Carpentry

1. Carpentry Green Application 5

2. Key Lessons from Carpentry In Carpentry, we learned about: • Tool and equipment use, safety, and maintenance • Primary materials, including lumber • Proper rough-in framing methods • Appropriate exterior and interior finishes

3. Green Building Principles and Carpentry Each of Carpentry’s key lessons can shape these important green principles: • Energy efficiency • Durability and water management • Indoor air quality • Green product selection • Reduce material use and recycle waste • Work with other trades • Homeowner education and training manual

4. Energy Efficiency Carpentry shapes the soundness of the building envelope and, therefore, potential energy leaks. A green carpenter will install appropriate insulation, will properly caulk and seal around exterior penetrations, and will look for energy-efficient equipment.

5. Energy Efficiency A carpenter can: • Use energy-efficient building components • Install wall and cavity insulation • Install air barriers and seal air leaks • Design and install framing to accommodate HVAC ducts • Install energy-efficient windows and doors, like ENERGY STAR

6. Durability and Water Management Carpentry, like masonry, directly shapes the exterior walls and so determines the amount of water and moisture that can enter a home from the outside. A green carpenter ensures proper water barriers in the exterior walls and roof.

7. Durability and Water Management A carpenter can: • Install capillary breaks in foundation and slabs • Manage water drainage • Flash roof penetrations • Install balanced roof ventilation • Install weather resistive barriers • Flash wall penetrations like windows

8. Indoor Air Quality Because carpenters often install interior cabinets and finishes, they must be aware of the off-gassing from those components and necessary ventilation requirements. A green carpenter is always on the lookout for non-toxic (low-VOC) materials and finishes.

9. Green Product Selection Because of the amount of material that a carpenter uses, selecting environmentally-friendly options makes a significant difference to overall green performance. A green carpenter can look for materials, finishes, and equipment that have used less energy and materials.

10. Green Product Selection A carpenter can: • Select green concrete • Select certified lumber and materials • Select locally harvested and manufactured materials • Select and install environmentally friendly products

11. Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste A carpenter can help promote an efficient house design that does not use more structural framing than absolutely necessary. Lumber is the most used construction material. A green carpenter will try to select better material, use less, and recycle what’s left.

12. Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste A carpenter can: • Design a plan with reasonable dimensions • Use precut components • Use scrap materials onsite • Save or recycle leftover materials • Store and handle materials carefully to avoid damage and waste • Estimate materials accurately • Integrate carpentry waste into jobsite-recycling

13. Work with Other Trades A green carpenter must coordinate with other trades that might change the overall performance of the building. For example, the carpenter must know where the plumber, electrician, and HVAC technician install equipment to ensure minimal and sealed penetrations.

14. Homeowner Education and Training Manual A green carpenter is always ready to make sure that her work is maintained properly to last a long time. Carpenters can provide information to occupants about what kinds of finishes and materials were used, how to care for them, and what to do if they remodel in the future.

15. Referencing Carpentry and the Green Application