Susan Herbert

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Build Green Greater Columbia Verifier Training

• Susan Herbert
• TerraChoice Environmental Marketing
• www.terrachoice.com

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Overview

• Who are we?
• Guidance documents
• Context - Are green building issues relevant?
• What is the verification process?
• How are Program Checklist questions interpreted?
• Mock verification activities
• documentation review
• on-site assessment
• Wrap-up

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TerraChoice
Helping grow the worlds most sustainable
companies

• North Americas leading environmental marketing
  firm
• Environmental investments market advantage
• Communicating environmental value
• Programs and services

Strategic Counsel Consulting
Certification Verification
Marketing
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The Green Building InitiativeTM
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Build Green Greater Columbia
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Who are You?
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• Context.....

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Economic Impact

• Housing 15 U.S. GDP during typical year
• Housing 30 U.S. GDP during economic
  recoveries
• 1,000 single-family homes
• 1,000 multi-family homes
• 2007 - US - 1,353,700 housing starts

• 2,448 construction related jobs
• 79.4 million wages
• 42.5 million tax revenues fees

• 1,030 construction related jobs
• 33.5 million wages
• 17.8 million tax revenues fees

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Environmental Impact All Buildings

• 68 ..... U.S. electricity consumption
• 39 ..... U.S. total energy use
• 38 .. U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
• 12 .. U.S. potable water
• 136 x 106 tonsshort ... U.S. construction
  demolition waste
• ( 2.5 lbs/person/day)
• 40 .. Global raw materials use
• (3 billion tons annually)

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Environmental Impact Residential

• 35 ..... U.S. electricity consumption
• 22 ......... U.S. total energy use
• 21 ...... U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
• 9 .... U.S. potable water
• 58 x 106 tonsshort .... U.S. construction
  demolition waste
• ( 1.1 lbs/person/day)

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Procurement Facts I
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Procurement Facts II
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Procurement Facts III
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Material Improvements
1970s R-19 68 89 90 44 18ft3 _at_ 2000kWh/yr 2
2000s R-30 87 27 (now using gt70 OSB) 26 (now
using 34 OSB) 85 20ft3 _at_ 6-700kWh/yr 29
Ceiling / attic insulation Insulated glass
windows Roof sheathing plywood Floor sheathing
plywood. Insulated exterior doors Refrigerators
Green floor trusses I-joists
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• Build Green
• Greater Columbia
• Guidance
• Documents.....

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Basics

• Build Green Greater Columbia Program Checklist
• Seven sections
• Records scoring
• Suggests docs needed

• NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines
• Seven sections
• Background / intent
• Scoring details
• Suggested verification

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Basics

• NAHB Verification Tool Spreadsheet (Draft)

• Suggested documentation
• from Builder
• (what)

• Suggested instructions
• to Verifier
• (what, when, how)

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Build Green Scoring
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Build Green Program Checklist Sections

• Lot Design, Prep
• Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintenance
• Homeowner Education
• Global Impact

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Build Green Program Checklist Sections

• Lot Design, Prep
• Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintenance
• Homeowner Education
• Global Impact

• Select site
• Identify goals with team
• Design site
• Develop site
• Innovation (e.g. shared driveways)

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Build Green Program Checklist Sections

• Lot Design, Prep
• Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintenance
• Homeowner Education
• Global Impact

• Reduce quantity of materials waste
• Enhance durability reduce maintenance
• During construction
• Reuse materials
• Recycle waste
• Materials
• Recycled content
• Renewable
• Resource efficient
• Innovation (e.g. local materials, LCAs)

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Build Green Program Checklist Sections

• Integrated approach (site, envelope,
  conditioned space)
• Performance path
• OR
• Prescriptive path
• Bldg envelope
• HVAC design
• Water heating design
• Lighting/appliances
• Ren. energy/solar
• Verification
• Innovation (e.g. heat pump water heater)

• Lot Design, Prep
• Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintenance
• Homeowner Education
• Global Impact

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Build Green Program Checklist Sections

• Lot Design, Prep
• Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintenance
• Homeowner Education
• Global Impact

• Indoor/outdoor water use
• On-demand heating
• Efficient appliances, fixtures, toilets
• Irrigation controls
• Reuse of greywater
• Reuse of rain water
• Innovation (e.g. motion sensors, waterless
  toilet)

