1. Green Building 101 Presented By Walker Wells
Nueva Vista, Santa Cruz, CA
Bellevue Court, Trenton NJ

2. Why Build Green?
The construction and operation of conventional buildings have numerous detrimental effects on the environment, public health, and the economic stability of low-income communities.

3. Air pollution Global warming 25% of water use Water scarcity
40% of annual US energy use
Air pollution
30% of US CO2 production
Global warming
25% of water use
Water scarcity

4. 30% of wood and raw materials
Deforestation
Habitat loss
20% - 40% of solid waste
Landfills

5. Childhood asthma and other respiratory ailments
Paints, carpets, and adhesives off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most composite wood products contain formaldehyde.
Childhood asthma and other respiratory ailments
Dioxin is created through manufacturing of many building materials.
Increasing rates of cancer

6. Greater potential for default or eviction.
Utility costs can be up to 25% of expenses after rent.
Greater potential for default or eviction.
Fewer funds available for education or health care.

7. Green building is a tool to help us.
We can, and must, build better buildings.
Green building is a tool to help us.

8. What is Green Building?
Green building is a process that creates buildings and supporting infrastructure that:
1) minimize the use of resources,
2) reduce harmful effects on the environment
3) provide healthier environments for people.

9. GREEN BUILDING COMPONENTS
SITE: site selection, bike storage, building orientation, landscaping, stormwater management, construction recycling.
WATER EFFICIENCY: efficient toilets and appliances, efficient irrigation, reclaimed/recylced water.
ENERGY/ATMOSPHERE: energy efficient envelope, systems,lighting and appliances, renewable energy, no HCFCs.
MATERIALS/RESOURCES: efficient building systems, reused, recycled-content, and rapidly renewable materials.
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: avoid or eliminate VOCs, formaldehyde,and mold, natural ventilation, daylighting, thermal comfort,views, acoustics

10. What’s Driving Green Building?
Changing Environmental Awareness
Generational Change
Technological Innovation
Popular Interest in Design
Financial Incentives
Marketing value of green
Policies and Regulation

11. Green Building Is a Process!
Green building is a process that creates buildings and supporting infrastructure that 1) reduces harmful effects on the environment, 2) minimizes the use of resources, and 3) develops healthier environments for people.
Foster design team collaboration
Conduct charrette early in design process
Establish performance targets
Develop cost estimates throughout the design process
Maintain ongoing communication and feedback loops

12. Strategies, Technologies, Materials, and Systems
Design Process
Strategies, Technologies, Materials, and Systems
Operations and Maintenance
Costs and Financing

13. Conventional Design Process
Planning
(Owner, land use consult)
Schematic Design
(Architect)
Design Development
(Arch, Engin., Landscape)
Construction
(Contractor, Owner, Arch.)
Project Time Line
Beginning
Middle
End
Linear and sequential
Architect led
Limited overlap/collaboration in work efforts
Concepts often get lost between phases

14. Integrated Design Process
Planning/ Entitlements
Charrette
Schematic Design
Design Development CD
Constr.
Op.
Start early
Conduct charrette(s) to foster collaborate
Carry concepts between development phases
Establish performance targets
Develop cost estimates throughout the design process
Establish communication structure and feedback loops

15. Integrated Design Process
CHARRETTE
Zoning/
Massing
Y/N
Decisions
Research
Cost Analysis
Skills
Diversity
Gathering Spot
Schematic Design
Design Development CD
At the Charrette: Determine project goals, select rating system, identify financing implications, choose specific strategies, assign responsibilities, and establish feedback
After the Charrette: Follow up with research, cost analysis, and decision-making

16. Guidelines to Structure the Process
Tax Credit, Trust Fund, or Lender Criteria

17. You’re Doing Integrated Design When
All stakeholders are involved
No single person or professional makes decisions about the project
You are asked to contribute to topics outside of your expertise
You are pushed out of your comfort zone
There is a spirit of creativity and fun
Clear goals and specific performance targets are established
Innovative solutions are encouraged
Everyone is interdependent, other people’s work depends on you
The steps in the process, responsibilities, and timeline are clear
You’re Doing Integrated Design When

18. Green Strategies

19. Green Systems and Materials

20. Green Building Benefits
Global
Stormwater/
Recyling
Regional Benefit
Energy and
Water Savings
Direct Benefit
Climate
Change/
Forestry
Health/
Durability

21. Costs of Green Building
First cost: cost to purchase.
Life cycle cost: costs plus savings for a product’s life
Payback: time needed to recoup additional first costs via long-term savings
Return on Investment (ROI): overall return over time allows for an “apples to apples” comparison
Useful life -15 yrs
Payback - 5 yrs
Initial Investment: $150
Payback Period: 5 years
Savings period: 10 years
Total Period: 15 years
Total savings: $300
Annual savings: $20
Annual ROI: 13%
Savings Period - 10 yrs
Toilet water: $6/month average
Dual Flush Toilet: 40% less water
Savings: $2.50/month

22. Top 22 No/Low Cost Green Building Strategies
ENERGY
1. Maximize natural daylighting
2. Place windows to provide good ventilation
3. Select a light-colored “Cool Roof”
4. Provide overhangs on south facing windows
5. Plant trees proximate to east and west facades
6. Install whole house fans or ceiling fans
7. Eliminate air conditioning
8. Use hydronic heating
9. Install fluorescent lights
10. Install high R-value insulation
11. Install Energy Star appliances

23. Top 22 No/Low Cost Green Building Strategies
WATER
12. Design water efficient landscapes
13. Install water efficient toilets and fixtures
14. Use permeable paving materials
15. Install in-line flow restrictors
MATERIALS
16. Use 30-50% or flyash in concrete
17. Use engineered wood
18. Use recycled-content insulation, drywall,
carpet, etc.

24. Top 22 No/Low Cost Green Building Strategies
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
19. Use low- or no-VOC paint
20. Use formaldehyde-free or fully sealed
material for cabinets and counters
21. Vent rangehood to the outside
22. Install carbon monoxide detector
Post-Construction: Prepare operation and
maintenance plan

25. Why Green Affordable Housing?
Long-Term Ownership Supports a Life Cycle Approach.
Projects are typically owned and operated by the same organization for years -- justifies medium to long payback periods.
Dollar Savings Help Low-Income Families Most.
Utility costs can be 25% of expenses after rent. More than education or health care.
Housing Should be Safe, Affordable and Healthy.
Formaldehyde,volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold and other indoor pollutants can impact children’s nervous and respiratory systems and be a trigger for asthma.
Affordable Housing is a Public Asset
Approximately $500 million annually in Federal tax credits allocated to housing and combined with state and local bonds, property tax set aside and other funds. It is critical that these assets are well-designed, not create an operation burden, and are long-lasting.

26. Getting Started Start with what interests you
Use available resources to guide you- Energy Star, local green building programs, LIHTC regs
Pick a manageable and achievable number of strategies, systems,or materials
Minimize additional costs through integrated design, rebates, and grants
Learn from experience - repeat what works, change what doesn’t
Add a few items to each new project
Step up to Green Communities Initiative or LEED for Homes

27. 2218 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310)
Walker Wells, AICP
RESCUE Program Director