Paula Bowley and Michaela Jones of Paula Bowley Architects present an overview of specification for green building materials for the Toronto CSBA Course

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Selecting and Specifying Green Materials
Paula Bowley and Michaela Jones July 2012
Paula Bowley Architects Inc
36 Argyle Street Toronto ON M6J 1N6
T 416 537 6816 F 416 537 6776 info@bowleyarchitects.ca
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Selecting and Specifying Green Materials
We are here to provide our perspective as architects on how
to identify, select, and specify materials and products.
Selection Criteria
Why we choose one material over another
Process
How we locate and analyze materials
Resources and Tools
What is available to aid in the specification process
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Who Selects Green Building Products?
The responsibility for selecting and specifying green
building products and systems is largely the architect’s
responsibility but this responsibility is shared with the
entire design team.
Owners, architects, engineers, sustainable building
advisors, specifications writers, contractors, product
manufactures can all contribute based on their unique
views of the project.
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The Architect
An architect’s license addresses the need to protect
public health, safety, and welfare. They are
responsible for code compliance in product
selection.
Since many green products are relatively new, the
architect must perform significant research or find
verification that the product is suitable and code‐
compliant.
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http://www.pharosproject.net/framework/
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http://www.pharosproject.net/framework/
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Key Concepts
Is the Industry ready?
Keep it simple – “Whole building products”
Weighting: Pros & Cons
Risk & Liability
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Perspectives of Material Analysis
Criteria for Evaluation
Resources & Tools
Greenwashing
Role of Laws, Codes, and Regulations in Material Analysis
(Specifications)
Risk
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Selection Criteria - Chemical Soup
http://transparency.perkinswill.com/precautionarylistcategory.cshtml?category=7&chemical=83
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Selection Criteria - Embodied Carbon & Energy
Jan 4, 2012 Passive House
Institute US has banned the
use of spray polyurethane
foam with high global
warming potential.
New blowing agents will
reduce global warming
impact of insulation
http://www.sprayfoam.org/
Transition will take a year
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Selection Criteria – Laws Codes & Regulations
Debate: Is spray foam a vapour barrier?
City of Toronto
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Criteria - Weighting:
(Two sides to every storey)
PVC
Spray foams & Rigid Insulation
Asphalt roofing
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/green‐
building‐blog/job‐site‐recycling‐asphalt‐roofing‐shingles
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Greenwashing
• Profit from sustainability
• Entire programs set up to generate revenue stream
• Sound business decisions may not be compatible with
the social component of sustainability
• Misrepresentation
“Many of the building rating / certification systems and
individual accreditation systems appear to place the goal
of generating revenue for their development organization
as a goal equal to the organization’s commitment to
knowledge, development and advocacy around its issue.”
www.nibs.org
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Resources & Tools
Living Building Challenge “Red List”
Material Safety Data Sheets
Suppliers & Sales reps & Continuing Ed lunch & learn
Eco‐Labels, Rating Systems, CaGBC – Case Studies
Internet Research
Industry Professionals
Trade Associations
Web Subscription based research publication….
Experience
Brokers for materials
OAA Continuing ed
Reference Books (HOK, accessibility, standards, codes)
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Case Study: Insulation
HOK GUIDEBOOK TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
INSULATION
Environmental benefit from insulation’s role in
reducing energy use for heating and cooling is far
greater than concerns about the manufacture of
the material.
Use batt where possible to avoid need for costly
foam that have high environmental impact
Consider expanded polystyrene (EPS uses pentane
gas) in lieu of extruded (XPS uses HCFC’s)
Use spray foams not blown with CFC’s or HCFC’s
Consider magnesium silicate foam (Air‐Crete)
insulation, which is mineral based and CFC/HCFC
free, other advantages are fire stopping and
benign IAQ impacts
Etc…
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A day in the life……
Case Study: A New roof
Our clients want to replace their existing roof with a
new roof
What Material will the roof be?
What Roofing System?
Warranty?
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Case Study: Roofing Concepts
Any Roofing is High Risk on a good day!
