in order to
specifically address the small commercial market. A diverse team of experts in
various relevant fields was engaged in the revision process. The result was a green
building rating system based on best practices and state-of-the-shelf technologies,
tailored for small commercial projects, and piloted in the state of Oregon.
Now available nationally, Earth Advantage Commercial addresses a variety
of space use types in commercial buildings under 100,000 square feet. It is a
prescriptive, but flexible path for third-party green building certification.
The green building rating system addresses sustainability via five categories:
Energy, Water, Health, Materials, and Land. The system offers three levels of
certification: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Measures in each category address specific
sustainability targets. Certification levels are cumulative; in order to achieve
any level of certification, all requirements in all categories at that level must be
accomplished, plus all requirements in preceding levels. Additional measures are
required in each category at each level of certification. In order to achieve any level
of certification, program participants must accomplish the requirements of each
required measure and document compliance in conjunction with field inspections.
Contact an Earth Advantage® Provider Firm for more information.
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Energy
Purpose
The purpose of this category is to significantly improve energy efficiency
and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in commercial buildings.
Buildings consume 42% of the nation’s primary energy, 72% of its electricity,
and 34% of its directly used natural gas; and emit 40% of its total carbon
dioxide. Buildings account for the largest uses by any sector.
Goal
The goal of the energy category is to provide a cost effective, proven set of energy
efficiency measures for small- to mid-size commercial buildings. The measures in the
Energy category provide a prescriptive approach to reduce and monitor energy use.
The energy saving strategies, as outlined in the Advanced Buildings Core Performance
Guide developed by New Buildings Institute (NBI), are employed as a path toward
increasing efficiency. The Core Performance Guide also provides a means for evaluating
systems for optional performance and monitoring energy use. Whole building energy
modeling is always an alternative compliance pathway at all certification levels.
Implementation
Complete all required measures for certification level, plus those for the preceding
certification level(s). In addition, achieve one additional optional measure for
Silver Certification, two additional optional measures for Gold Certification,
and three additional optional measures for Platinum Certification.
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Energy
level no. measure
Silver
Gold
EN-01
EN-01a
EN-01b
EN-01c
EN-01d
EN-02
EN-02a
EN-02b
EN-02c
EN-02d
EN-02e
EN-02f
EN-02g
EN-02h
EN-02i
EN-02j
EN-02k
EN-02l
EN-03
EN-04
EN-05
EN-05a
Complete all required measures for certification level, plus those for the
preceding certification level(s). In addition, achieve one additional optional
measure for Silver Certification, two additional optional measures for Gold
Certification, and three additional optional measures for Platinum Certification.
Design Process Strategies
Includes 4 prescriptive design process measures to facilitate integrated design and energy efficiency.
Identify Design Intent
High Performance Building Workshop to identify key energy goals for the
project and to coordinate efforts among team members.
Communicating Design Intent
Develop and document the project's performance requirements to guide design through
the creation of operational sequences and specifications, to guide construction bid
submittals and acceptance testing and to inform effective building operation.
Building Configuration
Consider the implications of alternate building configurations to maximize
building energy performance, functionality and daylighting.
Mechanical System Design
Use project-specific load calculations and consider partial load conditions to properly size mechanical equipment.
Core Performance Requirements
Implement Core Performance requirements 2.1, 2.2, and 2.4 through 2.13
OR show 20% energy savings beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007.
Energy Code Compliance
All buildings shall meet or exceed the requirements of local code.
Air Barrier Performance
During design and construction, develop and implement air sealing details and protocols to
reduce uncontrolled air movement through the building envelope and duct systems.
Below-Grade Exterior Insulation
Install below grade insulation on the exterior of underground walls and floors
in moist climates or when certain circumstances apply.
Opaque Envelope Performance
Meet specific insulation criteria for each building envelope assembly.
Fenestration Performance
Meet specific window performance criteria for u-value and solar heat gain
coefficient, based on NFRC ratings for entire window assembly.
Lighting Controls
Incorporate switching and control strategies throughout the building.
Lighting Power Density
Reduce lighting power density to values listed by Core Performance.
Mechanical Equipment Efficiency Requirements
HVAC equipment must meet specific efficiency requirements to reduce energy use.
Dedicated Mechanical Systems
Use separate air distribution systems or a dedicated unit to provide for process heating and cooling needs.
Demand Control Ventilation
Outside airflow should be controlled by a system which measures CO2 and provides
airflow based on occupancy needs, as measured by the CO2 sensor.
Domestic Hot Water System Efficiency
Domestic hot water needs should be met by tankless systems, highefficiency
tank systems, or sealed combustion systems.
Fundamental Economizer Performance
Economizers must follow criteria which includes a list of features and performance
verification strategies to ensure proper and effective economizer operation.
ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager and Data Sharing
Track Energy use in ENERGY STAR's Portfolio Manager on a monthly basis
and share utility information with Earth Advantage Institute.
Construction Certification (Acceptance Testing)
Assigned party (installing contractor, engineer of record, or owner's agent) reviews the
installation of equipment, performs acceptance tests, and documents results.
Gold Enhanced Performance Strategies
Implement 4 Enhanced Performance Strategies OR show 26% energy savings beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007.
Additional Lighting Power Reductions
Reduce lighting power density to values listed by Core Performance at the Enhanced Performance tier.
energy targets
Save Energy
& Carbon
Measure &
Manage
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Systems
Performance
•
•
•
•
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Energy Continued
level no. measure
Gold
Platinum
Additional
EN-05b
EN-05c
EN-05d
EN-05e
EN-05f
EN-05g
EN-05h
EN-05i
EN-06
EN-07
EN-08
EN-09
EN-10
EN-11
EN-12
EN-13
EN-14
Plug Loads / Appliance Efficiency
Use ENERGY STAR-rated equipment for all appliances, computers and other
equipment and implement power management strategies.
Supply Air Temperature Reset (VAV)
VAV systems should include control capabilities to reset supply air temperature
to the warmest setting that will meet the cooling load in all zones.
Indirect Evaporative Cooling
Incorporate indirect evaporative cooling to pre-cool outside air prior to conventional cooling.
Heat Recovery
Install an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system to divert waste heat into the intake air.
Night Venting
Install a control system capable of implementing a night venting protocol to use
outside air to pre-cool interior building mass during cool night hours.
Premium Economizer Performance
Add control and verification features to installed economizers.
Variable Speed Control
Provide variable flow capabilities for air and fluid systems served by
pumps and fans with motor horsepower of 5hp or larger.
Demand-Responsive Buildings (Peak Power Reduction)
Interface with utility to gain real-time data that influences appropriate reponse of equipment or
strategies to reduce electrical demand or with equipment able to replace electricity supply.
Energy Management Plan
Implement a meaningful plan to inform building operation following ENERGY STAR's
Guidelines for Energy Management to manage energy performance.
Operator Training and Documentation --AND/OR--
Building User Training and Documentation
Train building operators and/or building users in how mechanical and electrical systems
are intended to operate and provide systems manuals for those operators/users.
Measure and Monitor Energy use for Major Systems
Install measurement devices to ensure capacity to track HVAC, lighting and plug
loads. Create an evaluation plan to inform ongoing operation.
Platinum Enhanced Performance Strategies
Implement 4 more (8 total) Enhanced Performance Strategies OR show
•
32% energy savings beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007.
Fault Detection and Diagnostics
Fault detection and diagnostic equipment monitors refrigerant charge,
airflow, economizer operation, and cycling duration.
Third Party Commissioning
Engage a third-party commissioning agent to participate in design reviews during the design process
and to guide the commissioning process through development of a commissioning plan.
Grid Source Renewable Energy (100%, 2 years)
Commit to a 2-year renewable energy contract or purchase offsets equal to the predicted building's energy use.
Phantom & Unintended Load Management Plan
Create a plan to reduce energy demand during non-occupied hours due to
appliances that are left on or have standby power loads.
Solar Ready Design
Follow prescriptive requirements to ensure that building is ready for future
installation of solar electric or solar thermal equipment.
EN-15 Onsite Renewable Power 2%
Install renewable energy systems that meet or exceed 2% of the building's energy use.
EN-16 Onsite Renewable Power 5%
Install renewable energy systems that meet or exceed 5% of the building's energy use.
EN-17 Onsite Renewable Power 10%
Install renewable energy systems that meet or exceed 10% of the building's energy use.
EN-18
Post-Occupancy Optimization Workshop
Hold a meeting between 12 and 15 months after occupancy to review operational data
and assess opportunities to improve the building's energy performance.
energy targets
Save Energy
& Carbon
Measure &
Manage
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Systems
Performance
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Water
Purpose
The purpose of this category is to reduce water use significantly and effectively manage
stormwater onsite. Buildings in the United States consume 12% of the nation’s potable
water. Of that total, commercial building occupants use 26%. Thirty percent of this
total is devoted to outdoor uses, the majority of which is used for landscaping.
Goal
The goal is to provide practical, tested best practices for reducing water usage
and to integrate site design and landscape planning measures to manage
onsite stormwater for small- to mid-size non-residential buildings.
Implementation
Complete all required measures for certification level, plus those
for the preceding certification level(s). In addition, achieve one
additional optional measure for Platinum Certification.
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Water
Complete all required measures for certification level, plus those
for the preceding certification level(s). In addition, achieve one
additional optional measure for Platinum Certification.
Water targets
level no. measure
Silver
Gold
Platinum
additional
WA-01
WA-02
WA-03
WA-04
WA-05
WA-06
WA-07
WA-08
WA-09
WA-10
WA-11
WA-12
High-Efficiency Flushing Fixtures
Install high-efficiency flushing fixtures in all bathrooms.
Low-flow Lavatory Faucets and Showerheads
Install low-flow fixtures in all bathrooms and kitchens.
Tracking Water Use in Portfolio Manager and Data Sharing
Track water use in ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager on a monthly basis
and share utility information with Earth Advantage Institute.
High-Efficiency Irrigation System
For landscaped areas over 750 sq ft, install a high-efficiency irrigation system.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention—During Construction
Create and implement an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan for all
construction activities as defined by 2012 EPA Construction General Permit.
Automatic Faucets
Install metered faucets or motion sensitive faucets to reduce run time.
Increased Efficiency Irrigation System
For landscaped areas over 750 sq ft, install an increased efficiency irrigation control system.
Gold Stormwater Quality Mitigation
Design a stormwater management system such that 90% of average annual rainfall from
auto oriented hardscape area is treated using one or more approved strategies.
No Potable Water for Irrigation
Use no potable water for irrigation or do not install a permanent irrigation system for landscape.
Platinum Stormwater Quality Mitigation
Design a stormwater management system such that 90% of average annual
rainfall from auto oriented hardscape area and 50% of non-auto-oriented
hardscape and roof is is treated using one or more approved strategies.
Greywater Reuse
Reuse onsite at least 50% of greywater supply up to 100% of irrigation and flushing demand.
Rainwater Harvesting
Harvest and use rainwater equal to at least 50% of the roof runoff.
People
Plants
Stormwater
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Health
Purpose
The purpose of this category is to maximize the health benefits of
indoor climate by increasing indoor air quality and reducing the use of
toxic building materials in order to decrease illnesses and sick building
syndrome symptoms. Further, the purpose is to improve comfort and
productivity through increased health and integration of natural light.
Goal
The goal of this category is to provide a proven set of measures that improve
the indoor environment for the comfort of occupants in small- to midsize
commercial buildings. Improved health is one of the most important
goals of design and construction. It can be achieved through the creation
of places that enable delight and the realization of human potential.
Implementation
Complete all required measures for certification level, plus those for the preceding
certification level(s). In addition, achieve one additional optional measure for
Silver Certification, two additional optional measures for Gold Certification,
and three additional optional measures for Platinum Certification.
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Health
level no. measure
Silver
Gold
Plat.
Additional
HE-01
HE-02
HE-03
HE-04
HE-05
HE-06
HE-07
HE-08
HE-09
HE-10
HE-11
HE-12
HE-13
HE-14
HE-15
HE-16
HE-17
Complete all required measures for certification level, plus those for the
preceding certification level(s). In addition, achieve one additional optional
measure for Silver Certification, two additional optional measures for Gold
Certification, and three additional optional measures for Platinum Certification.
Health targets
Indoor Air Quality During Construction
Implement a best practice Indoor Air Quality Plan during construction.
•
Low-Emitting Interior Paints and Coatings,
Adhesives, Sealants, Carpets and Carpet Pads
All interior paints, coatings, sealants, carpets and carpet pads must comply VOC limits as described.
•
Indoor Air Quality During Occupancy
Exhaust each space sufficiently to create negative pressure with
respect to adjacent spaces and provide self-closing doors.
•
Low-Emitting Insulation Products
All insulation must have Greengaurd certification to the level of Indoor Air Quality Certified. •
Occupant Access to Daylight + Glare Reduction
Provide 50% of the permanent occupants with access to natural
daylight, and install blinds or other shading devices.
•
Reduce Urea Formaldehyde Wood Products
Employ wood products such that urea formaldehyde is not added to at least three
of the following: cabinetry, doors, casework, composite wood products.
•
Radon Mitigation Design Guidelines
Follow the design guidance and recommendations found in the
EPA publication “Managing Radon in Schools.”
•
User Awareness: Environmental Features of Building
Install informative onsite signage to educate occupants about sustainable building attributes. •
Occupant Thermal Control
Meeting rooms and classrooms must have their own thermostat.
•
Sustainable Housekeeping
Create a sustainable cleaning product purchasing policy that requires only Green Seal
certification (under GS Standard-37) and/or EcoLogo certification for all eligible products.
•
Occupant Comfort Verification and Corrective Action Plan
Implement a thermal comfort survey of building occupants 12-18 months
after occupancy and develop a plan for corrective action.
•
Entryway Systems
All primary entrances (any main and regularly used entrance) must have an
entry way system at least 6 feet long in the direction of travel.
•
No Carpet
Do not permanently install any carpet in the building.
•
Access to Operable Windows
In schools and office spaces, provide an operable window within 30 feet for
at least 50 percent of permanent building worksations and desks.
•
Low-Emitting Furniture
75% of furniture (by cost) must be GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified. •
Occupant Lighting Control
Provide lighting controls to at least 90% of individual
workstations and 100% of multi-occupant spaces.
•
Acoustic Performance
Wall assemblies and ceiling/floor assemblies (in multistory buildings)
must meet a Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 42.
•
Polution
Source
Control
Toxic
Reduction
Occupant
Comfort
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Materials
Purpose
The purpose of this category is to minimize the environmental impacts associated with
the extraction, transportation, processing, and premature failure of building materials.
Goal
The goal of this category is to provide a proven set of measures that prioritizes
environmentally preferable materials that are low in toxicity and durable.
Implementation
Complete all required measures for certification level, plus those for the preceding
certification level(s). In addition, achieve one additional optional measure for
Silver Certification, two additional optional measures for Gold Certification,
and three additional optional measures for Platinum Certification.
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Materials
Complete all required measures for certification level, plus those for the
preceding certification level(s). In addition, achieve one additional optional
measure for Silver Certification, two additional optional measures for Gold
Certification, and three additional optional measures for Platinum Certification.
Materials targets
level no. measure
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Additional
MA-01 Silver Environmentally Preferable Materials
Select a minimum 4 environmentally preferrable materials, with a minimum of 2 sourced locally. •
MA-02 Silver Construction Waste Management
Define and implement a construction waste management plan, and recycle wood or metal
(depending on construction type) and cardboard. Comingled recycling is allowed.
•
MA-03 Built-in Recycling Center
Research locally available recycling for regular building operation. Install an
area for separation of waste from recycling for each tenant unit.
•
MA-04 Gold Environmentally Preferable Materials
Select a minimum 6 environmentally preferrable materials, with a minimum of 3 sourced locally. •
MA-05 Build for Durability and Minimize Material Use
Develop a 3-step durability management plan addressing medium
and major potential issues for the building.
•
MA-06 Gold Construction Waste Management
Define and implement a construction waste management plan, and recycle
wood, metal and cardboard. Comingled recycling is not-allowed.
•
MA-07 Platinum Environmentally Preferable Materials
Select a minimum 8 environmentally preferrable materials, with a minimum of 4 sourced locally. •
MA-08 Platinum Construction Waste Management
Ensure that at least 75% of waste by volume is diverted from landfill.
•
MA-09 Maintain Existing Structures: 70%
In major renovation projects, maintain 70% of existing walls, floors and roof.
•
MA-10 Maintain Existing Structures: 85%
In major renovation projects, maintain 85% of existing walls, floors and roof.
•
MA-11 Preferable or No Refrigerants
“Do not use CFC or HCFC refrigerants and ensure all fire suppressants are halon free. •
MA-12 Sustainable Timber: 35%
35% of non-excluded wood-based materials (by cost) must be sustainably harvested. •
MA-13 Sustainable Timber: 70%
70% of non-excluded wood-based materials (by cost) must be sustainably harvested. •
MA-14 Sustainable Timber: 85%
85% of non-excluded wood-based materials (by cost) must be sustainably harvested. •
MA-15 Organic Waste Collection or Compost Facilities
Supply a container onsite for storage and composting of food waste and
yard trimmings generated by the building’s users and operation.
•
MA-16 Vinyl Reduction Plan
Implement a vinyl reduction plan to reduce the amount of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) used during building construction.
•
Envntl.
Preferrable
Materials
Material
Reduction &
Durability
Waste
Reduction
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Land
Purpose
The purpose of this category is to encourage low-impact development
that minimizes disruption to site ecosystems and promotes use of
mass transit and other means of alternative transportation.
Goal
The goal of this category is to provide a proven set of measures that minimize
negative impacts to surrounding flora, fauna, and communities, with a focus on
the project’s fit within the neighborhood (including transportation impacts).
Implementation
Complete all required measures for certification level, plus those for the preceding
certification level(s). In addition, achieve one additional optional measure for
Silver Certification, two additional optional measures for Gold Certification,
and three additional optional measures for Platinum Certification.
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Land
level no. measure
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Additional
LA-01
LA-02
LA-03
LA-04
LA-05
LA-06
LA-07
LA-08
LA-09
LA-10
LA-11
LA-12
LA-13
LA-14
LA-15
LA-16
LA-17
LA-18
LA-19
Complete all required measures for certification level, plus those for the
preceding certification level(s). In addition, achieve one additional optional
measure for Silver Certification, two additional optional measures for Gold
Certification, and three additional optional measures for Platinum Certification.
Silver Native and Adapted Plants
At least 25% of vegetated areas must use plantings from an approved local plant list that
identifies native and low-water (xeriscape) plants. No invasives may be planted.
Stockpile Topsoil
Stockpile disturbed topsoil during construction and re-use on the site after construction.
Minimum Bike Storage
Install secure bike parking as needed based on building type and size.
Connectivity Awareness
Determine the building’s Walk Score to raise awareness of local amenities.
Gold Native and Adapted Plants
At least 75% of vegetated areas must use plantings from an approved local plant list that
identifies native and low-water (xeriscape) plants. No invasives may be planted.
Transportation Plan
Install a dedicated space within the building for the provision of public transportation
information, carpool sign-up information, car share, cycling paths and walking paths.
Placemaking
Must meet minimum Walk Score of 50, or show that the project will improve community
connectivity and place making by bringing needed services to a community.
Bicycle Shower and Changing Facilities
Provide covered, secure bicycle parking for 10% of permanent building
occupants and provide shower and changing facilities.
Enhanced Placemaking
Must meet minimum Walk Score of 68, or show that the project will improve community
connectivity and place making by bringing needed services to a community.
Enhanced Site Ecology
Engage a certified ecologist to inform preservation and restoration
of native wildlife habitat and encourage biodiversity.
Heat Island: Roofs
Install a roof that meets the ENERGY STAR® Reflective Roof Product
requirements OR 50% of total roof area must be vegetated.
Vehicle Sharing Program / Carpool Incentive
Enter into a contract with a vehicle sharing program to provide at least one shared vehicle
within 1/4 mile of building entrance OR provide a carpooling incentive program.
Dark Sky
Eliminate unshielded lighting.
Preserve Existing Trees
Develop a comprehensive tree protection plan that identifies how at least 80% of mature trees
will be protected during construction. At least 2 mature trees must be present to qualify.
Open Space for Social Interaction
Provide an appropriate interior or exterior area of usable size
for building occupants to gather and socialize.
Heat Island: Auto Oriented Hardscape
Shade at least 50% of auto-oriented hardscape with structural parking,
reflective shade structures, solar panels, vegetated structures or trees.
Site Condition: Greyfield
Redevelop a site with at least 50% impervious pre-development area.
Site Analysis & Assessment
Conduct an accurate and detailed assessment of existing site conditions prior to design to inform
decisions and guide the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the building and site.
Site Condition: Brownfield
Remediate and build on a contaminated site designated as a brownfield.
Site Ecology
Land targets
Transport
Connectivity
&
Placemaking
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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SILVER LEVEL
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Design Process Strategies
EN-01
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Employ cost-effective and proven building design
process strategies for energy efficiency in order
to reduce financial and environmental impacts
associated with fossil fuel energy consumption.
Requirements
Comply with the Design Process Strategies
1.1 through 1.4 in Core Performance Guide
developed by New Buildings Institute (NBI).
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Sections 1.1 through 1.4.
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Identify Design Intent
EN-01a
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Develop consensus among the project
team and owner as to the performance
goals of the project and identify design
strategies to achieve these goals.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner/Architect
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Facilitator/Architect
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Target Finder Energy Performance Results
and Statement for Energy Design Intent
from ENERGY STAR® Target Finder.
Design Intent Submittal, including
meeting minutes.
Requirements
Host a High Performance Building Workshop
early in the design process. Team members
that should be included are Owner, Architect,
Landscape Architect, Civil Engineer, Mechanical
Engineer, Electrical Engineer and/or Lighting
Designer, General Contractor (if selected),
Energy Analyst (if applicable), Project Steward
and Facilitator (if different from the parties
listed above). Optional attendees include
Incentive Representative, Commissioning
Authority, Building Operator and Tenant (or
Leasing Agent if Tenant is not yet known).
1. Meeting outcomes to be documented in
meeting minutes and submitted using
the Design Intent Submittal Template.
2. Target Finder Score: Provide a copy of ENERGY
STAR® Target Finder Score used to rate
the energy performance of the design.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 1.1: Identify Design Intent.
Field Verification
None
EARTHADVANTAGE COMMERCIAL Reference Guide v2.0 SILVER LEVEL » Identify Design Intent EN-01a
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Communicating Design Intent
EN-01b
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Facilitate successful project operation by
ensuring that the design intent and design
performance criteria are effectively documented
and communicated through the design
process and to the construction team.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer, Owner
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer, Owner
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Completion of the Design Process Strategies
Submittal, including the following:
1. Operational performance requirements.
Requirements
The design team shall develop the following
four documents and components as part of the
design process (Criteria 2 through 5 as listed in
Core Performance). All documentation described
must be updated as needed and be included
in the final documentation turned over to the
Project Owner. Design team should refer to the
Design Process Strategies Submittal Template.
