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EL PRO | © 2012 Environmental Leader LLC. Single license EL PRO subscription can be used by one person. For multiple users, purchase an enterprise license by emailing https://www.environmentalleader.com/subscribe/ for information.
Sponsored by:
Green Building Materials
Technologies and Methods
Vendors and Products
Benefits and Challenges
Policies and Programs
Issue 41 November 1, 2012
In this report:
2
EL PRO | © 2012 Environmental Leader LLC. Single license EL PRO subscription can be used by one person. For multiple users, purchase an enterprise license by emailing https://www.environmentalleader.com/subscribe/ for information.
EL Insights: Green Building Materials
This EL Pro industry report is brought to all readers of Environmental Leader through
sponsorship by BASF – The Chemical Company. Sustainable development has
been defined as the balance of economic success, ecological protection and social
responsibility. For us, sustainable development means the combination of long-term
oriented economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility.
As "The Chemical Company" we meet this challenge. The strategic and organizational
implementation of sustainability helps us identify risks in an early stage while
simultaneously opening up new business areas for BASF.
3
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Green Building Materials at a Glance
New products are emerging to help companies improve the environmental impact of their buildings, by raising
energy efficiency, reducing waste, and avoiding the heavy resource impacts often associated with
construction materials. These considerations are of concern not just when constructing new buildings, but
also during retrofits. Many energy retrofits are surface level, but truly deep energy retrofits need to consider
the building envelope, by correcting problems in the original construction or by taking further steps to lower
environmental impact.1
1 Rocky Mountain Institute, RetroFit Depot: Identifying Design Opportunities for Deep Energy Retrofits. http://www.rmi.org/PDF_DepotIdentifyingGuide
4
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5
EL PRO | © 2012 Environmental Leader LLC. Single license EL PRO subscription can be used by one person. For multiple users, purchase an enterprise license by emailing https://www.environmentalleader.com/subscribe/ for information.
Technologies and Methods
Metrics
A company’s environmental building criteria may vary depending on whether it is sourcing products for a
new-build project, a renovation or extension.2 Below are the major criteria companies may want to consider
when buying building materials.
Resource conservation: One of the prime concerns about building materials is their demand on the earth’s
resources. In 2003 the world’s population used about 35 billion metric tons of mineral resources with a value
of about €800 billion – and construction materials such as gravel and stone were consumed in far greater
quantities than energy commodities such as oil, gas and coal.3 As well as raw material use, buyers of building
materials should consider the energy and water consumed in extraction, production and transportation, and
the greenhouse gases and wastes that were emitted during these processes.4
Energy efficiency: Separately from the energy used in resource extraction, manufacture and transport,
buildings are huge consumers of energy. Buildings accounted for 41.1 percent of US primary energy
2 “Environmental Assessment and Specification of Green Building Materials.” The Construction Specifier, October 1999. www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/CSIArticle.pdf
3 Volker Steinbach and Friedrich-W. Wellmer, “Consumption and Use of Non-Renewable Mineral and Energy Raw Materials from an Economic Geology Point of View.” Sustainability 2010, 2, 1408-1430.
4 “Environmental Assessment and Specification of Green Building Materials.” The Construction Specifier, October 1999. www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/CSIArticle.pdf
6
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consumption in 2010, with 18.6 percent of US consumption coming from commercial buildings.5 Wall
insulation and windows play a huge part in determining the thermal performance of medium and high-rise
buildings, while roofs are more influential in low-rise buildings.6
Recycled content: This can include both post-consumer and post-industrial waste.7
For example, some companies have developed cement-based composites from recycled glass and industrial
materials, which lower carbon emissions compared with traditional concrete slabs, create an alternative to
granite stones, and reduce waste sent to landfills.
Recyclability: The EPA estimates that construction and demolition debris account for close to 40 percent of
the nation’s waste stream.8 Construction, renovation and demolition generated about 170 million tons of
waste in 2003 –of which non-residential projects accounted for about 61 percent.9 But many types of
construction waste can be recycled. They include asphalt, brick, cardboard, ceramics, concrete, glass,
gypsum board, landscape waste, steel, aluminum, copper and wood.10 Of course, much waste minimization
will depend on the practices of contractors undertaking construction and demolition work. Companies should
5 http://buildingsdatabook.eren.doe.gov/TableView.aspx?table=1.1.3
6 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_introduction.php
7 “Environmental Assessment and Specification of Green Building Materials.” The Construction Specifier, October 1999. www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/CSIArticle.pdf
8 EPA Region 9, What’s in a Building? Composition Analysis of C&D Debris. http://www.epa.gov/region09/waste/solid/pdf/cd1.pdf
9 EPA, Estimating 2003 Building-Related Construction and Demolition Materials Amounts. http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/imr/cdm/pubs/cd-meas.pdf
10 “Environmental Assessment and Specification of Green Building Materials.” The Construction Specifier, October 1999. www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/CSIArticle.pdf
7
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require contractors to provide a reuse, recycling and salvage plan and confirm that this is being followed.11
Durability: Companies must consider the lifespan of construction products, especially for materials that
cannot be easily recycled.
