Procure Products
in the Green Procurement CompilationLearn & Plan Topics
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Enhancing Health with Indoor Air
Four key levers to enhance health and performance by improving indoor air. -
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is most simply described as the conditions inside the building. It includes air quality, but also access to da...
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Energy & Atmosphere
Buildings and facilities rely on the operation of mechanical systems and electrical systems to maintain a high level of indoor environmental qual...
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Indoor Air Quality
EPA studies indicate indoor levels of pollutants may be up to ten times higher than outdoor levels.
Source: Environ...
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Occupant Comfort
Comfortable workers are more likely to be productive and engaged with their work than those who struggle to work in spaces that create barriers and ... -
Flexible Workplace Design
Today’s workplaces are often in flux. Organizations change direction or develop new services. People move to new sp...
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Health
Good health has both physical and psychological components. Being healthy means the absence of disease and illness, as well as feeling posi...
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Materials, Furniture, and Furnishings Replacement
Daily wear and tear means that materials, furniture and furnishings require periodic replacement.
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Space Reconfiguration and Renovation Projects
As needs change over time, tenants often need to convert space or phase the conversion of individual space or rooms to meet these changing needs....
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Under 10,000 SF Interiors Gut Rehab Project
This page provides Sustainable Strategies to consider as a space has or will undergo a major tenant gut rehab for projects under 10,000 SF.
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Building Systems Upgrades
This page details Sustainable Strategies to consider as your space undergoes a building system upgrade to improve energy, water use, and occupant co... -
Building Operations and Maintenance Services
Follow these sustainable strategies as your space renovations are complete and the building and interiors are operated in an environmentally sustai... -
Net Zero Energy
Net Zero Energy means that a building balances its energy needs with energy produced from renewable, zero-emission sources. While Net Zero Ene... -
Policies & Strategies
This section is devoted to the broad policies and strategies covering the whole government or entire agencies, services or bureaus, which set the co... -
Tools & Training
This section covers and links to systems, methods, databases, calculators, checklists, etc. designed to help Federal officials and their partners ac... -
Best Practices & Case Studies
One of the best ways to learn and make the case for high-performance building innovations is to point to others’ experience in implementing th... -
Building Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) accounts for approximately 44% of commercial building energy use.Source: U.S.... -
Buildings and Health
The challenge for building design and operations is to identify and eliminate health risks while also providing positive physical, emotional, and...
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The Importance of Daylight
While many people prefer to be in spaces with abundant daylight, a critical question is to what extent the benefits of daylight matter to those who ... -
Biophilic Design
Learn why nature is so important to us, what we know about the benefits of nature, and how biophilia is being applied in buildings, particularly in ... -
Building Selection
A variety of physical building characteristics and operations policies should be evaluated for compliance with and support of the spaces’ heal...
Green Products
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Windows
in Doors and Windows -
Window, High R Value
in Doors and Windows -
Heat Pumps, Air-Source
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Ceiling Fans
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Commercial Ice Makers
in Appliances -
Commercial Ice Makers
in Cafeteria Products -
Commercial Ice Makers
in Building Furnishings -
Heat Pumps, Geothermal or Ground-Source
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Industrial Process Air Conditioning
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Light Commercial Heating and Cooling
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning
in Vehicles and Vehicle Products -
Air Conditioning, Room
in Appliances -
Air Conditioning, Room
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Ventilation Fans
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Air Purifiers (Cleaners)
in Appliances -
Commercial Ice Makers: Air-Cooled
in Building Furnishings -
Commercial Ice Makers: Air-Cooled
in Cafeteria Products -
Commercial Ice Makers: Air-Cooled
in Appliances -
Commercial Ice Makers: Water-Cooled
in Appliances -
Commercial Ice Makers: Water-Cooled
in Cafeteria Products -
Commercial Ice Makers: Water-Cooled
in Building Furnishings -
Air Fresheners and Deodorizers
in Cleaning Products -
Pneumatic Equipment Lubricants
in Lube, Oil, Hydraulic Fluid, & Grease -
Boilers
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Air Conditioning, Central
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Paint
in Building Finishes -
Paint: Consolidated Latex Paint
in Building Finishes -
Paint: Reprocessed Latex Paint -- Dark Colors
in Building Finishes -
Paint: Reprocessed Latex Paint -- White, Off-White, and Pastel Colors
in Building Finishes -
Paint: Interior Paints and Coatings -- Latex
in Building Finishes -
Paint: Interior Paints and Coatings -- Water-borne Alkyd
in Building Finishes -
Paint: Interior Paints and Coatings -- Oil-Based
in Building Finishes -
Paint: Interior Paints and Coatings -- Solvent-borne Alkyd
in Building Finishes -
Light Bulbs
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Light Bulbs: Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Light Bulbs: LED Lighting
in Lighting and Ceiling Fans -
Chillers: Air-Cooled Chillers
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Ventilation Fan Belts, Synchronous and Cogged
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Cooler, Indirect Evaporative
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Boilers: Biomass Boiler, Wood-Pellet-Fired
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Boilers: Condensing
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Boilers: Commercial
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Boilers: Residential
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Air Conditioner Coil Cleaners
in HVAC/Mechanical -
Air Conditioner Coil Cleaners
in Cleaning Products -
Paint: Exterior Paint and Coatings
in Building Finishes
Outside Air
Outside air is fresh air that comes into the facility as supply air. It is mixed with air already conditioned in the space.