Industry is not ready (Green Roofing)
insurance industry, construction industry and roofing
industry are players
All info has to be passed on down the chain… to subs,
structural engineers…
Breathable vs. Waterproofed
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Case Study: Reference Books
HOK GUIDEBOOK TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Membrane Roofing
Consider single ply instead of built up, more
durable, less toxic to installers & can be recycled
Mechanically fastened not adhesive based
Consider EPDM lasts 25 years
If specifying PVC carefully consider pros and cons,
manufacture and disposal are a concern
Where building will experience net cooling load,
choose lighter colour
For green roof consider use of fluid applied
rubberized asphalt roofing (asphalt, rubber
polymer & inert mineral fillers). This
thermoplastic material is completely monolithic
and holds the insulation in place and conforms to
irregularities
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Case Study: Online Research
Green Building Advisor
When is a continuous self‐adhered membrane required
on a roof?
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/community/forum/gba‐pro‐
help/15535/when‐continuous‐self‐adhered‐membrane‐required‐
roof
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Case Study: Manufacturer Sales Reps
Many wear several hats and have worked in the industry
for decades
Often professionals
Provide literature and resources
Samples
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Case Study: The Contractor
Contractors have significant product
knowledge.
They can assist the architect or
specification writer during product
selection and specification and
frequently suggest substitutions
during construction.
The value of their contribution to the
product selection process should not
be underestimated, as one specific
product can succeed or fail
depending on the situation.
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Case Study: The Product Manufacturer
The architect, specifier, or contractor never know
the product as intimately as its manufacturer.
The manufacturer can assist in recommending
green products based on their knowledge of
where and how the product is to be used.
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Case Study: Industry Associations
Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Association of Canada
Association for Contract Textiles
Canadian Carpet Institute
Master Painters Institute
Canadian Roofing Contractor’s Association
Canada Wood Council
Case Studies (CaGBC, Architectural Record, NMS, WBDG)
provide specifications, guidelines, rating systems and
publications
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Product selection is different from specification writing
As we have discussed, the selection of products and
materials is difficult and complex.
Products are usually selected before a specifications
method is chosen to communicate the specifics of a
product to the contractor.
The specifications are contract documents that contain
the qualitative requirements for materials and
assemblies.
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Common Choices
Common choices for Architects and Engineers:
1. Develop their own office master specifications, which are
adapted over years of professional practice.
2. Purchase licenses for the rights to use a commercial Master
Guide Specification, which can bring further advantages.
Master Specification clauses are written by experts,
dedicated to researching and monitoring the latest
construction methods, standards and legislation. This
makes commercial Master Specifications a current and
authoritative source of text, information and guidance.
3. Retain a specifications writer.
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The ‘Office Master’
The term "office master," refers to the master
specification "bible" that has made it through countless
project iterations in the office history, red‐marked and
updated with revisions for each new project.
This process can leads to "fake specs" , that perpetuate
errors and lack currency.
We do keep a database of products and specifications
that we have researched and used and often update this
information and incorporate it into new specifications.
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The Greening of Specifications
Since the early 1990s and probably before, efforts have been
made on many fronts to develop “green” specifications.
There are now many resources and some master specifications
available to assist designers, specifiers, and builders in their
efforts to build sustainably.
The challenge is in making well‐balanced decisions integrating
all factors and applying sound technology and analysis.
An example of one of these resources follows:
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Whole Building Design Guide
http://www.wbdg.org/
http://www.wbdg.org/wbdg_ug.php
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Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers
In 2006, after extensive outreach to and input from industry
and environmental stakeholders, the EPA (Environmental
Protection Agency) and its partners, the Federal Environmental
Executive and the Whole Building Design Guide, released the
Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers.
Written in the language of architects and building contractors,
CSI MasterFormat™, the guide includes model green language
for more than 60 types of specifications, from concrete to
coatings to commissioning.
The guide was developed to help federal agencies holistically
address the myriad of construction‐related environmental
goals and mandates.
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Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers
The guide is a living document; therefore, comments are welcome at
any time.
