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Green Building

What is Green Building?

photo of solar panels

There are many definitions - here is one from the popular on-line encyclopedia wikipedia:

Green building is the practice of: increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use and harvest energy, water, and materials; and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal over the complete building life cycle.

Green Building can include anything from buying more efficient appliances to designing your home to take advantage of solar energy to constructing a full-blown straw-bale, adobe-brick or tires-and-recycled-cans earthship home. There has been an explosion of interest in Green Building as energy costs have risen along with concerns for the environmental impact of human activities. In addition, there are now state and federal tax incentives for using energy-efficient techniques and products. You can also receive rebates from Xcel Energy for solar installation.

Slide show on Green Building from the US Green Building Council

Hot Topics

Lunch-n-Learn: Preparing for the LEED-NC Accreditation Exam

Wednesday, June 25th 12:00pm – 1:30pm; Room 118, Guggenheim Hall @ CSU

Mark your calendars for our June brown bag lunch-n-learn! Stephanie Hodgin and Dana Villeneuve will be giving an informal presentation about preparing for and passing the LEED-NC Accreditation Exam. Stephanie and Dana are both LEED-NC Version 2.2 Accredited Professionals, and have team-taught multiple LEED Exam preparation workshops. If you are hoping to take the LEED-AP exam and would like some guidance in preparing, this event is for you. We will be covering: basic exam content and organization, study tips, study resources, community green building educational resources, and upcoming USGBC LEED workshops. Please RSVP to dana.villeneuve@gmail.com.

How do I get my Green Building project approved?

While there are a few added issues involved in getting your green building project approved by Larimer County, there are now also many websites and agencies that can provide guidance and resources if you want to "build green." The adopted Building Codes of Larimer County (the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Energy Conservation Code, 2006 editions) are based upon standard wood and light-gage metal framing construction methods. Other materials - including building materials used for thousands of years such as rammed earth and adobe - are not specifically addressed in the codes. They can still be used, provided they meet the provisions for "Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment" (2006 IRC Section R104.11):

The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code.

Section R104.11 "Tests" goes on to say

Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this code, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the building official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction...

In general, you will need to hire a licensed Colorado engineer or architect to verify the proposed structure meets all snow and wind loads and is otherwise structurally adequate.

Find a Green Builder

A list of builders signed up with the Built Green program of the Home Builders Association.

Adopted Energy Codes in Larimer County

Larimer County has adopted energy code standards [pdf] for insulation, heating and cooling equipment, and window performance. Green Buildings should have no trouble meeting these standards and may well exceed them.

Health Department Issues

For information on graywater systems, composting toilets and other plumbing issues, please visit the Larimer County Dept. of Health and Environment.

Electrical Issues

Larimer County has no jurisdiction over electrical issues, permits and inspections - please go to the Colorado State Electrical Board.

Learn About Green Building

Building Green in the Rockies Video Series

Colorado Green Consortium has announced the public release of "Building Green in the Rockies", a video series on DVD, explaining sustainable building practices and products.

Colorado State University offers a Green Building Certificate program.

Useful Information Links

Colorado Green Building Information

Professional Organizations

Construction "Waste" Diversion/Recycling

Utilizing good quality used (or even unused new) materials can keep tons of materials out of the county landfill, as well as save energy and resources needed to produce new materials. Please be aware of 2006 IRC Section R104.9.1, which states "Used materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless approved by the building official." Used materials must meet current code provisions and be adequate in all regards. Check with your local building inspector (who works for the building official) before incorporating used materials in your project.

Other Useful Links