The following matrix provides information on green construction materials from several building projects that placed an emphasis on achieving environmental benefits. An overview of recycled content levels of products, their availability, and environmental attributes are outlined based on CSI MasterFormat.™
View below (Note: To print the following HTML version of the matrix requires a legal paper size of 8.5″ X 14″ AND landscape layout).
- Matrix Notes and Abbreviations
- Division 02: Site Construction
- Division 03: Concrete
- Division 04: Masonry
- Division 05: Metals
- Division 06: Wood and Plastics
- Division 07: Thermal and Moisture Protection
- Division 08: Doors and Windows
- Division 09: Finishes
- Division 10: Specialties
- Division 11: Equipment
- Division 12: Furnishings
- Division 15: Mechanical
- Other
- Footnotes
Notes and Abbreviations
Building Project Notation
- CalEPA=California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters
- EEP=East End Project Block 225[1]
- FTB=Franchise Tax Board/Butterfield Project
- GAP=Gap Building[2]
- PA= State of Pennsylvania[3]
- RG=Ridgehaven Building[4]
Comments/Environmental Attributes Notation
For a definition of the following terms, please see the glossary of terms.
- PC= postconsumer
- PI= postindustrial (secondary material)
- RC= total recycled content
Product Availability Notation
Overview of California manufacturers and out-of-state manufacturers. This is not a complete listing and is subject to change. Can also search CalRecycle’s database for recycled content products and use the links to manufacturers.
Note: Any mention of commercial products or processes shall not be construed as an endorsement of such products or processes. (Disclaimers)
| Product Category (organized by CSI MasterFormat Divisions) | Product Type | Recycled content levels adopted for each project | Comments / Environmental Attributes | Product availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSI Division: 01: General Requirements | ||||
| CSI Division: 02: Site Construction | ||||
| Asphalt concrete pavement/ Rubberized asphalt concrete (RAC) | EEP: 14% | RAC ~ Requires less material for overlay (typically 2" for RAC vs. 4" for standard AC), longer lasting product, reduces braking distance and decreases noise from tires and creates a market for used tires. | CalRecycle sources:
This material is a locally available from Sacramento-based asphalt batch plants, including Granite Construction Company. |
|
| Portland Cement Concrete | Pavement and Flatwork | EEP: 25% | Up to 25% of fly ash replaced some Portland cement. Fly ash has less embodied energy than Portland cement and creates a superior product by reducing water permeability. | EPA's research shows that the items are of high quality, widely available, and cost-competitive with virgin products. |
| Reclaimed paving materials | Pavement | 100% RC Reclaimed paving materials reduce demand for virgin nonrenewable resources and the environmental degradation commonly associated with the mining of those resources. | Cal Trans Standard Special Provisions allow up to 100% reclaimed paving materials for aggregate subbase and base. |
|
| Walk, Road, and Parking Appurtenances | Wheel Stops and Speed Bumps: Plastic and/or Rubber | EEP: Parking Bumpers: 30-35% PC 65-70% PI Speed Bumps: | 100% RC[5] PC & RC plastic/rubber make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled plastic, while decreasing demand for nonrenewable virgin resources. | CalRecycle sources: EPA's research shows that the items are of high quality, widely available, and cost-competitive with virgin products. |
| Walk, Road, and Parking Appurtenances | Wheel stops: Concrete containing coal fly ash | Generally, 20 to 30% RC, but could be up to 40%. 15% when used as a partial cement replacement as an admixture in concrete.[6] Fly ash has less embodied energy than Portland cement and creates a superior product by reducing water permeability. | EPA's research shows that the items are of high quality, widely available, and cost-competitive with virgin products. | |
| Walk, Road, and Parking Appurtenances | Wheel stops: Concrete containing? ground granulated blast furnace slag | 25-70% RC[7] Granulated blast furnace slag has less embodied energy than the Portland cement, which it replaces a portion of. | EPA's research shows that the items are of high quality, widely available, and cost-competitive with virgin products. | |
| Porous paving products | Recommend conducting research on these products for possible inclusion on projects. Porous paving products help reduce storm water runoff and increase infiltration rates resulting in groundwater recharge. | There are several porous paving products listed in www.OIKOS.com with up to 100% recycled content (search under products by CSI code). | ||
