Using green construction materials can present a higher upfront cost for developers than traditional building materials. However, there is a very persuasive argument that these materials are worth the higher initial investment; they increase the resell value of the property, save the building thousands of dollars in yearly energy costs, and benefit the environment. In addition, as green building technologies continue to be developed, some of their prices will drop.

Trying to determine how much money is saved through the use of green construction materials may, at times, be hard. The cost of a roof made with green building technologies is difficult to assess, and so too, is the financial benefit. When contractors make a roof with LEED points in mind, they can use a roof-comparison calculator. These calculators, like the one created by the National Roofing Contractors Association, take into consideration a number of factors, from materials to roof size. Then, they calculate your potential energy savings. They cannot, however, take into account certain factors like the heating and cooling equipment, the local weather, or the efficiency of other areas of the building that may negatively impact the roof.

When you look at statistics, you need to keep in mind the fact that roof efficiency varies from building to building. Zinco, a green roof manufacturer from Germany, estimates that green roofing materials can help a building to save 2 liters of fuel per year for every square meter of roof. They estimate that the roof will pay for itself over two to three years of use. When their materials were used on a London roof, they saved £4,300 ($7,060) in energy costs per year at the current energy rate. In this case, their materials were added to a pre-existing roof, but if they had been used when the building was new, they may have saved £10,000 ($16,419).

The cost benefit of green construction materials is hard to calculate, but when you come across statistics, they are always favorable. In addition to energy cost savings, green building technologies offer a host of other advantages. They can remove carbon emissions from the air, sometimes at an incredibly impressive rate that allows one roof to remove the impact of dozens of vehicles. They also increase the resale value of the building in a manner that suggests that a two percent higher investment in building materials can yield a twenty percent return in resale value.

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So many green construction materials are coming into the market, but how do they really work? Understanding how certain products are beneficial and under what circumstances can provide the best energy savings, are important factors when considering their use. Here, we will take a quick look at three types of products that are playing important roles as green building products, including aerogels, OLEDs, and self-cleaning cement.

• Aerogels can seem misleading in the fact that they are not really gels, but instead are rigid, dry materials. They earn their name by being derived from gels and although prone to shattering, aerogels are very strong structurally. They have impressive load bearing abilities and are good thermal insulators because they almost nullify the three methods of heat transfer: convection, conduction, and radiation. Currently, use as insulators is the most common application in the residential and commercial settings. They are good conductive insulators because they are composed almost entirely from a gas, and gases are very poor heat conductors. They are good convective inhibitors because air cannot circulate through the lattice. Commercially, aerogels have been used in granular form to add insulation to skylights. Transparent silica aerogel is very suitable as a thermal insulation material for windows, significantly limiting thermal losses in buildings. The first residential use of aerogel as an insulator is in the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Solar Decathlon House where it is used as an insulator in the semi-transparent roof.

• An organic light emitting diode (OLED) is a light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compounds that emits light in response to an electric current. OLEDs are commonly used in television screens, computer monitors, mobile phones and PDAs, and watches. OLEDs are also used in light sources for space illumination and in large-area light-emitting elements. OLEDs can provide brighter, crisper displays on electronic devices and use less power than conventional LEDs or liquid crystal displays (LCDs) used today.

• New technology has led to much research and implementation of a white cement that can breakdown various types of pollution, but how does it work? Strong sunlight or ultraviolet light decomposes many organic materials in a slow, natural process. An example of this is how the interior of a car fades overtime if it is not shielded from direct sunlight. Photocatalysts accelerate this process and, like other types of catalysts, stimulate a chemical transformation without being consumed or worn out by the reaction. When used on or in a concrete structure, photocatalysts decompose organic materials such as dirt, soot, grime, oil and particulates, mold, algae, bacteria and allergens, and various other airborne pollutants. The catalyzed compounds break down into oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, sulfate, nitrate and other molecules that are either beneficial to or, at worst, have a relatively benign impact on the environment. Most inorganic pollutants and stains, including rust, are not catalyzed.

Many new green construction materials can be found on the market today, and these numbers will continue to grow with advancing technology and energy saving initiatives. Although costly initially, payoffs can be enormous down the line. Understanding just a few materials, such as those mentioned here, can help builders take a positive step towards energy efficiency now and for years to come.

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At some point in time, nearly everyone has stayed at a hotel while on business or pleasure. Some experiences may be good, while others not so much, but a common thread seems to be that people prefer eco-friendly options more and more. While there are a few hotels in the U.S. with LEED certification, a lot of more are currently in the application process, and some are thinking about it. The thought of staying in environmentally friendly buildings is comforting to many, especially with the increase of consumer interest in eco-friendly products and services. Hotels that are truly green fall into similar LEED certified categories as other commercial buildings and must meet similar criteria. Here, we will take a look at a few of the LEED certified hotels around the U.S. and maybe provide some help in choosing your next vacation destination.

