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Break/Pantry

Break rooms provide space for occupants to network and obtain nourishment. Provide re-usable beverage containers and utensils for source reduction, and provide ENERGY STAR labeled dishwashers and refrigerators. Include access to recycle and compost containers to reduce waste. Allow daylight to penetrate adjacent rooms by installing clerestories. Use low-flow (approximately 1.5 gpm) sink aerators to conserve water. Make sure the space is properly ventilated to deal with any food odors. View Planning Strategies

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  • Waste/Recycling/Compost

  • Waste/Recycling/Compost

    • Include, at minimum, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals in the recycling program.
    • Include also: food and organic waste (compost), batteries, toner/ink cartridges, mercury-containing lamps, and electronic waste (e-waste).
    • Ensure recycling, compost and waste receptacles are labeled consistently, with pictures, to help occupants sort materials in the appropriate containers. Coordinate with the recycling hauler and composting service to develop the appropriate signage (tenants in leased facilities should coordinate with the landlord or facility manager).

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Advanced Power Strip (APS)
  • Ceiling

  • Ceiling

    • Use acoustical ceiling tiles with high Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRC) to reduce noise pollution and allow for ease of access to the plenum space for maintenance.
    • Use light-colored ceiling tiles to reflect daylight to allow natural light to effectively move throughout the space.
    • Evaluate sustainable attributes such as regional manufacturing, recycled content, and low VOC to determine the most appropriate materials to use for a sustainable ceiling.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Furniture / Furnishings

  • Furniture / Furnishings

    • Use moveable, re-configurable furniture to maximizes functionality of space such as rolling/locking casters and moveable white boards.
    • Select ergonomically-designed furniture to provide maximum comfort and convenience for the occupants.
    • Use low-emitting furniture to protect indoor air quality.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Lighting

  • Lighting

    • Use daylight sensor controls that turn off electric lighting in response to natural light levels to reduce energy consumption. When used in combination with occupant sensors, a sustainable lighting control program can have significant benefits.
    • Limit the use of accent lighting to specific artwork, menu boards, and educational items to reduce energy consumption.
    • Incorporate daylighting or views to the outside to create an inviting, ascetically pleasing environment as natural light is usually preferred to artificial lighting.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Walls

  • Walls

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • HVAC

  • HVAC

    • Install occupant control thermostats that have prescribed temperature range limits to promote occupant comfort.
    • Ensure the air supplied by the HVAC system is properly conditioned - providing comfortable temperature ranges, removing moisture and air contaminants such as odors, dust, and carbon dioxide. Proximity to an exterior wall should be evaluated to minimize ductwork.
    • Ensure the minimum level, or higher, of outside air is circulated within occupied spaces to increase indoor air quality.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Flooring

  • Flooring

    • Evaluate sustainable attributes such as high recycled content and low VOC's to determine the most appropriate sustainable product for the space. Remember that adhesives may be required for flooring, and these may add VOC's even if the finish flooring does not.
    • Prevent stains by cleaning up spills promptly, starting with cold water and blotting cloths.
    • Select durable and easy to clean floor surfaces such as rubber, tile, or linoleum as break rooms and support areas are prone to high traffic and frequent spills.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Vending Equipment

  • Vending Equipment

    • For greater efficiently install energy conservation technology on each machine.
    • Ensure vendors are installing ENERGY STAR vending machines.
    • Have your vendor remove some or all of the lights.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Windows and Daylighting

  • Windows and Daylighting

    • Install double or triple paned glass to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
    • Use interior light shelves to effectively distribute the natural light throughout a space.
    • Consider installing solar powered window shades or blinds to reduce glare and allow control of the daylight entering a space.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Flooring

  • Flooring

    • Evaluate sustainable attributes such as high recycled content and low VOC's to determine the most appropriate sustainable product for the space. Remember that adhesives may be required for flooring, and these may add VOC's even if the finish flooring does not.
    • Prevent stains by cleaning up spills promptly, starting with cold water and blotting cloths.
    • Select durable and easy to clean floor surfaces such as rubber, tile, or linoleum as break rooms and support areas are prone to high traffic and frequent spills.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • HVAC

  • HVAC

    • Install occupant control thermostats that have prescribed temperature range limits to promote occupant comfort.
    • Ensure the air supplied by the HVAC system is properly conditioned - providing comfortable temperature ranges, removing moisture and air contaminants such as odors, dust, and carbon dioxide. Proximity to an exterior wall should be evaluated to minimize ductwork.
    • Ensure the minimum level, or higher, of outside air is circulated within occupied spaces to increase indoor air quality.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Lighting

  • Lighting

    • Use daylight sensor controls that turn off electric lighting in response to natural light levels to reduce energy consumption. When used in combination with occupant sensors, a sustainable lighting control program can have significant benefits.
    • Limit the use of accent lighting to specific artwork, menu boards, and educational items to reduce energy consumption.
    • Incorporate daylighting or views to the outside to create an inviting, ascetically pleasing environment as natural light is usually preferred to artificial lighting.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Furniture / Furnishings

  • Furniture / Furnishings

    • Use moveable, re-configurable furniture to maximizes functionality of space such as rolling/locking casters and moveable white boards.
    • Select ergonomically-designed furniture to provide maximum comfort and convenience for the occupants.
    • Use low-emitting furniture to protect indoor air quality.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Ceiling

  • Ceiling

    • Use acoustical ceiling tiles with high Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRC) to reduce noise pollution and allow for ease of access to the plenum space for maintenance.
    • Use light-colored ceiling tiles to reflect daylight to allow natural light to effectively move throughout the space.
    • Evaluate sustainable attributes such as regional manufacturing, recycled content, and low VOC to determine the most appropriate materials to use for a sustainable ceiling.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Walls

  • Walls

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Windows and Daylighting

  • Windows and Daylighting

    • Install double or triple paned glass to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
    • Use interior light shelves to effectively distribute the natural light throughout a space.
    • Consider installing solar powered window shades or blinds to reduce glare and allow control of the daylight entering a space.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Lighting

  • Lighting

    • Use daylight sensor controls that turn off electric lighting in response to natural light levels to reduce energy consumption. When used in combination with occupant sensors, a sustainable lighting control program can have significant benefits.
    • Limit the use of accent lighting to specific artwork, menu boards, and educational items to reduce energy consumption.
    • Incorporate daylighting or views to the outside to create an inviting, ascetically pleasing environment as natural light is usually preferred to artificial lighting.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Furniture / Furnishings

  • Furniture / Furnishings

    • Use moveable, re-configurable furniture to maximizes functionality of space such as rolling/locking casters and moveable white boards.
    • Select ergonomically-designed furniture to provide maximum comfort and convenience for the occupants.
    • Use low-emitting furniture to protect indoor air quality.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Flooring

  • Flooring

    • Evaluate sustainable attributes such as high recycled content and low VOC's to determine the most appropriate sustainable product for the space. Remember that adhesives may be required for flooring, and these may add VOC's even if the finish flooring does not.
    • Prevent stains by cleaning up spills promptly, starting with cold water and blotting cloths.
    • Select durable and easy to clean floor surfaces such as rubber, tile, or linoleum as break rooms and support areas are prone to high traffic and frequent spills.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices

  • Vending Equipment

  • Vending Equipment

    • For greater efficiently install energy conservation technology on each machine.
    • Ensure vendors are installing ENERGY STAR vending machines.
    • Have your vendor remove some or all of the lights.

    Click Design Guidance to View Additional Best Practices