Whole Building Systems
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IEQ - EPA's I-BEAM
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-building-education-and-assessment-model
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IEQ - EPA | IAQ Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM) Computer Software
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-air-quality-building-education-and-assessment-model
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IEQ - EPA | Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality
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HVAC - System Overview
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are responsible for providing thermal comfort and fresh air to building occupants. This is...
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IEQ - Indoor Air Quality
A primary component of a successful indoor environment quality strategy is air; specifically its composition, odor, temperature, and moisture conten...
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Planted Roof - Air Cleansing
Planted roofs contribute to improved air quality by capturing greenhouse gases, particulates, pollens, and molds. The vegetation on a planted roof c...
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Planted Roof - Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Plants have long been used in the urban environment to remove air pollutants like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, smog-forming compounds and par...
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IEQ - EPA's Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/building-air-quality-guide-guide-building-owners-and-facility-managers
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IEQ - DOE LBL | Indoor Air Quality Scientific Findings Resource Bank
https://iaqscience.lbl.gov
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IEQ - EPA | Indoor Air Quality
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
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IEQ - EPA | Indoor Air Plus
http://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/
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IEQ - ASHRAE.org | Indoor Air Quality Guide (Appendix C - Mold)
https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/indoor-air-quality-guide
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IEQ - DOE LBL | Indoor Air Quality Scientific Findings Resource Bank (IAQ-SFRB)
https://iaqscience.lbl.gov/
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IEQ - EPA | Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Managers
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/building-air-quality-guide-guide-building-owners-and-facility-managers
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IEQ - Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)
http://www.smacna.org/
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Planted Roof - University of Massachusetts | Quantifying Air Pollution Removal by Green Roofs in Chicago
http://www.geo.umass.edu/faculty/yu/2008YangJunAtmosphricEnvironment.pdf
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HVAC - Green Tips and Behavior
Provide individual air and temperature controls at each workstation.
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HVAC - Green Tips and Behavior
Utilize CO2 sensors to assess the air quality of spaces to adjust ventilation.
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HVAC - Green Tips and Strategies
Periodically check the boiler air-fuel ratio.
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HVAC - EQp1
Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
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HVAC - EQc1
Indoor Air Quality Management Program
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HVAC - EQc2
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
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HVAC - EQp1
Minimum indoor Air Quality Performance
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HVAC - EQc1
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
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HVAC - EQc3
Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
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HVAC - EQc4
Indoor Air Quality Assessment
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HVAC - EQp1
Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
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HVAC - EQc1
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
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HVAC - EQc3
Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
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HVAC - EQc4
Indoor Air Quality Assessment
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HVAC - Example Questions
Will there be indoor air quality monitoring?
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HVAC - Green Globes for Existing Buildings
Are air intakes located at least 30 feet away from building exhaust outlets?
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IEQ - Ventilation / Filtration
Ventilation is the process of "changing" or replacing air in any space to remove airborne contaminants such as moisture, odors, emissions from build...
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IEQ - Green Tips
Regularly clean and replace air filters.
