Features of the Green Building
The green building design focuses on the five major categories discussed below
along with an additional category of Innovation and Design Process.
Sustainable Sites
Erosion and sedimentation control, and storm water management measures are taken
at the construction site.
Create landscapes and water bodies to reduce heat islands
Protect and retain existing landscaping and natural features
Recycled content paving materials, furnishings, and mulches that help close
the recycling loop
Water Efficiency
Water efficiency means minimal use of potable water from the municipal system.
Reduce the volume of water used and sewage treated (30-40%)
Use of high-efficiency irrigation technology or rain/recycled water for
potable water use reduction (25-30%)
Minimize wastewater by using water conserving fixtures (ultra low-flush
toilets, low-flow shower heads, irrigation controllers etc.)
Use recirculation systems for centralized hot water distribution
Energy Efficiency
Energy consumption in the green building is lessened by 40-50%. A number of
factors contribute to energy efficiency in buildings such as:
Use of high-efficiency lighting systems with programmable lighting
functions/controls
Energy-efficient heat/cooling system in conjunction with a thermally efficient
building shell (select roof and wall insulation materials with limited heat
absorption)
Considering alternative or renewable energy sources (including photo-voltaics
and fuel cells)
Use of on-site renewable energy to reduce grid consumption
Materials Efficiency
The use of rapidly renewable building materials with high recycled content
reduces impact on environment, building efficiency and human occupancy.
Adopt material efficiency strategies to minimize building materials usage and
reduce construction costs
Reuse and recycle construction and demolition materials
Design to facilitate collection and storage of recyclables
Incorporate a solid waste management program that prevents waste generation
Indoor
Environmental Quality
Use of eco-friendly building materials and cleaning products prevent harmful
emissions from within buildings and have a positive impact on occupants health
and productivity (10-15% more than a conventional building).
Choose construction materials and interior finish products with zero or low
emissions to improve indoor air quality
Provide adequate ventilation; design building systems to control humidity
Use low VOC content material (paint, carpet, sealable)
High-efficiency in-duct filtration system ensures adequate ventilation and
proper filtration
Prevent indoor microbial contamination through selection of materials
resistant to microbial growth
Innovation & Design Process
The intent of this category is to provide design teams and projects the
opportunity to be awarded points for exceptional performance above the
requirements set by the LEED Green Building Rating System and/ or innovative
performance in Green Building categories not specifically addressed by the LEED
Green Building Rating System. Pacific Controls green building project has the
following innovation and design concepts:
90% of the materials are regionally sourced
Exemplary water performance (>40%)
100% certified wood usage
Identified use of bio-degradable and ecofriendly house keeping products, and
use of bio-insecticides for landscaping