During the construction documents phase, it s time to provide the final details of design at a level that enables contractors to bid and build the project. During this phase, product and design specifications become locked in and are not easily altered. Therefore, decisions during this phase are important in determining whether we can reach the project s sustainability goals, especially if we re committed to using new methods or systems with which a local code official or contractor may not be familiar.

In this phase, we ll have a more intense focus on materials and resources. We ll consider using salvaged or reclaimed materials, perhaps from nearby demolition sites; recycled-content materials, such as fly ash in concrete or countertops made from recycled newsprint; locally sourced materials (instead of, for example, marble quarried in Italy, shipped to India for finishing, then shipped to the United States); bio-based materials such as bamboo, cork, linoleum, wheatboard cabinets, and natural fiber carpets; and sustainably harvested wood.

Energy-Using Systems

We also have to get very specific about the energy-using and energy-supply systems for the project. This activity is especially important as projects move toward zero net energy goals. A good example is an enthalpy wheel (Fig. 12.1) designed by Alfa Tech Cambridge Group of San Francisco, for the Ohlone College Newark Center for Sciences and Technology in Newark, California. Principal in charge Michael Lucas spoke about how this design element evolved. ^[*]

Figure 12.1: Enthalpy energy recovery wheel.

We presented a number of mechanical concepts. One, of course,...