The environmental benefits of wood. How the use of wood fits
within current definitions of green building. Principles,
strategies and procedures to optimize rating system score using
wood products. Best practices for articulating the environmental
performance of buildings.
Slide 3
Module 1: Introduction Green building rating systems and how
they work The role of products in green building success
introduction to EIS Module 2: Materials criteria Construction waste
management Salvaged materials Recycled materials Locally produced
materials Certified wood Indoor air quality Module 3: Putting it
all together with EIS Combining LEED credits in a single product
Interactive exercise Module 4: Macro design issues Passive design
Durability Acoustics Life cycle assessment Additional educational
references!
Slide 4
What we are starting with: there are some rating systems which
make it more difficult to succeed if wood is used
Slide 5
1/4 of all the world's wood harvest 40% of global consumption
of raw materials 20-30% of North American landfill is taken up by
construction and demolition debris 20% worlds energy consumed by
building construction (including manufacturing of building
products) World building materials market accounts for more than
3bn tons of materials per year +50% of the worlds annual concrete
production is poured in China Wood is a renewable building
material
Slide 6
To date, most of the focus in green building (and rating
systems) has been on improving operational efficiency. Most
building material choices and budgets ignore the true impacts of
material manufacture and disposal.
Slide 7
Slide 8
No more carbon is emitted in the production and whole life
cycle of a wood product than is absorbed from the atmosphere when
the tree is growing. Sustainable forestry practices are
assumed.
Slide 9
To what extent can the use of wood make a building green (as
defined by rating systems)? To what extent do rating systems
capture the environmental benefits of wood (carbon footprint, LCA,
local economies)? Is using wood an advantage or disadvantage in
terms of the number of points/credits that could be earned compared
to other competing products?
Slide 10
BREEAM Offices Multi-family residential Eco-homes Built Green
Canada Low-rise Multi-family residential Built Green Colorado
Multi-family residential Built Green Washington Low-rise
Multi-family residential CASBEE (for Homes) Green Globes Green Star
LEED LEED NC (Canada) LEED NC (US) LEED CI (Canada) LEED for Homes
(Canada) Living Building Challenge NAHB Model Green Home Buildings
Guidelines SB Tool
Slide 11
Slide 12
The thing to know: There are many different systems. Systems
often overlap in terms of admissible building type, geographic
location, etc. They all function in a similar way - once you
understand one, youll be able to handle most of them.
Slide 13
Certified wood: most green building rating systems recognize
multiple forest certification schemes, except LEED which accepts
only one. Recycled / reused / salvaged materials: recycled content
in wood products and reused or salvaged wood and wood products.
Local sourcing of materials: local manufacturing and harvesting.
Building techniques and skills: specific building techniques that
can leverage wood to gain green building points/credits. Waste
minimization: points/credits are given for diverting a certain
amount of waste or minimizing wasted woodcuts. Indoor air quality:
no added urea-formaldehyde in wood products and low-VOC finishes.
Life cycle impacts: embodied energy and lifecycle carbon.
Slide 14
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Not Addressed 1.Built Green Canada 2.Built Green Canada MF
3.Built Green (WA) 4.Built Green (WA) MF 5.Built Green Colorado
6.Green Star 7.LEED NC Canada 8.LEED NC US 9.LEED CI 10.LEED for
Homes 11.Living Building Challenge 12.NAHB Model Guidelines Not
Addressed 1.Built Green Canada 2.Built Green Canada MF 3.Built
Green (WA) 4.Built Green (WA) MF 5.Built Green Colorado 6.Green
Star 7.LEED NC Canada 8.LEED NC US 9.LEED CI 10.LEED for Homes
11.Living Building Challenge 12.NAHB Model Guidelines
Slide 18
2 identical hypothetical projects: 1 (high intensity) wherever
possible wood is specified 2 (low intensity) wherever possible
competing (non- wood) products are used. For consistency, all other
credits are assumed to be successfully accomplished (not possible
in reality). No account was made for degree of difficulty or cost.
Some systems could not be compared due to: integrated nature of the
rating system (e.g CASBEE) the structure and scope of the materials
credits (e.g. Green Star, Living Building Challenge).
