Some building goods are considered green simply because they have low manufacturing impacts, since they are options to conventional products produced from chemicals considered problematic, or simply because they facilitate a reduction in the pollution or emissions from building operations or construction and demolition activities.
Substitutes for conventional products created using environmentally hazardous components might not, in themselves, be particularly green (e.g. they might be petrochemical-based or relatively high in VOCs), but in accordance with these products being replaced they may be considered green. Most of the products satisfying this criterion are in categories that are dominated by the more harmful products.
Natural or minimally processed products. Products that are natural or minimally processed could be green due to low energy use and safe of chemical releases during manufacture. It may include wood products, agricultural or nonagricultural plant products, and mineral products for example natural stone and slate shingles.
Options to ozone-depleting substances. Included listed here are products in categories in which the most of products still contain or use HCFCs, for example refrigerants in air conditioning units. As HCFCs are eliminated, the relative need for this green criterion is constantly on the drop.
For instance, polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation is not created using HCFC-141b because the blowing agent, therefore the greater environmental benefit of the competing ozone-safe product, expanded polystyrene (EPS), has disappeared.
Options to hazardous products. Some materials are thought green since they're environmentally better than conventional products in a specific application. For instance, polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) products have a wide range of chlorine that could be changed into hazardous chlorinated hydrocarbons, for example dioxins, if incinerated, and also the plasticizers in these items might be endocrine disruptors, chemicals that mimic natural hormones and could cause reproductive or developmental problems. Thus a product might be considered green since it can replacement for PVC.
Other types of such products include fluorescent lamps that contain less mercury, concrete form-release agents (oils that permit the forms to become removed after pouring concrete) that won't contaminate groundwater, and merchandise made without brominated flame retardants.
Products that reduce and sometimes eliminate pesticide treatments. Periodic pesticide treatment around buildings could be a significant health insurance and environmental hazard. Using certain building products can help to eliminate or get rid of the need for pesticide treatments, and the like goods are therefore considered green. These include physical termite barriers, borate- or sodium-silicate-treated building products, and bait systems that get rid of the need for broad-based pesticide applications.
Products that reduce stormwater pollution. Some paving goods are permeable, allowing rainwater to soak to the ground, instead of adding to stormwater runoff and pollution of nearby streams along with other water bodies. Components used in vegetated or green roofs may also reduce stormwater runoff. For areas for example parking lots that generate a lot of pollution in stormwater runoff, you will find filtration and oil-separation systems that remove these contaminants.
Products that reduce impacts from construction and demolition activities. Included in this category are various erosion-control products, foundation systems that get rid of the need for excavation, and exterior stains that result in lower emissions of smog-causing VOCs. Low-mercury fluorescent lamps reduce environmental impacts of demolition and renovation.
Products that reduce pollution or waste fromoperations. Alternative wastewater disposal systems reduce groundwater pollution by decomposing organic wastes more effectively. Masonry fireplaces and pellet stoves burn fuel more completely with fewer emissions than conventional fireplaces and wood stoves. Recycling bins and compost systems let occupants reduce their solid waste generation.
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Note: This article was sent to us by: Larry Edwards at 04202011
1. Regulatory constraints of green building
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