Tribal Green Building
Toolkit
2015
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA-909-R-15-003
July 2015
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is grateful for the invaluable assistance of a number of organizations
and individuals who helped develop the Tribal Green Building Toolkit (Toolkit).
Tribes contributed to the development of the Toolkit by participating in green building codes pilot projects, by providing
comments, through the Tribal Green Building Codes Workgroup and through feedback obtained at the National American
Indian Housing Council Annual Conference in May of 2013.
The project was led by EPA Region 9's Tribal Green Building Team, in collaboration with Tribal Green Building Codes Workgroup
members. Special thanks to the following individuals for leading the development of the Toolkit:
Michelle Baker, LEED AP, and Timonie Hood, LEED AP, EPA Region 9
David Eisenberg and Tony Novelli, Development Center for Appropriate Technology
Laura Bartels, GreenWeaver, Inc.
We recognize the following individuals for providing invaluable feedback on the Toolkit:
Big Sandy Rancheria: Jaime Collins, Robert Rhoan and Miles Baty
Blue Star Studio Inc.: Scott Moore
Builders Without Borders: Martin Hammer
Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP: Dean Suagee
Intertribal Council on Utility Policy: Bob Gough
Ross Strategic: Elizabeth McManus, Jennifer Tice, Morgan Hoenig and Todd Roufs
Sault Tribe of the Chippewa Indians: Joanne Umbrasas
Spokane Tribe of Indians: Benjamin A. Serr, Tua Vang, Ryan Hughes, Richard Knott, Donner Ellsworth, Melodi
Wynn, Jennifer Covington, Lux Devereaux, Lorri Ellsworth and Clyde Abrahamson
Sustainable Native Communities: Jamie Blosser
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Dorothy Crow-Willard, Guadalupe Herrera and Justice
Rhodes (Region VIM) and Sarah D. Olson (Region IX)
Washington State University Extension: Michael Lubliner
The project benefited from funding and support from EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Innovations Work
Group and the Office of Sustainable Communities. EPA contributors included: Abby Hall, Brett Van Akkeren and Megan
Susman, EPA Office of Sustainable Communities; Jed Harrison, EPA Office of Radiation and Indoor Air; Brian Ng, EPA ENERGY
STAR; Jeffery Kohn, EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response; Ksenija Janjicand Nicole Villamizar, EPA Office of
Resource Conservation and Recovery; Priyanka Pathak, Kathleen Stewart, Shelly Rosenblum and Willard Chin, EPA Region 9;
Suganthi Simon, EPA Region 4; Stephanie Tanner, EPA Office of Water; and Timothy Rehder, EPA Region 8.
This product was developed for EPA Region 9 by Ross Strategic, GreenWeaver, Inc., and the Development Center for
Appropriate Technology (EPA Contract No. EP-G139-00152). Some materials in this document have been adapted from EPA's
Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments and Tribal Green Building Codes: Development Guidance.
Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or
otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States
Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States
Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
Photo credits: Cover: Top row of photos: Pinoleville Porno Nation / Pinoleville Porno Nation Homes and Navajo Nation / Nageezi
House; Bottom row of photos Pascua Yaqui Tribe / Guadalupe House Passamaquoddy Tribe / Kikunol Housing (courtesy of
Sustainable Native Communities Collaborative); Section introductory photos courtesy ofJared Blumenfeld, EPA Regional
Administrator for the Pacific Southwest, with tribal permission unless otherwise noted.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key Terms & Acronyms v
Section 1: Introduction 1
Toolkit Purpose 1
The Importance of Green Building to Tribes 2
The Importance of Building Codes to Tribal Sovereignty 3
The Importance of Affordable Housing to Tribes 3
EPA Green Building Labeling Programs 4
Key Reasons to Implement Green Building Codes and Land Use Policies 5
Section 2: Overview of the Tribal Green Building Toolkit 6
Guide to Using this Toolkit 6
Assessment Tool 7
How the Assessment Tool Works 7
Specific Question and Potential Tools and Techniques 7
Steps for Completing the Assessment 8
Resource Guide 9
Creating a Plan 9
Who Should Use the Toolkit 10
How the Toolkit Can Help 10
Section 3: Assessment - Land Use 11
3.1. Community Considerations 12
3.2. Site Development in Relation to Natural, Culturally Significant, and Historic Areas 12
3.3. Site Development and Environmental Accountability 13
Existing Codes, Standards, and Other Regulatory Tools for Review 13
Case Study: Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians 15
Code Incentive Examples 17
Questions to Assess Land Use 17
Resources: Land Use 35
Section 4: Assessment - Materials and Resource Conservation 42
4.1. Environmentally Responsible Materials - Local, Natural, Recyclable 43
4.2. Building Preservation and Reuse of Structures on Developed Land 45
4.3. Durability, Repairability, and Adaptability 45
4.4. Materials Reuse and Recycling 46
4.5. Green Manufactured Housing 46
Case Study: Ohkay Owingeh Tribe 48
Case Study: Nez Perce Zero Energy Manufactured Home 49
Code Incentive Examples 51
Questions to Assess Materials and Resource Conservation 51
Resources for Materials and Resource Conservation 64
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Section 5: Assessment - Human Health: Radon, Mold and other Hazardous Pollutants 70
5.1. Radon Resistant Building 71
5.2. Mold 72
5.3 Particulate Matter, Vapor and Gases - Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and Chimneys 73
5.4 Non-Toxic and Low-Emitting Materials 74
Case Study: Spokane Tribe 75
Code Incentive Examples 76
Questions to Assess Healthy Building Techniques 76
Resources: Healthy Building 85
Section 6: Assessment- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 89
6.1. Passive Solar Design 89
6.2. Energy Efficiency and Optimizing Building Performance 90
6.3. Renewable Energy-Generation, Storage, and Distribution 91
Case Study: Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians 96
Code Incentive Examples 95
Questions to Assess Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategies 95
Resources: Passive Solar, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy 102
Section 7: Assessment - Water Access, Management and Sanitation 107
7.1. Safe Water Access: Building Water Sources 108
7.2. Conservation of Existing Water Supplies 108
7.3. Rain Harvesting and Innovative Sanitation and Wastewater Treatment Systems 109
7.4. Water-Efficient Landscaping and Landscape Irrigation 109
Case Study: Pinoleville Porno Nation, Water Conservation and Community Visioning 112
Code Incentive Examples Ill
Questions to Assess Water Access and Management 112
Resources Water Access and Management Codes 120
Section 8: Assessment - Resilience and Adaptability 123
8.1. Energy, Heating and Cooling Resilience 124
8.2 Water System Resilience 124
8.3. Disaster Resilience and Adaptability 125
8.4. Climate Resilience and Adaptability 126
Case Study: Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Keya Wakpala Waicageyapi Community Development 129
Code Incentive Examples 129
Questions to Assess Resilience and Adaptability 130
Resources: Resilience and Adaptability 137
Section 9: Code Implementation and Compliance 139
Compliance with Existing or New Land Use and Building Codes 141
Case Study: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians 144
Available Resources: Implementation and Enforcement 143
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Section 10: A Plan to Update, Adapt, Adopt or Develop New Codes 144
STEP 1: Complete the Toolkit Assessment Section and Conduct Initial Research 145
STEP 2: Review and Refine Priorities - Community Visioning 146
STEP 3: Assess Internal and External Barriers and Opportunities for Change 147
STEP 4: Choose Approach and Type of Building Code 149
STEP 5: Finalize Code for Tribal Government Approval, Adoption and Implementation 152
STEP 6: Create an Implementation Plan and Compliance System 152
STEP 7: Evaluate and Update the Code as Needed 152
Resources for Updating, Adapting, Adopting or Developing New Codes 153
Section 11: Conclusion 155
Appendix A General Green Building Resources 156
Appendix B Blank Assessment Form 159
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KEY TERMS & ACRONYMS
Key Terms
Building Code:
Charrette:
Green Building:
Place-based Design Strategies:
Sustainable Land Use Policies:
Tribal Overlay:
A legal tool for the purpose of establishing minimum requirements to regulate
the siting, design, construction, renovation and maintenance of buildings, their
components, systems and related infrastructure.
An intensive planning session where citizens, designers, and others collaborate
in a vision for development.
Construction and design practices that conserve natural resources, protect
public health, and minimize the environmental impacts of the built
environment, including more resource-efficient models of construction,
renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition.
Design strategies that take into account the local ecology, natural resources,
climate, history and human communities with the intent to create designs that
both accommodate and strive to enhance these.
Policies that encourage the use of land assets in a way that benefit the local
economy, protect and restore natural areas, and support tribal culture.
A regulatory tool that is created by tribes to both amend and augment
conventional codes for use in tribal contexts, and to add guidelines or
requirements customized for a tribe's specific cultural or location-based needs.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
ASHRAE:
BMP:
C&D:
EPA:
E&SC:
GCF
HERS:
HUD
HVAC:
ICC
IECC:
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers
Best Management Practice
Construction and Demolition
Environmental Protection Agency
Erosion and Sediment Control
Grid-Cohort Framework
Home Energy Rating System Program
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
International Code Council
International Energy Conservation Code
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IgCC:
LEED:
LID:
MW:
MWh:
NAHASDA:
NAHB:
PUD:
RMI:
VOC:
International Green Construction Code
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
Low-Impact Development
Megawatt
Megawatt-hour
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act
National Association of Home Builders
Planned Unit Development
Rocky Mountain Institute
Volatile Organic Compound
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Santa Ynez Valley, California
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Toolkit Purpose
Green building, also known as sustainable design, can assist tribal communities to reduce the impact of
construction on the environment while protecting the health, livelihood and culture of tribal residents.
Unsustainable building practices can have unintended social and economic consequences, including degraded local
air quality, loss of open space and health impacts due to decreased physical activity and lack of access to healthy
food.
This Tribal Green Building Toolkit (Toolkit) is designed to help tribal officials, community members, planners,
developers and architects develop and adopt building codes to support green building practices. Both tribes without
building codes and with existing building codes can use this Toolkit. The Toolkit includes:
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Strategies and resources for assessing, prioritizing, developing,
and implementing green building codes;
Guidance for updating existing codes or developing new codes.
The Importance of Green Building to Tribes
Native Americans are the first green architects and builders of the
Americas. Traditional Native American building designs and practices
are sustainable. Native American designs are often based on cultural
values informed by many things including an intimate knowledge of
place, its climate and resources and technology. Traditionally, tribes
built structures from local resources and without written codes. These
structures were safe, healthy and energy and water efficient.
Building codes in general have definite benefits when properly
developed and implemented. Categories of benefits include:
Health and Safety
Environmental Sustainability
Tribal Culture and Community Development
Tribal Sovereignty/Self-Sufficiency
Affordability/Economic Efficiency
Despite tribes' early and long history of sustainable building practices,
modern tribal buildings often do not incorporate many green building
practices. Utilizing green building codes can be an opportunity to
revitalize sustainable cultural practices by integrating traditional
knowledge and values into tribal building codes. By implementing green
building practices, tribes can help maintain the natural resources that
have historically sustained them.
What Can Green Building Codes
Help my Tribe Accomplish?
Integrate cultural/traditional elements
and the local ecology into building and
community design
Reduce natural resource and climate
impacts
Make housing more affordable
Minimize non-renewable energy
consumption
Use environmentally preferred
products
Protect and conserve water
resources
Enhance indoor and outdoor
air quality
Improve operation and
maintenance practices
Improve connectivity of communities
Protect and create opportunities for
production of local food and goods
Promote human health and cultural
revitalization
Mesa Verde National Park: Pueblo cliff dwellings were lived in for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to 1300.
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The Importance of Building Codes to Tribal Sovereignty
Tribal building codes are, first and foremost, defined by the Tribe. As
sovereign nations, tribes have broad opportunities to redefine or refine
the purpose, scope, goals and design of their built environment to
guide and manage construction on tribal lands. Building codes exist to
protect the health and safety of people using a structure. In addition to
this, some tribes are integrating their cultural values into their building
codes. Building codes can cover every aspect of design, construction, and
renovation of structures from specifying building appearance to
regulating sewage disposal. Some existing tribal green building codes
address conventional safety and green concerns while recognizing
cultural values, traditions and responsibilities to future generations. This
comprehensive approach is creating safe and healthy buildings on tribal
lands.
The Lack of Building Codes
Can Have Big Impacts
For example, in Haiti, a country without
building codes, 230,000 people died in
an earthquake; the Loma Prieta
earthquake in northern California of
similar scale killed less than 75 people,
largely because building codes resulted
in structures that suffered very limited
building damage from the earthquake.
Where no tribal building codes exist, tribes may have reduced control or be subject to the application of outdated
building codes that do not support their cultural values or sustainable and healthy building practices. To overcome
this, opportunities that support sustainable tribal housing are evolving. For example, the Native American Housing
Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) passed by Congress in 1996 provides tribes the flexibility to adopt
and use their own building codes in NAHASDA-funded programs.
However, since NAHASDA was adopted, few resources have been available to assist tribes to develop or adopt
building codes. One purpose of this Toolkit is to reduce this resource gap.
Currently the majority of tribes have not adopted building codes and, consequently, many tribal homes continue to
be built to default building codes that lack energy conservation or other green building requirements. Furthermore,
state and local government building and land use codes that often include energy conservation and other green
building requirements do not apply on tribal lands unless a tribe adopts them.
To learn more about a tribe adapting and adopting an existing code, see the case study on the Big Sandy Rancheria
Band of Western Mono Indians.
The Importance of Affordable Housing to Tribes
Housing affordability is a common problem for tribal households, and green building codes and practices can
directly reduce utility and maintenance costs and can also reduce health care and transportation costs.
In 2006-2010, nearly 4 out of 10 tribal households spent more than 30% of their income on housing costs and
almost 2 out of 10 spent more than 50% of their income on housing.
Tribal housing problems relate to quantity, quality, and price of housing. In the United States, there were about 2.1
million housing units in tribal areas in 2010. Of these, 65,000 or 8.1% of all tribal households and as high as 16% in
Arizona/New Mexico and 22% in Alaska were overcrowded, compared to the national average of 3.1% (2006-2010).
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Almost 3% of tribal households lacked complete plumbing facilities in 2006-2010, more than five times the share
for all U.S. households. A similar share of tribal households lacked complete kitchen facilities, three and a half
times as high as the national average.
Source: HUD, Continuity and Change: Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Housing Conditions of American Indians and
Alaska Natives, January 2014, http://www.huduser.0rg/portal//publications/pdf/housina conditions.pdf
EPA Green Building Labeling Programs
If a tribe is interested in quickly adopting proven green building practices, requiring builders to meet EPA green
building labeling and certification programs - ENERGY STAR, WaterSense, Indoor airPLUS and Burn Wise
- can improve indoor air quality and conserve energy and water. These programs cover both buildings and
labeled products.
ENERGY STAR Products and ENERGY STAR for Homes
ENERGY STAR
Burn *Wise
Requiring the installation of labeled appliances, lighting and fixtures is a simple way to
conserve energy and water and save money on utility bills.
Products
http://www.energystar.gov/products/certified-products
Appliances - Building Products - Battery Chargers - Electronics - Heating & Cooling
Lighting & Fans - Office Equipment - Water Heaters
For Homes
https://www.energvstar.gov/index.cfm?c=new homes.hm index
Thermal Enclosure System - Heating and Cooling - Water Management
Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances - Independent inspections and testing
EPA-Certified Wood Burning Appliances
http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/appliances.html
Wood Stoves - Pellet Stoves - Fireplace Retrofits - Cleaner Fireplaces - Hydronic Heaters -
Masonry Heaters
Indoor Air Plus Features
http://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/
Radon Control - Moisture Control - Pest Management - Heating Ventilating and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) - Combustion Venting - Building Materials - Homeowner Education
WaterSense Products
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/products/
Toilets - Bathroom sink faucets - Urinals - New homes - Showerheads - Weather-based
irrigation controllers - Commercial pre-rinse spray valves
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Key Reasons to Implement Green Building Codes and Land Use Policies
Community Priority Area
Public Health & Safety
Outcomes from Green Building Codes and Sustainable Land Use
Policies
Provide a comprehensive set of building safety and fire prevention
requirements
Reduce asthma, cancer and other illnesses
Prevent radon in buildings-a cancer-causing, radioactive gas
Restrict the use of toxic building materials
Prevent mold that can lead to poor indoor air quality and poor
health
Promote physical activity through increased ceremonial and
recreational spaces
Cleaner-burning heating, such as EPA-certified stoves and electric
heaters
Assure adequate ventilation for occupants year round
Environmental Quality
Protect local habitat
Conserve resources (energy, water, and materials)
Reduce the negative impact of building and construction on the
natural environment and climate
Economy, Affordability &
Financial Sustainability
Increase income within the community by using local labor and
resources
Reduce or eliminate utility bills and the use of high cost fuels (e.g.,
propane)
Reduce long-term maintenance needs and expenses
Meet funding and insurance requirements of financial institutions
Reduce renovation/rehabilitation costs
Reduce illness and associated health care costs
Tribal Sovereignty & Self-
Sufficiency
Define performance measures appropriate to a tribe's needs,
culture and local climate
Complement the tribe's knowledge of the environment and human
health
Emphasize sustainable and cultural uses of natural and local
resources
Set evaluation and monitoring systems that reflect:
o What tribes want from their housing and other buildings
o How they collect and use information
Tribal Culture & Community
Development
Strengthen community social ties and connect people to the
natural environment
Promote building designs that incorporate traditional knowledge
and facilitate spiritual and cultural practices
Support sustainable design innovation
Celebrate and value cultural art and design
Protect cultural and sacred lands and structures
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Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California
SECTION 2: OVERVIEW OF THE TRIBAL GREEN
BUILDING CODES TOOLKIT
Guide to Using this Toolkit
This Toolkit is intended to support a tribe's decision-making process in determining whether to adopt, adapt or
develop green building codes. Completing the Assessment portion of the Toolkit (Sections 3 through 8) will assist
a tribe in outlining code development priorities. Questions to consider when establishing priorities include:
What are the overall priorities for the tribe in advancing green building construction and development?
Do new codes need to be created?
Do existing codes need to be updated?
Does the code/standard implementation process need improvement?
Are there resource, budgetary or staffing considerations?
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Once the Assessment is completed and code priority areas are identified, refer to Section 9 A Plan to Update,
Adapt or Adopt Codes, or Develop New Codes.
Assessment Tool
The Assessment Tool (made up of the checklists in this document) is designed to help the user understand building
code needs and priorities. The categories were chosen based on tribal input and the potential to improve the
environmental, social and economic impacts of the built environment.
How the Assessment Tool Works
The Assessment Tool is divided into the following six categories:
Land Use
Materials and Resource Conservation
Human Health: Radon, Mold and other Hazardous Pollutants
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Water Access, Management and Sanitation
Resilience and Adaptability
Each category is divided into subcategories. For example, within Materials and Resource Conservation, there are
subcategoriesfor:
Environmentally Preferable Materials,
Building Preservation and Reuse,
Durability, Repairability and Adaptability,
Materials Reuse and Recycling and
Green Manufactured Housing.
Specific Question and Potential Tools and Techniques
Each Assessment section is broken up into a series of tables that include three columns.
Column 1 includes assessment questions for tribes with and without existing codes, and also provides tools and
techniques to aid in achieving a greener code.
Specific Questions: Provides greater detail so tribes can assess codes and ordinances.
Tools and Techniques: Provides examples of related sustainable design and green building tools and
techniques.
Column 2 is where tribes with existing codes answer to assess their existing codes.
Column 3 is where tribes that do not have codes answer to help evaluate priorities for their future codes. Tribes
with codes can also use Column 3 for this purpose.
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For Columns 2 and 3:
Selections under the GREEN headings indicate that the tribe's code/ordinance is, or will be encouraging
sustainable design.
Selections under the YELLOW headings indicate that there are opportunities to improve the code/ordinance.
Selections under the RED headings indicate that there are opportunities to improve the code/ordinance and
that barrier(s) may need to be identified and overcome before these improvements can be made.
Selections under the Not Applicable headings indicate that the assessment question does not apply to goals
or objectives of the tribe's building codes/ordinances.
Column 1
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do the adopted or planned policies or
requirements support public health
through land use?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Complete Streets policies
Park and open space requirements
Pedestrian and bicycle friendly
development requirements
Encouragement of mixed use
Transit oriented development
policies
Health impact assessments
o Walkability
o Injury prevention
o Mental and physical health
o Disease prevention
Column 2
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Column 3
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Steps for Completing the Assessment
STEP 1: Read through the sustainable design question, objective and rationale.
STEP 2: Review the specific questions. For a tribe with building codes, identify segments of the tribal
codes/ordinances that might address these questions. For a tribe without building codes, identify how the tribe
plans to develop their code to address these questions.
STEP 3: Use the list of tools and techniques to help evaluate the tribe's codes/ordinances.
STEP 4: Answer the assessment questions by checking one GREEN, YELLOW or RED indicator per question.
Note: For tribes assessing existing codes and establishing priorities for future codes, check one GREEN, YELLOW or
RED indicator under both columns.
STEP 5: Add additional questions, tools or techniques that the community would like to consider to the appropriate
section. A Blank Assessment Questions Form is provided in Appendix B.
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STEP 6: Total the number of green, yellow and red answers.
The Goal is to
Looking at the totals across the different sections of the Assessment will help
a tribe with building codes prioritize updates to building codes and policies,
and will help to identify priorities for a tribe without building codes.
STEP 7: Use the GREEN, YELLOW and RED indicator results, to work on your
priorities with community input.
Targeted Resource Guide links and Plan development information is provided
in this document and on the Tribal Green Building Code Development Guidance Website
http://epa.gov/region9/greenbuilding/codes/index.html.
Resource Guide
After each of the six categories, a Resource Guide contains links to resources about the topics and support the
development of more sustainable codes/ordinances. The organization of the guide is as follows:
Resources are categorized by topic area.
Any resource listed under "Other Information" provides more general guidance.
General green building resources are included at the end of the document in Appendix A.
Creating a Plan
Whether the tribe is updating existing codes, developing new codes, or adopting or adapting existing codes from
another tribal, local or state government, a Plan will help guide the process. This Toolkit outlines a framework for
developing a Plan that was based on input received from EPA's Tribal Green Building Codes Workgroup and tribal
communities that received direct technical assistance towards the development of their tribe's green building codes:
Kayenta Township, Navajo Nation - First tribal community to adopt the International Green Construction Code
Pinoleville Porno Nation - Developed HDD-funded, straw bale housing with strong community input and developed
a draft performance-based green code
Spokane Tribe - Used a Community Visioning process to support the development of green building codes
Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians - Developing cold climate codes to support Master Plan development
Big Sandy Rancheria - Developed and adopted culturally relevant green performance-based code
Steps to update, adapt, adopt or develop building codes may include:
STEP 1: Complete the Toolkit Assessments and Conduct Initial Research
STEP 2: Review and Refine Priorities - Community Visioning
STEP 3: Assess Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Issues
STEP 4: Choose Approach and Types of Code(s)
STEP 5: Finalize Code for Tribal Government Approval, Adoption and Implementation
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STEP 6: Create Code Implementation and Compliance System
STEP 7: Evaluate and Update the Code as Needed
This framework is just one of many possible pathways to implement changes in a tribe's building process.