1. A narrative statement outlining
operational performance requirements.
2. An Acceptance Testing Plan that
specifies the process for meeting the
owner’s project requirements.
3. Construction documents that provide
sufficient information, specifications, and
assumptions used on all building systems.
4. Specific requirements for bid submittals and
change requests generated by the contractor.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 1.2: Communicating Design Intent.
Criteria 1 in Core Performance Guide
Section 1.2 is addressed in measure
EN-01a, Identify Design Intent.
2. Acceptance Testing Plan.
3. Protocol for construction documents
and bid submittals.
Field Verification
None
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Building Configuration
EN-01c
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Consider building configurations to reduce
building energy use by maximizing opportunities
for daylighting, site shading, cross and stack
ventilation, and other passive features that
maximize the opportunity for climatic-responsive
design to reduce space conditioning loads.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Narrative summary of advantages and
disadvantages of each building configuration as
part of the Design Intent Submittal Template.
Requirements
Develop and analyze at least three options for
building configuration designs that maximize
the opportunity for passive strategies to
reduce building energy loads. Document the
advantages and disadvantages of each scheme
considered in the Design Intent Submittal.
In addition to the items listed in Identify
Design Intent section above, the Design Intent
Submittal must include the following:
1. Building Configuration: Describe at least
three building configurations being
considered that may reduce building energy
use through daylighting, site shading,
natural (cross and stack) ventilation, and
other passive features that increase the
opportunity for climatic-responsive design
to reduce space conditioning loads.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 1.3: Building Configuration.
Field Verification
None
EARTHADVANTAGE COMMERCIAL Reference Guide v2.0 SILVER LEVEL » Building Configuration EN-01c
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42 SILVER LEVEL » Building Configuration Reference Guide v2.0 EARTHADVANTAGE COMMERCIAL

Mechanical System Design
EN-01d
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Ensure that the mechanical system is
designed to minimize energy consumption
and maximize occupant comfort throughout
the range of operating conditions.
Requirements
Employ best practices design techniques with
assumptions that closely match the actual building
loads to improve system performance, right-size
the equipment, and meet ASHRAE Standard 55.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 1.4: Mechanical System Design.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Document the following in the Design
Process Strategies Submittal prior to
equipment purchase and bid documents:
1. Building system and feature descriptions
2. Mechanical load calculations
(part-load and full-load)
3. Zone-by-zone load calculations of air
distribution systems and fans
4. Sequence of operations
5. Requirements of bid submittals
Field Verification
None
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Core Performance Requirements
EN-02
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Employ cost-effective and proven strategies
for energy efficiency in order to reduce financial
and environmental impacts associated
with excess energy consumption.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Energy Analyst, Architect, and MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer or Energy Analyst
Plan Requirements
For projects pursuing Option 1, provide
documentation as listed in the
corresponding sections below.
For projects pursuing Option 2, ensure that the
noted energy efficiency measures (EEMs) in
the energy model correspond to the equipment
listed in the construction documents.
Other Documentation
For projects pursing Option 2, provide a narrative
description of the modeling approach, clearly
stating the percentage savings beyond the
baseline as attributed by each EEM. If the
project team is using local code as a baseline,
and the local code has not yet been preapproved
by Earth Advantage Institute as substantially
equivalent, provide a side-by-side comparison
of relevant code requirements compared to
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 to demonstrate equivalence.
Energy modeling files must be
available upon request.
Field Verification
For projects pursuing Option 1,
verification procedures are listed in the
corresponding sections below.
For projects pursuing Option 2, during final
inspection, observe and photograph HVAC
equipment, lighting, and other listed EEMs to the
extent that they can be seen within the building.
Requirements
Implement prescriptive energy efficiency
requirements OR demonstrate compliance
through energy modeling.
Option 1 – Prescriptive
Comply with Core Performance Requirements in
sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10,
2.11, 2.12, and 2.13 in Core Performance Guide
developed by the New Buildings Institute (NBI).
If one or more Core Performance Requirements
cannot be implemented, equivalence may
be demonstrated by selecting one or more
Enhanced Performance Strategies from
Core Performance Guide Section 3.
Option 2 – Energy Modeling
Conduct a building energy model against
an ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Appendix G baseline
and demonstrate 20% improvement
beyond the referenced standard.
Projects may use local code as baseline
if equivalence can be demonstrated.
If the project achieves Passive House certification,
compliance is deemed in lieu of an energy model.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Sections 2, 3, and 4.
Your Provider Firm can provide estimated energy
use reduction based on building profile.
For projects that are unable to implement one or
more section 2 Core Performance Requirements,
Core Performance section 3 Enhanced Performance
Strategies may be sufficient to establish equivalence
by using a standardized eQuest-based multimeasure
assessment tool. Projects pursuing this
option must submit for a Measure Interpretation
Ruling (MIR). For projects pursuing Gold or Platinum
level compliance through the prescriptive path,
any Enhanced Performance Strategies used in this
way to establish compliance with the Silver level
requirement do not count towards the required
number of additional Enhanced Performance
Strategies required at the corresponding tier.
For projects pursuing Option 2, renewable
energy system annual energy contribution
shall be subtracted from the design case total
so as not to contribute to energy savings
modeled for the project. Renewable energy
Continued →
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systems will contribute to achievement of
additional measures for renewable energy.
For Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code
2010, baseline code has been established.
Other state energy codes must submit for
Measure Interpretation Ruling (MIR) to
establish baseline equivalence. Contact your
Provider Firm for equivalence information.
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Energy Code Compliance
EN-02a
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Define minimum level of acceptable performance
for measures not specified in Core Performance.
Requirements
All buildings shall meet or exceed the
requirements of local energy efficiency codes.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 2.1: Energy Code Compliance.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Construction documents and project
manual shall include all relevant code
compliance documentation.
Other Documentation
Code compliance forms as required.
Field Verification
None
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Air Barrier Performance
EN-02b
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce uncontrolled air movement
through the building envelope.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Building sections shall adequately show a
continuous path of air barrier materials throughout
all thermal-envelope building assemblies.
Wall sections shall cross reference details of
connections made between different building
assemblies and means of providing air tight and
flexible seams and penetrations in the air barrier.
–
Project Manual
Other Documentation
Contractor to provide representative digital photos
of installed air barrier systems showing connection
points along doors, fenestration, at the roof and
foundation, at corners, and between floors.
Requirements
Design and construct the building envelope with a
continuous air barrier system to control air leakage
into or out of the conditioned space. Air barrier
material must meet air permeability requirements
as described in Section 2.2 of Core Performance.
Ducts in unconditioned spaces should
be sealed at joints with mastic.
Notes
For more information, including a list of building
materials that meet the air permeability
requirements, refer to Core Performance Guide
Section 2.2: Air Barrier Performance.
Field Verification
Observe and photograph application of air
barrier to the following areas: along walls; at
connection points between foundation and walls;
at connection points between walls and windows
or doors; at connection points between different
wall systems; at connection points between wall
and roof; and at joints, penetrations, and paths of
air infiltration/exfiltration to verify that application
is continuous. Also observe and photograph
duct-sealing strategy for ducts in unconditioned
spaces to confirm sealing with mastic.
Timing of the framing and pre-cover inspections
should be coordinated to allow for observation
of air barrier installation. Contractor photos
should be provided for elements that were
not visible during time of inspections.
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Below-Grade Exterior Insulation
EN-02c
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce the potential for condensation on
slab-on-grade or below-grade masonry by
decoupling the temperature on those surfaces
from the temperature of the ground.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Building sections and wall sections
shall reference relevant details.
–
Project Manual
Requirements
Install minimum R-5 rigid insulation on
exterior side of slab-on-grade floors and
below-grade floors, and walls for projects
meeting any of the following criteria:
̨̨
Building is located in a moist climate
zone as shown in the map on page
48 of Core Performance Guide.
̨̨
Building is designed specifically for
youth and/or elderly occupants.
̨̨
Building plans to shut down mechanical
systems for periods of more than 7 days.
̨̨
Building does not have a mechanical system
maintaining the dew point temperature of
indoor air below the temperature of indoor slabon-grade
floor or below-grade floors or walls.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 2.4: Below-Grade Exterior Insulation.
While there is some overlap with this measure
and Opaque Envelope Performance, only
the more stringent requirements apply.
These are not considered additive.
Other Documentation
Contractor must provide digital photo of insulation
prior to pouring slab or installing below-grade walls.
Field Verification
None
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Opaque Envelope Performance
EN-02d
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce environmental impacts and
operational costs associated with thermal
conductance through the building envelope.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
For building envelope elements (such as
roofs, walls, floors, slab-on-grade, and opaque
doors), include insulation schedules that show
compliance with minimum insulation R-values
as listed in Core Performance Table 2.5.1.
Note the insulation R-values of building envelope
elements in assemblies, details, and general notes.
–
Construction Documents and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Code compliance documentation showing
R-values for below grade exterior insulation,
roofs, walls above grade, walls below
grade, floors, and opaque doors.
If the window and glazed door area exceeds
40% or if the skylight area exceeds 5% of
roof area, provide documentation showing
equivalence through energy modeling or
via a simplified trade-off calculation.
Requirements
For buildings where window and glazed door areas
are not greater than 40% of the gross area of
above-grade walls, walls, roof assemblies, floors,
and slabs-on-grade that are part of the building
envelope must meet the criteria shown in Core
Performance Guide Section 2.5: Table 2.5.1.
Note: Buildings with window and glazed door areas
greater than 40% of the gross area of abovegrade
walls or with a skylight area greater than
5% of the gross roof area must conduct energy
modeling or use a simplified trade-off calculation
to demonstrate equivalent performance.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 2.5: Opaque Envelope Performance.
For projects where window and glazed door
areas exceed 40% of the gross wall area,
energy modeling requirements are described
in Core Performance Guide Section 4.
To perform a simplified trade-off calculation in
lieu of modeling, use COMcheck to calculate
the envelope performance of both the proposed
building and a building which meets the minimum
Core Performance requirements listed in Tables
2.5.1, 2.6.1, and 2.6.2. If the energy performance
from the proposed building is equivalent or
better than the minimum Core Performance
building, compliance is demonstrated.
Field Verification
Visually observe insulation prior to installation of
drywall during pre-cover inspection. Confirm that
a minimum 10% of values (as identified during
the design review) meet the levels called for in
the plans and specification by observing stamped
R-value. For instances where R-value label cannot
be observed, use a ruler to measure depth and
compare to the product cut sheet to confirm.
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Fenestration Performance
EN-02e
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Promote the installation of high-performance
glazing systems, and the use of a consistent
performance rating standard for these products.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Indicate sizes, National Fenestration Rating
Council (NFRC) rating for U-value, SHGC and
VLT on window, skylight, and door schedules
for each window, skylight, and glazed door
to demonstrate measure compliance.
Indicate sizes, NFRC rating for U-value,
SHGC, and VLT in the project manual.
Other Documentation
Provide documentation confirming window
and glazed door area does not exceed 40%
of above-grade walls. To reflect that overall
performance complies with Core Performance
Table 2.6.1, documentation must include climate
zone and calculations for averaging area and
performance of windows and glazed doors.
Provide documentation confirming skylight
area does not exceed 5% of roof area.
If the window and glazed door area exceeds
40% or if the skylight area exceeds 5% of
roof area, provide documentation showing
equivalence through energy modeling or
via a simplified trade-off calculation.
Requirements
For buildings with a window and glazed door
area of the building envelope that is not greater
than 40% of the gross area of above-grade walls,
window systems shall meet the criteria shown
in Core Performance Table 2.6.1. To account for
operable windows or other components with
lower performance values, performance may be
averaged based on area as long as the overall
average system performance meets the requisite
thresholds for U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
(SHGC), and Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
Skylight systems that are a part of a roof assembly
in which the skylight area is no greater than
5% of the gross roof area shall meet the criteria
shown in Core Performance, Table 2.6.2.
Note: Buildings with window and glazed door areas
greater than 40% of the gross area of abovegrade
walls or with a skylight area greater than
5% of the gross roof area must conduct energy
modeling or use a simplified trade-off calculation
to demonstrate equivalent performance.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 2.6: Fenestration Performance.
For projects where window and glazed door
areas exceed 40% of the gross wall area,
energy modeling requirements are described
in Core Performance Guide Section 4.
To perform a simplified trade-off calculation in lieu of
modeling, use COMcheck to calculate the envelope
performance of both the proposed building and a
building that meets the minimum Core Performance
requirements listed in Tables 2.5.1, 2.6.1, and 2.6.2. If
the energy performance from the proposed building
is equivalent or better than the minimum Core
Performance building, compliance is demonstrated.
Field Verification
During pre-cover inspection, observe and
photograph a minimum of 10% of windows’
NFRC labels to confirm that the U-value,
SHGC, and VLT requirements are met for
windows, glazed doors, and skylights.
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Lighting Controls
EN-02f
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce lighting energy use through the
installation of automatic lighting controls
and adjustable lighting level strategies.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Lighting Designer
Plan Requirements
Identify lighting controls (including
identification of control zones in lighting
plans); and/or reflected ceiling plans.
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe functionality
of a minimum of 10% of the lighting controls,
being sure to observe all types that are present.
For daylight responsive controls, it may be
necessary to shade daylight to observe control
activity. For time clocks, it may be necessary
for the contractor or building operator to adjust
the programming to enable field verification.
Requirements
Implement the following switching and control
strategies in all areas of the building:
1. Bi-Level Switching: In occupied areas, install
controls that allow occupants to reduce the
connected lighting load in a relatively uniform
pattern by at least 50% (40% for HID lighting).
2. Separate Switching at Daylit Areas: Control
daylit areas separately from non-daylit areas,
regardless of whether there are daylight
responsive controls. If daylight responsive
controls are not installed, switching must
be capable of reducing the lighting levels
by 50% and 100% to allow for occupant
response to changing natural light levels.
3. Automatic Controls: Install automatic
controls (such as occupancy sensors, daylight
responsive controls, or time clocks) in all areas
except where noted below. Occupancy sensors
are required in all classrooms, conference/
meeting rooms, employee lunch and break
rooms, private offices, restrooms, storage rooms
and janitorial closets, and all other spaces that
are 300 sq ft or smaller that are enclosed by
ceiling height partitions. Occupancy sensors
should be set to a maximum 30 minutes
before the lighting system is powered off.
Certain types of lighting systems are
exempt from these requirements:
̨̨
Lighting required by a health or life safety
statute, ordinance, or regulation, including
but not limited to emergency lighting.
̨̨
Lighting for theatrical purposes,
including performances, stage, film
production, and video production.
̨̨
Lighting intended for 24-hour operation.
̨̨
Emergency lighting.
̨̨
Corridors enclosed with floor-to-ceiling
height partitions shall have no more
than 50% of the luminaires on an
automatic shutoff control device.
̨̨
Public lobbies.
̨̨
Healthcare patient rooms.
̨̨
Lighting for industrial production.
̨̨
Lodging guest rooms.
Continued →
EARTHADVANTAGE COMMERCIAL Reference Guide v2.0 SILVER LEVEL » Lighting Controls EN-02f
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Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 2.7: Lighting Controls.
Daylit areas are typically considered to be areas
with glazing and within 1.5 times the ceiling
height of the building perimeter, and areas within
0.75 times the ceiling height beyond skylights.
58 SILVER LEVEL » Lighting Controls Reference Guide v2.0 EARTHADVANTAGE COMMERCIAL

Lighting Power Density
EN-02g
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce environmental impacts and
operational costs associated with energy
consumption of lighting systems.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Installed lighting equipment power density
shall not exceed the allowed lighting
equipment power density (LPD) as shown in
Core Performance, Table 2.8.1. LPD shall be
calculated based on the luminaires’ power
consumption, including lamps and ballasts.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 2.8: Lighting Power Density.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Luminaire Schedule and Lighting Plan
Other Documentation
Provide code compliance or other documentation
confirming the connected lighting power
density. If pursuing compliance based on the
space-by-space calculation methodology, or
if the building type is not listed in Table 2.8.1
in Core Performance, also include an ASHRAE
baseline to show a minimum 40% reduction.
Field Verification
During final inspection, confirm that a minimum
of 10% of installed luminaires correspond to the
lighting plans and code compliance documentation.
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Mechanical Equipment Efficiency Requirements
EN-02h
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce environmental impacts and
operational costs associated with energy
consumption of heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning equipment.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
Identify manufacturer, model number,
and efficiency values (e.g., SEER,
AFUE) on mechanical schedules.
–
Mechanical Schedules
Other Documentation
Provide cut sheets for mechanical
equipment, showing efficiency values
comply with program requirements.
Requirements
Package unitary equipment must meet
minimum efficiency requirements shown in
Core Performance Table 2.9.1 and Table 2.9.2,
and must be ENERGY STAR® labeled.
Gas unit heaters must include an intermittent
ignition device and have either power venting or
a flue damper. Gas furnaces less than 225,000
Btu/hr must have an AFUE rating of 90 or higher.
Gas furnaces that are part of rooftop package
equipment must have an AFUE of 80 or higher.
Package terminal air conditioners and heat pumps
must meet minimum efficiency requirements
shown in Core Performance Table 2.9.3.
Boilers must meet minimum
efficiency requirements shown in
Core Performance Table 2.9.4.
Electric chillers must meet minimum
efficiency requirements shown in
Core Performance Table 2.9.5.
Absorption chillers must meet minimum
efficiency requirements shown in
Core Performance Table 2.9.6.
Mechanical equipment not listed must meet
ENERGY STAR® criteria where applicable.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 2.9: Mechanical
Equipment Efficiency Requirements.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph nameplate data for mechanical
equipment. Confirm that the equipment is as
anticipated based on design phase review.
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Dedicated Mechanical Systems
EN-02i
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Isolate process-load-driven systems
from systems that are serving zones that
require only comfort conditioning.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify areas with special process temperature
and/or humidity requirements, as well as special
areas with significantly differing load profiles.
Show how these areas are served separately
as noted in the measure requirements.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Requirements
For buildings with special process temperature
and/or humidity requirements, employ
separate air distribution systems for process
related areas or provide supplementary control
provisions so that primary systems can be
controlled for comfort purposes only.
For projects with special areas that have
significantly different load profiles (such as
server rooms), these areas are to be served by
a dedicated system for that specific area and
load. Meeting these loads should not require
operation of the main building systems.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 2.10: Dedicated Mechanical Systems.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph the dedicated systems,
separate air distribution network, and/or
the separate supplementary controller.
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Demand Control Ventilation (DCV)
EN-02j
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce the energy use associated with
heating and cooling outside air in excess of
ventilation flow rates required by building
occupancy, while maintaining high indoor
air quality for the building occupants.
Requirements
Install a demand control ventilation system to
monitor carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration in
the occupied spaces of the building. Reduce
or increase outside airflow rates according
to occupant density and indoor air quality as
determined by the carbon dioxide sensors.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 2.11: Demand Control Ventilation.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Specify rooms/areas on the building floor plans
that will have occupancy that is highly variable
and irregular, and specify the location of the CO₂
sensors that will be monitoring these areas.
On mechanical drawings and project manual,
specify the locations, manufacturer, and model
numbers of the DCV system and sensors.
–
Mechanical/Electrical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide cut sheets for CO₂ sensors.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph the installed CO₂ sensors to
confirm that they are located in the rooms
as identified on the mechanical floor plan.
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Domestic Hot Water System Efficiency
EN-02k
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce standby losses and inefficiency
associated with maintaining a constant
supply of hot water for domestic uses.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Domestic hot water equipment must meet
one of the following requirements:
̨̨
Gas or electric demand (tankless)
̨̨
Sealed combustion tank
̨̨
High-efficiency tank
High-efficiency tank systems are those with a
minimum R-14 tank insulation and heat traps.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 2.12: Domestic
Hot Water System Efficiency.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
Identify manufacturer, model number, and
efficiency values on plumbing schedules.
Other Documentation
Provide cut sheets for domestic hot water
equipment, showing efficiency values
comply with program requirements.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
nameplate data for domestic hot water
system and confirm that it corresponds to the
equipment anticipated in the design review.
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Fundamental Economizer Performance
EN-02l
Level
Silver
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Ensure optimal energy savings from the proper
performance of outside air (OA) economizers.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Construction Documents and
Construction Observation
Requirements
When economizers are required/installed,
they must incorporate the features
listed in Core Performance Section 2.13:
Fundamental Economizer Performance.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 2.13:
Fundamental Economizer Performance.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
Identify required economizer features in plan
HVAC schedule for mechanical contractor
reference and measure verification.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide a summary of economizer measures
implemented on the project, ensuring
that all nine required elements have
been incorporated as appropriate.
Provide cut sheet for economizers and identify the
HVAC equipment tag for the associated air handler.
Field Verification
Economizer operation confirmed
via acceptance testing.
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ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager and Data Sharing
EN-03
Level
Silver
Target
Measure & Manage Energy Use
Intent
Monitor and manage energy consumption
so that overall energy use is reduced.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Phase
Post Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Plan Requirements
None - N/A
Other Documentation
ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager account
and commitment to input data for a minimum
of 12 months following stable occupancy.
Signed utility data release form.
Requirements
Using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager, establish
an account and track energy use throughout stable
occupancy. For eligible building types this can
culminate in annual award of ENERGY STAR®
certification, and in some jurisdictions it can qualify
the project for incentive monies. This involves a
commitment to inputting utility information into
web-based ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager
through at least 12 months after stable occupancy.
In addition, owner must sign utility data release,
allowing Earth Advantage Institute (EAI) access
to energy consumption data for 3 years.
Notes
For eligibility requirements for earning ENERGY
STAR® certification, see http://www.energystar.
gov/index.cfm?c=eligibility.bus_portfoliomanager_
eligibility. Requirements of the ENERGY STAR®
program are available through the ENERGY
STAR® website or from your Provider Firm.
Field Verification
None
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Construction Certification (Acceptance Testing)
EN-04
Level
Silver
Target
System Performance
Intent
Ensure that the design is constructed and operates
as intended in the construction documents by
testing and verifying system performance.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
Inclusion of specification language to confirm
acceptance-testing requirements.
–
Commissioning Specification in Project Manual
Other Documentation
Acceptance Testing Plan to be included with
Design Process Strategies Submittal Template.
Copies of completed functional testing forms.
Field Verification
None
Requirements
Installing Contractor, Engineer of Record, Owner’s
Agent, or Commissioning Authority must
review the installation of equipment, perform
acceptance testing, and document results.
