hfhr rogbc green initiatives

8/9/2019 HFHR RoGBC Green Initiatives

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Green Initiatives: Habitat for Humanity

RomaniaRomania Green Building Council Cooperation Plan

Prepared by:

Jasper Boychuk (Project Specialist)

Catalin Gauloiu (Project Specialist)


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Romania Green Building Council - Habitat for Humanity Romania

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Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................... - 3 -General Recommendations ......................................................................................... - 3 -Items for Immediate Deployment ............................................................................... - 3 -

Green Homes Standard Review ...................................................................................... - 5 -LEED Homes .............................................................................................................. - 7 -

Notes on Site Investigations.......................................................................................... - 15 -Bragadiru................................................................................................................... - 15 -

Possible Improvements ......................................................................................... - 15 -Medgidia ................................................................................................................... - 15 -

House Description ................................................................................................. - 15 -Possible Improvements ......................................................................................... - 15 -


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IntroductionHabitat for Humanity Romania approached the Romania Green Building Council in May

of 2010 about how to proceed with interest received from donors in building green homesthrough their programs. RoGBC committed two project specialists; Jasper Boychuk from

Queens University in Canada with a broad background in both corporate residentialconstruction as well as natural materials homes focusing on straw bale and CatalinGauloiu a masters student in building energetics from Bucharest. They engaged in two

site visits and conversations with Chris Fontanesi and Andrei Chirila. A plan involving a

number of action items emerged. These actions would provide a solid shift in a greenerdirection and help with reaching the organizations goal of achieving its mandate while

reducing environmental impact.

General Recommendations

Design EfficiencyA major component to green construction is detailed design andproject planning. Resources put into design and planning are returned to theorganization in the form of reduced waste and higher performing homes. This is a

fundamental green principle.

Exploration of alternative materials - While the conventional materials used by Habitatmeet their current mandate current exploration of modernized and optimized

traditional design by the RoGBC will be made available to Habitat as research

progresses. Employing these techniques will increase the number of homes Habitat isable to build as well as teaching recipients and participants methods of construction

that allow the construction of safe decent homes out of local readily available

materials. The two building systems most ideally suited to habitats need are straw bale

and stabilized earth blocks.

Items for Immediate Deployment

RoGBC specialists reviewed LEED Homes and gave an estimate of expected rating ofexisting Habitat homes based on site visit to Medgidia and conversations with Habitat

personnel. The benefit of the doubt was given to Habitat in many respects but thisshould offer readers some idea of how HFHR is performing in comparison to green

home projects in North America. The results are contained within this document.

Theoretical calculations of energy efficiencies based on software modeling of thehouse carried out by RoGBC associates.

Evaluation of existing home designs by Ermetik with a special emphasis placed on thecomparison of the Casa Buna steel house and the conventional timber frame houses.

Thermal imaging combined with blower door test can be used to validate computermodels and identify areas for improvement in construction process to increase energy

efficiency of structure. Can proceed at Habitats convenience.

Open source architecture project. From the conversations to date, existing projectdossiers and green architecture goals, RoGBC will work with HFHR to generate a RFPfor improvements to existing designs and the optimization of existing designs to

maximize energy efficiency, materials use and ease of construction. Completed RFP

dossier on website for availability then approach interested groups, publicize and apply


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to Architects for Humanity. Recommend using Google Sketch Up as a platform and

applying for free software licenses. Currently waiting on complete dossiers on basichome for optimization and input.

Alternative energy feasibility study. Determine current energy costs and run feasibilityanalysis of solar thermal and PV systems. Additionally, the creation of guidelines as to

when the use of these systems is culturally appropriate and when they could be workedinto Habitats financing plan. Currently waiting on energy consumption rates from

Habitat homes to complete.

Design of straw bale home based on the floor plans of current HFHR single familyhomes for future consideration.