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IEQ - Ventilation and IAQ
Ventilation, filtration, and the associated indoor air quality are important for maintaining occupant health and satisfaction. Providing ventilation...
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IEQ - Green Tips
Prevent adverse health effects through improved air filtration in the building ventilation system.
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IEQ - EPA | Energy Cost and IAQ Performance of Ventilation Systems and Controls
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ventilation-systems-and-controls-study
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IEQ - EPA | Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation (BASE) Study
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/building-assessment-survey-and-evaluation-study
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IEQ - Green Tips
Inspect outdoor air vents and dampers to avoid airflow-restricting obstructions.
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IEQ - EQp1
Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
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IEQ - EQc1
Indoor Air Quality Management Program
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IEQ - EQc2
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
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IEQ - EQp1
Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
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IEQ - EQc1
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
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IEQ - EQc3
Construction Indoor Air Qualtiy Management Plan
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IEQ - EQc4
Indoor Air Quality Assessment
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IEQ - EQp1
Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
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IEQ - EQc1
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
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IEQ - EQc3
Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
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IEQ - EQc4
Indoor Air Quality Assessment
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IEQ - Example Questions
Is there a commitment to provide healthy indoor air?
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IEQ - EPA | Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation (BASE) Study
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/building-assessment-survey-and-evaluation-study
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Planted Roof - Green Tips Impact
Locate ventilation intakes near planted roofs to promote cleaner indoor air quality.
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Planted Roof - Green Globes for Existing Buildings
Has the building envelope been air-sealed in the top part of the building?
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Planted Roof - EQc1
Indoor Air Quality Management Program
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Planted Roof - EQc3
Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
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IEQ - Temperature
To optimize worker performance, treat indoor air temperature to remain within the range of 70 °F to 73 °F.1 Providing thermal controls to al...
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IEQ - Allergies, Asthma and Mold
Poor indoor air quality resulting from dusts, molds, pests, and airborne contaminants like VOCs can lead to dizziness, skin irritations, asthma, sho...
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HVAC - HVAC Impact on Humans
Providing high quality thermal and ventilation comfort as part of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in commercial offices is a high priority for fe...
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HVAC - System Adjustments
The most frequently cited measures/opportunities are: Adjust reset and set-back temperatures and temperature settings – Settings are often adjust...
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IEQ - Controllability
IEQ is all about health and comfort. The optimum indoor comfort "settings" for one individual is never the same as his neighbor. Visit the Enhancin...
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IEQ - Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) are symptoms that affect a person within the building, primarily office spaces, but improve when away from the building...
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HVAC - Green Tips and Strategies
At a minimum, comply with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55 Thermal Environmental Condi...
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HVAC - Green Tips and Behavior
Employ demand-control ventilation, tied to CO2 monitors, to deliver just the right amount of outdoor air.
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HVAC - Green Tips and Strategies
Test, adjust, and balance airside systems to ensure that your system is not over-cooling or under-cooling certain spaces due to improper air volume ...
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Water - Green Tips
Use alternate non-potable water sources such as gray water, rainwater, air handling unit condensate, cooling tower blow-down or discharge from other...
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IEQ - IAQ Management
Construction and renovation projects pose a unique threat to indoor air quality. IAQ management plans should be instated that emphasize the protecti...
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IEQ - Indoor Environmental Quality on Humans
Research has demonstrated that some of the largest impacts on humans stemming from within the office building relate to chronic exposure to environm...
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IEQ - LEED O+M: Existing Buildings (v4)
Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) dedicates an entire credit section to enhancing t...
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IEQ - LEED BD+C: New Construction (v4)
Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) highlights indoor environmental quality in a fully ...
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IEQ - Example Questions
Is there a requirement that design criteria for the ventilation system meet ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality...
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IEQ - Green Globes for Existing Buildings
Are air intakes located far from sources of pollution such as parking areas, bus stops, cooling towers or stagnant water?
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IEQ - Green Globes for Existing Buildings
Are outdoor air intakes checked regularly to ensure that the openings are protected and free from obstruction?
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IEQ - Green Globes for Existing Buildings
Are filters able to remove particles from incoming air (Efficiency Grade between 60% and 85% Dust Spot or a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV...