The following systems must be addressed
if applicable to the building:
̨̨
Outdoor Air Systems
̨̨
Air Distribution Systems
̨̨
Hydronic Systems
̨̨
VAV Systems
̨̨
Packaged Rooftop Units
̨̨
Economizers
̨̨
Chilled Water Systems
̨̨
Demand Control Ventilation Systems
̨̨
Automatic Daylighting Controls
̨̨
Automatic Time-of-Day Controls
̨̨
Occupancy Sensors
̨̨
Building Control Systems
Change orders must be reviewed to
ensure operational performance.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 2.14: Construction
Certification (Acceptance Testing).
Acceptance testing procedures (checklists) are
provided in Appendix A of Core Performance Guide.
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High-Efficiency Flushing Fixtures
WA-01
Level
Silver
Target
People
Intent
Reduce overall and potable water
used by flushing fixtures.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
Indicate fixture type (e.g., single flush,
dual flush), model number, and rated
gallons per flush for toilets and urinals
in plan plumbing fixture schedule.
Other Documentation
List of preexisting single flush toilets and
urinals, stating location and quantity.
If fixture does not list flush volumes
on the unit, please provide cut sheet
to facilitate field verification.
Requirements
All toilets and urinals installed must be
WaterSense® labeled models. For traditional
single flush toilets, the flush volume is not to
exceed 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf). For dual
flush toilets, the first mode may use up to a
full 1.6 gallons per flush; the second mode
must use fewer gpf (between 0.6 - 1.1 gpf).
Urinal flush volume shall not exceed 0.5 gpf.
Toilets and urinals already installed in major
renovation projects can meet the requirements
of this measure if they do not exceed 1.6
gpf for toilets and 1.0 gpf for urinals.
Notes
WaterSense® labeled products can be
identified on the US EPA website: http://www.
epa.gov/watersense/products/index.html
Field Verification
During final field inspection, verify all flushing
plumbing fixtures meet the following
requirements by verification of manufacturer’s
gallons per flush (gpf) stamp on fixture:
1. New single flush toilets - 1.28 gpf or fewer.
2. Existing single flush toilets - 1.60 gpf or fewer.
3. Dual flush toilets - first mode 1.6 gpf or
fewer; second mode between 0.6 - 1.1 gpf.
4. New urinals - 0.5 gpf or fewer.
5. Existing urinals - 1.0 gpf or fewer.
If gpf stamp is not on the fixture, take a side view
and top view picture of the fixture and request cut
sheets from designer/architect for verification.
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Low-Flow Lavatory Faucets and Showerheads
WA-02
Level
Silver
Target
People
Intent
Reduce overall and potable water use
for hand washing and showers.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Note fixture type (e.g., lavatory faucet) and
rated flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm)
for lavatory faucets, kitchen faucets, and
showers in plumbing fixture schedule.
Other Documentation
If fixture does not list flow rate on the unit, please
provide cut sheet to facilitate field verification.
If reusing existing noncompliant fixtures,
provide a weighted average calculation of
new and existing fixtures to demonstrate
equivalent total performance.
Requirements
All bathroom sink faucets must be designated as
low-flow lavatory faucets or have a WaterSense®
label. As defined by EPA’s WaterSense® program,
low-flow lavatory faucets have a maximum
flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at
a pressure of 60 pounds per square inch (psi)
at the inlet, and a minimum of 0.8 gpm at a
pressure of 20 psi at the inlet. In addition, the
lavatory faucet is considered to meet this flow
rate requirement if equipped with a lavatory
faucet accessory that meets this requirement.
Showerheads, if present, must meet the
requirement of 2.0 gpm or fewer. If project includes
a kitchen, kitchen faucets cannot exceed 1.5
gpm and pre-rinse spray valves in commercial
kitchens cannot exceed 1.6 gpm (exceptions
can be made for use of specific outlets that
may require higher flow amounts). Projects
reusing existing fixtures may perform a weighted
average calculation, considering frequency of
use, to demonstrate equivalent performance.
Notes
WaterSense® labeled products can be
identified on the US EPA website: http://www.
epa.gov/watersense/products/index.html
Field Verification
During final field inspection, verify that all
faucets and showers meet the following
requirements by verification of manufacturer’s
gallons per minute (gpm) stamp on fixture:
1. Lavatory faucet – 0.5 gpm or fewer
2. Kitchen faucet - 1.5 gpm or fewer
3. Kitchen pre-rinse spray valve – 1.6 gpm or fewer
4. Showerhead – 2.0 gpm or fewer
If gpm stamp is not on the fixture, take a side view
and top view picture of the fixture and request cut
sheets from designer/architect for verification.
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Tracking Water Use in Portfolio
Manager and Data Sharing
WA-03
Level
Silver
Target
People
Intent
Monitor and manage water consumption so
that potable and overall water use is reduced.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Phase
Post Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager account
and commitment to input data for a minimum
of 12 months following stable occupancy.
Water Use Contingency Plan.
Signed utility data release form.
Field Verification
None
Requirements
Use the Portfolio Manager account created in
Silver level energy requirements to track water
use information to meet the requirements of
this measure. Do this by creating a water meter
in the project’s Portfolio Manager account and
entering monthly water use data. This requirement
only applies to buildings that are independently
metered (separately from surrounding structures).
Create a Water Use Contingency Plan
for follow up (in the event that water
use deviates beyond expectations) that
has each of the following elements:
̨̨
Responsible party for water leaks.
̨̨
Contact information of water
utility to report problems.
̨̨
Maintenance schedule.
In addition, owner must sign utility data release,
allowing Earth Advantage Institute access
to water consumption data for 3 years.
Notes
For eligibility requirements for earning the ENERGY
STAR® rating, see http://www.energystar.gov/index.
cfm?c=eligibility.bus_portfoliomanager_eligibility
Requirements of the ENERGY STAR® program
are available through the ENERGY STAR®
website or from your Provider Firm.
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High-Efficiency Irrigation System
WA-04
Level
Silver
Target
Plants
Intent
Reduce or eliminate overall and potable
water use for landscape irrigation.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect
Phase
Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect
Plan Requirements
If seeking exemption, identify the area (square
footage) of landscape being irrigated.
Identify the irrigation equipment to confirm
that it qualifies as a high-efficiency system
(rotator stream, subsurface, etc.).
–
Landscape Irrigation Plan
Other Documentation
Cut sheets for irrigation heads.
Requirements
Requirement applies only to projects with an
irrigated area that is more than 750 sq ft.
To achieve the measure, project must
install at least 75% of irrigated area with
a high-efficiency irrigation system.
High-efficiency irrigation system is defined
as a system with the following attributes:
For beds, shrubs, and trees, a microirrigation
system is used (including drip
or subsurface irrigation techniques).
AND
For areas covered by turf, stream rotator
heads are used to improve uniformity and
efficiency over traditional sprinkler heads.
Notes
For more information on efficient landscape
irrigation design or to locate a WaterSense®
irrigation partner, refer to the EPA
WaterSense® website: http://www.epa.gov/
watersense/meet_our_partners.html
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
irrigation system (e.g., rotator heads, bubblers).
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Stormwater Pollution Prevention
– During Construction
WA-05
Level
Silver
Target
Stormwater
Intent
Reduce environmental impacts
associated with runoff, including scoured
contaminants, turbidity, and erosion.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Civil Engineer and Landscape Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Create and implement an Erosion and Sediment
Control Plan for all construction activities. Follow
requirements for obtaining NPDES Stormwater
Discharge Permits - as explained by the 2012
EPA Construction General Permit or local
requirements, whichever are more stringent.
This measure applies to all projects, including
projects that are less than 1 acre that might not
otherwise be required to address these issues.
Notes
See http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/
cgp.cfm for more information about how to
meet and document the implementation.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Civil Engineer, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan,
listing the best management practices
(BMPs) implemented on the project.
Other Documentation
Projects 1 acre and larger: Approved
permit application.
Field Verification
During all inspections, observe and
photograph implementation of BMPs.
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Indoor Air Quality During Construction
HE-01
Level
Silver
Target
Pollution Source Control
Intent
Limit sources of particulates, dust, and other
environmental toxins that may act as air
contaminants or allergens to building occupants
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Phase
Construction Documents and Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
It is suggested that the Project Manual include
requirements for the contractor to comply with.
Other Documentation
Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
Field Verification
During all field inspections, observe
and photograph practices included in
IAQ Management Plan (e.g., covering of
ducts to prevent dust intrusion).
Requirements
Develop an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
for the construction period and carry the plan
forward throughout the construction process.
The Indoor Air Quality Management Plan shall
be in accordance with Sheet Metal and Air
Conditioning Contractors’ National Association
(SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines For Occupied
Buildings Under Construction, 2nd Edition,
2007, ANSI/SMACNA 008-2008 (Chapter 3).
Notes
Indoor Air Quality Management
Plan Template Provided.
The Project Team may obtain a copy of the
guidelines, available for purchase from the
SMACNA website at http://www.smacna.org/
bookstore. The standard addresses five areas:
1. Identify sources of airborne contaminants.
2. Assess risk areas and potential hazards.
3. Identify how control measures will be
implemented onsite (e.g., HVAC protection,
source control, housekeeping, scheduling).
4. Specify measures for implementation through
the construction schedule, by zone and activity,
and assign responsibility for implementation.
5. Follow requirements in Chapter 4 of the
guide for HVAC systems that are under
operation during the construction process.
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Low-Emitting Interior Paints and Coatings,
Adhesives, Sealants, Carpets, and Carpet Pads
HE-02
Level
Silver
Target
Toxic Reduction
Intent
Reduce human exposure to toxins
from interior materials.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Include requirements for low-emitting
products in Project Manual.
–
Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS)
or cut sheets showing VOC content or Carpet
and Rug Institute (CRI) certification status.
Field Verification
During field inspection(s), observe and photograph
paints, adhesives/sealants, carpet, and carpet
cushion to confirm conformance to plan.
Requirements
Utilize low-VOC products in all interior spaces
of the building for new paint, coatings,
adhesives, sealants, carpets, and carpet pads.
Low-VOC interior paints and coatings are those
that meet South Coast Air Quality Management
district rule 1113, as amended June 3, 2011. See
http://www.aqmd.gov/rules/reg/reg11/r1113.pdf for
product requirements and additional information.
Low-VOC interior adhesives and sealants are those
that meet South Coast Air Quality Management
District rule 1168, as amended January 7, 2005.
See http://www.aqmd.gov/rules/reg/reg11/
r1168.pdf for product requirements and for
additional information. For aerosol adhesives
(spray-on), refer to the requirements of Green
Seal Standard GS-36, available at http://www.
greenseal.org/GreenBusiness/Standards.asp
x?vid=ViewStandardDetail&cid=1&sid=22.
Interior carpets must be labeled with the
Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus
Program. For details and to find products
that comply, go to http://www.carpet-rug.
org/commercial-customers/green-buildingand-the-environment/green-label-plus/.
Interior carpet cushion must be labeled with
the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label
Program. For details and to find products
that comply, go to http://www.carpet-rug.
org/commercial-customers/green-buildingand-the-environment/green-label-plus/.
Notes
Interior spaces are defined as occupied and
community space types inside the air barrier,
including offices, retail spaces, restaurants,
kitchens, bathrooms, meeting spaces, hallways,
and lobbies. Parking garages, patios, and roof
decks are not included in this definition.
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Silver Environmentally Preferable Materials
MA-01
Level
Silver
Intent
Environmentally Preferable Materials
Intent
Utilize materials that have a reduced
environmental impact compared to
standard building practice.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Inclusion of selected materials in project manual.
Other Documentation
List of environmentally preferable materials,
indicating what criteria (local, recycled, salvaged,
or rapidly renewable) are met. List to identify
location in plans/specs where environmental
criteria are identified and location where
material can be observed within the building.
Product literature showing listed attributes.
Field Verification
During the inspection phase when
individual materials will be visible, observe
and photograph installed materials.
Requirements
Develop a Materials Purchasing Plan that considers
areas where environmentally preferable options
can be incorporated into the building. Analyze the
base design and primary materials, identifying
opportunities for the integration or substitution of
environmentally preferable options. Examples may
include reusing onsite crushed asphalt or concrete
for backfill, using locally sourced framing lumber,
or reusing existing interior elements in a remodel.
The approach should then address product
substitutions that are no-cost or low-cost options,
such as recycled content tiles, recycled paints, or
recycled content in concrete. The plan should take
into account showcase items that bring awareness
of sustainable features, such as salvaged barnwood
elements or recycled glass terrazzo.
At a minimum, the final building must
meet one of the following four options:
OPTION 1: Select four local building materials
that are substantial to the project and specify
products sourced and processed within 200
miles or within the state boundary. Projects
should ensure that environmentally preferable
materials are significant elements of the building
and/or showcase sustainable use of materials.
OPTION 2: Select two local and two recycled
content building materials that are substantial to
the project. Implement these in such a way that
ensures environmentally preferable materials
are significant elements of the building and/or
showcase sustainable use of materials. Recycled
content products must contain at least 50%
recycled content by weight, either postconsumer
or preconsumer (post-industrial) content.
OPTION 3: Select two local and two salvaged
materials that are substantial to the project.
Implement in such a way that ensures
environmentally preferable materials are
significant elements of the building and/
or showcase sustainable use of materials.
OPTION 4: Select two local and two rapidly
renewable materials that are substantial to the
project. Implement them in such a way that
ensures environmentally preferable materials
are significant elements of the building and/
or showcase sustainable use of materials.
Continued →
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Notes
Examples of substantial locally available materials
may include the following: major structural wood
product systems, finished wood products, recycled
products made from locally sourced recycled
materials, cement produced at a local cement
plant, and locally sourced salvage materials.
Architect will need to specify materials to be
chosen. Contractor will need to install materials
and record material data in the project manual.
Contractor will need to provide the Provider Firm
with locations of the installed materials in the
project for field verification. Architect should
work with the Provider Firm during the High
Performance Building Workshop to define a strategy
for achieving this measure. It is recommended
that projects select several possible products to
ensure that measure requirements can be met
even if a selected material becomes unavailable.
Salvaged materials may be sourced through
a local rebuilding center or other supply of
previously used building materials.
Recycled materials are eligible if the preconsumer
and postconsumer content is at least 50% by
weight. Common recycled content products include
carpet, metals (such as steel and aluminum), glass,
concrete, masonry, acoustic tile, paint, rubber
flooring, walk-off mats, ceramic tile, insulation,
recycled aggregate for backfill and road sub
base, and cement content with incorporated
recycled pozzolans (such as fly ash or slag).
Rapidly renewable materials are eligible if they
have a typical harvest cycle of 10 years or less.
These materials tend to require much less
energy to harvest and manufacture because
they require less land to produce the same
amount of material as long-cycle materials.
Products to consider for this measure include
bamboo flooring, wool carpet, strawboard, cotton
batt insulation, linoleum flooring, poplar OSB,
sunflower seed board, and wheatgrass cabinetry.
Measure is met if the Gold or Platinum level
Environmentally Preferable Materials measure is
met. It is not intended that this be cumulative.
90 SILVER LEVEL » Silver Environmentally Preferable Materials Reference Guide v2.0 EARTHADVANTAGE COMMERCIAL

Silver Construction Waste Management
MA-02
Level
Silver
Target
Waste Reduction
Intent
Reduce waste and direct materials to
appropriate avenues for reuse and recycling.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Phase
Start of Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Construction Waste Management Plan
Field Verification
During framing and pre-cover inspection,
observe and photograph construction waste
management practices. Include site separation
dumpsters to show implementation.
Requirements
The project team must create a Construction
Waste Management Plan to inform effective
management and reduction of waste in the
construction process. In addition, at the Silver
level of certification, the project is required to
provide facilities for separation of wood or metal
(depending on construction type or availability
of recycling facilities) and cardboard for recycling
offsite. The team must also engage in a contract
to carry out recycling of said materials.
The Construction Waste Management Plan should
follow the template provided by the Provider Firm
and must be developed prior to construction. This
plan will consist of the following components:
1. A Waste Reduction Plan that includes:
a. Material reuse in project; stockpiling soil
b. Pre-engineering materials to reduce cuts;
modular construction; building systems use
c. Replacement of protective coverings
only on an as-needed basis
2. A Recycling Plan that:
a. Identifies local haulers able
to recycle materials
b. Assesses costs for recycling various
material types vs. landfill materials
3. A Waste Logistics that includes:
a. Onsite sorting logistics through
various construction activities
b. Assigning responsible parties
c. Quality assurance process
Notes
Comingled recycling is allowed for achieving Silver
level requirements, as long as it is acceptable
within the project’s local jurisdiction.
Construction Waste Management
Plan Template provided.
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Built-in Recycling Center
MA-03
Level
Silver
Target
Waste Reduction
Intent
Increase ease and effectiveness
of occupant recycling.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Architect
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Architect
Plan Requirements
Floor plan showing easily accessible recycling areas
–
Floor Plans
Other Documentation
Copy of information about local recycling
providers that will be provided to tenants or
occupants, or used to schedule pick up.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph recyclable waste collection area.
Requirements
The project will be required to install areas for
separation of landfill-bound waste from recycling
by tenant unit. The recycling facilities should
be easier to access than trash receptacles
intended for occupants to take out their trash.
To meet the requirements of this measure,
research local recycling services for the building
during operation and provide the following
information to owner, tenants and occupants:
1. Contact information of city and/
or private organizations that provide
recycling services in the area.
2. The types of materials recycled by each
city/organization, including plastic types
(numbers) accepted and other restrictions.
3. Information about local compost
pick up, if available.
4. Requirements for recycling, including whether
materials for recycling must be separated or
can be picked up as comingled recycling.
If local facilities exist for recycling of hazardous
materials, cell phones, compact fluorescent
lamps, and batteries, provide a collection area
for those items or a rotating plan for pick-up of
hazardous recyclables (e.g., provide a bin twice
a year for two weeks for electronics waste).
Notes
Sizing of recycling facilities will vary based on
building use type and needs, but recycling facilities
must be designed with pick up frequency and
likely space use type in consideration. Size must
be reasonable in order to meet this measure.
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Silver Native and Adapted Plants
LA-01
Level
Silver
Target
Site Ecology
Intent
Reduce or eliminate landscape irrigation and
ensure the propagation of native plant species.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect, Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect, Architect
Plan Requirements
Landscape plans showing area to be landscaped
(including identification of species) calculated and
recorded as a square footage number on the plans.
Identification of area(s) planted with
turf grass, calculated and recorded as a
square footage number on the plans.
–
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan,
Final Planting Sheet, and Details.
Other Documentation
List of native/adapted plantings
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph landscaped areas and visually
confirm that the areas correspond with
areas identified during design review.
Requirements
The project must accomplish the following:
1. Plant at least 25% of softscape areas that
are landscaped from an approved local
plant list that identifies native and lowwater
(xeriscape) plant materials.
2. No invasive species may be planted. Do not use
plants listed as invasive on state noxious weeds
laws, federal noxious weeds laws, or local lists.
3. Turf grass should be limited to less
than 25% of the total landscaped area,
unless it is a low-water use mix.
Exceptions can be made for requirements 1 and
3 in play areas in school projects and community
gardens. Consider plant materials suitable
for pollinator habitat when appropriate.
Existing landscaped areas, when not replanted
during the project, may be excluded from
requirement 1 at the discretion of the project team.
Notes
Xeriscape landscapes are defined as “quality
landscaping that conserves water and protects
the environment.” There are seven principles
associated with xeriscape landscapes:
1. Planning and Design
2. Soil Improvement
3. Appropriate Plant Selection
4. Practical Turf Areas
5. Efficient Irrigation
6. Use of Mulches
7. Appropriate Maintenance
For more information on xeriscaping, visit
http://xeriscape.sustainablesources.com
A directory of native plants by region can be found
at http://www.plantnative.com/index.htm
For examples of alternative turf, see Protime
Lawn seed at http://www.protimelawnseed.
com/collections/eco-and-alternative-lawns
Enviroturf at http://www.bluestem.ca/enviroturf.htm
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Stockpile Topsoil
LA-02
Level
Silver
Target
Site Ecology
Intent
Minimize land disturbance, erosion, and
compaction during construction to avoid negative
impacts to the site and surrounding areas.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect, Contractor
Phase
Start of Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, identifying
location and strategy for stockpiling topsoil.
On the Landscape Plan, identify
where topsoil will be reused.
–
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, Landscape Plan
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Requirements
To comply with the requirements of this measure:
̨̨
Stockpile excavated topsoil during
construction and reuse as needed
onsite or on the same campus.
̨̨
Stockpile topsoil in piles between three to five
feet tall to ensure viability post-construction.
̨̨
Clearly delineate the topsoil stockpile
area and protect from erosion,
contamination, and compaction.
Notes
For more information about methods for stockpiling
topsoil and environmental impacts, see http://www.
druby.net/joomla/images/pdf_docs/topsoil.pdf.
Projects with contaminated soild or other
circumstances affecting the ability to
stockpile and/or reuse topsoil must submit
for a Measure Interpretation Ruling (MIR).
Field Verification
During all applicable field visits, observe
and photograph topsoil stockpiles to
confirm that they are being maintained
and protected from compaction.
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Minimum Bike Storage
LA-03
Level
Silver
Target
Transport
Intent
Encourage the use of alternative forms of
transportation while raising awareness about
the environmental impacts of automobile use.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Identify bicycle parking within 200 feet
of an entrance on the Site Plan.
–
Site Plan
Other Documentation
Cut sheets for bike racks, showing that they
meet the referenced requirements.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph bike parking.
Requirements
Provide secure bicycle parking within 200
feet of building entrance. The minimum
number of bike parking spots are as follows:
̨̨
School: 2 bikes per classroom
̨̨
Office: 2 bikes per 5,000 sq ft
̨̨
Retail: 2 bikes per 3,000 sq ft
̨̨
Other: 2 bikes per 3,000 sq ft
Secure bike parking must meet the
requirements as defined by the “City of Madison
Bike Rack Requirements” listed below.
All bike parking must be within
200 ft. of building entrance.
Notes
Bicycle parking at the Silver level does not
need to be covered, although it is strongly
recommended. At the Platinum level, it is required.
The City of Madison Bike Rack
Requirements are as follows:
1. Bicycle parking space size, access
aisles, and vertical clearance:
a. Required bicycle parking spaces
shall be at least 2 feet by 6 feet.
b. An access aisle of at least 5 feet shall be
provided in each bicycle parking facility.
c. Such space shall have a vertical
clearance of at least 6 feet.
2. Bicycle rack design:
a. Structures that require a user-supplied
locking device shall be designed to
accommodate U-shaped locking devices.
b. All lockers and racks must be securely
anchored to the ground or the building
structure to prevent the racks and lockers
from being removed from the location.
c. The surfacing of such facilities
shall be designed and maintained
to be mud and dust free.
3. Bicycle rack location on site:
a. Bicycle parking facilities shall be
located in a clearly designated
safe and convenient location.
