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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Green Strategies

Green Systems and Materials

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

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

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

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.

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

Why Green Affordable Housing? Long-Term Ownership Supports a Life Cycle Approach. Projects are typically owned and operated by the same organization for 15-55 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.

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

2218 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 581-2700 www.globalgreen.org Walker Wells, AICP RESCUE Program Director wwells@globalgreen.org