This list of design tools, databases, guides, studies and procedures is designed to help you measure the costs and environmental benefits of sustainable products and design strategies.
| Title | Organization | Description | Year Developed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES 2.0) | U.S. government's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) | A design tool used to measure the "environmental performance of building products by using the environmental life-cycle assessment approach specified in ISO 14000 standards. All stages in the life of a product are analyzed: raw material acquisition, manufacture, transportation, installation, use, and recycling and waste management. Economic performance is measured using the ASTM standard life-cycle cost method, which covers the costs of initial investment, replacement, operation, maintenance and repair, and disposal." | 2001 |
| Green Building Advisor | Building Green and Design Harmony | Database of design strategies to improve environmental performance and cost-effectiveness. Several case studies are included. | 2001 |
| Green Building Resource Guide | The Architectural Machine | Price index for sustainable building materials. | 1996 |
| Standard Practice for Measuring Life Cycle Costs of Buildings and Building Systems | ASTM Standard Designation: E 917-94 | Procedure to complete several life-cycle cost methods. | 1999 |
For more information contact: Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov