INTENT The construction phase has many opportunities to improve and should be more greatly weighted to drive new innovations and processes. With most of the scoring based on design aspects, there is not a strong push for contractors to implement new strategies. This is further evidenced in the fact that there are few credits that are construction activity based. One area that has not been addressed is the impact of temporary buildings servicing the project. Many of the same challenges, and thus opportunities, exist during the construction process as they do during the design, construction and life of a building. We propose the use of "green" trailers during construction on LEED projects to reduce the ecological footprint of these facilities. APPROACH Through the use of green trailers we will reduce energy use, raise awareness and educate our staff and project partners, improve occupant comfort, and reduce the ecological footprint of the trailer\'s infrastructure (i.e fewer replacements of lighting, heating equipment, etc.) The trailer will, at minimum, be constructed with the following components: motion sensors for lighting in the project offices T-8 lighting fixtures bulbs for reduced electricity use, programmable thermostats for thermal comfort control increased weather stripping to reduce heating and cooling loss Increase window area to allow for daylighting in the space Further Measures: Project trailers will also aim to reduce water usage, either through the installation of added low-flow fixtures or alternatively through a written Water Conservation Plan for the project site and trailers. Air quality is being addressed through improved filtration and material waste reduction through an Office Supply Selection & Waste Reduction plan for the project offices. Proposed Submittals: - Proof of onsite signage regarding water conservation or water restriction guidelines/regulations when low-flow fixtures not installed - Comparisons of energy use between regular and "green" trailer - Documentation of energy bills (or statement from client regarding increased energy cost when power being drawn from existing system) providing level of use - Narrative on Further Measures and use of green trailers in general We believe that Green Trailers are a true innovation in project delivery that not only aims to reduce energy use onsite and throughout construction, but also educate and change behavior through the consistent application of LEED principals across all project activities. Through the development of three different trailer models of increasing efficiency and overall performance, we also endeavor to push the industry as a whole toward more efficient equipment and offices during the construction process.
The proposed innovation credit is based on the merits of using "green" trailers during the construction phase. The "green" trailers will incorporate sustainable measures, such as motion sensors for lights, efficient lighting, programmable thermostats, increased weather striping, increase window area, low-flow fixtures, and increased filtration. Other policies such as a Water Conservation Plan or Office Supply Selection & Waste Reduction plan will also be adopted. It is envisioned that these collective measures will also provide educational opportunities about green design. While these measures are commendable, it is unclear if these measures as described will result in significant and measurable environmental benefits. The energy savings and water savings anticipated for the trailers will need to be significant relative to the overall amount of energy and water used during the entire construction phase, and should not be isolated to the amount used for the trailers alone. Further, the listed energy efficiency measures do not appear to address the overall building envelope (including glazing type) for the trailer, the HVAC systems, or address consideration for passive strategies, such as optimum site orientation and layout, natural ventilation, effective daylight strategies (balancing light while minimizing heat gain). The strategies identified also do not address the type of materials used for the trailer, or the use of on-site renewable energy sources. If additional measures like these were implemented, demonstrating significant, measurable environmental benefits (relative to the overall construction process), an innovation credit would likely be granted for these "green" construction trailers. Applicable Internationally.