green building materials · 2012. 11. 1. · green building materials at a glance new products are...

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EL PRO | © 2012 Environmental Leader LLC. Single license EL PRO subscription can be used by one person. For multiple users, purchase an enterprise license by emailing https://www.environmentalleader.com/subscribe/ for information.

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Green Building Materials

Technologies and Methods

Vendors and Products

Benefits and Challenges

Policies and Programs

Issue 41 November 1, 2012

In this report:

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EL Insights: Green Building Materials

This EL Pro industry report is brought to all readers of Environmental Leader through

sponsorship by BASF – The Chemical Company. Sustainable development has

been defined as the balance of economic success, ecological protection and social

responsibility. For us, sustainable development means the combination of long-term

oriented economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility.

As "The Chemical Company" we meet this challenge. The strategic and organizational

implementation of sustainability helps us identify risks in an early stage while

simultaneously opening up new business areas for BASF.

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Green Building Materials at a Glance

New products are emerging to help companies improve the environmental impact of their buildings, by raising

energy efficiency, reducing waste, and avoiding the heavy resource impacts often associated with

construction materials. These considerations are of concern not just when constructing new buildings, but

also during retrofits. Many energy retrofits are surface level, but truly deep energy retrofits need to consider

the building envelope, by correcting problems in the original construction or by taking further steps to lower

environmental impact.1

1 Rocky Mountain Institute, RetroFit Depot: Identifying Design Opportunities for Deep Energy Retrofits. http://www.rmi.org/PDF_DepotIdentifyingGuide

http://www.rmi.org/PDF_DepotIdentifyingGuide

4


http://corporate.basf.com/basfcorp/html/we-create-chemistry/us/index.html#/malaria

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Technologies and Methods

Metrics

A company’s environmental building criteria may vary depending on whether it is sourcing products for a

new-build project, a renovation or extension.2 Below are the major criteria companies may want to consider

when buying building materials.

Resource conservation: One of the prime concerns about building materials is their demand on the earth’s

resources. In 2003 the world’s population used about 35 billion metric tons of mineral resources with a value

of about €800 billion – and construction materials such as gravel and stone were consumed in far greater

quantities than energy commodities such as oil, gas and coal.3 As well as raw material use, buyers of building

materials should consider the energy and water consumed in extraction, production and transportation, and

the greenhouse gases and wastes that were emitted during these processes.4

Energy efficiency: Separately from the energy used in resource extraction, manufacture and transport,

buildings are huge consumers of energy. Buildings accounted for 41.1 percent of US primary energy

2 “Environmental Assessment and Specification of Green Building Materials.” The Construction Specifier, October 1999. www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/CSIArticle.pdf

3 Volker Steinbach and Friedrich-W. Wellmer, “Consumption and Use of Non-Renewable Mineral and Energy Raw Materials from an Economic Geology Point of View.” Sustainability 2010, 2, 1408-1430.


http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/CSIArticle.pdf


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consumption in 2010, with 18.6 percent of US consumption coming from commercial buildings.5 Wall

insulation and windows play a huge part in determining the thermal performance of medium and high-rise

buildings, while roofs are more influential in low-rise buildings.6

Recycled content: This can include both post-consumer and post-industrial waste.7

For example, some companies have developed cement-based composites from recycled glass and industrial

materials, which lower carbon emissions compared with traditional concrete slabs, create an alternative to

granite stones, and reduce waste sent to landfills.

Recyclability: The EPA estimates that construction and demolition debris account for close to 40 percent of

the nation’s waste stream.8 Construction, renovation and demolition generated about 170 million tons of

waste in 2003 –of which non-residential projects accounted for about 61 percent.9 But many types of

construction waste can be recycled. They include asphalt, brick, cardboard, ceramics, concrete, glass,

gypsum board, landscape waste, steel, aluminum, copper and wood.10 Of course, much waste minimization

will depend on the practices of contractors undertaking construction and demolition work. Companies should

5 http://buildingsdatabook.eren.doe.gov/TableView.aspx?table=1.1.3

6 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_introduction.php


8 EPA Region 9, What’s in a Building? Composition Analysis of C&D Debris. http://www.epa.gov/region09/waste/solid/pdf/cd1.pdf

9 EPA, Estimating 2003 Building-Related Construction and Demolition Materials Amounts. http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/imr/cdm/pubs/cd-meas.pdf


http://buildingsdatabook.eren.doe.gov/TableView.aspx?table=1.1.3

http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_introduction.php


http://www.epa.gov/region09/waste/solid/pdf/cd1.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/imr/cdm/pubs/cd-meas.pdf


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require contractors to provide a reuse, recycling and salvage plan and confirm that this is being followed.11

Durability: Companies must consider the lifespan of construction products, especially for materials that

cannot be easily recycled.