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Green Homes Standard Review

Habitat for Humanity Romania (HFHR) has approached the Romania Green BuildingCouncil (RoGBC) to identify ideas that could help them build greener more efficient

homes. Because of recent LEED rated builds done by Habitat in the US and Canada, itwas deemed a useful exercise to review the LEED rating system informally and estimate

the points HFHRs builds might be able to score. For the purpose of the exercise weassume that some of the prerequisites that involve documentation might be waived as

they are not completing the LEED process. There is also a significant degree ofuncertainty surrounding standards specific to US markets. Estimates of possible points

scored are based on discussions with Habitat and assumes compliance. Upon review it

was concluded with minor changes and efforts to pursue a rating were LEED homes

available in Romania and not completely changed by introduction into the Romanianmarket, the average Habitat Home in Romania could reasonable expect to score

approximately 49.5 points out of 126 placing them at the LEED certified level. While it is

not possible to have them rated at this point hopefully this review will assist in thegreening of Habitat homes by acquainting them with a respected rating tool and some

unofficial advice on how it relates to their projects. Upon review it appears as though it

is well within HFHRs capabilities to reach silver or even gold levels within LEED

without compromising its operational mandate.

Table of Contents LEED Homes Review

Innovation and Design Process (0/11 points) .......................................................................

1. Integrated Project Planning (0/4 points) .............................................................2. Durability Management Process (0/3 points) .....................................................3. Innovative or Regional Design (0/4 points) .......................................................

Locations and Linkages (16/20 Points).............................................................................

1. LEED for Neighborhood Development (6/10 points) ........................................2. Site Selection (2/2 points) ...................................................................................3. Preferred Locations (3/3 points) .........................................................................4. Existing Infrastructure (1/1 points).....................................................................5. Community Resources/Transit (3/3 points) ........................................................6. Access to Open Space (1/1 points) .....................................................................

Sustainable Sites (12/22 points) ........................................................................................1. Site Stewardship (1/1 points) ..............................................................................2. Landscaping (0/7 points) ....................................................................................3. Local Heat Island Effects (1/1) ...........................................................................4. Surface Water Management (5/7).......................................................................5. Nontoxic Pest Control (2/2) ................................................................................6. Compact Development (3/4 points) ....................................................................

Water Efficency (7/15 points) ...........................................................................................

1. Water Reuse (1/5 points) ....................................................................................2. Irrigation System (0/4 points) .............................................................................3. Indoor Water Use (6/6 points) ............................................................................


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Energy & Atmosphere (6.5/38 points) ..............................................................................

2. Insulation (0/2 points) .........................................................................................3. Air Infiltration (?/3) ............................................................................................4. Windows (?/3) ....................................................................................................5. Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems (0/3 points) .....................................6.

Space Heating and Cooling Equipment (0/4 points) ..........................................7. Water Heating (3/6 points) .................................................................................

8. Lighting (0.5/3 points) ........................................................................................9. Appliances (3/3 points) .......................................................................................10. Renewable Energy (0/10 points) ........................................................................11. Residential Refrigerant Management (0/1 points) ..............................................

Materials and Resources (8/16 points) ..................................................................................1. Material-Efficient Framing (3/5 points) .............................................................2. Environmentally Preferable Products (2?/8 points) ............................................3. Waste Management (3/3 points) .........................................................................

Indoor Environmental Quality (0/21 points).........................................................................

2.

Combustion Venting (0/2 points) .......................................................................3. Moisture Control ( 0/1 point)..............................................................................4. Outdoor Air Ventilation (0/3 points) ..................................................................5. Local Exhaust (0/2 points) ..................................................................................6. Distribution of Space Heating and Cooling (0/3) ...............................................7. Air Filtering (0/2 points).....................................................................................8. Radon Resistant Construction (?/2 points) .........................................................

Awareness and Education (0/3 points) .............................................................................

1. Education of the Home Owner or Tenant (0/2 points) ............................... - 14 -2. Education of Building Manager (0/1 points) .............................................. - 14 -


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LEED Homes

Innovation and Design Process (0/11 points)

This section has achievable points if you follow their design and planning models.

1. Integrated Project Planning (0/4 points)

This section is well within reach of the organization and can be done with volunteerprofessionals.

