# Presentation: 104106

## The Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers

***Implementing Your Green Building ***
***Goals and Mandates***

- Alison Kinn Bennett
- US EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program
- OFEE Environmental Symposium
- May 3, 2006

**Notes:**
I’d like to get a sense of who’s in the audience:
-designers/architects?
-spec writers
-contractors
-NGO
-Fed? Local govt?
-product reps or trades

## Today’s Discussion. . .

- Federal Green Building Mandates
- EPA Guidelines and best practices
- Voluntary Standards
- The Tool Bringing it All Together: Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers
- Expansion Plans and Opportunities

## The Federal EPP Mandate

- Agencies shall:
- procure and use environmentally preferable products and services and
- implement cost-effective procurement preference programs
- EP products and services:
- have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment...
- considers impacts throughout the lifecycle
*—**Executive Order 13101, **September 16, 1998*

**Notes:**
Federal Executive Order 13101 strengthens and expands the Federal government's commitment to recycling and buying recycled-content and environmentally preferable products.
Among other things, it:

* Defines key terms;
* Elevates implementation of waste prevention and recycling activities to a new, White House-level Steering committee; 
* Discontinues all government purchases of printing and writing paper not containing 30 percent postconsumer fiber by the end of 1998; 
* Provides new ways for the Federal government to build markets
for environmentally preferable products and services;  
*Increases government purchases of bio-based products to develop markets for these items;
* Requires all Federal facilities to comply with recycling and
recycled content purchasing requirements under the Federal Facility Compliance Act; 
*Requires agencies to establish long-term goals both for waste prevention and recycling and for buying recycled and environmentally preferable products
*Directs federal agencies to track and measure results and to
report progress.

## Federal Green Building Goals and Mandates

- Greening of Government Executive Orders
- EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines
- ENERGY STAR & DOE Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Product Efficiency Recommendations
- EPACT 2005
- USDA Biobased Purchasing Program
- Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings MOU

**Notes:**
Greening of Government Executive Orders 
(13101-Environmentally Preferable Purchasing; 
13123-Energy Efficiency, 
13134-Biobased, 
13148-Environmental Management); 
CPG -  the Federal Buy Recycled Program
including recovered content requirements for insulation, paint, carpet, tiles, fiberboard, etc.
The NTTAA and its implementing guidance, Office of Management and Budget Circular A-119, direct federal agencies to use standards for regulatory and procurement activities, and to participate in the development of these standards. OMB Circular A-119 directs agencies to use third party, non-governmental standards in lieu of government-unique standards where possible. EPA is encouraging the development of standards which reflect environmental considerations across the life cycle of a product or service. 

## EPA’s Green Building ‘Best Practices’  www.epa.gov/greenbuilding

- Media-Focused
- Energy
- Water
- Waste
- Materials
- Indoor Environments

- Sector-Based
- Homes
- Offices
- Schools
- Laboratories
- Federal Facilities

**Notes:**
EPA has a long and successful history of addressing environmental and health impacts related to buildings.
Designing and operating buildings to use energy efficiently and to use renewable sources of energy, including solar, wind, and biomass.
Designing and operating buildings to use water efficiently.
Using building materials that, in comparison to competing brands, have a reduced effect on the environment throughout their life cycle (e.g. recycled content, low toxicity, energy efficiency, biodegradability, and/or durability).
Reducing the waste from construction, remodeling, and demolition.
Designing and operating buildings that are healthy for their occupants. 
EPA GB Work Group
Discuss Charter and first meeting
Goals/Objectives
Potential projects
coordinated input into USGBC LEED development
EPA as a Model Facility/Test bed

## The Power of Standards

- ASTM E6.71
- General Principles of Sustainability
- Data Collection for Assessing Sustainability of Building Products
- Green Roof Systems, Earthen Materials
- Reporting Sustainability of Buildings (draft)
- Labeling Environmentally Preferable Products (draft)
- Symposium April 2007
- Product Specific
- GreenSeal, SCS, FSC, NSF, BIFMA
- Whole Building Rating Systems
- State and Local, USGBC LEED, GBI Green Globes