Slide 19
Commercial MF residential SF residential
Slide 20
Slide 21
GAPS Carbon Footprint impacts ignored: Carbon Footprint impacts
ignored: ISO 14040 provides a recognized LCA methodology: none of
the systems reference it. Acoustics: Acoustics: Only addressed by
Green Globes. Sound abatement strategies use wood panel and fibre
products Thermal mass and passive design: Thermal mass and passive
design: woods contribution not recognized Material efficiency and
de- materialization: Material efficiency and de- materialization:
wood offers combined benefits of insulative value, light weight,
structural integrity and weather resistance. Concert Hall, Caracas,
Venezuela
Slide 22
Study completed in 2009 by Light House Sustainable Building
Centre, Vancouver, Canada For Forestry Innovation Investment of
British Columbia, Canada www.bcfii.ca www.bcfii.ca Summary
available at www.naturallywood.com >
Resourceswww.naturallywood.com Full report available from
[email protected]@naturallywood.com
Slide 23
Wood products are applicable to the majority of materials
credits.
Slide 24
Over 1 million tonnes of demolition, land clearing and
construction (DLC) waste was generated in 2002. Represents 1/3 of
waste stream in Metro Vancouver. Wood waste makes up 15% (about
240,000 tonnes) of Metro Vancouvers waste. Diversion rates +95% in
Vancouver achieved. Reduce Reuse Recycle Recover Residuals
Slide 25
Coordinate with shop drawing providers to right-size components
prior to fabrication Work with manufacturers to minimize packaging
Ensure all pallets are removed from site Work with installers so
that practices minimize waste upstream training may be necessary
Initiate product take-back programs, servicing agreements, leases
Documentation is critical!
Slide 26
Percentage of Construction Waste Diverted = Amount diverted
through Recycling and Salvage Total Waste Generated CWM
calculations can be done by weight or volume, but must be
consistent throughout.
Slide 27
Develop an understanding of manufacturing processes, how
materials are delivered and the waste they generate during
installation prior to finalizing specification documents. Work with
manufacturers to minimize unnecessary packaging - make arrangements
for pallet pick up. Prepare information about a products
recyclability and end- of life impacts. Coordinate with shop
drawing providers to right-size components prior to fabrication.
Work with installers so that practices minimize waste upstream
training may be necessary. Initiate product take-back programs,
servicing agreements, leases.
Slide 28
What you need to know: 1. BEFORE installing materials: Submit
material information sheets. Check if your materials are approved.
ALL alternates must be approved. 2. On-site WASTE: Reduce, reuse,
recycle. Separate in areas provided. Submit waybills for all waste
taken off-site. 3. Remove all moisture damaged materials from site.
4. Making dust? isolate area, protect air ducts. 5. Limit use of
volatile liquids (solvents, fuels). Store in closed containers. If
in doubt ask Keep this a healthy building site.
Slide 29
Help at Hand for Installers and Trades: (Light House resources
& training) Light House Dont Waste Wood BuildSmart
Slide 30
Includes materials retrieved from an existing building. Clean
wood can be easily salvaged and reused. Salvaged materials strategy
to be coordinated with building re-use and construction waste
management.
Slide 31
Refurbished materials includes renovating, repairing,
restoring, or generally improving the appearance, performance,
quality, functionality, or value of a product. Remanufactured
materials are items that are made into other products. Salvaged
materials are recovered from existing buildings or job sites and
reused such as structural beams and posts, flooring,
doors,cabinetry, etc. Landscape mulch from wood waste chipped on
site by Vancouver-based Klondike Contracting
Slide 32
Salvaged heavy timbers form structure in LEED VanCity branch in
North Vancouver
Slide 33
The wood ceiling is saved and sold to the Stanley Park
concession stand!
