Construction Fact Sheet
By thinking of the environment while designing new structures, it is easy to reduce water use by 20% and energy use by 40%! Information on this page was taken from New York City's Department of Design and Construction "High Performance Building Guidelines."
Utilize the Natural Features of the Construction Site (Work with the ecosystem rather than against it)
- Use trees to block the winter winds, reducing the amount of heating required.
- Install a venting system that channels wind through the building, rather than a powered system.
- Arrange windows to allow for as much natural lighting as possible, eliminating the need for electric lights during the day.
- Plant breaks in asphalt surfaces and rooftops to reduce solar heating in the summer.
- Install moveable awnings to utilize all possible solar heat in the winter, and eliminate it in the summer.
Reduce the Impact of the Building on the Environment
- Use native plants that do not need to be watered or treated with pesticides.
- Prevent non-point water pollution by planting watershed buffers. Stormwater then infiltrates into the soil, and is cleaned naturally before flowing to surface water.
- Encourage public transportation by building a covered bus-waiting area.
- Build an accessible bike storage area.
- Provide preferred parking for carpools.
- Create extensive, easy to use recycling system within the building.
Efficient Energy Use
- Orient the building to maximize solar opportunities for generation of light and heat.
- Use an automated dimmer system that will adjust electric lights in response to the natural light available.
- Paint parking lots, etc., with reflective paint to minimize the need for outdoor night lighting.
- Group similar programs together to concentrate specific heating/cooling needs into one area of the building.
- Insulate the building well. Use appropriate, well-sealed windows, air lock doors and insulated walls.
- Use renewable energy when possible.
- Install energy saving appliances such as lights, computers, refrigerators, etc.
Use Environmentally Sound Materials
- Re-use materials whenever possible. Opportunities for this in the construction phase are pre-used bricks, doors, etc.
- Consider the lifecycle of materials. Often materials with long life spans are cheaper in the long run due to fewer repairs and maintenance needs.
- Use materials made from recycled products.
- Use materials that can be recycled at the end of their lifetime.
Reduce Water Use, Increase Water Reuse
- Install low flow toilets and faucets.
- Consider vacuum assisted flushing toilets.
- Use automatic shut-off controls.
- Post signs requesting that building users conserve water.
- Collect and use rainwater for gardening, toilet flushing, or any use that does not involve human contact.
- Re-use "graywater."