Continued →
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. The design and location of such
facility shall be harmonious with
the surrounding environment.
c. The facility location shall be at least
as convenient as the majority of
auto parking spaces provided.
For more information on the City of Madison
Bike Rack Requirements, see http://www.
cityofmadison.com/trafficEngineering/
documents/MadisonBikeParking.pdf
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Connectivity Awareness
LA-04
Level
Silver
Target
Connectivity & Place Making
Intent
Enhance community through increased
walkability and the development of
spaces that foster a sense of place.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Provider Firm
Phase
Schematic Design
Requirements
Determine the building’s Walk Score®.
Notes
Walk Score® is an easy to use online tool to help you
learn more about the walkabilty of an area, make you
aware of area amenities and help you understand
how your commercial development adds value to
other nearby developments. If Walk Score® is low,
consider opportunities where it could be increased.
The list of nearby amenities generated by the tool
may be used to inform the Transportation Plan.
www.walkscore.com
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Provider Firm
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Walk Score® number generated
at www.walkscore.com
Field Verification
None
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GOLD LEVEL
EARTH ADVANTAGE
COMMERCIAL
Reference Guide v2.0
GOLD LEVEL
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Gold Enhanced Performance Strategies
EN-05
Level
Gold
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Employ cost-effective and proven strategies
for energy efficiency in order to reduce financial
and environmental impacts associated
with excess energy consumption.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Energy Analyst, Architect, and MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer or Energy Analyst
Plan Requirements
For projects pursuing Option 1, identify the
four Enhanced Performance Strategies being
pursued, and provide documentation as listed
in the corresponding sections below.
For projects pursuing Option 2, ensure that the
noted energy efficiency measures (EEMs) in
the energy model correspond to the equipment
listed in the construction documents.
Other Documentation
For projects pursing Option 2, provide a narrative
description of the modeling approach, clearly
stating the percentage savings beyond the
baseline as attributed by each EEM. If the
project team is using local code as a baseline,
and the local code has not yet been preapproved
by Earth Advantage Institute as substantially
equivalent, provide a side-by-side comparison
of relevant code requirements compared to
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 to demonstrate equivalence.
Energy modeling files must be
available upon request.
Field Verification
For projects pursuing Option 1,
verification procedures are listed in the
corresponding sections below.
For projects pursuing Option 2, during final
inspection, observe and photograph HVAC
equipment, lighting, and other listed EEMs to the
extent that they can be seen within the building.
Requirements
Implement prescriptive efficiency requirements OR
demonstrate compliance through energy modeling.
Option 1 – Prescriptive
Comply with Design Process Strategies
and Core Performance Requirements
from the Silver level measure.
AND
Comply with four or more of the Enhanced
Performance Strategies in sections 3.3,
3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, and 3.11
in Core Performance Guide developed by
the New Buildings Institute (NBI).
Option 2 – Energy Modeling
Conduct a building energy model against
an ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Appendix G baseline
and demonstrate 26% improvement
beyond the referenced standard.
Projects may use local code as baseline
if equivalence can be demonstrated.
If the project achieves Passive House certification,
compliance is deemed in lieu of an energy model.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Sections 3 and 4.
Your Provider Firm can provide estimated energy
use reduction based on building profile.
For projects pursuing Option 2, renewable
energy system annual energy contribution
shall be subtracted from the design case total
so as not to contribute to energy savings
modeled for the project. Renewable energy
systems will contribute to achievement of
additional measures for renewable energy.
For Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code
2010, baseline code has been established.
Other state energy codes must submit for
Measure Interpretation Ruling (MIR) to
establish baseline equivalence. Contact your
Provider Firm for equivalence information.
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Additional Lighting Power Reductions
EN-05a
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Achieve the Energy Policy Act of 2005
by reducing connected lighting load.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Reduce lighting power density (LPD) to meet the
values listed in Table 3.3.1 in Core Performance.
These LPDs should be calculated based on fixture
efficiency, including lamps and ballasts. For
use types not shown, reduce LPD requirements
of ASHRAE 90.1-2001 by at least 40%.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 3.3: Additional
Lighting Power Reductions.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Luminaire Schedule and Lighting Plans
Other Documentation
Provide code compliance or other documentation
confirming the connected lighting power
density. If pursuing compliance based on the
space-by-space calculation methodology, or
if the building type is not listed in Table 3.3.1
in Core Performance, also include an ASHRAE
baseline to show a minimum 40% reduction.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and selectively
photograph luminaires to visually confirm that they
correspond to the anticipated type and quantity
based on the lighting plan and luminaire schedule.
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Plug Loads/Appliance Efficiency
EN-05b
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce energy use associated with appliances and
equipment installed or located in the building.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Owner
Phase
End of Construction
Requirements
Identify appliance/equipment selection and
control strategies to reduce the energy use of
equipment installed or used in the building.
Purchase and install only appliances/equipment
rated by the ENERGY STAR® program where
applicable. Institute office equipment control
strategies to reduce equipment run times.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 3.4: Plug
Loads and Appliance Efficiency.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Owner
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Provide a list of ENERGY STAR® eligible equipment
installed within the building and indicate that
each selected item is ENERGY STAR® qualified.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
nameplates on ENERGY STAR® appliances.
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Supply Air Temperature Reset (VAV)
EN-05c
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce energy use associated with cooling
systems in supply air temperature reset (VAV)
configurations when zones may require reheating
of central supply air for temperature maintenance.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development
Requirements
Employ a control strategy that resets cooling
supply air temperature in shoulder and cooler
weather seasons. To reduce the need for reheat,
employ a demand-based control that uses
the warmest central supply air temperature
setting that will satisfy all zones in cooling.
Measure does not apply to projects
not using VAV-based systems.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 3.5: Supply
Air Temperature Reset (VAV).
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify sequence of operation in the
Project Manual and show location of
equipment on mechanical plans.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
If sequence of operation is not clear in Project
Manual, provide controls submittal.
Field Verification
NONE
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Indirect Evaporative Cooling
EN-05d
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Offset conventional cooling load by implementing
energy efficient indirect evaporative cooling.
Requirements
Incorporate indirect evaporative cooling to precool
outside air prior to conventional cooling.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.6: Indirect Evaporative Cooling.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Show indirect evaporative cooling
system on one-line diagrams.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide sequence of controls to show when
evaporative cooling system will be engaged.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph evaporative cooling equipment.
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Heat Recovery
EN-05e
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce energy use associated with
ventilation requirements by recapturing
waste heat in exhaust airflow.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify heat recovery system on
mechanical schedules and show on
plans. Include system effectiveness.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide cut sheet for ERV unit.
If latent systems are not used due to climatic
factors or space needs, provide a short clarification
as to why they could not be employed.
Requirements
Install an energy recovery ventilation (ERV)
system to divert waste heat into the intake
air. The ERV system must include latent heat
recovery with effectiveness of 70% (such as
would be found on a heat-wheel type system)
or higher unless climate or humidity control
requirements preclude latent recovery. If local
or occupant needs are not well served by latent
systems, install an air-to-air sensible heat recovery
system with a minimum effectiveness of 50%.
Notes
Heat recovery should be considered
under the following circumstances:
̨̨
The building will be operated
under extended hours.
̨̨
The building is located in a cold climate.
̨̨
The building has a high demand for
outdoor air (increased ventilation).
̨̨
The building has high ventilation
requirements driven by occupant density.
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.7: Heat Recovery.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
ERV units and confirm that they correspond to
the anticipated unit based on the design review.
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Night Venting
EN-05f
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Use the building’s intrinsic thermal mass
to reduce peak cooling loads in the cooling
season by circulating nighttime air to precool
the building prior to daily occupancy.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Requirements
Install a building control system capable of
operating ventilation fans in economizer mode on
a scheduled basis in the cooling season. To precool
building mass and reduce peak cooling loads,
set the controls to operate the ventilation fans
to bring in outside air at partial flows for several
hours prior to building occupancy each morning.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.8: Night Venting.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Provide specifications of building control
system and schedule that enables ventilation
fans in the economizer mode to pre-cool
building before morning occupancy.
Specify internal building mass elements utilized
in the night venting process (optional).
Identify required specifications and
schedules in plan HVAC schedule.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Field Verification
Confirm internal building mass elements. Sequence
operation verified through acceptance testing.
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Premium Economizer Performance
EN-05g
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Increase the savings associated with economizer
systems by adding control and verification
features to the economizer system.
Requirements
Incorporate the features listed in Core Performance
section 3.9: Premium Economizer Performance
when economizers are required/installed.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 3.9: Premium
Economizer Performance.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify required economizer features in plan
HVAC schedule for mechanical contractor
reference and measure verification.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide a summary of economizer
measures implemented on the project,
ensuring that all 8 required elements have
been incorporated as appropriate.
Provide cut sheet for economizers and identify the
HVAC equipment tag for the associated air handler.
Field Verification
Economizer operation confirmed
via acceptance testing.
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Variable Speed Control
EN-05h
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Promote energy efficiency through
variable control of air and fluid flow.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Individual pumps serving variable flow systems
and VAV fans having a motor horsepower of 5
horsepower or larger shall have controls and/or
devices (such as variable speed control) that will
result in pump or fan motor demand of no more
than 30% of design wattage at 50% of design flow.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.10: Variable Speed Control.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify pumps serving variable flow systems
and VAV fans on mechanical schedules and
list their associated horsepower. Call out VFD
controls for each system over 5 horsepower,
and list VFD equipment manufacturer, model
number, and show location on floor plans.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide cut sheet(s) for variable speed controllers.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
VFD units and confirm that they correspond to
the anticipated unit based on the design review.
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Demand-Responsive Buildings (Peak Power Reduction)
EN-05i
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Create buildings that help manage utility
grid demand by responding to critical peak
periods (either building peak or system
peak) with equipment and design strategies
able to reduce electrical demand or with
equipment able to replace electricity supply.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify equipment that will be shut off or
set to a lower power setting on electrical
drawings, and include demand responsive
controls in drawings and specifications.
–
Electrical Plans, Controls Submittal,
and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Narrative summary of peak power reduction
strategy, and cut sheets for demand responsive
controls or electricity generation equipment.
Requirements
The building must have the ability to automatically
reduce total electrical demand by at least
10% during critical peak power periods. This
will include an interface to the utility capable
of receiving real-time signals to initiate the
peak period response. One or more of the
following strategies should be considered:
̨̨
Reduce mechanical equipment power demand.
̨̨
Reduce lighting equipment power
demand, while maintaining necessary
light levels in critical areas.
̨̨
Thermal energy storage.
Onsite power generation using nonrenewable
resources is not eligible to meet the
requirements of this measure.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.11: Demand Responsive
Buildings (Peak Power Reduction).
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph demand responsive controls and/
or electricity generation equipment to confirm
that they correspond to the anticipated
equipment based on the design review.
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Energy Management Plan
EN-06
Level
Gold
Target
Measure & Manage Energy Use
Intent
Reduce energy use associated with appliances and
equipment installed or located in the building.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Facilities Manager
Phase
End of Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Facilities Manager
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Energy Management Plan
Field Verification
None
Requirements
Develop an Energy Management
Plan following the ENERGY STAR®
Guidelines for Energy Management.
At a minimum, the plan must
address the following:
1. Responsible parties (who will be responsible
for revising energy savings goals, creating
plans, and following up with them).
2. Energy use tracking protocol (who will
be responsible for entering Portfolio
Manager data, monitoring energy use
from any measuring devices in place, and
establishing annualized energy numbers).
3. Overall energy management policies (for
example, all computers to be turned off
when responsible staff leave the building,
cleaning during daylight hours, or ensuring
that lights are turned off after cleaners).
4. Creating action plans (how corrective action
will be identified, what will be done to
enforce behavior changes or new policies).
5. Energy analysis protocol (plan to
compare energy use from year to
year, address aberrations).
6. Recognize achievement (plan to internally
recognize staff for getting involved,
ongoing assessment of goal attainment,
and reward for achieving goals).
For spaces occupied by tenants, this should
include information provided to tenants and
tenant agreements that require addressing energy
use through concerted energy management.
Notes
ENERGY STAR® Guidelines for Energy Management
Plans can be found at http://www.energystar.
gov/index.cfm?c=guidelines.guidelines_index
Energy Management Plan Template provided.
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Operator Training and Documentation – AND/OR –
Building User Training and Documentation
EN-07
Level
Gold
Target
System Performance
Intent
Ensure that the building operations team
understands how the building is intended to
operate and has the resources to monitor and
understand building operational characteristics.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Commissioning Authority
Phase
End of Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Commissioning Authority
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
For building Type A or Type C, provide a copy
of the systems manual (available onsite
for end of construction inspection).
For building Type B or Type C, provide a copy
of the building user guide (available onsite
for end of construction inspection).
Provide a summary of operator training,
indicating dates and topics covered.
Field Verification
1. Contact building operations manager onsite
and, depending on the type of project, confirm
that he or she has a copy of the systems
manual and/or the building user guide.
2. Confirm appropriate maintenance
schedules and calibration requirements
are included in systems manual.
3. Verify information was developed and
provided in the building user guide
that describes interface with lighting,
ventilation, and temperature controls.
4. Verify a full set of design and
installation documents are onsite.
5. Confirm control and data collection
protocols are set up and understood
by the building operation team.
6. Confirm operator training was performed.
Determine your type of project:
Type A: Building with specialized operating staff.
Type B: Building with no specific building
operations personnel or a non-technical operator.
Type C: Building contracted with an offsite
specialized operations company that
routinely performs maintenance.
For building Type A, perform operator training and
document as described in the Core Performance
Guide Section 1.5. This section describes
requirements for operator training, creation of
a systems manual, appropriate maintenance
schedules, information about building user
interface with building systems, and operational
and data collection protocols for controls.
For building Type B, perform building user training
and create a building user guide for a nontechnical
audience, describing major energy and
water using systems; their proper function; and
daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance
requirements. This could include a videotaped
introduction to operational practices and/or a
walkthrough with principal building users by
the party responsible for acceptance testing.
For building Type C, provide both the systems
manual and building user guide as described
for building Type A and Type B. To minimize
overlap, the building user guide can be pared
down to cover only functions that can be
performed or diagnosed by regular occupants.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 1.5: Operator
Training and Documentation
Requirements
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Measure and Monitor Energy Use for Major Systems
EN-08
Level
Gold
Target
Measure & Manage Energy Use
Intent
Provide for the ongoing accountability for
building energy consumption over time.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Provide specifications and locations
for metering systems (devices) for
HVAC, lighting, and plug loads.
Note these metering devices and
locations on electrical plans.
–
Mechanical Plans, Electrical Plans,
Controls Specification
Other Documentation
System Energy Use Evaluation and Utilization
Plan for system energy use evaluation
within the Energy Management Plan
Requirements
Provide for capacity to sub-meter energy use
for three major energy end-use types: HVAC,
lighting, and plug loads. This includes installing
a measurement system capable of hourly data
collection for energy use for each end-use type.
Create System Energy Use Evaluation and
Utilization Plan for system energy use evaluation
within the Energy Management Plan developed
in the Gold level requirements. Use this data
to inform ongoing operational practices.
Notes
Additional strategies for measurement and reporting
can be found in the following online document:
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy06osti/38601.pdf.
Note that the procedures described in this
document go beyond the measure requirements
for achievement, although the document
can serve as a valuable resource in assessing
opportunities for implementation.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
approved HVAC, lighting, and plug load metering
devices to ensure that they are installed and
operational at their designated locations.
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Automatic Faucets
WA-06
Level
Gold
Target
People
Intent
Reduce overall and potable water use for
hand washing by controlling run time.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Specification for Automatic faucet system.
–
Project Manual
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Requirements
Include a mechanism on all bathroom faucets and
faucets intended for hand-washing for reducing
the time for which they run. For each handwashing
faucet, select one of the following:
̨̨
Install metering faucets timed
to 12 seconds or less.
̨̨
Install faucets that use motion detection
sensors to turn on and off.
Notes
The project will need to ensure that the
specified faucets comply with the requirements
as stated above. This may include adjusting
the duration of metered faucets. Faucet flow
rates must also comply with WaterSense®
requirements as stated in Silver level measure.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
automatic controls. Sample a minimum of
10% to ensure anticipated operation.
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Increased Efficiency Irrigation System
WA-07
Level
Gold
Target
Plants
Intent
Reduce or eliminate overall and potable
water use for landscape irrigation.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect
Plan Requirements
If seeking exemption, identify the area (square
footage) of landscape being irrigated.
Identify the irrigation controller to confirm whether
it qualifies as an increased efficiency system.
–
Landscape Irrigation Plan
Other Documentation
Cut sheets for irrigation controller
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph irrigation controller.
Requirements
Requirement applies only to projects where
irrigated area is more than 750 sq ft.
To achieve the measure, project must
meet all Silver level requirements and
install at least 75% of irrigated area with an
increased efficiency irrigation system.
Increased efficiency irrigation system is defined
as a system with all of the following attributes:
̨̨
Global seasonal adjusting capabilities (0-
200% adjustments). This feature allows the
user to alter run times of all of the valves in
every program with the push of a button.
̨̨
Rain delay shutdown feature. Allows the
user to shut down the entire irrigation
system with a manual override.
̨̨
Modular technologies. Controller must be
capable of monitoring/handling a minimum
of four zones and have the capacity to
expand if more zones are necessary.
̨̨
Rain sensor technology. Controller has a
dedicated rain sensor or is equipped with
a system to otherwise accept weather
inputs (such as satellite-based controls).
Rain sensors must be installed and properly
commissioned by a landscaping contractor.
Notes
For more information on efficient landscape
irrigation design or to locate a WaterSense®
irrigation partner, refer to the EPA
WaterSense® website: http://www.epa.gov/
watersense/meet_our_partners.html
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Gold Stormwater Quality Mitigation
WA-08
Level
Gold
Target
Stormwater
Intent
Reduce environmental impacts
associated with runoff, including scoured
contaminants, turbidity, and erosion.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Civil Engineer and Landscape Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Civil Engineer, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Civil Site Plan showing stormwater
design, including measures.
In jurisdictions with more rigorous
requirements, a copy of the stormwater
permit is sufficient to achieve measure.
–
Civil Site Plan
Other Documentation
For projects with more rigorous local requirements,
provide a summary comparison of the local
requirement against the base measure
requirements to demonstrate equivalency.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph stormwater measures, such
as infiltration basins and bioswales.
Requirements
Apply a single strategy or suite of strategies from
the listed stormwater mitigation strategies in
the Notes section so that at minimum, 90% of
the average annual rainfall from auto-oriented
impervious hardscape area (i.e., parking, driveways)
is treated. If local requirements are more rigorous,
they shall take the place of this requirement.
Treatment area for auto-oriented hardscape:
= (0.9) x (# sq ft parking/driveway)
Notes
The following are average annual rainfall
and event rainfall for calculating minimum
recommended stormwater treatment volume:
̨̨
Watershed Type: Humid
Average Annual Rainfall: 40+ inches per year
Amount of Event Rainfall to
Treat: 1 inch (0.083 feet)
̨̨
Watershed Type: Semi-Arid
Average Annual Rainfall: 20 to 40 inches per year
Amount of Event Rainfall to Treat:
0.75 inch (0.0625 feet)
̨̨
Watershed Type: Arid
Average Annual Rainfall:

Possible measures include the following:
1. Grassed Swales: These are open-channel,
vegetated management practices specifically
designed to treat and attenuate stormwater
runoff for a specified water quality volume.
Design must include emergency value
for overflow to stormwater sewer.
2. Infiltration Basins: A shallow impoundment
that is designed to infiltrate stormwater into
the soil. Design must include emergency
valve for overflow to stormwater sewer.
3. Infiltration Trenches: A rock-filled trench
that receives stormwater runoff and has no
outlet (except for emergency overflow).
4. Bioretention Areas (Rain Gardens):
Bioretention areas, or rain gardens, are
landscaping features adapted to provide
onsite treatment of stormwater runoff.
5. Sand and Organic Filters: Sand filters are
typically designed as two-chambered stormwater
practices. The first chamber is a settling
chamber and the second is a filter bed filled with
sand or another filtering media. As stormwater
flows into the first chamber, large particles settle
out. The finer particles and other pollutants
are removed as stormwater flows through.
6. Vegetated Filter Strip: vegetated filter strips
(grassed filter strips, filter strips, and grassed
filters) are vegetated surfaces that are
designed to treat sheet flow from adjacent
surfaces. Filter strips are most effective
when combined with another practice.
It is vital (that the designer of the stormwater
treatment system and the building owner be aware
of the ongoing maintenance implications for proper
function of each system type, as well as the need for
combinations of systems for adequate treatment.
Stormwater system design is highly dependent on
the site conditions and priorities for the developer.
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Indoor Air Quality During Occupancy
HE-03
Level
Gold
Target
Pollution Source Control
Intent
Limit sources of particulates, dust, and other
environmental toxins that may act as air
contaminants or allergens to building occupants
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect and MEP Engineer
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Show direct exhaust from listed areas on
mechanical drawings, and show supply
and exhaust cubic feet per minute (CFM)
to confirm negative pressurization.
For copy/printing equipment in open office
areas, identify location and show direct
exhaust air intake above location.
–
Mechanical Floor Plan
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph direct exhaust grille above copy/
printing equipment in open office areas.
Requirements
Address the following areas to avoid
contamination of occupied spaces: garage
areas, cleaning supply areas, storage/
janitorial closets, and copy/print areas.
For projects with garage areas, cleaning
supply areas, storage/janitorial closets, and/
or copy/print areas, treat each area present
in the project as described below:
1. Garage Areas: For tuck under parking and
adjoining/enclosed parking garage areas,
ensure that parking is exhausted directly
to the outdoors so that supply air is less
than exhaust air. This will ensure negative
pressurization in the parking area. Doors
opening to the building interior from
enclosed or tuck under parking must be
self-closing and have weather stripping.
2. Cleaning Supply Areas and Storage/
Janitorial Closets: These must be designed
so that exhaust air rate exceeds supply air
rate. Exhaust air from these areas shall not
be recirculated. Doors opening to cleaning
supply storage/janitorial closets must be
self-closing and have weather stripping.
3. Copy/Print Areas: In projects with separate
print areas, design so that exhaust air
rate exceeds supply air rate in the printer
room. Exhaust air from these areas shall
not be recirculated. Doors opening to copy/
printer rooms must be self-closing and
have weather stripping. In open office
projects, provide a print area with exhaust
intake directly above printer area.
Notes
If project does not have an associated
garage, will not house printing or copy
functions, and has no janitorial supplies
stored onsite, this measure is achieved.
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Low-Emitting Insulation Products
HE-04
Level
Gold
Target
Toxic Reduction
Intent
Reduce human exposure to toxins
from interior materials.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Install batt insulation with GREENGUARD
Environmental Institute certification to the
level of Indoor Air Quality Certified. This
includes insulation of air handling equipment
insulation, mechanical equipment insulation,
and building (wall and roof) insulation.
Rigid or blow-in insulation is exempt.
Notes
To find products that qualify, go to http://www.
greenguard.org/Default.aspx?tabid=12
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Identify requirement for GREENGUARD
certified insulation in Project Manual.
–
Project Manual
Other Documentation
Cut sheets from insulation products
showing GREENGUARD certification.
Field Verification
During pre-cover inspection, observe and
photograph labels on insulation products
to confirm GREENGUARD certification.
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Occupant Access to Daylight + Glare Reduction
HE-05
Level
Gold
Target
Occupant Comfort
Intent
Create a healthy and comfortable environment
that meets the visual comfort needs of occupants.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Identify location of workstations on floor plan.
For projects with unknown final layout, identify a
reasonable layout to show that a minimum 50% of
the workstations will be within the daylight zone.
–
Floor Plan and Window Schedule
Other Documentation
Identify strategy for providing operable shading.
Field Verification
During final inspection, confirm that
operable shading devices are in place.
Requirements
Locate 50% of the permanent occupants
within the daylighting zone. In addition,
the project must provide operable shading
devices for each window in a space where
occupants are seated in a fixed position.
Notes
Permanent occupants are defined as the peak
number of full-time and part-time employees
and students with fixed workstations.
The daylighting zone is defined as the occupied
area within a building with a distance from the
windows of up to 1.5 times the window head height
for windows without light shelves. For windows
with a reflective light shelf, the daylighting zone
is extended to 2.5 times the window head height.
When employing light shelves, ceiling reflectance
must be a minimum of 70% (ceiling must be painted
white or be very lightly colored). The daylighting
zone includes the area directly in front of the
window and a side width of 7 feet in either direction
without a light shelf and 12 feet with a light shelf.
Note: Furniture or opaque partitions
parallel to the window wall higher than
60” end the daylighting zone.
Operable shading includes curtains, blinds, and
interior shutters. Blinds must cover at least
the vision glazing portion of windows (glazing
that is 30” to 60” above finished flooring).
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Gold Environmentally Preferable Materials
MA-04
Level
Gold
Target
Environmentally Preferable Materials
Intent
Utilize materials that have a
reduced environmental impact over
standard building practices.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Inclusion of selected materials in project manual.
Other Documentation
List of environmentally preferable materials,
indicating what criteria (local, recycled, salvaged,
or rapidly renewable) are met. List to identify
location in plans/specs where environmental
criteria are identified and location where
material can be observed within the building.
Product literature showing listed attributes.
Field Verification
During the inspection phase when
individual materials will be visible, observe
and photograph installed materials.
Requirements
Develop a Materials Purchasing Plan that considers
areas where environmentally preferable options
can be incorporated into the building. Analyze the
base design and primary materials, identifying
opportunities for the integration or substitution of
environmentally preferable options. Examples may
include reusing onsite crushed asphalt or concrete
for backfill, using locally sourced framing lumber,
or reusing existing interior elements in a remodel.
The approach should then address product
substitutions that are no-cost or low-cost options,
such as recycled content tiles, recycled paints, or
recycled content in concrete. The plan should take
into account showcase items that bring awareness
of sustainable features, such as salvaged barnwood
elements or recycled glass terrazzo.
At a minimum, the final building must
meet one of the following 4 options:
OPTION 1: Select six local building materials that
are substantial to the project and specify products
that were both sourced and processed within
200 miles or within the state boundary. Projects
should ensure that environmentally preferable
materials are significant elements of the building
and/or showcase sustainable use of materials.
OPTION 2: Select three local and three recycled
content building materials that are substantial
to the project. Implement in such a way that
ensures environmentally preferable materials
are significant elements of the building and/or
showcase sustainable use of materials. Recycled
content products must contain at least 50%
recycled content by weight, either postconsumer
or preconsumer (post-industrial) content.
OPTION 3: Select three local and three
salvaged materials that are substantial to
the project. Implement in such a way that
ensures environmentally preferable materials
are significant elements of the building and/
or showcase sustainable use of materials.
OPTION 4: Select three local and three rapidly
renewable materials that are substantial to the
project and implemented in such a way that
ensures that environmentally preferable materials
are substantial elements of the building and/
or showcase sustainable use of materials.
Continued →
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Notes
Examples of substantial locally available materials
may include the following: major structural wood
product systems, finished wood products, recycled
products made from locally sourced recycled
materials, cement produced at a local cement plant,
and locally sourced salvage materials. Architect will
need to specify materials to be chosen. Contractor
will need to install materials and record material
data in the project manual. Contractor will need
to provide the Provider Firm with locations of the
installed materials in the project manual. Architect
should work with the Provider Firm during the High
Performance Building Workshop to define a strategy
for achieving this measure. It is recommended
that projects select several possible products to
ensure that measure requirements can be met
even if a selected material becomes unavailable.
Salvaged materials may be sourced through
a local rebuilding center or other supply of
previously used building materials.
Recycled materials are eligible if the preconsumer
and postconsumer content is at least 50% by
weight. Common recycled content products include
carpet, metals (such as steel and aluminum), glass,
concrete, masonry, acoustic tile, paint, rubber
flooring, walk-off mats, ceramic tile, insulation,
recycled aggregate for backfill and road sub
base, and cement content with incorporated
recycled pozzolans (such as fly ash or slag).
Rapidly renewable materials are eligible if they
have a typical harvest cycle of 10 years or less.
These materials tend to require much less energy
to harvest and manufacture because they require
less land to produce the same amount of material
as long-cycle materials. Products to consider for
this measure include bamboo flooring, wool carpet,
strawboard, cotton batt insulation, linoleum flooring,
poplar OSB, sunflower seed board, and wheatgrass
cabinetry. Measure is met if the Platinum Level
Environmentally Preferable Materials measure
is met. This is not intended to be cumulative.
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Build for Durability and Minimize Material Use
MA-05
Level
Gold
Target
Material Reduction & Durability
Intent
Increase the lifespan of building stock,
reduce initial inputs, and reduce the need
for maintenance by specifying long-lasting
materials, minimizing material use, and
protecting vulnerable areas of the building.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Show selected strategies in Construction
Documents and Project Manual.
–
Location in plans varies depending
on selected strategies.
Other Documentation
Durability Management Plan
Checklist to Provider Firm along with phase for
implementation for each implemented measure.
Field Verification
During inspection(s), observe and photograph
durability and material saving measures.
Requirements
Complete the Durability Management Plan
Template consisting of two major steps:
1. Assess potential issues as low/no
likelihood, medium likelihood, or major
likelihood as they relate to building
durability, including the following:
a. Exterior water infiltration
b. Prevailing wind
c. Earthquakes or other natural disasters
d. Interior moisture sources
e. Pests
f. Condensation
g. Wear and tear/high traffic areas
h. Ultraviolet radiation/excessive heat
2. Create a plan to address those items that
are considered a medium or major likelihood.
Detail your plan to address each issue,
including identification of how each issue
has been addressed within the design.
Demonstrate requirements in
construction documents.
Submit Durability Management Plan to Provider
Firm upon completion of Construction Documents.
Implement Durability Management
Plan as designed.
Notes
Durability Management Plan Template provided.
For moisture-related issues, it is recommended
that contractor have a third-party inspection
by a waterproofing consultant to ensure that
waterproofing is installed correctly. Earth
Advantage Institute or your Provider Firm
assumes no liability or responsibility for correct
installation of any durability measures.
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Gold Construction Waste Management
MA-06
Level
Gold
Target
Waste Reduction
Intent
Reduce waste and direct materials to
appropriate avenues for reuse and recycling.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Phase
Start of Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Construction Waste Management Plan
For comingled recycling, provide documentation
from recycler about comingled recycling
contract and recovery percentage.
Field Verification
During framing and pre-cover inspection,
observe and photograph construction waste
management practices. Include site separation
dumpsters to show implementation.
Requirements
Create a Construction Waste Management Plan
to inform effective management and reduction
of waste in the construction process. In addition,
at the Gold level of certification, the project is
required to include facilities for separation of
wood, metal, and cardboard for recycling offsite
and is required to engage in a contract to
carry out recycling of said materials. If there is a
facility for recycling sheetrock within 50 miles,
sheetrock must also be segregated and recycled.
The Construction Waste Management Plan should
follow the template provided by the Provider Firm
and must be developed prior to construction. This
plan will consist of the following components:
1. A Waste Reduction Plan that includes:
a. Material reuse in project; stockpiling soil
b. Pre-engineering materials to reduce cuts;
modular construction; building systems use
c. Replacing protective coverings
only on an as-needed basis
2. A Recycling Plan that:
a. Identifies local haulers able
to recycle materials
b. Assesses costs for recycling various
material types vs. landfilling materials
3. A Waste Logistics Plan that includes:
a. Onsite sorting logistics through
various construction activities
b. Assigning responsible parties
c. Quality assurance process
Notes
If this requirement is met, the Sliver
Level requirement is also met.
Construction Waste Management
Plan Template provided.
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Gold Native and Adapted Plants
LA-05
Level
Gold
Target
Site Ecology
Intent
Reduce or eliminate landscape irrigation, ensure
the propagation of native plant species.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect, Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect, Architect
Plan Requirements
Landscape Plans showing area to be landscaped
(including identification of species) calculated
and recorded as a square footage on the plans.
Identification of area(s) planted with
turf grass, calculated and recorded as
a square footage on the plans.
–
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan,
Final Planting Sheet and Details
Other Documentation
List of native/adapted plantings
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph landscaped areas and visually
confirm that the areas correspond with
areas identified during design review.
Requirements
The project must complete the following:
1. Plant at least 75% of softscape areas that
are landscaped from an approved local
plant list that identifies native and lowwater
(xeriscape) plant materials.
2. No invasive species may be planted. Do not use
plants listed as invasive on state noxious weeds
laws, federal noxious weeds laws, or local lists.
3. Turf grass should be limited to less
than 25% of the total landscaped area,
unless it is a low-water use mix.
Exceptions can be made for requirements 1 and
3 in play areas in school projects and community
gardens. Consider plant materials suitable
for pollinator habitat when appropriate.
Existing landscaped areas, when not replanted
during the project, may be excluded from
requirement 1 at the discretion of the project team.
Notes
Xeriscape landscapes are defined as “quality
landscaping that conserves water and protects
the environment.” There are seven principles
associated with xeriscape landscapes:
1. Planning and Design
2. Soil Improvement
3. Appropriate Plant Selection
4. Practical Turf Areas
5. Efficient Irrigation
6. Use of Mulches
7. Appropriate Maintenance
For more information on xeriscaping: http://
xeriscape.sustainablesources.com
A directory of native plants by region can be found
at http://www.plantnative.com/index.htm
For examples of alternative turf, see Protime
Lawn Seed at http://www.protimelawnseed.com/
collections/eco-and-alternative-lawns, or Enviroturf
at http://www.bluestem.ca/enviroturf.htm
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Transportation Plan
LA-06
Level
Gold
Target
Transport
Intent
Encourage the use of alternative forms of
transportation while raising awareness about
the environmental impacts of automobile use.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Architect
Phase
Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Architect
Plan Requirements
On the plans, indicate where the dedicated
space will be within the building for
transport information and coordination.
–
Architectural Floor Plan and Details
Other Documentation
Transportation Plan and Transportation Survey.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
the dedicated space within the building for
transport information and coordination.
Requirements
1. Create a Transportation Plan that addresses
typical building users and needs of those users.
The Transportation Plan shall include reference
to where the majority of users will be travelling
from, where they will be travelling to, and what
times of day most transportation will occur. The
goal will be to align the transportation needs
of the users with the available or potential
modes of alternative transportation available.
2. Install a dedicated space within the building for
the provision of public transport information,
carpool sign-up information, car sharing
information, cycling paths, and walking paths.
3. Develop and administer a Transportation
Survey to create a full picture of
building transportation use.
Notes
Public transportation options for different
regions across the United States can be
found at http://www.usbusstation.com/
Car share services, such as Zipcar®, are
available in several cities across the country.
Information about setting up employee
carpooling incentive programs, and
additional information about alternative
transportation, can be found at http://www.
commutesolutions.com/commuter-resources/
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Placemaking
LA-07
Level
Gold
Target
Connectivity & Place Making
Intent
Enhance community through increased
walkability and the development of
spaces that foster a sense of place.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Option 1: Walk Score® of 50 or higher
Option 2: Connectivity Narrative
Field Verification
None
Requirements
The project must meet one of
the following options:
OPTION 1: Earn a minimum Walk Score® of 50.
OPTION 2: Show that the project will improve
community connectivity and placemaking
by bringing needed services to a community
by writing a Connectivity Narrative.
For option 2, the Connectivity Narrative
must include the following:
̨̨
A list of services that will be provided
to the local community and a narrative
about how those services will enhance the
community or walkability. This is done by
providing services such as shopping facilities,
workspaces (in residential areas), schools,
post offices, libraries, and restaurants.
̨̨
Record the availability of pedestrian facilities,
a comparison of the community with and
without project, and information about
other facilities available in the community
and facilities that the community is lacking.
The narrative should indicate how the
project enhances the local community.
Notes
Walk Score® is an easy to use online tool
to help learn about and determine the
walkability of an area. It brings awareness to
area amenities and helps users understand
how a commercial development adds
value to other nearby developments.
http://www.walkscore.com
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EARTH ADVANTAGE
COMMERCIAL

PLATINUM LEVEL
EARTH ADVANTAGE
COMMERCIAL
Reference Guide v2.0
PLATINUM LEVEL
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Additional Lighting Power Reductions
EN-05a
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Achieve the standards set forth in Energy Policy
Act of 2005 by reducing connected lighting load.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Reduce lighting power density (LPD) to meet the
values listed in Table 3.3.1 in Core Performance.
These LPDs should be calculated based on fixture
efficiency, including lamps and ballasts. For
use types not shown, reduce LPD requirements
of ASHRAE 90.1-2001 by at least 40%.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 3.3: Additional
Lighting Power Reductions.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Luminaire Schedule and Lighting Plans
Other Documentation
Provide code compliance or other documentation
confirming the connected lighting power
density. If pursuing compliance based on the
space-by-space calculation methodology, or
if the building type is not listed in Table 3.3.1
in Core Performance, also include an ASHRAE
baseline to show a minimum 40% reduction.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and selectively
photograph luminaires to visually confirm that they
correspond to the anticipated type and quantity
based on the lighting plan and luminaire schedule.
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Plug Loads/Appliance Efficiency
EN-05b
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce energy use associated with appliances and
equipment installed or located in the building.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Owner
Phase
End of Construction
Requirements
Identify appliance/equipment selection and
control strategies to reduce the energy use of
equipment installed or used in the building.
Purchase and install only appliances/equipment
rated by the ENERGY STAR® program where
applicable. Institute office equipment control
strategies to reduce equipment run times.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 3.4: Plug
Loads and Appliance Efficiency.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Owner
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Provide a list of ENERGY STAR® eligible equipment
installed within the building and indicate that
each selected item is ENERGY STAR® qualified.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
nameplate on ENERGY STAR® appliances.
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Supply Air Temperature Reset (VAV)
EN-05c
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce energy use associated with cooling
systems in supply air temperature reset (VAV)
configurations when zones may require reheating
of central supply air for temperature maintenance.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development
Requirements
Employ a control strategy that resets cooling
supply air temperature in shoulder and cool
weather seasons. To reduce the need for reheat,
employ a demand-based control that uses
the warmest central supply air temperature
setting that will satisfy all zones in cooling.
Measure does not apply to projects
not using VAV-based systems.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 3.5: Supply
Air Temperature Reset (VAV).
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify sequence of operation in the
Project Manual and show location of
equipment on mechanical plans.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
If sequence of operation is not clear in Project
Manual, provide controls submittal.
Field Verification
NONE
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Indirect Evaporative Cooling
EN-05d
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Offset conventional cooling load by implementing
energy efficient indirect evaporative cooling.
Requirements
Incorporate indirect evaporative cooling to precool
outside air prior to conventional cooling.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.6: Indirect Evaporative Cooling.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Show indirect evaporative cooling
system on one-line diagrams.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide sequence of controls to show when
evaporative cooling system will be engaged.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph evaporative cooling equipment.
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Heat Recovery
EN-05e
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Reduce energy use associated with
ventilation requirements by recapturing
waste heat in exhaust airflow.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify heat recovery system on
mechanical schedules and show on
plans. Include system effectiveness.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide cut sheet for ERV unit.
If latent systems are not used due to climatic
factors or space needs, provide a short clarification
as to why they could not be employed.
Requirements
Install an energy recovery ventilation (ERV)
system to divert waste heat into the intake
air. The ERV system must include latent heat
recovery with effectiveness of 70% (such as
would be found on a heat-wheel type system)
or higher unless climate or humidity control
requirements preclude latent recovery. If local
or occupant needs are not well served by latent
systems, install an air-to-air sensible heat recovery
system with a minimum effectiveness of 50%.
Notes
Heat recovery should be considered
under the following circumstances:
̨̨
The building will be operated
under extended hours.
̨̨
The building is located in a cold climate.
̨̨
The building has a high demand for
outdoor air (increased ventilation).
̨̨
The building has high ventilation
requirements driven by occupant density.
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.7: Heat Recovery.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
ERV units and confirm that they correspond to
the anticipated unit based on the design review.
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Night Venting
EN-05f
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Use the building’s intrinsic thermal mass
to reduce peak cooling loads in the cooling
season by circulating nighttime air to precool
the building prior to daily occupancy.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Requirements
Install a building control system capable of
operating ventilation fans in economizer mode on
a scheduled basis in the cooling season. To precool
building mass and reduce peak cooling loads,
set the controls to operate the ventilation fans
to bring in outside air at partial flows for several
hours prior to building occupancy each morning.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.8: Night Venting.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Provide specifications of building control
system and schedule that enables ventilation
fans in the economizer mode to pre-cool
building before morning occupancy.
Specify internal building mass elements utilized
in the night venting process (optional).
Identify required economizer features in plan
HVAC schedule for mechanical contractor
reference and measure verification.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Field Verification
Confirm internal building mass elements. Sequence
operation verified through acceptance testing.
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Premium Economizer Performance
EN-05g
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Increase the savings associated with economizer
systems by adding control and verification
features to the economizer system.
Requirements
Incorporate the features listed in Core Performance
section 3.9: Premium Economizer Performance
when economizers are required/installed.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Section 3.9: Premium
Economizer Performance.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify required economizer features in plan
HVAC schedule for mechanical contractor
reference and measure verification.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide a summary of economizer measures
implemented on the project, ensuring
that all eight required elements have
been incorporated as appropriate.
Provide cut sheet for economizers and identify the
HVAC equipment tag for the associated air handler.
Field Verification
Economizer operation confirmed
via acceptance testing.
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Variable Speed Control
EN-05h
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Promote energy efficiency through
variable control of air and fluid flow.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Individual pumps serving variable flow systems
and VAV fans having a motor horsepower of 5
horsepower or larger shall have controls and/or
devices (such as variable speed control) that will
result in pump or fan motor demand of no more
than 30% of design wattage at 50% of design flow.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.10: Variable Speed Control.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify pumps serving variable flow systems
and VAV fans on mechanical schedules and
list their associated horsepower. Call out VFD
controls for each system over 5 horsepower,
and list VFD equipment manufacturer, model
number, and show location on floor plans.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Provide cut sheet(s) for variable speed controllers.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
VFD units and confirm that they correspond to
the anticipated unit based on the design review.
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Demand-Responsive Buildings (Peak Power Reduction)
EN-05i
Level
Gold/Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Create buildings that help manage utility
grid demand by responding to critical peak
periods (either building peak or system
peak) with equipment and design strategies
able to reduce electrical demand or with
equipment able to replace electricity supply.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Identify equipment that will be shut off or
set to a lower power setting on electrical
drawings, and include demand responsive
controls in drawings and specifications.
–
Electrical Plans, Controls Submittal,
and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Narrative summary of peak power reduction
strategy, and cut sheets for demand responsive
controls or electricity generation equipment.
Requirements
The building must have the ability to automatically
reduce total electrical demand by at least
10% during critical peak power periods. This
will include an interface to the utility capable
of receiving real-time signals to initiate the
peak period response. One or more of the
following strategies should be considered:
̨̨
Reduce mechanical equipment power demand.
̨̨
Reduce lighting equipment power
demand, while maintaining necessary
light levels in critical areas.
̨̨
Create thermal energy storage.
Onsite power generation using nonrenewable
resources is not eligible to meet the
requirements of this measure.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.11: Demand Responsive
Buildings (Peak Power Reduction).
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph demand responsive controls and/
or electricity generation equipment to confirm
that they correspond to the anticipated
equipment based on the design review.
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Platinum Enhanced Performance Strategies
EN-09
Level
Platinum
Target
Save Energy
Intent
Employ cost-effective and proven strategies
for energy efficiency in order to reduce financial
and environmental impacts associated
with excess energy consumption.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Energy Analyst, Architect, and MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer or Energy Analyst
Plan Requirements
For projects pursuing Option 1, identify the 8
Enhanced Performance Strategies attempted, and
provide documentation as listed in the corresponding
sections as listed in the Gold level requirement.
For projects pursuing Option 2, ensure that the
noted energy efficiency measures (EEMs) in
the energy model correspond to the equipment
listed in the construction documents.
Other Documentation
For projects pursing Option 2, provide a narrative
description of the modeling approach, clearly
stating the percentage savings beyond the
baseline as attributed by each EEM. If the
project team is using local code as a baseline,
and the local code has not yet been preapproved
by Earth Advantage Institute as substantially
equivalent, provide a side-by-side comparison
of relevant code requirements compared to
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 to demonstrate equivalence.
Energy modeling files must be
available upon request.
Field Verification
For projects pursuing Option 1, verification
procedures are listed in the corresponding
sections listed under the Gold level requirement.
For projects pursuing Option 2, during final
inspection, observe and photograph HVAC
equipment, lighting, and other listed EEMs to the
extent that they can be seen within the building.
Requirements
Implement prescriptive efficiency requirements OR
demonstrate compliance through energy modeling.
Option 1 – Prescriptive
Comply with Design Process Strategies
and Core Performance Requirements
from the Silver level measure.
AND
Comply with 8 or more of the Enhanced
Performance Strategies in sections 3.3,
3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, and 3.11
in Core Performance Guide developed by
the New Buildings Institute (NBI).
Option 2 – Energy Modeling
Conduct a building energy model against
an ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Appendix G baseline
and demonstrate 32% improvement
beyond the referenced standard.
Projects may use local code as baseline
if equivalence can be demonstrated.
