EA New Homes Measures Guide - Earth Advantage

2012 Earth Advantage Residential
Measures Resource Guide
3.7.2
Durable Exterior Trim
Accountability Form: General
Energy
Health
Materials
Water
0 0 0 1 0
Description: Install fiber-cement trim or cedar trim on all exterior trim areas of the home. It is strongly advised that clippers or pneumatic
shears are used to cut the siding during installation instead of circular saws. Fiber cement siding releases silica dust when it is sawn.
Silica dust is extremely fine and can lead to respiratory problems if inhaled. If cedar trim is used it must be back primed and all end cuts
primed before installation.
Land
Benefit: Fiber cement trim is made with Portland cement, sand, clay, and wood fiber. It is very durable and requires less painting and caulk
repairs than spruce-pine-fir (SPF) trim products. When properly installed cedar trim will provide the same durability as the fiber cement
products.
Verification: EA Rater will verify that fiber cement trim or cedar trim is installed on the home.
3.7.3
Energy Health Land Materials Water
Durable Exterior Surface not Painted: Masonry or other durable surface 0 0 0 1/2 0
(25-50%/51-100%) (20-50% / 51-100%)
Description: This measure refers primarily to stone, masonry, stucco and metal siding that, when properly installed, are durable and do not
need additional paint. Vinyl siding doesn't qualify for this measure due to its high life cycle impacts. Point values are determined by the
amount of the exterior structure covered by the material. Masonry and wood must be installed over a rainscreen system (measure 3.1.4).
Benefit: Exterior painting is perhaps the most common maintenance task required by any house. This consumes a considerable amount of
material over the life of the building. By selecting durable siding materials that do not need re-painting, this material can be eliminated.
Local stone is better for the environment because it's very durable and doesn't travel far. (Points for local materials are granted under
Measure 3.10.1.) Stucco with integral pigment also requires no paint. Metal siding is awarded points because of its durability and
recyclability.
Verification: EA Rater will estimate the amount of exterior surface covered by the durable, un-painted surface.
3.7.4
Accountability Form: General
Outdoor Decking: Recycled plastic lumber (50% post-consumer)
Energy
Health
Materials
Water
0 0 1 1 0
Description: Recycled plastic lumber or plastic/wood composite lumber provides a durable alternative to solid wood for exterior
applications. The installed product must contain at least 50% post consumer recycled content. These products are weather and insect
resistant. Plastic lumber is also rot and corrosion proof, and will not crack, splinter, or chip. Although not generally used for structural
applications, specific products can be used in structural, below-grade, or marine applications. Not all plastic lumber contains postconsumer
recycled material.
Land
Benefit: Plastic lumber can be made of plastic alone or a mixture of plastic and wood fiber. It is durable, requires no painting and resists
rot and damage. For these reasons, it will outlast most wood. Since a single piece of plastic lumber replaces many boards that would decay
over its extended lifetime, it may lower the embodied energy of a home project. Recycled plastic lumber lowers the demand for scarce
virgin materials and limits the impact upon local landfills. Plastic lumber used in place of pressure-treated lumber avoids the use of
hazardous chemicals. This helps to maintain a healthier environment inside the home and lowers the impact that such chemicals have on
the environment at large.
Verification: EA Rater will verify the presence of recycled plastic lumber. Specific products such as Trex and ChoiceDek are well-known to
contain recycled content. Other brands may require documentation to establish the percentage of recycled content. All decks at the house
must use this material to qualify for points under this measure.
Page 22 of 70