Who Should Use the Toolkit
The Toolkit was specifically developed for use by tribal government officials, but it can also be used by members
of the development community, rural communities and other government and building professionals.
How the Toolkit Can Help
The user will be able to identify tribal green building priorities and evaluate different options to reach sustainability
objectives.
The guidance in Section 10: A Plan to Update, Adapt or Adopt Codes, or Develop New Codes can help users design
an approach to update a tribe's existing codes, or develop, adopt or adapt more sustainable codes. In doing so,
tribes can involve and encourage tribal members, developers, contractors and design professionals to use
sustainable design tools and techniques.
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San Carlos Apache Tribe, Arizona
SECTION 3: ASSESSMENT- LAND USE
The relationship between the built and natural environments is important in all development contexts and
particularly in tribal communities with their long histories of cultural connection to the natural environment.
Key Questions:
* What key community values and needs should be considered in development?
Where do important cultural sites exist?
Where do sensitive natural areas exist?
What natural elements (wildlife habitat, water bodies and watersheds, open space, views, trees, solar access
or shading, etc.) are important to preserve within the community?
Which areas are most used by elders, children, those with physical disabilities and/or chronic health needs?
-> Where do environmental hazards exist?
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Key Terms:
> Brownfield: Abandoned or underused properties where there may be environmental contamination (e.g.,
presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant).
Community Visioning: A process of developing consensus about what future the community wants and
then deciding what is necessary to achieve it.
Design Charrette: An intensive planning session where citizens, designers and others collaborate in a vision
for development.
Food Deserts: Areas where fresh, healthy and affordable food options are unavailable.
Master Plan: A comprehensive long range plan intended to guide growth and development of a community
or region. It includes analysis, recommendations and proposals for the community's population, economy,
housing, transportation, community facilities and land use. It is based on public input, surveys, planning
initiatives, existing development, physical characteristics and social and economic conditions.
> Permaculture: A branch of ecological design and construction that develops sustainable architecture,
regenerative and self-maintained habitat and agricultural systems modeled from natural ecosystems.
Tribal overlay: A regulatory tool created by tribes to both amend and augment conventional codes
for use in tribal contexts and add guidelines or requirements that are customized for a tribe's specific
cultural and location-based needs.
3.1. Community Considerations
New development and renovation or restoration projects can often have significant impacts in communities. Tribes
can work to minimize the negative impacts and cultivate the positive impacts of these projects by planning ahead.
Key Strategies:
> Create community sustainability and vision planning
> Promote healthy, active and well-connected communities
Plan for community safety
^ Plan for community resilience and climate adaptation
^ Use place-based design
Promote the production and harvest of local and traditional foods and goods
^ Enhance the natural beauty and aesthetic appeal of development through site design
3.2. Site Development in Relation to Natural, Culturally Significant, and
Historic Areas
By considering site location and development methods in relation to natural, culturally significant and historic
areas, tribes can avoid or reduce the impacts on these important spaces.
Key Strategies:
^ Conservation of historic and culturally important areas, lifestyles, and practices through:
o Siting considerations
o Designing for culturally important activities and traditions that require specific spaces
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Create balance between the natural and built environments through:
o Compact versus low-density development
o Wildlife corridors
o Wildland interfaces
o Aquatic buffers
3.3. Site Development and Environmental Accountability
Construction site development can lead to many environmental issues, such as soil erosion, water pollution, light
and noise pollution, and airborne dust. Materials used at construction sites, including petroleum, herbicides and
solvents, can enter the waterways if they are not properly controlled.
Key Strategies:
Construction phase pollution control
Stormwater and runoff management
o Landscaping
o Physical barriers
o Impervious surface reduction (for example roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots that stop
rainwater from reaching the ground)
^ Light pollution reduction by directing light only at areas that need lighting for public safety
Native, drought tolerant plants can be used for landscaping.
Existing Codes, Standards and Other Regulatory Tools for Review
NOTE: The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. EPA to endorse any private sector website, product or
service. The U.S. EPA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find on these websites.
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 13
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The following resources are examples of regulatory tools for land use, which can be adopted, adapted or used as
models for code and ordinance design.
International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/
LEED for Homes, LEED for Neighborhood Development
http://www.usgbc.org
Enterprise Green Communities Criteria
http://www.enterprisecommunity.com/solutions-and-
innovation/enterprise-green-communities/criteria
Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard
http://www.commerce.wa.gov/Programs/housing/TrustFund/Pages/
EvergreenSustainableDevelopment.aspx
ICC 700-2012: 2012 National Green Building Standard (ICC 700)
http://www.homeinnovation.com/services/certification/green homes
International Living Future Institute's Living Building Challenge, version 2.1
https://ilbi.org/lbc/standard
Multiple Examples found in Rocky Mountain Land Use Sustainable Community Development Framework
http://www.law.du.edu/index.php/rmlui/rmlui-practice/code-framework/model-code
Salmon-Safe Residential Development Standard
http://www.salmonsafe.org/getcertified/residential-development
The table below broadly indicates which land use topics are addressed by these tools. Tribal priorities not
adequately addressed by existing tools could be included in a tribal overlay.
The issue of housing patterns
may be a priority to include in
the visioning process of some
tribes based on the possible
negative aspects of tribes
shifting to cluster housing in
places where low-density
housing was traditional.
Land Use
Examples
Enterprise
Intl. Green Green
Constr. LEED for Comm.
Code (IgCC) Homes V.4 Criteria
ICC 700:
Living National
Evergreen Building Green
Sust. Dev. Challenge Building
Standard V. 3.0 Standard
Rocky
Mountain
Land Use
Salmon-
Safe
Residential
Dev.
Standard
Aquatic
Buffers
Cultural
Sensitivity
Healthy,
Connected
Communities
Gardens,
Local Foods
*
1 Covered by IgCC if established by jurisdiction.
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Case Study: Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians is a 44,000-strong federally recognized Indian tribe that is an
economic, social and cultural force in its community in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The Sault Tribe has undergone a multi-year effort to create a sustainable development plan and
green development code for their 300 acre Odenaang Development. The site is designed to
accommodate approximately 170 homes when fully developed.
The Sault Tribe Elders approved the name selected for the site. Odenaang (oh-day-nung) means "a place of
many hearts."
The goals for the Odenaang Development, which is unique in its suburban/urban focus, include higher
density, a range of housing, walkable, mixed use, inclusion of community facilities, as well as respect for the
environment.
Beginning with a basic land use ordinance for this specific piece of property, the Tribe is:
Evolving its land use ordinance to create a sustainable land use and building code for tribal lands,
and
Developing a model for cold climate Great Lakes region tribes.
The Housing Authority reports directly to the Tribal Council which supports the code development work. The
development of an implementation strategy was identified early as an important part of the process.
U.S. EPA contractors supported the Tribe by introducing the example of the Rocky Mountain Land Use
Institute's (RMLUI) Sustainable Community Development Framework and helping guide its adaptation for
both land use and building codes. Of particular interest to the Tribe are the Framework's achievement levels,
which supports varying levels of effort or dedication to each goal. This presents a continuum of choice to
develop code appropriate to tribal community priorities.
The Tribe is creating a green development form based code using the RMLUI Framework as a structure and
guide. The Tribe has also been awarded a HUD Sustainable Construction in Indian Country grant to assist in
this goal.
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 15
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existing homes
mutti-ase trail
open space
corridors
reclaim pond
area as open
space
community use
potential tribal
offices location
common open space/
linear community park
multi-family use
additional tree buffers
at perimeter
Proposed Land Use Plan for Odenaang
Tribal Involvement: Tribal Council, Housing Authority, Odenaang Development Team and Private Planning
Consultant
Non-Tribal Involvement: U.S. EPA Region 9, U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
and Office of Sustainable Communities, Development Center for Appropriate Technology, GreenWeaver
Inc.
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 16
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Code Incentive Examples
General
Expedited permitting process
Expedited easement approval process
Permit fee waivers or reductions
Reduced inspections
Targeted - Land Use
Allow higher density variance
Provide variance in building height restrictions
Allow shared driveways
Incentives (payments, tax breaks) for developing in priority areas
Floodplain, steep slope and/or mountain ridge protection incentives
Redevelopment incentives
Retrofitting incentives
Green street design incentives
Solar siting incentives
Questions to Assess Land Use
3.1. Community Considerations
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Are there requirements for a community
visioning or planning process (e.g., a
sustainable community plan with
periodic updates)?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Community visioning process
Master planning process
Design charrette
Green
L~H Required by code/ordinance
L~H Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
L~H Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Does a requirement exist for use of
integrated design and the charrette
process?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Integrated design
Design charrette
Green
L~H Required by code/ordinance
L~H Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 17
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do the adopted or planned policies or
requirements support public health
through land use?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Complete Streets policies
Park and open space requirements
Pedestrian and bicycle friendly
development requirements
Encouragement of mixed use
Transit-oriented development
policies
Health impact assessments
o Walkability
o Injury prevention
o Mental and physical health
o Disease prevention
Zoning approaches
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Is there a standard for natural resource
preservation or green space creation to
provide connected natural
environments and recreation
ODDortunities?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Open space ordinances
Maximum grading allowance
Flexible setbacks
Impervious surface limits
Impact fee reductions
Building height variance
Zoning approaches such as transfer
development rights
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 18
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are conservation developments and/or
cluster designs allowed in order to
protect and connect natural
environments?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Conservation development criteria or
ordinances
Cluster development criteria or
ordinances
Zoning approaches
Incentives such as: variance in
building height restriction, shared
driveways, expedited permit review
or reduced fees.
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Is there a standard for connecting a
project to open spaces and adjacent
development by providing various
connections from the project to
sidewalks or pathways in surrounding
neighborhoods and natural areas?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Cluster development criteria or
ordinances
Zoning approaches
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 19
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do policies or requirements support
community safety?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Pedestrian and bicycle friendly
development requirements
Outdoor lighting requirements that
maintain safety without creating
light pollution
Encouragement of mixed-use
development
Use of community spaces
Policies that encourage use of
vacant and vacated properties
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do building designs or land use codes or
ordinances support culturally important
lifestyles or practices?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Community visioning
Integrated design
Design charrettes
Tribal overlay
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes or ordinances support the
usage and/or revitalization of native
language(s)?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Community visioning
Integrated design
Design charrettes
Tribal overlay
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 20
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are place-based design strategies
required?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Community visioning
Integrated design
Design charrettes
Tribal overlay
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
In planning for a sustainable community,
is production of food and goods
considered and/or incentivized? Is there
support for access to healthy foods?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Zoning approaches for preservation
of farmland
Permaculture
Encourage backyard and community
gardens and farmers' markets
Encourage edible landscaping
Encourage mixed-use development
Policies and strategies to provide
healthier food options and eliminate
food deserts
Tribal overlay
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 21
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes/ordinances support small-
er large-scale local food production?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Zoning approaches for preservation
of farmland
Permaculture
Encourage community gardens and
farmers' markets
Encourage edible landscaping
Encourage mixed-use development
Tribal overlay
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes/ordinances prioritize or
support the protection of prime
agricultural land?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Transect studies
Smart growth principles
Zoning code
Master plan
Tribal overlay
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
Green
D Not Applicable
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 22
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or ordinances encourage
access to natural beauty in building
and development projects? Is skyline
and viewshed protection considered in
relationship to public health and
livability?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Community visioning
Tribal overlay
Skyline ordinances
Viewshed ordinances
Form-based codes
Zoning approaches
Landscape requirements
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes/ordinances include
requirements related to public nuisances
such as emissions, noise, odors and
vectors that can affect public health and
livability?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Buffer ordinances
Buffer design requirements
Zoning
Master plan
Tribal overlay
Environmental quality and
monitoring requirements
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 3.1 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 23
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3.2. Site Development in Relation to Natural, Culturally Significant and Historic Areas
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Do codes/ordinances permit or prioritize
the preservation of historic and sacred
tribal sites?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Zoning
Master plan
Tribal overlay
Community visioning
Integrated design
Design charrettes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are historic and culturally important
areas, lifestyles and practices supported
by policy requirements?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Zoning
Master plan
Tribal overlay
Community visioning
Integrated design
Design charrettes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 24
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Is the preservation of fishing, hunting,
harvesting and sacred areas prioritized
with codes/ordinances?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Zoning
Master plan
Tribal overlay
Environmental quality and
monitoring requirements
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there buffers, protection and
sustainable use requirements of
sensitive habitats such as wetlands, old
growth forest, native prairie, primary
dunes and coastal areas?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Buffer ordinances
Buffer design requirements
Zoning
Master plan
Tribal overlay
Environmental quality and
monitoring requirements
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 25
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there requirements that provide for
buffers to protect water quality and
habitat in streams and rivers?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Buffer ordinances
Buffer design requirements (width,
vegetation, maintenance, etc.)
Stormwater credits (reduced
stormwater fees for property owners
who reduce stormwater runoff or
improve the quality of the
stormwater runoff from their
property)
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do the codes or ordinances for the river
and stream buffer include lakes,
wetlands and coastal waters to protect
water quality and habitats?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Buffer ordinances
Buffer design requirements (width,
vegetation, maintenance, etc.)
Stormwater credits
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there replacement or restoration
requirements for buffer disturbances
when it is absolutely necessary to disturb
the vegetated buffer?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Buffer ordinances
Buffer design requirements
Restoration guidelines
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 26
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there varying density requirements
for different zones or types of
development?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Transect studies
Smart growth principles
Zoning code
Master plan
Tribal overlay
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Is the reuse of existing sites or the
rehabilitation and reuse of brownfields
encouraged or allowed?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Transect studies
Smart growth principles
Zoning code
Master plan
Tribal overlay
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do zoning maps, requirements or
ordinances protect wildlife corridors in
planning and development?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Mapping
Transect studies
Smart growth principles
Zoning code
Master plan
Tribal overlay
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 27
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Is passive solar orientation (e.g., south Green
side has portion with unobstructed view rj
of the sun and most windows facing
south) in development plans and in siting
individual buildings encouraged or
required?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Energy codes
Tribal overlay
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Is there statutory authority for
landowners to install a solar energy
system on their property, and after the
system is installed, to protect their
access to sunlight so it remains
operational?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Zoning codes
Energy codes
Tribal overlay
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there floodplain protection
requirements to protect or restore the
floodplain?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Floodplain protection ordinance
Floodplain hazard mitigation and
stream restoration
Floodplain zoning incentives
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 28
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or ordinances require steep
slope or mountain ridge protection to
protect slopes from uses that may
endanger the community?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Steep slope or mountain ridge
protection ordinances
Steep slope or mountain ridge
protection incentives
Stormwater credits
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 3.2 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Not Applicable:
3.3. Site Development and Environmental Accountability
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
To prevent migration of pollutants to
waterways, are there requirements for:
Petroleum containment on the
construction site?
Concrete washout containment on
the construction site?
Solvents handling?
Herbicides, pesticides, fungicides
handling?
Construction debris handling?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Good housekeeping requirements
Handling, containment and disposal
specifications for:
o Petroleum
o Concrete washout
o Solvents
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 29
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
o Herbicide, pesticide, and
fungicide
o Construction debris
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Are there requirements for dust
management on the construction site to
prevent offsite migration of dust and
other pollutants?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Dust management specifications
o Vegetative cover, mulch
o Windbreaks
o Construction scheduling to
minimize disrupted area
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
D
D Not Applicable
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are clean construction practices
encouraged or required by codes or
ordinances?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Verified diesel retrofit technologies
Local government construction
contract specification requirements
(e.g., vehicle emissions, dust control,
idle reduction policies)
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there requirements for the
construction equipment to be fitted with
clean diesel equipment or alternative
fuels to reduce air pollution or
greenhouse gas emissions?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Clean diesel specifications in
municipal projects
Clean construction initiatives
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 30
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there post-construction control
codes, ordinances, or requirements?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Post-construction stormwater
management ordinances
Post-construction Best Management
Practice specifications (e. g., green
roofs, rain gardens, wet ponds)
Redevelopment incentives
Retrofitting incentives
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are reduced street or driveway widths,
reduced sidewalks (one side only) on
residential or other low-use streets
allowed to reduce the amount of
impervious pavement?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Green street ordinances
Context sensitive designs
Utilities consolidated on one side of
street
Storm water or Ian dscape credits
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are permeable pavements or pavers
accepted on residential or other low use
streets to provide for stormwater
infiltration?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Reduced minimums for paved
parking and sidewalk area
Permeable pavement specifications
Stormwater credits (a reduction in
stormwater fees for property owners
who reduce stormwater runoff or
improve the quality of the runoff
from their property)
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 31
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Are modified curb or gutter systems such Green
as swale only, reverse curbs or curb cuts
with rain gardens, etc., allowed to
provide for stormwater infiltration and
evaporation?
Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Yellow
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Modified curb and gutter designs
Stormwater credits
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are modified cul-de-sac designs allowed
to provide for reduced impervious
pavement?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Modified cul-de-sac designs
Permeable pavement information
Stormwater credits
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there incentives for redevelopment
to reduce the need for new streets?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Green street design incentives
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there requirements for tree
preservation or replacement to provide
habitat for wildlife, provide cooling effect
for pavement and rooftops, reduce
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 32
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
stormwater runoff and provide for
cleaner air?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Tree ordinances
Tree removal permits
Street tree designs
Tree credits
Replacement ratios
Stormwater credits
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there erosion and sediment control
(E&SC) requirements for land disturbing
activities?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
E&SC ordinance meeting EPA's
numeric effluent limitation
guidelines
E&SC best management practices
(BMPs) based on EPA's numeric
effluent limitation guidelines
E&SC BMP manuals
Third party inspection requirements
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there clearing and grading
requirements that limit the amount of
exposed soil on the construction site to
reduce the potential for erosion and
sedimentation?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Clearing and grading ordinance
Construction phasing requirements
that immediately cover exposed soil
on the construction site
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 33
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there incentives for developers that
are high performers in erosion and
sediment control (E&SC) to encourage
successful E&SC site management?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
E&SC incentives (e.g., streamlined
permitting, fewer inspections, etc.)
Surety or bonding requirements
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do the codes or ordinances require
reduction in sky-glow and light trespass?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Dark or night skies ordinances
Outdoor lighting codes/ordinances;
illumination cone maximums,
automatic timing devices, low
reflectance surface requirements or
spotlight limitations
Light levels or SmartCodes
Guidelines for lighting regulations
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 3.3 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Combine your totals for all subsections and Tribal Priority Totals from Appendix B:
Section 3 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 34
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Resources: Land Use
NOTE: The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. EPA to endorse any private sector website,
product, or service. The U.S. EPA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find
on non-EPA websites.
Community Considerations
EPA Green Communities Smart Strategies for a Sustainable Future - An environmental planning
framework that includes tools, case studies, and resources, http://www.epa.gov/greenkit/
EPA Public Participation Guide: Charrettes - Provides information on the charrette process
and resources. http://www.epa.gov/oia/public-participation-guide/Tools/lnput/charrette.html
Sustainable Native Communities Collaborative -Supports culturally and environmentally sustainable
affordable housing appropriate for American Indian communities through technical assistance and research
of best practices, http://www.sustainablenativecommunities.org/fieldnews/
Enterprise Green Communities- Green Charrette Toolkit - http://www.enterprisecommunity.com/solutions-and-
innovation/enterprise-green-communities/resources/charrette-toolkit
Local Government Commission Resources for Community Safety - http://www.lgc.org/safetv
Partners for Livable Communities - Goals, resources and technical assistance for the
Culture Builds Community Program, http://livable.org/program-areas/culture-builds-communities/overview
Rocky Mountain Land Use Sustainable Community Development Framework - A sustainable community
development code framework using a multi-disciplinary, contextually oriented approach that encompasses
environmental, economic, and social equity, http://www.law.du.edu/index.php/rmlui/rmlui-practice/code-
framework/model-code
Aquatic Buffer Information
EPA Guide on Aquatic Buffer Ordinances - Aquatic buffer model ordinance language, example
ordinances, and supporting documentation, http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/ordinance/buffers.htm
The Stormwater Manager's Resource Center- Links to model ordinances and approaches to stream
buffers and buffer preservation, http://www.stormwatercenter.net/
Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia - Guidance for local governments on
developing scientifically based riparian buffers.
http://www.rivercenter.uga.edu/publications/pdf/riparian buffer guidebook.pdf
North Carolina State University Riparian Buffers: What are They and How do They Work? - General information on
riparian buffer systems. http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/BMPs/buffers.html
Virginia Cooperative Extension Services: Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers:
Planning, Establishment, and Maintenance - Guidelines for planning, establishment, and maintenance
of riparian buffers, http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/420/420-155/420-155.html
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Floodplain Protection Information
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Floodplain Management Requirements - Information and model
ordinances for the National Flood Insurance Program, http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/floodplain/index.shtm
FEMA Floodplain Management Tools-Strategies and tools to maintain or restore floodplain resources.
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/edu/docs/fmpcp/Chapter%209%20-
%20Strategies%20and%20Tools%20to%20Maintain%20or%20Restore.pdf
No Adverse Impact Floodplain Management Tool, Association of State Floodplain Managers -Tool to prevent the
worsening of flooding and other negative impacts on the community. http://www.floods.org/index.asp?menulD=460
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Floodplain Management Regulations - Example floodplain
management regulation, http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam safety and floodplains/fpregs.shtml
Urban Drainage and Flood Control District: Urban Drainage Criteria Manual Volume 3 - Provides guidance for the
selection and design of stormwater quality best management practices and guidelines that could be adopted into code.
http://www.udfcd.org/downloads/down critmanual.htm
Association of State Floodplain Managers, State and Local Resources-An organization for professionals involved in
floodplain management, flood hazard mitigation, flood preparedness, and flood warning and recovery.
http://www.floods.org/
Infill and Redevelopment Information
EPA Essential Smart Growth Fixes for Urban and Suburban Zoning Codes - Addresses the most common barriers local
governments face in implementing smart growth fixes, http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/essential fixes.htm
EPA Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development - Explores the impacts of high- and low-density
development on water resources. Modeled scenario findings indicate that lower-density development may not always
be the preferred strategy for protecting water resources, http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/water densitv.htm
Smart Growth Toolkit - Toolkit to help communities untangle policies and procedures that get in the way of
implementing smart growth strategies, http://www.sgli.org/toolkit/smart-growth-toolkit/
U.S. Green Building Council LEED-ND - integrates principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first
national system for neighborhood design, http://www.usgbc.org/leedftrating
Portland OR, Metro Regional Government Urban Growth Boundary-Oregon law requiring each city or metropolitan
area in the state to have a urban growth boundary that separates urban land from rural land. http://www.metro-
region.org/index.cfm/go/by.web/id/277
Lexington-Fayette County, KY, Purchase of Development Rights Program -The first Agricultural Conservation
Easement program by a local government. www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=497
American Farmland Trust - Information on Agricultural Farmland Easements, http://www.farmland.org/
Open Space Information
EPA Guide and Model Ordinance for Open Space Protection - Alternative site planning technique that concentrates
dwelling units in a compact area to reserve undeveloped space elsewhere on the site.