If the project achieves Passive House certification,
compliance is deemed in lieu of an energy model.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core
Performance Guide Sections 3 and 4.
Your Provider Firm can provide estimated energy
use reduction based on building profile.
For projects pursuing Option 1, 8 total Enhanced
Performance Strategies must be implemented,
4 more than is required at the Gold tier.
For projects pursuing Option 2, renewable
energy system annual energy contribution
shall be subtracted from the design case total
so as not to contribute to energy savings
modeled for the project. Renewable energy
systems will contribute to achievement of
additional measures for renewable energy.
For Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code
2010, baseline code has been established.
Other state energy codes must submit for
Measure Interpretation Ruling (MIR) to
establish baseline equivalence. Contact your
Provider Firm for equivalence information.
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Fault Detection and Diagnostics
EN-10
Level
Platinum
Target
Measure & Manage Energy Use
Intent
Provide tools to verify and maintain ongoing
operational performance of roof top HVAC
equipment by monitoring key performance
parameters of this equipment.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Include requirements that all rooftop HVAC
equipment include fault detection and diagnostic
capability to address refrigerant charge, airflow,
economizer operation, and cycling duration.
Note these capabilities and location of
equipment on mechanical schedules.
–
Mechanical Plans, Controls Specification
Other Documentation
System Diagnostic Information Plan
within Energy Management Plan.
Requirements
Incorporate fault detection and diagnostic
capabilities in all manufactured roof top
HVAC equipment to monitor the following
characteristics of this equipment:
̨̨
Refrigerant Charge
̨̨
Airflow
̨̨
Economizer Operation
̨̨
Cycling Duration Information
Create System Diagnostic Information Plan
within the Energy Management Plan developed
in the Gold level requirements. Use this data
to inform ongoing operational practices.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.14: Fault Detection and Diagnostics.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph approved equipment to ensure
that they are installed and operational
at their designated locations.
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Third-Party Commissioning
EN-11
Level
Platinum
Target
System Performance
Intent
Ensure that building systems are operating
in accordance with the design intent.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Commissioning Authority
Phase
Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Commissioning Authority
Plan Requirements
Include commissioning requirements
in specification.
–
Commissioning Specification
Other Documentation
Commissioning Plan
Commissioning Report
Field Verification
None
Requirements
Employ a third-party Commissioning Authority
(CxA) that is independent of the design and
construction management team to provide
commissioning services to the Owner.
The CxA must maintain certification
credentials from the Building Commissioning
Association or an equivalent organization.
The CxA conducts a peer review of the design
development, construction documents,
specifications, and bid submittals. The CxA
reviews the documentation developed to
describe design intent and certifies that the
final design package meets the intent of these
documents. The CxA develops a commissioning
plan for implementation as described in
Core Performance Guide Section 2.14.
The CxA also participates in the operator training.
Notes
For more information, refer to Core Performance
Guide Section 3.13: Additional Commissioning
Strategies and Section 2.14: Construction
Certification (Acceptance Testing).
Commissioning Authority must have current
certification credentials from either the
Building Commissioning Association or an
equivalent organization, or have experience
on at least two other projects of similar
complexity rather than BCxA certification.
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No Potable Water for Irrigation
WA-09
Level
Platinum
Target
Plants
Intent
Eliminate potable water use for landscape irrigation
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect, Architect, MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect
Plan Requirements
If the project is using non-potable sources, show
a connection to them on the plumbing plans.
If the project is installing temporary
irrigation, demonstrate on the plans that
it will be installed above ground.
If the project is not installing irrigation,
it will be confirmed via plan review.
–
Irrigation Plan
Other Documentation
If the project is engaging with a watering service,
provide a copy of the contract to show that no
more than 3 years of watering has been selected.
Requirements
To meet the requirements of this
measure, the project team should choose
one of the following options:
OPTION 1: Utilize only non-potable water for
irrigation. Potential water sources for irrigation use
include stormwater, greywater, or a municipally
supplied source of non-potable water. System must
be designed to meet landscaping watering needs
through use of only these non-potable sources.
OPTION 2: Install no permanent irrigation.
Plants must be selected to ensure survival
during drought and rain-free months of the
year (once established). Temporary irrigation
(up to three years) may be installed to help
plants become established. Temporary systems
need to be installed above ground and in such
a way so that they may be easily removed after
landscape is established. Projects can also
consider entering into an agreement (lasting
no more than three years) with a water truck
company for the needed irrigation period
each year until plants are established.
Turf grass areas at schools and areas
designated for growth of food are exempt.
Notes
For more information on efficient landscape
irrigation design or to locate a WaterSense®
irrigation partner, refer to the EPA
WaterSense® website: http://www.epa.gov/
watersense/meet_our_partners.html
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
non-potable or temporary irrigation system.
Confirm that if an underground system is
installed, it is served by a non-potable source.
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Platinum Stormwater Quality Mitigation
WA-10
Level
Platinum
Target
Stormwater
Intent
Reduce environmental impacts
associated with runoff, including scoured
contaminants, turbidity, and erosion.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Civil Engineer and Landscape Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Civil Engineer, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Civil Site Plan showing stormwater
design, including measures.
In jurisdictions with more rigorous
requirements, a copy of stormwater permit
is sufficient to achieve measure.
–
Civil Site Plan
Other Documentation
For projects with more rigorous local requirements,
provide a summary comparison of the local
requirement against the base measure
requirements to demonstrate equivalency.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph stormwater measures, such
as infiltration basins and bioswales.
Platinum Stormwater Quality Mitigation
Requirements
Apply a single strategy or suite of strategies from
the listed stormwater mitigation strategies in
the Notes section so that at minimum, 90% of
the average annual rainfall from auto-oriented
impervious hardscape area (i.e., parking, driveways)
and 50% of non-auto-oriented hardscape (e.g.,
sidewalks, patios) and roof area is treated. If
local requirements are more rigorous, they
shall take the place of this requirement.
Treatment area for auto-oriented hardscape
= (0.9) x (# sq ft parking/driveway)
Treatment area for non-auto-oriented hardscape
= (0.5) x (# sq ft parking/driveway)
Notes
The following are average annual rainfall
and event rainfall for calculating minimum
recommended stormwater treatment volume:
̨̨
Watershed Type: Humid
Average Annual Rainfall: 40+ inches per year
Amount of Event Rainfall to
Treat: 1 inch (0.083 feet)
̨̨
Watershed Type: Semi-Arid
Average Annual Rainfall: 20 to 40 inches per year
Amount of Event Rainfall to Treat:
0.75 inch (0.0625 feet)
̨̨
Watershed Type: Arid
Average Annual Rainfall:

Acceptable treatment measures can be
found in EPA’s guidelines, “Post Construction
Stormwater Management in New Development
and Redevelopment.” (http:cfpub.epa.gov/
npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.
cfm?action=min_measure&min_measure_id=5)
The information listed above is provided as a
general guideline. Refer to EPA’s guidelines,
local requirements, and other locally relevant
resources for more detailed assistance regarding
your specific project needs and design.
Possible measures include the following:
4. Grassed Swales: These are open-channel,
vegetated management practices specifically
designed to treat and attenuate stormwater
runoff for a specified water quality volume.
Design must include emergency value
for overflow to stormwater sewer.
5. Infiltration Basins: A shallow impoundment
that is designed to infiltrate stormwater into
the soil. Design must include emergency
valve for overflow to stormwater sewer.
6. Infiltration Trenches: A rock-filled trench
that receives stormwater runoff and has no
outlet (except for emergency overflow).
7. Bioretention Areas (Rain Gardens):
Bioretention areas, or rain gardens, are
landscaping features adapted to provide
onsite treatment of stormwater runoff.
8. Sand and Organic Filters: Sand filters are
typically designed as two-chambered stormwater
practices. The first chamber is a settling
chamber and the second is a filter bed filled with
sand or another filtering media. As stormwater
flows into the first chamber, large particles settle
out. The finer particles and other pollutants
are removed as stormwater flows through.
9. Vegetated Filter Strip: vegetated filter strips
(grassed filter strips, filter strips, and grassed
filters) are vegetated surfaces that are
designed to treat sheet flow from adjacent
surfaces. Filter strips are most effective
when combined with another practice.
It is vital (that the designer of the stormwater
treatment system and the building owner be aware
of the ongoing maintenance implications for proper
function of each system type, as well as the need for
combinations of systems for adequate treatment.
Stormwater system design is highly dependent on
the site conditions and priorities for the developer.
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Reduce Urea Formaldehyde Wood Products
HE-06
Level
Platinum
Target
Toxic Reduction
Intent
Reduce human exposure to toxins
from interior materials.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Purchase new urea formaldehyde free wood
products for three of the following categories:
̨̨
Cabinetry
̨̨
Doors
̨̨
Casework
̨̨
Composite wood products
Notes
Several products are now available with
no urea-formaldehyde, and are often
available at little to no cost premium.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Specification calling for application of
urea-formaldehyde-free products.
–
Project Manual
Other Documentation
Product cut sheets showing that selected
products are urea-formaldehyde-free.
Field Verification
During inspection(s), observe and
photograph installation of selected uses
of urea-formaldehyde free products.
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Platinum Environmentally Preferable Materials
MA-07
Level
Platinum
Intent
Environmentally Preferable Materials
Intent
Utilize materials that have a
reduced environmental impact over
standard building practice.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Inclusion of selected materials in project manual.
Other Documentation
List of environmentally preferable materials,
indicating what criteria (local, recycled, salvaged,
or rapidly renewable) are met. List to identify
location in plans/specs where environmental
criteria are identified and location where
material can be observed within the building.
Product literature showing listed attributes.
Field Verification
During the inspection phase when
individual materials will be visible, observe
and photograph installed materials.
Requirements
Develop a Materials Purchasing Plan that considers
areas where environmentally preferable options
can be incorporated into the building. Analyze the
base design and primary materials, identifying
opportunities for the integration or substitution of
environmentally preferable options. Examples may
include reusing onsite crushed asphalt or concrete
for backfill, using locally sourced framing lumber,
or reusing existing interior elements in a remodel.
The approach should then address product
substitutions that are no-cost or low-cost options,
such as recycled content tiles, recycled paints, or
recycled content in concrete. The plan should take
into account showcase items that bring awareness
of sustainable features, such as salvaged
barnwood elements or recycled glass terrazzo.
At a minimum, the final building must
meet one of the following 4 options:
OPTION 1: Select eight local building materials that
are substantial to the project and specify products
that were both sourced and processed within
200 miles or within the state boundary. Projects
should ensure that environmentally preferable
materials are significant elements of the building
and/or showcase sustainable use of materials.
OPTION 2: Select four local and four recycled
content building materials that are substantial
to the project. Implement in such a way that
ensures environmentally preferable materials
are significant elements of the building and/or
showcase sustainable use of materials. Recycled
content products must contain at least 50%
recycled content by weight, either post-consumer
or pre-consumer (post-industrial) content.
OPTION 3: Select four local and four salvaged
materials that are substantial to the project.
Implement in such a way that ensures
environmentally preferable materials are
significant elements of the building and/
or showcase sustainable use of materials.
OPTION 4: Select four local and four rapidly
renewable materials that are substantial to the
project and implemented in such a way that
ensures that environmentally preferable materials
are substantial elements of the building and/
or showcase sustainable use of materials.
Continued →
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Notes
Examples of substantial locally available materials
may include the following: major structural wood
product systems, finished wood products, recycled
products made from locally sourced recycled
materials, cement produced at a local cement plant,
and locally sourced salvage materials. Architect will
need to specify materials to be chosen. Contractor
will need to install materials and record material
data in the project manual. Contractor will need
to provide the Provider Firm with locations of
the installed materials in the project. Architect
should work with the Provider Firm during the High
Performance Building Workshop to define a strategy
for achieving this measure. It is recommended
that projects select several possible products to
ensure that measure requirements can be met
even if a selected material becomes unavailable.
Salvaged materials may be sourced through
a local rebuilding center or other supply of
previously used building materials.
Recycled materials are eligible if the preconsumer
and postconsumer content is at least 50% by
weight. Common recycled content products include
carpet, metals (such as steel and aluminum), glass,
concrete, masonry, acoustic tile, paint, rubber
flooring, walk-off mats, ceramic tile, insulation,
recycled aggregate for backfill and road sub
base, and cement content with incorporated
recycled pozzolans (such as fly ash or slag).
Rapidly renewable materials are eligible if they
have a typical harvest cycle of 10 years or less.
These materials tend to require much less
energy to harvest and manufacture because
they require less land to produce the same
amount of material as long-cycle materials.
Products to consider for this measure include
bamboo flooring, wool carpet, strawboard, cotton
batt insulation, linoleum flooring, poplar OSB,
sunflower seed board, and wheatgrass cabinetry.
188 PLATINUM LEVEL » Platinum Environmentally Preferable Materials Reference Guide v2.0 EARTHADVANTAGE COMMERCIAL

Platinum Construction Waste Management
MA-08
Level
Platinum
Target
Waste Reduction
Intent
Reduce waste and direct materials to
appropriate avenues for reuse and recycling.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Phase
Start of Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Construction Waste Management Plan
For comingled recycling, provide documentation
from recycler about comingled recycling
contract and recovery percentage.
Provide copies of waste hauling tickets/receipts
from waste management companies.
Field Verification
During framing and pre-cover inspection,
observe and photograph construction waste
management practices. Include site separation
dumpsters to show implementation.
Requirements
Create a Construction Waste Management Plan
to inform effective management and reduction
of waste in the construction process. In addition,
the project team must ensure that at least
75% of waste by volume generated on site
during construction is diverted from landfills.
The Construction Waste Management Plan should
follow the template provided by the Provider Firm
and must be developed prior to construction. This
plan will consist of the following components:
1. A Waste Reduction Plan that includes:
a. Material reuse in project; stockpiling soil
b. Pre-engineering materials to reduce cuts;
modular construction; building systems use
c. Reducing replacement of
protective coverings only on
an as needed basis
2. A Recycling Plan that:
a. Identifies local haulers able
to recycle materials
b. Assesses costs for recycling various
material types vs. landfilling materials
3. A Waste Logistics Plan that includes:
a. On-site sorting logistics through
various construction activities
b. Assigning responsible parties
c. Quality assurance process
4. Tracking and Documentation Plan to:
a. Work with local haulers to maintain
documentation for recycled, composted,
and salvaged waste by weight and
waste discarded at landfill
b. Fill out waste management
worksheet to show compliance
Notes
If this measure is met, then Silver and Gold
level requirements are presumed to be met.
Construction Waste Management
Plan Template provided.
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Bicycle Shower and Changing Facilities
LA-08
Level
Platinum
Target
Transport
Intent
Encourage the use of alternative forms of
transportation while raising awareness about
the environmental impacts of automobile use.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Identify bicycle parking within 200
feet of an entrance on site plan.
Identify showers (if included within building).
–
Site Plan, Floor Plan
Other Documentation
Cut sheets for bike racks, showing that they
meet the referenced requirements.
If showers are not included within building, confirm
their location and ensure it is within 100 feet.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
bike parking and showers/changing rooms.
Requirements
To achieve this measure, the project must
meet the following requirements:
1. Provide covered, secure bicycle parking
within 200 feet of the building entrance
for 10% of building occupants (defined
as the peak number of full-time and
part-time employees and students).
2. Provide shower and changing facilities
in the building or within 100 feet (with
reasonable exceptions) of building at a
rate of 1 per 200 building occupants.
Secure bike parking must meet the
requirements as defined by the City of
Madison Bike Rack Requirements.
Notes
At the Silver level, projects are required to include
a minimum number of bicycle parking spaces.
Use the more stringent of the two requirements
since it is not intended to be cumulative.
The City of Madison Bike Rack
Requirements are as follows:
1. Bicycle parking space size, access
aisles, and vertical clearance:
a. Required bicycle parking spaces
shall be at least 2 feet by 6 feet.
b. An access aisle of at least 5 feet shall be
provided in each bicycle parking facility.
c. Such space shall have a vertical
clearance of at least 6 feet.
2. Bicycle rack design:
a. Structures that require a user-supplied
locking device shall be designed to
accommodate U-shaped locking devices.
b. All lockers and racks must be securely
anchored to the ground or the building
structure to prevent the racks and lockers
from being removed from the location.
c. The surfacing of such facilities
shall be designed and maintained
to be mud and dust free.
Continued →
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3. Bicycle rack location on site:
a. Bicycle parking facilities shall be
located in a clearly designated
safe and convenient location.
b. The design and location of such
facility shall be harmonious with
the surrounding environment.
c. The facility location shall be at least
as convenient as the majority of
auto parking spaces provided.
For more information on the City of Madison
Bike Rack Requirements, see http://www.
cityofmadison.com/trafficEngineering/
documents/MadisonBikeParking.pdf
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Enhanced Placemaking
LA-09
Level
Platinum
Target
Connectivity & Place Making
Intent
Enhance community through increased
walkability and the development of
spaces that foster a sense of place.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
OPTION 1: Walk Score® of 68 or higher
OPTION 2: Connectivity Narrative
Field Verification
None
Requirements
In order to satisfy this measure, the project
must meet one of the following options:
OPTION 1: Earn a minimum Walk Score® of 68.
OPTION 2: Show that the project will improve
community connectivity and placemaking
by bringing needed services to a community
by writing a Connectivity Narrative.
For option 2, the Connectivity Narrative
must include the following:
̨̨
A list of services that will be provided
to the local community and a narrative
about how those services will enhance the
community or walkability. This is done by
providing services such as shopping facilities,
workspaces (in residential areas), schools,
post offices, libraries, and restaurants.
̨̨
Record the availability of pedestrian facilities,
a comparison of the community with and
without the project, information about other
facilities available in the community, and
facilities that the community is lacking.
The narrative should indicate how the
project enhances the local community.
Notes
Walk Score® is an easy to use online tool to
help learn about and determine the walkability
of an area. It brings about awareness of
area amenities and helps users understand
how a commercial development adds
value to other nearby developments.
http://www.walkscore.com
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ADDITIONAL MEASURES
EARTH ADVANTAGE
COMMERCIAL
Reference Guide v2
ADDITIONAL MEASURES
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Grid Source Renewable Energy (100%, two years)
EN-12
Level
Additional
Target
Energy Option 1
Intent
Reduce pollution and environmental
damage caused by traditional sources
of grid energy through support of
renewable grid-based energy sources.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Phase
End of construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Renewable energy purchase agreement with utility.
RECs certificate with Green-e
certification information.
Field Verification
None
Requirements
Purchase renewable energy sources or offsets
equal to a minimum 100% of building annual
energy uses (e.g., electricity, gas, heating oil,
district power) for a minimum of two years. To
do this, establish a yearly energy budget from
energy model or use information found in Target
Finder analysis developed during early design.
OPTION 1: Provide 100% of the building’s
energy from renewable sources by
committing to a minimum 2-year agreement
with the utility service provider(s).
OPTION 2: Provide 100% of the building’s
predicted energy use from renewable sources
through the purchase of Green-e certified RECs
(renewable energy credits) corresponding to
a minimum 2-year period. Annual energy use
to be estimated using ENERGY STAR® Target
Finder analysis developed during early design.
Notes
Establish an annual energy budget from the
energy model (if created) or use information
found in Target Finder printout.
Utility-supplied renewable electricity and renewable
energy credits (RECs) qualify if they meet Green-e
criteria. Only Green-e certified RECs are eligible,
although utility-supplied renewable electricity may
be eligible even if it is not certified by Green-e.
For more information, see the Green-e website
at http://www.green-e.org/base/re_products.
Other utility supplied renewable energy sources
(such as non-Green-e electricity and natural gas)
may qualify for full or partial credit. Contact your
Provider Firm to assess these opportunities.
A project may combine strategies, such as grid
purchased renewable electricity combined with
purchased offsets for natural gas usage.
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Phantom & Unintended Load Management Plan
EN-13
Level
Additional
Target
Energy Option 2
Intent
Reduce energy losses due to standby power
mode and appliances accidentally left on.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Owner, Facilities Manager
Phase
Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Owner, Facilities Manager
Plan Requirements
Note devices likely to create phantom loads and
management systems (e.g., switches, time clocks)
and their applicable locations in electrical plans.
–
Electrical Drawings
Other Documentation
Phantom and Unintended Load Management Plan
Requirements
Create a Phantom and Unintended Load
Management Plan designed to reduce loading
resulting from appliances that are left on or
have standby power loads. This plan must
follow the requirements in the Phantom and
Unintended Load Management Plan Template
and include the following elements:
1. Identify potential phantom load sources.
2. Group sources by power needs:
Type A. Need constant power
(e.g., refrigerator, server)
Type B. Do not need constant power and
should be switched off (e.g., coffeemaker,
cash register, desktop computer)
3. Determine areas where each
item might be present.
4. Supply power sources that are easy to
turn off in the areas where Type B may
be present with separate switching for
items that will need constant power.
Notes
Phantom and Unintended Load
Management Plan Template Provided.
Field Verification
During final inspection, verify that phantom
load management devices, fixtures, or
systems are installed and operational. Verify
that they are at designated locations as
specified in drawings and in the Phantom
and Unintended Load Management Plan.
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Solar-Ready Design
EN-14
Level
Additional
Target
Energy Option 3
Intent
Reduce cost and effort for future installations
of onsite renewable energy by considering
infrastructure needs during the design and
construction process of new buildings.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Architect
Phase
Design Development
Requirements
Follow the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL) General Solar Guidelines in
the document, “Solar Ready Buildings Planning
Guide” and identify one or more future system
type that will be appropriate for the building.
For photovoltaic systems, also
implement the Additional Guidelines
for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems.
For solar thermal systems, also
implement the Additional Guidelines
for Solar Thermal (ST) Systems.
Notes
The referenced standard is available at the following
site: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy10osti/46078.pdf.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor, MEP Engineer, Architect
Plan Requirements
Include measures required depending on
the type of future system as described
in the referenced guideline.
–
MEP Plans and Specification
Other Documentation
Provide a narrative to describe how the
building has been designed to be solar
ready. Identify specific strategies as
outlined in the referenced standard.
Field Verification
Refer to the narrative and identify specific
implemented measures. During final inspection,
observe and photograph these measures.
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Onsite Renewable Power 2%
EN-15
Level
Additional
Target
Energy Option 4
Intent
Reduce environmental degradation associated with
grid-supplied electricity by replacing grid-sourced
electricity sources with onsite renewable energy.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Architect
Plan Requirements
Show renewable energy systems on MEP plans
and in project manual, clearly identifying the
total rated capacity. Specifications to include
manufacturer, model number, location, and
installation/construction requirements.
–
Electrical and/or Mechanical Schedules
Other Documentation
Calculation to show the anticipated energy
generation in kBtu per year. Demonstrate that
this generation capacity is a minimum of 2% of
the anticipated buildings annual energy use.
