Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

Ceiling TileCeiling tile is the most common ceiling treatment in commercial and public buildings.Because of the large area it covers, its potential for disturbance during renovation, and itscontact with HVAC systems, it is important to evaluate ceiling tile in terms of resourceefficiency and indoor air quality.❑ Resource-efficient options– Ceiling tile is usually made from mineral fiber with added clay or gypsum fillers forfire retardancy and a minimal amount of wood fiber, and it is then painted. Mostceiling tile contains significant amounts of recycled material. Reusable andpaintable tile should last many years if handled carefully.❑ Health and pollution issues– Tile collects dust and adsorbs odors. Ceiling tile with mineral-fiber content mayalso begin to shed hazardous fiber if disturbed or as it ages. Both problems can bea concern where the ceiling is used for a plenum carrying recirculated air back toHVAC plants. If this type of system is used, the tile should be checked for damage,and the plenum space cleaned with a high-performance vacuum as advisedby an IAQ professional.– In either new or renovation projects, install ducts in HVAC ceiling plenums if possibleto secure the plenums from contamination by debris in the suspended ceiling.– Older products classified within CSI Division 9 may contain hazardous materialssuch as asbestos and lead paint. A discussion of these issues and suggested practicesto address them is outside the scope of this manual. Professional advice and listingsof qualified consultants can be obtained from regional Environmental ProtectionAgency offices, or local departments of public health.Division 10: Specialties❑ Resource-efficient options.Several panel systems available for office partitions and non-structural interior usesallow changes to floor plans without major demolition and waste. Although they usuallycost more than lightweight steel framing and gypsum panels built on-site, they arereusable and allow rapid changes to be made with minimal disruption. They also havemany components that can be recycled when the panels are no longer useful. Usuallyreferred to as “demountable systems,” they typically have steel or aluminum tracks atthe top and bottom to hold gypsum panels that lock into place. Door modules, glass,different surface finishes, and several other options are available. The manufacturersclaim typically less than 10 percent material waste with relocation. Used systems canbe purchased and matching components traded between departments or buildings orstored for future use. These products can have important resource-efficiency merits.Division 12: FurnishingsFurnishings are an important resource-efficiency and indoor-air-quality consideration fororganizations. A major cost and maintenance component for interiors, they are essentialto workplace satisfaction and comfort.❑ Resource-efficient options– The most resource-efficient option is to repair any good-quality furniture currentlyowned by the organization. Good-quality used office furniture can also be purchasedfrom local office-furniture suppliers.– Some furniture manufacturers and several resale operators offer reconditioned furnitureas a purchase or lease option. These are usually classic and durable lines that havebeen bought back or returned by lessees and have had surfaces and hardware replaced.– Steel, glass, and solid-wood furniture has significant resource-efficiency merits andrecycling potential. It also has minimal indoor pollution potential.