| Bike Racks | Recommend conducting research on these products for possible inclusion on projects. Bike racks accommodate alternative modes of transportation, which lead to decreased production of greenhouse gases, and help improve air quality. | There are several bike racks listed in www.OIKOS.com with recycled content (search under products by CSI code). | ||
| Outdoor Furniture | Recommend conducting research on these products for possible inclusion on projects. PC & RC furniture decreases pressure on forest resources and is a long lasting, maintenance free (no sanding or painting) alternative to wood. | There are several outdoor furniture products listed in www.OIKOS.com with recycled content (search under products by CSI code). | ||
| Fencing | Recommend conducting research on these products for possible inclusion on projects. PC & RC fencing decreases pressure on forest resources and are a long lasting, maintenance free (no sanding or painting) alternative to wood. | There are several fencing products listed in www.OIKOS.com? with recycled content (search under products by CSI code). | ||
| Compost and Mulch | Urban compost[8]and mulch made from grass clippings and landscape trimmings. | Use landscape trimmings and grass to produce compost and mulch and apply on site. Purchase 100% urban compost and mulch as needed. Compost and mulch improve soil quality, act as pesticide free weed suppressant, reduces soil erosion, and decrease evaporative water loses. | Urban compost and mulch is widely available. The City of Sacramento operates a compost facility. CalRecycle maintains a list of compost and mulch producers that can be provided to the landscape contractor or visit this web site: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics | |
| Irrigation materials | HDPE or PVC pipe and fittings | Fittings are expected to be more widely available than pipes. Recommend conducting research on these products for possible inclusion on projects. | ||
| Irrigation materials | Rubber and/or plastic soaker hose | 60-70% postconsumer[9] 100% recycled tire rubber soaker hoses are available. PC & 100% recycled tire hoses decrease demand for virgin petroleum products and require less energy in production than a virgin product. Creates markets for materials typically disposed. | CalRecycle sources: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/RCPM/ (many listed) www.calrecycle.ca.gov/TireRecycling/Products/ProdList.htm EPA's research shows that the items are of high quality, widely available, and cost-competitive with virgin products. Also see attachment "Products manufactured with tire rubber." |
|
| Lawn and garden edging | Rubber and/or plastic | 30-100%[10] Plastic bender board is making up more of market. PC & RC garden edging materials decrease pressure on forest resources and are a long lasting, maintenance free alternative to wood. | Epic Plastics, Richmond, CA. EPA's research shows that the items are of high quality, widely available, and cost-competitive with virgin products. | |
| Tree stakes | Plastic | FTB; 30% | PC & RC tree stakes decrease pressure on forest resources and are a long lasting, maintenance free alternative to wood | Envirosafe Products, Livingston, NJ. Also see resources for plastic lumber. |
| Site furnishings and trash receptacles | Plastic lumber that can be used in benches, tables, chairs, trashcans, etc. Certified redwood and western red cedar is an option for landscape furnishings as well. | FTB: 90% (plastic) EEP: 90% (plastic slats: benches & trash receptacles) | 75% minimum recycled content overall; 50% postconsumer material.[11] Many products are available with 100% recycled content. PC & RC furniture decreases pressure on forest resources and is a long lasting, maintenance free (no sanding or painting) alternative to wood. Certified wood products are from timber harvesters that meet a stringent set of environmental criteria that minimize deforestation, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion and pollutant runoff which result from intensive, | Call 800-243-5790 to order the Recycled Plastic Products Source Book by the American Plastics American Plastics Council. Some product suppliers are listed at their Web site: www.plastics.org AERT, manufacturer of ChoiceDek (wood/plastic composite) (501)750-1299 Akron, OH Numerous other sources in CalRecycle database: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/RCPM/ |
