Many Newton builders, architects, and engineers are focusing on environmental efficiency — part of a movement in the United States to “Go Green.” After peaking in 2005, total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. have fallen 17%, but emissions from residential and commercial real estate have remained flat. The residential/commercial sector accounts for 31% of greenhouse gas emissions, and there are certainly opportunities for improvement.
Benefits of a green building
According to Diana Pauro, the founder of Rebel Builders in Newton Upper Falls, a green building is designed, constructed (or remodeled), and operated in a way that minimizes its impact on the environment. She noted that green buildings require less energy to build, maintain, and operate, and this can result in lower energy bills, reduced water usage, increased comfort, enhanced durability, and a higher resale value.
Nick Falkoff from Auburndale Builders points out that improvements in a home’s energy efficiency can start with looking at improving insulation and airflow management. The fewer times the air in a home needs to be heated or cooled, the more efficient it is and the more comfortable people feel living in it.
For commercial construction, the principles are the same. According to John Hyde, senior sustainability manager for Chapman Construction and Design in Newton Highlands, by using green electrified energy, these kinds of buildings do not contribute to local air pollution. The more efficient our buildings, the less energy will be used in our communities, reducing utility fees and making the grid more dependable. Electrifying buildings improves air and water quality, creating a healthier living environment. It also promotes economic resilience by attracting investment and enhancing long-term property values.
Steve Siegel, Principal and Founder of Siegel Structural Engineers, also points out that a green building reduces environmental impact through care in the sourcing of construction materials, the transportation of material and manufacture of building components, the assembly of them in a project, and the lifetime operation of the building.
Standards and requirements
Nick Falkoff notes that there are two broad issues to consider when thinking about sustainable development and energy efficiency standards. First are the standards for the building process: What materials do you want to use and how are you constructing the building envelope? And, second, what mechanical systems do you intend to utilize? An example would be using reclaimed foam for part of your insulation or reducing the amount of concrete.
The City of Newton has decided that new construction must be all-electric, and the City has advocated for “Stretch” building codes that require a more robust building envelope. Diana Pauro notes that there are several different green building standards, such as LEED and BREEAM. The options in Newton for going “green” include:
- Using energy-efficient appliances such as Heat pump water heaters,
- Electrifying homes and moving away of fossil fuel sources,
- Installing solar panels and EV chargers or at a minimum have the building ready for them in the future,
- Using water-saving fixtures,
- Installing permeable surfaces to allow storm water management, and
- Conservation of trees and plants on the property that will lower radiant heat in summer and also help improve the stormwater management.
Incorporating “green” building concepts and services
According to Steve Siegel, architects and mechanical engineers focus on reducing operational costs and reducing CO2 emissions related to building operations by creating efficient insulation envelopes, air barriers, and mechanical systems. The structural engineer on a project can impact green design in two distinct ways — by reducing the embodied carbon in building structural materials, and through collaboration with other design professionals to develop construction details that maximize the effectiveness of building insulation envelopes.
John Hyde notes that at Chapman Construction, all projects are evaluated through a sustainability lens. New buildings are designed with well-built enclosures, meaning they are properly air-sealed and insulated. Circularity refers to practices that optimize resource use and minimize waste, and projects are assessed to determine if items can be salvaged and reused or donated. At Chapman, more than 80% of construction and demolition debris is recycled to keep it out of landfills. Also, Chapman uses materials that are free of hazardous chemicals and are safe for employees, people, and pets.
Nick Falkoff points out that it is important to consider Passive House and Net-Zero standards for energy efficiency. Any home can be fitted to use concepts such as improved airtightness and triple-glazed windows to improve the home’s overall comfort. The goal is to use materials that will deliver the best performance with the least environmental cost.
Diana Pauro notes that green building concepts can be incorporated into homes by using energy-efficient appliances, carefully choosing materials with lower embodied carbon, super insulating and air sealing, using compost toilets to minimize impacts during construction, and salvaging and donating materials to minimize debris. Also, planning for an appropriately sized house can be highly impactful. By incorporating the needs of homeowners in a moderate size house, the efficiency of the layout can be improved and an oversized building may be avoided.
Cost and affordability of going green
Diana Pauro notes that there are misconceptions about “green” being more expensive than traditional materials. For example, triple-pane windows are similar in cost to double-pane windows, and wood insulation and standard insulation have similar costs. She says that while adding insulation may require more labor and materials, the costs may be recouped with lower energy bills.
Nick Falkoff points out that as mechanical systems improve, the costs of these newer systems are coming down. Also, there is a benefit to having excellent air quality, with potentially reduced health costs from lower incidents of respiratory issues and asthma.
John Hyde notes that operating costs of green buildings are typically 65% less than those of conventional buildings, and that green buildings are more valuable and more marketable.
From a structural engineering perspective, Steven Siegel points out that thinner concrete walls can lead to reduced CO2 emissions, without a cost premium. A building structured with wood and timber may be less costly than if it is built using steel and concrete.
Potential funding sources to improve efficiency include the Mass Save program that provides rebates and incentives for items such as insulation and heat pumps to reduce energy consumption. Loans are available, such as the HEAT loan that currently covers up to $25,000 with 0% interest for 7 years when changing an HVAC system from fossil fuels to electrical heat pumps. There are also tax credits available that can offset a portion of expenses related to insulation, HVAC systems, and renewable energy installations.
Downsides
Regarding costs versus benefits of going “green,” most architecture and construction firms believe that sustainable buildings reduce operating costs, increase property values, and benefit the environment. here are few downsides other than possibly some additional up-front cost. Steve Siegel points out that reducing the amount of embodied carbon in a building’s structural materials may or may not affect cost. At a minimum, going “green” generally leads to thoughtful conversations for homeowners about values and the social benefits of having a lower carbon footprint for the project.
An architect’s view
Dennis Rieske, a long-time Newton resident and architect for over 50 years, has been active in implementing green projects that increase sustainability, even in housing stock and commercial properties that are over 100 years old. Mr. Rieske feels that there is room for improvement in the Mass Saves program, which can be cumbersome in terms of how it is administered. While supportive of the new BERDO (Building Emission Reduction and Disclosure) laws that aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions generated by large buildings, Mr. Rieske notes that many existing building codes have the same aim and are probably adequate. While collecting information for BERDO is fine, he feels that it may be unfair to penalize property owners for whom it would be infeasible or financially impossible to comply. He asks that people keep in mind that the electrical grid does not currently have sufficient capacity if everyone were to suddenly “Go Green” in Massachusetts.