U.S. Greenbuilding Council (USGB) is the national authority for green building. The USGBC created the Leadsership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems.
The Virginia Sustainable Building Network is Virginia's green building advocate, and also coordinates the EarthCraft House program in Virginia.
EnergyStar is a program under Environmental Protection Agency, which focuses on energy efficiency.
The Friends of the Rappahannock is the leading environmental advocate in the Fredericksburg area and the protectors of the area's most significant natural resource.
Green Building
Greenbuilding programs require close collaboration between the builder, evaluator and architect to ensure project success.
Green building can be considered the art and science of sustainable construction, where "materials and methods [are] used to construct and maintain a structure that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." As with any type of construction, green building relies on solid building science and the established construction means and methods that are derived from it.
Research & References
The following links are provided to help anyone interested in exploring the world of green building. These resources have been incorporated into how GreenSource Builders does business and, considering the explosive growth of new sustainable practices and products, we are constantly seeking to expand our expertise. Questions about and suggestions for our knowledge list are welcome at info@greensourcebuilders.com.
Note: The following are organized according to CSI Master Format 2004. Not all divisions are applicable to residential construction.
Division 01 – General Requirements
- Associated General Contractors of America Document 510
- OSHA Construction eTool
- US Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes
- EarthCraft House 3D Brochure
- Virginia DEQ Waste Management
- Builder’s Guide to Reuse & Recycling
Division 02 – Existing Conditions
- Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey
- EPA Indoor Air – Mold
- EPA Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home
- Division 03 – Concrete
- EPA Recycled Aggregate Cement and Concrete Specifications
- Environmental Council of Concrete Organizations
Division 04 – Masonry
- Masonry Magazine, Going Green: Behind the Scenes
Division 05 – Metals
- Suggestions welcome
Division 06 – Wood, Plastic & Composites
Division 07 – Thermal & Moisture Protection
- EnergyStar, Thermal Bypass Checklist Guide
- EnergyStar, Air Sealing – Building Envelope Improvement
Division 08 – Openings
Division 09 – Finishes
- Wisconsin DNR, Substituting Waste Gypsum Wallboard for Agriculture Gypsum
- Carpet & Rug Institute, Green Label Testing Programs
- Green Seal 11, Paints
Division 10 – Specialties
- Suggestions welcome
Division 11 – Equipment
- EnergyStar, Qualified Appliances
Division 12 – Furnishings
- Suggestions welcome
Division 21 – Fire Suppression
- EPA, Fire Suppression overview
Division 22 – Plumbing
- EPA, WaterSense Program
- DOE, Water Heater Tech Fact Sheet
- ToolBase, Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures
Division 23 – Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- ToolBase, Right-Size Heating and Cooling Equipment
- ToolBase, Air Distribution System Design
- oikos, Advanced Air Sealing
- EnergyStar, High Efficiency HVAC Systems
- EnergyStar, Indoor Air Package
- EPA, Indoor Air Quality in Homes
Division 26 – Electrical
Division 31 – Earthwork
- Virginia DCR, Virginia Erosion & Sediment Control Handbook