Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

. ☛ SUGGESTED PRACTICES AND CHECKLISTISolid Waste❑ Establish an efficient waste reduction, recycling, and reuse program.Any building owner can establish a recycling program. Tenants should assess theiroperations to determine where source-reduction and reuse programs can be implemented,then take the following steps to launch an effective program:– Obtain top management support;– Select a program coordinator and team;– Analyze all waste streams;– Identify one or more ways wastes can be reduced, reused, or recycled in eachwaste stream;– Plan the program process;– Train employees and tenants; and– Continually monitor the program.❑ Lower costs of waste disposal through source reduction—that is, purchasing productswith less packaging and producing less waste.– Purchase supplies in bulk to reduce packaging.– Work with suppliers to reduce packaging and use returnable packing pallets.– Set standards for on-site cleaning services, requesting use of only minimal amountsof cleaning chemicals and reusable cleaning rags.– Photocopy on both sides of paper.– Use electronic mail to reduce use of paper.– In the cafeteria, replace disposable plates and utensils with ceramic plates and silverware.– Provide reusable coffee mugs to employees.❑ Minimize toxic waste by recycling items such as lighting ballasts, mercury-containingfluorescent and high-intensity-discharge (HID) lamps, used oil, unusablebatteries, and mercury-containing instrumentation.Water Conservation❑ Reduce building water use.– Establish leak-detection programs for air and water distribution systems.– Reduce water-flow rate and subsequent waste by installing low-flow, water-efficientfaucets and other fixtures and appliances.– Educate facility maintenance staff and occupants about water conservation goals.❑ Reduce outdoor water use on grounds.– Repair and replace sprinkler heads to avoid watering paved areas.– Minimize evaporation waste by watering in the morning.– Shorten watering times to avoid runoff.– Capture and use rainwater and graywater as practical, when approved by local andstate health and environmental authorities.(See Chapter 6, “Water Issues.”)Renovation★ S I G N I F I CA N C E .The green building guidelines, design process, and team approach developed for newconstruction can also apply to building renovations. Green renovation practices includeuse of natural design elements, such as increased daylighting; installation of resourceconservingmaterials and systems; recycling and reuse of construction and demolitionwaste; and maintenance of good indoor environmental quality during construction.