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IEQ - Thermal Comfort
Thermal conditions, which include air temperature, relative humidity, and velocity, greatly impact overall occupant comfort and associated productiv...
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Water - Single Pass Cooling Equipment
Single-pass (or once-through) cooling equipment uses water for only one cycle before subsequently discharging it. Examples of this equipment include...
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IEQ - Controllability
Occupant comfort can be optimized by providing high levels of individual or group controllability with regard to ambient air, lighting, and sound. T...
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IEQ - Moisture Control
Moisture can enter the office building in a number of ways, including leaks in the building envelope and plumbing systems or excessive moisture in t...
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Planted Roof - Urban Smog
Fewer emissions and the cooling of ambient air temperatures reduce the potential for ground-level ozone production. Reduced concentrations of pollut...
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Water - Case3
Finding: Saved 179 million gallons each year, valued at $330,000 annually provided a 1.75 percent payback per year.Scope: Kirtland Air Force Base: B...
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Water - Case7
Finding: Saved 19,574 Kgal of water and 1,109,888 MBtu of energy for savings of about three million dollars in FY11.Scope: Naval Air Station Oceana ...
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Water - Case12
Finding: 16% reduction in water use, or $35,000 through use of an air handler condensate recovery system.Scope: EPA Science and Ecosystem Support D...
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IEQ - Low-emitting Materials
Building materials, such as paints, sealants, adhesives, office equipment and furnishings, can emit invisible, odorous, and potentially harmful gass...
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IEQ - Owner
The owner wants to maximize the project’s return on investment as well as the overall building’s market value. As a result, the building...
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IEQ - Entryway Systems
Incorporating an entryway dirt capture or walk-off system by the exterior doors collects indoor pollutants that would otherwise be introduced into t...
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Submetering - Impact on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Submetering systems help to improve resource efficiency and conservation practices in a building, which can be used to improve indoor environmental ...
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HVAC - Interior Designer
The interior designer has an impact on HVAC systems in several ways. Interior partitions and furniture placement affect air flows. Certain space fu...
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HVAC - System Specific Maintenance
The Federal Energy Management Program’s guide Operations & Maintenance Best Practices has detailed guidance and checklists on the maintena...
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Water - Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers should be brought to the integrative process table to give insight as to how to successfully integrate the HVAC components into...
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Water - LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors (v4)
LEED for Interior Design & Construction (ID+C): Commercial Interiors employs a number of sustainable water system best practices in its certific...
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IEQ - Resources
The resource impacted greatest from indoor environmental quality is not energy, water, or physical materials themselves; it’s the occupants th...
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IEQ - Health
It is no surprise that our physical and mental well-being is directly impacted by our environment: the air we breathe, the temperatures we feel, and...
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IEQ - Green Globes for Existing Buildings (EB)
Green Globes for Existing Buildings addresses a healthy indoor environment through questions pertaining to the ventilation system, filtration system...
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Lighting - Energy Policy Act of 2005
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) established a number of energy management goals for federal facilities involving components of a sustaina...
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HVAC - Integrative Design Process
The integrative design process understands that buildings, their components, and their context are interrelated. Whole-building systems observe this...
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HVAC - Human Behavior on HVAC
Human behavior and interaction with the building space plays a critical component in achieving holistic sustainability. Desired gains in energy effi...
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IEQ - Green Cleaning and Integrated Pest Management
It is no surprise that regular upkeep is necessary to maintain a high indoor air quality, as dust, dirt, and mold accrue on materials in the space o...
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IEQ - Facility Manager
By establishing green cleaning contracts and purchasing agreements that specify environmentally-friendly cleaning and office materials, the facility...
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IEQ - Mechanical Engineer
Optimization of the HVAC system is critical in maintaining a healthy and productive indoor environment. The mechanical engineer is responsible for p...
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IEQ - Occupant Survey
IEQ occupant surveys are a cost effective and valuable resource for identifying areas of discomfort or dissatisfaction to address during renovation ...
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IEQ - Human Behavior
The way occupants interact with and utilize the building space has a direct effect on overall IEQ as many times it is humans that introduce harmful ...
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Planted Roof - Energy Production
The vegetation on a planted roof removes fine particulates (PM), black carbon, and pollen out of the air, which lends well to incorporating solar pa...
