Green Materials, Finishes, and Systems

This unit investigates sustainable material selection, alternative construction methods, healthy finishes, and basic building systems that improve energy and water performance. Students compare life-cycle impacts, verify manufacturer claims, specify appropriate assemblies (insulation, finishes, renewable-energy strategies), and align selections with codes and economic trade-offs to prepare for final design and construction sequencing.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze environmental, health, and lifecycle impacts of common and alternative building materials and finishes (e.g., heavy timber, cob, cordwood, compressed earth, eco-resin, Kirei board) to justify material selections for a green home design.
• Evaluate manufacturer claims, product labels, and specification documentation to determine credibility and document evidence-based material decisions for sustainability and indoor air quality.
• Apply energy- and water-saving strategies and system-level solutions (insulation of pipes/water heater/attic, solar clothes-drying, basic water treatment, and efficient finish/assembly choices) to produce materials and systems specifications for a small residential project.
• Demonstrate how selected materials and system specifications meet applicable building codes and regulations and perform a basic lifecycle cost comparison addressing upfront costs versus long-term economic and environmental benefits.