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Build Green Program Checklist Sections

• Lot Design, Prep
• Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintenance
• Homeowner Education
• Global Impact

• Minimize potential pollutant sources
• Equip. separation
• Fireplaces
• Low emitting products
• Manage potential pollutants in home
• Ventilation equip.
• Exhaust flows
• Moisture management
• Exhaust fans
• Vapor retarders
• Insulate pipes

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Build Green Program Checklist Sections

• Lot Design, Prep
• Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintenance
• Homeowner Education
• Global Impact

• Provide manual on use care of home
• Operational elements in manual
• Provide education on use care
• Solid waste / recycling space

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Build Green Program Checklist Sections

• Lot Design, Prep
• Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintenance
• Homeowner Education
• Global Impact

• Products
• Manufacturers EMS
• Low / no VOC paints
• Low VOC sealants
• Innovation
• Builders EMS

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• Verification.....

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Verification

• What is a verification?
• What is the process?
• What does it mean to be a verifier?
• What are verifier expectations?
• How are verifications documented?

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Verification is
a systematic, verifiable voluntary process
used to evaluate whether checklist entries can
be supported and to provide assurance of their
validity.
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Verification is
Performed by an organization on
itself Internal Usually as internal performance
measure Performed by different organization
External, no direct control over operations Does
have vested interest Usually by company on its
supplier Performed by different
organization External, completely independent
auditor Objective Usually for certification or
accreditation

• 1st Party Audit

• 2nd Party Audit

• 3rd Party Audit

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Verification is ...
Preparation

• Data Gathering Assessment
• Stage 1 Documentation Review
• Stage 2 On-site Assessment

Evaluation Communication
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Verification is

• Preparation
• Obtain background information
• Consult with builder on questions
• Prepare for documentation review on-site
  verification

• Data Gathering Assessment
• Documentation Review
• Review site plans other supporting information
• Develop working papers
• Consult with builder on questions
• Perform formal checklist assessment
• List preliminary findings
• On-site Verification
• Verify through visible means only
• Perform formal checklist assessment
• List preliminary findings

• Evaluation Communication
• Review all preliminary findings
• Prepare formal report
• Communicate results to builder

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Verification is

• Checking accuracy providing corrections
• Not completing checklist
• Entries supportable by evidence no assumptions
• Objective evidence
• Possibly sensitive information - confidentiality
  integrity
• Hard to examine all activities, documents and
  records
• (e.g. instead of verifying all building
  materials in the house, randomly select 20)
• Sometimes, sampling only
• If assumptions unavoidable - document

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Assumptions I

• FEDERAL FUSES ARE THE
• RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC
• STUDY COMBINED WITH THE
• EXPERIENCE OF YEARS

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Assumptions II

• A DOG IS
• IS MANS
• BEST FIEND

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Assumptions III

• Scenario 1
• Scratched out entries
• Torn papers submitted
• Pages of plans missing
• Cant find keys to building
• Impression
• Big talk, not organized, hiding
• Probably not as green as stated

• Scenario 2
• Typed entries
• Support data are highlighted
• Plans are cross referenced
• Team of staff waiting at site
• Impression
• Efficient, organized, honest
• Probably greener than stated

Conclusion Cant be sure evaluate anyway
Conclusion Cant be sure evaluate anyway
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Code of Ethics

• Be honest, candid respectful
• Be competent, conscientious diligent
• Put builder at ease while still obtaining
  relevant information
• Perform verification with integrity due care
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Remain free of influence, interest or
  relationships that impair objectivity or
  judgement
• Not be associated with any report or statement
  that is false or misleading

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Documents
• House site plans
• Correspondence
• Certification
• Project plans
• Photographs
• Manufacturer specifications
• Test reports / calcs
• Independent authority
• Others

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Documents
• House site plans
• Correspondence
• Certification
• Project plans
• Photographs
• Manufacturer specifications
• Test reports / calcs
• Independent authority
• Others

• Mostly for Resource Efficiency / Section 2
• Examples
• Cluster development
• Square footage efficiency
• Perimeter drains
• Covered entries drip edges
• Foundation waterproofing
• Surface water diversion

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Documents
• House site plans
• Correspondence
• Certification
• Project plans
• Photographs
• Manufacturer specifications
• Test reports / calcs
• Independent authority
• Others