Sections include:
• Commercial Kitchen Equipment;
• Stormwater Management with Compost;
• Rainwater Harvesting;
• Vegetative Roof Systems;
• Constructed Wetlands;
• Integrated Pest Management;
• Structural Steel;
• and Indoor Air Quality Management‐Moisture Control.
In addition, guidance for utilizing environmental management
systems in construction projects and for building on environmentally
sensitive sites are being developed.
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Common Choices
Common choices for Architects and Engineers:
1. Develop their own office master specifications, which are
adapted over years of professional practice.
2. Purchase licenses for the rights to use a commercial Master
Guide Specification, which can bring further advantages.
Master Specification clauses are written by experts,
dedicated to researching and monitoring the latest
construction methods, standards and legislation. This
makes commercial Master Specifications a current and
authoritative source of text, information and guidance.
3. Retain a specifications writer.
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Master Guide Specifications
Master Guide Specifications are well researched,
comprehensive text base software programs, containing
descriptions of every procedure, product or method likely to
be encountered.
Master guide specification systems are timesaving tools;
specifiers edit prepared text rather than begin each project
from scratch.
The text contains terminology, standards, quality
requirements, and product lists that represent the current
consensus of a construction product market sector.
A/Es purchase licenses for the rights to use master guide
specifications from commercial producers.
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http://www.raic.org/practice/specifications/nms_e.htm
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National Master Specifications NMS
The National Master Specification (NMS) MasterFormat™
The NMS has been developed by Public Works and
Government Services Canada.
The NMS has been available to the Canadian construction
industry for over 25 years and it is the NMSS that ensures the
product is available in both English and French.
The NMS is in the process of "greening" all of the sections to
ensure that they include environmentally responsible material
and work practices.
http://www.tpsgc‐pwgsc.gc.ca/biens‐property/ddn‐
nms/questions‐eng.html
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National Master Specifications
TABLE OF CONTENTS (NMS Complete (English))
Division 01 ‐ General Requirements 013543 ‐ Environmental Procedures
013573 ‐ Procedures for Deconstruction of Structures
011100 ‐ Summary of Work 014100 ‐ Regulatory Requirements
011200 ‐ Multiple Contract Summary
014500 ‐ Quality Control
011400 ‐ Work Restrictions
012100 ‐ Allowances 014713 ‐ Sustainable Requirements: Concept Design
012310 ‐ Alternatives 014715 ‐ Sustainable Requirements: Construction
012900 ‐ Payment Procedures 014717 ‐ Sustainable Requirements: Contractor's
012983 ‐ Payment Procedures for Testing Laboratory Verification
Services
014719 ‐ Sustainable Requirements: Operation
013119 ‐ Project Meetings
01321606 ‐ Construction Progress Schedule ‐ Critical 015100 ‐ Temporary Utilities
Path Method (CPM) 015200 ‐ Construction Facilities
01321607 ‐ Construction Progress Schedules ‐ Bar 015600 ‐ Temporary Barriers and Enclosures
(GANTT) Chart
013300 ‐ Submittal Procedures 016100 ‐ Common Product Requirements
01350006 ‐ Special Procedures for Traffic Control 017100 ‐ Examination And Preparation
01351313 ‐ Special Procedures: Airports in Use 017300 ‐ Execution Requirements
01351343 ‐ Special Project Procedures for 017411 ‐ Cleaning
Contaminated Sites
013521 ‐ LEED Requirements 017421 ‐ Construction/Demolition Waste
01352906 ‐ Health and Safety Requirements Management And Disposal
01352914 ‐ Health and Safety for Contaminated Sites 017700 ‐ Closeout Procedures
013535 ‐ DND Fire Safety Requirements 017800 ‐ Closeout Submittals
017900 Demonstration and Training
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National Master Specifications NMS
How does the NMS address environmental
responsibility and sustainability?
The NMS includes SPEC NOTES specifically dealing
with this subject, which assist the specification
writer in making appropriate environmental and
sustainable choices. In addition the NMS
Secretariat is continually updating individual
Sections to accommodate projects that might be
seeking for LEED™ requirements and
accreditation.