Low emissivity: These are materials that minimize emissions of chemicals, including volatile organic
compounds, and avoid the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).12
Low toxicity: These are materials that avoid carcinogenic and other toxic ingredients.13
Moisture protection: All parts of the building envelope – walls, glazing, roofs and below-grade components
– help determine how much protection the building will offer from outside moisture, although joins of walls
and roofs with windows and skylights are particularly important.14 In fact, uncontrolled ingress of rainwater
and other moisture is one of the most common threats to performance of the building enclosure.15 Moisture-
resistant materials are available. Also to be considered are building materials that inhibit bacterial growth.16
11 Ibid.
12 Ibid.
13 Ibid.
14 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_introduction.php
15 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_wall.php
16 “Environmental Assessment and Specification of Green Building Materials.” The Construction Specifier, October 1999. www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/CSIArticle.pdf
8
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Parts of a building
Building envelope: The exterior wall plays a key part in managing heat gain, heat loss and penetration of
moisture into the building. Exterior walls today are formed of a number of layers performing various functions
– although some materials may perform multiple functions, and their placement in the envelope layers may
vary based on the building’s climate.17 The building envelope forms a sizeable portion of building cost,
ranging from 10.7 percent for a four to eight floor hospital, to 20.6 percent for a 12-20 floor office building and
21.6 percent for a one-story manufacturing plant.18
Curtain walls: Most commercial buildings today are built using the curtain wall technique, in which the
exterior walls of a building do not bear the weight of floors or roofs. Curtain walls are usually made of
aluminum frames with in-fills of glass, metal or thin stone. The key sustainability aspects to look for with
curtain walls are durability, thermal break values and R-values, or ability to resist heat flow (the higher the R-
value, the better able the material is to resist heat). A curtain wall’s thermal performance depends on its infill
as well as frame and other construction and perimeter details. 19 For glass, companies can look for low-
emissivity, specially selective glass coatings, and “smart” glass (see Windows, below).
Another consideration is recyclability. Recycling of aluminum waste from demolition becomes less
economical if the metal is contaminated with debris such as sealants and fractured glazing. Also, the market
for steel and wood frames is limited.
17 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_introduction.php
18 Ibid.
19 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_cw.php
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One type of efficient curtain wall system is the “double-skin” system, which uses a ventilated space between
inner and outer walls to modulate temperature conditions. These are rare in the US but have been used in
Europe and Asia. Curtain walls with high insulating values, over R-6, may be a less expensive way of
achieving energy savings in cold climates.20
20 Ibid.
73%
86% 89% 92% 94% 95%
63%
80% 84% 86% 88% 89%
1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2009
Insulating Glass Penetration, By Sector, 1985-2009 (Percent of New Sales1)
Residential Nonresidential
Source: US Department of Energy, Buildings Energy Data Book
1) Usage is a good indication of sales. Includes double- and triple-pane sealed units.
10
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Windows: The thermal performance of a window is a combination of its glazing, frame and perimeter
details.21 At the most basic level, most commercial windows, curtain walls and skylights use insulating glass
units (also called ig units). These have one or more layers of glass and a sealed air space, which reduces
heat gain and loss, as well as improving acoustics. Single-pane windows are extremely inefficient and should
not be considered for external applications.22 Ig windows have a 15-30 year service life, compared to an
arguably infinite lifespan for single-pane glass – but ig units’ energy savings usually pay for replacement
costs, if the unit lasts more than 15 years. However, it is costly to separate ig window components for
recycling, especially since glass is relatively inexpensive. Therefore, the most promising way to limit the
amount of windows going to landfill is to find ways to extend ig windows’ lifespans.23
Recent and current forms of energy-efficient glass take several forms. Glazing type, coating type (including
low-emissivity and reflective coatings), frame type, spacers and gas fills can all contribute to efficiency, either
by reducing heat gain and glare, or by improving insulation. 24,25 ,26 Some of the most common energy-