Low emissivity: These are materials that minimize emissions of chemicals, including volatile organic

compounds, and avoid the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).12

Low toxicity: These are materials that avoid carcinogenic and other toxic ingredients.13

Moisture protection: All parts of the building envelope – walls, glazing, roofs and below-grade components

– help determine how much protection the building will offer from outside moisture, although joins of walls

and roofs with windows and skylights are particularly important.14 In fact, uncontrolled ingress of rainwater

and other moisture is one of the most common threats to performance of the building enclosure.15 Moisture-

resistant materials are available. Also to be considered are building materials that inhibit bacterial growth.16

11 Ibid.

12 Ibid.

13 Ibid.


15 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_wall.php



http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_wall.php


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Parts of a building

Building envelope: The exterior wall plays a key part in managing heat gain, heat loss and penetration of

moisture into the building. Exterior walls today are formed of a number of layers performing various functions

– although some materials may perform multiple functions, and their placement in the envelope layers may

vary based on the building’s climate.17 The building envelope forms a sizeable portion of building cost,

ranging from 10.7 percent for a four to eight floor hospital, to 20.6 percent for a 12-20 floor office building and

21.6 percent for a one-story manufacturing plant.18

Curtain walls: Most commercial buildings today are built using the curtain wall technique, in which the

exterior walls of a building do not bear the weight of floors or roofs. Curtain walls are usually made of

aluminum frames with in-fills of glass, metal or thin stone. The key sustainability aspects to look for with

curtain walls are durability, thermal break values and R-values, or ability to resist heat flow (the higher the R-

value, the better able the material is to resist heat). A curtain wall’s thermal performance depends on its infill

as well as frame and other construction and perimeter details. 19 For glass, companies can look for low-

emissivity, specially selective glass coatings, and “smart” glass (see Windows, below).

Another consideration is recyclability. Recycling of aluminum waste from demolition becomes less

economical if the metal is contaminated with debris such as sealants and fractured glazing. Also, the market

for steel and wood frames is limited.


18 Ibid.

19 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_cw.php


http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_cw.php

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One type of efficient curtain wall system is the “double-skin” system, which uses a ventilated space between

inner and outer walls to modulate temperature conditions. These are rare in the US but have been used in

Europe and Asia. Curtain walls with high insulating values, over R-6, may be a less expensive way of

achieving energy savings in cold climates.20

20 Ibid.

73%

86% 89% 92% 94% 95%

63%

80% 84% 86% 88% 89%

1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2009

Insulating Glass Penetration, By Sector, 1985-2009 (Percent of New Sales1)

Residential Nonresidential

Source: US Department of Energy, Buildings Energy Data Book

1) Usage is a good indication of sales. Includes double- and triple-pane sealed units.

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Windows: The thermal performance of a window is a combination of its glazing, frame and perimeter

details.21 At the most basic level, most commercial windows, curtain walls and skylights use insulating glass

units (also called ig units). These have one or more layers of glass and a sealed air space, which reduces

heat gain and loss, as well as improving acoustics. Single-pane windows are extremely inefficient and should

not be considered for external applications.22 Ig windows have a 15-30 year service life, compared to an

arguably infinite lifespan for single-pane glass – but ig units’ energy savings usually pay for replacement

costs, if the unit lasts more than 15 years. However, it is costly to separate ig window components for

recycling, especially since glass is relatively inexpensive. Therefore, the most promising way to limit the

amount of windows going to landfill is to find ways to extend ig windows’ lifespans.23

Recent and current forms of energy-efficient glass take several forms. Glazing type, coating type (including

low-emissivity and reflective coatings), frame type, spacers and gas fills can all contribute to efficiency, either

by reducing heat gain and glare, or by improving insulation. 24,25 ,26 Some of the most common energy-

21 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_win.php

22 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_glz.php

23 Ibid.

24 Pike Research, Smart Glass: Electrochromic, Suspended Particle, Thermochromic, and Liquid Crystal Glass Technologies for Architectural and Transportation Applications, Q2 2012. http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/smart-glass

25 Frost & Sullivan, Energy Efficiency: Growth Opportunities for Smart Windows. March 2012. http://tinyurl.com/9gcuv5u


http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_win.php

http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_glz.php

http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/smart-glass

http://tinyurl.com/9gcuv5u


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efficient windows are multiple glazed with low-E coatings and gas fills such as argon or krypton.27,28

Windows that use three glass panes, or have suspended low-E films between the panes, provide some of the

best insulation. There are also air-flow windows, that use either supply or exhaust air to modulate the

temperature of an interior, insulating glass unit, and researchers are developing vacuum insulating glass

units, which limit conductive and convective heat loss compared to traditional insulating glass.29

Then there is smart glass, which is also called switchable, dimmable or dynamic glass. These products

change the amount of light passing through the glass, depending on changing ambient conditions or the

user’s preference. This allows smart glass to let light in for the passive lighting of buildings, but to minimize

heat gain and therefore cooling needs.30 Some of these films – but not all – allow the windows to reject a high

proportion of heat while admitting more visible light.31





31 Rocky Mountain Institute, RetroFit Depot: Identifying Design Opportunitites for Deep Energy Retrofits. http://www.rmi.org/PDF_DepotIdentifyingGuide