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Spec Note Environmental
SPEC NOTE ENVIRONMENTAL: direct the specification writer to the
environmentally responsible choices available for materials, handling and
installation of materials, and alternative disposal methods for construction waste
materials, as well as other environmentally responsible choices.
Example 4.3.3 from NMS Section 07 21 23 – Loose‐Fill Insulation:
SPEC NOTE ENVIRONMENT: Increased R‐value insulation levels will
provide improved energy efficiency. Improved energy efficiency
reduces
the use of non‐renewable energy sources and provides a lessened
contribution to global warming.
SPEC NOTE ENVIRONMENT: Verify with manufacturer if they have
take‐back program for the packaging.
Continued….
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Spec Note Support
SPEC NOTE SUPPORT: acknowledges construction industry
organizations that have assisted in the review or development of
the NMS Section: located at the top of the first page of written
text, directly below the SPEC NOTE DESCRIPTION
Example 4.3.4 (from NMS Section 09 97 19 – Painting Exterior
Metal Surfaces):
SPEC NOTE SUPPORT: This Section had been reviewed and
updated with the assistance of Steel Structures Painting Council,
London, Ontario.
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Common Choices
Common choices for Architects and Engineers:
1. Develop their own office master specifications, which are
adapted over years of professional practice.
2. Purchase licenses for the rights to use a commercial Master
Guide Specification, which can bring further advantages.
Master Specification clauses are written by experts,
dedicated to researching and monitoring the latest
construction methods, standards and legislation. This
makes commercial Master Specifications a current and
authoritative source of text, information and guidance.
3. Retain a specifications writer.
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Specifications Writers
Like most architects, we often write their own specifications,
but whenever possible, we retain a specifications writer to
share the responsibility for product selection and help us
write our specs.
The specification writer is a valuable resource and may select
and recommend products, based on the materials already
researched in their master specifications, recent projects, or
field experience.
A specifier who finds a green product that is suitable for use
may incorporate that product into the master specification,
and use it on every project.
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http://www.kalinassociates.com/
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Mark Kalin is President of Kalin Associates Specifications
and currently Chair of CSI’s National Technical Committee.
The firm has completed specs for over 200 LEED projects.
Free spec downloads and position papers at:
http://www.kalinassociates.com
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#1 Discouraging bidding by specifying unrealistic LEED
requirements
When a specification requires a regional source, a recycled
content percentage, and certain certifications for a product,
the specifier has to be certain that conforming products exist.
On a recent project, the only bidder for the doors couldn’t
actually meet all the requirements and put in a premium
price. Other bidders declined to bid citing the requirements of
the specifications. The worst outcome was a project that
decided to abandon certification because of unnecessary
requirements in the specifications that pushed the project
over budget.
Solution: Don’t use the specifications as a research tool.
Either find out what’s available and specify what you want the
contractor to purchase, or give the contractor options and
flexibility to meet the LEED requirements, using a mix of
products.
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#2 Not recognizing that performance is a sustainable
attribute
There is a roofing product that has 100 percent recycled
content, is 100 percent recyclable, and is made from 100
percent regional materials. Unfortunately, it is only guaranteed
until the first rain, since it’s made out of papier‐mâché.
Solution: Performance is more important than recycled
content for roofing. Always seek the highest‐performing
roofing material with a 20‐year track record (which includes
PVC). If you’re not going to keep PVC out of the inside of your
building, why be concerned about PVC on the roof? Personally,
I doubt that either PVC, TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen are
edible, and am more concerned about the damage that water
intrusion can have on the inside of a building when the roofing
fails.
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#3: Adding ‘their’ language to the specifications.
Sorry, poetic language doesn’t buy products, nor does
repeating all the VOC levels in every spec section make
sense. The specifications are contract documents that
contain the qualitative requirements for materials and
assemblies. Subcontractors must put in bids with only a
few hours to evaluate a project.
Solution: Specify products that comply with LEED
requirements and require the submittals necessary to
document the required credits.