| Playground surfaces, running tracks | Plastic or rubber | EEP: 40% | 90-100%[12] CalRecycle playground grant program: /BuyRecycled/Grants/ PC & RC playground surfaces and running tracks decrease demand for virgin petroleum products and require less energy in production than a similar product made from virgin materials. PC & RC products also create markets for materials | CalRecycle sources: EPA's research shows that the items are of high quality, widely available, and cost-competitive with virgin products. |
| CSI Division 03: Concrete | ||||
| Concrete reinforcement | Reinforcing Steel | FTB: 60% EEP: 77% | PC & RC steel reduces demand for virgin nonrenewable resources and the environmental degradation commonly associated with the mining of those resources. | |
| Cast-in-place concrete | EEP: 25% & 40% | Fly Ash replaced up to 25% cement content by weight. At concrete used in mat foundations, fly ash replaced up to 40% of cement content by weight | ||
| Precast concrete for nonstructural use. Utilize high level of fly ash | EEP: 25%, high vol. Fly ash 30% in draft RFP | Fly ash has less embodied energy than Portland cement and creates a superior product by reducing water permeability of concrete. www.buildinggreen.com/features/flyash/index.html | Fly ash is not a California waste product, but it is available on the west coast in Washington and Utah. Austin, TX guide www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/Flyash.html |
|
| High volume fly ash concrete | Fly ash has less embodied energy than Portland cement and creates a superior product by reducing water permeability of concrete. www.buildinggreen.com/features/flyash/index.html King County, Washington | |||
| CSI Division 04: Masonry | ||||
| Marble | EEP: 31,000 sq. ft. reused | Reused marble reduces demand on nonrenewable virgin resources. | ||
| Brick, Stone, Etc. | Reuse: salvaged materials available. Reused brick and stone makes efficient use of existing materials and reduces demand for virgin resources. | Used red clay brick: Sepulveda Building Materials, Torrance, CA Austin, TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/EarthMaterials.html |
||
| CSI Division 05: Metals | ||||
| Structural Steel | FTB: 60% EEP: 90% PC | PC & RC steel reduces demand for virgin nonrenewable resources and the environmental degradation commonly associated with the mining of those resources. | No CA manufacturers. 23 manufacturers located out of State. | |
| Light Gauge Steel Framing | CalEPA: 28% postconsumer RG: 50% overall recycled content | PC & RC steel reduces demand for virgin nonrenewable resources and the environmental degradation commonly associated with the mining of those resources. | 8 CA manufacturers, e.g., Angels Metal Systems, California Metal Systems |
|
| Metal Decking | Steel Deck | FTB: 25% EEP: 60% PC | PC & RC steel reduces demand for virgin nonrenewable resources and the environmental degradation commonly associated with the mining of those resources. | |
| Aluminum | Recommend conducting research on this material for products to include on projects. PC & RC aluminum reduces demand for virgin nonrenewable resources and the environmental degradation commonly associated with the mining of those resources. RC & PC aluminum requires less energy in smelting process than virgin aluminum. | |||
| Metal Framing | Cold-formed metal framing | FTB: 25% EEP:12.8% PC | 25% RC, 16% PC PC & RC steel reduces demand for virgin nonrenewable resources and the environmental degradation commonly associated with the mining of those resources. | 10 CA manufacturers |
| CSI Division 06: Wood and Plastics | ||||
| Engineered structural products | Laminated wood chips or strands and finger jointing. | Recommend conducting research on these products for possible inclusion on projects. Engineered wood products use trees more efficiently than traditional products and help reduce demand for virgin timber. | CalRecycle sources: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/RCPM/ (many listed) Austin, TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/EngStruct.html |
|
| Architectural Woodwork | Lumber and wood products | EEP: 100% | Products from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sustainably harvested sources. They also meet the indoor air quality tests of the Special Environmental Requirements specification Section 01350. The FSC is the only 3rd party organization who certifies sustainably harvested wood from environmentally responsible forest management. | |
| CSI Division 07: Thermal and Moisture Protection | ||||
| Building Insulation | Cellulose | RG: 100% PC, recyclable | 100% PC cellulose building insulation makes efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled newspaper. Sustainable Building Sourcebook/Austin, TX guide: http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/Insulation.HTML#CELLULOSE | 2 manufacturers located in CA: Greenstone/Louisiana Pacific Company of Benicia, CA BMCA Insulation Products of Ontario, CA. |