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For exterior applications, according to Pike Research, the three main types of smart glass are electrochromic

and suspended particle materials (which react to electrical stimuli) and thermochromic (which responds to

heat).32 Frost & Sullivan instead divides smart windows into passive, which comprise thermochromic and

photochromic and active, of which electrochromic is a prime example.33 Photochromic coatings use the same

technology used in sunglasses, automatically self-shading to reduce the amount of visible light coming



108.3 218.1

407.1

686.8

1106.6

1500.2

1941.2

2389.8

3058.6

84 140 214 301 405 472 547 599 693

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Smart Glass Demand and Market Value, 2012-2020 (Thousand sq m and $million)

Demand Market Value Source: Pike Research



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through the glass. Electrochromic coatings use a small electrical voltage to adjust shading.34

Another consideration for windows is moisture protection. Wet-glazed systems generally do a better job of

keeping out water than do dry-glazed systems.35

Window frames: A consideration for energy efficiency is the use of low-conductance frames. Of the various

frame materials, PVC and fiberglass offer the best conductivity, followed by wood and steel. But conductivity

is also is a function of geometry and design, such as the use of thermal breaks in metal frames. 36 In

addition, companies can buy wooden frames that meet forestry management standards – although even this

may not be a total guarantee of sustainability. The FSC may include some controversial tree plantations.37

Aluminum and steel frames, for windows and curtain walls, can be recycled.38


35 Ibid.


37 Ibid.

38 Ibid.



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Insulation: Common types of insulation include fiberglass (either batt or blown), cellulose, rigid foam board,

and spray foam. Rock wool insulation (also known as slag wool) is made from recycled blast furnace slag.39

One green alternative is expandable polystyrene thermal insulation, such as that offered by BASF. 40

39 EPA, Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings. www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/imr/pdfs/recy-bldg.pdf

40 Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Developments in Construction Materials Industry (Technical Insights), June 2010. http://tinyurl.com/9mvyyfm

3.1 2.5 3.7 2.5 3.1 2.9 2.1 3.9 5.6 4.4 2.0

25.0 20.0 4.3 3.7 3.9 3.7 3.7 3.5 3.7 4.4 7.0 8.2

17.0

30.0

100.0

Thermal Performance of Insulation R-Value per Inch1

Notes: 1) Hr-SF-F/Btu-in. Does not include the effects of aging and settling. 2) Mineral fiber. 3) System R-Value depends on heat-flow direction and number of air spaces. Source: US Department of Energy, Buildings Energy Data Book

http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/imr/pdfs/recy-bldg.pdf

http://tinyurl.com/9mvyyfm

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A radiant barrier, also called reflective insulation, can help save energy costs in warm climates.

It should be noted that additional insulation is not always a green move. Adding insulation to walls can create

moisture problems in some climates.41

Drywall/wallboard: These can be made using flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD, another byproduct of

coal plants) or recycled gypsum.42

Mortars, grouts, and stucco: These are usually made from aggregate, binder and water. Fly ash, foundry

sand, silica fume, and slag cement can all be used to partially replace cement for these purposes.43

Building base: Instead of natural soil, spent foundry sand and recycled concrete can be used.44

Foundation and backfill: Foundation structural fill can use coal fly ash, bottom ash, slag or foundry sand, or

concrete crushed onsite. Poured concrete foundations can use a variety of recycled components, as

discussed in the next section, Material Types.

Ceramic tiles: These can be made from recycled glass.45





45 http://www.epa.gov/region7/p2/offtheshelf/offshelfpage16.htm





http://www.epa.gov/region7/p2/offtheshelf/offshelfpage16.htm

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Ceiling tiles: These can be made from recycled slag46, fly ash, FGD or recycled gypsum wallboard.47

Common materials and alternatives

Cement: The manufacture of cement is a highly energy-intensive process, requiring about 4.7 million BTU

per ton of production.48 But Portland cement – the most common type – can be made with a variety of

recycled ingredients, including fly ash, FGD, foundry sand, recycled gypsum wallboard, blast furnace, and

steel slag.49

Concrete: Concrete is composed of cement, aggregate, and water. It can also be made using a number of

recycled components. Fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag can partially replace cement, and

can actually result in a stronger concrete. Concrete aggregates can include bottom ash, foundry sand,

crushed concrete and blast furnace slag.50

Foundry sand: This waste product from the metal-casting industry can be used to create asphalt and

masonry mortar, as well as Portland cement and concrete.51

46 Ibid.


48 http://www.cement.org/manufacture/man_fuels.asp


50 Ibid.

51 http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/imr/foundry/index.htm


http://www.cement.org/manufacture/man_fuels.asp


http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/imr/foundry/index.htm

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Aluminum: Recycled aluminum can be used for mullions and trim on windows, sheer walls, sunscreens,

cable trays and skylights.52

Wood: Deforestation is a major environmental problem, threatening to accelerate climate change while

removing habitat and reducing biodiversity.53 However, the US Forest Service argues that wood is one of the

more environmentally friendly building materials, yielding fewer greenhouse gases than many other

materials.54 Sustainable choices include certified lumber and easily renewable plant material such as bamboo

and straw.

