Page 375 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

CASE STUDY 353

Figure 24.2 Exterior building renovations.

environmental or energy-consumption impact of their production processes. Basic
comparisons were produced on BEES software and detailed analyses utilized Athena
Environmental Impact Estimator software. Over 50 percent of the building materials,
by cost, contain in aggregate, a minimum weighted average of 20 percent postcon-
sumer or 40 percent postindustrial recycled content. Over 40 percent of all selected
building materials are manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. The con-
tractor was given specifications to divert over 50 percent of construction waste from
the landfill. As executed, the construction waste management plan diverted over
75 percent of the construction waste.
The “green strategies” applied at the school included

■ Plan for materials longevity—Use materials and systems with low-maintenance
requirements
■ Jobsite recycling—Require a waste management plan from the contractor
■ Design for adaptability—Use an access floor to facilitate reconfiguring of spaces
and cabling systems
■ Toxic upstream or downstream burdens—Choose naturally rot-resistant wood
species for exposed applications
■ Greenhouse gas emissions from manufacture—Replace up to 30 percent of the
cement in concrete with fly ash
■ Postconsumer recycled materials—Use plastic toilet partitions made from recycled
plastic and specify heavy steel framing with highest recycled content
■ Preconsumer recycled materials—Use concrete masonry units with recycled or
industrial-waste aggregates, use recycled-content rubber flooring, and use
agricultural-waste-fiber panels for millwork and interior finish