Prerequisite

1.1. Preliminary RatingTry and rate it based on what you intend to happen. Notdone

Credits

1.2. Integrated Project Team (1 point)Create a combined team of all designprofessionals as well as builder and create design that holistically incorporates allelements. Not done

1.3. Professional Credentialed with Respect to LEED for Homes (1 point)Notdone

1.4. Design Charette (1 point)- Preliminary design workshop. Not done1.5. Building Orientation for Solar Design (1 point)Not considered

2. Durability Management Process (0/3 points)

This is a quick checklist on durability and moisture resistance of home, the prerequisite iswithin reach the third party verification is currently unavailable but a group could be

found to serve this purpose. RoGBC could provide an expert for example.

Prerequisite

2.1. Durability PlanningNot done2.2. Durability ManagementNot done

Credits

2.3. Third-Party Management Verification (3 points)Verification of by a LEEDHomes green rater, not currently available in Romania but another third partywould serve same purpose.

3. Innovative or Regional Design (0/4 points)This section gets you points for doing something innovative, for each innovation you

document you get a point.

Credits

3.1. Innovation 1 (1 point)Not considered3.2. Innovation 2 (1 point)Not considered


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3.3. Innovation 3 (1 point)Not considered3.4. Innovation 4 (1 point)Not considered

Locations and Linkages (16/20 Points)

This is a section that I think Habitat considers in its effort to help as many families aspossible. Where Habitat falls short, in what I have seen is a lack of consideration for sites

that are easily accessible to public transit.

1. LEED for Neighborhood Development (6/10 points)

New pilot project were you get points for encouraging healthy communities, points for

community gardens (encouraging local food production), making communities more

walkable. What I would purpose for a local version is exactly the type of thing Habitat

does already when they advocate on behalf of communities to have power, water andsanitation hooked up to marginalized communities. I think this part of the rating tool is

not well adapted to Habitats target communities, the intent of the credit however is to

improve the health of the people living in the communities which I think Habitatdefinitely did in the case of the Medgidia build.

2. Site Selection (2/2 points)

These points are for not building on flood plains, destroying habitat of threatened or

endangered species, giving wide berth to wetlands, not eliminating public parklandwithout replacing and equal area. From what we have observed Habitat has shown good

practices in this department, although reconstruction efforts on flood plains might hurt

this score.

3. Preferred Locations (3/3 points)

3.1. Edge DevelopmentSelecting lots that at least 25% of the lot borders onpreviously developed land. (1 point)Done

OR3.2. InfillSelecting a lot that has 75% of the perimeter that borders previously

developed land. (2 points)Done

AND/OR

3.3. Previously developedget an extra point if the land already was developed.(1 point)Looked like it.

4. Existing Infrastructure (1/1 points)

One point for building on a site that has existing infrastructure is the lot within a half mile

of existing water and sewage systems.


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5. Community Resources/Transit (3/3 points)

This section gives you points for being close to community resources (ei, Bank, stores,libraries, restaurants, etc). The number of points is based on the number of resources but

also the distance. So its either a smaller number of resources within a quarter mile or a

larger number within a half mile. There is a third qualifier, that if you are within a certain

distance of a mass transit service that give a certain number of rides a day you can alsoget that level of credits. The three levels are basic, extensive and outstanding. You get a

point each step up the ladder. Medgidia site was near a major bus route that Habitat

estimates has outstanding level transit service.

6. Access to Open Space (1/1 points)

This credit specifies distances and areas of open space which must have grass, shrubs or

trees on it to qualify. The idea is promote access to outdoors.

Sustainable Sites (12/22 points)

1. Site Stewardship (1/1 points)

Prerequisites

1.1. Erosion Controls During ConstructionMake sure any earth excavated isntwashed away during rains, stockpile soils for reuse.

Credits

1.2. Minimize Disturbed Area of Site(1 point)Create no- disturbance zones onthe site were plants are left undisturbed, create a tree protection and preservation

plan and implement it. Alternatively build on lots less than 575 m2

which mostHFHR site should qualify.

2. Landscaping (0/7 points)

This is an easy 7 points if HFFR would consider doing some landscaping on their

projects. Points for local plants, drought resistance, reduced irrigation demand and

limited turf.