One of the most famous examples of a green hotel is the Orchard Garden Hotel in San Francisco. Not only are amenities inside green, but also bike rentals and a ride to the airport in a hybrid Toyota Prius are available. Although popular with many, the Orchard Garden Hotel is topped in LEED certification by the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, NC. The Proximity Hotel has been awarded Platinum LEED status, a feat that is by no means easy, and is the first to receive such certification in the hospitality industry. Platinum status means that a building has obtained over 80 LEED credits in various categories. These may range anywhere from water and energy efficiency to materials and resources used, or even innovation in design and regional priority for the particular location. For the Proximity Hotel, builders followed required standards of recycling waste and other measures to ensure the entire construction process remained as green as possible. Inside, over 60 green practices have been implemented, such as elevators that generate their own power and 100 rooftop solar panels that heat the water for guests.

A few other LEED certified hotels at varying levels include the Avalon Hotel & Spa in Portland, OR. Here, they recycle nearly 80% of their waste and have obtained silver status. Also with silver certification is The Ambrose in Santa Monica, CA. The largest LEED certified building in the world is The Palazzo in Las Vegas, NV, a hotel and casino that has worked to decrease water and energy consumption, reclaim recyclable materials, and implement state-of-the-art air purification systems. In water consumption alone, The Palazzo is saving nearly 130 million gallons annually. That’s enough to fill 195 Olympic-sized pools! In their energy conservation mission, enough energy is saved annually to power roughly 6,500 average American homes.

Although definitely not an all-encompassing list, the few hotels discussed here will hopefully perk your interest into seeing what other options are available. Environmentally friendly buildings are popping up across the U.S. and worldwide and offer the same amenities and options, if not more, than other hotels. Travelers have shown increased demand for green options. Whether remodeling or building from the ground up, inserting eco-friendly materials and services is a must.

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Different cities have different requirements for construction, but one commonality is that both residential and commercial spaces need a driveway. When obtaining a driveway permit in Chicago, keep in mind that local requirements may differ from those in other cities. This type of permit grants approval to an owner, allowing them to install a driveway in compliance with City of Chicago standards. However, contractors must go through different application processes for residential permits versus commercial permits.

A residential permit is valid for property that does not exceed 4 residential units. The fee is only $10 but cannot be transferred to a new owner. In such a case, a new application would have to be filed. The documentation required for this permit includes:

• Completed application 
• Five copies of a plat of survey for proposed driveway application and two copies are required for existing driveway application or sketch showing exact location and the entire site being served by existing driveway showing curb cut. 
• One photograph of driveway or proposed location showing curb and sidewalk area.  
• Certificate of insurance (property owner’s) for $250,000 of personal liability naming the City of Chicago, its officers, employees or agents as additionally insured with respect to the driveway approach at the property location. 
• Permanent Index Number (PIN) for the property. 

A commercial permit is necessary when a property contains a commercial business, more than 4 residential units, a combined residential/commercial business, a school, a church, etc. The fee for a commercial driveway permit varies slightly based on the width. The minimum fee is $100 and increases at $2 per foot of added width over 25 feet. If building within the Central Business District, these fees are doubled. The documentation required for this permit includes:

• Completed application 
• Five copies of a dimensioned site plan, drawn to scale.  Plan must show entire site and all proposed and existing driveways (all existing driveways to be removed must be noted and shown on the site plan). 
• Three photographs of each driveway showing curb and sidewalk area. 
• Certificate of insurance (property owner’s) with a combined single limit in the amount of $1,000,000.  The City of Chicago its officers, employees or agents must be listed as additionally insured in respect to each driveway approach at the property location. 
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Social Security Number and Permanent Index Number (PIN) for the property. 

Additionally, whether residential or commercial, if the permit is for a proposed driveway, an application can take a minimum of 30 days for approval. This is much longer than the one week timeline for existing driveways.  Overall, with a bit of guidance, obtaining the necessary permit can be a smooth process.

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During the summer heat, workers should be aware of the differences in flammable and combustible liquids. By definition, a flammable liquid has a flash point of under 100 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and a combustible liquid is defined as any liquid with a flash point greater than 100 degrees F. Flash point is defined as the lowest temperature of a flammable liquid at which it gives off vapor sufficient to form an ignitable mixture with the air near the surface of the liquid or within the vessel containing it. It is important to note that flammable liquids do not burn; rather, it is the vapors from a flammable liquid that burn.

