Module 6: Green Building

• Overview
• Rating Systems
• Green Leasing
• Program Planning
• Practices
• Running Your Program
• Resources

Green Building Technologies and Practices

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All green building rating systems share the following focus areas:

• Integrated design
• Building site
• Water efficiency and quality
• Energy
• Materials
• Indoor environmental quality

Integrated design

The integrated design process is an iterative process where multiple disciplines (architects, engineers, owner representatives, contractors, and consultants) work together collaboratively to achieve synergistic benefits. For instance, efficient building envelope and lighting design strategies can significantly reduce HVAC system requirements. For the process to be successful, the owner needs to have a commitment to clear goals, and all of the stakeholders need to be involved and recognize the interdependency of their individual systems on the entire building system.

For more information about the integrated design process, see the following Web link:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/design/integratedbuilding

Design charrettes are a tool used in the integrated design process. They are workshops for generating and discussing ideas in planning and design.

For more information about design charrettes, see the following Web link:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/design/wholebuilding/conductdesign.html

Building site

Site selection, design, and management is a fundamental component of green-building design. The best choice for a site, environmentally, is one where another building has already been constructed, but if this approach is not possible, it’s best to locate the building in a high-density urban area with adequate access to public transportation and infrastructure.

You should consider the environmental impacts of transportation, not only access to public transportation, carpooling, or alternative transportation, but also the parking structures that can negatively effect water quality and contribute to heat-island effect. For more information on creating a commute options program in your office, refer to Module 5: Alternative Transportation.

You should consider stormwater quality and quantity when designing the building site. The natural landscape should be maintained as much as possible, and you can do so through smaller building footprints. The stormwater produced on the site should be properly controlled through management practices.

For more information about stormwater, see the Georgia Stormwater Manual at: http://www.georgiastormwater.com

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