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/ordinance/openspace.htm
EPA Smart Growth and Open Space Conservation - Numerous tools and technical resources to help communities
become more proactive in conservation planning, http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/openspace.htm
St. Louis County, MO, Planning and Zoning Strategies for Water Quality Protection - Planned Unit Development
(PUD) performance criteria, overlay zoning, conservation subdivision ordinance, infill redevelopment, floodplain
ordinance, conservation easements and tree preservation information.
http://www.cityofbn.com/downloads/PZManualFinalDraft.pdf
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 36
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Open Space Residential Design - Provides model open space design ordinances, case studies and information.
http://greenneighborhoods.org/index.html
Chicago's Open Space Impact Fee - Information on using open space impact fees as a condition of building permit
approval for new residential development.
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp info/open space impactfee.html
Context Sensitive Design - A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves stakeholders in transportation
facility design that fits its setting, www.contextsensitivesolutions.org/
Steep Slope Protection Information
Town of Somers, New York - Example slope protection ordinance language.
http://landuse.law.pace.edu/landuse/documents/laws/reg2/SomersNYSteepSlopesPro.doc
Western North Carolina's Land of Sky Regional Council - National Association of County Planners guidance on
mountain ridge and steep slope protection. http://landofsky.Org/planning/p mountain ridge steep slope.htm
Mountain Ridge and Steep Slope Protection - Report describing the problems associated with development in steep
mountainous areas, http://www.countvplanning.org/mountain-ridge-and-steep-slope-protection-strategics-431/
Center for Environmental Excellence - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials guide for
roadside steep slope management.
http://environment.transportation.org/environmental issues/construct maint prac/compendium/manual/10 IS.aspx
Tree Protection and Ordinances Information
Center for Urban Forest Research, U.S. Forest Service - Provides research information on the benefits of urban trees.
http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/cufr/
City Trees: Sustainability Guidelines and Best Practices - Guidelines on a comprehensive approach to locating,
planting, and caring for trees by integrating complimentary best practices.
http://www.cleanwatermn.org/Documents/MS4%20toolkit%20files/Post%20construction%20stormwater%20manage
ment/Brochures%20&%20manuals/Forests/City%20trees%20manual.pdf
American Forests Guide to Setting Urban Tree Canopy Goals - Provides general urban tree canopy goal guidelines
based on geographic and climate conditions and land use categories.
h tt p: //www .americanforests.org/?s=Urban+Tree+Canopy+Goals&x=0&v=0
Center for Watershed Protection Urban Watershed Forestry Manual Part 3 - Provides detailed guidance on urban
tree planting applicable at both the development site and the watershed scale, http://www.cwp.org/categoryblog/98-
forestry.html
Trees for Green Streets - Describes the role of street trees in managing stormwater and includes detailed color
drawings of the trees that best perform this function in the Portland area. http://www.metro-
region.org/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=26337
Portland, OR, Tree Preservation on Your Land Division Site - Tree preservation information guide.
http://www.sustainableportland.org/shared/cfm/image. cfm?id=72545
Chapel Hill Tree Protection Ordinance - Example local government tree protection ordinance including a tree canopy
measurement template and canopy measurement. http://www.townofchapelhill.ore/index.aspx?page=879
Portland, OR, Stormwater Fee - Portland's Clean River Rewards Program gives a discount on stormwater management
fees for sites with trees over 15 feet tall. https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/41976
Green Streets Information
EPA Green Infrastructure Web Page - Provides basic information on green infrastructure along with tools, case
studies, contacts and more, http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 37
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EPA Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure: Municipal Handbook- Provides information on design, local
examples, implementation hurdles and lessons learned.
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/upload/gi munichandbook green streets.pdf
EPA Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds Green Street Initiatives Around the United States- Provides examples and
resources on different green street initiatives throughout the U.S.
http://www.epa.gov/owow/podcasts/greenstreetsusa.html
EPA Green Streets - Outlines green street initiatives throughout the U.S.
www.epa.gov/owow/podcasts/greenstreetsusa.html
Portland, OR, Zoning Ordinance - Eliminates minimum parking requirements in the central city district and for sites
located within 500 feet of a high-capacity transit station.
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=53320
Low Impact Development (LID) Center Green Streets - Highlights significant Green Highways and Green Streets
programs and provides guidance for communities and institutions developing green infrastructure strategies.
http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/greenstreets/
Permeable Pavements Information
EPA Green Infrastructure Web Page - Provides basic information on green infrastructure along with tools, case
studies, contacts and more, http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure
EPA Porous Asphalt Pavement: Provides information on design and effectiveness and links to additional resources.
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=browse&Rbutton=detail&bmp=135&minmea
sure=5
North Carolina State University- Permeable pavement research, http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/info/permeable-
pavement/
University of Central Florida - Permeable pavement research.
http://www.stormwater.ucf.edu/research publications.asp
Erosion & Sediment Control (E&SC) Information
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control Best
Management Practices - Resources for construction site stormwater runoff control.
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=min measure&min measure id=4
EPA Model Ordinances to Protect Local Resources: E&SC - Includes a model ordinance as well as ordinances drafted in
various jurisdictions and supporting materials. http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/ordinance/
Center for Watershed Protection Information on E&SC- Resources related to stormwater management.
http://www.cwp.org/vour-watershed-101/stormwater-management.html
The Stormwater Manager's Resource Center- Model E&SC ordinances, http://www.stormwatercenter.net/
Clean Diesel and Air Emissions Information
EPA Clean Construction USA - Fact Sheet on the National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC), an innovative program
designed to promote the reduction of diesel emissions from construction equipment and vehicles, http://
www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/documents/420f05012.pdf
EPA Green Remediation: Incorporating Sustainable Environmental Practices into Remediation of Contaminated Sites
- Information on sustainable technologies for the remediation of contaminated sites.
http://www.cluin.org/download/remed/Green-Remediation-Primer.pdf
Stormwater Best Management Practice Information
EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) National Menu of Stormwater Best Management
Practices for Post-Construction - Presents innovative practices to treat, store, and infiltrate runoff on-site before it
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 38
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affects water bodies downstream.
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=min measure&min measure id=5
EPA Using Smart Growth Techniques as Stormwater Best Management Practices - Helps communities that have
adopted smart growth policies and plans recognize the water benefits and use those policies for stormwater planning
and compliance, http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/stormwater.htm
EPA Green Infrastructure Web Page - Provides basic information on green infrastructure along with tools, case studies
and contacts, http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure
EPA Polluted Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution) Low Impact Development (LID) - Contains LID fact sheets and
reports, manuals and other resources, http://www.epa.gov/nps/lid/
EPA Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure Handbook Series - Handbooks on Water Quality Scorecard,
Funding Options, Retrofit Policies [for stormwater programs], Green Streets, Rainwater Harvesting and Incentive
Mechanisms. http://www.dep.wv.gov/WWE/Programs/stormwater/MS4/guidance/handbooks/Pages/default.aspx
EPA Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities - Stormwater program requiring construction site operator
clearing, grading and excavating activities that disturb one acre or more, including smaller sites in a larger common
plan, to obtain stormwater discharge permit, http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/const.cfm
Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) Stormwater Management - Resources including post-construction
stormwater guidance, state stormwater manuals and best practice articles, http://www.cwp.org/your-
watershed-101/stormwater-management.html
The Stormwater Manager's Resource Center - Links to fact sheets on land planning, land conservation, aquatic
buffers, better site design, stormwater management practices, stream restoration practices, non-stormwater
discharges and model ordinances for aquatic resources, http://www.stormwatercenter.net/
Georgia Stormwater Management Manual Volume 2: Technical Handbook - A technical engineering handbook for
implementing stormwater management measures for new development and redevelopment.
http://www.georgiastormwater.com/
Center for Watershed Protection Better Site Design (BSD) Resources-Techniques, codes recommendations and
incentives to promote low-impact development, environmentally-sensitive design and green infrastructure.
http://www.cwp.org/documents/cat view/77-better-site-design-publications.html
Center for Watershed Protection Restoration and Watershed Stewardship - Presents material on stream repair,
riparian and upland pervious area restoration, residential stewardship and municipal housekeeping.
http://www.cwp.org/Resource Library/Restoration and Watershed Stewardship/index.htm
Natural Resources Defense Council Rooftops to Rivers - Green strategies and case studies for controlling stormwater
and combined sewer overflows, http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/rooftops/rooftops.pdf and
http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/rooftopsii/files/rooftopstoriversll.pdf
Green and Cool Roof Information
EPA Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies, Green Roofs Chapter - Covers green roof types,
benefits and costs of green roofs and green roof initiatives.
http://www.epa.gov/hiri/resources/pdf/GreenRoofsCompendium.pdf
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities - Non-profit, green roof industry association, http://www.greenroofs.org/
Cool Roofs Rating Council - Non-profit organization that maintains a third-party rating system for radiative properties
of roof surfacing materials, http://www.coolroofs.org/
Green Roof Legislation, Policy, and Tax Incentives -Tracks green roof policy at the local, state, and national level.
http://mvplantconnection.com/green-roofs-legislation.php
Portland, OR, City Eco-Roof Resolution - Example policy requiring all new city-owned facilities to include an eco-roof
with 70% coverage and high reflectance or ENERGY STAR material when that is impractical. httE
www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=112682
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Rain Gardens Information
EPA Green Infrastructure Web Page - Information on green infrastructure along with tools, case studies and contacts.
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure
North Carolina State University- Rain garden bioretention information and research.
http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/bioretention/overview.html
Light Pollution Reduction Information
International Dark-Sky Association - Information on preserving the nighttime environment through quality outdoor
lighting, http://www.darksky.org
Outdoor Lighting Code Handbook - Discusses issues relative to outdoor lighting code effectiveness,
implementation and enforcement. "Pattern code" included, to be modified for each community's needs.
http://www.darkskvsociety.org/handouts/idacodehandbook.pdf
Simple Guidelines for Lighting Regulations - Lighting regulation guidelines for small communities, urban
neighborhoods and subdivisions. http://docs.darkskv.org/Codes/SimpleGuidelines.pdf
Light Levels Lighting Design Module and Smart Code Module - Sustainable Urbanism Lighting Design Module and
SmartCode. http://www.transect.org and http://transect.org/docs/LightLevels.pdf
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) - Technical society on illumination providing information on
good lighting practice to members, the lighting community and consumers, http://www.ies.org
General Sustainable Site Design Information
EPA Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Development - Resource for communities seeking to locate,
design, and develop housing particularly affordable housing.
http://www2.epa.gov/smart-growth/smart-growth-guidelines-sustainable-design-and-development
EPA Essential Smart Growth Fixes for Urban and Suburban Zoning Codes - Addresses the most common barriers
local governments face in implementing smart growth fixes, http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/essential_fixes.htm
EPA- Green Infrastructure/Low Impact Development-Tools and resources on low-impact development approaches
to site design. http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/lid/
EPA Green Infrastructure Web Page - Provides basic information on green infrastructure along with tools, case studies
and contacts, http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure
EPA Polluted Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution) Low Impact Development - An approach to land development (or
re-development) that works with nature to manage stormwater as close to its source as possible.
http://www.epa.gov/nps/lid/
EPA Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure Handbook Series - Handbooks on the water quality scorecard,
funding options, retrofit policies for stormwater programs, green streets, rainwater harvesting and incentive
mechanisms, http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/gi policy.cfmtfmunicipalhandbook
EPA Sustainable Redevelopment of Brownfields Program - A comprehensive website on brownfields that includes
projects, initiatives, tools, tax incentives and other resources on brownfield remediation and redevelopment.
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/
EPA Tribal-Focused Environmental Risk and Sustainability Tool (T-FERST) - Online decision support tool designed to
serve as a research framework to provide tribes with easy access to the best available human health and ecological
science, http://www.epa.gov/heasd/research/tferst.html
EPA Eco-Health Relationship Browser - Helps communities better account for and protect the benefits.
http://enviroatlas.epa.gov/enviroatlas/Tools/EcoHealth RelationshipBrowser/introduction.html
Environmental Law Institute, Brownfields Center- Information on brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, with a
focus on the concerns and needs of community groups, http://www.brownfieldscenter.org/big/about.shtml
Form-Based Codes Institute - Code resources and training courses supporting urban development.
http://formbasedcodes.org/
Center for Applied Transect Studies - Open source SmartCode and manuals, http://www.transect.org/codes.html
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 40
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Complete Streets Policy Workbook - Information on Complete Streets policies and guidelines.
http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/guides/complete-streets-local-policy-workbook/
The Stormwater Manager's Resource Center - Model stormwater ordinance selector plus links to fact sheets on land
planning and conservation, aquatic buffers, better site design, stormwater management practices, stream restoration
practices, non-stormwater discharges and pollution prevention, http://www.stormwatercenter.net/
Georgia Stormwater Management Manual Volume 2: Technical Handbook - A technical engineering handbook for
implementing stormwater management measures for new development and redevelopment.
http://www.georgiastormwater.com/
Center for Watershed Protection Better Site Design (BSD) Resources - Code development, local incentives and
techniques to minimize the negative impacts of new development on water.
http://www.cwp.org/Resource Library/Better Site Design/index.htm
The Green Buildings Guide: Tools for Local Governments to Promote Site Sustainability - Section 2 provides
information on regulatory and policy tools to increase private sector green building.
http://wcel.org/resources/publication/green-buildings-guide-tools-local-governments-promote-site-sustainabilitv-0
Sustainable Sites Initiative Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009 - Provides benchmarks, provides case
studies and tools on using sustainable outcomes instead of prescriptive approaches to encourage innovation and
provide flexibility.
http://www.sustainablesites.org/report/Guidelines%20and%20Performance%20Benchmarks 2009.pdf
Prince George County Low Impact Development Manual: Low-impact Development Design Strategies- Information
on a local government's low-impact development experience, http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/lidnatl.pdf
Low Impact Development Center- Low-impact development design techniques and resources.
http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/about.htm
Green Building Guide: Design Techniques, Construction Practices & Materials for Affordable Housing -
Comprehensive guidance for green building projects including site-related aspects.
http://www.rcac.org/assets/greenbuild/grn-bldg-guide 4-20-09.pdf
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 41
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Smith River Rancheria, California
SECTION 4: ASSESSMENT- MATERIALS AND
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Tribal communities can reduce construction costs and environmental impacts through the selection of green
materials and resource conservation. The main components of this section relate to the preservation and reuse of
existing structures and materials, and environmentally preferable materials selection.
Key Questions:
What culturally significant or historic buildings exist that may need to be protected, upgraded or replaced?
Are there areas that could be developed more densely?
* Which building materials promote healthy indoor air quality?
What building materials are considered "local" to your area or were used in the past that can be used to
create durable, energy efficient, healthy buildings?
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Key Terms:
> Adaptability: The ability to change or adjust to different or varying conditions, such as fluctuating climate
conditions.
-* Construction and Demolition (C&D) Materials: Materials generated during the construction, renovation,
and demolition of buildings, roads and bridges. C&D materials often contain bulky, heavy materials.
> Durability: The ability of materials or building systems to withstand weather, wear, pressure or damage,
and stay in strong, serviceable condition over time.
> Infill: Building in vacant or undeveloped spaces within an already developed area of land.
^ Manufactured Housing: Prefabricated homes that are constructed at a factory or similar industrial setting,
and then assembled at the building site.
^ Permeable: Allowing liquids or gases to pass through.
Repairability: The ability of materials or building systems to be repaired, rather than needing to be replaced
if damaged.
Life Cycle Cost: The sum of present values of investment costs, capital costs, installation costs, energy costs,
operating costs, maintenance costs and disposal costs over the lifetime of the project, product or
measure.
4.1. Environmentally Responsible Materials - Local, Natural, Recyclable
Selecting local, natural and/or recyclable building materials can reduce construction costs and environmental
impacts that result from the extraction, processing, and transportation of raw materials. Material selection can also
affect human health and indoor air quality though emissions and direct contact during production, installation and
use.
Key Strategies:
^ Local and natural building materials:
o Construction materials such as earth (adobe, clay plasters, compressed earth block, cob, etc.), fiber
(jute, sisal, flax, kanaf, bamboo, wool, etc.), wood, stone, or straw
o Certified sustainable or green products
^ Recycled content and recyclable products
^ Low- or no-emitting materials (over the life of the product)
> Energy and water efficient systems and materials
Tribes can use a table to assess the suitability of local and natural materials for their construction projects.
Overlaying the simple utility of a material with local availability or whether it reflects tribal traditions may be helpful.
The table below is an example of how tribes can assess potential uses for local and natural materials for specific
purposes. The availability of local and natural building materials will vary by location.
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 43
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EXAMPLE: Local and Natural Building Materials Table
NOTE: Local materials availability and appropriate uses will vary by location
Indoor Uses Outdoor Uses Permeable Reusable Locally Available
Clay plasters
Limestone
Stone
Wood
Straw
Fiber
o
o
o
o
o
o
KEY:
Local material used by the tribe (past or present)
Local material currently available to the tribe
Designs should consider the durability of the materials and protect materials that are vulnerable to weather. Design
strategies to protect materials include increased roof overhangs, orientation to prevailing weather, rain screens, and
more durable finish materials. Materials that offer great durability but have significant environmental impacts or
higher levels of toxicity should be used with care if they are used.
The Apsaalooke Crow Tribe used Crow resources and tribal member
laborto build compressed earth block homes. Photo: Apsaalooke
Housing A uthority
The Pinoleville Pomo Nation built straw bale housing and provided training
tribal members and other local tribes' members. Photo: Timonie Hood
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4.2. Building Preservation and Reuse of Structures on Developed Land
Repairing a building rather than tearing it down avoids human exposures to toxics, conserves natural resources,
reduces energy consumption and prevents pollution from the extraction, manufacturing and transportation of new
building materials. Building reuse also reduces the amount of solid waste that is generated.
Key Strategies:
> Preservation of historic or culturally significant tribal buildings
> Redevelopment of previously developed lands (including restoration of damaged lands)
^ Reuse of building shell
> Infill in areas with existing infrastructure
4.3. Durability, Repairability and Adaptability
For the long-term sustainability of a building, it is important to choose materials that are durable, appropriate for
many different uses, can be easily repaired, and can be adapted for future use. Buildings with these types of
materials will last longer and be less expensive to maintain. In addition, these types of materials can be reused or
recycled.
Key Strategies:
^ Construct well-designed buildings that reflect community culture and values
Design for durability, including accounting for differences in durability of natural materials.
> Design for ease of maintenance and repair (for example, don't put a material that will need to be replaced in
20 years behind a brick veneer that will last a hundred years or more)
> Design simple structural systems using standard dimensions to facilitate straightforward repair,
replacement, adaptation and reuse
^ Design connections that are visually and physically accessible (bolts, screws, nails, etc.) and minimize
chemical connections such as sealers and glues
Select building materials that are durable and easily repaired
Select building materials that are appropriate or adaptable for use in many locations, types of buildings, and
environmental conditions
^ Select materials that create an energy efficient building appropriate to the local climate
^ Separate mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for ease of access for maintenance and repair
Provide information for building owner and occupants to facilitate appropriate and regular building
maintenance
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4.4. Materials Reuse and Recycling
Reusing building materials creates many economic, environmental, health and social benefits that include reduced
construction costs, consumption of new resources, waste and pollution. Managing construction and demolition
(C&D) materials also reduces costs, conserves energy and protects the environment.
The Bernheim Arboretum Research and Visitors' Center used reclaimed materials, mechanical connections and reconfigurable modules to reduce waste and
greenhouse gas emissions. Photo: Lifecycle Building Challenge via William McDonough + Partners
Key Strategies:
Establish a building materials reuse store or area
Reuse materials in the different building phases:
o Construction
o Renovation
o Demolition
Set materials reuse and/or recycling requirements or goals (generally percentage of material weight)
Design buildings to support deconstruction and reuse
4.5. Green Manufactured Housing
Manufactured housing is common in many tribal communities. Because these homes are typically manufactured out
of the tribe's jurisdiction, challenges can arise in controlling how they are constructed. Tribes can consider
implementing codes or green manufactured housing specifications to manage manufactured housing consistent
with the tribe's green building and cultural priorities.
Manufactured housing can be moved across state lines and, therefore, is built to a federal standard typically
referred to as the "HDD-code." In contrast, modular housing built offsite and assembled on site is generally built to
existing state or local government building codes. The HDD-code minimum is typically less energy efficient and has
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 46
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fewer durability requirements than modular building codes. Both HDD-code manufactured housing and modular
housing can be required to meet stronger energy efficiency and green building requirements.
Key Strategies:
Establish green standards for manufactured housing, including:
o Set up and operation of home(s) in accordance with manufacturer's installation and operation manual.
(Note: Many states and local governments have standard set-up requirements, and HUD has default set-
up standards if the tribe or state does not have one.)
o Energy efficiency
o Water efficiency
o Durability
o Cultural and community considerations
o Ventilation and indoor air quality
o Environmental impact standards
Increased production of manufactured/modular housing by tribes, rather than external producers
Manufactured home community set-up codes planning (NFPA-501A)
Proper solar orientation for the installation of manufactured housing
Design installation commissioning (i.e., ensuring proper installation and systems work as designed)
* Occupant education on operations and maintenance
The Hoopa Valley Tribes' Modular Building Enterprise in-plant factory home building mission encompasses three interconnected goals: affordable
housing, job creation and job training. Photos: Hoopa Modular Building Enterprise
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Case Study: Ohkay Owingeh Tribe
The Ohkay Owingeh Tribe developed the Owe'neh Bupingeh Preservation Plan to rehabilitate housing and
infrastructure within the historic village center of Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, using traditional building
materials. Several hundred homes once surrounded the village center, but only 60 remain, many of which
were abandoned due to deterioration. The project incorporated new technologies to preserve and stabilize
ancient adobe homes, with an education and research component informed by cultural leaders and
homeowners.
The multi-year, affordable housing and rehabilitation project within the historic core at Ohkay Owingeh
balanced preservation, housing quality, and green design. The Tribe's comprehensive preservation plan has
guided practical housing improvements according to cultural values, including the rehabilitation of 25 homes
using traditional earthen construction methods and
the renovation of infrastructure. A native-
owned construction contractor hired and
trained tribal members.
The project is rooted in the preservation
philosophy of Ohkay Owingeh tribal leaders,
which values the life of the Pueblo.
Preservation technology specialists in adobe
construction repaired and reconstructed
damaged vigas (round timber beams) in order
to save as much of the existing material as
possible. This was an important cultural factor, as OhkayOwingeh Village. Photo: Kate Russell
many of the vigas were "gifted" from one family to another.
The project has successfully provided families with culturally-appropriate, quality affordable housing and
has generated tribal discussions of larger cultural preservation issues. The plan has been heralded as a
model planning effort for Native American communities in historic settings.
Tribal Involvement: Ohkay Owingeh Housing Authority, Cultural Advisory Team, Tribal Council, Chamiza
Foundation, Avanyu General Contracting, Inc., community members, cultural leaders, construction crew
members.
Non-Tribal Involvement: HUD Office of Native American Programs, Concept Consulting Group, National Park
Service, New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, New Mexico Historic Preservation Division, McCune
Charitable Foundation, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Atkin Olshin Schade Architects.