Stone: An alternative for building facing material is manufactured stone, a mixture of concrete, aggregates

and sometimes fly ash.55

Phase change materials: These man-made, thermal energy storage materials excel at maintaining a steady

temperature, and can thus be used for insulation. Entropy Solutions56 says its renewable phase change

material, made from fats and oils, can reduce heating and cooling bills by up to 35 percent with a payback of

four years when embedded into roofs or walls.57


53 http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-overview/

54 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2011/10/03/forest-service-backs-wood-as-green-building-material/



57 http://www.puretemp.com/video.html


http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-overview/

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2011/10/03/forest-service-backs-wood-as-green-building-material/



http://www.puretemp.com/video.html

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Light-weight waterproof panels: Multipanel58 offers a high-density, VOC-free polyurethane panel that can

be used for external and interior walls, including as an alternative to many timber-based products.59

Fiberglass composites: An example is material offered by Composite Building Structures Ltd, which can be

used for the frame and shell of a building.60

Vendors and Products

Building insulation: The EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) for recycled-content

products list 83 building insulation products, from manufacturers including Can-Cell Industries, Owens

Corning, GreenFiber, CertainTeed, Johns Manville, Applegate Insulation, U.S. Gypsum, American Rockwool,

International Cellulose and Thermoguard.61 It also lists rigid foam board insulation products from Insulation

Depot.62

Cement and concrete: The CPG list 66 products in this category, from manufacturers including 3M, BASF,

Cemex, Cargill, Holcim and LaFarge. Because coal ash is a byproduct of power generation, many utilities are


59 http://www.multipanel.com.au/eco.html


61 http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/directory.htm

62 Ibid.


http://www.multipanel.com.au/eco.html


http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/directory.htm

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also suppliers of these products. They include Entergy, NRG, American Electric Power, Duke Power, Mid-

American Energy, Nebraska Public Power District, Ontario Power Generation, PPL Corporation, Peco

Energy, Pepco, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Tennessee Valley Authority and WE Energies. Slag,

fly ash and silica fume are available as individual products, or as a blend with cement.63

Roofing: As of October 2012, Energy Star lists 4,984 qualifying roof products – although not all of these will

be suited to commercial use. The products include metal roofs, single-ply, coatings, shingles, tiles, modified

bitumen and built-up roofs.64 The CPG list 17 products in this category, from manufacturers including ATAS

International, Atlas Roofing, Cetco, CertainTeed, Classic Products, Drexel Metals, GS Roofing Products,

Gerard Roofing Technologies, Moore Enviro Systems, Petersen Aluminum, Re-New Wood, Tallant

Industries, Tamko Roofing, Tremco Inc., U.S. Intec, Unity Creations and Verco Manufacturing. 65

Structural fiberboard: The CPG list six products in this category, from manufacturers including Armstrong

World Industries, Homasote, Pacific Northwest Fiber, Temple-Inland Forest Products, The ReWall Company,

and US Gypsum.66

63 Ibid.

64http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=RO


66 Ibid.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=RO


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Glass: Emerging leaders in smart glass include Sage and Soladigm. Looking ahead, Samsung has

introduced a futuristic prototype that is actually a huge, transparent tablet computer, functioning as a window.

It is solar-powered and features a virtual blind controlled by finger swipes.67

Window film: Solutia Performance Films is a major manufacturer of Energy Star-compliant window films.68

Floor tiles: The EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines list 16 products in this category, from

suppliers including Oscoda Plastics, New Pig Corporation, Pacific Coast Mat & Matting and RB Rubber.69

Vinyl composition tile: The EPA says Mannington Impressions VCT is the only VCT “to feature partially

recycled content and green manufacturing practices in its production.”70

Flowable fill: The EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines list nine products in this category, from

suppliers including Dry Mix Products, Dynergy Midwest Generation, E.R. Jahna, Florida Rock, ISG

Resources, Quikrete, ThyssenKrupp Waupaca, Trans-Ash, United Materials and WR Grace.71


68https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advantage/search/specialCategory.do?cat=ADV.ENV




https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advantage/search/specialCategory.do?cat=ADV.ENV