21 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_win.php
22 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_glz.php
23 Ibid.
24 Pike Research, Smart Glass: Electrochromic, Suspended Particle, Thermochromic, and Liquid Crystal Glass Technologies for Architectural and Transportation Applications, Q2 2012. http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/smart-glass
25 Frost & Sullivan, Energy Efficiency: Growth Opportunities for Smart Windows. March 2012. http://tinyurl.com/9gcuv5u
26 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_glz.php
11
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efficient windows are multiple glazed with low-E coatings and gas fills such as argon or krypton.27,28
Windows that use three glass panes, or have suspended low-E films between the panes, provide some of the
best insulation. There are also air-flow windows, that use either supply or exhaust air to modulate the
temperature of an interior, insulating glass unit, and researchers are developing vacuum insulating glass
units, which limit conductive and convective heat loss compared to traditional insulating glass.29
Then there is smart glass, which is also called switchable, dimmable or dynamic glass. These products
change the amount of light passing through the glass, depending on changing ambient conditions or the
user’s preference. This allows smart glass to let light in for the passive lighting of buildings, but to minimize
heat gain and therefore cooling needs.30 Some of these films – but not all – allow the windows to reject a high
proportion of heat while admitting more visible light.31
27 Pike Research, Smart Glass: Electrochromic, Suspended Particle, Thermochromic, and Liquid Crystal Glass Technologies for Architectural and Transportation Applications, Q2 2012. http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/smart-glass
28 Frost & Sullivan, Energy Efficiency: Growth Opportunities for Smart Windows. March 2012. http://tinyurl.com/9gcuv5u
29 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_win.php
30 Pike Research, Smart Glass: Electrochromic, Suspended Particle, Thermochromic, and Liquid Crystal Glass Technologies for Architectural and Transportation Applications, Q2 2012. http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/smart-glass
31 Rocky Mountain Institute, RetroFit Depot: Identifying Design Opportunitites for Deep Energy Retrofits. http://www.rmi.org/PDF_DepotIdentifyingGuide
12
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For exterior applications, according to Pike Research, the three main types of smart glass are electrochromic
and suspended particle materials (which react to electrical stimuli) and thermochromic (which responds to
heat).32 Frost & Sullivan instead divides smart windows into passive, which comprise thermochromic and
photochromic and active, of which electrochromic is a prime example.33 Photochromic coatings use the same
technology used in sunglasses, automatically self-shading to reduce the amount of visible light coming
32 Pike Research, Smart Glass: Electrochromic, Suspended Particle, Thermochromic, and Liquid Crystal Glass Technologies for Architectural and Transportation Applications, Q2 2012. http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/smart-glass
33 Frost & Sullivan, Energy Efficiency: Growth Opportunities for Smart Windows. March 2012. http://tinyurl.com/9gcuv5u
108.3 218.1
407.1
686.8
1106.6
1500.2
1941.2
2389.8
3058.6
84 140 214 301 405 472 547 599 693
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Smart Glass Demand and Market Value, 2012-2020 (Thousand sq m and $million)
Demand Market Value Source: Pike Research
13
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through the glass. Electrochromic coatings use a small electrical voltage to adjust shading.34
Another consideration for windows is moisture protection. Wet-glazed systems generally do a better job of
keeping out water than do dry-glazed systems.35
Window frames: A consideration for energy efficiency is the use of low-conductance frames. Of the various
frame materials, PVC and fiberglass offer the best conductivity, followed by wood and steel. But conductivity
is also is a function of geometry and design, such as the use of thermal breaks in metal frames. 36 In
addition, companies can buy wooden frames that meet forestry management standards – although even this
may not be a total guarantee of sustainability. The FSC may include some controversial tree plantations.37
Aluminum and steel frames, for windows and curtain walls, can be recycled.38
34 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_glz.php
35 Ibid.
36 National Institute of Building Sciences, Building Envelope Design Guide. http://www.wbdg.org/design/env_fenestration_win.php
37 Ibid.
38 Ibid.
14
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Insulation: Common types of insulation include fiberglass (either batt or blown), cellulose, rigid foam board,
and spray foam. Rock wool insulation (also known as slag wool) is made from recycled blast furnace slag.39
One green alternative is expandable polystyrene thermal insulation, such as that offered by BASF. 40
39 EPA, Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings. www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/imr/pdfs/recy-bldg.pdf
40 Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Developments in Construction Materials Industry (Technical Insights), June 2010. http://tinyurl.com/9mvyyfm
3.1 2.5 3.7 2.5 3.1 2.9 2.1 3.9 5.6 4.4 2.0
25.0 20.0 4.3 3.7 3.9 3.7 3.7 3.5 3.7 4.4 7.0 8.2
17.0
30.0
100.0
Thermal Performance of Insulation R-Value per Inch1
Notes: 1) Hr-SF-F/Btu-in. Does not include the effects of aging and settling. 2) Mineral fiber. 3) System R-Value depends on heat-flow direction and number of air spaces. Source: US Department of Energy, Buildings Energy Data Book
15
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A radiant barrier, also called reflective insulation, can help save energy costs in warm climates.
It should be noted that additional insulation is not always a green move. Adding insulation to walls can create
moisture problems in some climates.41
Drywall/wallboard: These can be made using flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD, another byproduct of
coal plants) or recycled gypsum.42
Mortars, grouts, and stucco: These are usually made from aggregate, binder and water. Fly ash, foundry
sand, silica fume, and slag cement can all be used to partially replace cement for these purposes.43
Building base: Instead of natural soil, spent foundry sand and recycled concrete can be used.44
Foundation and backfill: Foundation structural fill can use coal fly ash, bottom ash, slag or foundry sand, or
concrete crushed onsite. Poured concrete foundations can use a variety of recycled components, as
discussed in the next section, Material Types.
Ceramic tiles: These can be made from recycled glass.45
41 Rocky Mountain Institute, RetroFit Depot: Identifying Design Opportunitites for Deep Energy Retrofits. http://www.rmi.org/PDF_DepotIdentifyingGuide
42 EPA, Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings. www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/imr/pdfs/recy-bldg.pdf
43 EPA, Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings. www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/imr/pdfs/recy-bldg.pdf
44 EPA, Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings. www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/imr/pdfs/recy-bldg.pdf
45 http://www.epa.gov/region7/p2/offtheshelf/offshelfpage16.htm
16
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Ceiling tiles: These can be made from recycled slag46, fly ash, FGD or recycled gypsum wallboard.47
Common materials and alternatives
Cement: The manufacture of cement is a highly energy-intensive process, requiring about 4.7 million BTU
per ton of production.48 But Portland cement – the most common type – can be made with a variety of
recycled ingredients, including fly ash, FGD, foundry sand, recycled gypsum wallboard, blast furnace, and
steel slag.49
Concrete: Concrete is composed of cement, aggregate, and water. It can also be made using a number of
recycled components. Fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag can partially replace cement, and
can actually result in a stronger concrete. Concrete aggregates can include bottom ash, foundry sand,
crushed concrete and blast furnace slag.50
Foundry sand: This waste product from the metal-casting industry can be used to create asphalt and