Slide 34
Roughly half of BCs mature pine trees affected. Most extensive
damage occurring in central Canadian Rockies, where two-thirds of
the lodgepole pine forests have been infested. MPB is not yet
explicitly recognized by green building rating systems. Growing
awareness of the value of pine beetle wood in addressing regional
priority credits. Infested pine tree
Slide 35
Percentage of Salvaged Material = Value of Salvaged Material
($) Value of Total Material ($) Furniture may be included x
100
Slide 36
Ensure that all materials only costs are declared at the
outset. Clarify the presence (if any) of any toxic substances and
ensure all costs and responsibilities for decontamination are taken
into account. Confirm documentation is available for the products
provenance and history.
Slide 37
Richmond Ovals 2 hectare roof built out of lumber from salvaged
wood from the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation. Architect: Cannon
Design Richmond Ovals 2 hectare roof built out of lumber from
salvaged wood from the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation. Architect:
Cannon Design
Slide 38
Triton Wood used in Mountain Equipment Co-op store
Slide 39
The proportion, by mass, of recycled material in a product or
packaging. Only pre-consumer and post- consumer material is
considered as recycled content. ISO 14021 Environmental Labels and
Declarations Self- Declared Environmental Claims (Type II
environmental labeling). Using recycled materials reduces the need
to landfill these materials. Materials that would otherwise have
been discarded either: during the manufacturing process
(pre-consumer) diverted from waste streams, or at the end of
service life (post consumer).
Slide 40
Pre-consumer recycled material: diverted from the waste stream
during a manufacturing process. Materials generated in a process
and capable of being reclaimed within the same process (such as
rework, regrind or scrap) are excluded. Examples include: planer
shavings, ply trim, sawdust, etc Note that wood chips created from
virgin wood does not qualify as recycled content. Post-consumer
recycled material: generated by end-users of a product that can no
longer be used for its intended purpose. Assembly recycled content:
the recycled proportion of a material calculated by dividing the
weight of the recycled content by the overall weight of the
assembly.
Slide 41
Recycled Content Value ($) = (% post consumer RC ($) x
materials cost) + (% pre consumer RC ($) x materials cost)* *some
rating systems apply a factor for pre-consumer recycled
content
Slide 42
Material technical data must clearly spell out proportion of
recycled content in total assembly based on weight. Costs need to
exclude labour for calculation purposes. If in doubt, source
independently audited data from a reputable third party agency.
14021 Environmental Labels and Declarations Self-Declared
Environmental Claims (Type II Environmental Labelling) is the
international standard used to verify recycled content.
Slide 43
www.woodanchor.com
Slide 44
Match a local design aesthetic. Tend to be more durable in the
local climate. Leverage local expertise (installation, maintenance,
etc). Supports local economies. Reduces the environmental impact of
transportation (dependent on type/ volume/weight of material and
mode of transportation). Gulf Islands Operations Centre LEED
Platinum Larry McFarland Architects
Slide 45
For the purposes of green building rating systems, local or
regional materials are those that are extracted, harvested, and
manufactured within 500 mi (800 km) of the project site, 1,500 mi
(2,400 km) if shipped by rail or water.
Slide 46
Percentage of Local Materials = Value of Local/Regional
Material ($) Value of Total Material ($) x 100
Slide 47
Where the materials used to make the product were extracted,
harvested or processed. Where the final product was manufactured.
The distance of these locations to the site. How the materials were
transported to the project site (Were they delivered by rail, water
or truck?). May be different, and different for various product
components!
ISO 14001 International environmental management system (EMS)
standard, applicable to any type of organization. Many British
Columbia forest companies are certified for either their
manufacturing facilities and/or their forest management
practices.
Slide 50
Forest Certification verifies the sustainability of forest
management. Chain of custody certification tracks wood from point
of harvest to its end use. More than 50 certification standards
worldwide. Two international umbrella organizations: PEFC FSC
Slide 51
Sustainable Forestry Initiative U.S. and Canada Endorsed by
PEFC 20.6 million ha certified in B.C. (YE-2010) Forest Stewardship
Council B.C. regional standard endorsed by FSC International 2.7
million ha certified in B.C. (YE-2010) Canadian Standards
Association National standard of Canada Endorsed by PEFC 29.6
million ha certified in B.C. (YE-2010)
Slide 52
Tracking procedure for a product from the point of harvest or
extraction to its end use, including all successive stages of
processing, transformation, manufacturing, and distribution.