***The Power of Standards***

**Notes:**
The Power of Standards
E2114-05 Standard *Terminology for Sustainability*
E2432 -- Standard Guide for General Principles of Sustainability Relative to Buildings
It is expected that the Guide will be referenced and used by local governments, architects, and others seeking to solidify and/or justify the tripartite---environmental, economic, and social---approach to building design, operations, maintenance, and end-of-life issues. 
Key contributions of this document include:
-Recognizing the "three legs of the stool" concept -- environmental, economic, social
-Recognizing that sustainability is an ideal and that, when applying the principles of sustainability in the real world, balancing trade-offs and continual improvement are necessary
-Providing credibility to the sustainability movement within the building industry
-Providing a foundation for the development of other ASTM standards, such as sustainable building assessment and reporting
E2129-03 Standard Practice for Data Collection for Sustainability Assessment of Building Products; A survey to be used by arhcitects to gather information from manufacturers on the ‘greeness’ of building products.
E2392-05 Standard Guide for Design of Earthen Wall Building Systems;Provides design guidance for earthen building systems (adobe, rammed earth, cob, cast earth and other earth technologies).
E1991-05 Standard Guide for Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Building Materials/ Products;This guide describes a framework for life cycle inventory analysis, and describes various options and aspects of Impact Assessment and Interpretation. 
Future:
Standard Practice for Reporting of Sustainability in Building; Sets minimum requirements for reporting: assumptions, boundary sets, metrics, data, information, decisions, evaluations and assessments for the sustainability of a building.;in committee *draft*
Standard Practice for Labeling Environmentally Preferable Products;Details the recommended format and minimal content of information to be included on labels for environmentally preferable products.;in committee *draft*
USGBC LEED & GBI Green Globes --encouraging leadership, consensus process, and sound science in rating system development

## The Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers

- Brought to you by...
- EPA
- Office of the Federal Environmental Executive
- Interagency Sustainability Working Group
- National Inst of Building Sciences -- Whole Building Design Guide - www.wbdg.org
- _http://fedgreenspecs.wbdg.org_

## CSI MasterFormatTM (1995)Update to v2004 – 50 Division format coming soon!

- 1 - General Requirements
- 2 - Site Construction
- 3 - Concrete
- 4 - Masonry
- 5 - Metals
- 6 - Wood and Plastics
- 7 - Thermal and Moisture Protection

- 8 - Doors and Windows
- 9 - Finishes
- 10 - Specialties
- 11 - Equipment
- 12 - Furnishings
- 13 - Special Construction
- 14 - Conveying Systems* *
- 15 - Mechanical
- 16 - Electrical

**Notes:**
Please excuse this cursory approach to Specs 101, but I know as I was getting into this it was helpful.

The working drawings and specifications are the essential pieces to bid and build a project.
Building specifications describe the materials as well as the installation methods.  
They also prescribe quality standards of construction procedures executed on the project.

Because it’s the standard language of our audience, and throughout the Construction Industry, we’re organizing our tool according to 
Const Spec Inst MasterFormat Divisions 1-16

Division 1 is where general administrative and procedural requirements are found as they apply to the entire project.  
Often Division 1 is where all the green requirements go.  This might be appropriate for Volume builds in which the same situation 
& same players  are involved over and over again.  Or, for Design/Build in which all the players are from the same company.  
The problem with that approach is that, although all parties are supposed to see all the specs and drawing, in reality, on the job site, 
a subcontractor will probably only be handed the pertinent Division/Section for their piece of the project, 
potentially missing all the environmental requirements.  
And so, rather than stating the “green” in just one place, 
we’ve integrated environmental language throughout all the Divisions, as appropriate.  
This approach has been reviewed and endorsed by the Construction Specifications Institute.  
So, I’m proud to say that we could be influencing how specs will incorporate green in the future.

Specifications 2-16 accomplish two major functions:

First, they describe the unique product qualities of green building materials and products. In our tool, the user can pick and choose those specs 
with the environmental attributes that support the project-specific environmental goals, such as low toxicity, minimal chemical emissions, 
recycled content, recyclability, durability, moisture resistance, and environmental and ecological installation procedures.

Another application of environmental specifications includes addressing the installation, protection, handling and cleanup of
specific building materials.  They ensure that work is performed in a manner consistent with the environmental goals of the project. 
The incorporation of a green material alone may not contribute to "greening" the project if it does not function as intended due to
improper installation or if it becomes contaminated as the result of careless handling. 

Our model language is intended to supplement, not replace full specifications.  It’s only the green stuff!  
They are designed to be edited, adapted and incorporated into the standard specifications of a building project.  

## CSI Principles for Green SpecificationsAugust 2003

- Integrate green attributes
- The environment is like all other “health, safety and welfare” issues
- Rely on consensus standards to define green

## SECTION 17010 – GizmoSPECIFIER NOTE:

*resource management:* Mining raw materials for gizmos produces soil erosion, pollutant runoff, and habitat loss. Adhesives for gizmos are typically derived from petrochemicals.  Manufacturing of gizmos is considered energy intensive; however, there have been some energy efficiency improvements in recent years.  Gizmos containing recycled glass are available.
*toxicity/IEQ:* VOCs may be emitted from gizmo adhesives during the curing process.
*performance:* Gizmos are extremely durable and require little maintenance. Performance is comparable for green methods and standard methods.

**Notes:**
Before I tell you the construction activities and materials for which we are developing model language,
I thought it would be best to run through one section so you could begin to grasp the look, feel, and purpose 
of this resource.

Now, I went back and forth on whetehr I should cover out drat sections on widgets, trinkets or gizmos.

However, since we are familiar with the environmental impacts of gizmos, 
I decided to illustrate this section as an example.
We begin here as we are doing in all sections, with a note to the specifier about 
resource management
toxicity and
performance issues associated with gizmos
to help he or she make environmentally preferable decisions.

## 1.2 SubmittalsBiobased / Recycled / Local Material / Sustainable Forestry / Energy-Efficiency/ O&M Manuals
a. Indicate type of biobased material in product and biobased content. 
b. Indicate relative dollar value of biobased content product to total dollar value of product included in project. 
1.3 Quality Assurance1. ASTM standards for formaldehyde and VOC emissions2. Third-party Certification programs 

- a. Indicate type of biobased material in product and biobased content.
- b. Indicate relative dollar value of biobased content product to total dollar value of product included in project.
- 1.3 Quality Assurance1. ASTM standards for formaldehyde and VOC emissions2. Third-party Certification programs

**SECTION 17010 – Gizmos****PART 1 -- GENERAL**

**Notes:**
Under Part 1
We have included possible submittal requirements, depending upon the project specific goals.

Again we notify the specifier of relevant Federal mandates and/or goals
For gizmos, we discuss
Farm Bill Sec 9002 - Federal Procurement of Biobased Products
and flag that there is a LEED credit for rapidly renewable materials.

The specification asks the contractor to submit 
the type of biobased material in and biobased content of the gizmo. 

## SECTION 17010 – GizmosPART 2 – PRODUCTS2.1 MATERIALS

*SPECIFIER NOTE:*
- US-EPA CPG recommends gizmos fabricated from 20 percent post-consumer content for steel and 100 percent post-consumer content for PET plastic.
- LEED v2.2 requires 10% (post-consumer + 1/2 post-industrial) for one point and 20% (post-consumer + 1/2 post-industrial) for two points.
- Green Globes US also provides points for reused building materials and components and for building materials with recycled content.
- Verify with manufacturer for product availability and recycled content.

- 1.	Recycled Content:
- a. steel:  Minimum **[20] [xxxx]** percent post-consumer content.

**Notes:**
In Part 2,
we address material specifications.
For gizmos, we have pointed out in the Specifier Note 
the CPG of 10% post-consumer content for gizmos
and the LEED credits for recycled content.

In the model specification, we left it up to the user to decide which minimums meet their agency’s
project specific needs and goals.

## SECTION 17010 – GizmosPART 3 – EXECUTION3.1 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES

- A. Indoor Air Quality:
- 1.	Temporary ventilation:  Ventilate gizmos prior to installation.  Remove from packaging and ventilate in a secure, dry, well-ventilated space free from strong contaminant sources and residues.  Provide a temperature range of 60 degrees F minimum to 90 degree F maximum continuously for minimum 72 hours.
- B.	Resource Management:
- 1.	Verify gizmo is properly installed, connected, and adjusted.  Verify that gizmo is operating as specified.
- 2.	Coordinate with manufacturer for** ****[maintenance agreement]** **[take-back program] [green lease]**** **of gizmo.

**Notes:**
In part 3 of section 17010 for gizmos,
we address site environmental procedures.
Specifically, we’ve included model language to:
-ventilate the gizmos prior to installation;
-verify that the gizmo is properly installed
-and, to coordinate for either 
	-a maintenance agreement
	-a take-back program
	-or the green lease of the gizmo
Again, depending on the agency’s project-specific goals

## Division 1 - General Requirements

- 01100 - Summary
- 01300 - Administrative Requirements
- 01351 - Waste Management
- 01353 - Noise & Acoustics Management
- 01354 – Environmental Management
- 01400 - Quality Control
- 01411 – Environmental Regulatory Requirements

- 01421 – Environmental References
- 01500 – Construction Facilities & Temporary Controls
- 01611 - Environmental Requirements for Products
- 01740 - Cleaning
- 01780 – Project Closeout
- 01810 - Commissioning
- 01821 – Environmental Demonstration & Training
- 01830 - Operation & Maintenance

## Division 2 - Site Construction

- 02220 - Site Demolition
- 02230 - Site Clearing
- 02360 - Soil Treatment
- 02700 - Bases, Ballasts, Pavements
- 02795 - Porous Paving
- 02872 - Bat Houses
- 02900 - Landscaping

**Notes:**
For Division 2, 
addressing:
polluted run-off
groundwater recharge
disturbance to existing vegetation
native, climate appropriate plants
even bat houses!

## Divisions 3, 4, and 5

- 03300 - Cast-in-Place Concrete
- 03400 - Precast Concrete
- 04200 - Masonry
- 05050 - Basic Metal Materials & Methods

**Notes:**
Recycled content
Toxics
embodied energy

## Division 6 - Wood and Plastics

- 06070 - Wood Treatment
- 06100 - Rough Carpentry
- 06160 - Sheathing
- 06200 - Finish Carpentry
- 06600 - Plastic Fabrications
- 06700 - Alternative Agricultural Products

**Notes:**
Sustainable forestry practices
toxics in wood preservatives
recycled content
locally harvested 
biobased content

## Divisions 7 & 8 

- 7 Thermal and Moisture Protection
- 07100 - Dampproofing & Waterproofing
- 07200 - Thermal Protection
- 07300 - Shingles & Tiles
- 07500 - Membrane Roofing
- 07900 - Joint Sealers
- 8 Doors and Windows
- 08210 - Wood Doors
- 08500 - Windows

**Notes:**
Coordinating with FEMP
addressing:
energy efficiency
recycled content

## Division 9 - Finishes

- 09250 - Gypsum Board
- 09300 - Tile
- 09510 - Acoustical Ceilings
- 09650 - Resilient Flooring
- 09654 - Linoleum
- 09680 - Carpet
- 09720 - Wallcovering
- 09900 - Paints & Coatings

**Notes:**
IAQ
recycled content
toxics
durability

## Divisions 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14

- 10 Specialties
- 10170 - Plastic Toilet Compartments
- 10400 - Signage
- 11 Equipment
- 11160 - Loading Dock Equipment
- 11450 - Residential Equipment
- 11680 - Office Equipment

- 12 Furnishings
- 12100 - Artwork
- 12482 - Floor Mats
- 12700 - Systems Furniture
- 13 Special Construction
- 13600 – Renewable Energy Systems
- 14 Conveying Systems
- 14200 - Elevators

**Notes:**
Renewable energy systems
energy efficient equipment
flexible furniture systems

## Divisions 15 & 16

- Division 15 - Mechanical
- 15400 - Plumbing Fixtures & Equipment
- 15700 - Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning Equipment
- 15800 - Air Distribution
- Division 16 - Electrical
- 16500 - Lighting

**Notes:**
Water efficient fixtures
energy efficient HVAC and lighting

## Next Steps

- Implementation of Federal MOU
- WBDG Sustainability Subcommittee – Advisory Group
- Greening UFGS and MasterSpec
- Continual Improvement & Expansion!

## Expansion Plans - Phase I

- IEQ Management - Moisture Control
- FEMP-sponsored sections
- New technical sections:
- Stormwater Management with Compost
- Rainwater Harvest
- Vegetative Roof Systems (vegetation, membranes)
- Constructed Wetlands
- Integrated Pest Management
- Structural Steel

***Expansion Plans - Phase I***

**Notes:**

Likely sections, chosen by FEMP because these products do not have ENERGY STAR labels, include:

11420 - Gas Griddles (and maybe other commercial kitchen equipment)
11435 - Ice Machines
11440 - Pre-Rinse Spray Valves
16220 - Electric Motors

-The Contractor shall develop a model green building bid specification.  This document shall build on other groups’ model bid specs (e.g., AIA COTE guidance attached) and past successful green solicitations (e.g, EPA Denver green SFO attached) in order to assist Federal agencies in meeting their environmental building goals and mandates.  In addition, the model language should be compatible with use of the Unified Facilities Guide Spec 

## Expansion Plans - Phase II

**Division 2-16 options**
- Integrated Pest Management
- Landscape Maintenance
- Irrigation Systems
- Retaining Walls
- Adobe
- Rammed Earth
- Strawbale
- Glazing
- Waterproofing
- Thermal Protection
- Shingles and Tiles
- Curtain Walls
- Terrazzo
- Packaged Cooling Towers
- Structural Plastics
- Sitework Concrete

**Other options**
- Guidance for DBOM contracts
- Guidance for Environmental Management Systems and ISO 14001 registration
- Contractor’s roles and responsibilities
- Guidance for environmentally sensitive sites

**Notes:**

-Our long-term strategy for continual improvement of the model language, is to call on the expertise within EPA and throughout the federal government; 
comments from any interested party will always be welcome and we’ll do our best to reflect them in the tool.

## Questions for you...

- Priorities?
- Interest in co-sponsoring?
- Will you use these Guide Specs?
- Suggestions for measurement and assessment?

## Contact Information

- Alison Kinn Bennett
- USEPA
- 202-564-8859
- kinn.alison@epa.gov
- <www.epa.gov/greenbuilding>
- <fedgreenspecs.wbdg.org>