masonry mortar, as well as Portland cement and concrete.51
46 Ibid.
47 EPA, Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings. www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/imr/pdfs/recy-bldg.pdf
48 http://www.cement.org/manufacture/man_fuels.asp
49 EPA, Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings. www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/imr/pdfs/recy-bldg.pdf
50 Ibid.
51 http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/imr/foundry/index.htm
17
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Aluminum: Recycled aluminum can be used for mullions and trim on windows, sheer walls, sunscreens,
cable trays and skylights.52
Wood: Deforestation is a major environmental problem, threatening to accelerate climate change while
removing habitat and reducing biodiversity.53 However, the US Forest Service argues that wood is one of the
more environmentally friendly building materials, yielding fewer greenhouse gases than many other
materials.54 Sustainable choices include certified lumber and easily renewable plant material such as bamboo
and straw.
Stone: An alternative for building facing material is manufactured stone, a mixture of concrete, aggregates
and sometimes fly ash.55
Phase change materials: These man-made, thermal energy storage materials excel at maintaining a steady
temperature, and can thus be used for insulation. Entropy Solutions56 says its renewable phase change
material, made from fats and oils, can reduce heating and cooling bills by up to 35 percent with a payback of
four years when embedded into roofs or walls.57
52 http://www.epa.gov/region7/p2/offtheshelf/offshelfpage16.htm
53 http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-overview/
54 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2011/10/03/forest-service-backs-wood-as-green-building-material/
55 EPA, Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings. www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/imr/pdfs/recy-bldg.pdf
56 Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Developments in Construction Materials Industry (Technical Insights), June 2010. http://tinyurl.com/9mvyyfm
57 http://www.puretemp.com/video.html
18
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Light-weight waterproof panels: Multipanel58 offers a high-density, VOC-free polyurethane panel that can
be used for external and interior walls, including as an alternative to many timber-based products.59
Fiberglass composites: An example is material offered by Composite Building Structures Ltd, which can be
used for the frame and shell of a building.60
Vendors and Products
Building insulation: The EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) for recycled-content
products list 83 building insulation products, from manufacturers including Can-Cell Industries, Owens
Corning, GreenFiber, CertainTeed, Johns Manville, Applegate Insulation, U.S. Gypsum, American Rockwool,
International Cellulose and Thermoguard.61 It also lists rigid foam board insulation products from Insulation
Depot.62
Cement and concrete: The CPG list 66 products in this category, from manufacturers including 3M, BASF,
Cemex, Cargill, Holcim and LaFarge. Because coal ash is a byproduct of power generation, many utilities are
58 Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Developments in Construction Materials Industry (Technical Insights), June 2010. http://tinyurl.com/9mvyyfm
59 http://www.multipanel.com.au/eco.html
60 Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Developments in Construction Materials Industry (Technical Insights), June 2010. http://tinyurl.com/9mvyyfm
61 http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/directory.htm
62 Ibid.
19
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also suppliers of these products. They include Entergy, NRG, American Electric Power, Duke Power, Mid-
American Energy, Nebraska Public Power District, Ontario Power Generation, PPL Corporation, Peco
Energy, Pepco, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Tennessee Valley Authority and WE Energies. Slag,
fly ash and silica fume are available as individual products, or as a blend with cement.63
Roofing: As of October 2012, Energy Star lists 4,984 qualifying roof products – although not all of these will
be suited to commercial use. The products include metal roofs, single-ply, coatings, shingles, tiles, modified
bitumen and built-up roofs.64 The CPG list 17 products in this category, from manufacturers including ATAS
International, Atlas Roofing, Cetco, CertainTeed, Classic Products, Drexel Metals, GS Roofing Products,
Gerard Roofing Technologies, Moore Enviro Systems, Petersen Aluminum, Re-New Wood, Tallant
Industries, Tamko Roofing, Tremco Inc., U.S. Intec, Unity Creations and Verco Manufacturing. 65
Structural fiberboard: The CPG list six products in this category, from manufacturers including Armstrong
World Industries, Homasote, Pacific Northwest Fiber, Temple-Inland Forest Products, The ReWall Company,
and US Gypsum.66
63 Ibid.
64http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=RO
65 http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/directory.htm
66 Ibid.
20
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Glass: Emerging leaders in smart glass include Sage and Soladigm. Looking ahead, Samsung has
introduced a futuristic prototype that is actually a huge, transparent tablet computer, functioning as a window.