Slide 53
Environmental benefits of wood. Certification systems promote
sustainable forest management. Most green building rating systems
recognize all forest certification systems: CSA, FSC, SFI and PEFC.
LEED recognizes only FSC Sustainability criteria and third-party
certification lacking for other building materials.
Slide 54
Percentage of Certified Wood = Certified wood material value
($) Total new wood material value ($) Only include materials
permanently installed in the project. Temporary construction
applications such as bracing, concrete form work and pedestrian
barriers are EXCLUDED. x 100
Slide 55
Know what supply is available and lead times. Have at hand all
relevant Chain of custody (CoC) certificates. For non-wood
products, be ready to answer questions about your product
stewardship programs for better comparison to wood options.
Slide 56
Hughes Condon Marler: Architects
Slide 57
On average, North Americans spend 90% of their time indoors.
30% of Canadian households have humidity problems and potential
mould problems. One in five Canadians suffer from lung disease. US
National Academy of Sciences estimates that 15% of the population
has some form of environmental sensitivity. IAQ directly linked to
occupant productivity, recovery rates in hospitals, etc.
Slide 58
Inadequate ventilation. Chemical contaminants from indoor and
outdoor sources (VOCs, pollution, etc). Biological contaminants
(mold, etc).
Slide 59
IAQ is acceptable when there are no known contaminants at
harmful concentrations as determined by cognizant authorities and
with which a substantial majority (80% or more) of the people
exposed do not express dissatisfaction. (ASHRAE 62.1-2007). All
rating systems recognize the importance of IAQ many function on a
pass or fail basis. Bare wood is considered hypo-allergenic. Wood
products impact IAQ via the treatments and coatings applied to
them.
Slide 60
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): carbon compounds that
participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions. The compounds
vaporize at normal room temperatures frequently causing health
impacts. Urea formaldehyde (UF): a component of glues and
adhesives, and a preservative in some paints and coating products.
Commonly found in pressed wood products (hardwood plywood wall
paneling, particleboard, fiberboard) and furniture made with these
pressed wood products.
Slide 61
Only applies to interior products and site-applied coatings.
Suggest a no-carpet policy - hardwood floors are easier to clean
and thus minimize contamination. Panel products, cabinetry and
shelving is available from VOC- free products.
Slide 62
Required for HAZMAT management purposes
Slide 63
Hanvey residence kitchen cabinets comprise FSC certified maple
veneers (from Quebec) applied using PVA glue to strawboard cores.
UF found in resins and glues. Plywood and OSB products use phenol-
formaldehyde (PF) resin in which emissions are lower than those
containing UF. Formaldehyde-free alternative resins are MDI
(methylene diphenyl isocyanate) and PVA (polyvinyl acetate).
Slide 64
Mechanically-induced wood flow welding Produces high-strength
bonds in seconds without the use of adhesive. Pieces of lumber are
pressed together (at 60 330 psi) and rubbed back and forth at high
speed for a few (3-5) seconds. After a few more seconds of clamp
time, the bonding process is complete - much quicker than gluing.
The equipment required is already available: used to weld
thermoplastic joints, (eg. automobile industry). Bonds are not
water-tight, so most applicable to interior joinery,
furniture.
Slide 65
IAQ performance is based on Pass or Fail of VOC limits Analysis
best accomplished using proprietary spreadsheets Procedure shows
VOC calculation methodology (example for paint) MSDS provide
relevant information
Slide 66
Understand the production of materials and present the relevant
Material Safety Date Sheet (MSDS) describing the VOC and UF
emissions of the product (if any). If in doubt, request
independently audited data from a reputable third party agency such
as the South Coast Air Quality Management District
(www.aqmd.gov).
Slide 67
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For example in LEED: Multiple LEED credits may apply to a
single product. For example, credits MRc 4, MRc 5, MRc 6, MRc 7,
IEQc 4, and RP may be earned for attributes combined within one
product.
