VERMONT BUILT GREEN PROGRAM

Vermont Built Green 1

VERMONT BUILT GREEN PROGRAM

A Building for Social Responsibility Initiative Promoting Sustainable Building in Vermont


Who is BSR?

Builders Architects Designers Building energy professionals Waste reduction/recycling

organizations Students Interested others


VEIC’s Involvement

Contractor to BSR Grants fund administrator:

Worked with BSR to obtain funding: Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund: $22,000 ERH’s DOE Grant: $5,000 DPS: $2,000

Staff Program delivery in future?


Why Green Building?

“Sustainability” is major trend Comprehensive environmental

approach Energy is just one element Most people are more concerned with

other elements: health IAQ environmental protection


History

“Green” rating programs have been around for 10 years Austin, TX NAHB NRC manual for starting programs

USGBC’s LEED for commercial: the standard

No residential standard 40+ programs currently under

development


History con’t

BSR reviewed existing programs Doug Seiter (Austin, Denver) in 1999 Floated green building program idea:

DPS Act 250 Environmental Board VSJF

Funding commitment winter 2000


VBG Development

Criteria development Andy Shapiro August 2000 retreat at Vermont Law School

40 local and regional green building experts consensus-building approach

Fall 2000 v. 1.0 Outreach/networking Marketing survey Business plan


What is VBG?

A voluntary program for rating homes on “green-ness” or sustainability New construction, for now Existing homes if demand in the future

Based on scorable, weighted criteria An umbrella program:

Expands scope and widens appeal from just energy to all green issues


What Purposes Does VBG Serve?

A marketing tool for builders, developers, manufacturers and suppliers

An evaluation tool for homebuyers

A design and construction guide for architects, designers and builders

Standards for government and institutions

An education tool for all


Synergies / Partnerships

VBG

ArchitectsBuilders

Professional Organizations

Not-for-Profits focussed on Environmental and

Social Issues

SuppliersManufacturers

ForestersBusinesses

Local, State, and FederalGovernment Entities


VBG Scoring Structure

Checklist Basic requirements Threshold to gain certification

Scorecard All basic requirements necessary Points (1-3) per approach Open-ended scoring Total score adjusted based on house size

Compliance based on combination of inspections and self-documentation


What are the Categories?

1. Siting and land use

2. Building design

3. Quality/durability

4. Energy use

5. Resource impacts

6. Occupant Health/Indoor Air Quality

7. Keeping it green: Occupant education and O&M


Siting and Land Use Strategies

Location: Choose location to reduce the dependence on automobiles

Optimize land use to minimize damage to the environment and, where possible improve the environment. Do not build on currently usable agricultural land. Do not build on wetlands or sensitive wildlife habitat.

Community: Promote community and security through site and building design.

Nature connection


Building Design Strategies

Efficient building design Construct building that optimizes the use of interior

space, so that overall building size is kept to a minimum while still meeting occupants' needs.

Minimize house size to reduce environmental impact House size multipliers


Quality/Durability Strategies

Choose quality materials and details for minimum maintenance requirements. Install materials with proper detailing to control

degradation from sun, heat and moisture, including: Wood>8”above soil; Roof/wall flashing with siding cut 2” above roofing; Minimum 10” overhang size; Durable drip line on ground; membrane flashing on all rough openings

Minimum 25-year roof warranty. 10 year warranty on insulated glass.


Energy Use Strategies

Envelope and Systems: Implement a comprehensive approach to energy-efficient design. ENERGY STAR (86 energy rating points)

Efficient Lighting and Appliances Minimum of 4 ENERGY STAR fixtures

Sustainable Equipment No electric heat Points per PV Watt installed (.005)


Resource Impacts Strategies

Resource-efficient and environmentally responsible materials No old-growth wood (except reused) No tropical wood unless third-party certified

Reduce, Re-Use and Recycle Create and implement a plan for construction

Encourage diversion of waste for recycling during occupancy Provide space for recycling containers

Water efficiency No landscaping that requires irrigation once mature


Occupant Health/Indoor Air Quality Strategies

Minimize sources of pollutants Low formaldehyde and low VOC paints,

solvents, adhesives

Provide ventilation to remove pollutants generated in the house Install vented range hood Install automatic, effective ventilation system


Keeping it Green - Occupant Education and O&M Strategies

Provide education for owners/occupants in the use and care of their dwellings Provide training Provide “User’s Manual” Provide “VBG Scorecard” to owners/occupants


Current Opportunities

UVM Student Housing Project 100 units Required minimum of 50 points VBG

City of Burlington adoption for Depot Triangle project

Mass. Renewable Energy Trust Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund Surdna Foundation NRDC: NJ Green Building Tax Credits


Phase II Goals : Ramping Up

Create guidebook and worksheets

Develop scoring software and website

Establish program forms and procedures

Develop builder/architect training materials

Hire and train staff

Develop ads and marketing materials

Continued outreach


Institutional “Home”*

Phase III: Full Operation

VBG

PROJECT REVIEWand

CERTIFICATION

EDUCATION•Builder training •Program manual•Resource listing

MARKETING•Print ads•Radio/TV ads•Earned media•Signs, brochures

CRITERIA ANDRESOURCE

REVIEWS AND UPDATES

ContinuingOUTREACH

ANDNETWORKING

GREEN PRODUCTS•Manufacturers•Suppliers*


The Future

Secure funding to continue development Partner with others regionally & nationally Have LEED-R recognize and support VBG Find an institutional home (VEIC?) Build support and recognition for green

building Move the market towards sustainable

building


Partnering Opportunities

Cross-reference standards Joint training of builders, planners,

gov’t Partner with VSG Collaborative Joint foundation applications MRET incorporate VFS training &

criteria Promote participating developers

VERMONT BUILT GREEN PROGRAM

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