It is solar-powered and features a virtual blind controlled by finger swipes.67
Window film: Solutia Performance Films is a major manufacturer of Energy Star-compliant window films.68
Floor tiles: The EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines list 16 products in this category, from
suppliers including Oscoda Plastics, New Pig Corporation, Pacific Coast Mat & Matting and RB Rubber.69
Vinyl composition tile: The EPA says Mannington Impressions VCT is the only VCT “to feature partially
recycled content and green manufacturing practices in its production.”70
Flowable fill: The EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines list nine products in this category, from
suppliers including Dry Mix Products, Dynergy Midwest Generation, E.R. Jahna, Florida Rock, ISG
Resources, Quikrete, ThyssenKrupp Waupaca, Trans-Ash, United Materials and WR Grace.71
67 Frost & Sullivan, Energy Efficiency: Growth Opportunities for Smart Windows. March 2012. http://tinyurl.com/9gcuv5u
68https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advantage/search/specialCategory.do?cat=ADV.ENV
69 http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/directory.htm
70 http://www.epa.gov/region7/p2/offtheshelf/offshelfpage16.htm
71 http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/directory.htm
21
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Benefits and Challenges
Benefits
Cost savings: Use of green building materials can reduce maintenance and replacement costs. It can also
help reduce energy consumption. 72 Changes to a building’s envelope can cut thermal loads enough to
reduce the cost of planned mechanical equipment replacements, and may allow building owners to eliminate
perimeter heating entirely.73
Comfort: Smart glass not only significantly improves energy use, but also can improve occupant comfort and
satisfaction.74
Increased value: Buildings certified under green standards programs have been shown to achieve 10 to 35
percent sales premiums and two to 17 percent rental price premiums compared to non-certified buildings,
along with higher occupancy and retention rates.75
72 http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/materials/
73 Rocky Mountain Institute, RetroFit Depot: Identifying Design Opportunitites for Deep Energy Retrofits. http://www.rmi.org/PDF_DepotIdentifyingGuide
74 Pike Research, Smart Glass: Electrochromic, Suspended Particle, Thermochromic, and Liquid Crystal Glass Technologies for Architectural and Transportation Applications, Q2 2012. http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/smart-glass
75 SBI Research, Green Building Materials and Construction, 3rd Edition. May 2012. http://www.sbireports.com/Green-Building-Materials-6913283/
22
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Challenges
Costs: Smart windows are not widely affordable, being priced significantly higher than more traditional
windows. The technology to make windows “switchable” is particularly expensive, with a thermochromic glass
costing about $25 per square foot. As technology advances and demand increases, however, prices should
decline.76 Some other green building materials, such as fly ash in concrete, do not usually raise costs.77
Reliability: There aren’t enough reliable predictions of the energy savings that smart windows can achieve,
though Frost & Sullivan says this now-critical market constraint will lessen within one or two years.78 This
reliability issue often crops up with green building materials that have not been widely tested.
Uncertainty of government support: Tax credits and other support measures have fluctuated, creating
uncertainty. The impact of this constraint, too, should lessen with a couple years.79
76 Frost & Sullivan, Energy Efficiency: Growth Opportunities for Smart Windows. March 2012. http://tinyurl.com/9gcuv5u
77 http://www.epa.gov/region7/p2/offtheshelf/offshelfpage16.htm
78 Frost & Sullivan, Energy Efficiency: Growth Opportunities for Smart Windows. March 2012. http://tinyurl.com/9gcuv5u
79 Frost & Sullivan, Energy Efficiency: Growth Opportunities for Smart Windows. March 2012. http://tinyurl.com/9gcuv5u
23
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Policies and Programs
The federal government operates the Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction, a deduction of
$1.80 per square foot available to building owners who install building envelope, interior lighting, HVAC or hot
water systems that reduce the building’s energy costs by 50 percent or more, compared to a building meeting
the minimum requires of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Companies must calculate their energy using
qualified computer software approved by the IRS.
Owners can take deductions of $0.60 per square foot if individual improvements meet target levels that would
reasonably contribute to overall 50 percent savings if additional systems were installed.
Tenants may be eligible if they make construction expenditures.
Deductions are taken the year construction is completed, and the incentive expires at the end of 2013.80
A number of states also offer incentives on items such as windows, doors, roofs and insulation. The following
programs cover some or all of these building components:
Alabama: AlabamaSAVES Revolving Loan Program
California: CaliforniaFIRST
Colorado: Local Option - Improvement Districts for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Improvements
Connecticut: Operational Demonstration Program
80http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=US40F&re=1&ee=1
24
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District of Columbia: Local Option - Energy Efficiency Financing
Florida: Local Option - Special Districts
Hawaii: Energy Solutions Business Appliance Rebates and Customized Incentives Program;
GreenSun Hawaii
Idaho: Low-Interest Energy Loan Programs
Illinois: Energy Impact Illinois Rebates; Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project Financing
Indiana: Community Conservation Challenge
Kentucky: On Farm Energy Efficiency & Production Grants
Louisiana: Local Option - Sustainable Energy Financing Districts
Maine: Efficiency Maine Small Business Loan Program; Local Option - Property Assessed Clean Energy
Maryland: Be SMART Business Efficiency Loan Program
Massachusetts: ReBuild Western Massachusetts Grant Program
Michigan: Local Option - Property Assessed Clean Energy
Missouri: Local Option - Clean Energy Development Boards
Montana: Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program
Nebraska: Dollar and Energy Savings Loans
New Hampshire: Enterprise Energy Fund Grants; Enterprise Energy Fund Loans; Local Option - Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy Districts
25
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New York: Existing Facilities Program; Local Option - Municipal Sustainable Energy Programs
Ohio: Energy Loan Fund
Oregon: Business Energy Efficiency Rebate for Existing Buildings; GreenStreet Lending Program; Multifamily Home Energy Solutions Program; Small-Scale Energy Loan Program
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Green Energy Loan Fund; Small Business Advantage Grant Program
Vermont: Business Energy Conservation Loan Program
Virgin Islands: U.S. Virgin Islands - USVI WISE Program
Wisconsin: Business Incentive Program; Chain Stores and Franchises Program; Energy Bundle Bonus (WPS Customers Only); Large Energy Users Program; Small Business Program81
In addition, many utilities offer incentives of their own. More on these can be found at www.dsireusa.org.