• Could be for any Section
• Examples
• EPA recognized brownfield site
• Participation in wildlife conservation program
• Agreement with recycling firm (construction
  wastes)
• Home owner manual education

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Documents
• House site plans
• Correspondence
• Certification
• Project plans
• Photographs
• Manufacturer specifications
• Test reports / calcs
• Independent authority
• Others

• Could be for any Section
• Examples
• Wood (SFM certification)
• Carpet adhesives (CRI certification)
• Energy equip (heat pumps, etc)
• Paints sealants (3rd-party VOC listing)
• Builder / manuf.s ISO 14000 registration

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Documents
• House site plans
• Correspondence
• Certification
• Project plans
• Photographs
• Manufacturer specifications
• Test reports / calcs
• Independent authority
• Others

• Mostly for Sections 1 2
• Examples
• Goals team roles
• CD waste mgmt
• Moisture mgmt (protect sensitive materials)
• Framing plans cut lists
• Stormwater mgmt
• Landscaping
• Sediment erosion control

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Documents
• House site plans
• Correspondence
• Certification
• Project plans
• Photographs
• Manufacturer specifications
• Test reports / calcs
• Independent authority
• Others

• Any Section
• Proves implementation / construction practices
• Examples
• Soil covered for later
• Filled on-site recycling bins
• Drainage plane system behind siding
• Sub-slab depressurization
• Alternate utility installation

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Documents
• House site plans
• Correspondence
• Certification
• Project plans
• Photographs
• Manufacturer specifications
• Test reports / calcs
• Independent authority
• Others

• Any Section
• Examples
• HVAC equip.
• Plumbing fixtures
• Appliances
• Paints / sealants
• Recycled content materials
• MDF with low formaldehyde

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Documents
• House site plans
• Correspondence
• Certification
• Project plans
• Photographs
• Manufacturer specifications
• Test reports / calcs
• Independent authority
• Others

• Mostly for Section 3
• Examples
• Manual J load calcs
• Manual S documentation
• ResCheck Analysis
• Glazing area
• 3rd party performance testing
• LCA output

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Documents
• House site plans
• Correspondence
• Certification
• Project plans
• Photographs
• Manufacturer specifications
• Test reports / calcs
• Independent authority
• Others

• Mostly for Section 3
• Examples
• ResCheck Analysis
• Building envelope R-value
• HVAC performance
• Equipment specs
• Innovative wastewater technology

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Windows
• Stickers on windows (or on man. specs) indicate
  energy performance
• Energy Star rating for windows in South Carolina
  (check website www.efficientwindows.org)
• U-Factor 0.40 or less
• SHGC 0.40 or less

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Paints
• Label on cans (or man. specs) indicates VOC level
• Label / specs can also indicate certification for
  low VOCs
• (logo usually present)
• Indoor low- or no-VOC paints
• flat latex 100 grams/liter
• non-flat latex 150 grams/liter
• oil 380 grams/liter

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Wood materials
• Stamp on material (or man. specs) indicates if
  certified by whom
• Certification programs
• Cdn Stds Association (CSA)
• American Tree Farm System
• Forest Stewardship Council
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
• Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification
  (PEFC)

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Appliances
• Labels on appliance (or man. specs) indicates if
  Energy Star certified

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Carpet/Carpet Pad/Adhesives
• Label on product, man. Specs or website listing
  indicates certification
• 3rd party test data indicates IAQ emissions
  levels

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Hot water heaters
• Label on heater (or man. specs) indicates size,
  fuel energy factor ( fuel used not lost)
• Requirements by both size fuel
• Natural gas water heaters
• 30 gal EF 0.64
• 40 gal EF 0.62
• 50 gal EF 0.60
• 65 gal EF 0.58
• 75 gal EF 0.56

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Sufficient Evidence Example

• Furnaces
• EnergyGuide label or panel on furnace (or man.
  specs) indicates Annual Fuel Utilization
  Efficiency (AFUE)
• Label / specs can also indicate certification
  (e.g. Energy Star)
• Natural gas furnaces
• AFUE ?81 2 pts
• AFUE ?88 3 pts
• AFUE ?94 4 pts

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Working Papers

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Final Report

Build Green Greater Columbia Green Building
Certification Verification Report
Verification Objective Verification
Scope Overall Verification Outcome Specific
Findings
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• Interpreting
• Checklist and
• Designer Report
• Entries......