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Case Study: Nez Perce Zero Energy Manufactured Home
A Zero Energy Manufactured Home (ZEMH) was built in 2002 on the Nez Perce Fish Hatchery in Cherry Lane,
Idaho, to advance research on green manufactured housing. The project funded by The Bonneville Power
Authority (BPA) provides on-site housing to hatchery facilities staff. The research compared two 1600 square
foot double section manufactured homes, built by the same manufacturer, using an identical floor plan.
One home was built to Energy Star and one home built approaching "Zero Energy" long term sustainability
goal. The ZE home was most energy efficient HDD-code manufactured home in the country at the time it was
built.
BPA worked with the Nez Perce tribe, Washington State
University Energy Program and the Department of Energy's
Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership,
collaboratively to design, monitor and analyze these homes.
Industry partners provided energy efficient building
components, including Energy Star windows, appliances,
ceiling fans and lighting; spray foam wall, floor and roof
insulation; tighter ductwork and thermal envelope with air
to air heat exchanger for occupant controlled mechanical
ventilation and air source heat pump. Renewable energy
systems included: sun-tempered solar design, a solar
photovoltaic electrical system and solar hot water thermal
system.
Fish provide us with both physical and
spiritual sustenance. Other cultures seem
unable to recognize how those two concepts
go hand in hand. Instead, they see them as
separate, traditional beliefs on one side,
science on the other. For Indian people those
concepts have never been separate. Our fate
and the fate of the fish are linked.
Jaime Pinkham, Salmon and His
People (Landeen and Pinkham, 1999).
Zero Energy Manufactured Home, Nez Perce Fish Hatchery in Idaho. Photo: Washington State University Energy Program
The ZEMH daily average total energy use, with solar panels and solar hot water systems, was 29.4 kWh/day.
The solar photovoltaic system generates an average of 9.9 kWh/day. This provides roughly one third of the
home's total energy use and most of the home's energy in the summer.
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Measured net energy use of the ZEMH was 12% lower than the control Energy Star home, not normalized for
occupant behavior, and the ZEMH required 44% less space heating energy than the Energy Star Home.
The project highlights the importance of occupant choices and behavior on the performance of energy
efficient housing. Based on the preliminary monitoring data and occupant surveys, the behavior patterns of
the ZEMH occupants were not themselves "energy efficient." The high energy use behavior of the ZEMH
occupants actually shortened the payback for the innovative technologies of the ZEMH.
Tribal Involvement: Nez Perce Tribe
Non-Tribal Involvement: Bonneville Power Authority, Washington State University Energy Program,
Department of Energy's Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership, Kit HomeBuilders West,
Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured Home Program.
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Code Incentive Examples
General
Expedited permitting process
Expedited easement approval process
Permit fee waivers or reductions
Reduced inspections
Targeted - Materials Reuse and Conservation
Redevelopment incentives
Retrofitting incentives
Mixed use and/or density variances
Construction and demolition waste reduction incentive
Questions to Assess Materials and Resource Conservation
4.1. Environmentally Responsible Materials Selection
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Is there a building procurement policy
that promotes using environmentally
responsible materials that:
Are energy and water conserving;
Have minimal emissions in
manufacturing and/or in usage;
Require/allow healthful
maintenance (do not require
harmful sealants/coatings, are
mold/mildew resistant, etc.);
Are of low toxicity.
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Certified WaterSense products
Certified wood product requirements
Indoor air emissions requirements
USDA BioPreferred products
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 51
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Is there a building procurement policy
that promotes using environmentally
preferable materials (in manufacturing,
and operations and maintenance) that:
Are based on a renewable source,
durable, affordable;
Contain recycled content;
Are energy efficient;
Are readily reusable and/or
recyclable
Potential Tools and Techniques:
ENERGY STAR Certified Products
ENERGY STAR Advanced
Lighting Package
EPA Comprehensive Procurement
Guidelines (CPG)for recycled content
products
USDA BioPreferred products
Green building program or ordinance
with minimum postconsumer
recycled content requirements
Certified wood product requirements
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 52
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do current or planned regulations or
policies include provisions for the use of
Environmentally Preferable Materials for
building components or assemblies?
Foundations - such as rammed
earth, earth bags, stone;
Floors-such as earth, concrete,
wood, stone;
Exterior Walls-such as rammed
earth, adobe, compressed earth
block, cob, straw bale, advanced
framing with wood, stone;
Roof framing and decking-such as
wood sheathing, framing, timbers or
trusses;
Roofing - such as recycled content,
local, salvaged
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Green building program or ordinance
with environmentally preferable
purchasing requirements
EPA Comprehensive Procurement
Guidelines (CPG)for recycled content
products
Certified wood product requirements
USDA BioPreferred products
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 53
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do current or planned regulations or
policies include provisions for the use of
Environmentally Preferable Materials for
the following building components or
assemblies?
Insulation;
Exterior finish materials;
Interior finish materials;
Walls, windows and doors;
Paints, sealants, adhesives;
Landscape materials;
Paving/hardscape;
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Green building program or ordinance
with environmentally preferable
purchasing minimum postconsumer
recycled content requirements
Comprehensive Procurement
Guidelines (CPG)for recycled content
construction and landscaping
products
Certified wood product requirements
USDA BioPreferred products
ENERGY STAR Certified windows and
doors
Low or no VOC paints and sealants
Use of compost and natural mulch
for landscaping
Minimize paving or use porous
pavements/paving stones.
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 54
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Do policies support or encourage the use Green
of culturally appropriate, traditional or
historic building materials, methods or
designs?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Cultural or Historic Building
ordinance or policy
Tribal overlay
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do policies support or encourage the use
of tribal, local, natural, and/or non-
industrial building materials, methods or
designs?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Policy preference for tribally sourced
or produced building materials
Policy preference for building
materials produced within a 500 mile
radius, when possible
USDA BioPreferred products
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do historic preservation ordinances allow
for reused or recycled building materials
during renovation projects?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Historic preservation ordinance
Adaptive reuse, sustainable
design or historic building policy
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 55
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For new construction, are policies in
place or planned to address proper
precautions for handling of treated
lumber and disposal of waste?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Treated Lumber website
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Yellow
., , Will be expressly allowed in
Code/ordinance silent, but typically code/ordinance
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 4.1 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
4.2. Building Preservation and Reuse
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there incentives or requirements for
building rehabilitation and
redevelopment projects in codes,
policies or ordinances?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Redevelopment incentives
Retrofitting incentives
Post-construction stormwater credits
(a reduction in stormwater fees for
property owners who reduce
stormwater runoff or improve the
quality of their stormwater runoff)
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Is the redevelopment and reuse of
buildings and previously developed land
encouraged or allowed?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Rehabilitation ordinance for older
buildings
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 56
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Pedestrian-oriented or transit-
oriented development
Mixed-use or density allowances
Adaptive reuse ordinance
Voluntary clean-up programs
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there allowances for green
renovations or technologies that retain
the historic character of registered
historic properties or resources?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Historic preservation ordinance
Adaptive reuse, sustainable
design or historic buildings policy
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 4.2 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red
Not Applicable:
4.3. Durability, Repairability and Adaptability
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do current or planned codes or policies
support best practices for design and
construction for material efficiency,
durability, repairability and adaptability?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Advanced framing techniques
Development of building
deconstruction/adaptation plan
Use of exposed connectors (bolts,
screws, nails, etc.) and minimize use
of chemical adhesives and sealants
Separation of mechanical, electrical
and plumbing systems
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 57
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Do current or planned provisions require Green
a building maintenance manual be
provided to building owners or users?
Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Maintenance manual could include the
following:
Guidance for HVAC, appliances,
lighting equipment, and other
components including renewable
energy systems
Location of water-system turnoffs
Paving materials and landscaping
Green cleaning products and
schedule(s)
Pest control
An occupancy turnover plan that
includes all materials frequently
replaced and education for
residents about proper use and
maintenance of building systems
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Maintenance manuals
Occupancy turnover plan
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do policies or requirements consider
designing for building durability?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Policies supporting the procurement
of repairable, durable building
materials and systems
Lifecycle cost accounting
Green
Green
Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 4.3 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
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4.4. Materials and Reuse Conservation
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Do codes or ordinances specify a
diversion (from landfilling and
incineration) rate for C&D or renovation
materials and require credible reuse and
recycling operations? Credible operations
include reuse and recyclers in compliance
with laws and regulations, government
licensing, and/or third-party,
independent certification.
Potential Tools and Techniques:
C&D ordinances requiring minimum
recycling rate, excluding land
clearing materials
List of credible reuse and recycling
facilities
Materials Management Plan
requirement
Deconstruction requirements in
demolition or deconstruction permits
Additional time period in permit to
allow for salvaging and
deconstruction
Building permits include C&D
materials diversion deposit or bond
Renovation ordinance requiring
recycling when a project exceeds a
certain value or size
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Is there a requirement for a Materials
Management Plan covering both
construction materials and building
operations (indoor and outdoor
collection of materials for reuse,
recycling, composting and disposal)?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Materials Management Plan
requirement tied to specified reuse,
recycling and composting
requirements (generally
percentages)
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 59
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do the requirements for the
construction project allow for the reuse,
recycling and/or composting of C&D
materials
(e.g., concrete, drywall, clean wood,
etc.)?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Policy for on-site grinding and reuse
of materials (e.g., concrete, clean
wood, etc.)
Number of C&D boxes allowed on-
site
Allowances for stockpiling C&D
materials on-site
Requirement for contractor
personnel training or certification in
C&D management
Materials Management Plan
Are there provisions in place that
encourage materials reuse?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Green building program or
ordinance with minimum reuse
requirements for new construction
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there codes or ordinances requiring
specific area(s) and bins for building
occupants to collect or sort recyclable
materials and materials that require
special handling for disposal?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Requirement that buildings be
designed or constructed to
accommodate reuse, recycling and
composting by building occupants
Space allocation guidance or
ordinance for accessible reuse,
recycling, composting and waste
collection.
Requirement to provide storage of
discarded thermostats, florescent
bulbs, light ballasts, batteries,
treated lumber and other items
which may require special disposal
as special or hazardous waste.
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 4.4 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
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4.5. Green Manufactured Housing
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there requirements or guidelines in
place for manufactured housing to meet
higher standards for energy use,
durability and indoor environmental
quality?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
ENERGY STAR Manufactured
Housing Certification
EPA Indoor air PLUS certification
Northwest Energy Efficient
Manufactured Housing Program
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D
D
Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Yellow
Red
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do manufactured homes in your
community use fuel that is healthier for
the indoor and outdoor environment?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Renewable energy (solar, wind,
hydropower)
Geothermal heat pump
All electric preferable to propane or
wood
If wood is used, procure EPA certified
wood stove
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there requirements in place or
guidelines for locally, tribally or
regionally produced manufactured
housing?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Tribal overlay
Tribal procurement policy
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there requirements or guidelines
requiring for proper installation,
operation and maintenance of
manufactured homes?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
ENERGY STAR Manufactured
Housing Certification
Installation commissioning
Man uals for operations an d
maintenance
Training for residents on operations
and maintenance
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there requirements in place or
guidelines for manufactured housing to
meet specific cultural, traditional or
community standards?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Tribal overlay
Tribal procurement policy
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 4.5 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Combine your totals for all subsections and Tribal Priority Totals from Appendix B:
Section 4 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
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Resources for Materials and Resource Conservation
NOTE: The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. EPA to endorse any private sector website,
product or service. The U.S. EPA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find on
non-EPA websites.
Durability
HUD Guide: Durability by Design: A Guide for Residential Builders and Designers - Guidance document with checklists
for designers, builders and homeowners, http://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/durability by design.pdf
Durability: A Key Component of Green Building - Article reprinted from Environmental Building News
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2005/12/18/durabilitv-kev-component-green-building
Building Reuse Information
EPA Lifecycle Construction Resource Guide - Introduces lifecycle construction and discusses issues of
deconstruction, materials reuse, design for deconstruction and lifecycle construction resources.
http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURLcgi?Dockev=P1009HHl.txt
National Trust for Historic Preservation -The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership,
education, advocacy and resources to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities.
www.preservationnation.org/
City of Los Angeles: Adaptive Reuse Handbook, Second Ed. - The Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, first passed in 1999,
incentivizes reuse of buildings. Includes the Los Angeles Conservancy's "Incentives for Preserving Historic Buildings."
http://www.downtownla.com/pdfs/econ residential/Adaptive-Reuse-Book-LA.pdf
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Core & Shell Green Building Rating System - Covers
base building elements such as structure, envelope and the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system.
http://www.usgbc.org/leed/rating-systems/core-shell
Materials Design for Adaptation and Reuse Information
U.S. EPA/American Institute of Architects Lifecycle Building Challenge - Online competition cataloging design and
built practices to support design for adaptability, deconstruction and reuse, http://www.lifecyclebuilding.org
o Resources: http://lifecyclebuilding.org/resources.php
o Rating Systems Language: http://lifecyclebuilding.org/rating-systems.php
Building Materials Reuse Association - Facilitates building deconstruction and the recycling/reuse of building
materials, www.bmra.org/
CalRecycle - Database of sources for recycled and salvaged building materials.
http://www.calrecvcle.ca.gov/Reuse/Links/Building.htm
Design for Reuse Primer - Case studies on the reuse of building materials and building design to support reuse and
adaptation. http://www.publicarchitecture.org/reuse/pdf/Primer-Online.pdf
Habitat for Humanity Restores - Nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently
used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a discount prices.
http://www.habitat.org/restores
Old to New: Design Guide, Salvaged Building Materials in New Construction - Provides architects with practical
information to encourage the use of salvaged building materials in typical new construction projects.
http://www.rdhbe.com/database/files/sb4c3df2819dd710/o281%29.pdf
Materials Management and Recycling Information
EPA Construction and Demolition (C&D) Materials - Information on construction and demolition materials
management, http://www.epa.gov/cdmaterials
GSA Construction Waste Management Database - National database of C&D recycling service providers that can be
searched by material type and zip code, http://www.wbdg.org/tools/cwm.php
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CalRecycle C&D Debris Recycling - Information on ordinances, specifications and the C&D recyclers database to find
facilities that collect specific materials. http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/ConDemo
WasteCap Resource Solutions: Construction & Demolition Specification: Construction Waste Management
(CWM) Plan Materials - Construction and demolition materials specifications and training.
http://www.wastecap.org/resources/construction-demolition/
The Associated General Contractors of America Recycling Toolkit - Resources for contractors to recycle or to use C&D
materials in construction. Includes specifications and information on C&D recycler databases.
http://www.agc.org/cs/recvcling toolkit
Construction Materials Recycling Association (CMRA) - Organization promoting the environmentally sound recycling
of C&D materials including concrete, asphalt, asphalt shingles, gypsum wallboard, wood and metals.
http://www.cdrecycling.org/
o Concrete: www.concreterecycling.org
o Drywall: www.drywallrecycling.org
o Shingles: www.shinglerecycling.org
Materials Selection
Pharos Project - An online tool providing in-depth, transparent information about what is in building products with
comparative scores on environmental and health impacts, http://www.pharosproject.net/
Declare - A building products labeling system to certify products to meet the requirements of the Living Building
Challenge, http://www.declareproducts.com
GreenSpec - Green building product specifications and a listing of green building products with detailed product
assessments, http://greenspec.buildinggreen.com/
Perkins + Will Transparency Lists - Information from the architecture firm Perkins + Will providing information about
environmental and human health impacts of materials, including a list of materials that have been found harmful to
human health and/or the environment, asthma triggers and flame retardants.
http://transparency.perkinswill.com/default.cshtml7urh/
Living Building Challenge Red List of Materials - A list of materials, chemicals and elements known to pose serious
risks to human health and the greater ecosystem that cannot be used in Living Building Projects.
http://declareproducts.com/content/declare-and-living-building-challenge
Health Product Declarations - A free, standard format for reporting product content and associated health information
for building products and materials overseen by the non-profit Health Product Declaration Collaborative.
http://hpdcollaborative.org
See Resources Sections 6 and 7 for energy efficient and water conserving materials
Certified Products Information
EPA Buy-Recycled / Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) Program - Provides guidelines on EPA-designated
recycled content construction products used by federal facilities and on federally-funded projects. These guidelines can
also be on non-federal projects.
o Construction Products-http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/construction.htm
o Landscaping Products - http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/landscaping.htm
EPA Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings - Informational sheet discussing the use of recycled industrial
materials in buildings as an alternative to virgin materials and building products.
http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/imr/pdfs/recy-bldg.pdf
BIFMA/E3 Sustainability Standard for Furniture - Consensus-based method to evaluate the sustainable attributes of
furniture products across the product lifespan. http://www.bifma.org/standards/
Cradle to Cradle Certification - Criteria certifies Basic, Silver, Gold or Platinum levels for environmentally intelligent
design, http://www.c2ccertified.com/
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GREENGUARD Certification for Low-Emitting Products - GREENGUARD Environmental Institute establishes
performance-based standards to define goods with low chemical and particle emissions for use indoors, primarily
building materials, interior furnishings, furniture, cleaning and maintenance products and electronic equipment.
http://www.greenguard.org/
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - A certification system that provides internationally recognized standard-setting,
trademark assurance and accreditation services to companies, organizations, and communities interested in
responsible forestry, http://www.fsc.org/
, Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) - Certification program based on principles and measures that
promote sustainable forest management and consider all forest values, http://www.sfiprogram.org/
» Science Certification Systems (SCS) Certified Products Database -Search for certified green building products by
category, manufacturer, certification program or conformance. http://www.scscertified.com/products/
International Code Council's (ICC) Evaluation Services - Provides interpretations and acceptance of new products that
occur in the marketplace, www.icc-es.org/
NSF/ANSI140 Sustainability Assessment for Carpet - Consensus-based standard to evaluate and certify
sustainability of carpet products across their entire product life cycle, http://www.nsf.org/services/by-
industry/sustainabilitv-environment/sustainability-standards-protocols/carpet
NSF/ANSI 226 Sustainability Assessment for Commercial Furnishings Fabric - Consensus-based standard to evaluate
and certify sustainability of commercial furnishings fabric products across their entire product life cycle, http://
www.nsf.org/services/bv-industrv/sustainabilitv-environment/sustainability-standards-protocols/furnishings-fabric
NSF/ANSI 342 Sustainability Assessment for Wall Coverings - Consensus-based standard by which to evaluate and
certify sustainability of wall coverings products across their entire product life cycle, http://www.nsf.org/services/by-
industrv/sustainabilitv-environment/sustainability-standards-protocols/wallcoverings
SCS Recycled and Material Content - SCS provides material content certification assessment services to manufacturers
offering products made from recycled or biodegradable materials as well as Certified Biodegradable, No Added
Formaldehyde and No Added Urea Formaldehyde products, http://www.scscertified.com/products/
Alameda County, CA, Waste Management Authority Green Building Materials Resource Guide - Building
materials directory. http://www.stopwaste.org/docs/Resource Guide.pdf
California Integrated Waste Management Board - Database for searching Recycled Content Building Products by
product type. http://www.calrecvcle.ca.gov/RCP/Product.asp?VW=CAT&CATID=257
UL100 Sustainability Requirements for Gypsum Board and Panels - Consensus-based standard to evaluate and
certify sustainability of gypsum board and panels across their entire product life cycle.
http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/solutions/standards/accessstandards/catalogofstandards/standard/?id=100 1
Straw Bale Wall Information
Straw Bale Construction Appendix for 2015 International Residential Code -
http://www.ecobuildnetwork.org/images/PDFfiles/strawbale code support/IRC StrawbaleConstructionAppendix App
roved 10.4.13r3.pdf
Earthen Plastered Wall Passes ASTM E-119 - 1-hour fire resistance test of a non-load bearing straw bale wall.
http://www.dcat.net/about dcat/current/Non-Bearing Clay Wall.pdf
Cement Stucco Wall Passes ASTM E-119-05 - 2-hour fire resistance test of a non-load bearing wheat straw bale wall.
http://www.dcat.net/about dcat/current/Cement Stucco Wall.pdf
City of Boulder, CO Ordinance 5891 - Concerns alternative building materials, including adobe and straw bale
construction and recycled lumber, http://www.dcat.net/about dcat/current/Boulder Straw Bale Code.pdf
Ecological Building Network Straw Bale Construction Code - Supporting documents and research information on
straw bale construction code issues, http://www.ecobuildnetwork.org/proiects/straw-bale-code-supporting-
documents
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Earthen Building Information
Ecological Building Network Earthen Building Resources - Covers resources on adobe, cob, sprayed earth,
bags/tubes/tires, plaster and other earthen building resources, http://www.ecobuildnetwork.org/library/building-
materials/earth
ASTM Standard Guide for Design of Earthen Wall Building Systems ASTM E2392/E2392M -
http://www.astm.org/Standards/E2392.htm
Sustainable Sources: Earth Materials - Information and guidelines on building with stone, brick, soils, caliche and soil
block and rammed earth, http://earth.sustainablesources.com
State of New Mexico 2009 Earthen Building Materials Code -
http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/nmac/parts/titlel4/14.007.0004.htm
The Earthbuilders' Guild - Information on preserving and promoting the age old building methods of adobe, rammed
earth and compressed earth block construction, http://www.theearthbuildersguild.com
Earthbuilding - Links to global organizations working on earthen building.
http://www.earthbuilding.info/gb/07 links/07-2 links resources.htm
American Society for Testing and Materials Committee Standards - Recycled Industrial Materials
ASTM Committee C01 Cement - Develops specifications, test methods, recommended practices, and terminology for
hydraulic cements including portland, natural, pozzolanic, masonry, slag cements and modifications and combinations
during manufacture of the cements; investigates the properties of hydraulic cements and promotes the improvement
and uniform testing these materials. http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/C01.htm
ASTM Committee C09 Concrete and Concrete Aggregates - Has jurisdiction over 160 standards published in the
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 04.02. These standards, together with the standards developed by ASTM
Committee C01 on Cement and committees of the American Concrete Institute, are essential to the construction of
civil infrastructure. http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/C09.htm
ASTM Committee Cll Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Develops specifications, test methods
and applications in the gypsum and related product industries.
http://www.astm. org/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/Cll.htmPL+Cllstore
ASTM Committee D04 Road and Paving Materials - Has jurisdiction over 200 standards, published in the Annual Book
of ASTM Standards, Volume 4. These standards are essential to the construction and maintenance of highways and
other transportation construction. http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/D04.htm
ASTM Committee C12 Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry - Has jurisdiction over 15 standards, published in the
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 04.05. These standards are essential to the industry of mortar used with
masonry units, including burned clay, shale, sand-lime, concrete and stone.