Requirements
Use onsite renewable energy equal to a
minimum of 2% of building’s energy use.
Eligible systems include wind, solar electric,
solar thermal, ground source heat pumps,
micro hydro, biomass or geothermal.
District-based systems may contribute
toward achievement of this measure.
Notes
Annual energy use to be estimated
using ENERGY STAR® Target Finder
analysis or energy modeling results.
District supplied sources of renewable
energy must be specifically allocated to
the project building to be counted.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
the renewable energy system as installed
on site. Verify that the nameplate data for
the equipment corresponds to the make/
model anticipated by the design review.
Have the contractor or engineer demonstrate
that the system is operational.
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Onsite Renewable Power 5%
EN-16
Level
Additional
Target
Energy Option 5
Intent
Reduce environmental degradation associated with
grid-supplied electricity by replacing grid-sourced
electricity sources with onsite renewable energy.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Architect
Plan Requirements
Show renewable energy systems on MEP plans
and in project manual, clearly identifying the
total rated capacity. Specifications to include
manufacturer, model number, location, and
installation/construction requirements.
–
Electrical and/or Mechanical Schedules
Other Documentation
Calculation to show the anticipated energy
generation in kBtu per year. Demonstrate that
this generation capacity is a minimum of 5% of
the anticipated buildings annual energy use.
Requirements
Use onsite renewable energy equal to a
minimum of 5% of building’s energy use.
Eligible systems include wind, solar electric,
solar thermal, ground source heat pumps,
micro hydro, biomass or geothermal.
District-based systems may contribute
toward achievement of this measure.
Notes
Annual energy use to be estimated
using ENERGY STAR® Target Finder
analysis or energy modeling results.
District supplied sources of renewable
energy must be specifically allocated to
the project building to be counted.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
the renewable energy system as installed
on site. Verify that the nameplate data for
the equipment corresponds to the make/
model anticipated by the design review.
Have the contractor or engineer demonstrate
that the system is operational.
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Onsite Renewable Power 10%
EN-17
Level
Additional
Target
Energy Option 6
Intent
Reduce environmental degradation associated with
grid-supplied electricity by replacing grid-sourced
electricity sources with onsite renewable energy.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Architect
Plan Requirements
Show renewable energy systems on MEP plans
and in project manual, clearly identifying the
total rated capacity. Specifications to include
manufacturer, model number, location, and
installation/construction requirements.
–
Electrical and/or Mechanical Schedules
Other Documentation
Calculation to show the anticipated energy
generation in kBtu per year. Demonstrate that
this generation capacity is a minimum of 10% of
the anticipated buildings annual energy use.
Requirements
Use onsite renewable energy equal to a
minimum of 10% of building’s energy use.
Eligible systems include wind, solar electric,
solar thermal, ground source heat pumps,
micro hydro, biomass or geothermal.
District-based systems may contribute
toward achievement of this measure.
Notes
Annual energy use to be estimated
using ENERGY STAR® Target Finder
analysis or energy modeling results.
District supplied sources of renewable
energy must be specifically allocated to
the project building to be counted.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
the renewable energy system as installed
on site. Verify that the nameplate data for
the equipment corresponds to the make/
model anticipated by the design review.
Have the contractor or engineer demonstrate
that the system is operational.
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Post-Occupancy Optimization Workshop
EN-18
Level
Additional
Target
Energy Option 7
Intent
Optimize building operation using
operational data to reduce energy use.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Phase
Post Occupancy
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Facilitator
Plan Requirements
None - N/A
Other Documentation
Contract for facilitation services related to the
Post-Occupancy Optimization Workshop.
Field Verification
None
Requirements
Complete an Energy Management Plan and
implement a Measurement and Monitoring Plan
as described in the Gold level Energy category.
To meet the requirements of this measure,
the Owner must commit to hold a building
optimization workshop within three months of
having a full year’s worth of energy usage data.
Meeting attendees must include the Owner,
Tenant, Architect, Mechanical Engineer,
Electrical Engineer and/or Lighting Designer,
General Contractor, Energy Analyst (if
applicable), EAC Provider Firm and Facilitator
(if different from the parties listed above).
In addition, the meeting outcomes must be
documented in meeting minutes using the
Post-Occupancy Optimization Workshop
Template and must include the following:
1. Review of the building’s energy use data as
collected through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio
Manager and comparison to the ENERGY
STAR® Target Finder estimates developed
during design. If the project included an energy
model, refer to these estimates as well.
2. Revisit the Energy Management Plan and
review each of the developed policies with
the Owner and Tenant to determine if they
have been effectively implemented.
3. Identify the zEPI score for the project,
and consider how the building compares
to others within this framework.
4. Prepare a plan of corrective action if the
results from the energy comparisons or
adherence to the energy management policies
deviate significantly from the anticipated
results. Corrective actions might include
refinement of the energy management
policies with input from the Tenant,
reconsideration of the baseline assumptions
entered into ENERGY STAR® Portfolio
Manager, or recommendation for the Owner
to consider building recommissioning.
Notes
Post-Occupancy Optimization
Workshop Template provided.
Additional information on the Zero Energy
Performance Index (zEPI) can be found here: http://
www.comnet.org/mgp/content/53-calculatingzero-energy-performance-index-zepi?purpose=0
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Greywater Reuse
WA-11
Level
Additional
Target
Water Option 1
Intent
Reduce demand for potable water,
reduce energy use for water treatment
and decrease overall water use.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Civil Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Civil Engineer
Plan Requirements
Construction documents showing
implementation of Greywater Reuse Plan.
–
Plumbing Drawings
Other Documentation
Greywater Reuse Plan
Field Verification
During pre-cover inspection, observe and
photograph greywater piping and any other
visible elements of the greywater reuse system.
Requirements
Create a Greywater Reuse Plan whereby greywater
generated by bathroom sinks, baths, and
showers (where applicable) is reused in flushing
fixtures and/or landscape irrigation. To meet
the requirements of this measure, at least 50%
of available on-site-generated greywater supply
must be reused for irrigation or flushing. Work
with code officials to ensure that all local and state
rules are followed before designing the system.
In cases where use of greywater for irrigation
and flushing is restricted, project is exempt
from meeting this demand with greywater.
Projects that meet all flushing and irrigation
needs with greywater comply, even if the
demand does not exceed 50% of the supply.
Notes
The Greywater Reuse Plan should
include the following:
1. Determine the average daily amount of
greywater generated for each of the 12
months of the year. This number should
include water from bathroom sinks, showers,
and process water (where applicable).
Remember to adjust for seasonal changes
in greywater if relevant (for example, in
schools). This number equals the supply.
2. Determine the average daily demand for flushing
volume for each of the 12 months of the year.
This number must consider reduced volumes
that are needed due to low flushing fixtures
and seasonal variations as explained above.
This number equals the flushing demand.
3. Determine the average daily landscape irrigation
requirements for each of the 12 months of the
year. This number equals the irrigation demand.
4. Determine the most suitable use of greywater
flushing, irrigation, or both. Remember
that local jurisdictions may have rules
about how and where greywater can be
used. Design should keep in mind how
greywater shortfalls will be dealt with.
5. Design system accordingly, showing how at
least 50% of annual greywater supply (up
to 100% of irrigation and flushing demand)
will be used and how make-up supply will be
used to supplement greywater system.
A combination of greywater reuse and rainwater
harvesting can be used to meet the 50% threshold.
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Rainwater Harvesting
WA-12
Level
Additional
Target
Water Option 2
Intent
Reduce demand for potable water,
reduce energy use for water treatment
and decrease overall water use.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Civil Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Civil Engineer
Plan Requirements
Construction documents showing
implementation of Rainwater Harvesting Plan.
–
Plumbing Drawings
Other Documentation
Rainwater Harvesting Plan
Field Verification
During pre-cover inspection, observe and
photograph rainwater piping and any other visible
elements of the rainwater harvesting system.
Requirements
Create a Rainwater Harvesting Plan whereby
captured rainwater is reused in flushing
fixtures and/or landscape irrigation. To meet
the requirements of this measure, capture and
reuse rainwater equal to at least 50% of the
roof runoff. Work with code officials to ensure
that all local and state rules are followed
before designing the system. In cases where
use of rainwater for irrigation and flushing
is restricted, or where rainwater cannot be
captured due to water rights belonging to
someone other than the property owner, project
is exempt from rainwater reuse requirements.
Projects that meet all flushing and/or irrigation
needs for vegetated areas greater than 750 sq
ft with rainwater comply, even if the demand
does not exceed 50% of the roof runoff.
Notes
The Rainwater Harvesting Plan must show
the quantity of available roof runoff during a
typical year, and confirm how at least 50% of
this volume will be collected and used by the
building. A common strategy includes storage
of water in an appropriately sized covered tank
so that the supply can be recharged during the
wetter months for use during the dry season
when irrigation demand is at its peak.
Roof runoff, while often suitable for flushing fixtures,
irrigation, clothes washing, and other uses where
water does not need to be potable, is often not
immediately suitable for human consumption
due to contaminant buildup on a building’s roof.
Projects which use a combination of rainwater
harvesting and greywater reuse to satisfy nonpotable
water needs should refer to the Greywater
Reuse Additional measure for a compliance
path using a combination of strategies.
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Radon Mitigation Design Guidelines
HE-07
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 1
Intent
Limit the risk of radon where it is
known to pose a potential risk.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Owner
Phase
Schematic Design
Requirements
Assess radon risk for the area where you will be
building and create a Radon Action Plan following
the EPA publication “Managing Radon in Schools.”
Notes
EPA’s Managing Radon in Schools can
be found at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/
schools/managing_radon.html
To assess local risk, refer to EPA map of radon zones:
http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html
For projects in low-risk radon areas,
implementation of radon prevention is
still recommended and can be useful.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Provide a copy of the Radon Action Plan, listing
specific strategies to mitigate and control risk.
Field Verification
None
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User Awareness: Environmental Features of Building
HE-08
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 2
Intent
Use the building and site as a learning resource
for increasing environmental awareness.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
End of Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Owner
Plan Requirements
Identify location of educational signage
in Construction Documents.
–
Project Manual and Architectural Details
Requirements
Install informative on-site descriptions to
highlight the building’s green features, increase
awareness of important site features, and
promote efficient use of building-related
resources such as energy and water.
In order to qualify for this measure,
at least four features must have a
permanent system for highlighting.
Notes
Examples include the following:
̨̨
Feedback displays showing the current
energy use profile in the building.
̨̨
Information about rain gardens posted
by the project’s rain garden.
̨̨
Informative plaques near windows that
discuss the benefits of daylighting.
̨ ̨ Information about carpooling
posted near parking areas.
Other Documentation
If signage is not installed during the
final inspection, provide photographs
showing installed signage.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph educational signage, ensuring
that at least four features are highlighted.
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Occupant Thermal Control
HE-09
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 3
Intent
Create a healthy and comfortable environment that
meets the thermal comfort needs of occupants.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect and MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Install individual thermostats in meeting rooms
and classrooms so that occupants are able
to control the temperature in the rooms.
Notes
The ability for occupants to control their thermal
environment through the use of adjustable
thermostats and/or operable windows can
significantly increase the range of their
comfort. Comfort concerns can represent a
significant percentage of occupant complaints.
Empowering occupants to make direct changes
to the temperature in a space can reduce these
complaints and yield operational cost savings.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Plans must identify all meeting rooms and
classrooms and show thermostat control for each.
–
Mechanical Floor Plan
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
thermostats in classrooms and meeting rooms.
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Sustainable Housekeeping
HE-10
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 4
Intent
Reduce impact to building occupants from
cleaning supplies that contain toxics or irritants.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Facilities Manager
Phase
End of Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Facilities Manager
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Sustainable Cleaning Product Purchasing Policy
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
cleaning products. Ensure that photos show either
Green Seal or EcoLogo® certification marking.
Requirements
Create a Sustainable Cleaning Product Purchasing
Policy that requires Green Seal certification (under
GS Standard-37) and/or EcoLogo® certification for
all possible cleaning product types. In the absence
of certification availability (where a product is not
covered by either Green Seal or EcoLogo®), product
will be chosen to achieve a lesser environmental
impact than other comparable options. At a
minimum, the plan must address the following:
1. Specifications for the following cleaners:
a. All-purpose cleaners
b. Bathroom cleaners
c. Bathroom disinfectants
d. Carpet cleaners
e. Chrome cleaners/polish
f. Floor finishes
g. Floor strippers
h. Furniture polish
i. General degreasers
j. General disinfectants
k. Glass cleaners
2. Disposable paper products and plastic bags
(must preference recycled content products)
3. Product supplier specifications
4. Other products to consider, depending
on the space needs, may include:
a. Graffiti remover
b. Gum remover
c. Lime and scale remover
d. Solvent spot removers
e. Urinal deodorizers
f. Wood floor finishes
Notes
Green Seal Standard-37 can be found at http://www.
greenseal.org/Portals/0/Documents/Standards/
GS-37/GS-37_Cleaning_Products_for_Industrial_
and_Institutional_Use_Standard_Sixth_Edition.pdf
EcoLogo®-certified cleaning and janitorial
products can be found here: http://ecologo.org/
en/seeourcriteria/category.asp?category_id=21
Sustainable Cleaning Product Purchasing
Policy Template provided.
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Occupant Comfort Verification and
Corrective Action Plan
HE-11
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 5
Intent
Implement an occupant feedback loop to
allow building owners (and possibly designers)
to understand the building’s ability to meet
occupant physical comfort needs.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Owner, Facilities Manager
Phase
End of Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Facilities Manager
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Thermal Comfort Survey
Plan for administration of Thermal Comfort
Survey and details of how corrective actions
will be initiated if results show more than
20% of occupants are dissatisfied.
Requirements
Administer a Thermal Comfort Survey of building
occupants 12-18 months after occupancy using
the survey model found in ASHRAE 55.
Develop a plan for corrective action if the survey
results indicate that more than 20% of occupants
are dissatisfied with their thermal comfort.
Notes
Refer to ASHRAE 55-2010 guidelines for writing
the thermal comfort portion of the survey. The
Occupant Comfort Corrective Action Plan can
tie into commissioning, acceptance testing, or
contractor warranty period to reduce risk and costs.
Thermal Comfort Survey Template and Occupant
Comfort Corrective Action Plan Template Provided.
Projects are required to submit the results of
the occupant Thermal Comfort Survey to Earth
Advantage Institute for program data tracking.
Field Verification
None
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Entryway Systems
HE-12
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 6
Intent
Reduce the entry of contaminants such as
dirt into building space from outside.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Design Development
Requirements
Incorporate entryway systems, at least six feet
long in the direction of travel, at all primary
entrances (any main and regularly used entrance).
Systems can be permanently installed
or roll-up mat systems.
Notes
Roll-up mat systems must be serviced
at least twice per week.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Identify walk-off systems on floor plan.
–
Floor Plan
Other Documentation
For projects using roll-up mat systems, provide
information regarding ongoing maintenance.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph walk-off systems at all
major entry points to the building.
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No Carpet
HE-13
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 7
Intent
Minimize indoor air pollutant issues arising
from permanent carpet installations that trap
pollutants and contaminate indoor air.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Requirements
To meet the requirements of this measure,
projects must not install any carpet in the
building. If projects are core and shell only,
building owner must restrict tenants from
installing carpets in their tenant space.
Notes
For more information about the issues
surrounding carpet, see the following:
http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/
article.cfm/1994/11/1/Carpeting-Indoor-
Air-Quality-and-the-Environment/
http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/
home/resources/carpets.html
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Show non-carpet flooring systems in all locations.
–
Room Finish Schedule
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph hard flooring.
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Access to Operable Windows
HE-14
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 8
Intent
Increase occupant comfort and
allow access to fresh air.
Requirements
Provide an operable window within 30 feet for at
least 50% of fixed workstations and student desks.
Notes
For areas with unknown furniture layout,
provide a plausible layout to show that
50% of workstations and desks will likely be
within 30 feet of an operable window.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect and MEP Engineer
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Identify locations of workstations
and desks on floor plan.
–
Floor Plan and Window Schedule
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and
photograph operable windows to confirm
that the location and quantities are as
anticipated based on the design review.
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Low-Emitting Furniture
HE-15
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 9
Intent
Reduce human exposure to toxins from furniture.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect and/or Owner
Phase
Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Plan Requirements
Identify location and type of furniture
systems on Furnishings Plan and specify
compliance in the Project Manual
–
Furnishings Plan and Project Manual
Other Documentation
Summary of total new furniture costs, and
costs for GREENGUARD certified furniture.
Cut sheets for furniture or other verification
that furniture meets criteria.
If project will use a lease agreement to
meet criteria, provide an excerpt from the
lease that states the requirement.
Requirements
Develop a Furnishing Plan demonstrating that
75% of new furniture by cost is GREENGUARD
Indoor Air Quality Certified (products that
show as PROVISIONAL under certification
status are acceptable) for furnishings. School
projects must meet the requirements for
certification under the GREENGUARD Children
and Schools Certification Standard.
For projects that will have furniture provided by
the tenants, compliance can be achieved if the
lease requires tenant to meet the 75% threshold.
Notes
For more information or to find products, please see
http://www.greenguard.org/en/index.aspx?tabid=12
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
furniture systems and visually confirm that they
correspond to the qualified furniture as anticipated.
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Occupant Lighting Control
HE-16
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 10
Intent
Increase occupant visual comfort and capacity
to control lighting levels as needed.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Provide individual lighting controls for at least
90% of office workstations and provide multilevel
lighting controls for 100% of multi-occupant
spaces (e.g., conference rooms). This can include
task lighting on each desk in open office areas.
Notes
If the project fit-out is not complete at the
end of construction but the team is able to
restrict lease(s) so that this requirement can
be met, then measure can be achieved.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Floor plans showing workstation
location and lighting controls.
Floor plans showing multi-occupant
spaces and lighting controls.
–
Lighting Plans
Other Documentation
If project team will use lease agreement to meet
criteria, provide a copy of lease language.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
lighting controls. For a select percentage, initiate
lighting control response to check functionality.
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Acoustic Performance
HE-17
Level
Additional
Target
Health Option 11
Intent
Increase occupant auditory comfort.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Sections must show assembly
components corresponding with the STC
calculations for walls between separate
uses and between occupied floors.
–
Architectural Sections
Other Documentation
Provide assembly STC values for walls
and floor/ceiling construction.
Requirements
Install wall assemblies between separate
units and separate uses that meet a minimum
Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 42.
In multistory buildings, ceiling/floor assemblies
between occupied areas must meet an STC of 42.
Notes
An STC rating of 42 is typically sufficient to
block sounds of loud speech. Actual acoustic
performance is dependent on isolation, as well
as proper installation and sealing of materials.
In school projects, code may require
more stringent STC ratings.
For more information and sample STC
ratings of particular assembly types, see
http://www.stcratings.com and http://
www.acoustics.com/stc.asp
Field Verification
During framing and pre-cover inspections,
observe and photograph wall assemblies
and ceiling/floor assemblies to confirm they
are as explained in the STC calculations.
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Maintain Existing Structures: 70%
MA-09
Level
Additional
Target
Materials Option 1
Intent
Reduce the demand for virgin materials by
renovating buildings to extend their useful lives.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Identify structural elements to be retained in
the demolition or previous condition plans.
–
Existing Condition Floor Plan and Demolition Plan
Other Documentation
Calculation showing percentage
of building retained.
For building elements that were removed
and exempted, provide justification as
to why they could not be retained.
Requirements
Plan renovation so that 70% (by area) of structural
walls, floor, and roof are retained from the existing
building. Structures that must be removed for
contamination/remediation or seismic reasons
will not be included in the calculation.
Establish the total square footage of structural
walls, roofing, and floors in an existing building
(excluding the total square footage of areas
that must be removed due to contamination,
remediation or seismic issues). The result is the
area of structural elements considered. Calculate
the cumulative area of maintained structural
walls, floor, and roof. Divide this number by the
area of structural elements considered. If this
number exceeds 70%, this measure is achieved.
Notes
Project must be a major renovation to be eligible
for this measure. New buildings projects do not
apply. In major renovations, early assessment
of what can be maintained, what must be
remediated, and what must be changed should
take into account existing structural elements.
For marketing and case study purposes, before
and after photos are suggested for projects that
will substantially maintain structural elements.
Field Verification
During framing inspection, observe and
photograph existing building structure and
visually confirm that it corresponds to the plan.
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Maintain Existing Structures: 85%
MA-10
Level
Additional
Target
Materials Option 2
Intent
Reduce the demand for virgin materials by
renovating buildings to extend their useful lives.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Identify structural elements to be retained in
the demolition or previous condition plans.
–
Existing Condition Floor Plan and Demolition Plan
Other Documentation
Calculation showing percentage
of building retained.
For building elements that were removed
and exempted, provide justification as
to why they could not be retained.
Requirements
Plan renovation so that 85% (by area) of structural
walls, floor, and roof are retained from the existing
building. Structures that must be removed for
contamination/remediation or seismic reasons
will not be included in the calculation.
Establish the total square footage of structural
walls, roofing, and floors in an existing building
(excluding the total square footage of areas
that must be removed due to contamination,
remediation or seismic issues). The result is the
area of structural elements considered. Calculate
the cumulative area of maintained structural
walls, floor, and roof. Divide this number by the
area of structural elements considered. If this
number exceeds 85%, this measure is achieved.
Notes
Project must be a major renovation to be eligible
for this measure. New buildings projects do not
apply. In major renovations, early assessment
of what can be maintained, what must be
remediated, and what must be changed should
take into account existing structural elements.
For marketing and case study purposes, before
and after photos are suggested for projects that
will substantially maintain structural elements.
Field Verification
During framing inspection, observe and
photograph existing building structure and
visually confirm it corresponds to the plan.
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Preferable or No Refrigerants
MA-11
Level
Additional
Target
Materials Option 3
Intent
Reduce global climate change and ozone depletion
potential associated with refrigerant leakage.
Requirements
Mechanical systems must not use any
CFC or HCFC refrigerants and all fire
suppression systems must be halon free.
Notes
Projects without refrigerant-containing
mechanical equipment and no halon-based
fire suppression will achieve this measure.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Phase
Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
List the refrigerant types in mechanical schedules.
For projects with chemical-based fire
suppression systems, identify the
chemical in the Project Manual.
–
Mechanical Plans and Project Manual
Other Documentation
If refrigerant type is not listed in mechanical
schedules, provide cut sheets for air conditioning
and refrigeration equipment to demonstrate
that no CFCs or HCFCs are included.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
HVAC equipment and fire suppression systems.
Water-based fire suppression systems (either
dry pipe or wet pipe) do not contain halons.
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Sustainable Timber: 35%
MA-12
Level
Additional
Target
Materials Option 4
Intent
Encourage environmentally
responsible forest management.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
Include requirements for local sourcing and/
or certification in the Project Manual.