Standards and Certifications
There are numerous eco-labels and certification programs that pertain to green building materials. In general,
however, the most relevant are LEED and Energy Star. Companies sourcing these materials should also
consult the exhaustive product specification guides created by the US federal government, such as the EPA’s
81 www.dsireusa.org
26
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Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines and the GSA’s Environmental Program (see below, but also see
Vendors and Products).
Whole-building programs:
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): The world’s most popular green building
certification program is run by the US Green Building Council. It offers standards for new construction and
existing buildings, as well as for commercial interiors and core and shell development.82,83
Building Research Establishment Environment Assessment Method (BREEAM): The second most
popular standard for green building is used most widely in Europe.84
Green Globes: This standard, run by the Green Building Initiative, is based on online assessment tools and
third-party verification in five categories: design of new building or significant renovation, management and
operation of existing buildings, building emergency management, building intelligence and fit-up.85,86
82 https://new.usgbc.org/leed/rating-systems
83 SBI Research, Green Building Materials and Construction, 3rd Edition. May 2012. http://www.sbireports.com/Green-Building-Materials-6913283/
84 Ibid.
85 http://www.greenglobes.com/
86 SBI Research, Green Building Materials and Construction, 3rd Edition. May 2012. http://www.sbireports.com/Green-Building-Materials-6913283/
27
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Material and product programs:
Energy Star: This EPA-DOE program designates energy-efficient products. Federal guidelines require the
use of Energy Star insulation, doors, windows and skylights in government buildings.87
Energy Star notes that when buying windows, skylights and doors, it’s important to find products that work in
your climate. Some of these Energy Star products are climate-specific, while others work across the US.
There are four Energy Star climate zones: northern, north-central, south-central and southern. A map
showing the climate zones is available here – and users can enter their county and state to find out more
precisely which zone they are in.
Many utilities provide financial incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and
skylights.88
National Fenestration Rating & Certification Program: Covers windows, doors, skylights and curtain
walls.
Cool Roof Rating Council Labeling Program: Lists roof surface products with their radiative values. 89
Blue Angel: Covers products including insulation, PV panels, paints, wallpapers and floor coverings.
87 http://www.sftool.gov/GreenProcurement/ProductCategory/1
88http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=WI
89 http://www.coolroofs.org/aboutthecrrc.html
28
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M1 Emissions Classification of Building Materials: Covers products used in work spaces including
gypsum boards, chipboards, plywood, steel plates and blocks.
Recycled Material Content Standard V5-0: Covers products including ceramic tiles, composite wood
goods, carpets and textiles.
Indoor Advantage and Indoor Advantage Gold: Covers products including ceiling tiles, wall panels,
wall/floor coverings, sealant and adhesives.
Green Squared: Covers ceramic and glass tiles.
calCOMPliant: Covers composite wood panels.
NSF International Standard 14: Covers piping components and related materials.90
Purchasing Guidance:
Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines: This EPA program is designed to promote the use of material
recovered from solid waste. For each type of construction product (such as fiberglass, coal ash cement, steel
roofing materials or rubber floor tiles) the EPA has recommended recovered content levels. As of October
2012, there were 274 construction products, falling into 15 categories: building insulation products, carpet
(polyester), carpet cushion, cement and concrete (containing coal fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace
90 SBI Research, Green Building Materials and Construction, 3rd Edition. May 2012. http://www.sbireports.com/Green-Building-Materials-6913283/
29
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slag, cenospheres or silica fume), consolidated and reprocessed latex paint, floor tiles, flowable fill, laminated
paperboard, modular threshold ramps, non-pressure pipe, patio blocks, railroad grade crossing surfaces,
roofing materials, shower and restroom dividers/partitions and structural fiberboard.
General Services Administration: The procurement and facilities agency for the federal government has
launched the GSA Environmental Program, a website to guide users to products meeting environmental
criteria. And it has also launched the Green Products Compilation, which lists the EPA, DOE, or USDA
designations and environmental guidance that apply to various categories of construction materials.
