Sustainable construction is a building approach that incorporates environmental protection and energy conservation standards in the execution of construction projects. Environmentally sensitive practices such as waste reduction, recycling, and energy efficiency are critical not only in constructing buildings that have a minimal impact on the environment, but are also essential in maximizing productivity and preserving the safety and welfare of construction workers involved in such projects.
In an effort to educate construction practitioners on the principles and applications of sustainable construction, the Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program Office, in collaboration with the Partnership for Achieving Construction Excellence at Pennsylvania State University, have developed the Field Guide for Sustainable Construction. This informative manual gives guidance on how to use sustainable construction practices and provides construction practitioners with a convenient reference for incorporating this building approach into their construction process. DATELINE first reviewed this manual nearly two years ago; it remains an essential reference for understanding the practical details of sustainable construction. DBIA strongly encourages its widespread distribution and therefore is bringing it to the attention of DATELINE readers a second time.
The manual consists of 10 chapters, each addressing a specific category in sustainable construction. Waste prevention, recycling, health and safety, energy efficiency, and material selection are some of the topics included. Each chapter of the guide lists best practice recommendations with respect to different phases of construction such as general procedures, site work, demolition, foundation development, and the installation of utility systems (mechanical, electrical and conveying). In addition, the reference also provides mini-case studies to illustrate the suggested practices in meeting quality standards of sustainability in construction.
One of the most useful aspects of the Field Guide is the matrix format in which it was published. Unlike conventional guides that are written with the intent of having one read the book in its entirety, the purpose of this publication is to provide the practitioner with the capability to reference instantly particular sustainability issues in regard to specific stages of a construction project. Each chapter addressing a sustainability issue is self-contained and is cross-referenced by 15 phases of construction that serve as sections of the guide.
This matrix format allows the book to be read either by section (e.g., foundations) or chapter (e.g., material selection), making the guide specifically reference-friendly to different construction practitioners. For instance, construction managers, who are responsible for overseeing the entire construction project, are more likely to read the book by chapter in order to deal with a specific sustainability category as it relates to a given project (a building). Conversely, a utility subcontrator (electrical or mechanical) would be likely to read the book by section to learn the proper procedures of applying their trade from the sustainability construction viewpoint (such as HVAC system).
The instant access to specific sustainability practices is further enhanced by the cross-reference matrix chart featured in the guide. This chart depicts sustainable construction topics in regard to different phases of construction and cites the specific section of guide that lists the suggested sustainable construction practices. In addition, the portable format of the guide, which was adapted from military operations field manuals, enables a construction practitioner to have a quick and easy-to-use on-site reference to sustainability construction procedures at all times.
To place an order for Field Guide for Sustainable Construction, please visit the web site (www.dbia.org). The cost of Field Guide for Sustainable Construction is $18.00, plus shipping and handling.
Sustainability in design and construction is making a tremendous impact on the construction industry, as the need for environmentally appropriate construction practices is ever increasing. The Field Guide for Sustainable Construction is an excellent resource that provides construction practitioners with the necessary guidance in applying the principles and methods of this building process in construction projects.