Flooring
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Select Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Wood Flooring
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Description:
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Certified wood flooring comes from forests that are managed in accordance with sustainable
forest practices. Certified wood flooring products are available in a wide variety
of domestic and exotic species.
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Application:
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Use FSC certified wood in place of conventional hardwood flooring.
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Benefit:
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Sustainable forest certification assures that the forest from which the flooring
is produced is managed in a way that will assure the longterm availability of these
precious woods while protecting ancient, old-growth forests.
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Read more...
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Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials
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Description:
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Bamboo and cork flooring are alternatives to hardwood flooring. Bamboo is a fast
growing grass that can be harvested in three to five years. Cork is a natural flooring
material that is obtained from the outer bark of the cork oak tree that is regenerated
every 10 years.
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Application:
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Use these alternative flooring materials in place of conventional hardwood. Make
sure that a durable finish is used on the product.
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Benefit:
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Fast growing, rapidly renewable floor substitutes are attractive and reduce pressure
on hardwood forests. Bamboo is as durable as wood; cork is naturally fire and moisture
resistant as well as sound absorbing.
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Use Recycled Content Ceramic Tiles
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Description:
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Recycled content ceramic tiles can contain up to 70% recycled glass. Originally
developed for high traffic commercial conditions, recycled content tiles are very
durable and wear well in residential applications.
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Application:
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Install recycled content tiles wherever conventional tiles are specified.
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Benefit:
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Some recycled content ceramic tile is very dense which significantly reduces the
amount of moisture and stains that are absorbed into the tile, making it more durable
and easier to maintain.
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Install Natural Linoleum in Place of Vinyl Flooring
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Description:
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Natural linoleum is manufactured from natural materials such as cork and linseed
oil. Unlike vinyl, linoleum does not contain petroleum-based products or chlorinated
chemicals such as PVC, which may be a source of VOC offgassing. There is also concern
of by-products such as cancer causing dioxins, which may be produced during the
manufacturing of vinyl.
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Application:
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Use natural linoleum in place of vinyl flooring.
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Benefit:
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Linoleum is low-toxic, easy to repair, durable, and stain resistant. Linoleum can
last up to 40 years, whereas vinyl lasts typically 7-10 years.
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Use Exposed Concrete as Finished Floor
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Description:
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For slab-on-grade construction, the concrete can be polished, finished with expansion
joints in various patterns or stained with pigments to make an attractive finish
floor. This approach is especially appropriate for radiant, in-floor heating systems.
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Application:
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Use this approach for slab-on-grade construction. Finish must be designed and constructed
when slab is being poured.
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Benefit:
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When using the slab as a floor finish, it eliminates the need to use other flooring
materials. Additionally, it is durable and easy to clean.
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Install Recycled Content Carpet with Low-VOCs
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Description:
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Recycled content carpet is made from recycled plastic bottles, recycled nylon/wool
or recycled cotton. Recycled content carpet does not differ in appearance or performance
and the price is comparable to conventional carpet. The Carpet and Rug Institute
(CRI) has a Green Label Indoor Air Quality Test Program which labels the VOC content
of carpeting.
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Application:
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Use recycled content carpet in all applications where conventional carpet is specified.
Choose carpet that meets or exceeds the CRI Green Label requirements. Resource:
www.carpet-rug.com
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Benefit:
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Recycled content carpet saves resources and diverts waste from landfills. Approximately
40 two-liter soda bottles are recycled per square yard of carpeting. Recycled carpet
is often more resilient and colorfast than carpet made from virgin fibers.
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Insulation
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Upgrade Wall and Ceiling Insulation to Exceed Title 24 Requirements
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Description:
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Insulation in exterior walls and ceilings can reduce the demand for air conditioning
and heating and make homes more comfortable.
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Application:
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A. Wall Insulation
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Insulate walls to exceed Title 24 Standards:
Zone 1: Increase R-21 by 20% to R-25.
Zone 2: Increase R-13 by 20% to R-16.
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B. Ceiling Insulation
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Increase ceiling insulation to exceed Title 24 Standards:
Zone 1: Increase R-38 by 20% to R-45.
Zone 2: Increase R-30 by 20% to R-36.
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Benefit:
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Increased wall and ceiling insulation improves comfort, decreases heating and cooling
requirements, saves money, and makes the home quieter.
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Read more...
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Install Recycled Content, Formaldehyde-Free Fiberglass Insulatio
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Description:
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Many fiberglass insulation products include recycled glass, formaldehydefree binders,
non-asphalt adhesives or colored dyes.
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Application:
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When using fiberglass insulation, specify recycled content and no formaldehyde.
Fiberglass insulation can be used for any typical insulation installation.
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Benefit:
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Formaldehyde-free binders reduce indoor air quality problems and insulation may
contain up to 30% recycled glass.
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Use Advanced Infiltration Reduction Practices
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Description:
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Expandable foam and caulk are used to prevent infiltration where wood connections
are made or framing is drilled to provide for plumbing and electrical runs.
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Application:
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These methods are especially important when fiberglass insulation is installed,
since fiberglass does little to reduce infiltration. Seal holes between floors and
between stud cavities around wire runs. Caulk top and bottom plates on all floors.
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Benefit:
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Reduction in infiltration increases comfort and reduces energy bills.
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Use Cellulose Insulation
A. Walls
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Description:
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Cellulose is a highly effective insulation made out of recycled newspaper. Damp-blown
spray cellulose wall insulation is mixed with low toxic binders to adhere to stud
and joist cavity surfaces.