http://www.astm.org/CO M M IT/CO M M ITTEE/C12.htm
ASTM Committee E50 Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action - Has jurisdiction over 35
standards published in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 11.04. These standards are essential to corrective
action, pollution prevention and beneficial use. http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/E50.htm
ASTM Committee D34 Waste Management - Has jurisdiction over 125 standards published in the Annual Book of
ASTM Standards, Volume 11.04. These standards are essential to all aspects addressing the generation, storage,
transportation, treatment, recovery and disposal of wastes generated from industrial, commercial, residential and
institutional sources. http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/D34.htm
Hazardous Materials: Asbestos, Mercury, Lead Based Paint, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and
Treated Lumber Information
EPA Asbestos Information - Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used in a variety of building construction materials for
insulation and as a fire-retardant (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products and asbestos cement
products). When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 67
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activities, microscopic fibers can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems. EPA
rules and regulations on asbestos, http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/web/asbestos/index.html
EPA Recommended Management and Disposal Options for Mercury-Containing Products - Mercury can be found in
many residential building materials, including: airflow/fan limit controls, appliances, barometers, gas flow or gas
pressure regulators, heating and cooling systems, Honeywell heat generators/mercury seal generators, lamps and
lightbulbs, latex paint, pesticides, plumbing, security systems, thermostats and tilt switches. Mercury-containing
products should be carefully managed as hazardous waste and removed prior to building deconstruction or demolition.
http://www.epa.gov/mercury/mgmt options.html#tlcl
EPA Before You Tear It Down, Get the Mercury Out - Recommended management practices for pre-demolition
removal of mercury-containing devices from residential buildings. http://www.epa.gov/mercury/pdfs/EPA-905-F-ll-
008.pdf
EPA Lead Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program - Requires firms performing renovation, repair, and
painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have
their firm certified by EPA (or an EPA authorized state), use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved
training providers and follow lead-safe work practices, http://www2.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-
program
EPA PCBs in Caulk in Older Buildings Information - Caulk containing potentially harmful polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) was used in many buildings, including schools, in the 1950s through the 1970s. Provides information on
minimizing exposure, testing and recommendations for renovation contractors, http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk/
EPA Treated Wood Information - Provides information on treated lumber risks, regulation and alternatives.
http://www2.epa.gov/region8/treated-wood
Air Quality Performance Information
EPA Indoor airPLUS - Helps builders meet the growing consumer preference for homes with improved indoor air
quality. Construction specifications focus on seven areas, including the careful selection of and installation of moisture
control systems; heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems; combustion-venting systems; radon resistant
construction and low-emitting building materials, http://epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html
EPA Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers - Provides practical suggestions on
preventing, identifying and resolving indoor air quality problems in public and commercial buildings.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/pdf files/iaq.pdf
EPA Healthy Indoor Environmental Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades - Guidance to protect indoor air quality
while installing home energy upgrades, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/retrofits.html
EPA The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality - A booklet on reducing the risk from existing sources of indoor air
pollution and to prevent new problems from occurring, http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPURLcgi?Dockey=000003Ml.txt
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) Indoor Air Quality Guidelines for
Occupied Buildings Under Construction -Trade association that publishes voluntary technical standards and manuals
that address many areas of the sheet metal industry. Requires membership, http://www.smacna.org/
American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) - ASHRAE advances heat, ventilation, air
conditioning and refrigeration research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
http://www.ashrae.org
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) - Voluntary technical standards and
manuals on ventilation systems, http://www.smacna.org/
The American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation - Contains a database of U.S. tobacco control laws and ordinances.
www.no-smoke.org
EPA Certified Wood Stoves - Certified wood stove information and product list to promote improved safety and
efficiency, http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/woodstoves.html
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Reuse, Recycling, Compost and Disposal Space Allocation
CalRecycle Recycling Space Allocation Guide and Ordinances - Provides guidance on recycling collection site
allocation. http://www.calrecvcle.ca.gov/lgcentral/Librarv/LocalDocs/Policv.htm
Green Manufactured Housing Information
EPA Indoor airPLUS Certification - Information, construction specifications and technical resources to protect indoor
air quality that can be applied to manufactured housing, http://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html
HUD Manufactured Home Consumer Guide - Information on manufactured housing, relocation and financing.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program offices/housing/ramh/mhs/prodOl
Manufactured Home Code - Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code) covers
manufactured homes and the homes display a red certification label on the exterior of each transportable section.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/hudprograms/mhcss
HUD Manufactured Home Installation Regulations - HUD manufactured home installation regulations.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program offices/housing/rmra/mhs/mhip
HUD Manufactured Home Consumer Complaints- Provides State Administrative Agency and HUD contacts for
consumer manufactured housing complaints, http://www.hud.gov/complaints/manhousing.cfm
ENERGY STAR Qualified Manufactured Homes - Guidance on producing and installing ENERGY STAR
Manufactured Homes for production plants, retailers, installers and contractors.
http://www.energvstar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs lenders raters.pt builder manufactured
Eco-Rated Green Engineered Home Certification Program - An energy and environmental efficient certification
program designed for engineered factory built homes developed by the Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured
Home Program. http://eco-rated.com/Site 2/eco-rated.html
Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Program - Residential energy efficiency program focusing on
manufactured housing in the Northwest that has certified over 200,000 homes. NEEM/ENERGY STAR homes are
certified by the State Energy Offices where they are manufactured in Idaho, Washington, Oregon or California.
http://northwestenergyworks.com/NEEM.html
Bonneville Power Administration Weatherization Specifications - Best practices apply to existing residential (retrofit)
weatherization for electrically heated single family and manufactured homes.
http://www.bpa.gOV/energy/n/residential/Weatherization/FINAL BPA Wx Specs.pdf
Department of Energy Energy-Efficient Manufactured Homes - Information on manufactured home energy efficiency
and renewable energy design, remodel and retrofit opportunities, http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/energv-
efficient-manufactured-homes
Zero Energy Manufactured Homes Information -The Zero-Energy Manufactured Home program demonstrates,
evaluates and promotes innovative energy-saving technologies for use in HUD-code housing, http://www.ba-
pirc.org/pubs/pdf/HomeEnergy07.pdf
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The Potawot Health Village in Arcata, California, features a 20-acre Conservation Easement, native plants and a wellness garden.
Photo: United Indian Health Services
SECTION 5: ASSESSMENT- HUMAN HEALTH
RADON, MOLD AND OTHER HAZARDOUS
POLLUTANTS
Harmful pollutants inside our homes and buildings can damage occupant health. The indoor environment is where
community members may spend 50 - 90% of their time. Indoor environmental hazards can cause both immediate
and long-term health problems for occupants.
Though the indoor environment may seem like a refuge from outdoor air pollution, research has shown that air
within homes and buildings can be more polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized
cities. Lead-based paint, asbestos and cleaning supplies can also pollute buildings. Hazardous materials and
emissions can enter people's bodies in many ways: breathing, touching, eating or drinking.
Building codes can help prevent environmental health problems for all occupants, especially the most vulnerable
members of the community - children, pregnant women, elders and those with preexisting health conditions.
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 70
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Children, while developing in the womb or growing up into young adults are especially vulnerable to the harmful
effects of environmental toxics because:
Children often crawl and play close to the ground, making them more likely to contact dirt and dust, which
can include environmental hazards
Children often put their hands, toys and other items into their mouths
Children eat, breathe and drink more relative to their body mass than adults do
Children's natural defenses are less developed
Key Terms:
> Radon: A cancer-causing, invisible, radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in
soil, rock and water. Radon is a human health concern in buildings because it causes lung cancer and is
found in a wide range of areas.
Molds: Molds are living organisms that belong to the kingdom Fungi. Molds produce spores that float in the
air, land on damp surfaces, and grow. Inhaling or touching molds can cause hay fever-type symptoms such
as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rashes and asthma attacks.
Key Questions:
> Is testing for radon - a radioactive gas that can seep into buildings - being conducted on homes and schools?
Are buildings designed and maintained to reduce mold and moisture impacts?
Are building materials free of toxic substances such as lead-based paint, formaldehyde and volatile organic
compounds?
5.1. Radon Resistant Building
Radon is an invisible radioactive gas resulting from the breakdown of in-ground trace uranium, and is found in many
homes and buildings throughout the U.S. The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA estimate exposure to radon causes
more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
Radon Risk is Significant on Tribal Lands. Radon has been found in elevated levels in every state. No
area of our country is risk-free. Nationwide, 1 in 15 homes test above the action level established by EPA
of 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). Results on the Spokane Indian Reservation are even higher at
almost 1 in 3 homes.
Source: Twa'le Abrahason-Swan of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Air Quality Program. Written Testimony Submitted April 3, 2014,
to the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee
Radon can be reduced in buildings through cost effective radon resistant building practices. The Surgeon General
and EPA recommend testing for radon and reducing radon in homes that have high levels. Homes with a radon level
confirmed to be 4 pCi/L or higher should be fixed. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases
may be reduced.
Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in homes by up to 99%. New home radon resistant building
requirement costs are minimal, and more than 1.5 million homes have been built since 1990 using radon-resistant
techniques. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs and maintaining a
radon reduction system takes little effort.
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 71
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EPA Map of Radon Zones
According to the Center
for Disease Control,
American Indian/Alaska
Natives have a higher
prevalence of smoking
than most other
racial/ethnic groups in
the United States,
making cigarette smoking
plus exposure to radon
gas a serious problem to
the health of Tribal
populations.
This radon map and additional radon maps are available at: http://www.epa.Hov/radon/zonemap.html
Key Strategies:
> Test for Radon - the U.S. Surgeon General and U.S. EPA recommend that all homes and schools test
for radon.
Provide residents with the U.S. EPA Citizen's Guide to Radon, encourage them to test for radon.
If necessary, use certified contractors to fix homes with high radon levels.
Require radon resistant new construction through building code requirements.
5.2. Mold
Molds are microscopic fungi that live and grow on organic (carbon-containing) material. They reproduce by releasing
tiny spores into the air. Mold may begin growing indoors if mold spores come into contact with a moist surface, such
as on drywall that has been exposed to a plumbing leak or around windows where moisture condenses.
All molds have the potential to affect health. Molds produce allergens, irritants and, in some cases, toxins that
may cause serious health problems in humans. The types and severity of symptoms depend, in part, on the types
of mold, the extent of exposure, the age of the individual and existing sensitivities or allergies. EPA has detailed
information on how to clean up mold and what to wear when cleaning moldy areas. (EPA's Brief Guide to Mold,
Moisture and Your Home: http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html)
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 72
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Magnified mold spores.
Hidden mold growing behind wallpaper.
Key Strategies:
Avoid exposure to mold (see discussions: What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold).
Repair leaks and clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
-> Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect
around the foundation.
Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside
where possible. (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will
increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)
Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent
and water, and dry completely.
} Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become
moldy.
It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
5.3 Particulate Matter, Vapor and Gases - Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and
Chimneys
In addition to environmental tobacco smoke, unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces and
gas stoves can cause indoor air pollution. The major pollutants released are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and
particles. Unvented kerosene heaters may also generate acid aerosols.
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 73
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Relative Emissions of Fine Particles
' Average cmtinons
(Ibs/MMBiu* of heal output)
for heat lourcc type. DJCJ
from US EPA
0.013 0.0083
Fireplace
Uncertified
Wood stove
EPA
Certified
Wood stove
Oil
Furnace
Gas
Furnace
Source: U.S. EPA, "Consumers: Energy Efficiency and Wood Burning Stoves and Fireplaces," http://epa.gov/burnwise/energyefficiency.html
Key Strategies:
Never use a gas stove to heat your home
Require properly sized cleaner-burning heating appliances such as: electric furnaces, natural gas or propane
stoves or EPA-certified wood and pellet stoves
-> While a space heater is in use, open a door from the room where the heater is located to the rest of the
house and open a window slightly
-> Install and use exhaust fans over gas cooking stoves and ranges and keep the burners properly adjusted
Have central air handling systems, including furnaces, flues, and chimneys, inspected annually and promptly
repair cracks or damaged parts
Require smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
5.4 Non-Toxic and Low-Emitting Materials
Choosing non-toxic and low-emitting building materials, finishes and furnishings is a critical healthy home practice.
For example, materials and products containing lead, asbestos and mercury should be avoided. Specific standards on
low-emitting materials that can be referenced in procurement documents and verified by personnel overseeing the
construction process are provided below in the Checklist and Resource sections.
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Case Study: Spokane Tribe
The Spokane Tribe, located on more than 157,000 acres northwest of Spokane, Washington, was interested
in adopting building codes to support the implementation of a HUD Sustainable Communities grants. Specific
issues the Tribe wanted their codes to address included:
Radionuclides and radon contamination of water and air
Mold
Energy efficiency
Quality and durability of construction
An EPA contractor supported a two-day Building Codes Workshop with 18 government and community
members. The Workshop included facilitated dialogue, education, goal setting and consensus building
followed by strategic planning with the Tribe's HUD Community Challenge Grant Team. The process led to
a draft codes package including a cultural code. The proposed codes package included:
2012 ICC Residential, Non-Residential and Green Codes (with amendments to better serve the Tribe)
Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard (with amendments to better serve the Tribe)
Radon Standard
Greywater Code
Tribal overlay of additional sustainability goals and cultural values
Owner builder package highlighting minimum health and safety standards, voluntary code elements
and educational resources.
Spokane Indian Housing Authority Community Pavillion, Photo: Kari Hutchison
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 75
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Tribal Involvement: Representatives from the Tribe's HUD Community Challenge Grant Team, Planning
Department, Housing Authority, Environmental Department, Health and Human Services, Emergency
Services, Community Members.
Non-Tribal Involvement: U.S. EPA Region 9; HUD; Development Center for Appropriate Technology,
GreenWeaver Inc.
Code Incentive Examples
General
Expedited permitting process
Expedited easement approval process
Permit fee waivers or reductions
Reduced inspections
Targeted - Healthy Building Techniques
Incentives tied to meeting standards for low-emitting
materials, finishes and/or furnishings
Questions to Assess Healthy Building Techniques
5.1. Radon Resistant Building Techniques
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies require homes and
schools to be tested for radon?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
National Radon Program Services
Test Kit - Kansas State University
State Test Kit Programs
EPA Managing Radon in Schools Fact
Sheet
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 76
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Are existing homes with radon levels of 4 Green
pCi/L or more fixed by a qualified radon
professional?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Consumer's Guide to Radon
Reduction
Use State or National Radon
Program contacts to find qualified
radon professionals.
Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do new homes or renovated homes
require radon resistant building
techniques?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Radon Resistant Building Codes and
Standards
o E PA In door Air PL US Radon
Resistant Construction
Requirements
o State Radon Resistant New
Construction Codes
o ANSI-AARSTstandard of
practice for Reducing Radon in
New Construction of 1&2 Family
Dwellings and Townhouses
(CCAH-2013).
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 5.1 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 77
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5.2. Mold Resistant Building Techniques
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies address moisture
control and mold prevention for new or
renovated homes?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Ensure adequate ventilation of
homes, especially bathrooms,
laundry rooms
Use appropriate building materials
to reduce moisture and prevent
leaks
Educate occupants on moisture
control and thoroughly cleaning and
drying water damaged areas and
items within 24-48 hours to prevent
mold
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do construction requirements mitigate
moisture damage?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor airPLUS
Ordinance requiring construction
plans that include protecting
absorptive materials from moisture
damage during construction and
installation
Green
D
D
Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 78
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do new or renovated homes require
mold resistant building techniques?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor airPLUS
Air barriers and housewraps
Capillary breaks below concrete
slabs and in crawlspaces
Building continuous drainage planes
behind exterior cladding, properly
flashed to foundation
Damp or water-proof foundation
walls
Insulated basement and foundation
walls
Window and door openings and roof
or wall intersections fully flashed
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 5.2 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
5.3. Particulate Matter, Vapor and Gas Reduction Techniques
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies require the
installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO)
and smoke detectors in homes?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor air PLUS
Require installation and
maintenance of CO detectors
Ensure proper ventilation of fuel-
burning devices
Educate occupants
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 79
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are smoking bans in place in public
housing or commercial buildings to
eliminate smoke from indoor air?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Smoking bans inside buildings
Minimum setbacks of designated
smoking areas from the building
entrance
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes or policies minimize building
occupants' exposure to particulate
matter, VOCs and other pollutants from
outdoor air pollution created by vehicles
and industry?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor air PLUS
Construct buildings away from
sources of outdoor air pollution
Locate ventilation inputs away from
parking lots
Adequately seal off garages
Use best available ventilation
technology
Educate occupants on maintenance
of ventilation filters
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there requirements for controlling
indoor particulate matter?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor air PLUS
Minimum particulate matter filter
ratings required
Ensure entryway track-off systems
Use non-toxic building and
maintenance materials, avoid
flammable materials
Educate occupants on non-toxic
maintenance options and integrated
pest management
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 80
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Section 5.3 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red
Not Applicable:
5.4. Asbestos and Lead Free Building Techniques
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies inhibit the use of
building materials that contain asbestos
for new or renovated homes?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor airPLUS
Use asbestos-free materials
Asbestos remediation
Educate occupants on how to safely
handle materials with asbestos
(insulation, lagging)
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes or policies inhibit the use of
building materials that contain lead for
new or renovated homes?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor airPLUS
Use lead-free paint
Remediate existing lead paint
Educate occupants on how to safely
handle chipped paint
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 81
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
For repair, renovation and/or demolition Green
of existing buildings, are policies in place
or planned to address proper
precautions for testing, handling, and
disposal of asbestos, lead-based paint,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
mercury and treated lumber?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA asbestos website
EPA lead based paint Renovation,
Repair and Painting Program
(Training and Contractor
Certification)
EPA Recommended Management
and Disposal Options for Mercury-
Containing Products
EPA polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
in caulk website
EPA treated lumber website
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 5.4 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red
Not Applicable:
5.5. Low-Emitting Material Building Techniques
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies encourage the use
of low-emitting materials for floor
coverings?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor airPLUS
Minimum floor covering emission
requirements (as determined by
standards, such as CA/DHS/EHLB/R-
174)
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 82
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies encourage the use
of low-emitting composite materials?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor airPLUS
Minimum composite wood and
aghfiber product emission
requirements (as determined by
standards, such as California Air
Resource Board's regulation,
Airborne Toxic Control Measure to
Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions for
Composite Wood Products or
CA/DHS/EHLB/R-174)
Certified low-formaldehyde pressed
wood materials used
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes or policies encourage the use
of low-emitting materials for ceiling and
wall systems?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor airPLUS
Minimum ceiling and wall system
emission requirements (as
determined by standards, such as
CA/DHS/EHLB/R-174).
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 83
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are no or low-emitting (low VOC)
materials required or encouraged for
adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings,
cleaners and aerosols?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor AirPLUS
Low or no emitting adhesives,
sealant, paints, and coatings
emission requirements (as
determined by standards, such as
California 01350 (California
Department of Homeland Security /
Environmental Health Laboratory
Branch-R-174), Green Seal
Standard GS-11, South Coast Air
Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) Rule 1113, or Green Seal
Standard GC-36)
Carpet, adhesives, and cushion
qualify for Carpet and Rug Institute
(CRI) Green Label Plus or Green
Label testing program
Green Cleaning Products and
Practices
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but
typically allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are building designs that minimizes pest
exposure encouraged?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Foundation joints and penetrations
sealed, including air-tight sump
covers
Corrosion-proof rodent or bird
screens installed at all openings that
cannot be fully sealed (e.g., attic
vents).
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 84
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies encourage the use
of low-emitting materials for office
furniture systems and seating?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
EPA Indoor airPLUS
Minimum office furniture system and
seating emission requirements (as
determined by standards, such as
ANSI/Business and Institutional
Furniture Manufacturer's
Association (BIFMA) Standard M7.1).
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 5.5 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Combine your totals for all subsections and Tribal Priority Totals from Appendix B:
Section 5 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Resources: Healthy Building
NOTE: The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. EPA to endorse any private sector website, product or
service. The U.S. EPA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find on non-EPA websites.
Healthy Building (General)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Healthy Homes - Healthy homes publications, tools and training promoting holistic
approaches to healthy home siting, design, construction, renovation and maintenance.
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyhomes/
CDC/HUD - National Healthy Housing Reference Manual - A reference document for public health and housing
professionals, http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/cha02.htm
National Center for Healthy Housing - A nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing healthy, green and safe
homes through research, education and policy efforts, http://www.nchh.org/
Healthy Building Network-A nonprofit organization working to reduce hazardous chemicals in building products as a
means of improving human health and the environment, http://www.healthvbuilding.net
Indoor Air Quality (General)
EPA Indoor Air Quality Tribal Partners Program - A wide range of Indoor Air Quality information and resources for
tribes, http://www.epa.gov/iaqtribal/
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Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities (IAQTC) - The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) was
created to act as a catalyst among tribal governments in support of environmental protection of Native American
natural resources, http://www4.nau.edu/itep/iaqtc/
EPA Tribal Air Home - Website designed to strengthen EPA and tribal air quality programs in Indian country. Resources
include funding information, school air toxics information, contact information for EPA Tribal Air Coordinators and
announcements, http://www.epa.gov/air/tribal/
EPA Indoor airPLUS - Available construction specifications cover the selection of and installation of moisture control
systems; heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems; combustion-venting systems; radon resistant construction
and low-emitting building materials, http://epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html
EPA Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Website - Resources, publications and EPA activities related to indoor air quality, http://
www.epa.gov/iaq
An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality- Links and general information about known indoor environmental
pollutants, their sources and related health problems, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html
The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality-A comprehensive publication, coauthored by EPA and the
Consumer Product Safety Commission, describing sources of air pollution in the home and office and specific measures
for reducing radon, household chemicals, biological contaminants, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, pesticides,
asbestos and lead, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidestory.html
Residential Air Cleaners (Second Edition) - This publication focuses on air cleaners for residential use. It should be
particularly useful to residential housing design professionals, public health officials and indoor air quality
professionals, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/residair.html
Healthy Buildings, Healthy People: A Vision for the 21st Century-This document lays out a blueprint for agencies and
individuals focusing on indoor environmental quality and related health impacts, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/
hbhp.html
IAQ Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM) - Tool designed for use by building professionals and others
interested in indoor air quality in commercial buildings. I-BEAM updates and expands EPA's Building Air Quality
guidance (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/baq page.htm) and provides comprehensive state-of-the-art guidance
for managing IAQ in commercial buildings, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/i-beam/index.htm
ASHRAE Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning - Resource created by
the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), EPA and partners to provide
guidance on designing, constructing and operating buildings using best practices for indoor air quality.
https://www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/bookstore/indoor-air-quality-guide
ASHRAE Indoor Air Quality Resources - Contains American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAEs) indoor air quality resources, including indoor air quality trainings and publications, https://
www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/bookstore/iaq-resources
ASHRAE Free Resources - Lists all ASHRAE resources that are free to the public, including publications, software and
resources for consumers. https://www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/free-resources#everyone
EPA AirData - Many indoor air pollutants have outdoor sources such as near-roadway pollution, wildfires and pollen.
Access location-specific monitored air quality data for the entire United States from EPA's Air Quality System Data
Mart, http://www.epa.gov/airdata/
EPA National Emissions Inventory-The National Emissions Inventory (NEI) is a comprehensive and detailed estimate
of air emissions of both Criteria and Hazardous air pollutants from all air emissions sources.
