Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

❑ Install a temporary local exhaust.Installation of temporary exhaust in a construction area prevents contaminated airfrom entering the building’s return-air system and helps protect the ventilation system’sfiltration and supply-air distribution channels. Two effective temporary exhauststrategies are (1) removing windows in a space, and (2) using available or dedicatedexhaust systems (for example, kitchen or toilet exhaust) that are not tied into thebuilding’s overall return-air system.❑ Install localized cleaning and filtration equipment.When the temporary local exhaust measures mentioned above are not practical, theinstallation of localized cleaning and filtration equipment to remove contaminants fromthe air before they enter a building’s return-air system can be an effective alternative.❑ Institute sound housekeeping procedures.Good cleaning, storage, and waste handling and removal procedures can significantlylower the concentration of contaminants in a building. Mechanical rooms (which may beplenums) are often used for storage of construction materials, some of which containhighly toxic substances or high-emission paints, glues, and drywall compounds. If containersof these materials are left open and spill, the potential for contaminating a building’ssupply-air system and ventilation equipment is great. Thus, attention to storage ofpotentially polluting materials is an important contamination-control strategy. Frequentcleaning of construction sites with anti-dust sweeping compounds and avoidance of construction-wastestorage in certain building areas also help control IAQ contamination.(See Chapter 13, “Indoor Air Quality,” Chapter 16, “Materials,” and Chapter 22,“Housekeeping and Custodial Practices.”)Resource Efficiency★ S I G N I F I CA N C E .Construction projects typically use large quantities of material, energy, and waterresources. Environmental performance improvements can reduce waste, increase efficiencyand water conservation, and reduce consumption of natural resources. Potentialimprovements include the following:■ Efficiently satisfying temporary power and water requirements;■ Reducing waste production with less packaging;■ Reducing waste production through use of materials with recycled content;■ Reducing waste by reusing building materials and demolition debris on the constructionsite;■ Recycling demolition debris off-site;■ Recycling construction debris; and■ Developing overall efficiency guidelines.. ☛ SUGGESTED PRACTICES AND CHECKLISTI❑ Include language in construction documents that promotes energy and water conservationand holds the contractor financially responsible for resource consumption.When a contractor is responsible for payment of a project’s utility costs, and energy andwater permit fees, it is more likely to curb consumption and reduce associated costs.❑ To conserve resources, the contractor should:– Monitor energy and water usage to identify areas of waste and abuse, then reduceresource consumption and cost.– Install temporary lighting so that most other lighting can be turned off during nonconstructionhours.