| Building Insulation | Fiberglass Thermal Batts | FTB: 30% RC EEP: 30% RC | Insulation was manufactured without formaldehyde resins. | Johns Manville GridShield Fiberglass Insulation (batt), 25% RC with 18% PC, manufactured in Willows, CA. CertainTeed Corp. InsulSafe FiberGlass Insulation (loose-fill), 30% PC, manufactured in Chowchilla, CA. |
| Composite Panels | EEP: Aluminum Face Sheet: 75% Standard Polyethylene Core: 6% Extruded Aluminum Trip: 25% | |||
| Between-slab waterproofing | FTB: 25% EEP: 25% | |||
| Below-grade waterproofing | FTB: 25% EEP: 25% | |||
| CSI Division 08: Doors and Windows | ||||
| Hollow metal doors and frames | FTB: 25% EEP: 49% RC | PC & RC metal doors and frames reduce demand for virgin nonrenewable resources and the environmental degradation commonly associated with the mining of those resources. | 13 CA manufacturers | |
| Wood doors | FSC Sustainably Harvested | The FSC is the only 3rd party organization who certifies sustainably harvested wood from environmentally responsible forest management. | ||
| Exterior glass and glazing | FTB: 35% | PC & RC glass decrease demand for virgin materials and require less energy in production than a virgin product. Creates market for materials typically disposed. | Austin, TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/WindowsDoors.html | |
| Glazed aluminum curtain walls | EEP: 58-75% RC | |||
| CSI Division 09: Finishes | ||||
| Gypsum Board | Fiber Gypsum wallboard (FiberBond and VHI (high impact drywall) | FTB: 10% (FiberBond and VHI (high impact drywall) EEP: 100% recycled paper face, recyclable product RG: 5% postindustrial 100% recycled paper face, recyclable product | Can go with higher recycled content if purchased out of state. | CalRecycle sources: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/RCPM/ (several listed) Some in CA listed. Only Pabco Gypsum, located in Newark CA, reported using post consumer gypsum for filler material. Other CA based plants are Georgia Pacific of Antioch CA, National Gypsum Company of Richmond CA, and United States Gypsum |
| Finish Carpentry | Medium density fiberboard, Type I | 90% RC, 12% PC Must meet HUD, HPVA, and NPA guidelines on formaldehyde emissions RC & PC fiberboard reduces demand for virgin forest products and helps minimize deforestation, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion and pollutant runoff which result from intensive, noncertified, wood harvesting. | CA Manufacturers Pacific MDF Products of Rocklin, CA. Louisiana-Pacific of Oroville CA.? Medite Corp. of Medford, OR. | |
| Finish Carpentry | Medium density fiberboard, Type III (nonstructural) | RG: 90% preconsumer recycled wood, recyclable | 100% PC Must meet HUD, HPVA, and NPA guidelines on formaldehyde emissions RC & PC fiberboard reduces demand for virgin forest products and helps minimize deforestation, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion and pollutant runoff which result from intensive, noncertified wood harvesting. | CA Manufacturer: Can-Fibre, Riverside, CA. Medite Corporation, Medford, OR. Homasote Company, West Trenton, New Jersey. Wood Recycling, Inc., of Boston, MA. |
| Finish Carpentry | Particleboard | 100% reclaimed wood or agricultural fiber Must meet HUD, HPVA, and NPA guidelines on formaldehyde emissions RC & PC fiberboard reduces demand for virgin forest products and helps minimize deforestation, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion and pollutant runoff which result from intensive, noncertified wood harvesting. | Willamette Industries, Albany Oregon. Temple-Inland Forest Products of Dibold, Texas. Natural Fibre Board of Minneapolis, MN | |
| Finish Carpentry | Cellulose Honeycomb core (nonstructural panel) | 100% PC paper fiber PC cellulose honeycomb core reduce demand for virgin forest products and helps minimize deforestation, habitat destruction, loss of bio-diversity, soil erosion and pollutant runoff which result from intensive, non-certified, wood harvesting. | CA Manufacturer: Gridcore of Long Beach, CA. Bellcomb Technologies of Minneapolis, MN. | |
| Acoustical ceiling tile (ACT) | FTB: 79% EEP: 82% CalEPA: 82% PA: 50% PC RG: 10% Post industrial, recyclable | PA specs: Must be formaldehyde-free (Section 09510 of RFP for the EEP) Alternatively, eliminate ACT to expose ceiling and reduce material use. | CalRecycle sources: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/RCPM/ (three listed) No CA manufacturers. Armstrong World Industries of Lancaster PA, Celotex of Tampa Florida. USG mentioned for CalEPA building. |