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/net/2008inventory.html
Low-Emitting Materials and Products Information
EPA Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program - EPA's program to evaluate and regulate substitutes for the
ozone-depleting chemicals that are being phased out under the Clean Air Act, including refrigerants, air conditioning,
cleaning solvents and adhesives. http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/index.html
California Section 01350 - Low Emitting Materials Specifications - Specifications covering environmental and public
health considerations for building projects. It establishes goals and provides an overview of special environmental
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 86
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requirements, such as guidelines for energy, materials, water efficiency, indoor air quality and nontoxic performance
standards for cleaning and maintenance products. http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/GreenBuilding/Specs/Section01350/
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113 - Architectural coatings rule.
http://www.aqmd.gov/prdas/Coatings/rule 1113.htm
Green Seal - Certifies environmentally preferable products including electric chillers, paints and coatings, windows and
doors, floor finishes and strippers, institutional/industrial cleaners, etc. http://www.greenseal.org/
o Green Seal Standard GS-11 - Paints and coatings
standardhttp://www.greenseal.org/Green Business/Standards.aspx?vid=ViewStandardDetail&cid=0&sid=6
o Green Seal Standard GC-36 - Adhesives for commercial use standard.
http://www.greenseal.org/GreenBusiness/Standards.aspx?vid=ViewStandardDetail&cid=0&sid=22
San Francisco Department of the Environment Green Cleaning-Green cleaning product lists and multi-lingual videos
and training materials on cleaning techniques, http://www.sfenvironment.org/article/business/custodial-green-cleaning
Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Recommended Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Specifications - Specification for carpet, floor
covering adhesive and carpet cushion, http://www.carpet-rug.org/documents/technical bulletins/ 9902 Carpet
and IAQ.pdf
GREENGUARD Certification for Low-Emitting Products - Performance based standards to define goods with low
chemical and particle emissions for use indoors, primarily building materials, interior furnishings, furniture, cleaning
and maintenance products, and electronic equipment - includes adhesives and sealants, wood-based and non-
wood-based construction materials, insulation, paints, coatings and wall finishes, http://www.greenguard.org/
Green Label - Advanced certification for carpet and adhesive products by the Carpet & Rug Institute that ensures
carpets, cushions and adhesive products have low VOC emissions. http://www.carpet-rug.org/CRI-Testing-
Programs/Green-Label-Plus.aspx
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS): Indoor Air Quality - Offers three IAQ certification programs to improve the
environmental performance of building products: Indoor Advantage, Indoor Advantage Gold, and FloorScore. Site
includes IAQ standards, references and certified IAQ product information.
http://www.scscertified.com/gbc/indoor air quality.php
BIFMA/E3 Sustainability Standard for Furniture - Consensus-based method to evaluate the sustainable attributes
of furniture products across the product lifespan. http://www.bifma.org/standards/
Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) - Green Label programs for carpets and adhesives. http://www.carpet-rug.org/
Radon Resistant Building
EPA Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications - New Construction - Specifications to support healthy indoor
air quality, including radon resistant building techniques, http://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/
construction specifications.html
EPA Radon Website - Information and links on protecting people and families from radon. Exposure to radon in the
home is responsible for an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year, and simple radon resistant building
practices can save lives, http://epa.gov/radon/
Radon Leaders Website - An online learning and action network that connects radon stakeholders through outreach
materials, interactive blogs, forums and resources, http://www.radonleaders.org
EPA Where Can I Get a Radon Test Kit? - Information on national and state Radon Test Kit providers.
http://www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html
National Radon Program Services (Kansas State University) - Provides affordable short (3-4 days) and long (3-12
months) term radon test kits for homes in the United States, http://sosradon.org/test-kits
EPA Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction - Detailed guide and checklist on radon reduction techniques and working
with contractors to reduce radon levels in your home, http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/consguid.htmltfoverview
EPA Building Radon Out - Building Radon Out - Step-by-step guide for builders on building healthier, radon-resistant
homes, http://www.epa.gov/radon/pdfs/buildradonout.pdf
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 87
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Mold
ANSI-AARST Standard: Reducing Radon in New Construction of 1 & 2 Family Dwellings and Townhouses - Standard
written in code language to reduce radon in new homes. Checklists and contractor resource links are also included.
http://www.epa.gov/radon/rrnc/moreinfo.html
EPA Managing Radon in Schools- EPA recommends testing all schools for radon. This fact sheet shares the Indoor Air
Quality Tools for School Approach to successfully managing radon in schools.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/pdfs/kit/managing radon.pdf
Listing of States and Local Jurisdictions with Radon Resistant New Construction Codes -
http://www.epa.gov/radon/rrnc/code listing.html
EPA Mold Website - Includes on-line courses on mold basics and many mold resources and publications.
http://www.epa.gov/mold/
EPA Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction and Maintenance-This document provides
building professionals with practical guidance to control moisture in buildings during design, construction and
maintenance, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/moisture/index.html
Center for Disease Control Mold Website - Provides information on mold and health, including an inventory of state
indoor air quality programs and advice on assessment, cleanup and prevention of mold growth, http://www.cde.gov/
mold
HUD Healthy Homes Mold and Moisture Website - Information on preventing and getting rid of mold.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program offices/healthy homes/healthyhomes/mold
Heating Systems
EPA Burn Wise - An EPA partnership program emphasizing the importance of burning the right wood, the right way,
in the right wood-burning appliance to protect your home and health. Wood-burning appliance change-out program
and best burn practice information, http://www.epa.gov/burnwise
EPA Burn Wise Certified Appliances - EPA certified wood stoves, pellet stoves, fireplaces, hydronic heaters and gas
stove information and lists, http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/appliances.html
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 88
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Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in California: Solarthermal system on top of Chumash Casino Resort
SECTION 6: ASSESSMENT- ENERGY
EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Energy efficiency is an essential aspect of green building. Through energy efficiency, heating and cooling loads can
be reduced. If those loads are met with energy from fossil fuels, the carbon footprint of a building is also reduced.
Reducing heating and cooling loads through energy efficiency and passive solar design also reduces building
operating costs.
6.1. Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design takes advantage of natural heating and cooling cycles to efficiently reduce active energy use.
Passive energy uses thermal mass such as a building's walls, water or earth to absorb heat energy from the sun,
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 89
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and then radiate this heat. Passive energy does not require a distribution system, such as an electricity grid
or gas pipelines.
Some energy efficient design strategies utilize the passive solar strategies. The climates of many tribal lands create
both heating and cooling demands for buildings. In some locations one is significantly more important than the
other, while in other places only heating or cooling is needed.
Passive solar design with daylighting. Photo: U.S. Department of Energy
Key Strategies in North America include:
Skylight for natural daylighting. Photo: U.S. Department of Energy
Use proper siting, orientation and building design to optimize heat gain from the sun during the winter and/
or minimize it during the summer:
o Orient long axis of the house east-west where heat gain in winter is desired
o Install glass and, or windows on the south and east sides of a building
o Minimize skylights and west-facing glass where summer cooling is important
o Size roof overhangs so the low winter sun penetrates the building, but windows are shaded from high
summer sun
o Specify windows with high solar heat gain coefficient
o Install thermal mass (thick tile, stone, concrete, earthen materials, water) in areas where winter sun
penetrates to collect and store solar heat (e.g., concrete, stone or adobe floors or "trombe walls")
Maximize south sloping roof area if installing, or planning for, solar photovoltaic or solar hot water panels
Create efficient thermal envelope (high insulation values, low air infiltration, double glazed windows and
low-emissivity glass)
Plant vegetation that shades windows from unwanted summer sun, but not the desired winter sun
Consider benefits or detriments of shading existing adjacent buildings in siting of new construction
Provide passive cooling with nighttime ventilation that flushes heat out with cooler nighttime air (e.g.,
thermal chimneys, clerestory windows or with minimal powered assistance of "whole house fans")
Use evaporative cooling methods
6.2. Energy Efficiency and Optimizing Building Performance
Optimizing a building's energy performance reduces the costs associated with energy use and minimizes
associated environmental impacts, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 90
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Key Strategies:
> Enact and implement the International Energy Conservation Code
-* Obtain ENERGY STAR Homes Certification
Purchase ENERGY STAR/energy efficient appliances and
technologies, such as:
o Lighting
o Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC)
o Water heating, plumbing, and pumping
o Kitchen appliances
Purchase ENERGY STAR/energy efficient windows and doors
> Use of off-grid systems
> Energy audits and commissioning
^ Diverse generation and storage systems
6.3. Renewable Energy- Generation, Storage and
Distribution
On-site renewable energy generation can produce significant
environmental, economic, and sovereignty benefits. On-site renewable
energy reduces energy costs by decreasing a building's susceptibility to
fossil fuel price volatility. It also reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions. Tribal generation of renewable energy can support tribal
sovereignty and self-sufficiency by reducing reliance on non-tribal utility
sources.
While tribal lands comprise 2% of U.S. lands, technical potential on tribal
lands comprises 4.8% of the total national U.S. technical capacity potential
for renewable energy and 6% of the total generation, varying by resource.
Solar photovoltaics (both urban and rural), concentrated solar power, and
wind have the largest technical potential of the renewable energy resources
on tribal lands.
Key Strategies:
Utilization of on-site renewable energy sources, such as:
o Solar - including systems such as solar electric (photovoltaic)
and solar hot water, and passive solar design systems
o Geothermal
o Wind
o Micro-hydroelectric
o Wood-fired heat/power
Barriers to Sustainable Practices?
The federal government, through the
Department of Energy (DoE),
supports energy efficiency in
buildings through the development
of model codes and standards for
adoption by states.
The legislation authorizing this
program (42 U.S.C. § 6833) does
not mention tribal governments.
The development of the model
energy code for residential buildings
is conducted by the International
Code Council (ICC), which updates
its model code every three years.
Federal law (42 U.S.C. § 12709)
requires that most new federally-
assisted public housing, and new
homes with federally insured
mortgages, meet or exceed the
standards in the 2006 edition of the
ICC energy code.
This requirement, however, does
not apply to housing funded
through the Native American
Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act
(NAHASDA).
Energy efficiency investments are
allowable under NAHASDA (25 U.S.C.
§ 4132), but there is a countervailing
regulatory requirement that
housing be of "moderate design"
and subject to a prescribed limit on
"total development cost" (25 C.F.R.
§§ 1000.156,1000.158).
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 91
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Tribal lands solar photovoltaic (PV) utility-scale rural generation potential
GWtl
1-1.000
i .WTO - so.ooo
3 50,000 -100.000
O I3C.aC3-bOO.KK.
D -'500.000
U.S. Department of Energy Geospatial Analysis of Renewable Energy Technical Potential on Tribal Lands: Department of Energy (2013)
Top 25 Tribal Lands by Technical Potential for Rural Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Generation
Tribal Land
Rural Utility PV Rural Utility
Power Potential PV Potential
Annual Installed
Generation Capacity
(MWh) (MW)
Rural Utility PV
Available Land
(km2)
Navajo
Hopi
Tohono O'odham
Standing Rock
Fort Peck
Pine Ridge
Uintah and Ouray
Osage
Cheyenne River
Wind River
Blackfeet
Rosebud
Lake Traverse (Sisseton)
Zuni Pueblo
San Carlos
Crow
White Earth
Laguna Pueblo
Fort Berthold
Fort Belknap
.licarilla Apache
Hualapai
Leech Lake
Gila River
Yankton
NM. I IT. AZ, CO
AZ
AZ
SD, ND
MT
NE, SD
I IT
OK
SD
WY
MT
NE, SD
SD. MN. ND
NM. AZ
AZ
WY. MT
MN
NM
ND
MT
NM, CO
AZ
MN
AZ
NE, SD
2,494,474.583
2,295.637.379
986,595,977
932.953.632
609.883.158
450.036.180
442.003.250
325,020,763
323,595,921
318,333,071
299.959.630
284,184,572
266,608,010
196.586,404
187,916,024
183.354,288
180,721,292
172,651,833
168,674,984
168,388,007
150,130,043
134,901,150
129,919,796
129,768.914
121,296,780
1,087,316
998.053
427,892
503,395
327,966
240,320
203,766
166.400
172.803
158.647
161.304
151,746
142,810
85,349
81,500
98,599
109,009
74,984
95,006
90,551
65,203
58,507
78,366
56,282
64,759
22.652
20.793
8,914
10.487
6.833
5,007
4.245
3,467
3.600
3.305
3,361
3.161
2.975
1.778
1.698
2,054
2,271
1,562
1.979
1,886
1,358
1,219
1,633
1,173
1,349
U.S. Department of Energy Geospatial Analysis of Renewable Energy Technical Potential on Tribal Lands: Department of Energy (2013)
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 92
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Tribal lands wind generation potential
K
"
U.S. Department of Energy Geospatial Analysis of Renewable Energy Technical Potential on Tribal Lands: Department of Energy (2013)
Top 25 Tribal Lands by Technical Potential for Wind Electricity Generation
Wind
Potential
Annual Wintl Potential
Generation at Installed Wind Available
SO m and Capacity at 80 I and at 80 m
GCF>- 30* m and GCF>- and OOF>-
TnbalLand Slate IMWM) 30% (MW) 30% (hinf
Cheyenne KIVCT
IttantJmg Hock
fort Peek
Pine Hideo
KOSEftHld
Btockfect
Lake Traverse (Sissoion)
Fort Fterthohd
OMRO
Crow
Fort Rslknap
Vankton
Wiiile Farlh
Crnw Creek
Lower Unite
fjHVllN lakM StIHIJt
Omaha
WiniJ Rivm
Northern Cheycnno
Wago
SHUTS*
Mcsc^lofo Apache
Furl HH||
PO)flw,Alomi PiMiif. Bniid
YaKonij
SL>
SU. Ml)
MT
NL. SD
NL. SD
MT
SD. MN. NU
ND
OK
WV. MT
MT
NE.SD
MN
SD
SD
NO
IA. NL
WY
MT
IA. NL
NF
NM
10
KS
WA
lS8.OU8.4y2
149,093,091
126.258.676
113.39B.124
Or.002./B0
09.911.790
60.824.322
43.853.495
43.407.456
39.739.fiOB
l'l,b/3,»J4
19.367.345
1 7.099 .9K9
14,b21.81G
14.300.1S5
12.bOB.4b6
12,306,22tJ
9,371.963
6.601.b33
fi.4St9.9K4
5.566.143
5.031,995
4.rifi?.9K9
3.720.634
bf.006 Il.b61
4b,9/"2 9,194
41.331 1 8.26G
38.028 1 7.60G
2b,B3'J &.16/
24.476 4.895
lt.fJ6w J.b4/
1O.409 " 3.9H9
1G.3G7 3.271
tfi.497 3.?9Q
11.725 2,345
6.732 1.346
7.400 1.4BO
f».797 1.144
4509 902
4.S33 907
3.919 1 /84
'5,'J'I1:. Bfiy
3.522 704
2,094 419
9.118 494
2.240 448
2.026 1 405
1,548 310
1383 277
U.S. Department of Energy Geospatial Analysis of Renewable Energy Technical Potential on Tribal Lands: Department of Energy (2013)
Tribal Green Building Toolkit 93
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Case Study: Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians
The Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians is located roughly two miles east of the town of
Auberry, in Fresno County, California. The Rancheria is situated on a small valley floor in a rugged foothill
portion of the Sierra Nevada National Forest. The Rancheria includes about fifty homes and 151 residents.
About 80% the community is low-to-middle income and 30% do not have motorized transportation. All
water on the Rancheria is provided by community wells and is treated for uranium contamination.
The tribe had just split the single
department responsible for both housing
and environmental management into two
separate departments and had started to
focus on long-term planning for housing,
community and business development
when EPA offered green building codes
technical assistance.
The Housing Manager, an experienced
contractor, was facilitating a shift from
hiring outside contractors or purchasing
mobile homes to building homes in-house
using local labor. The Environmental
Programs Manager brought her background
in architecture and knowledge of green
building, energy efficiency and sustainable materials. The tribe recognized that adopting green codes could
help ensure that future development would meet the needs and standards the tribe sought to provide for its
community members.
The Tribe was particularly interested in codes that would increase energy efficiency, reduce negative
health impacts from poor indoor air quality, minimize and properly dispose of construction waste, cut
building operating and maintenance costs and conserve water and wastewater - a special concern because
of uranium contamination of their wells.
The Tribe joined the EPA Tribal Green Building Codes Workgroup and EPA's contractors provided information
on the draft Pinoleville Tribal Green Building Code, the CALGreen state code for California, resources about
moisture and mold, alternatives to spray foam insulation and more.
The Tribe liked the layout and structure of the Pinoleville draft code, so it modified and improved that
code to meet tribal priorities.
In September 2014, the Tribal Council adopted the long-range plan and green building code. The process was
aided by having key managers and the Tribal Council Vice Chairperson on the team that drafted the code.
Big Sandy Rancheria home with solar panels. Photo: Jaime Collins
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 94
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Tribal Involvement: Big Sandy Environmental Programs Office, Big Sandy Rancheria Indian Housing Authority,
Tribal Council Vice Chairperson.
Non-Tribal Involvement: U.S. EPA Region 9, Development Center for Appropriate Technology, GreenWeaver Inc.
Code Incentive Examples
General
Expedited permitting process
Expedited easement approval process
Permit fee waivers or reductions
Reduced inspections
Targeted - Energy
Incentives to build smaller
Incentives to use less energy per square foot
Incentives to construct buildings that are more energy
efficient than the minimum requirements of the
jurisdiction
Incentives for renewable energy: solar, wind, geothermal,
low-impact hydro or bio-gas projects
Questions to Assess Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategies
6.1. Passive Solar Design
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Do codes or policies address solar siting
and orientation of buildings for new
construction?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Consider passive solar potential in
the siting, orientation, and
relationship between all buildings
and facilities.
If cultural needs require the building
or a feature (such as the entrances)
to face in a certain direction, develop
code accommodations.
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 95
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies take into account
shading of adjacent buildings to assure
solar access for new construction?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Regulate the siting and height of
new construction to prevent
obstruction of solar access for
existing buildings or planned
building sites.
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Yellow
., , Will be expressly allowed in
Code/ordinance silent, but typically code/ordinance
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 6.1 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
6.2. Optimized Energy Performance
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies require analysis of
potential passive solar design
contributions to minimize heating and
cooling loads?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Require design of new buildings to
include analysis of passive solar
design potential.
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 96
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies allow for optimal
sizing of HVAC equipment, including the
potential for downsizing or eliminating
systems based on the contribution from
passive solar design?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Allow residential projects that can
demonstrate that a design is capable
of maintaining safe and minimal
levels of temperature and ventilation
through passive means to eliminate
or downsize mechanical HVAC
systems.
Allow these projects to use high-
efficiency (EPA certified) wood
stoves, cooling towers, and other
traditional or alternative systems as
back-up systems to conventional
mechanical systems.
ENERGY STAR Home Heating and
Cooling Guidance
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do ordinances require commercial
building energy-related systems to be
installed and calibrated and to perform
according to the most up-to-date model
code or standard? Additional
considerations include:
Are there incentives to build smaller
or use less energy per square foot?
Are there incentives to construct
buildings that are more energy
efficient than the minimum
requirements of the jurisdiction?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Commercial building requirements
Enhanced energy provisions of the
International green Construction
Code (IgCC) orASHRAE 189.1
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 97
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are checklists, certification, field testing,
and/or verification required to ensure
energy performance standards are met?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
ENERGY STAR:
o Homes Certification
o Qualified Homes Program
Checklist
o Energy Design Guidance
Checklist
o Target Finder in Commercial
Buildings
DOE Zero Energy Ready Home
National Program
Third-party building inspection or
commissioning of equipment,
insulation, ductwork, etc., prior to
completion.
Diagnostic testing to assure proper
installation and verification by a
certified Home Energy Rating System
rater
Verification of energy performance
for change of occupant and re-sale
through audits and utility data
disclosure.
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes or ordinances provide for
ongoing accountability of building energy
consumption?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Ordinances requiring measurement
devices with ability to provide daily
energy data
Or din an ces pro vidin g for sub-
metering of large or significant loads
in commercial buildings
Ordinances providing for sub-
metering of individual apartments in
multi-family buildings and of
individual tenants in commercial
buildings
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Red
D
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 98
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there requirements in place (e.g.,
maximum allowed lumens per square
foot for each lighting zone) for outdoor
lighting related to: buildings and
structures, recreational areas, parking
lot and street lighting, landscape lighting,
billboards and other signage?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Dark skies or night skies ordinances
Adoption of the latest energy codes
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D
Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are high efficiency appliances
encouraged or required?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
ENERGY STAR appliances
(i. e., refrigerators, freezers, air
purifiers, clothes washers,
dehumidifiers and dishwashers)
Efficient heating element
specifications
WaterSense labeled plumbing
fixtures (i.e., toilets, faucets,
showerheads and urinals)
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are solar water heating systems allowed
or encouraged by code?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Permit fee waiver
Priority permit processing
Solar easements
Solar requirements or ordinance
Solar-ready construction
requirement
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 99
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are hot water systems required to be
efficient?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
WaterSense New Home
Specifications
Hot water piping insulation
Hot water recirculating pumps
Minimizing hot water plumbing
distances and store no more than .5
gallons of water between the source
and furthest fixture
Use of on-demand water heaters
Maximum service pressure of 60 PSI
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 6.2 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Not Applicable:
6.3. Renewable Energy- Generation, Storage and Distribution
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Is renewable energy use promoted?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Renewable energy requirements or
incentives
ENERGY STAR Renewable Energy
Ready Homes Specifications
Green Power programs
Solar-ready construction
requirement
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are renewable energy technologies
allowable under existing local
ordinances? Examples include:
Tree ordinances that limit solar
Structural height limitations that
impact solar
Prohibitions on the use of
groundwater in geothermal projects
Structural restrictions for small and
large scale wind generation
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Incentives for renewable solar, wind,
geothermal, low-impact hydro or
bio-gas projects
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are there allowances for using
renewable energy technologies at
registered historic properties or
resources?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Historic preservation ordinance
Sustainable design of historic
buildings policy
Is net-metering encouraged by codes or
ordinances?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Net-metering policy or ordinance
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 101
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Section 6.3 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Combine your totals for all subsections and Tribal Priority Totals from Appendix B:
Section 6 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Resources: Passive Solar, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
NOTE: The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. EPA to endorse any private sector website, product or
service. The U.S. EPA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find on non-EPA websites.
Passive Solar Design Information
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Whole Building Design Guide: Passive Solar Heating-Technical
resource for all aspects of design and construction with a comprehensive section on passive solar design, http://
www.wbdg.org/resources/psheating.php
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Our Home: Buildings of the Land - Energy
Efficiency Design Guide for Indian Housing - Guide providing information on energy efficient building and
development on tribal lands, including passive orientation and design of houses and developments.
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/legosti/old/21217.pdf
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy.gov: Passive Solar Home Design - Guidance on passive design strategies
and resources, http://energv.gov/energvsaver/articles/passive-solar-home-design
Energy Efficient Products
ENERGY STAR Certified Products for Homes-A joint program of the EPA and the DOE with energy efficient product
listings for windows, doors, skylights, roof products, seals, insulation, appliances (air purifiers, clothes washers,
dehumidifiers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers), electronics and battery chargers.
https://www.energystar.gov/products/certified-products
ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package for New Homes - Designation for homes with a minimum of 60% ENERGY
STAR qualified hard-wired fixtures and 100% ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans where installed.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=fixtures.alp consumers
ENERGY STAR Heating and Cooling - Guidance and checklists on maintaining efficient operation of residential heating,
ventilation and air conditioning systems. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat cool.pr hvac&s=mega
ENERGY STAR Homes
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes - Homes are designed and built to standards delivering energy efficiency savings of up
to 30% compared to typical new homes. A new home earning the ENERGY STAR label has undergone a process of
inspections, testing and verification to meet requirements set by EPA. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?
c=new homes.hm index&s=mega
ENERGY STAR Homes Builder Information - http://www.energystar.gov/homes
ENERGY STAR Affordable Housing - Affordable housing solutions for reducing energy costs and saving money
by making homes more affordable, sustainable and livable, http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?
c=affordable housing.affordable housing
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 102
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General Energy Code Information
DOE Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Building Energy Code Program (BECP) - Works with other
government agencies, state and local jurisdictions, national code organizations and industry to promote stronger
building energy codes. Provides resources on national model energy codes, http://www.energycodes.gov/
DOE EERE - Technical Assistance to States - Specialized technical assistance to the states in the form of economic
analysis, code comparisons, webcast training, and compliance material development requested by states to help
them adopt, upgrade, implement and enforce their building energy codes.
http://www.energycodes.gov/publications/general/BECP Assistance table.pdf
DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program - Program requirements and verification information for single and
multi-family homes with 3 stories or fewer, http://energv.gov/eere/buildings/downloads/doe-zero-energy-readv-
home-national-program-requirements-rev-04
Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) - Delivers state-based code advocacy on behalf of the DOE's BECP, serves as
clearinghouse on energy code information, develops resources to support code compliance and provides energy code
training, http://bcap-energy.org/
BCAP's Online Code Environment & Advocacy Network (OCEAN) - An interactive, online resource designed to
share lessons learned, best practices, educational resources and key facts related to building energy code adoption
and implementation, http://bcap-ocean.org/
Best Practices for State Building Energy Code Policy: Improving Energy Efficiency through Building Energy Codes
Policy - Key policy measures governments can use to incorporate and enhance current model energy codes into local
laws, http://www.energycodes.gov/why codes/
Massachusetts Optional Stretch Energy Code - Appendix to the state building code IECC 2009 Codes with Appendix.
http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/doer/green-communities/grant-program/stretch-code-qa-feblO-2011.pdf
Boulder, CO, HERS Rating Home Code -
o Requirement that a bigger home will need a better score -
http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com content&task=view&id=8444<emid=22
o Boulder adopts 2006 IECC for residential and community building efficiency [HERS Index of 100] -
http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com content&task=view&id=207<emid=2173
o HERS certificate required for Certificate of Occupancy - http://www.sustainablybuilt.com/hers.html
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy - Database of tribal, state, local and utility incentives for renewable
energy, http://www.dsireusa.org
Federal Incentives/Policies for Renewables and Efficiency -http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/index.cfm?
state=us&re=l&EE=l
Energy Efficiency Incentive Information
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs-An overview of federal
programs by the Congressional Budget Office published October 2013. http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R40913.pdf
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) - Source of information on state, local, utility and
federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, http://www.dsireusa.org/
International Dark-Sky Association - Information on preserving the nighttime environment through quality outdoor
lighting, http://www.darkskv.org
Outdoor Lighting Code Handbook - Discusses issues relative to outdoor lighting codes, their effectiveness,
implementation and enforcement. "Pattern code" included, to be modified for each community's needs.
http://www.darkskvsociety.org/handouts/idacodehandbook.pdf
Simple Guidelines for Lighting Regulations - Guidelines for small communities, urban neighborhoods and
subdivisions. http://docs.darksky.org/Codes/SimpleGuidelines.pdf
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 103
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Light Levels SmartCode Module - Supplements the Center for Applied Transect Studies SmartCode.
http://transect.org/docs/LightLevels.pdf
Illuminating Engineering Society- Provides information on all aspects of good lighting practice to its members, the
lighting community and consumers through programs, publications and services, http://www.ies.org
Tribal Renewable Energy Information
DOE Geospatial Analysis of Renewable Energy Technical Potential on Tribal Lands - Provides maps, analysis and
potential renewable energy generation on tribal lands and lists top tribal renewable energy opportunities.
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fyl3osti/56641.pdf
Wind Energy Information
American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) - AWEA promotes wind energy as a clean source of electricity for
consumers around the world, www.awea.org/
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Wind Systems Integration - NREL provides studies and resources for
the integration of wind power into traditional utility systems as well as state wind resource maps for the assessment of
local wind, http://www.nrel.gov/wind/systemsintegration/
Eagle County, CO, Performance-Based Permitting System - Example permitting system that awards
points for producing wind energy, http://www.eaglecounty.us/
Nevada, IA, Zoning Regulations-Allows small Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) in industrial districts and by
special use permit in all other districts, subject to performance standards. WECS are exempt from the general height
restrictions of the zone districts, but height is limited through a use standard.
http://www.ci.nevada.ia.us/default.php
Solar Energy Information
ENERGY STAR Renewable Energy Ready Homes Specifications - Helps homebuilders assess and equip new homes
with features that make it easier and less expensive to install solar systems after the home is built.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=rerh.rerh index
American Solar Energy Society - The American Solar Energy Society is a leading association of solar professionals
and advocates, http://www.ases.org
Department of Energy Building America Best Practices for High-Performance Technologies: Solar Thermal and
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems - Provides an alternative to traditional panels in areas where aesthetics are of significant
concern (e.g., historic districts), http://appsl.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building america/41085.pdf
Gresham, OR, Development Code, Solar Access Standard - See Appendix 8: Solar Access; also A8.02 for Exceptions to
Setback Requirements for Solar Energy Collecting Structures, http://greshamoregon.gov/citv/city-
departments/planning-services/developmentplanning/template.aspx?id=3586
City of Berkeley, CA Title 23 (Zoning Ordinance) Section 23D.04. - Example lot and development standards
including solar energy equipment standards. http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/uploadedFiles/Clerk/Level 3 - BMC/
BMC-Part2- 032508.pdf
Pullman, WA, Development Code, Planned Residential Development Section 17.107 - Example incentives for
solar access. http://www.law.du.edu/documents/rmlui/sustainable-development/SolarAccess.pdf
Teton County, WY, Solar Access Regulations- Registration of the right to solar access as a property right.
http://clerkl.state.wv.us/plan/docs/ComprehensivePlan/Resolutions/Solar.pdf
DSIRE Solar: Electric and Thermal - Information on state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that
promote the adoption of solar technologies, http://www.dsireusa.org/solar/index.cfm?ee=l&RE=l&spf=l&st=l
Inspector Guidelines for PV Systems - A framework for the permitting and inspection of PV systems. httE
irecusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/PV-Field-lnspection-Guide-June-2010-F-l.pdf
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 104
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Geothermal and Tidal Energy Information
DOE Geothermal Technologies Office - Information and resources on geothermal energy and geothermal energy
technologies, http://wwwl.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/
GeoExchange Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium - Partnership between the DOE, EPA, electric utilities and the
GeoExchange heat pump industry. Find a geothermal manufacturers and contractors by state or province.
http://www.geoexchange.org
DOE Water Power Program - Researches, tests, evaluates and develops innovative technologies capable of generating
renewable, environmentally responsible, cost-effective electricity from water resources. This includes hydropower as
well as marine and hydrokinetic energy technologies, http://energv.gov/eere/water/water-power-program
Energy Rating Information
ENERGY STAR- Includes a variety of proven energy-efficient features that contribute to improved building quality,
tenant comfort, lower energy demand and reduced air pollution, http://www.energystar.gov/
Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) - Information on energy audits and rating processes. Also includes a
directory to certified energy auditors, raters and qualified contractors and builders, http://www.resnet.us/
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) - Based on the home's construction plans and on-site inspections, the Home
Energy Rater uses an energy efficiency software package to perform an energy analysis of the home. This analysis
yields a projected, pre-construction HERS Index, http://www.resnet.us/home-energy-ratings
Energy Consumption Monitoring Information
Berkeley, CA, Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance - First city in the nation to require efficiency upgrades for
residential buildings at the point of sale. Before the transfer of title can occur, the seller must have an energy inspection
to verify performance. http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/uploadedFiles/Planning and Development/Level 3 -
Energy and Sustainable Development/Residential%20Energy%20Conservation%20Ordinance%20Compliance%
20Guide%202008. pdf
California Assembly Bill 1065 - Standards to progressively reduce energy consumption from offsite sources.
http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab 1051-1100/ab 1065 bill 20100104 amended asm v97.pdf
District of Columbia Bill 17-0492 The Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008 - Washington, D.C. law requiring
ENERGY STAR benchmarking of all government buildings.
http://www.greenplaybook.org/resources/whats new/post4/category6.htm
Other Energy Information
EPA Resources for Incorporating Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy in State and Tribal Implementation Plans-
Good resources and a roadmap for planning, http://epa.gov/airquality/eere/index.html
EPA's Clean Energy Information Resources Database (CEIRD) - Describes key resources and documents relevant to the
National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, http://cfpub.epa.gov/ceird/index.cfm?fuseaction=napee.search is
DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) - EERE programs on building technologies, federal energy
management, geothermal technologies, hydrogen, fuel cells, biomass, infrastructure technologies, industrial
technologies, renewable energy technologies and weatherization. http://www.eere.energy.gov/
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) - ASHRAE advances heat,
ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
http://www.ashrae.org
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy - A non-profit dedicated to advancing energy efficiency to
promote economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection, www.aceee.org
Alliance to Save Energy - The Alliance to Save Energy is a non-profit coalition of business, government, environmental
and consumer leaders, http://ase.org/
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 105
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American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy - Non-profit organization that does technical and policy
analysis, works with companies and organizations, advises policymakers and managers and promotes energy
efficiency education. Publications for purchase, http://aceee.org/
American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) - An organization of member companies and institutions that are
dedicated to moving renewable energy into the mainstream of America's economy, http://www.acore.org
DOE EERE Building Technologies Program - Partners with the private sector, government agencies, national
laboratories and universities to improve efficiency of buildings and the equipment and systems within them. The
program supports research and development activities and provides tools, guidelines, training and access to technical
and financial resources, http://wwwl.eere.energy.gov/buildings/index.html
Bonneville Power Administration Weatherization Specifications - Best practices that apply to existing
residential (retrofit) weatherization for electrically heated single family and manufactured homes.
http://www.bpa.gOV/energy/n/residential/Weatherization/FINAL BPA Wx Specs.pdf
On-Site Generation and Interconnection to the Utility Grid
DOE Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Interconnection and Permitting Guide - Guide to assist federal
energy managers in navigating interconnection and permitting information, http://wwwl.eere.energy.gov/femp/
technologies/derchp ipg.html
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) - Standardized procedures and a standard interconnection
agreement for the interconnection of generators to the power grid. The rules differ depending on whether the
generator is larger or smaller than 20 megawatts, http://www.ferc.gov/industries/electric/indus-act/gi.asp
Standards Board of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) Standard 1547 - Standard for
Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems, http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/scc21/dr shared/
The DSIRE Database - Lists state interconnection rules, http://www.dsireusa.org/
California Rule 21 - California standards for interconnection of distributed energy resources.
http://www.energy.ca.gov/distgen/interconnection/california requirements.html
Offsite Renewable Energy-Green Power Information
EPA Green Power Partnership - Voluntary program supporting the organizational procurement of green power by
offering expert advice, technical support, tools and resources, http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/
DOE: The Green Power Network - Information network on the green power market including green power providers,
product offerings, consumer protection issues, policies affecting green power markets and a reference library, http
apps3.eere.ene rgy. g o v/g reenpower/
Green Power Locators by state - http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/pubs/gplocator.htm
Green Power Network - http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/buying/buying power.shtml
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Duck Valley Tribe, Nevada
SECTION 7: ASSESSMENT - WATER ACCESS,
MANAGEMENT AND SANITATION
Access to safe and reliable water is a challenge for communities all over the world, including tribal communities in
many parts of the U.S. Water conservation is an important aspect of water access and water management. With
drought and climate shifts already occurring, some regions will continue to see declines in water supply. Creating
safe and effective sanitation and wastewater systems also poses challenges. The main components of this section
relate to the management of water resources, water access, water conservation, sanitation and wastewater
treatment.
Where there are pollution or contamination issues (e.g., radon, uranium, heavy metals or other toxic chemicals),
harvested rainwater can be used as a cleaner, safer source than conventional sources. Using captured rainwater
for irrigation can also help alleviate soil salinization issues in gardens and agricultural areas.
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 107
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Key Questions:
> Is water availability and/or accessibility an issue for your tribe?
Do building and land use codes encourage water conservation and reuse?
> Are there protections from pollution and contamination and strategies to ensure water quality?
Key Terms:
Greywater: Wastewater generated by sinks, showers, bath tubs and laundry, which can be recycled on-site
for uses like toilet flushing and landscape irrigation.
^ Permaculture: A branch of ecological design and construction that develops sustainable architecture,
regenerative and self-maintained habitat and agricultural systems modeled from natural ecosystems.
^ Xeriscaping: Landscaping approaches that eliminate or reduce the need for supplemental water from
sprinkler systems or irrigation.
7.1. Safe Water Access: Building Water Sources
Water sources for buildings can vary from private wells, surface water, rain water and reused water. Identifying a
safe and reliable water source is a key component of any building project.
Key Strategies:
^ Regular testing for radon and other contaminants in building water sources
Treatment as needed for potable water uses (filtration, ultra-violet light, chlorination or other
methods)
> Discharge quality requirements
7.2. Conservation of Existing Water Supplies
Water metering is critical to track water conservation and detect leaks. Passive water systems (gravity-driven) can
be used for storing and circulating water. They require little or no maintenance, and may be less expensive to install
than active systems. Active water systems are a common element in most new developments. They use one or
more pumps to circulate water and require maintenance.
Key Strategies:
> On-site water metering and sub-metering of buildings
> Installation or creation of land contours, gutters and drains, and basins or retention areas (especially for
passive systems)
^ Locating development close to water sources
^ Promoting natural water filtration through strategic plantings
^ Installation of WaterSense/water-conserving appliances:
o Faucets and showerheads with flow restrictors
o Low-flow or dual-flush toilets
o Efficient washing machines and dishwashers
o High-efficiency cooling systems
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Using dual-plumbed systems and other greywater plumbing
and usage strategies
Locating containment tanks adjacent to structures, and inclusion
of vents and overflows in tanks
7.3. Rain Harvesting and Innovative Sanitation
and Wastewater Treatment Systems
Rainwater harvesting and storage can supply some or all of a building's
water needs. Innovative sanitation and wastewater treatment and reuse
systems (e.g., use of greywater, reclaimed water, or on-site wastewater
treatment) can diminish water needs.
Key Strategies:
Installation of rainwater collection and storage system (tailored
to the climate and demand)
} Use of composting or urine-diverting dehydrating toilets (UDDTs)
Wastewater treatment systems and use planning
Greywater-ready piping
Barriers to Sustainable Practices
Examples of barriers to sustainable
practices as well as regulations that
institute unsustainable practices can be
found in many codes.
For example, "... in most places all water
entering a building is required to be
potable water (drinking water quality)
regardless of its intended use, and once
used must be treated as blackwater (raw
sewage) regardless of the use. If there is
an available sewer system, typically there
is a legal requirement to connect to it,
and if not, a requirement to install a
water-based septic system. In most
jurisdictions, toilet flushing using
rainwater or greywater is prohibited.
The result is that in most places there is a
legal requirement to intentionally
pollute drinking water with human
excrement."
Source: Eisenberg, David and Pearsom, Sonja,
Living Building Challenge: Code, Regulatory and
Systemic Barriers Affecting Living Building
Projects, 2009
A rain barrel used to collect rooftop runoff using a gutter downspout system.
7.4. Water-Efficient Landscaping and Landscape Irrigation
Water-efficient landscaping offers many economic and environmental benefits that can include lower water bills,
decreased energy use, reduced water irrigation, reduced landscaping and labor maintenance and conservation of
natural resources.
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Key Strategies:
Street and stormwater harvesting
Appropriate siting of food and landscaping plants
Lawn conversion to xeriscape
Native and drought tolerant plants
-^ Gravity-fed watering systems
Case Study: Pinoleville Porno Nation, Water Conservation and
Community Visioning
....
PPN tribal green home built with HUD funding. Photo:
Sustainable Native Communities Collaborative
The Pinoleville Porno Nation (PPN), located in Northern
California, developed a performance-based tribal green
building code through a community-based planning and
building process. The PPN also worked with green building
code experts, engineering students from the Community
Assessment of Renewable Energy and Sustainability (CARES)
Program at the University of California, Berkeley and the U.S.
EPA to develop a codes framework that would assert cultural
sovereignty, address tribal priorities, and build capacity.
In addition to developing building codes, the PPN collaborated with CARES to design and build two prototype
homes. These homes were built to the PPN building code that incorporated "remembering" Porno
architecture in their design.
PPN and CARES Building Design Charrette-2008
Photo: Pinoleville Porno Nation
PPN Straw Bale Construction Workshop - 2012
Photo: Pinoleville Porno Nation
To complete the homes, the PPN invited tribal builders from several nearby communities to join in the hands-
on training and construction process. These highly efficient homes feature straw bale walls, earthen plasters,
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 110
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no-to-low volatile organic compound paints and stains, ground-source heat pumps, greywater irrigation and
rainwater catchment.
The development, protection and conservation of water resources are a priority for the PPN and its
building code supports this priority by requiring contractors and/or designers to provide performance
submittals for requirements such as:
Capacity to harvest and utilize rainwater
Capacity to recycle greywater
Water metering capabilities
Proposed allocation of water for food, medicine, and fiber production on-site, either inside or
outside of the proposed building
All washing machines shall have greywater plumbing
Rainwater catchment and greywater systems are particularly important in this region because they reduce
vulnerability to water shortages and support on-site gardens and landscaping.
Pinoleville Draft Green Building Code: http://www.epa.gov/region9/greenbuilding/codes/pdfs/pinoleville-
green-building-code-draft.pdf
Tribal Involvement: Pinoleville Porno Nation Environmental Department, Pinoleville Porno Nation Housing
Authority, construction workers for the tribe and nearby tribes, community members - including elders
and high school students.
Non-Tribal Involvement: Community Assessment of Renewable Energy & Sustainability (CARES) and the
Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Architecture at the University of California Berkeley, U.S.
EPA Region 9, Development Center for Appropriate Technology, GreenWeaver Inc., LACO Associates,
Vital Systems.
Code Incentive Examples
General
Expedited permitting process
Expedited easement approval process
Permit fee waivers or reductions
Reduced inspections
Targeted - Water
Rebate programs or tax forgiveness for water conserving appliances and
fixtures
Incentives for rainwater collection systems
Lawn removal incentive program
Post-construction stormwater credits - reduced stormwater fees for
property owners who reduce stormwater runoff or improve the quality of
their stormwater runoff
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Questions to Assess Water Access and Management
7.1. Water Access: Building Water Sources
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Does the tribe have water access and use
rights to support infrastructure and
building project developments?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Tribal water rights
Ground and surface water use
agreements
Rainwater harvesting ordinances
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do policies or ordinances include water
source protection requirements or
standards?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Source water protection ordinances
Setback requirements
Zoning approaches
Protection practices (e.g., double
wall underground storage tanks)
Green
Green
Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Yellow
-A^I c;>;>iy miuwcu Will be expressly allowed in
Code/ordinance silent, but typically code/ordinance
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Is there a policy or requirement for
testing source water for radon, uranium
or other known regional sources of water
contamination for new or existing water
sources?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Building permit requirement for
water testing
Green
Green
Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Yellow
_.., , Will be expressly allowed in
Code/ordinance silent, but typically code/ordinance
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 112
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or ordinances require
identifying and addressing potential
contamination of water sources from
failing septic systems, abandoned and
uncapped water wells, underground
storage tanks, mine tailings or oil and
gas wells?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Building permit requirement for
water testing
Source water protection ordinances
Setback requirements
Zoning approaches
Protection practices (e. g., double
wall underground storage tanks)
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 7.1 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Not Applicable:
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7.2. Conservation of Existing Water Supplies
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes, standards, ordinances,
guidelines, or policies require or support
site-based metering and responsible
water management?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Water metering requirement for all
construction to support conservation
and leak detection
Water management policies
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do provisions require or encourage
metering of individual units in multi-
family housing to reduce water
consumption?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Revising code for multi-family
buildings
Water metering information
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Is the reuse of air conditioning
condensate water encouraged to reduce
unnecessary use of potable water?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Air conditioning condensate water
reuse
Upgrade plumbing code
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Do codes or policies support the use of
high efficiency and innovative plumbing
fixtures and fittings to reduce water
consumption?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Requirement for WaterSense homes
Incentives, such as rebate programs
or tax forgiveness
Plumbing code for WaterSense/high
efficien cy fixtures
Composting toilet information
Urine Diverting Dehydrating Toilet
information
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are dual plumbed systems for use of
reclaimed water or other non-potable
sources for toilet flush water or outside
irrigation allowed by codes or
ordinances?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Revising code for greywater of dual
plumbing systems
Guidance and signagefor safe use of
reclaimed water
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes or ordinances allow greywater
use for landscape irrigation?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Revising code for greywater use
Greywater codes, ordinances
Guidance and outreach on safe
greywater use
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there existing or planned codes or
policies to manage site erosion and
sedimentation during construction?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Stockpile and protect disturbed
topsail from erosion for reuse
Control the path and velocity of
runoff with silt fencing or
comparable measures
Protect on-site storm sewer inlets,
streams and lakes with straw bales,
silt fencing, silt sacks, rock filters or
comparable measures
Provide swales to divert surface
water from hillsides
If soil in a sloped area (i.e., 4:1 slope)
is disturbed during construction, use
tiers, erosion blankets, compost
blankets, filter socks and berms or
some comparable approach to
stabilize the soil
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
Incentivized
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Yellow
., , Will be expressly allowed in
Code/ordinance silent, but typically code/ordinance
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 7.2 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
7.3. Rainwater Harvesting and Innovative Wastewater Treatment Systems
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are natural wastewater treatment
systems, like constructed wetlands or
other innovative infiltration systems,
encouraged by codes or ordinances?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Constructed wetlands information
Innovative wastewater reuse
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are on-site wastewater treatment
systems encouraged by codes or
ordinances to capture or reuse reclaimed
wastewater?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Reclaimed wastewater plan
requirements
Reclaimed wastewater
ordinance
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Is collected rainwater allowed for indoor
use, such as toilet flushing to reduce
unnecessary use of potable water?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Rainwater harvesting ordinances
Rainwater harvesting plan
requirements
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes or ordinances allow the on-site
filtration of rainwater for potable use?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Revising code for residential potable
water treatment system
requirements
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 117
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Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Are there existing or planned codes,
standards, ordinances, guidelines or
policies that address stormwater runoff
and utilization?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Rainwater harvesting model
ordinances and plan requirements
Control or capture runoff from
building roofs, pavement, and other
hardscape surfaces using cisterns,
swales or site retention
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do adopted or planned codes, standards
or policies support alternatives to
potable water use for outside irrigation?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Rainwater harvesting ordinances,
codes or guidelines
Greywater ordinances, codes or
guidelines
Reclaimed wastewater information
Upgraded/green plumbing code
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes or ordinances encourage water
catchment, and can tanks or cisterns be
stored near structures?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Revising code for on-site retention of
rainwater
Guidance for siting of tank systems,
cisterns, below grade and surface
retention of rainwater
Guidance for safe use and
construction of water catchment
systems
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Not Applicable
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 7.3 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
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7.4. Water-Efficient Landscaping and Landscape Irrigation
Questions, Potential Tools and _ _ .. ..... .... .