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Benefits and Challenges

Benefits

Cost savings: Use of green building materials can reduce maintenance and replacement costs. It can also

help reduce energy consumption. 72 Changes to a building’s envelope can cut thermal loads enough to

reduce the cost of planned mechanical equipment replacements, and may allow building owners to eliminate

perimeter heating entirely.73

Comfort: Smart glass not only significantly improves energy use, but also can improve occupant comfort and

satisfaction.74

Increased value: Buildings certified under green standards programs have been shown to achieve 10 to 35

percent sales premiums and two to 17 percent rental price premiums compared to non-certified buildings,

along with higher occupancy and retention rates.75

72 http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/



75 SBI Research, Green Building Materials and Construction, 3rd Edition. May 2012. http://www.sbireports.com/Green-Building-Materials-6913283/

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/



http://www.sbireports.com/Green-Building-Materials-6913283/

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Challenges

Costs: Smart windows are not widely affordable, being priced significantly higher than more traditional

windows. The technology to make windows “switchable” is particularly expensive, with a thermochromic glass

costing about $25 per square foot. As technology advances and demand increases, however, prices should

decline.76 Some other green building materials, such as fly ash in concrete, do not usually raise costs.77

Reliability: There aren’t enough reliable predictions of the energy savings that smart windows can achieve,

though Frost & Sullivan says this now-critical market constraint will lessen within one or two years.78 This

reliability issue often crops up with green building materials that have not been widely tested.

Uncertainty of government support: Tax credits and other support measures have fluctuated, creating

uncertainty. The impact of this constraint, too, should lessen with a couple years.79









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Policies and Programs

The federal government operates the Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction, a deduction of

$1.80 per square foot available to building owners who install building envelope, interior lighting, HVAC or hot

water systems that reduce the building’s energy costs by 50 percent or more, compared to a building meeting

the minimum requires of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Companies must calculate their energy using

qualified computer software approved by the IRS.

Owners can take deductions of $0.60 per square foot if individual improvements meet target levels that would

reasonably contribute to overall 50 percent savings if additional systems were installed.

Tenants may be eligible if they make construction expenditures.

Deductions are taken the year construction is completed, and the incentive expires at the end of 2013.80

A number of states also offer incentives on items such as windows, doors, roofs and insulation. The following

programs cover some or all of these building components:

Alabama: AlabamaSAVES Revolving Loan Program

California: CaliforniaFIRST

Colorado: Local Option - Improvement Districts for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Improvements

Connecticut: Operational Demonstration Program

80http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=US40F&re=1&ee=1

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/commercial/qualified_software.html

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=AL44F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=CA256F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=CO161F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=CT13F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=US40F&re=1&ee=1

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District of Columbia: Local Option - Energy Efficiency Financing

Florida: Local Option - Special Districts

Hawaii: Energy Solutions Business Appliance Rebates and Customized Incentives Program;

GreenSun Hawaii

Idaho: Low-Interest Energy Loan Programs

Illinois: Energy Impact Illinois Rebates; Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project Financing

Indiana: Community Conservation Challenge

Kentucky: On Farm Energy Efficiency & Production Grants

Louisiana: Local Option - Sustainable Energy Financing Districts

Maine: Efficiency Maine Small Business Loan Program; Local Option - Property Assessed Clean Energy

Maryland: Be SMART Business Efficiency Loan Program

Massachusetts: ReBuild Western Massachusetts Grant Program

Michigan: Local Option - Property Assessed Clean Energy

Missouri: Local Option - Clean Energy Development Boards

Montana: Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program

Nebraska: Dollar and Energy Savings Loans

New Hampshire: Enterprise Energy Fund Grants; Enterprise Energy Fund Loans; Local Option - Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy Districts

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=DC12F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=FL93F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=HI21F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=HI32F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=ID02F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=IL86F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=IL46F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=IN86F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=KY46F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=LA13F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=ME04F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=ME18F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=MD77F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=MA125F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=MI91F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=MO106F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=MT06F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=NE01F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=NH45F&re=0&ee=1




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New York: Existing Facilities Program; Local Option - Municipal Sustainable Energy Programs

Ohio: Energy Loan Fund

Oregon: Business Energy Efficiency Rebate for Existing Buildings; GreenStreet Lending Program; Multifamily Home Energy Solutions Program; Small-Scale Energy Loan Program

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Green Energy Loan Fund; Small Business Advantage Grant Program

Vermont: Business Energy Conservation Loan Program

Virgin Islands: U.S. Virgin Islands - USVI WISE Program

Wisconsin: Business Incentive Program; Chain Stores and Franchises Program; Energy Bundle Bonus (WPS Customers Only); Large Energy Users Program; Small Business Program81

In addition, many utilities offer incentives of their own. More on these can be found at www.dsireusa.org.

Standards and Certifications

There are numerous eco-labels and certification programs that pertain to green building materials. In general,

however, the most relevant are LEED and Energy Star. Companies sourcing these materials should also

consult the exhaustive product specification guides created by the US federal government, such as the EPA’s

81 www.dsireusa.org

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=NY46F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=NY68F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=OH108F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=OR89F&re=0&ee=1





http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=PA73F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=PA20F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=VT46F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=VI05F&re=0&ee=1

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=WI19F&re=0&ee=1






http://www.dsireusa.org/

http://www.dsireusa.org/

26


Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines and the GSA’s Environmental Program (see below, but also see

Vendors and Products).

