An Architect's Guide for Sustainable Design of Office Buildings

March 1996, revised September 1999

Intent of Guidelines

Issues Covered

1. Sustainability

• 1.0 Introduction
• 1.1 Federal Environmental Policy Framework
• 1.2 Greening of Government
• 1.3 Design Priorities
• 1.4 Environmental Issues
• 1.5 Renovation of Buildings
• 1.6 References

2. Health and Well-Being

• 2.0 Introduction
• 2.1 Improving Thermal Quality
• 2.2 Improving Indoor Air Quality
• 2.3 Controlling Sources of Pollution
• 2.4 Isolation Pollutant Sources
• 2.5 Minimizing Contamination within the HVAC System
• 2.6 Reassessing the Location of Air Intakes
• 2.7 Providing Effective Ventilation
• 2.8 Improving Lighting Quality
• 2.9 Improving Acoustic Quality
• 2.10 References

3. Site and Landscaping

• 3.0 Introduction
• 3.1 Using Site Resources
• 3.2 Restoring Natural Ecology
• 3.3 Enhancing Site Microclimate
• 3.4 Re-Examining Surface Parking
• 3.5 Using Efficient Irrigation
• 3.6 Controlling Storm Water
• 3.7 Ensuring Sound Construction Practices
• 3.8 References

4. Energy Use

• 4.0 Introduction
• 4.1 Reducing Lighting Energy
• 4.2 Selecting Lighting Equipment
• 4.3 Selecting HVAC Controls
• 4.4 Selecting Primary HVAC Equipment
• 4.5 Selecting Secondary HVAC Equipment
• 4.6 Commissioning Guidelines
• 4.7 Using Thermal Mass
• 4.8 Upgrading Windows
• 4.9 Upgrading Walls and Roofs
• 4.10 References

5. Materials Use

• 5.0 Introduction
• 5.1 Reduction
• 5.2 Retaining and Reusing Materials
• 5.3 Selecting Low Environmental Impact Materials
• 5.4 References

6. Building Water Use

• 6.0 Introduction
• 6.1 Specifying Water Efficient Appliances
• 6.2 Water Conservation Management
• 6.3 Considering Water Reuse
• 6.4 References

7. Waste Reduction

• 7.0 Introduction
• 7.1 Reducing Construction and Demolition Waste
• 7.2 Providing Dedicated Storage Space
• 7.3 References

Summary of Design Strategies