|
| Ceiling | Ceiling panes | GAP: 25% from mineral wool and newsprint (newsprint is 50% post consumer) | PC & RC material make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled newspapers. | |
| Plastic electrical device wall plates | EEP: 20% in draft RFP | PC & RC material make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled plastic. | ||
| Telecommunications cabling | EEP: 20% in draft RFP | PC & RC material make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled plastic. | ||
| Resilient flooring | Rubber flooring | FTB: 5% CalEPA: 100% | PC & RC rubber decreases demand for nonrenewable resources while creating a market for recycled rubber. | CalRecycle sources: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/RCPM/ (many listed, search by CSI code, rather than key word) Austin TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FloorCoverings.html |
| Resilient flooring | Linoleum Sheet Flooring | RG: 10% post industrial, natural and renewable resource | PA specs: http://www.gggc.state.pa.us/building/DGSspecs.doc Linoleum is a renewable resource with significantly longer life than vinyl alternative and is a biodegradable product. For optimal performance, building maintenance professionals should be educated on appropriate cleaning procedures for | Austin TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FloorCoverings.html |
| Wood flooring | GAP: maple from certified well-managed forests | Certified wood products are from timber harvesters that meet a stringent set of environmental criteria that minimize deforestation, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion and pollutant runoff which result from intensive, noncertified wood harvesting. | CalRecycle sources: Austin TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/Woodfloor.html |
|
| Tile flooring | PA: 70% post industrial and PC glass in a ceramic matrix RG: 58% | PC & RC glass decrease demand for virgin materials and require less energy in production than a virgin product. Creates market for materials typically disposed. | Stoneware Tile Company or approved equal in PA specs. Austin TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FloorCoverings.html |
|
| Carpeting and pad/ Carpeting | Carpeting (and pad) Type I--Integral cushion roll goods or carpet tile | FTB Butterfield project: 50% EEP: 50% RC, 10% PC, 100% Recyclable | 50% RC this is an overall minimum content standard that would include both the backing and the yarn. Must meet VOC emission requirements (See Section 09680 of RFP for the EEP) CalRecycle recommended 40-45% for the CalEPA building. We prefer the higher end of this range. Testing information from Interface, Collins & Aikman, and Milliken, indicate they all meet or beat the 300-microgram standard for VOCs. PC & RC carpet creates markets for recycled materials and some manufacturers will also take back carpet at end of useful life for recycling, reducing disposal costs and preserving landfill space. | CalRecycle sources: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/RCPM/ (many listed) No Type I recycled-content commercial carpets are manufactured in CA. CA manufacturers produce residential grade carpet. Produced out of state by: Interface Flooring Systems of LaGrange Georgia, Collins and Aikman of Dalton GA, Shaw Carpet Austin TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FloorCoverings.html |
| Carpeting | Tiles | RG: 13% postindustrial nylon, reusable, recyclable after useful life GAP (tiles used, recycled content not provided) PA:100% recyclable CalEPA: 52% | PA specs: http://www.gggc.state.pa.us/building/DGSspecs.doc PC & RC carpet tiles create markets for recycled materials and some manufacturers will also take back carpet at end of useful life for recycling, reducing disposal costs and preserving landfill space. | CalRecycle sources: Austin TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FloorCoverings.html |
| Carpeting | Base | RG: 10% post-industrial rubber, recyclable | PI rubber decreases demand for nonrenewable resources while creating a market for recycled rubber. | Austin TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FloorCoverings.html |
| Acoustical Insulation | Fiberglass | EEP: 29% PC, 4% PI | Manufactured without formaldehyde resins. | |
| Exterior Latex | Exterior latex maintenance paint | FTB: 80% EEP: 80% (in garage areas) | CalRecycle sources: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/RCPM/ Note: CA PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE SECTION 12170-12171 requires recycled latex paint to contain a minimum of 50% postconsumer paint. This paint must meet current VOC limits. (See Section 09901 of RFP for the EEP). RC & PC content paints create a market for recycled content material. | Manufacturer located in Northern CA, at least 7 statewide. Austin, TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FinishesAdhesives.html |
