Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

planners and architects in the state’s public school system when making product andmaterial choices for construction. The bulletin promotes the use of environmental lifecycleassessment and provides a decision-making model to assist in this process.Application of these concepts is illustrated through a detailed examination of optionsfor flooring, including vinyl-composition tile, linoleum, carpet, terrazzo, wood, andceramic tile, and their associated impacts.➤As part of its Sustainable Building Guidelines, Austin, Texas, prepared a sample materialselectionmatrix for architects and builders to assist in the selection of building products.The matrix incorporates conventional selection criteria, such as availability,certification, and cost-effectiveness, with weighted sustainability criteria, such as lifecyclequalities, regional impacts, post-consumer recycled content, indoor air effects,durability, and cost. The guidelines also provide information on locating material manufacturersand suppliers, with an emphasis on regional sources.➤In metropolitan Portland, Oregon, the Solid Waste Department of Metro (the directlyelected regional government), has published a Guide to Recycled Products for the Buildingand Construction Industry. The guide is organized using Masterformat, the constructionindustry’s standard order format, developed by the Construction SpecificationsInstitute.➤A Sustainable Design Resource Guide was developed in 1994 by the Denver, Colorado, chapterof the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment and theColorado chapter of Architects, Designers, and Planners for Social Responsibility. Theguide, developed for Colorado and the Western Mountain Region, identifies local andregional product sources. Its purpose is to benefit the regional economy, reduce transportationpollution, encourage local environmental businesses, and stimulate awareness andcontrol of local resources. Users are asked to first consider whether the material is needed,and then to analyze function, environmental impact, health considerations, aesthetics,cost, and operations and maintenance factors when considering options. The guide listsregional construction and demolition waste recyclers along with suppliers and manufacturersof resource-conserving or recycled-content materials and building products..L O CAL OPTIONS.■ Establish an advisory group of local architects, builders, product suppliers, wastehaulers, and government representatives to research and establish recommendationsfor green materials and resources for the region.■ Set aside a percentage of the design and construction budget of local government projectsfor alternative/green materials.■ Establish an environmental purchasing policy that includes life-cycle cost analysis; promotesthe use of post-consumer recycled, energy-efficient, and water-conserving products;and promotes the use of local/regional goods and services.I➜ R E S O U R C E SIResources for the Local Government Information chapters are located in the Appendix.