Slide 70
Specifiers really appreciate all rating system information
being summarized in one place Manufacturers information Recycled
content IAQ Certification Manufacturing distances Also Provide
information for Construction Waste Management Plan Materials only
costs (exclude labour) Relevant certificates, letters MSDS
sheets
Slide 71
Pentco cabinet doors Qtr Wenge veneer on Skyblend 100% RC
particle board in LEED Silver Vista Place, North Vancouver
Slide 72
Particle board substrate Veneer Adhesive Sealant Dont worry
about hardware for now
Slide 73
Use the template to check applicable criteria. Can you fill in
any fields? Refer to accompanying terms and definitions!
Assembling the information Refer to submittal sheets to see
where information ultimately goes Heres the one we did earlier
Slide 77
Applies to ALL materials and assemblies Must meet or exceed
specification Standard substitution request process Include
completed GB submittal form and relevant documentation
Slide 78
"We are now entering an age of consequences." Sir Winston
Churchill
Slide 79
Building design that uses the building architecture to leverage
natural energy sources, minimize energy consumption and improve
thermal comfort. Passive design buildings rely heavily on
high-performing building envelope assemblies and passive solar
power. Knowing how products interact as assemblies is critical to
success.
Slide 80
No explicit requirement or metric. Passive design informs
overall building performance. Efficient Equipment Generate Passive
Design, Nat. Vent, Heat Recovery lose less energy use less energy
make more energy
Slide 81
A high level of insulation, with minimal thermal bridges. A
high level of utilization of solar and internal gain. An excellent
level of air tightness. Good indoor air quality. Passive Design
Toolkit Vancouver: www.vancouver.ca/greenestcity/new.htm
www.vancouver.ca/greenestcity/new.htm Passive House Institute:
www.passiv.dewww.passiv.de Passive Design Toolkit Vancouver:
www.vancouver.ca/greenestcity/new.htm
www.vancouver.ca/greenestcity/new.htm Passive House Institute:
www.passiv.dewww.passiv.de
Slide 82
Unique combination of properties: Thermal resistance Natural
finish Structural integrity Light weight Weatherproof Laminated
timber panel provides thermal mass Triple glazed wood window with
metal flashings Water resistant hardboard air barrier Rainscreen
with cedar siding Wood fibre insulation Laminated timber panel
provides thermal mass Triple glazed wood window with metal
flashings Water resistant hardboard air barrier Rainscreen with
cedar siding Wood fibre insulation
Slide 83
Are you able to participate in the integrated design process to
discuss innovative methods of employing wood in the project. How
can your product contribute to thermal and environmental
performance of the building envelope.
Slide 84
Architect: Treberspurg & Partner Architekten
Slide 85
Slide 86
Durability is the ability of a building or any of its
components to perform the required functions in a service
environment over a period of time without unforeseen cost for
maintenance or repair. When designing with wood, durability
considerations are particularly relevant to the building
envelope.
Slide 87
Steel column base by Structurecraft provides durable solution
for wood structure www.structurecraft.com Steel column base by
Structurecraft provides durable solution for wood structure
www.structurecraft.com 1. Design Service Life 2. Category Failure
3. Predicted Service Life 4. Maintenance Frequency 5. Maintenance
Access Cost 6. Building Envelope Systems
Slide 88
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Slide 90
Wood is the material of choice for quality of acoustical
performance. Some green buildings have been shown to under-perform
acoustically due to: Hard surfaces for radiant heat distribution
Minimization of soft surfaces that can attract contaminants. ANSI
S12.60-2002, Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements,
and Guidelines for Schools resulted.
Slide 91
Cave Restaurant, Sydney, Australia (Takada Architects)
Acoustical design requires professional expertise Get help from a
member of the Acoustical Society of America http://asa.aip.org
Acoustical design requires professional expertise Get help from a
member of the Acoustical Society of America http://asa.aip.org
Slide 92
No standard procedure for rating systems. Provide noise
attenuation of the structural systems and implement measures to
insulate primary spaces from impact noise. Specify acoustic
controls (various wood products available) to meet the acoustic
privacy requirements. Specify measures to meet speech
intelligibility requirements for spaces and activities. Wood
acoustical paneling provides professional quality acoustical
performance, durable finish and naturally warm appearance in
concert halls around the world. Wood acoustical paneling provides
professional quality acoustical performance, durable finish and
naturally warm appearance in concert halls around the world.
Slide 93
Have on hand (if possible) acoustical performance data (such as
STC and IIC ratings) for key components and assemblies. Know if
your product has IAQ performance benefits and if your product has
been certified by a third party forestry certification system.
Slide 94
Slide 95
Analyzes total environmental impact of all materials and energy
flows, either as input or output, over the life of a product from
raw material to end-of-life disposal or rebirth as a new product.
Defined by ISO 14040: internationally- recognized standard. The
ONLY way to truly understand the environmental benefits of using
wood.
Slide 96
Material usage Embodied energy Co2 Emissions and global warming
potential Air pollution Solid waste generation Water pollution
Environmental costs Source: www.naturallywood.com
Slide 97
Source: compiled using the Athena EcoCalculator, version 2.2,
with a dataset appropriate for Vancouver, Canada.
(www.naturallywood.com).
Slide 98
Not Addressed 1.Built Green Canada 2.Built Green Canada MF
3.Built Green (WA) 4.Built Green (WA) MF 5.Built Green Colorado
6.Green Star 7.LEED NC Canada 8.LEED NC US 9.LEED CI 10.LEED for
Homes 11.Living Building Challenge 12.NAHB Model Guidelines Not
Addressed 1.Built Green Canada 2.Built Green Canada MF 3.Built
Green (WA) 4.Built Green (WA) MF 5.Built Green Colorado 6.Green
Star 7.LEED NC Canada 8.LEED NC US 9.LEED CI 10.LEED for Homes
11.Living Building Challenge 12.NAHB Model Guidelines
Slide 99
For example: Glass melt sand and silica at 2,300deg C Cement
burn lime at 3,500 deg C Steel blast furnaces like this one get up
to around 2,000 deg C
Slide 100
The quantity of energy required by all of the activities
associated with a production process including the acquisition of
primary material, transportation, manufacturing and handling. Wood
is not an energy- neutral material. However, the carbon- neutral
question is more interesting.
Slide 101
The capacity of wood to absorb and store carbon can be factored
against the carbon emissions incurred during drying, processing and
transportation to site. Wood (oven dry) is 50% carbon by mass The
molecular weight of CO2 is 44; C is 12 So: 1000 kg of oven dry wood
= 500 kg C 500 kg C x 44/12 = 1833 kg in CO2 equivalents that can
be factored against the carbon impacts of manufacture,
transportation and installation.
Slide 102
Initial Embodied Energy vs. Recurring Embodied Energy of a
Typical Canadian Office Building Constructed from Wood over a
100-Year Lifespan (Cole & Kernan, 1996).
Slide 103
An EPD is a standardized (ISO 14025/TR) and LCA based tool to
communicate the environmental performance of a product or system.
The information required for input into LCA calculations.
Slide 104
Courtesy Dr Sebastian Reuter, VTI, Germany www.vti-bund.de
Slide 105
Based on data provided by the producer. Living documents
additional aspects are integrated continuously. Undergo an
independent external review which additionally ensures high quality
and acceptance. Updated every 3 years to reflect state of current
technology. De facto database for building certification. Provide
information regarding production of the product, the stored amount
of CO 2 of a wooden product during use phase, and End of Life
including substitution for Energy production Provide data of all
other materials basis for calculation of substitution effects
regarding CO 2 emissions.
Slide 106
Know the sources of the products data. How much is based on
primary information directly from operations, as opposed to
databases of industry-average data. The assumptions included about
the functional unit and service life of the product. The materials
that have been excluded (if any) from the LCA calculation. The
uncertainty factors in the information.
Slide 107
Wood from replenished sources supports Low carbon building but
rating systems need to catch up. LCA and Passive Design not
adequately or consistently recognized but principles can be applied
right away. Training and resources for architects and manufacturers
underway.
Slide 108
Questions? More information available at www.naturallywood.com
Dont forget to complete course evaluation forms