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Checklist Guidelines

• Calculator questions scoring
• General assumptions
• Types of questions
• Green products
• General questions

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General Assumptions

• Scope
• NAHB Guidelines provide details
• Descriptions of elements intent
• Expectations
• Implementation
• Possibility of receiving partial points (??)
• Depends on number of elements and type of
  question
• Document scoring assumptions / changes

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Types of Questions

• Simple All-or-Nothing Questions
• Question usually only has one element
• Element must be completely implemented or not at
  all
• Example 1.1.2 Environmental community friendly
  site
• Could be an EPA-recognized brown field
• Either it is or it aint - no in between
• Either 0 points or 7 points
• Example 2.2.11 Enhanced foundation waterproofing
• Could be a coating, an exterior drainage plane or
  both
• All count its either waterproofed or it aint
• Either 0 points or 7 points

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Types of Questions

• Detailed All or Nothing Questions
• Question has more than one element to gain points
• Guidelines give exact details on implementation
  required for assigning points
• Example 2.1.4 Detailed framing plan / material
  take-offs / on-site cut list
• Elements either exist or they dont
• 4 separate elements must be implemented
• 7 points total divide between 4 elements
• 1.75 for framing plan, 1.75 for material
  take-offs, 1.75 for on-site cut list of framing
  materials, 1.75 for on-site cut list of sheathing
  materials

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Types of Questions

• Detailed All or Nothing Questions (contd)
• Example 2.5.3 Off-site recycling
• Wastes are either recycled or not
• Must divert at least 50 of the particular
  component from landfill to receive points
• Can obtain points for recycling 5 different
  categories of wastes
• 6 points max (with additional 6 extra points
  available)
• 0 pts for 0-1 materials, 6 pts for 2 materials, 8
  pts for 3 materials, 10 pts for 4 materials, 12
  pts for 5 materials

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Types of Questions

• Percentage Implemented Questions
• Question has only one element
• Guidelines provide total number of points
• Requires applying a percentage implemented
  factor
• Example 5.1.6 Green Label (or equiv.) carpets,
  pads adhesives
• Maximum of 6 points possible
• Must meet emissions levels be 3rd party
  certified for points
• Determine, of all carpet/pad/adhesive used, what
  percentage meets criteria (e.g. only 1 of 3 rooms
  with carpet use certified product)
• Only 30 of points available (1 room ? 3 total
  room 30) 2 pts

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Types of Questions

• Percentage Implemented Questions (contd)
• Example 5.3.4 Protect unused moisture sensitive
  materials
• Maximum of 6 points possible
• Options include just-in-time delivery, storing
  unused materials in a dry area, or tenting
  materials and storing on a raised platform.
• Points assigned based on percentage of moisture
  sensitive materials that are protected
• If only 50 of materials are protected, then 50
  of points assigned 3 points

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Types of Questions

• Unusual Questions
• Need to ensure intent of question being met
• Could be simple all-or-nothing question
• Example 3.3.5.3B Unshaded roof for future solar
  / pv
• All-or-nothing type question
• Must be ? 22 degrees of South for points
• Intent is planning for future PV / solar
  installation
• Therefore points only if area purposefully left
  for future solar / pv AND has conduit and/or
  insulated piping

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Types of Questions

• Unusual Questions (contd)
• Need to ensure intent of question being met
• Question has both preparation implementation
  aspect
• Assume points divided equally between prep
  implementation
• Example 2.8.2 Using LCA for materials
• All-or-nothing type question
• Intent is using env. preferable materials based
  on full LCA
• Therefore points only for both doing LCA and
  using best material
• Assume only 1 LCA needed
• 4 points (50) for performing LCA
• 4 points (50) for actually using env. preferable
  material

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Green Products

• Better environmental choice
• Per product category
• Determined by LCA review
• Single or multiple impacts
• Minimum technical criteria
• (VOC level, formaldehyde emissions, forest
  certification, etc.)
• Sometimes certification available

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General Questions

• Its Your Turn....

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Mock Documentation Review.....
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Mock On-site Assessment.....
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Keep Your Eyes Open..
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Build Green Greater Columbia Verifier Training

• Congratulations!