3. Local Heat Island Effects (1/1)

One point for making sure 50% of heat adsorbing surfaces, sidewalks, driveways patios

around home are shaded or are made from a reflective non-adsorbing material. No

driveways walkways or patios, with a little ground cover shouldnt be a problem.

4. Surface Water Management (5/7)

Credits

4.1. Permeable Lot (3/4 points)As typical lots are not paved this is easy pointfor Habitat, that being said clay rich soils with low percolation rates will still

allow significant run off an erosion. This is where landscaping come in again.

Erosion is not only bad for rivers and waterways but can have structuralramifications if its near the foundations.


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4.2. Permanent Erosion Controls (0/1 points)Terracing, retaining walls to reducerun- off on slopes or planting a specified number of trees, shrubs or nativeground cover. Not Considered.

4.3. Management of Runoff from Roof (1/2 points)A rainwater water collectionsystem will get you these points as will landscape solutions. For full points get a

landscape designer or engineer to design a system that makes sure all roof runoffis dealt with on site.

5. Nontoxic Pest Control (2/2)

You get a half point for each of a list of design features that make it harder for pests toget into structure. Habitat has many of these already included in design.

6. Compact Development (3/4 points)

Credits

6.1. Moderate Density (0/2 points)One home per 574 m2 lot space.6.2. High Density (3/3 points)One home per 404 m2 lot space.6.3. Very High Density (0/4 points)One home per 202 m2 lot space.

Water Efficiency (7/15 points)

1. Water Reuse (1/5 points)

1.1. Rainwater Harvesting System (1/4 points)Can be for irrigation purposes ordrinking water. Can be as simple as rain barrels or as complex as a drinking

water purification system. LEED offers detailed table on how many points you

get based on system extent.AND/OR

1.2. Greywater Reuse System (1 point)Use greywater to water plants and get apoint.

OR1.3. Use of Municipal Recycled Water System (3 points)Same principle as

above but applied on a community scale.

2. Irrigation System (0/4 points)

This is not ideally suited to HFHR projects but Habitat could get easy points for if they

got involved in landscaping.2.1. High-Efficiency Irrigation System (0/3 points)Not consideredAND/OR

2.2. Third Party Inspection (0/1)Not consideredOR

2.3. Reduce Overall Irrigation Demand by at Least 45% (4 points) - Notconsidered


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3. Indoor Water Use (6/6 points)

Install low flow faucets and showerheads. Specifications for what this means are in theLEED guidelines. Habitat does this already for economy reasons full points.

Energy & Atmosphere (6.5/38 points)Two possible paths one makes use of the Energy Star rating system which is available inthe US. In Romania going point by point a similar rating can be worked out using the

alternate evaluation path.

1. Optimize Energy Performance (?/34 points)

LEED homes employs Energy Star rating for homes that it correlates to a number of

points, this is one of two pathways in this section and is ignored for our purposes.

2. Insulation (0/2 points)

Prerequisites

2.1. Basic InsulationBased on minimum R-values of insulation assemble basedon International Energy Conservation Code varies based on climate. This

standard was unavailable to us so we looked up minimum value for wallinsulation in Romania which is R=1.81, we estimated the wall assembly at

R=3.44 which means they are performing at 180% of national standard.

Unfortunately the insulation separating the attic from the house was not asrobust.

Credits

2.2. Enhanced Insulation (2 points)5% above base.3. Air Infiltration (?/3)

LEED gives guidelines for air leakage rates in a blower door rest that give you Reduced,Greatly Reduced or Minimal Envelope Leakage levels. When Ermetik evaluates the

existing homes they will be able to give us a figure for these values.

4. Windows (?/3)

LEED gives very specific U factors in metric units for 4 different climate zones in the

US, match a zone to the specific Romanian micro climate to determine how many pointsyou get. We would require U values for windows installed to evaluate this.

5. Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems (0/3 points)LEED gives specific guidelines on thermal performance of both Forced-Air Systems and

Hot Water systems. Minimum insulation around distribution pipes or ducts as well as the

absence of thermal bridges gets you your points here. Medgidia site this does not applybut for larger houses with central heating this would could be important.


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6. Space Heating and Cooling Equipment (0/4 points)

Gives tables of minimum efficiencies of furnaces and air conditioners. Woodstoves used

wont get Habitat any points here.

7. Water Heating (3/6 points)

Points for efficient distribution design, pipe insulation and efficient water heaters. Shortpipe lengths due to small house designs should lead to points for Habitat. Insulating hot

water pipes is another easy point. On demand heaters are generally pretty efficient but

units performance should be compared to table in LEED. Solar hot water heating scores

very high.

8. Lighting (0.5/3 points)

Install compact fluorescents for half a point, motion sensors or solar panels on exterior

lights to get another point and Advanced Lighting Package for 3 points, using onlyenergy star rated fixtures in at least 60% of the house. Its hard to tell how Habitat does

here its possible the fixtures meet the requirements as the standards for electrical

efficiency in new installations in the EU are pretty high.

9. Appliances (3/3 points)

Points for energy efficient refrigerators, fans, washing machines and another point for anwater efficient washing machine. They use the Energy Star system, similar European

program has higher standards we assume compliance.

10.Renewable Energy (0/10 points)

Up to ten points based on the percentage of homes energy requirements met by power

generation on site. Points for solar panels, micro hydro, wind etc.

11.Residential Refrigerant Management (0/1 points)

No points here for Habitat unless large AC systems are in the works.

Materials and Resources (8/16 points)

1. Material-Efficient Framing (3/5 points)

Prerequisites

1.1. Framing Order Waste Factor LimitThe waste factor (cost of wasted materialdivided by total material cost) must be less than 10%.

Credits

1.2. Detailed Framing Documents(1/1 point)Must review Habitat dossier toconfirm.1.3. Detailed Cut List and Lumber order (1/1 point)Must review Habitat dossier

to confirm.

AND/OR

1.4. Framing Efficiencies (1/3 points)List in table form in LEED that specifieshow to gain these points, increase stud spacing beyond 16, two stud corners etc.Unable to confirm at this point.


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OR

1.5. OffSite Fabrication (0/4 points)Build walls and roof trusses offsite.2. Environmentally Preferable Products (2/8 points)

Prerequisite

2.1. FSC Certified Tropical WoodNot an issue for HFHRCredits2.2. Environmentally Preferable Products (2/8 points)LEED give a table that

gives 0.5 points based on 3 different qualifications for each material used. First,

is the component green (ei for concrete does it contain 30% fly ash, is the woodFSC). Second, is the product a certified low emission material (ei. Does it off gasVOCs). Third, was it harvested, processed and manufactured within 500 miles of

the build. A material meets any one of these three gets a half point. We gave

Habitat 2 points for Local Materials but more information is needed to get a

better idea of how this section might score.

3. Waste Management (3/3 points)

Prerequisites

3.1. Construction Waste Management PlanningTwo specific tasks involving thedocumentation and investigation of waste streams. We ignore this prerequisite asit is well within reach but is not being done simple because they are not being

evaluated by LEED formally.Credits

3.2. Construction Waste Reduction (3/3 points)Two ways to get points here,first reduce waste (measured in pounds per square foot) below 3. Or increase

waste diverted from landfills by 25%. These should be pretty easy for Habitat.

Half a point for meeting these then a sliding scale as you improve beyond them.

Indoor Environmental Quality (0/21 points)This category has two pathways for rating one involved using Energy Star but the other

gives details on how to get points without third party help so for our purposes the secondpathway will be explored only.

1. ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package (0/13 points)

This is a pathway that doesnt work without the US third party so we will ignore this path

way.

2. Combustion Venting (0/2 points)

To qualify for these points you must install carbon monoxide detectors, and make surethat hot water heaters or furnaces that run on gas have sealed exhaust and intake from the

outdoors. These are good practices. To get points there is a table of wood stove

specifications that must be met, automatic 2 points if there is no woodstove.


