Ecosystem Concerns. The
clearing of lands for construction can lead to the loss of wildlife habitats,
erosion and sedimentation associated with the use of heavy machinery, loss of
native plant life, and contamination of soils and surface and groundwater.
However, proper design and planning can help reduce these impacts.
Is the construction project
necessary? Is the project over-designed? In some cases, the construction of
additional structures is not needed and minor alterations to existing
facilities may be sufficient.
Have attempts been made to
avoid construction in environmentally sensitive areas (such as wetlands and
threatened or endangered species habitats)? (*)
Are specifications for
construction practices designed to control and exclude pest entry in contained
habitats? *
Does the construction
contract specify that contractors should cause the least possible disturbance
to the site's vegetation? For example, under certain circumstances, it may be
possible to preserve individual trees or stands of old-growth that would
otherwise be destroyed.
Does the construction plan
provide for erosion and sediment control during construction as well as after?
Uncontrolled soil erosion can have adverse effects on local waterbodies and
aquatic life.
Will soil excavated from
the construction site be reused? Topsoil can be respread in areas to be
landscaped to enhance plant health. *
Does the plan include the
revegetation of areas disturbed by construction? *
Is there a plan to reduce
the use of materials containing constituents that can negatively affect the
environment?
Is there a spill control
and countermeasure plan to properly address spills of hazardous construction
materials?
Will hazardous materials be
stored properly at the construction site? Hazardous materials should be kept
in storage buildings (with secondary containment and hard stands) located away
from the active construction zone. Examples of hazardous materials typically
found at construction sites are petroleum products (lubricating oils and
greases), fuels (gasoline, kerosene), solvents, paints, batteries, and
miscellaneous equipment maintenance supplies.
Procurement Concerns.
Environmentally sound purchasing decisions are an important element of
pollution prevention, helping reduce the amount of waste generated by a
building/housing construction project. In addition, the purchasing of
recycled-content material helps support markets for materials collected for
recycling.
Will the project include
the use of durable, long-lasting materials that will not need to be replaced
as often, thereby reducing the amount of construction waste generated over
time?
Are there provisions for
the proper storage of construction materials to reduce the amount of waste
caused by damage or exposure to the elements?
Will perishable
construction materials (such as paints) be purchased incrementally to ensure
reduced spoilage of unused materials?
Will the project use
building materials that have minimal packaging to avoid the generation of
excessive packaging waste?
Will the project use
building materials that are produced locally to avoid energy use and pollution
generated from transportation?
Will the project use
construction materials containing recycled content when possible and in
accordance with accepted standards? Examples of recycled-content materials
include concrete containing fly ash and thermal insulation containing
cellulose (i.e., recovered newspaper with fire retardant). (*)
Does the construction plan
include the use of alternative, environmentally preferable construction
materials? Alternative construction materials include lumber products
containing recycled plastic and/or wood, lead-free and low-VOC paints and
coatings, and recycled steel for use in building frame applications.
Does the construction plan
call for the use of refurbished construction materials? Purchasing and using
once-used or recovered construction materials can often save money and reduce
the amount of C&D debris disposed of as waste.
Reuse and Recycling. Many
of the waste materials generated as a result of building/housing construction
can be reused, refurbished, or recycled into usable products. The benefit of
these practices is that materials that would otherwise be disposed of from the
waste stream are diverted for productive uses.
Will the construction
contract specify that construction materials left over at the end of the
project be reused in other projects rather than be disposed of? (*)
Will the construction
contract specify that construction materials that are damaged or wasted be
recovered for refurbishing and use in other construction projects? Such items
as cabinets, doors, plumbing and lighting fixtures, tile, carpeting, door
hinges, wall paneling, restroom mirrors, and stairway banisters can be
recovered and renovated for use. Local community groups or individual
homeowners may also be interested in reusing these items. *
Is there a plan to use or
sell trees cut down during construction activities as lumber or compost? *
Will any metal, wood, or
packaging wastes generated as a result of construction activities be collected
for reuse or recycling into other usable products? Commonly recycled
construction materials include concrete, asphalt roofing material, metals, and
structural wood. *
Will mercury-containing
materials recovered in any renovations of existing structures be recycled?
Energy Efficiency.
Employing energy efficient technologies and practices can have a significant
positive effect on the environment. There are a number of opportunities to
include energy efficiency in building/housing construction projects.
Does the construction plan
specify the use of "low-embodied energy" construction products
whenever possible? The energy required to make a product should be considered
in making purchasing decisions.
Does the construction plan
specify the use of energy efficient lighting systems?
Will preference be given to
purchasing energy-efficient electric products and equipment (such as
appliances and heating and cooling systems)?
Does the construction plan
call for sufficient insulation to reduce heat loss and conserve energy?
Will the proposed facility
participate in the EPA Energy Star Buildings program?
* Indicates
an environmental impact reduction opportunity.