Whole-building programs:

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): The world’s most popular green building

certification program is run by the US Green Building Council. It offers standards for new construction and

existing buildings, as well as for commercial interiors and core and shell development.82,83

Building Research Establishment Environment Assessment Method (BREEAM): The second most

popular standard for green building is used most widely in Europe.84

Green Globes: This standard, run by the Green Building Initiative, is based on online assessment tools and

third-party verification in five categories: design of new building or significant renovation, management and

operation of existing buildings, building emergency management, building intelligence and fit-up.85,86

82 https://new.usgbc.org/leed/rating-systems


84 Ibid.

85 http://www.greenglobes.com/


https://new.usgbc.org/leed

http://www.breeam.org/

http://www.greenglobes.com/

https://new.usgbc.org/leed/rating-systems


http://www.greenglobes.com/


27


Material and product programs:

Energy Star: This EPA-DOE program designates energy-efficient products. Federal guidelines require the

use of Energy Star insulation, doors, windows and skylights in government buildings.87

Energy Star notes that when buying windows, skylights and doors, it’s important to find products that work in

your climate. Some of these Energy Star products are climate-specific, while others work across the US.

There are four Energy Star climate zones: northern, north-central, south-central and southern. A map

showing the climate zones is available here – and users can enter their county and state to find out more

precisely which zone they are in.

Many utilities provide financial incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and

skylights.88

National Fenestration Rating & Certification Program: Covers windows, doors, skylights and curtain

walls.

Cool Roof Rating Council Labeling Program: Lists roof surface products with their radiative values. 89

Blue Angel: Covers products including insulation, PV panels, paints, wallpapers and floor coverings.

87 http://www.sftool.gov/GreenProcurement/ProductCategory/1

88http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=WI

89 http://www.coolroofs.org/aboutthecrrc.html

http://www.energystar.gov/

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/products/windows_doors/Promotional_Map.pdf?f139-b482

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=windows_doors.search_climate

http://www.nfrc.org/

http://www.coolroofs.org/aboutthecrrc.html

http://www.blauer-engel.de/en/blauer_engel/index.php

http://www.sftool.gov/GreenProcurement/ProductCategory/1

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=WI

http://www.coolroofs.org/aboutthecrrc.html

28


M1 Emissions Classification of Building Materials: Covers products used in work spaces including

gypsum boards, chipboards, plywood, steel plates and blocks.

Recycled Material Content Standard V5-0: Covers products including ceramic tiles, composite wood

goods, carpets and textiles.

Indoor Advantage and Indoor Advantage Gold: Covers products including ceiling tiles, wall panels,

wall/floor coverings, sealant and adhesives.

Green Squared: Covers ceramic and glass tiles.

calCOMPliant: Covers composite wood panels.

NSF International Standard 14: Covers piping components and related materials.90

Purchasing Guidance:

Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines: This EPA program is designed to promote the use of material

recovered from solid waste. For each type of construction product (such as fiberglass, coal ash cement, steel

roofing materials or rubber floor tiles) the EPA has recommended recovered content levels. As of October

2012, there were 274 construction products, falling into 15 categories: building insulation products, carpet

(polyester), carpet cushion, cement and concrete (containing coal fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace


http://www.rakennustieto.fi/index/english/emissionclassificationofbuildingmaterials.html

http://www.scscertified.com/docs/SCS_STN_RecycledContent_V5-0_100311.pdf

http://www.scscertified.com/gbc/indooradvantage.php

http://www.scscertified.com/gbc/indooradvgold.php

http://www.greensquared.com/

http://www.scscertified.com/docs/COM_ECS_INF_calCOMPliant_V1-1_01111.pdf

http://www.nsf.org/business/plastics_piping/faq.asp#faq9

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/index.htm


29


slag, cenospheres or silica fume), consolidated and reprocessed latex paint, floor tiles, flowable fill, laminated

paperboard, modular threshold ramps, non-pressure pipe, patio blocks, railroad grade crossing surfaces,

roofing materials, shower and restroom dividers/partitions and structural fiberboard.

General Services Administration: The procurement and facilities agency for the federal government has

launched the GSA Environmental Program, a website to guide users to products meeting environmental

criteria. And it has also launched the Green Products Compilation, which lists the EPA, DOE, or USDA

designations and environmental guidance that apply to various categories of construction materials.