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Application:
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This installation is appropriate for new construction. Avoid dampblown cellulose
during wet months and install drywall only after testing for 25% (maximum) moisture
content. Use boric acid treatment only; avoid ammonium sulfate treated cellulose
insulation.
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Benefit:
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Spray insulation completely fills cavities and penetrations, thus reducing air infiltration.
The binder in the insulation also reduces the air movement within wall cavities,
reducing moisture intrusion and flame spread. Using cellulose insulation makes the
home quieter, more comfortable and reduces energy use by 20-40%.
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B. Ceilings
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Description:
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Dry-blown or loose-fill cellulose is treated with borates for fire and insect resistance.
Cellulose does not contain formaldehyde, which is common in many fiberglass insulations.
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Application:
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Spread cellulose over ceiling joists or blow into tight cavities to increase ceiling
R-value. It is important to maintain attic or ceiling ventilation pathways, especially
in cathedral ceiling applications. Avoid excessive blown-in cellulose behind netting
as it may make it difficult to achieve flat walls and ceilings with drywall. Best
to use 5/8" drywall only over dry-blown cellulose insulation. Use boric acid treatment
only, avoid ammonium sulfate treated cellulose.
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Benefit:
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Cellulose insulation is formaldehydefree, provides up to 22-55% higher fire resistance,
manufactured with recycled materials. It also reduces air leakage and contributes
to a more comfortable and energyefficient home.
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Plumbing
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Insulate Hot and Cold Water Pipes
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Description:
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Insulating water pipes reduces heat loss or gain in the pipes while the water is
standing.
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Application:
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Insulate hot water pipes in all runs through unconditioned spaces: basements, crawl
spaces, attics, etc. At a minimum, insulate both hot and cold pipes at least 6 feet
from the hot water heater to prevent convective circulation from the heater through
the pipes.
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Benefit:
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Insulated pipes save energy and water. The water does not need to run as long to
get hot water to a distant faucet, thereby reducing hot water heating costs.
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Read more...
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Install Flow Reducers in Faucets and Showers
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Description:
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Flow reducers fit into the aerator at the tip of the faucet and reduce the rate
of water flow through the faucet. Low-flow showerheads replace standard showerheads.
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Application:
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Specify low-flow water conservation devices according to East Bay
Municipal Utility District’s (EBMUD) recommendations:
- Kitchen faucets =2.0 gpm
- Bathroom faucets =1.5 gpm
- Showerheads =2.5 gpm
Limit showerheads to one fixture per shower
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Benefit:
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Flow reducers can cut water usage of faucets and showers by as much as 40% with
little noticeable effect.
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Install Ultra-Low-Flush Toilets
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Description:
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New high-efficiency toilets use 1.6 gpf (gallons per flush) or less. Some manufacturers
offer dual flush toilets.
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Application:
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Select a toilet from EBMUD (www.ebmud.com) pre-tested list to ensure the model actually
uses no more than 1.6 gpf and performs well.
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Benefit:
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Ultra-Low-Flush toilets reduce the amount of water usage.
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Install Chlorine Filter on Showerheads
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Description:
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Water filters on showerheads reduce chemicals and particulates from the water stream
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Application:
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Install the water filter between the pipe and the existing showerhead.
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Benefit:
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Chlorine is absorbed 6 times faster through the skin than through the digestive
system. It has been shown that chlorine absorption can have adverse health effects
on some people and especially children.
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Install Tankless Water Heater
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Description:
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Tankless water heaters (flash or ondemand heaters) heat water as needed rather than
having a tank in which hot water is stored. Their capacity to provide hot water
is virtually unlimited.
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Application:
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Install tankless water heater as close to the point of use as possible. The device
should have a variable-set thermostat and be appropriately sized. Gas tankless water
heaters typically have more capacity than electric tankless heaters.
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Benefit:
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Conventional water heaters lose 15% of their energy through standing tank losses,
whereas tankless heaters use energy only for immediate hot water needs. Tankless
water heaters often are quicker and more reliable.
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Pre-Plumb for Graywater Conversion
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Description:
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Graywater is wastewater from sinks, showers and washing machines that is not contaminated
by human waste.
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Application:
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Graywater plumbing separates the waste pipes from sinks, showers, and washing machines
from the toilet waste. Graywater drains are run to a holding tank similar to a septic
tank which, in turn, is used to water plants, lawns and gardens. Check with your
local building department for requirements.
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Benefit:
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Graywater utilization cuts down on the use of potable water for outside irrigation
and lawn watering. It is essentially recycling water at home.
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Install Water Filtration Units at Faucets
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Description:
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Water filtration units can be installed at individual faucets or for the whole house.
They reduce chlorine and many other chemicals, particulates and microorganisms.
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Application:
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Whole house filters are for drinking water and plumbing (not for hosebibs or toilets).
Install filtration system between the cold water line and the main drinking water
faucets in the house.
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Benefit:
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Agricultural run-off, chemical leaching and microorganisms increasingly contaminate
public water systems across the country. House filtration systems reduce the health
threat of these contaminants.
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Install On-Demand Hot Water Circulation Pump
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Description:
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An on-demand hot water circulation pump can send hot water to fixtures in seconds;
without wasting water while waiting for it to get hot. It uses a pump to rapidly
move water from a water heater to fixtures. It stops when water reaches a pre-set
temperature.
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Application:
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Install the pump at the furthest faucet from the water heater. Only one pump is
needed to supply hot water to any fixture and can easily be installed.
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Benefit:
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Both water and energy are saved since water doesn’t have to be wasted until it reaches
the correct temperature for use. Hot water arrives to the fixture 5 times faster
than on average.
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