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#4: Believing manufacturer’s product literature
Not too long ago a flooring manufacturer overstated its
sourcing and FSC claims. The product as promised was
not the product as delivered—they never had a source
for FSC wood. …And then there was that article in the
magazine that claimed brick would earn 26 LEED points.
…And then there was that insulation manufacturer that
was fined $155,000. by the FTC for false R‐value claims.
Solution: Ask the manufacturer to submit a sample of
LEED documentation from a previous project as an
example, instead of relying on marketing literature.
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#5: Issuing a LEED Scorecard with “maybe” as an
option
We all recognize that achieving some credits is uncertain
until construction is well underway. However, “maybe”
means “no” to a subcontractor if extra expense is
involved.
Solution: At least one LEED consultant will not include a
scorecard in the project manual. Others will reissue the
scorecard monthly. The important thing is to hold the
contractor accountable for making sure that the overall
target is achieved, with a little cushion to allow for
missing or faulty documentation.
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#6: Calling LEED “good enough”
LEED is intended to point the project in the right
direction and open up conversations about sustainability
goals, but too often its goals are adopted without critical
review.
Solution: The consultant should engage with the client
about their intentions and priorities, and then revisit
those throughout. That gives them the tools to answer
questions like: Do you abandon the requirement for FSC
wood once you achieve 50%? Is it the scorecard or
sustainability that governs?
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A response
Re: LEED Checklists in the Project Manual
Submitted by Peggy White on Fri, 2012‐06‐08 11:37.
As both a specifier and a LEED consultant, I have no problem
with including the LEED Checklist in the Project Manual, for
two main reasons:
1. Creating a Team for the Project: One of the general goals of
LEED is to encourage a team approach to the project and
include the Contractor as a primary member of that team.
Nobody is asking the Contractor to bid on a 'maybe', and most
of the Credits are the responsibility of the design team and the
owner anyway. Including the Checklist is similar to 'information
available to bidders' ‐ it doesn't directly relate to the
Contractor's work, but it may help them to understand the
sustainable goals of the project. The Contractor's sustainable
responsibilities are addressed within the specifications.
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A response cont’d.
2. You Never Know: I've had more than one instance of a
Contractor seeing the Regional Credit as a 'maybe' and
taking it upon themselves to make and effort to buy out
the materials locally, and then we get the Credit because
the Contractor took the initiative and wants the reward
of contributing to the sustainable goals. Also, I always
note this Credit as a 'maybe' because I don't want to
dictate where the materials are purchased ‐ they need to
get the best deal possible.
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A Green Product Checklist
One of the easiest ways to get started selecting green products is
to develop a checklist of choices. While a checklist could be
dozens of pages long, our list is limited to a smaller number of
reasonable choices that can be used in many projects. The
checklist is intended to help the design team select green
products efficiently for construction projects. The 120 green
choices are listed in CSI MasterFormat order. After completion of
this checklist, the author (usually the designer or project
architect) should circulate it to the project team and specification
writer for comments. Since these choices might also be included
in your firm’s master specifications, refer to the specs for specific
products, manufacturers, and telephone numbers for each item.
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DIVISION 07 ‐ THERMAL AND MOISTURE PROTECTION
O Fiberglass insulation fabricated with recycled glass.
O Mineral wool insulation manufactured with recycled material.
O Cellulose insulation with recycled material and borate‐based primer.
O Cotton batt insulation manufactured with recycled material.
O Biobased spray insulation manufactured with plant based soy content.
O Spray foam air barrier insulation and sealant.
O Foamed‐in‐place insulation.
O Extruded polystyrene insulation, non‐ozone depleting.
O Polyisocyanurate insulation, non‐ozone depleting.
O Exterior water‐repellent sealers with low VOCs.
O Air and vapor barrier membrane at exterior building envelope.
O PVC‐free waterproofing and roofing membranes.
O Fiber‐cement roofing shingles.
O Metal wall and roof panels manufactured with recycled content.
O Green roof systems.
O Solar reflective materials for roof surfaces, Energy Star qualified.
O Roof walkway pads fabricated from recycled materials.