| Interior Latex Paint | Interior Latex Maintenance Paint | CalEPA: zero VOCs, not recycled EEP: zero VOC | To our knowledge, Zero-VOC paints with recycled content are not available. Investigating. Specify paints containing 0 g/l VOCs as measured by EPA Reference Test Method 24. Paints shall contain no formaldehyde, perchloroethylene and 1,1,1 trichloroethane.? Shall meet or exceed Federal Standard TTP-2846 of 150 scrubs. (See also Section 09901 of RFP for the EEP). Zero VOC paints protect indoor air quality. | Manufacturer located in Northern CA (Kelly Moore: Enviro-Cote) Glidden (Glidden 2000): investigating Sherwin Williams: investigating Frazee-Envirokote: mentioned for CalEPA building Glidden Spread 2000: mentioned for CalEPA building Benjamin Moore: mentioned for CalEPA building Austin, TX guide: www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/FinishesAdhesives.html |
| Ceramic tile | Glass bonded ceramic tile | FTB: 55% EEP: 58% RG: 70% post industrial and PC glass, recyclable | CalRecycle sources: 60% minimum recycled glass content (Terra Green). Trying to verify if other companies make recycled ceramic tile and the recycled content levels. PC & RC glass bonded ceramic tile decrease demand for virgin materials and require less energy to produce than a virgin product. Creates market for existing feedstock. | No CA manufacturers located. Only 2 manufacturers located nationwide--Daltile Corporation of Dallas, Texas and? TerraGreen Ceramics of Richmond, IN |
| Loading dock bumpers | FTB: 100% RC EEP: 100% PC | PC & RC material make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled plastic, and decreases demand for nonrenewable virgin resources. | ||
| Countertops | RG: 10% post industrial recycled acrylic content, recyclable GAP: 41% post industrial and PC, cement based composite. | PC & RC material make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled materials. | ||
| CSI Division 10: Specialties | ||||
| Toilet partitions | Metal | EEP: 20% PC, 5% PI | 16% PC, 20 RC[13] (steel) Recommend allowing other materials besides metal. | EPA's research shows that the items are of high quality, widely available, and cost-competitive with virgin products. |
| Toilet partitions/ Toilet compartment and screens | Single polymer and/or Comingled plastic | FTB Butterfield Project: 20% RG: 70% preconsumer and post consumer HDPE, no formaldehyde, recyclable. PA: 50% recycled HDPE | 20-100% PC [14] PA specs: PC & RC plastic make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled plastic, and decreases demand for nonrenewable virgin resources. | No CA manufacturers. Yemm and Hart of Marquand MO, Laforce Hardware of Green Bay WI, Santana Products of Scranton PA, Comtec Industries of Moosic, PA. EPA's research shows that the items are of high quality, widely available, and cost-competitive with virgin products. |
| Signs | Plastic | FTB Butterfield Project: 100% RC EEP: 100% RC | PC & RC plastic make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled plastic, and decreases demand for nonrenewable virgin resources. | 2 manufacturers located in CA: San Pedro Sign Co, Wilmington, CA; Syndesis, Santa Monica, CA; Out of state includes: Plastic Lumber Co., Akron, OH; Yemm & Hart Green Materials, Marquand, MO. |
| Signs | Biofiber | CalEPA: 100% | PC & RC material make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled materials. | Phenix Biocomposite |
| Locker Room Benches | Plastic | EEP: 90% PC HDPE | ||
| CSI Division 11: Equipment | ||||
| Auditorium Acoustical Fabric Panels | CalEPA: 100% recycled beverage bottles | PC & RC plastic make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled plastic, and decreases demand for nonrenewable virgin resources. | Knoll Frequency | |
| Loading Dock Bumpers | Tire-derived Rubber | EEP: 100% PC | ||
| CSI Division 12: Furnishings | ||||
| Auditorium seating | CalEPA reconditioned chairs | Reconditioned chairs extend life of existing products, conserving natural resources. | American Seating | |
| Furnishings | Modular Office Furniture Moveable wall partition Workstation Components | EEP: 40% RC | State of California developed a modular furniture specification that will be published on the website in 2001. | Modular office furniture: 1 manufacturer located in Oakland, CA. Moveable wall partitions: No CA manufacturers. Only 1 manufacturer located nationwide--Iriswall of Solon, OH.