30
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Latest Developments in Green Building Materials
US and global markets
BCC Research says the US green building materials market reached about $12.8 billion in 2008, but fell to
just $9.6 billion in 2009 because of the recession. In that year it says structural materials made up about $5.7
billion of the market, and interior materials $2 billion.91
SBI pegs the global market for green construction at nearly $70 billion in 2011, up from $6.6 billion in 2007,
with the lion’s share - $52 billion - going to non-residential buildings. The growth in green building certification
is driving demand for sustainable building components, and the US is the single biggest market for non-
residential green construction: 9,907 projects totaling 1,009 million square feet were certified in the US
between 2007 and 2011. China follows with 155.1 million square feet, and Canada is third with 47.5 million
square feet.92
91 BCC Research, The U.S. Market for Green Building Materials. http://www.bccresearch.com/report/green-building-materials-us-market-env007b.html
92 SBI Research, Green Building Materials and Construction, 3rd Edition. May 2012. http://www.sbireports.com/Green-Building-Materials-6913283/
31
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Adoption by businesses
San Francisco 49ers: Central Concrete, a US Concrete company, is supplying about 80,000 cubic yards of
its low-CO2 concrete for the new San Francisco 49ers stadium. The mixes selected, which will be used for
65%
36%
49%
43% 44%
38%
33%
28%
40%
24%
17% 15%
11% 10% 7% 7% 8%
6% 4% 3% 3%
*
17% 19%
34% 37%
48%
54%
% of existing building stock
1995 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009
Nonresidential Window Stock and Sales, by Glass Type Vision Area of New Windows (Except Where Noted)
Clear Tinted Reflective Low-e
Source: US Department of Energy, Buildings Energy Data Book
Notes: *Included as part of the Tinted category.
32
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the auger cast piles and overall stadium structure, use less materials than traditional concrete and are
predicted to reduce the stadium’s overall carbon footprint by 23 million pounds of CO2. Central Concrete,
which uses fly ash and slag in its products, has also supplied concrete for the San Francisco Public Utilities
Headquarters, NASA Ames Building, San Francisco Academy of Sciences, San Jose Arena, Stanford
Stadium and Santa Clara University Stephen Schott Baseball Stadium. 93
Walmart: The company has been using rubber from recycled diapers in store baseboards, and using
concrete composed of 20 percent fly ash.94
DuPont: The company is using sanding waste from the manufacture of its Corian and Zodiaq surface
products as a filler replacement in concrete, in one of several initiatives that have helped it reduce the landfill
waste of its Business Innovations arm from 81 million pounds a year to zero.95
Shree Cement: The company reuses slag and fly ash in its production, and was the first cement company in
the world to be certified to the EN 16001 international energy-management standard, the precursor of ISO
50001. It achieved this certification by reducing its energy consumption though initiatives including a 46 MW
power plant that runs on waste heat from production processes.96
93 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2012/05/22/san-fracisco-49ers-buy-low-co2-concrete-for-new-stadium/
94 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/04/13/wal-mart-says-environmental-initiatives-about-money-not-brand-image/
95 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2012/01/12/dupont-business-innovations-achieves-zero-to-landfill-status/
96 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2012/10/11/broad-group-equity-bank-sustainability-champions-boston-consulting-group-says/
33
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34
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The Future of Green Building Materials
Projections
BCC research predicts that the US market for green building materials will grow to nearly $31.4 billion
between 2009 and 2014, at a CAGR of 26.7 percent. Structural materials will make up $20.8 billion of this,
and interior materials $5.8 billion.97 Meanwhile, worldwide certified green building space is set to increase
from 6 billion square feet in 2010 to 53 billion square feet by 2020. By that year, about 80 percent of certified
space will be in commercial buildings, up from 73 percent in 2010 – and most commercial certifications will go
to existing, rather than new buildings.98
SBI projects that the global market value of LEED-certified buildings will reach about $148 billion by 2016,
experiencing a rather slow recovery from the worldwide economic downturn. Thereafter the market should
achieve its pre-recession growth rate and hit $294 billion by 2021. SBI notes, however, that the non-
residential sector saw a slight decline last year, and homes were the only segment to record a positive CAGR
in 2011 – so residential will likely take the lead in the growth to 2016.99
97 BCC Research, The U.S. Market for Green Building Materials. http://www.bccresearch.com/report/green-building-materials-us-market-env007b.html
98 Pike Research, Green Building Certification Programs. http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/green-building-certification-programs
99 SBI Research, Green Building Materials and Construction, 3rd Edition. May 2012. http://www.sbireports.com/Green-Building-Materials-6913283/
35
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Smart glass technologies hold market promise because buildings are including increasingly higher
proportions of glass in their façade.100 By 2020, smart glass will make up less than one percent of worldwide
flat glass production, but could gain significant market share later on. The North American and European
markets will lead in revenue terms. Pike Research says China should see strong growth, while Frost &
100 Pike Research, Smart Glass: Electrochromic, Suspended Particle, Thermochromic, and Liquid Crystal Glass Technologies for Architectural and Transportation Applications, Q2 2012. http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/smart-glass
$6.6 $17.8
$54.0 $64.9 $69.4
$85.1 $100.7
$116.4 $132.1
$147.8
$177.0
$206.3
$235.5
$264.8
$294.1
Global Market for Green Construction, 2007-2011, and Forecast, 2012-2021
($ Billion)
Market Forecast
Source: SBI Research, Green Building Materials and Construction, 3rd Edition
36
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Sullivan sees medium and long-term potential in the Middle East.101,102 In the long term, Frost & Sullivan says
associated industries such as HVAC and lighting control must consider the affect of smart windows in their
planning, and such windows could even make blinds and curtains obsolete.103
Green Building Materials: What Does All This Mean?
