Module 8: Awareness and
Education
How are green buildings different?
 Integrative Design
 Clear set goals
 Sustainable buildings are in the process of
• continual improvement
 Productivity = $
 Inhabitants are more comfortable, spend more
time working; less energy (or embodied
energy) loss
 More valuable space
Why do green buildings matter?
 The cumulative impact of design, construction,
and operation of built environments effect:
human health, environmental health, and the
economy.
 Specifically:
 Clearing land destroys wildlife habitat
 Raw materials are extracted, manufactured, and
transported, contributing to pollution of air and
water/greenhouse gases
 Operating a building requires water and energy
consumption
 Waste from construction, operation
 Everyday transportation during construction and
operation
Goals
 Familiarize the class with general green building concepts and
practices specific to Green Advantage® and LEED® Green
Associate tests
 Acquaint you with green building and construction
vocabulary
 Instruct you on test taking strategies for the Green Advantage®
and LEED® Green Associate tests
Awareness and Education
Strategies
 What is it?
A systematic method of educating and engaging the public.
Bullet points
 What does that really mean?
Green building and owners focus on educating and engaging
citizens about green buildings.
RECYCLING
Recycling is a method of engaging citizens toward
sustainable living and stewardship of the environment.
We want to organize and empower Tennesseans to preserve
the environment in a manner that is mindful of current and
future generations.
RECYCLE TENNESSEE
E-Waste Collectors • Waste Haulers
Electronics Manufacturers • Resellers
Solid Waste Services Johnson City
The E-Waste Disposal Process
Example Recycling Centers
Downtown Birmingham
• Glass
• Aluminum &
Steel Cans
• Mixed Metals
• Mixed Paper
• Plastics #1 & #2
• Electronics &
Computers
• Rechargeable
Batteries
• Ink & Toner
Cartridges
• CDs & Jewel
Cases
• VHS & Audio
Cassettes
• Cork
2431 2nd Avenue North ● Birmingham, AL 35203
Coming Soon:
• South Jefferson County Recycling Center
• Expanded Foam Densifier
• More Curbside Bins for Birmingham
• More Drop-off Recycling Trailers
• Outdoor Recycling Bins for UAB
Natural Resources
• Renewable—resources that
Nonrenewable—resources
can be naturally replenished within
a lifetime.
that are either finite or cannot be
naturally replenished within a
lifetime.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Plants
Animals
Water
Sun
Wind
Geothermal Heat
Tides
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•
•
•
Fossil Fuels
Metals
Aquifers
Radioactive Fuel
(5% rapidly renewable materials = 1 point)
(50% certified wood = 1 point)
Why Recycle?
• Saves Resources
• Conserves Landfill Space (50% Landfill Diversion = 1 point, 75% = 1 additional point)
• Saves Energy
•
Recycled aluminum, for example, takes 95% less energy than new aluminum from bauxite ore.
• Reduces Pollution
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Less pollution from power plants.
Less pollution from mining and deforestation operations.
Less methane produced from landfills.
• Reduces Costs
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•
Georgia estimates is spends $100 million/year to throw away $300 million of recyclables.
In 2011, Alabama spent $25 million to throw away $193 million of recyclables.
Less material in the dumpster = smaller dumpster and/or fewer pick-ups.
• Creates Jobs & Revenue
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Recycling employs 10,700 Alabamians with a reported $6.6 billion in annual revenue.
Alabama has 26 manufacturing facilities that rely on recycled material feedstock.
If Alabama recycled 10% more than current levels, the impact would be 1,400 new jobs, $66M
in additional revenue, and $3M in additional tax revenue.
Decatur, AL has generated over $200,000 in less than a year from their new recycling program.
Despite a decline in manufacturing jobs in North Carolina, recycling jobs have increased 60%
over the past decade.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Purchase products that are returnable, reusable, or refillable.
• Purchase products with the least amount of packaging.
• Get the most out of what you buy:
•
•
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Is it reliable?
Compare warranties.
How long do you need it?
What does it really cost?
Can you repair or upgrade it?
• Buy locally (20% manufactured regionally = 1 point, 50% extracted regionally = 1 additional point)
•
The less distance a product travels = a lower embodied energy
Southeastern manufacturers rely on recycled glass, plastic,
metal, and paper to make new consumer goods.
Aluminum
Glass
Paper
Plastic
Steel
Source: http://www.serdc.org/resources/Map_App/SERDC_Map.html
educe
euse
Reduce,
Reuse, Recycle
(5% = 1 point, 10% = 1 additional point)
Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle
Post-consumer + ½ post-industrial
(5% = 1 point, 10% = 1 additional point)
How To Implement a Recycling Program
(Required Prerequisite)
• Conduct a waste audit—what’s in the trash?
• Identify a local waste hauler and buyer for your
recyclable materials.
• Create collections points, ideally alongside
every existing trash receptacle.
• Educate, educate, educate.
What’s In the Trash?
Source: http://www.svswa.org/kids_learn_about_garbage.cfm
Sell Your Recyclables
Establish Collection Points
Educate, Educate, Educate
Pop Quiz!
6 question pop quiz.
This quiz is meant to test your fundamental
knowledge of green buildings and
sustainability.
You have 10-15 minutes to complete this
assessment.
Pop Quiz
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What are renewable sources?
What are 3 examples of renewable sources?
What are nonrenewable sources?
What are 3 examples of nonrenewable sources?
Name five reasons we should recycle and raise
awareness.
6. What are some ways to REDUCE waste?
7. Why is awareness and education important?