–
Project Manual
Other Documentation
Wood Purchasing Policy
Signed Wood Calculation Worksheet listing
total cost of non-exempt lumber, total cost of
FSC wood (both local and non-local sources),
total cost of non-FSC local sources, and total
cost of FSC+Local program certified wood.
Field Verification
Observe and photograph sustainable wood
products as installed during inspection(s).
It is not anticipated that photographs show
the certification status of the wood.
Requirements
Create a Wood Purchasing Policy that follows the
requirements as stated below. The team must also
meet the threshold of 35% of non-excluded wood
products by cost from a sustainable lumber source.
This Policy will have three main components:
1. Identify wood materials and approximate
quantities needed early in the design process.
2. Work with suppliers to gauge the
availability of needed products using
the following hierarchy for wood:
a. Best: FSC Certified + Local program
such as HFHC Certified Wood. Defined
as HFHC Partners who are members of
the HFHC group FSC Chain of Custody.
b. Best: FSC Certified + Local. Defined as local
FSC timber sources (i.e., within the same
state as the project or within 200 miles).
c. Better: FSC Certified Non-local. Defined
as FSC wood harvested out of state and
not within 200 miles of the project.
d. Good: Local wood products. Defined as
wood that is grown, harvested and milled
within the same state as the project
or within 200 miles of the project.
3. Include a Purchasing Plan to outline lowcost/no-cost
items and availability of
specific lumber products. Determine a
path for purchasing sustainable lumber.
To meet the requirements of this measure,
the project must achieve a threshold of at
least 35% (by cost) of its relevant woodbased
products. “Best” wood products (types
A and B) contribute their full value. “Better”
products (type C) contribute at 75%. “Good”
products (type D) contribute at 50%.
Relevant wood-based products are all wood
products that are permanently installed on site,
excluding trusses, I-joists (i.e., closed wood-web,
manufactured laminated veneer lumber [LVL] and
commercial I-joists), and open-web floor trusses.
Calculations will require total cost of lumber,
total cost of FSC wood (both local and non-local
sources), total cost of non-FSC local sources, and
total cost of FSC+Local program certified wood.
Continued →
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Notes
Regional programs, such as Healthy Forests
Healthy Communities (HFHC) certification in
the northwest United States, when coupled
with FSC Certification (FSC+HFHC), may provide
an even higher level of sustainability. Similar
programs may not be available in all areas.
Refer to http://www.sustainablenorthwest.org/
programs/forests/hfhc for more information
on the HFHC program. Your Provider Firm can
assess other local programs for compliance.
Wood products qualifying at the Best tier may
also contribute towards achievement of the
Environmentally Preferable Materials measure.
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Sustainable Timber: 70%
MA-13
Level
Additional
Target
Materials Option-5
Intent
Encourage environmentally
responsible forest management.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
Include requirements for local sourcing and/
or certification in the Project Manual.
–
Project Manual
Other Documentation
Wood Purchasing Policy
Signed Wood Calculation Worksheet listing the
total cost of non-exempt lumber, total cost of
FSC wood (both local and non-local sources),
total cost of non-FSC local sources, and total
cost of FSC+Local program certified wood.
Field Verification
Observe and photograph sustainable wood
products as installed during inspection(s).
It is not anticipated that photographs show
the certification status of the wood.
Requirements
Create a Wood Purchasing Policy that follows the
requirements as stated below. The team must also
meet the threshold of 70% of non-excluded wood
products by cost from a sustainable lumber source.
This policy will have three main components:
1. Identify wood materials and approximate
quantities needed early in the design process.
2. Work with suppliers to gauge the
availability of needed products using
the following hierarchy for wood:
a. Best: FSC Certified + Local program such as
HFHC Certified Wood. Defined as
HFHC Partners who are members of the
HFHC group FSC Chain of Custody.
b. Best: FSC Certified + Local. Defined as local
FSC timber sources (i.e., within the same
state as the project or within 200 miles).
c. Better: FSC Certified Non-local. Defined
as FSC wood harvested out of state and
not within 200 miles of the project.
d. Good: Local wood products. Defined as
wood that is grown, harvested and milled
within the same state as the project
or within 200 miles of the project.
3. Include a Purchasing Plan to outline lowcost/no-cost
items and availability of
specific lumber products. Determine a
path for purchasing sustainable lumber.
To meet the requirements of this measure,
the project must achieve a threshold of at
least 70% (by cost) of its relevant woodbased
products. “Best” wood products (types
A and B) contribute their full value. “Better”
products (type C) contribute at 75%. “Good”
products (type D) contribute at 50%.
Relevant wood-based products are all wood
products that are permanently installed on site,
excluding trusses, I-joists (i.e., closed wood-web,
manufactured laminated veneer lumber [LVL] and
commercial I-joists), and open-web floor trusses.
Calculations will require total cost of lumber,
total cost of FSC wood (both local and non-local
sources), total cost of non-FSC local sources, and
total cost of FSC+Local program certified wood.
Continued →
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Notes
Regional programs, such as Healthy Forests
Healthy Communities (HFHC) certification
in the NW United States, when coupled with
FSC Certification (FSC+HFHC) may provide
an even higher level of sustainability. Similar
programs may not be available in all areas.
Refer to http://www.sustainablenorthwest.org/
programs/forests/hfhc for more information
on the HFHC program. Your Provider Firm can
assess other local programs for compliance.
Wood products qualifying at the Best tier may
also contribute towards achievement of the
Environmentally Preferable Materials measure.
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Sustainable Timber: 85%
MA-14
Level
Additional
Target
Materials Option 6
Intent
Encourage environmentally
responsible forest management.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
Include requirements for local sourcing and/
or certification in the Project Manual.
–
Project Manual
Other Documentation
Wood Purchasing Policy
Signed wood calculation worksheet listing the
total cost of non-exempt lumber, total cost of
FSC wood (both local and non-local sources),
total cost of non-FSC local sources, and total
cost of FSC+Local program certified wood.
Field Verification
Observe and photograph sustainable wood
products as installed during inspection(s).
It is not anticipated that photographs show
the certification status of the wood.
Requirements
Create a Wood Purchasing Policy that follows the
requirements as stated below. The team must also
meet the threshold of 85% of non-excluded wood
products by cost from a sustainable lumber source.
This policy will have three main components:
1. Identify wood materials and approximate
quantities needed early in the design process.
2. Work with suppliers to gauge the
availability of needed products using
the following hierarchy for wood:
a. Best: FSC + Local program such as
HFHC Certified Wood. Defined as
HFHC Partners who are members of the
HFHC group FSC Chain of Custody.
b. Best: FSC + Local. Defined as local FSC
timber sources (i.e., within the same state
as the project or within 200 miles).
c. Better: FSC Certified Non-local. Defined
as FSC wood harvested out of state and
not within 200 miles of the project.
d. Good: Local wood products. Defined as
wood that is grown, harvested and milled
within the same state as the project
or within 200 miles of the project.
3. Include a Purchasing Plan to outline lowcost/no-cost
items and availability of
specific lumber products. Determine a
path for purchasing sustainable lumber.
To meet the requirements of this measure,
the project must achieve a threshold of at
least 35% (by cost) of its relevant woodbased
products. “Best” wood products (types
A and B) contribute their full value. “Better”
products (type C) contribute at 75%. “Good”
products (type D) contribute at 50%.
Relevant wood-based products are all wood-based
products that are permanently installed on site,
excluding trusses, I-joists (i.e., closed wood-web,
manufactured laminated veneer lumber [LVL] and
commercial I-joists), and open-web floor trusses.
Calculations will require total cost of lumber,
total cost of FSC wood (both local and non-local
sources), total cost of non-FSC local sources, and
total cost of FSC+Local program certified wood.
Continued →
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Notes
Regional programs, such as Healthy Forests
Healthy Communities (HFHC) certification
in the NW United States, when coupled with
FSC Certification (FSC+HFHC) may provide
an even higher level of sustainability. Similar
programs may not be available in all areas.
Refer to http://www.sustainablenorthwest.org/
programs/forests/hfhc for more information
on the HFHC program. Your Provider Firm can
assess other local programs for compliance.
Wood products qualifying at the Best tier may
also contribute towards achievement of the
Environmentally Preferable Materials measure.
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Organic Waste Collection or Compost Facilities
MA-15
Level
Additional
Target
Materials Option 7
Intent
Reduce volume of landfilled
compostable organic waste.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner, Architect
Plan Requirements
For both Option 1 and 2, identify location where
the compost will be collected on plans.
For Option 1, show the location of
onsite composting system.
–
Floor Plan, Site Plan
Other Documentation
For both Option 1 and 2, provide a copy
of the organic composting policy.
For Option 2, provide a copy of the agreement with
local composting hauler of local composting facility.
Requirements
Choose one of the following two options:
OPTION 1: Install on site organic composting
system and create policies and procedures
to guide its ongoing implementation.
OPTION 2: Enter into an agreement with a local
compost hauler or local composting facility
stating that all the organic waste produced
onsite will be composted and utilized offsite.
Create policies and procedures to guide
this option’s ongoing implementation.
For either option, compost must include both
food waste and yard trimmings generated by the
building’s users and operation. A composting
policy to manage the implementation shall
be created to ensure the proper maintenance
and functionality of the composting system.
The composting policy must specify how the
compost will be managed on site, including
collection, storage, and maintenance. If compost
will be hauled off site, specify the ways in
which it can be hauled and utilized off site.
Notes
For off site composting resources, check with local
resources or refer to http://www.findacomposter.com
Field Verification
For both Option 1 and 2, observe and photograph
compost collection area during final inspection.
For Option 1, observe and photograph the
composting system during final inspection.
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Vinyl Reduction Plan
MA-16
Level
Additional
Target
Materials Option 8
Intent
Reduce negative environmental impacts
associated with vinyl production.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Construction Documents
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Include specification language requiring
use of non-vinyl alternatives.
–
Specification
Other Documentation
Vinyl Reduction Plan
Field Verification
During field inspection(s), observe and photograph
vinyl alternatives as listed in Vinyl Reduction Plan.
Requirements
Implement a Vinyl Reduction Plan that
outlines the ways in which the amount of
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated
polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) installed on site will
be reduced or eliminated. The Vinyl Reduction
Plan should adhere to the following format:
1. Identify areas where PVC may be installed
in the building. This list may include siding,
flooring, gutters, windows, roofing membrane,
plumbing, and electrical conduit.
2. Identify potential alternatives
that do not contain PVC.
3. Include specification language to require
select non-vinyl alternatives.
4. For each application where vinyl is selected,
write a short narrative explaining why
alternatives were not a possibility for
the project. The following areas must
be addressed: roofing, siding, flooring,
wall covering, and plumbing.
Resulting project must meaningfully avoid
PVC and CPVC to achieve this measure.
Notes
See http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc/
PVCFreeAlts.html for ideas on existing
alternatives. Avoid using PVC-based
systems in all systems where possible.
Vinyl Reduction Plan Template provided.
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Enhanced Site Ecology
LA-10
Level
Additional
Target
Land Option 1
Intent
Avoid and reverse environmental
degradation associated with construction
activities, building on inappropriate sites,
and/or disturbing natural systems.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Ecologist, Landscape Architect
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect, Architect, Contractor
Plan Requirements
Inclusion of Ecologist’s report recommendations.
–
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan,
Final Planting Sheet and Details
Other Documentation
Enhanced Site Ecology Plan, Ecologist’s report
Narrative from design team to show how
Ecologist’s recommendations were incorporated
into project design and construction.
Requirements
Create an Enhanced Site Ecology Plan to encourage
biodiversity and to preserve and restore native
wildlife habitat. Project must employ an ESAcertified
ecologist to conduct a site survey on
enhancing and protecting the ecological value of
the site, including identification of key species
both on site and in the surrounding ecosystem.
The Ecologist will utilize the survey to create a
targeted approach to habitat restoration and site
ecology, including site-specific recommendations.
The design team will utilize the Ecologist’s
suggestions to increase site biodiversity
through encouragement of native pollinators,
preservation of natural vegetation, removal
of invasive species, and protection of trees.
Notes
To search for ESA-certified ecologists by state, go
to www.esa.org/careers_certification/directory/
Field Verification
Review design team narrative and
identify measures that can be
observed during final inspection.
Observe and photograph implemented measures.
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Heat Island: Roofs
LA-11
Level
Additional
Target
Land Option 2
Intent
Minimize the heat gradient created by nonreflective
and hardscape surfaces in the
development to reduce impacts to wildlife
and improve energy performance.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Choose from the following two options:
OPTION 1: Roofing material must
meet the ENERGY STAR® Reflective
Roof Product requirements.
OPTION 2: Employ a vegetated roof for
at least 50% of the total roof area.
Notes
The complete ENERGY STAR® product criteria
can be found at http://www.energystar.gov/
index.cfm?c=roof_prods.pr_crit_roof_products.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect
Plan Requirements
Identify roofing product(s) on plans,
listing the corresponding areas.
–
Roof Plan, Roofing Specification in Project Manual
Other Documentation
OPTION 1: Cut sheets for roofing product(s),
ideally indicating ENERGY STAR® Rating.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
roofing materials and confirm that it is as
anticipated based on the design review.
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Vehicle Sharing Program/Carpool Incentive
LA-12
Level
Additional
Target
Land Option 3
Intent
Encourage vehicle sharing and carpooling to
reduce environmental damage associated
with fossil-fuel based transportation.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Phase
End of Construction
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
OPTION 1: Contract details for
car sharing agreement.
OPTION 2: Narrative describing the program
and how it meaningfully promotes carpooling.
Requirements
Choose from the following two options:
OPTION 1: Enroll in a vehicle sharing program
to provide at least one shared vehicle
within 1/4 mile of building entrance.
OPTION 2: Provide a carpool incentive
program to employees so that carpoolers are
rewarded for participating in carpool. Incentive
must be available for at least one year.
Notes
Car share services, such as Zipcar®, are
available in several cities across the country.
Information about setting up employee carpooling
incentive programs and additional information about
alternative transportation can be found at http://
www.commutesolutions.com/commuter-resources/
Field Verification
OPTION 2: During final inspection, observe
and photograph shared vehicle.
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Dark Sky
LA-13
Level
Additional
Target
Land Option 4
Intent
Minimizing light pollution associated
with excess exterior lighting provides
important benefits to occupants, the
surrounding community, and wildlife.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
MEP Engineer, Landscape Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Eliminate unshielded lighting (defined as emitting
over 5% of its direct beam luminance into the sky).
One luminaire may be exempted for
the purposes of flag lighting, provided
that it is less than 50 watts.
Notes
For more information about fixtures approved
by the International Dark-Sky Association
(IDA), see http://www.darksky.org/
Shielding can be luminaire based or architectural.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, MEP Engineer
Plan Requirements
Electrical Site Plan
–
Luminaire Schedule and Lighting Plans
Other Documentation
Cut sheets for exterior lighting fixtures that
are not under roofs, awnings, or overhangs. Cut
sheets should identify whether fixtures meet
IESNA Full Cutoff criteria, are Dark Sky Compliant,
or if no more than 5% of the direct beam
luminance is emitted above a horizontal plane.
Field Verification
Observe and photograph exterior
luminaires to visually confirm that they
are installed according to plan.
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Preserve Existing Trees
LA-14
Level
Additional
Target
Land Option 5
Intent
Ensureing that trees (especially mature ones)
are preserved benefits the development
in several ways, such as providing
habitat, shade, and a sense of place.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Landscape Architect, Contractor
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Contractor
Plan Requirements
Landscape plan with the location,
size, and species of tree.
–
Site Plan, Site Survey Plan
Other Documentation
Tree Protection Plan
Field Verification
During all field inspections, observe and
photograph tree protection measures.
During final inspection, take a count of
the protected trees and verify the number
corresponds to the Tree Protection Plan.
Requirements
Develop a comprehensive Tree Protection Plan
that identifies all trees to be preserved. The Tree
Protection Plan must identify how the mature
trees are to be protected to the extent practicable
during construction, including practices to be
used on site (such as flagging root zones to
minimize compression of surrounding soils and
posting of notices); and identify how the plan
will be implemented during construction.
This measure can only be achieved by projects that
have at least two mature trees on the project site.
A mature tree is defined as a tree in good
health that is not considered a nuisance
or an invasive species, 4 inch caliper or
larger at 4 feet or above the ground.
All healthy, non-nuisance mature trees are to be
protected on sites with four or fewer mature trees.
For sites with five or more mature trees, at least
80% of the mature trees must be preserved.
Notes
Ensuring that trees (especially mature ones) are
preserved benefits the development in several
ways. It aids in the reduction of solar heat gain and
the provision of habitat, windbreaks, stormwater
management, and erosion control. Trees also
add to the value of residential communities.
Therefore, trees must not only be identified
for preservation, but they must be actively
protected during construction to avoid impacts.
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Open Space for Social Interaction
LA-15
Level
Additional
Target
Land Option 6
Intent
Allow for areas that serve social needs.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Landscape Architect
Phase
Schematic Design and Design Development
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Landscape Architect
Plan Requirements
Floor Plan and Site Plan (showing
area for social interaction)
–
Hardscape Plan
Other Documentation
None - N/A
Requirements
Provide an exterior area or interior space of
suitable size for building occupants to gather
that is accessible to all building staff. This space
must be intended for relaxation and separation
from areas where work duties are performed,
and it must not be susceptible to disturbance
from sources of excessive noise or smell. When
warranted, provide appropriate seating and areas
that allow building users to gather and socialize.
Notes
Areas that meet these criteria include patios,
porches, and dining areas. Other types
of spaces that serve the building will be
allowed provided that they meet the criteria
described in the measure requirements.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
open space for social interaction.
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Heat Island: Auto-Oriented Hardscape
LA-16
Level
Additional
Target
Land Option 7
Intent
Minimize heat gradient created by non-reflective
and hardscape surfaces in the development.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Landscape Architect
Phase
Design Development and Construction Documents
Requirements
Provide shade for at least 50% of auto-oriented
hardscape with structural parking, reflective
shade structures (SRI of at least 75), solar
panels, vegetated structures, or trees. Areas
using open grid pavers will be considered
shaded for the purposes of this measure.
Notes
A total of 50% of auto-oriented hardscape must be
covered, not just parking spaces. Shading from trees
can be predicted up to five years into the future as
shading capabilities increase due to canopy growth.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Landscape Architect
Plan Requirements
Plans showing total area of autooriented
hardscape.
Site Plan showing area shaded
and how it will be shaded.
–
Site Plan, Landscape Plan, Hardscape Plan
Other Documentation
Calculation showing percentage of
auto-oriented hardscape shading.
Field Verification
During final inspection, observe and photograph
the shading systems (e.g., trees) to confirm
that they have been implemented as
anticipated based on the design review.
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Site Condition: Greyfield
LA-17
Level
Additional
Target
Land Option 8
Intent
Building on infill sites results in greater
efficiency of public and private infrastructure.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Phase
Site Selection
Requirements
Develop the project on a greyfield site. A
greyfield site is defined as an area that has been
previously developed, with at least 50% of the
surface area covered with impervious material.
Notes
Infill and greyfield site redevelopment reduces
development on greenfield sites, which helps to
preserve open space and natural areas. Existing
infrastructure can often be repurposed for the new
project, potentially reducing development costs.
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Civil Engineer
Plan Requirements
If a frim can’t observe the preexisting site
during Preconstruction Site Verification (for
example, because of site work), it may be
necessary to include an Existing Condition
Site Plan detailing the site prior to site work
commencing, in order to show that a minimum
50% of the site was impervious. If preconstruction
photos can conclusively confirm that the
site was a greyfield prior to construction, an
existing site plan is not needed for review.
–
Existing Condition Site Plan
Other Documentation
If the Provider Firm cannot observe the preexisting
site during Preconstruction Site Verification
(for example, because of site work), provide
photographs of site prior to construction to confirm
that a minimum of 50% of the site was impervious.
Field Verification
Observe and photograph the site prior
to construction to visually confirm
the existing hardscape areas.
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Site Analysis & Assessment
LA-18
Level
Additional
Target
Land Option 9
Intent
A thorough site analysis reveals the
site’s attributes and functions, which
increases the ability to design the site
to be more ecologically sustainable.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Civil Engineer
Phase
Schematic Design
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Architect, Landscape Architect
Plan Requirements
Site Plan extending a minimum of 100 feet
from the perimeter that shows inventories as
described in the measure requirements.
Other Documentation
Site Analysis Report
Summary of how the site analysis
informed design choices
Field Verification
None
Requirements
Conduct an accurate and detailed assessment
of existing site conditions prior to design. This
will inform decisions and guide the design,
construction, operation, and maintenance
phases. This measure is accomplished by the
development team providing maps at a scale of
1” = 30’ to 1” = 100’ on one or more sheets with
accompanying written inventory information
for the subject site and surrounding properties
within a 100’ radius of the site’s perimeter.
1. Wildlife Habitat: Identify critical habitat and
fish and wildlife habitat areas and connections
to surrounding areas where applicable as
defined by the Endangered Species Act.
2. Trees and Vegetation: Identify stands of trees
and vegetation. Identify significant trees.
3. Hydrology: Identify wetlands, floodplains,
riparian areas, and drainage areas.
4. Topography: Identify slopes
greater than 15% and 25%.
5. Soils: Evaluate site-specific soil conditions
for suitability in using low impact
development stormwater management.
6. Solar Access: Evaluate the site’s potential
for solar access, considering topography,
location, and type of existing trees.
Evaluate the location of buildings and
other tall structures or natural features.
7. Cultural and Historic Resources: Identify
resources that may be preserved or
incorporated into the development’s
community amenities.
8. Scenic Views and Vistas: Identify view
corridors and vistas that may be incorporated
into the development’s layout.
9. Invasive Species: Identify management
and removal of invasive species.
The development team shall also provide a written
report that documents the site’s opportunities
and constraints to achieve sustainable
development based on the site analysis.
Notes
Measure requirements go beyond typical
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, and
look at other opportunities for improving the
design based on site-specific opportunities.
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Site Condition: Brownfield
LA-19
Level
Additional
Target
Land Option 10
Intent
Locating development on brownfield
sites remediates those sites, as well as
reduces development on greenfield sites,
preserving open space and natural areas.
Requirements
Remediate and build on a contaminated site
designated as a brownfield so that the controlling
public authority approves the protective
measures and/or cleanup as effective, safe, and
appropriate for the future use of the site.
Notes
Brownfields qualify if they have been designated
by a federal, state, or local jurisdiction.
Implementation
Responsible Parties
Owner
Phase
Site Selection
Documentation
Responsible Parties
Civil Engineer
Plan Requirements
None – N/A
Other Documentation
Documentation showing designation
of the site as a brownfield.
Proof from authority that the site
was satisfactorily remediated.
Field Verification
None
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