One growing fix to this potential problem, especially during the summer heat, is the use of biofuels. Green technology can be applied to more than just energy efficient windows or roofing. Conventional diesel fuels are used in various types of machinery and vehicles and can emit harmful toxins into the environment. However, newer products, such as biodiesel, can provide a greener alternative for vehicles, as well as other machinery that normally uses diesel. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or even recycled greases. It can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a diesel additive to reduce levels of particulates, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons from diesel emissions. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine when mixed with mineral diesel.

A major advantage of biodiesel is that it is also safe to handle and transport. It is as biodegradable as sugar, 10 times less toxic than table salt, and has an extremely high flash point of about 300 degrees F. Not many flammable and combustible liquids can measure up. In the summer months, the heat index can rise to well over 100 degrees F in some cities. The flash point of standard diesel fuel is between 100 and 125 degrees F. This can be a dangerous situation at a job site, potentially endangering the lives of many.

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Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) has become an internationally recognized green building certification system. There are four levels of certification that can be reached with varying point ranges per qualification. These include: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), and Platinum (80+ points). Points are distributed based on several categories, such as Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality.

LEED gold certification may be obtained for new or existing construction, as well as several other specific categories, all within the 60-79 point range. This point range may seem daunting to some, but with increasing technologies and green options for residential and commercial locations, it is easier than you may think. The LEED consulting services of Burnham Nationwide can help contractors implement LEED requirements in the most cost effective and efficient manor. Many LEED credits carry higher point values and should be looked at closely.

• When building new construction or renovating existing commercial buildings, the Sustainable Sites Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity carries a point value of 5. It is divided into two separate options, Development Density or Community Connectivity, making it a bit easier for a contractor to determine which angle may be more applicable in his or her case and the location of the construction.

• Sustainable Sites Credit 4.1: Alternative Transportation – Public Transportation Access carries a point value of 6. When choosing a new construction site or a major renovation, it is important to survey the area to determine what public transportation is available in the immediate area, especially since this is usually something that cannot be added or changed by the contractor after the fact.

• A variable range of points can be obtained with Energy and Atmosphere Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance. Three options fall under this credit, but Option 1: Whole Building Energy Simulation is the only one that provides a range of points up to 19. It may be difficult to obtain the full 19 points depending on the building, but the wide range still allows for a potentially substantial amount of points.

• Energy and Atmosphere Credit 2: On-Site Renewable Energy can garner up to 7 points. Using renewable energy systems can offset building energy costs. Some aspects that can be assessed for nonpolluting and renewable energy potential include solar, wind, geothermal, low-impact hydro, biomass and bio-gas strategies. Local utility companies offer net metering for small renewable energy facilities. Taking advantage of this can help when applying these strategies and determining the level of renewable energy within a project.

There are many ways to earn points towards LEED gold certification and a little bit of research can be extremely beneficial in the long run. The above-mentioned credits are only some of the higher point value credits, but there is so much flexibility as to what can be applied to new or existing construction. Being aware of the surroundings when choosing a project can play a huge role in the options that are available throughout the project. However, it is impossible to always choose something close to a rail station or within walking distance of a laundromat. In these cases, many different aspects can be put to the forefront during construction or remodeling and with a little guidance can achieve gold status as well.

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Before starting their project, contractors must apply for San Diego building permits. In order to have their permit application approved as quickly as possible, it is imperative that the contractor knows and follows all of the San Diego building codes. Obviously, the role of these codes is to ensure that buildings are made in a way that makes them safe for human habitation or use. However, wading through pages and pages of regulations, remembering every last detail, and knowing when to apply for variances can be an extremely difficult process.

At Burnham Nationwide, we pride ourselves on having a well-trained staff of professional consultants who work with our clients every step of the way to ensure that their applications are processed as quickly and as smoothly as possible. We keep apprised of all changes to the San Diego building codes as well as the effective state and county codes. Over the years that we have been doing business in California, we have developed close relationships with city officials and other government employees so that we are one of the first to know about any upcoming changes to the codes. When you become our client, you reap the benefits of those close relationships. You also gain the advantage of our years of experience with applying and getting approved for San Diego building permits.

As you know, these codes cover every aspect of the project from electrical and plumbing work to mechanical and architectural issues. In addition, there are laws added periodically that address matters as diverse as green efforts that require outlets for electric cars, to codes that fall under the rubric of the Americans with Disabilities Act to make commercial structures more accessible for everyone. Our clients get to choose how deeply they want us involved in their project. Some clients only need us to review their applications to identify any potential mistakes that may cause the approval to get delayed. Other clients want us to work with them from project inception through the permit application process to final city inspections. Regardless of your preferences or needs, we have a consultant to assist you. We look forward to working along with you on your next San Diego building permits!

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