The universe of green building products is expanding all the time. Each green product can help
companies address one or more environmental issues, such as energy efficiency, resource
consumption and recyclability.
Many certification programs and online guides are available to help companies browse the
products that are available.
There is general evidence that green building helps companies cut costs and increase property
values, but evidence for the effectiveness of individual green materials is often hard to come by,
since the products are so new.
101 Ibid.
102 Frost & Sullivan, Energy Efficiency: Growth Opportunities for Smart Windows. March 2012. http://tinyurl.com/9gcuv5u
103 Ibid.
37
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Green construction slumped somewhat during the recession, but is set to pick up at former growth
levels after 2016. Most green certifications will be for commercial buildings, and most of those will
be for existing rather than new structures, providing a good market for green building materials.
Q&A
Damian Pataluna, FisherSIPS and Mike Payne, OPCO Direct
Environmental Leader: Can you tell me a little about your structural insulated panels - what are they used for, and what environmental benefits do they offer? Can they be used in retrofits or just in new construction?
Damian Pataluna, Mike Payne: Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are a combination of three items in one: the
structural framing, the sheathing and insulation. While they are mainly used in new construction – SIPs take
the place of wall studs and roof trusses along with the insulation and sheathing – there are applications for
SIPS to be used in retrofit application. Essentially, SIPS are typically the exterior walls and roof, sometimes
floor, of a home or other building. They are three to four times stronger than stick-constructed homes and are
at least 50 percent more energy efficient than fiberglass insulated homes. Other environmental benefits are
the reduction in solid wood used in the construction of the home.
38
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SIPS are made with oriented strand board (OSB), which uses small trees that are harvested from tree farms
and replanted immediately. In addition, our SIP buildings typically have less job site waste during the
construction period as all of the panels are cut to size and shape prior to shipping.
In retrofits, we offer 'Nailbase' panels. These are panels with OSB laminated to one side only. They are used
to help insulate a building after the fact, and can be applied to walls or roof. They come in a variety of
thickness depending on what the needs are of the customer.
SIPS in general are available in 4'x8' up to 8'x24' standard. The thicknesses are designed to work with
lumber floor plates, so the foam is 3 5/8", 5 5/8", 7 3/4", 9 3/8" or 11 3/8" thick standard.
EL: Who are some of your commercial and industrial customers for these SIPs? What environmental benefits have they seen from using the SIPs?
DP, MP: Our SIPS have been used on the new dormitories at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and at Montessori
schools, horse barns, office buildings, restaurants and stores. All of these projects have exhibited energy
savings vs. what they were expecting.
EL: What advice would you have for a company seeking to use green building materials in its facilities? Are there some "easy wins," or particular types of green building materials they should consider first?
DP, MP: In all “green” construction, I believe it starts with an energy-efficient envelope. This makes almost all
of the other products more viable, such as solar and wind. You can reduce the size of your HVAC equipment
if you have a thermal envelope that is tight and will perform far beyond current construction practices with
fiberglass.
39
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EL: What are the biggest opportunities for green building materials in the US? Are there certain technologies, or certain end sectors, that show particular promise? What about particular parts of the country?
DP, MP: With the new Model Energy Codes (2012 MEC), insulation and energy efficiency seem to be
pushing toward the front of the line. The new codes are at least 30 percent more energy efficient than what is
currently being used. Building with FischerSIPS makes it easy to meet the new requirement. I think the new
NEOPOR foam will also offer an advantage over other foams from a cost-per-R perspective.
Some states have already adopted 2012 MEC. Others will be following soon. It's really hard to say where all
of the "hot pockets" are at the moment. SIPS can be used in both hot climates to keep the heat out and air
conditioning in, or in the cold climates to keep buildings warm in the winter time.
EL: How much of a premium should companies expect to spend for green building materials? When could we expect to see these materials reach parity with their conventional counterparts (if ever)?
DP, MP: This is a bit of a tricky question. If you look at cost vs. cost to buy, many green materials are
considerably higher in cost – anywhere from 25 percent to 100 percent more. If you look at the total cost of a
project, it may only raise the total cost by five to 10 percent overall. But you have to consider the savings
generated by these products. For example, a well-insulated home can save 50 percent on your monthly
heating and cooling costs. Typically, if you add up the cost of the mortgage and the cost of energy bills, a
green home will be less costly every month to live in than a comparable home built with studs and
fiberglass...which is more money in your pocket.
40
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About Environmental Leader
Since 2006, Environmental Leader (www.environmentalleader.com) has been the definitive
and objective b2b voice reporting on business-related energy, environmental and
sustainability issues.
Environmental Leader, with its 13,000-plus news stories, columns, videos, reports, white
papers, webinars and industry-leading daily newsletter, has become the go-to source for
corporate environmental, sustainability and energy executives, the one site executives
must visit every day in order to keep informed and make tough choices on environmental
and energy issues.
For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities with Environmental Leader,
please contact our sales team at 406-371-5687, or email [email protected].
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