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Planted Roof - Acoustics
Planted roofs are better at absorbing sound than conventional and concrete roofs. When used on buildings without ceiling insulation, they can reduce...
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HVAC - Energy Policy Act of 2005
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) amends EPAct 1992 and establishes a number of energy management goals for federal facilities involving co...
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IEQ - Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
Research has shown that environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), or secondhand smoke, from cigarettes, pipes, and cigars has cancer-causing airborne parti...
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IEQ - Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an economically and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that utilizes preventative measures, m...
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Planted Roof - Occupant Satisfaction
The term "biophilia", meaning love of nature, is increasingly being used in high-performance building design. The goal of biomimicry is to recreate ...
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Planted Roof - Ocean Acidification and Sea Level Rise
If all of the ice located at the poles were to melt today, global sea levels would rise by 220 feet. Although this is unlikely to occur soon, scient...
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IEQ - System Overview
Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors1 and as a result their comfort, health, and work performance rely heavily on indoor e...
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IEQ - Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings
Provide occupants with safe and healthy ventilation and thermal comfort, in alignment with applicable ASHRAE standards and statutory requirements....
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Planted Roof - System Overview
A “roof over our heads” is an essential part of a building envelope, protecting occupants and building structures and systems from the e...
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Planted Roof - Human Behavior on Planted Roofs
Human behavior and interaction with the building space plays a critical component in achieving holistic sustainability. Benefits can only be achieve...
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Submetering - System Impact on Humans
Submeters offer an exciting look into a building's energy consumption. While submetering systems by themselves have no direct impact on resource use...
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HVAC - Commissioning
The process of ensuring that your building is operating properly starts with commissioning. In general, commissioning is the process of ensuring tha...
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Water - Alternate Water Sources
Alternate water sources are not from freshwater such as surface or groundwater. Alternate water is typically collected and stored on-site and then ...
Materials
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Overhead Air Distribution
Overhead air distribution is the most common approach to mixing and delivering conditioned air to a space, though the delivery method can vary from ... -
Under Floor Air Distribution
Under floor air distribution systems supply conditioned air to an occupied space via diffusers in a raised floor. This system effectively maintains... -
Air Hand Drying
Air-based hand drying utilizes high speed air and/or warm air to remove or evaporate water from a user’s hands. The high-speed air systems are sl...
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Kitchen Exhaust Hoods
Kitchen exhaust hoods are a large energy consumer in cafeteria spaces. Significant amounts of energy can be conserved by utilizing transfer air – co... -
Plants / Planters
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Freezer
Walk-in and reach-in freezers should have fully-gasketed doors to fully contain the cold air within, and walls should be adequat... -
Refrigerator
Walk-in and reach-in refrigeration units should have fully-gasketed doors to fully contain the cold air within, and walls should... -
Dry Storage
Dry food storage should be provided off the room floor on shelves or racks that can be easily cleaned. Food should be stored in air-tight containers... -
Under Counter Refrigeration
Under-counter refrigeration units should have fully-gasketed doors to fully contain the cold air within, and walls should be adequately insulated. W... -
Perimeter Units
Known by a number of commons terms such as "induction units," "window units," and "floor units," perimeter HVAC units bring conditioned air out to t... -
Paints and Coatings
Paints and coatings provide an aesthetically appealing atmosphere for a commercial setting. Paints and coatings should contain low or no VOCs to m... -
Steel Frame
Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fre... -
Aluminum Frame
Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fre... -
Wood Frame
Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fre... -
Vinyl Frame
Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fre... -
Fiberglass Frame
Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fre... -
Composite Wood
Interior doors are often made of a composite wood core covered with a laminate or wood veneer. Doors made with engineered wood are cheaper than sol... -
Entrance Mats
Entrance Mats located at the main doors of the building, either on the exterior or interior, trap the contaminants from foot traffic. Dust, dirt ... -
Compost
Composting is the collection of organic food waste that can be used for fertilizer or soil enrichment once the food items biodegrade. Many types of... -
Hot to Order Food
Certain food items are often prepared to-order in front of patrions. These stations are often composed of cooking equipment behind a counter that i... -
Open Ceiling
Open ceilings offer a modern, industrial-type feel to a space as duct-work and piping are typically visible. Like bare concrete floors, open ceiling...