How You Can Help Improve the Environment
The following are a few things you can do to have better environmental building practices. There is a great deal you can do to make the building industry less wasteful and more energy and resource efficient. For a better understanding of why these things are important and how to implement them, go to the websites listed below. For any construction, check to be sure you have the proper permits.

Construction Site
Recycle construction waste: Set up your site with separate bins for daily recycling and hire demolition contractors that recycle the demolition materials.

Paving and Landscaping
Encourage drought tolerant landscape and low flow drip irrigations. Use permeable paving in yards and driveways to reduce stormdrain runoff.

Foundation, Framing and Roofing
Request a concrete mix containing fly ash and/or slag. Use engineered lumber, steel, FSC certified wood and Oriented Strand Board instead of standard solid lumber and plywood. (Forest Stewardship Council)

Plumbing, Appliances, Air Conditioning and Heating
Insulate heating pipes. Install on-demand hot water heaters. Use water efficient faucet and fixtures. Make sure there is natural ventilation for successful air flow through the building and roof. Install south facing windows for warmth, and protect them with overhangs, awnings, and deciduous trees for cooling. Check ductwork for leakage. Install HVAC systems with non-HCFC refrigerants and Merv 6 minimum filters. Install carbon monoxide alarms. exceed Title 24 standards in energy efficiency.

Electrical and Lighting
Look for ways to use natural light, including solar tubes and skylights. Use fluorescent, compact fluorescent and LED lighting.

Renewable Energy
Install photovoltaic and solar hot water systems.

Indoor Air Quality
Use zero VOC/formaldehyde-free products and Green Label-certified carpet.

Resource Efficient Products
Use recycled and renewable products.

Education
Learn about green resources and be sure the end user knows how to care for and use the products and practices you have implemented in the project.

For more information contact the following organizations:
Los Angeles Environmental Affairs Department
www.lacity.org/ead/EADWeb-MWR/Sust/guidebook.pdf

Build it Green
www.builditgreen.org/

City of LA Bureau of Sanitation
www.cityofla.org/SAN/solid_resources/recycling/c&d.htm

California Integrated Waste Management Sustainable Toolkit
www.ciwmb.ca.gov/greenbuilding/toolkit.htm

Forest Stewardship Council
www.fsc.org/en/