|
| Furnishings | Modular Systems Furniture Panel Fabric | CalEPA: 100% | PC & RC material make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled materials. | Haworth: Basketweave Collection |
| Locker benches | Plastic in bench planks | FTB: 50% RC EEP: 90% PC | PC & RC material make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled materials. | |
| Building Recycling Containers | Plastic | CalEPA: 100% | PC & RC plastic make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled plastic, while decreasing demand for nonrenewable virgin resources. | |
| Floor Mats and Frames | Stainless steel entrance grates | EEP | Used to reduce pollutants from entering building. | |
| CSI Division 13: Special Construction | ||||
| CSI Division 14: Conveying Systems | ||||
| CSI Division 15: Mechanical | ||||
| Access flooring system | Underfloor air plenum system | PA: in specifications GAP: payback period is 3 years EEP, Block 225: 30% PC raised floor panels | The inherent efficiency of underfloor air supply systems provides energy savings relative to standard overhead air delivery systems. Higher energy efficiency is attributed to the fact that chillers can be operated at higher temperatures and chilled air is restricted only to occupied space. These systems also do a better job of removing indoor air contaminants compared to overhead supply air systems that tend to mix the indoor air. Stale, contaminated air is gradually displaced in underfloor systems, which leads to a more thermally comfortable indoor environment for building occupants. Lastly, underfloor air systems promote ease in reconfiguring space during building renovation and remodeling. This can lead to more resource efficient buildings and reduced construction & demolition (C&D) waste generation. | |
| Greywater Recycling | Greywater recycling maximizes usefulness of water and decreases demands placed on local wastewater treatment plants. | There are several grey water irrigation products listed in www.OIKOS.com that have recycled content (search under products by CSI code). | ||
| CSI Division 16: Electrical | ||||
| Other | ||||
| Corrugated packaging | Corrugated Packaging | EEP | At least 30% total recycled content, at least 10% postconsumer. This excludes specialty containers that can't support recycled content (e.g., wet strength container board)[15] This goal should be very achievable. The average recycled content is about 40%. 25% [16] Postconsumer is the low end of EPA's range guidelines. PC & RC corrugated cardboard make efficient use of existing feedstock and helps create a market for recycled fiber while decreasing demand for virgin resources. | Products are widely available; the Fibre Box Association indicates that 95% of boxes have 25% recycled content. |
Footnotes
1 Dept. of General Services, State of California, “Sustainable Design Measures.” This is a section in the Request for Proposal for the Capitol Area East End Project, July 15, 1999.
2 Swinerton & Walberg, “Environmental Green Construction.” Handout provided at tour of Gap Building, November 1999.
3 Dept. of General Services, State of Pennsylvania, “Green Buildings, Model Green Office Leasing Specifications.” Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Specification downloadable from Web site: www.gggc.state.pa.us, June 22, 1999.
4 Lynn M. Froeschle, CSI, AIA, “Environmental Assessment and Specification of Green Building Materials.” November 12, 1999.
5 1997 Buy Recycled Series, Transportation Products, U.S. EPA, EPA530-F-97-036, November 1997, pg. 3.
6 Ibid
7 Ibid.
8 Urban compost/mulch is derived from green materials diverted from landfill disposal. It includes residential yard trimmings, commercial landscape trimmings and tree prunings.
9 1997 Buy Recycled Series, Landscaping Products, U.S. EPA, EPA530-F-97-034, November 1997, pg. 3.
10 Ibid.
11 King County Environmental Purchasing Program, May 11, 1999.
12 1997 Buy Recycled Series, Park and Recreation Products, U.S. EPA, EPA530-F-97-032, November 1997, pg. 3.
13 1997 Buy Recycled Series, Construction Products, US EPA, EPA530-F-97-035, November 1997, pg. 5. To make it easier to buy recycled, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) updates the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) each year. Through the CPG, U.S. EPA designates items that must contain recycled content when purchased by federal, state, and local agencies or by government contractors using appropriated federal funds. U.S. EPA’s research shows that the items designated in the CPG are of high quality, widely available, and cost-competitive with virgin products. EPA also issues a nonregulatory companion piece–the Recovered Materials Advisory Notice (RMAN) that recommends levels of recycled content for these items.
14 Ibid.
15 Mary Opfer, Fibre Box Association, personal communication, May 12, 1999, (847) 364-9638.
16 1998 Buy Recycled Series, Paper Products, U.S. EPA, EPA530-F-98-012, November 1997, pg. 5.
For more information contact: Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov