IGCC Introduces New Green Code

A new code designed to reguate the construction of new and existing commercial buildings was recently released by the International Green Construction Code (IGCC). The announcement of a Green Building code addresses a major issue faced by designers, the lack of a standard code.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and ASTM International collaborated to launch the initiative in 2009. Several other industry leading associations also supported the development of code.

“We talked to communities who indicate that their voluntary green building programs reach only, but an important, 30 percent of the built environment,” Code Council CEO Richard P. Weiland said. “This means that there is a clear need for a regulatory tool to establish a baseline to help jurisdictions meet their sustainability goals.”

According to the IGCC, enforcement of the code will improve indoor air quality, and support the use of energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy systems, water resource conservation, rainwater collection and distribution systems, and the recovery of used water (graywater).

Though ASTM, IGCC believes there will be voluntary consensus standards recognized by industry, code officials, and other stakeholders for their high-degree of technical quality, relevance and their suitability to contribute to more sustainable and environmentally improved buildings.

According to AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Christine McEntee, “The IGCC reinforces the role of the architect as a key leader in shaping the set of decisions that result in a truly green building and underlines the fact that good design matters. The AIA committed its resources to providing a strong presence at the drafting sessions to ensure that this code would truly be useful to our members and other stakeholders, and to ensure that the regulatory landscape was structured to facilitate the advancement beyond the AIA’s 2030 energy reduction goals for carbon neutral buildings. We are very pleased with the release of this initial public version and are committed to working with the ICC as the code moves forward through the review and adoption process.”

“We are proud of the valuable role that ASTM technical committees play in contributing to green building and construction initiatives,” said James A. Thomas, President, ASTM International. “Over 20 ASTM test methods, performance specifications, guides and practices are referenced in IGCC Public Version 1.0 in areas such as solar technology, environmental site assessment, and environmental aspects of cement and concrete. ASTM International looks forward to continuing these important efforts through the development of new standards that enable innovation and the environmentally improved commercial buildings of the future.”

Additional associations supported the ICC/AIA/ASTM team in developing the IGCC. These associations included: the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineers Society (IES). The IGCC will now reference the ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES

“Green building codes and standards working complementary to one another is a critical step towards advancing green building,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of green building codes and standards developed jointly by ICC, ASHRAE, USGBC and IES, across the country and around the globe as we work collectively towards transforming building design, construction and operations to green practices.”

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. The International Codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States.

Modular Building and the USGBC’s LEED ™ Version 3.0 2009 Building Rating System

The Modular Building Institute (MBI) has commissioned a report that provides the overview of how the commercial modular construction industry’s current practices can benefit from an awareness of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) Building Rating System. It covers LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations, applied to commercial construction, and LEED for Schools. It is a best attempt to align the modular building industry with the Prerequisite and Credit requirements imbedded in LEED V 3.0 2009.

The report was compiled by Robert Kobet, AIA, LEED-AP. The paper highlights areas where modular construction processes, in particular, have an advantage over site-build construction for LEED ratings. Below is a summary of the report’s overall conclusions concerning modular construction and sustainability as it relates to the LEED prerequisite and credit categories, as well as the new category for LEED 2009, Regional Priority.

Sustainable Sites

Proper siting or placement of modular units can contribute to improved day lighting, natural ventilation, better storm water management, more efficient site lighting and a host of other sustainable design and development improvements that contribute to a more energy, material and resource efficient project. This category also rewards construction techniques that limit site disturbance and keep disturbed areas to within the areas immediately adjacent to the building footprint.

Water Efficiency

Water conservation and the LEED Water Efficiency credits are gaining in priority and application as the awareness of the importance of water and, in some cases, growing shortages emerge. Water conservation is one of the hallmarks of high performance green buildings and one area where modular construction can enjoy the same benefits as conventional construction.

Energy and Atmosphere

Increasing energy costs and growing concern about energy availability and security are sure to keep the interest in energy conservation and renewable or alternative energy sources in the forefront of the high performance green building movement. Modular construction has a number of potential advantages — it uses structural insulated panels (SIPS) that can produce relatively high R-values, steel and aluminum stud frame construction can produce energy-efficient units and high-performance windows contribute to the pursuit of high-performance building envelopes.

Materials and Resources

Modular construction by nature is material and resource efficient. One of the great economies of modular construction is the ability to assemble repetitive units in controlled conditions. Another is to minimize material waste associated with conventional construction due to weather intrusion and construction site theft. Whole modular units — largely finished prior to arriving at the construction site — can significantly limit construction waste generated at the site and contribute directly to construction site waste management.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Superior indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is one of the most desirable and important attributes of high performance. At this time, the modular industry can provide both environmentally conscious buildings and eco-friendly building materials because it has control over both. This is evidenced by the creative and inspirational responses produced by manufacturers who have participated in green building design challenges.

Innovation and Design Process and LEED

Perhaps the best feature of the LEED building rating system is the invitation to be innovative. Modular construction capitalizes on the ability to move product in controlled manufacturing conditions, tight inventory control and project schedules. It is inherently waste conscious and can have minimum site impact if delivered carefully and strategically with respect to site constraints. Modular units purchased within 500 miles of the construction site offer other LEED point opportunities.

Regional Priority

The Regional Priority Credits category is new to LEED 2009. The Regional Bonus Credit Category contains four possible Regional Specific Environmental Priority credits. A database of the credits is available on the USGBC Web site, www.usgbc.org. It is recognized that modular building components and finished modular building units can be a part of any LEED design and construction effort, and as such, regional priority credits can also be obtained. The evolution of LEED is a reflection of the changing market forces. There is every opportunity for the modular building industry to identify with and achieve the value added in energy, material and resource efficient qualities and attributes of high performance buildings. At the same time the modular building industry offers the best strategies for construction waste management, material efficiencies and superior air quality.

Access the MBI Report

ABC Offers Green Contractor Certification Program

For contractors interested in sustainability and green construction, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) offers a Green Contractor Certification program. According to ABC, the programs documents the efforts of merit shop construction firms that are developing a sustainable workplace environment and to recognize those ABC members that are leaders in the green industry.

The process starts by submitting an application detailing green efforts and undergoing a third-party onsite assessment to achieve certification from ABC’s National Green Building Committee. ABC’s Certified Green Contractor program focuses on the green initiatives ABC member firms undertake in the workplace, not on construction practices, and it certifies companies, not individuals.

“ABC members have been on the forefront of the green building movement since its inception, but ABC also believes in stretching green achievements beyond the construction process and into the workplace,” said W. Brewster Earle, chairman of the ABC National Green Building Committee and president of Comfort Systems USA Energy Services, in Hartford, Conn. “The Green Contractor Certification program is another step in ABC’s goal to provide support and recognition for those firms that are setting an example for the industry by promoting green practices within the company and those that would like to create sustainability in the workplace as well as in construction practices.”

Twelve prerequisites ranging from the electronic distribution of documents to establishing an aggressive recycling program must be completed by each company. In addition, companies are required to fulfill at least 12 out of 36 elective items that include conducting a professional energy audit, engaging in water conservation efforts and providing incentives for carpooling or using public transportation. Each company also must achieve four education and training benchmarks, such as instructing employees on sustainability issues and requiring at least 25 percent of eligible managers to receive green building awareness education. For more information, visit ABC’s green website http://www.greenconstructionatwork.com//.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing FacilityFeatures Sustainable Design

Integrating manufacturing research and office environments was a key objective of United Therapeutics Corporation (UT) for their recently completed facility. To meet its objective, UT turned to O’Neal, Inc. to provide master planning and detailed design for the pharmaceutical solid dose manufacturing and research and development facility in the Research Triangle Park, NC.   

Form truly meets function in UT’s breathtaking facility. UT was interested in producing a state-of-art facility that reflected the company mission of “Medicines for Life.” During programming, O’Neal worked with UT and created the “Circle of Life” and “Betterment of Mankind” through UT medicines themes that were reflected within the design and layout of the building. Manufacturing is at the core of the building, with all other functions acting as “spokes” in the wheel.

According to David Zaccardelli, Vice President Pharmaceutical Development, the project was “something far from ordinary that integrated manufacturing within the office environment.”

In addition to manufacturing and R&D, the 203,000-square-foot facility serves as office space for administration, marketing and management functions. The project scope for O’Neal consisted of master planning of a 54-acre site in the RTP. The master plan was developed for the project to be constructed over a two and a half year period. O’Neal’s expertise and experience in potent compound solid dose pharmaceutical manufacturing design were key criteria in the selection process. “O'Neal provided exceptional input into the architectural and manufacturing design while maintaining energy efficiency, and creative land use to create a world class facility," said Zaccardelli.

The programming and detailed design services for Phase I of the master plan included a facility to house solid dosage manufacturing facilities, packaging, a 40,000-square-foot warehouse, and 95,000 square feet of corporate office space that includes a central data center, auditorium, and cafeteria. The facility also includes R&D laboratories, QA/QC laboratories and a fully integrated formulation pilot plant.

Several unique building elements were included in the design, including: curved panels that wrap around the structure, extensive natural daylight, a glass-encased entry lobby with a 38’ tall saltwater aquarium, and 258 rooftop solar panels.

The building incorporates green and sustainable design elements, and was designed following LEED standards. In addition, the facility was designed through the Durham Country Storm Water and Erosion Control Division to reduce environmental impact and to control soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation. Low-emitting materials, such as carpet and adhesives, that meet requirements of the Green Label program were used. In addition, the building features extensive glass for natural daylight. Bike storage spaces and changing and shower rooms were incorporated to encourage alternative transportation. Water efficient landscaping was accomplished by utilizing reverse osmosis reject water for re-use in the plant and grass irrigation system.

O’Neal proactively worked with UT to deliver several value engineering items that resulted in significant savings. O’Neal worked closely with DPR Construction of Raleigh during construction of the project. Overall, the project was delivered three weeks early on a twenty-two and half month schedule.

Getting a Piece of the Renewable Market

The current issue of CE News features a great article on how engineering firms can capture a piece of the renawable energy market.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2010 Energy outlook, the United States can expect moderate growth in energy consumption, a greater use of renewables, and reduced oil and natural gas imports. Renewable energy refers to wind power; solar energy; geothermal energy; hydropower and ocean power; biomass energy, fuels, and products; and waste-to-energy.

The article, by Theresa M. Casey, FSMPS, CPSM of OnTarget Communications, specifically address the solar, wind, geothermal and alternative fuel market. To view the article, visit. CE NEWS.

Rapid Set Offers a Greener Hydraulic Cement

According to recent studies, Rapid Set® is a greener hydraulic cement primarily because it has a much smaller carbon footprint than portland cement. In its manufacturing process, it generates far less carbon dioxide (CO2)[i].

There are a number of reasons for the exceptional “green” characteristics of Rapid Set® cement and concrete. In the case of cement production practice, the emissions of carbon dioxide gas result from two aspects of the high-temperature manufacturing process.

First, in the cement kiln, the raw materials (limestone, clay, etc.) decompose, releasing large amounts of CO2.

Second, the combustion of fuel (generally coal) with air in a cement kiln, also releases carbon dioxide, much the same as carbon dioxide gas is emitted from the exhaust pipe of a vehicle that is burning gasoline or diesel fuel.

In the case of portland cement, approximately 40% of emitted CO2 results from the burning of the fuel in a kiln, and 60% comes from the decarbonation of the limestone.[ii] A recent estimate for carbon dioxide emissions for portland cement production is 0.9 pounds of CO2 per pound of ground portland cement.[iii]

An analysis of Rapid Set® manufacturing raw materials composition, pyroprocessing techniques, and cement grinding has established a baseline emission rate of 0.61 pounds of CO2 per pound of Rapid Set® cement produced, broken down as follows:[iv]

Only 0.21 pounds of CO2 per pound of cement from fuel (coal) combustion because its burning temperature is approximately 220°C lower than that of portland processes.

Only 0.40 pounds of CO2 per pound of cement from thermal decarbonation of calcium carbonate (limestone).

Rapid Set® also reduces the impact of cement production on the environment:

•  The reduced burning zone temperature needed to form Rapid Set® clinker has the additional advantage of producing lesser amounts of smog-producing oxides of nitrogen.
• The softer and more friable nature of Rapid Set® clinker also lends itself to much easier grinding and a lower grinding mill energy consumption.
• Hardened Rapid Set® concrete is much more durable than portland cement concrete, and has a particularly greater resistance to sulfate or other types of chemical attack. Due to its very rapid strength producing ettringite formation, lower porosity, and subsequent internal self-desiccation, Rapid Set® is extremely impervious to carbonation, freeze-thaw susceptibility, and acid rain leaching. Thus, it has a proven record of field performance that exceeds the normal useful life span of portland cement concrete.
• A number of recycled products, such as waste calcium sulfate from chemical plants and recycled aluminum products (up to 20% by weight of the raw materials) enter into its composition. This improves the sustainability of the cement.
• Rapid Set® cement and concrete provides lower emission of green house gases, lower emissions of smog-producing nitrogen oxides, increased lifespan leading to lower frequency of repairs or replacement, and improved sustainability through the use of recycled raw materials.

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[i] Klemm Report 2008

[ii] Green in Practice: Technical Brief 102, 2008 PCA Publication, http://www.concretethinker.com/papers.aspx?DocID=312

  

[iii] Manufacturing Fact Sheet, 2008 PCA Briefing Kit Publication, http://www.cement.org/Briefingkit/manu_facts.asp

  

[iv] Klemm Report 2008

Pipe and Precast Concrete LEED Calculator Developed

Hanson Pipe & Precast has developed a proprietary LEED calculator that quantifies its products’ contribution to two LEED credit categories — recycled content and regional materials. Hanson calculates the complete report, leaving no further steps or costs for project owners. The calculator provides the mileage and the exact LEED-approved recycled content percentages of products, both in weight and dollar amount. Once the owner or contractor requests the LEED data and provides the necessary project information, the calculation is typically completed within a few business days.

“When we developed this calculator, we learned a lot of the building industry was unaware our products even contributed to LEED® certification goals,” said Richard Manning, president of Hanson Building Products North America. “We decided to create a LEED® calculator, not only to provide a convenient option for our customers, but to show that our concrete products are inherently sustainable and an environmentally-friendly choice.”

Hanson recognized the need for its customers to be able to receive precise LEED® information as opposed to approximate values without creating extra work for the customer. Hanson contacted Green Building Services (GBS) in Portland, Ore., a leading green building consultant, to develop a calculator that provided the customer with the applicable information required for LEED® credits and the exact output based on each individual customer’s project requirements.


“Our LEED® report is very detailed, displaying the actual mileage and the exact LEED® approved recycled content percentages of products, both in weight and dollar amount,” added Clifford Hahne, senior vice president of Hanson Pipe & Precast West Region. “Because most of our products are engineered for a specific job, they require customized calculations.”

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iGreenBuild.com covers several stories a year about green school projects. Here's a recent article published on our website that talks about a unique and very green heat pump product from Marvair.

Warren T. Jackson School Uses Marvair Scholar III Heat Pumps Quick read article about Marvair Heat Pumps being used in a LEED certified school facility construction project. Read about the Warren T. Jackson School Leed project.

Green Plants for Green Buildings New
at the Green Building Expo
By: MJ Gilhooley - Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Source: iGreenBuild.com

Loveland, OH, August 3, 2009- Green Plants for Green Buildings, a 501c3 non-profit charitable education group (GPGB), will inform expo attendees on the importance of integrating natural foliage within the green building design at the International Conference and Expo in Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona slated from November 10^th through November 12^th 2009.

GPGB will present significant evidence indicating that live interior plants are crucial to the overall environmental quality within a building. The group’s LEED AP’s (Leadership in Energy and Environment Accredited Professional), including Phoenix based GPGB Executive Board member, Joe Zazzera will be presenting a rich body of relevant research including green building credited case studies from around the globe. The Greenbuild expo is the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building, with last year’s event hosting 28,224 registered attendees representing 85 countries.

Upon their visit to educational table T-30 attendees and media will learn of findings, which vastly expand upon the credited benefits of planted/greenspace window views. GPGB will be sharing the vital environmental quality advantages of including interior plant installations in commercial spaces (including published and in-progress study findings on the quantification of carbon assimilation of interiorscape plants).

 

According to GPGB, such benefits result from the interior plant’s capacity to produce cleaner air, their demonstrated provision of feelings of pleasure, calm and relief from attention fatigue; decline in sick-leave absences by 60%, a substantial increase in productivity, improved performance on test computer tasks, card-sorting and creative thinking tests, classroom reduced illness absences among primary-school children, as well as reductions in pain perception, anxiety, depression and feelings of hostility.