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3. Moisture Control ( 0/1 point)

One point for an HVAC or Dehumidifier that keeps humidity below 60%. Not always anecessary credit.

4. Outdoor Air Ventilation (0/3 points)

Gives air flow rates for homes based on floor area and number of bedrooms. There a

number of prerequisites that requires consulting to HVAC engineer. Credits for

installation of heat recovery system for good ventilation in the winter. Further points forthird party testing. Not Considered

5. Local Exhaust (0/2 points)

This category should be more heavily weighted in our opinion improper venting in winter

time can cause significant decrease in indoor air quality. This will increase the lifespan of

the home if done properly.

Prerequisites5.1. Basic Exhaust SystemsMeet minimum levels of ventilation for bathrooms

and kitchens. Not Considered.

Credits5.2. Enhanced Local Exhaust (0/1 point)Not considered5.3. Third Part Performance Testing (0/1 point)Not considered

6. Distribution of Space Heating and Cooling (0/3)

Applies to hot water or forced air heating and cooling systems prerequisite for room by

room heating and cooling load calculations. Points earned by ensuring return air flow,third party performance tests. Room by room controls, decentralized thermostat control

the more regions the more efficient the system.

7. Air Filtering (0/2 points)

Not applicable to current designs.

8. Radon Resistant Construction (?/2 points)

Uncertain how this applies to Romania.

Awareness and Education (0/3 points)

1. Education of the Home Owner or Tenant (0/2 points)

Give a package and an explanation on all the green features and operation manuals

needed for the home. Habitat already does a significant amount of education of its

recipients this could be easily incorporated into existing activities.

2. Education of Building Manager (0/1 points)

Same thing for building manager.


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Notes on Site InvestigationsThe two site investigations conducted by RoGBC project specialists identified various

issues and successes.

BragadiruThe first visit was to a special project build just outside of Bucharest that was done as

part of a partnership between HFHR and the Vodafone foundation. It was an eight person

residence designed for the NGO Motivation which works to provide services to peoplewith mental and physical disabilities.

Possible Improvements

Efficient timber design structural design was wasteful of materials, excessive boltsand steel plates, lumber at much larger dimensions then required for loading. Floorjoists were used in poor orientation and were excessive in size.

Passive solar and ventilation design consideration. Orientation of home, placement ofwindows, shading to optimize passive heating and cooling. Investment in design of

these elements will improve energy efficiency for lifetime of building.

Medgidia

The home visited lay on the outskirts of down. It was a more typical build for HFHR and

reflected a typical North American housing system.

House Description

Walls - gypsum, fiber-glass insulation, OSB, expanded polystyrene and stucco Structure - 2x4 timber frame Windows - argon filled double paned PVC FoundationConcrete on gravel ballast Roofing Ceramic tiles, non-insulated attic space fiberglass insulation below attic

floor decking

Heatingwood stove FlooringExtruded polystyrene under laminate flooringThis system is a highly engineered and efficient use of materials would score high on a

LEED rating system due to its insulation, small floor space, modest energy consumptions

and small lot size.

Possible Improvements

Wood stoves which are intended for installation are discouraged by LEED for theinefficient combustion and air pollution, adobe floors with radiant solar heating could

be made to work.


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LEED requires low VOC levels in OSB, polystyrene, laminate flooring and Teflonpaint review of products tech sheets and comparison to VOC limits guide line couldidentify if there is a problem

Given the lack of sewer hookup composting toilets and grey water gardens would bethe most efficient and greenest ways to dispose of waste water

Thermal solar would be ideal for this location and situation

Improve insulation to attic, upon inspection several locations were there were gaps inthe insulation were observed.

Roof pitch was very high resulting in a great deal of material going into an unlivableattic.

Not consideration to passive solar design or solar orientation. Possible issues with inadequate ventilation for winter months, affordable heat

exchanger could mean ventilation without loss of heat.

Insufficient exhaust for kitchen No carbon monoxide detector Insufficient shading around house for livable exterior areas in summer.

Contact DetailsJasper [email protected]

Catalin [email protected]

www.rogbc.org
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