https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advantage/search/specialCategory.do?cat=ADV.ENV

http://www.sftool.gov/greenprocurement

30


Latest Developments in Green Building Materials

US and global markets

BCC Research says the US green building materials market reached about $12.8 billion in 2008, but fell to

just $9.6 billion in 2009 because of the recession. In that year it says structural materials made up about $5.7

billion of the market, and interior materials $2 billion.91

SBI pegs the global market for green construction at nearly $70 billion in 2011, up from $6.6 billion in 2007,

with the lion’s share - $52 billion - going to non-residential buildings. The growth in green building certification

is driving demand for sustainable building components, and the US is the single biggest market for non-

residential green construction: 9,907 projects totaling 1,009 million square feet were certified in the US

between 2007 and 2011. China follows with 155.1 million square feet, and Canada is third with 47.5 million

square feet.92

91 BCC Research, The U.S. Market for Green Building Materials. http://www.bccresearch.com/report/green-building-materials-us-market-env007b.html


http://www.bccresearch.com/report/green-building-materials-us-market-env007b.html


31


Adoption by businesses

San Francisco 49ers: Central Concrete, a US Concrete company, is supplying about 80,000 cubic yards of

its low-CO2 concrete for the new San Francisco 49ers stadium. The mixes selected, which will be used for

65%

36%

49%

43% 44%

38%

33%

28%

40%

24%

17% 15%

11% 10% 7% 7% 8%

6% 4% 3% 3%

*

17% 19%

34% 37%

48%

54%

% of existing building stock

1995 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009

Nonresidential Window Stock and Sales, by Glass Type Vision Area of New Windows (Except Where Noted)

Clear Tinted Reflective Low-e

Source: US Department of Energy, Buildings Energy Data Book

Notes: *Included as part of the Tinted category.

32


the auger cast piles and overall stadium structure, use less materials than traditional concrete and are

predicted to reduce the stadium’s overall carbon footprint by 23 million pounds of CO2. Central Concrete,

which uses fly ash and slag in its products, has also supplied concrete for the San Francisco Public Utilities

Headquarters, NASA Ames Building, San Francisco Academy of Sciences, San Jose Arena, Stanford

Stadium and Santa Clara University Stephen Schott Baseball Stadium. 93

Walmart: The company has been using rubber from recycled diapers in store baseboards, and using

concrete composed of 20 percent fly ash.94

DuPont: The company is using sanding waste from the manufacture of its Corian and Zodiaq surface

products as a filler replacement in concrete, in one of several initiatives that have helped it reduce the landfill

waste of its Business Innovations arm from 81 million pounds a year to zero.95

Shree Cement: The company reuses slag and fly ash in its production, and was the first cement company in

the world to be certified to the EN 16001 international energy-management standard, the precursor of ISO

50001. It achieved this certification by reducing its energy consumption though initiatives including a 46 MW

power plant that runs on waste heat from production processes.96

93 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2012/05/22/san-fracisco-49ers-buy-low-co2-concrete-for-new-stadium/

94 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/04/13/wal-mart-says-environmental-initiatives-about-money-not-brand-image/

95 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2012/01/12/dupont-business-innovations-achieves-zero-to-landfill-status/

96 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2012/10/11/broad-group-equity-bank-sustainability-champions-boston-consulting-group-says/

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2012/05/22/san-fracisco-49ers-buy-low-co2-concrete-for-new-stadium/

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/04/13/wal-mart-says-environmental-initiatives-about-money-not-brand-image/

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2012/01/12/dupont-business-innovations-achieves-zero-to-landfill-status/

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2012/10/11/broad-group-equity-bank-sustainability-champions-boston-consulting-group-says/

33


http://corporate.basf.com/basfcorp/html/we-create-chemistry/us/index.html#/sun

34


The Future of Green Building Materials

Projections

BCC research predicts that the US market for green building materials will grow to nearly $31.4 billion

between 2009 and 2014, at a CAGR of 26.7 percent. Structural materials will make up $20.8 billion of this,

and interior materials $5.8 billion.97 Meanwhile, worldwide certified green building space is set to increase

from 6 billion square feet in 2010 to 53 billion square feet by 2020. By that year, about 80 percent of certified

space will be in commercial buildings, up from 73 percent in 2010 – and most commercial certifications will go

to existing, rather than new buildings.98

SBI projects that the global market value of LEED-certified buildings will reach about $148 billion by 2016,

experiencing a rather slow recovery from the worldwide economic downturn. Thereafter the market should

achieve its pre-recession growth rate and hit $294 billion by 2021. SBI notes, however, that the non-

residential sector saw a slight decline last year, and homes were the only segment to record a positive CAGR

in 2011 – so residential will likely take the lead in the growth to 2016.99

97 BCC Research, The U.S. Market for Green Building Materials. http://www.bccresearch.com/report/green-building-materials-us-market-env007b.html

98 Pike Research, Green Building Certification Programs. http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/green-building-certification-programs


http://www.bccresearch.com/report/green-building-materials-us-market-env007b.html

http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/green-building-certification-programs


35


Smart glass technologies hold market promise because buildings are including increasingly higher

proportions of glass in their façade.100 By 2020, smart glass will make up less than one percent of worldwide

flat glass production, but could gain significant market share later on. The North American and European

markets will lead in revenue terms. Pike Research says China should see strong growth, while Frost &


$6.6 $17.8

$54.0 $64.9 $69.4

$85.1 $100.7

$116.4 $132.1

$147.8

$177.0

$206.3

$235.5

$264.8

$294.1

Global Market for Green Construction, 2007-2011, and Forecast, 2012-2021

($ Billion)

Market Forecast

Source: SBI Research, Green Building Materials and Construction, 3rd Edition


36


Sullivan sees medium and long-term potential in the Middle East.101,102 In the long term, Frost & Sullivan says

associated industries such as HVAC and lighting control must consider the affect of smart windows in their

planning, and such windows could even make blinds and curtains obsolete.103

Green Building Materials: What Does All This Mean?

The universe of green building products is expanding all the time. Each green product can help

companies address one or more environmental issues, such as energy efficiency, resource

consumption and recyclability.

Many certification programs and online guides are available to help companies browse the

products that are available.

There is general evidence that green building helps companies cut costs and increase property

values, but evidence for the effectiveness of individual green materials is often hard to come by,

since the products are so new.

101 Ibid.


103 Ibid.


37


Green construction slumped somewhat during the recession, but is set to pick up at former growth

levels after 2016. Most green certifications will be for commercial buildings, and most of those will

be for existing rather than new structures, providing a good market for green building materials.

Q&A

Damian Pataluna, FisherSIPS and Mike Payne, OPCO Direct

Environmental Leader: Can you tell me a little about your structural insulated panels - what are they used for, and what environmental benefits do they offer? Can they be used in retrofits or just in new construction?

Damian Pataluna, Mike Payne: Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are a combination of three items in one: the

structural framing, the sheathing and insulation. While they are mainly used in new construction – SIPs take

the place of wall studs and roof trusses along with the insulation and sheathing – there are applications for

SIPS to be used in retrofit application. Essentially, SIPS are typically the exterior walls and roof, sometimes

floor, of a home or other building. They are three to four times stronger than stick-constructed homes and are

at least 50 percent more energy efficient than fiberglass insulated homes. Other environmental benefits are

the reduction in solid wood used in the construction of the home.

http://www.fischersips.com/

http://www.opcodirect.com/

38


SIPS are made with oriented strand board (OSB), which uses small trees that are harvested from tree farms

and replanted immediately. In addition, our SIP buildings typically have less job site waste during the

construction period as all of the panels are cut to size and shape prior to shipping.

In retrofits, we offer 'Nailbase' panels. These are panels with OSB laminated to one side only. They are used

to help insulate a building after the fact, and can be applied to walls or roof. They come in a variety of

thickness depending on what the needs are of the customer.

SIPS in general are available in 4'x8' up to 8'x24' standard. The thicknesses are designed to work with

lumber floor plates, so the foam is 3 5/8", 5 5/8", 7 3/4", 9 3/8" or 11 3/8" thick standard.

EL: Who are some of your commercial and industrial customers for these SIPs? What environmental benefits have they seen from using the SIPs?

DP, MP: Our SIPS have been used on the new dormitories at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and at Montessori

schools, horse barns, office buildings, restaurants and stores. All of these projects have exhibited energy

savings vs. what they were expecting.

EL: What advice would you have for a company seeking to use green building materials in its facilities? Are there some "easy wins," or particular types of green building materials they should consider first?

DP, MP: In all “green” construction, I believe it starts with an energy-efficient envelope. This makes almost all

of the other products more viable, such as solar and wind. You can reduce the size of your HVAC equipment

if you have a thermal envelope that is tight and will perform far beyond current construction practices with

fiberglass.

39


EL: What are the biggest opportunities for green building materials in the US? Are there certain technologies, or certain end sectors, that show particular promise? What about particular parts of the country?

DP, MP: With the new Model Energy Codes (2012 MEC), insulation and energy efficiency seem to be

pushing toward the front of the line. The new codes are at least 30 percent more energy efficient than what is

currently being used. Building with FischerSIPS makes it easy to meet the new requirement. I think the new

NEOPOR foam will also offer an advantage over other foams from a cost-per-R perspective.

Some states have already adopted 2012 MEC. Others will be following soon. It's really hard to say where all

of the "hot pockets" are at the moment. SIPS can be used in both hot climates to keep the heat out and air

conditioning in, or in the cold climates to keep buildings warm in the winter time.

EL: How much of a premium should companies expect to spend for green building materials? When could we expect to see these materials reach parity with their conventional counterparts (if ever)?

DP, MP: This is a bit of a tricky question. If you look at cost vs. cost to buy, many green materials are

considerably higher in cost – anywhere from 25 percent to 100 percent more. If you look at the total cost of a

project, it may only raise the total cost by five to 10 percent overall. But you have to consider the savings

generated by these products. For example, a well-insulated home can save 50 percent on your monthly

heating and cooling costs. Typically, if you add up the cost of the mortgage and the cost of energy bills, a

green home will be less costly every month to live in than a comparable home built with studs and

fiberglass...which is more money in your pocket.

40


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