O Expanding foam sealants.
O Joint fillers fabricated from recycled materials.
O Low emitting joint sealers, interior use.
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Specifications for LEED “Certifiable” Projects: 4
Approaches
http://greenspec.buildinggreen.com/blogs/specifications
‐leed‐certifiable‐projects‐4‐approaches
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Approach 1: Declare an early victory
The team completes the LEED scorecard and declares
victory. There is no mention of LEED in the project
manual and the contractor is asked to “make the right
green choices.” There is no review of the scorecard after
construction. While this is clearly a useless LEED
approach, there are many who accept this result. In
fairness, some are municipalities that are not able to
mandate certification, others are architects who believe
their professional training and personal commitment is
the correct measure of sustainability.
Specifier’s Response: As always, at least include low‐VOC
products, high‐performance products, and construction
waste management in your specs.
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Approach 2: Sprinkle in some requirements
The team completes the LEED scorecard, makes a
determination of which design credits could be easily
achieved, and includes only a few requirements in the
specifications. Perhaps construction waste management, FSC‐
certified wood, and Green Label Plus carpet are sufficient to
demonstrate some interest in sustainable design. Data‐
intensive credits such as recycled content, regional materials,
and low‐emitting materials are typically avoided. Again, the
scorecard is not evaluated after construction.
Specifier’s Response: Match the specs with the LEED credits
selected. Include submittals at the level of detail that a LEED
audit would require, such as chain‐of‐custody (CoC)
documentation for FSC products and VOC levels for paints,
coatings, sealants, and adhesives.
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Approach 3: Everything but submitting for LEED review
The team completes the LEED scorecard, includes it and all
relevant requirements in the project manual, and collects all
the data from the contractor, but does not submit to GBCI for
certification. The team makes an internal evaluation of
whether the goal has been obtained, and declares success.
This approach is frequently taken at colleges, where those that
manage the projects need to respond to various faculty and
student initiatives. There is some certainty that LEED
Certification would have been achieved, but typically there is
no energy model, no commissioning—generally, little attempt
at any credit which involves increased expense.
Specifier’s Response: Again, match the specs with the LEED
credits selected. Note that the credit numbering and language
for all the different LEED rating systems is slightly different—
be sure which LEED program the team is following.
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Approach 4: Go beyond LEED
The design team is actually committed to sustainability,
and regrets the owner can’t or won’t fund LEED
Certification. The energy model is developed early and
really informs the design. Products that meet the VOC
limits, regional goals, recycled content are specified into
the project without reference to LEED. The contractor is
asked to include sustainability in their product choices.
The contingency fund for construction includes
sustainability as a reason for a change order. After all,
isn’t that what design is all about—understanding the
owner’s requirements and delivering the best result for
the funds available?
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Specifier’s Response: Same as Approach 3 above, but
now there’s the opportunity to go beyond LEED
requirements. Make sure environmentally committed
firms like Interface and Kingspan have an opportunity to
bid. Ask the project owner what their standard products
are, to help minimize waste in the future. Look
downstream and make sure the NFPA fire door
inspections are actually done and documented.
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Prodemnity
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DISCUSSION
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What is the role of the Building Advisor?
LEED AP and Building Advisor should be on client’s side
communicating with the professional consultants
It may be a problem if they are directing a design
decision outside of the professionals experience
Some technologies go beyond traditional mechanical
engineer blurr the boundaries… chilled beams
Who takes the responsibility and risk?
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What is Reasonable Expectation?
It is a privilege to give truthful and ethical advice
Client has a legal right to rely on architects advice
by contract law
If you promote or advocate sustainable buildings
who is responsible? Who is accountable?
What is a green expert?
The vast majority of insurance claims involve
misrepresentation, miscommunication and
misunderstood expectations between owners
and design and construction professionals.
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Liability
Never guarantee the outcome or performance
Don’t expand your services beyond area of expertise
How will you protect yourself?
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Conclusions
Limited building operations data (substantial data is
being collected by LEED)
Reconcile unmet expectations
Stick to what you know & hire professionals when
needed
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