. . For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Techniques
Is there a requirement for using plants
that will reduce the use of water for
landscape maintenance?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Grouping plants according to their
water needs, or using native and
low-water-use or drought-resistant
plants
Xeriscaping ordinances that, when
possible, include tribal or state-
adopted plant species list
Lawn removal incentive programs
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Is the use of high efficiency irrigation
systems (such as WasteSense products,
moisture sensors, drip vs. spray, etc.)
encouraged?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
WaterSense labeled irrigation
products
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 7.4 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Combine your totals for all subsections and Tribal Priority Totals from Appendix B:
Section 7 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
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Resources Water Access and Management Codes
NOTE: The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. EPA to endorse any private sector website, product or
service. The U.S. EPA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find on non-EPA websites.
Water Efficiency Information
WaterSense - An EPA partnership program, including WaterSense labeled products, specification for new homes
and Best Management Practices that protects the nation's water supply by promoting water efficiency and
enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs and practices, http://www.epa.gov/watersense/
Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) - Water efficiency resources and a template of suggested maximum water use
thresholds and standards (such as ASTM, WaterSense). http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/
EPA Protecting Water Resources with Smart Growth - Offers ideas on using smart growth techniques to protect
water resources. Section I focuses on techniques at the regional level and Section II on site level techniques for
developing water resources, http://www2.epa.gov/smart-growth/protecting-water-resources-smart-growth
EPA Growing Toward More Efficient Water Use: Linking Development, Infrastructure, and Drinking Water Policies
-Three sections detail: land use decisions and water systems, how smart growth can help communities reduce costs
and conserve water and policy options to better manage water demand, http://www2.epa.gov/smart-growth/
growing-toward-more-efficient-water-use-linking-development-infrastructure-and-drinking
Source Water Protection Information
EPA Guide on Source Water Protection Ordinances - Includes model language, examples and supporting
documentation, http://www.epa.gov/nps/ordinance/sourcewater.htm
EPA Guide on Local Planning and Regulatory Approaches to Source Water Protection - Identifies ways that local
entities can plan for and implement source water protection. Contains links to technical guidance, funding, best
management practice tools and resources.
http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/sourcewater/sourcewater.cfm ?action=Protection#
EPA Guide on Source Water Protection Practices - Includes topics on managing underground storage tanks.
o http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/sourcewater/sourcewater.cfm?action=Publications&view=filter&document type
id=103
o http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/drinkingwater/sourcewater/protection/index.cfm
o http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/drinkingwater/sourcewater/protection/localprotection.cfm
o http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/drinkingwater/sourcewater/protection/casestudies/index.cfm
Rainwater Harvest/Reuse Information
EPA's Rainwater Harvesting Handbook - Handbook on managing wet weather with green infrastructure.
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/index.cfm
Tucson and Southern Arizona Water Harvesting Resources - Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse resources.
http://watershedmg.org/sites/default/files/docs/raingraywaterrev.pdf
Tucson, AZ, Rainwater Collection and Distribution Requirements, Ordinance 10597, 2008 - Requires offset of 50
percent for landscape water demand using harvested rainwater.
http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/water/docs/rainwaterord.pdf
ARCSA - Rainwater harvesting resources and publications. http://www.arcsa.org/content.asp?contentid=6
Collecting and Utilizing Rainfall Runoff: A Homeowner's Manual of Ideas for Harvesting Rainwater-A manual that
highlights different rainwater harvesting techniques, http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/documents/stmrainharv.pdf
Tucson, AZ Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance - First city in the U.S. to require rainwater harvesting for 50
percent of landscape water demand, http://scotie.sonoraninstitute.org/component/content/article/25-tucson-az-
commercial-rainwater-harvestingordinance.html
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EPA's Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure: Municipal Handbook-Sample rainwater harvesting policies
and documents to help local officials implement green infrastructure in their communities.
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/index.cfm
Water Reduction Incentive Information
Green Building Incentives- Example incentives offered through Indiana, Duke Energy, South Central Indiana REMC
and Bloomington. http://bloomington.in.gov/green-building-incentives
USGBC - Green building incentive strategies, http://www.usgbc.org/advocacy/priorities/incentives-financing
Composting Toilet Information
EPA Water Efficiency Technology Fact Sheet - Fact sheet on composting toilets.
http://water.epa.gov/aboutow/owm/upload/2005 07 14 comp.pdf
Composting Toilet World - An organization dedicated to providing information on composting toilets, http://
www.compostingtoilet.org/
Urine Diverting Dehydrating Toilet (UDDT) Information
Stockholm Environment Institute, Ecological Sanitation - Provides research on systems that save water, prevent
water pollution and recycle the nutrients in human excreta while to protecting against water-borne diseases, http://
www.ecosanres_.org/pdf files/Ecological Sanitation 2004.pdf
Stockholm Environment Institute, Urine Diversion - One Step Towards Sustainable Sanitation Report - Report
presenting research on urine-diverting systems, http://www.ecosanres.org/pdf files/Urine Diversion 2006-1.pdf
Women in Europe for a Common Future, Developing a Water and Sanitation Safety Plan in a Rural Community-
Resources on developing a water and sanitation safety plan to obtain and maintain safe drinking water and sanitation
systems and to minimize related diseases. http://www.wecf.eu/english/publications/2014/WSSP-Publication.php
Water Metering Information
EPA Water Efficiency & Conservation - Program guide to water efficiency.
http://www.epa.gov/waterinfrastructure/wec wp.htm
EPA Cases in Water Conservation - How efficiency programs help water utilities save water and avoid costs.
http://www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiencv/docs/utilityconservation 508.pdf
EPA Top Ten Water Management Techniques - Top 10 water management techniques that have proven helpful in
managing water use at facilities throughout the EPA. http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/water/techniques.htm
Greywater Regulation Information
Arizona Grey Water Law - Three-tiered greywater permitting approach for new construction and remodels with
different requirements based on the amount of water used.
http://oasisdesign.net/grevwater/law/improve/lmprovementsToGWIaws.pdf
Tucson, Arizona, Residential Grey Water Ordinance 10579 - Requires new single family and duplex residential units
to install segregated drains for greywater and blackwater plumbing fixtures to allow future greywater distribution
systems, http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/water/docs/graywaterord.pdf
Innovative Wastewater Treatment Information
Innovative Treatment Technologies for Wastewater and Water Reuse - EPA research to address the dynamic
requirements for improved water quality and the growing demands for safe and reliable reclaimed wastewater and
stormwater. http://www.epa.gov/awi/res technologies.html
EPA Office of Wastewater Management - Municipal technologies for wastewater and stormwater assistance such as
constructed wetlands and decentralized systems, http://www.epa.gov/owm/mtb/
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Water Efficient Landscaping Information
Sustainable Sites Initiative: The Case for Sustainable Landscapes - A companion volume to the larger report,
"The Sustainable Sites Initiative: Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009," cited in Sustainable Sites
category. http://www.sustainablesites.org/report/The%20Case%20for%20Sustainable%20Landscapes 2009.pdf
EPA GreenScapes - Cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for landscaping that encourage holistic
decisions regarding waste generation and disposal and the associated impacts on land, water, air and energy use.
http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/tools/greenscapes/index.htm
Bay Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition - San Francisco Bay Area rating system and certified professionals
program that reduces water use by 50% and runoff by 70-80% while creating vibrant landscapes and gardens.
http://bavfriendlycoalition.org/
Tucson, Arizona, Rainwater Collection and Distribution Requirements, Ordinance 10597 - Requires offset of 50% for
landscape water demand using harvested rainwater, http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/water/docs/rainwaterord.pdf
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Summit Lake PaiuteTribe, Nevada
SECTION 8: ASSESSMENT- RESILIENCE AND
ADAPTABILITY
To meet climate change and disaster preparedness needs, tribes and communities are looking at their codes and
ordinances to promote public safety and building resiliency. Resilient buildings and communities are those that
reduce vulnerability and are capable of recovering quickly from disasters. By integrating resilience and adaptability
into building codes, tribal officials can improve the durability and flexibility of new and existing construction.
Key Questions (consider which are relevant to your tribe):
Have vulnerability assessments or emergency planning been done?
-^ How does your tribe understand and interpret the concepts of resilience and adaptation?
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How can siting and design be used to reduce vulnerabilities and
increase resilience?
Key Terms:
Importance of Resilient Design
"...resilient design is a life-safety issue that is
critical for the security and wellbeing of
families in a future of climate uncertainty
and the ever-present risk of terrorism"
- Alex Wilson, founder of BuildingGreen
Source: "Resilient Design: Dramatically Better
Building Envelopes," Green Building Advisor,
January 2012
Adaptability: The ability to change or adjust to different or varying
conditions, such as fluctuating climate conditions.
Bioswale: A vegetated or mulched channel that provides
treatment and retention as they move stormwater from one place
to another. Vegetated swales slow, infiltrate, and filter
stormwater flows.
Passive survivability: A building's ability to maintain habitability
without relying on external utility systems for power, fuel, water
or sewer services.
Permeable Pavement: Paved surfaces that infiltrate, treat, and/or
store rainwater where it falls. Permeable pavements may be constructed from pervious concrete, porous
asphalt, permeable interlocking pavers, and several other materials.
Resilience: Preventing or protecting against threats and incidents, such as extreme weather events,
infrastructure discontinuity or man-made disasters.
Vulnerability Assessment: The process of identifying and understanding the vulnerabilities that natural
systems, human systems, buildings and infrastructure have to various threats (e.g., extreme weather,
wildfires or seismic events).
8.1. Energy, Heating and Cooling Resilience
Building and infrastructure design should include planning for energy, heating, cooling and water systems that can
withstand unpredictable climate conditions and other disasters.
Key Strategies:
Daylighting and Passive solar design (e.g., south-facing windows)
> High level of insulation and shading
Employ on-site renewable energy sources with backup inverters and batteries
^ Install redundant systems as backups (e.g., generators)
^ Move HVAC and electrical equipment above projected flood levels.
8.2 Water System Resilience
Planning for water resilience should include planning for flooding, water conservation and alternative water supply
options.
Key Strategies:
> Install bioswales and permeable pavement to reduce flooding
^ Multiple/large culverts to reduce flooding
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Building storm doors to resist flooding
Water conserving fixtures and systems
Encourage stormwater management and heat island reduction strategies such as green infrastructure, green
roofs, cool pavements, etc.
Install water reuse and rainwater systems
-^ Hand pumps for water
Vegetated Bioswale.
Permeable Pavement.
8.3. Disaster Resilience and Adaptability
Some tribal locales are more susceptible to disasters than others, but it is important for all tribes to assess
their vulnerabilities and plan accordingly. By incorporating disaster resilience and adaptability into building
and development, both disaster impacts and recovery costs can be significantly reduced.
Key Strategies:
Assess risk and plan for possible disasters including, but not limited to:
o Earthquakes
o Volcanic activity
o Flooding and high wind events
o Fires
o Electrical and water utility interruptions
o Road/bridge/tunnel closures
-^ Firewise construction practices
o Avoid vented roofing and gutters to reduce fire risk
o Class A roofing
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8.4. Climate Resilience and Adaptability
As local climates change, tribes may want to incorporate resilience concepts into new and existing buildings, so
that they are better able to handle new pressures that may arise (e.g., increasing extreme weather events or
rising sea levels). Threats will be specific to a tribe's location, so it is important to conduct vulnerability
assessments to identify climate resilience planning priorities.
Key Strategies:
> Assess risk and plan for possible climate variability including, but not limited to:
o Extreme weather
o Wildfires
o Relocation pressures (e.g., due to rising sea levels)
o Need for emergency shelters to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather conditions,
flooding, etc.
Assess local reliance on key climatic patterns (e.g., rain requirements for crop production) and plan for
adaptations if shifts were to occur.
^ Incorporate evolving, rather than static, predictions of climate-related stresses on structures into building
codes so codes change automatically when a certain levels of impact are reached (e.g., tie annual
rainfall levels to water conservation and/or greywater infrastructure code requirements).
> Climate-resilient construction practices and materials:
o Strengthen buildings against strong winds
o Flood proof ground floors and doors
o Use fire-resistant design and building materials
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Case Study: Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Keya Wakpala Waigageyapi
Community Development
Cose study narrative provided by Rosebud Economic Development Corporation and Blue Star Studio Inc.
Project Vision Statement: "Keya Wakpala Waicageyapi is a safe place for all Lakota people
and their neighbors who seek a unique community encouraging resilience, health, education,
and helpfulness while renewing a culturally meaningful way of life."
Keya Wakpala Waicageyapi ("Turtle Creek Development") is a resilient Lakota community development
project planned on nearly 600 acres of tribal trust lands on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission,
South Dakota. The Tribe has a young population, with a median age of 22, that is growing alongside poverty.
The region also faces limited infrastructure and economic opportunities.
The Sicangu Lakota Oyate ("Burnt Thigh Nation") of the Rosebud Indian Reservation is one of seven tribes of
the Great Sioux Nation, and is a community built on the social systems and cultural expressions of Wolakota
or "all that is Lakota." This Tribal Nation holds paramount their relationship to the land, its people and the
Earth.
The project is led by the Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO), the tribally chartered arm of
the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Together with a diverse stakeholder group and skilled design and engineering
professionals, REDCO is committed to reinvigorating traditional homeland culture, familial tribal structure
and Lakota language while nurturing economic development and community health and safety.
This commitment is manifested through the Keya Wakpala Resilient Development Master Plan, which
identifies mixed-use development, including renewable and distributed energy, energy efficient housing,
community support facilities, new businesses and infrastructure projects.
Indigenous design emerges from community values: its buildings and aligned function, how community
members move within these spaces, what local materials are sourced and aesthetic considerations are all
unique to a Tribe.
Project participation began with the spiritual and cultural leaders who imparted Lakota values and
perceptions leading to the project vision statement. A survey and cognitive mapping exercise captured ideas
and attitudes about the new community and desired elements. The survey started by asking some basic
questions, including:
What is a "resilient green community, capable of self-sufficiency and independence?"
Participation in cultural activities including comprehension of the language and ceremony was also important
to developing mutual understanding and respect.
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/ , -*>*V i -
v\;-_
..
Conceptual perspective view of the site looking over the wetlands.
Image: Blue Star Studio Inc., Copyrighted 2014
This development project is in Phase Two of a twenty-year plan. Anticipated outcomes include preservation
and promotion of language, self-sufficiency and sustainable growth, community healing through the
strengthening of Lakota values and the implementation of culturally relevant community standards.
The project seeks to generate 200 temporary construction jobs and at least 100 new permanent jobs. A one-
acre community garden is located adjacent to the tribally-owned Turtle Creek Crossing supermarket. Near-
term projects set to get underway are green community codes and covenants, energy efficient family
housing, renewable energy and green infrastructure expansion, fuel/travel plaza, casino expansion, business
"* building, crafts/farmers' market, community gardens, community house and veterans' supportive
office/retail
housing.
The project plan will be conducted with the following goals in mind:
Tie into regional transportation, housing, water and air quality plans aligned to local comprehensive
land use and capital investment plans.
Align federal planning and investment resources mirroring local and regional strategies for achieving
sustainable and livable communities.
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Increase participation and decision-making in developing and implementing a long range vision by
populations traditionally marginalized in public processes.
Reduce social and economic disparities for the low-income, minority communities, and other
disadvantaged populations.
Strengthen internal capacity and local tribal social, economic and environmental resilience.
Tribal Involvement: Rosebud Sioux Tribe (RST), Sicangu Wicoti Awayankapi Corporation, Ojinjintka Housing
Development Corporation, Rosebud Agency Bureau of Indian Affairs, Rosebud Indian Health Service, RST
Rural Water Supply System, RST Buffalo Project, Sinte Gleska University, Blue Star Studio Inc., Sustainable
Nations, Rosebud Economic Development Corporation, community members.
Non-Tribal Involvement: Minnesota Housing Partnership; Rosebud Indian Health Service; South
Dakota USDA Rural Development; South Dakota State University; The Rural Futures Institute of the
University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Wica Agli; Enterprise Community Partners; Clinton Global Initiative.
Design Team: Blue Star Studio Inc., Sustainable Nations, Chad Renfro Design, Development Center for
Appropriate Technology, Biohabitats Inc., LeBeau Development LLC, Dream Design International Inc.,
PAE Engineers, Rosebud Economic Development Corporation.
Code Incentive Examples
General
Expedited permitting process
Expedited easement approval process
Permit fee waivers or reductions
Reduced inspections
Targeted - Resilience and Adaptability
Credits or rebates for green or cool roofs
Renewable energy incentives
Incentives for bioswales or permeable pavement
Earthquake retrofit incentive programs
Incentives for innovative technologies to address resiliency
Incentives for retrofits to meet climate adaptation/resiliency goals
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Questions to Assess Resilience and Adaptability
8.1. Energy and Infrastructure Resilience
Specific Question and Potential Tools
and Techniques
Do ordinances or requirements allow for
passive heating and cooling?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Design based on local needs and
materials
Passive solar heating and cooling
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do ordinances or requirements support
stormwater management and heat
island reduction?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Green infrastructure
Green roofs or cool (highly reflective)
roofs
Cool pavements
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do policies or requirements allow or
incentivize on-site renewable energy?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Tribal renewable energy policy or
incentives
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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Specific Question and Potential Tools
and Techniques
Do policies or requirements allow
nontraditional options for human waste
management in the event of non-
operating municipal wastewater
systems?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Emergency Human Waste
Management Plan
Composting toilets
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do policies or requirements allow
diverse and redundant systems to meet
basic needs such as electricity, fuels,
water, lighting, ventilation and
transportation?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
HVAC and electrical systems above
projected flood levels
Redundant water systems and water
storage for potable uses
Passive solar design
Back-up generators
Daylighting
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 8.1 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
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8.2. Disaster Resilience and Adaptability
Specific Question and Potential Tools Assessment of Question:
and Techniques Tribe WITH Building Codes
Do codes or ordinances include a
requirement for stringent earthquake
engineering for all building types?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Earthquake retrofit incentive
programs
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do policies or requirements consider
designing for access and egress in a
natural disaster or other disaster?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Building code requirements
Emergency Preparedness Plans and
policies
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 8.2 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
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8.3. Climate Resilience and Adaptability
Specific Question and Potential Tools Assessment of Question:
and Techniques Tribe WITH Building Codes
Is periodic reevaluation of zoning and
building codes or standards with respect
to the latest local and or regional climate
change data required by ordinances or
other policies?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Mapping of vulnerabilities
Updated climate data
Flexible zoning techniques such as
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes or ordinances require
responsiveness to changing climate
conditions based on future predicted
conditions?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Local climate change impact
projections
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
D Not Applicable
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do codes or ordinances incentivize or
require that renovations and retrofits of
existing buildings be made in response to
changing climate conditions and risks?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Periodic review and updating of
building codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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Specific Question and Potential Tools
and Techniques
Do ordinances or codes incentivize or
require the use of evolving or innovative
technologies to address resiliency?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Innovation or pilot allowance code
clauses
Periodic review and updating of
building codes
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Are current or planned policies or
requirements for building design
responsive to evolving extreme weather
events?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Wind, water and fire-resistant
building materials and techniques
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do current or planned policies or
requirements respond to needs to
handle increased stormwater flows in
building or rebuilding physical
infrastructure?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Stormwater infrastructure planning
and development
Bioswales, permeable pavement
and/or increased culverts
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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Specific Question and Potential Tools
and Techniques
Do current or planned policies or
requirements take advantage of natural,
biological erosion-control solutions?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Utilizing compost and mulch
Native vegetative cover
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do zoning and siting requirements
include limitations for areas of extreme
wildfire risk and are there design
requirements for fire protection?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Mapping
Siting requirements
Design or building materials
requirements
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do zoning and siting ordinances consider
sea level rise and extreme storms
events?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Floodproof lower levels
Raise HVAC and electrical system
above projected flood levels
Buffer ordinances
Buffer design requirements
Zoning and Master Plan
Tribal overlay
Environmental quality and
monitoring requirements
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Kea
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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Specific Question and Potential Tools
and Techniques
Do current or planned policies or
requirements address the possibility of
temporary shelter or relocation for local
populations due to climate change?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Evacuation Plans and Emergency Site
Plans
Relocation assessments
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITH Building Codes
Assessment of Question:
Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
., , Will be expressly allowed in
Code/ordinance silent, but typically code/ordinance
allowed
Yellow
Expressly allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Red
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Do current or planned policies or
requirements address and allow locally
available, renewable, or reclaimed
resources?
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Emergency Site Plans
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Section 8.3 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
Combine your totals for all subsections and Tribal Priority Totals from Appendix B:
Section 8 Totals:
Green:
Yellow:
Red:
Not Applicable:
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Resources: Resilience and Adaptability
NOTE: The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. EPA to endorse any private sector website, product, or
service. The U.S. EPA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find on non-EPA websites.
See also Land Use, Materials, Energy and Water Resources for adaptable, passive resources.
Passive Survivability
Environmental Building News - Passive Survivability: A New Design Criterion for Buildings - Information on defining
and achieving passive Survivability and the connection to building codes.
http://www.buildinggreen.eom/auth/article.cfm/2006/5/3/Passive-Survivabilitv-A-New-Design-Criterion-for-Buildings
Mandate Passive Survivability in Building Codes - Explanation of the rationale for including passive Survivability in
building codes, http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/departments/cross-section/mandate-passive-survivability-
in-building-codes.aspx
Passive Survivability - Information on commercial strategies for passive Survivability including storm resilience,
cooling-load avoidance, natural ventilation, a highly efficient building envelope, passive solar heating, natural
daylighting, renewable energy and onsite water collection and storage.
http://greenmanual.rutgers.edu/newcommercial/strategies/survivabilitv.pdf
Resilience and Adaptability
Tribes & Climate Change Website - Information, resources, case studies and an open forum tailored to helping
Native people gain a better understanding of climate change and its impacts on tribal communities.
http://www4.nau.edu/tribalclimatechange/index.asp
EPA Climate Change Impacts and Adapting to Change - http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts-adaptation/
o Overview- http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts-adaptation/adapt-overview.html
o Tools for Public Officials-http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts-adaptation/adapt-tools.html
o Promoting Generations of Self-Reliance: Stories and Examples of Tribal Adaptation to Change -
http://www.epa.gov/regionlO/pdf/tribal/stories and examples of tribal adaptation to change.pdf
FEMA Building Codes Toolkit - Guidance and tools on building codes for property owners, engineers and design
professionals, building codes officials and the general public, http://www.fema.gov/earthquake-publications/building-
codes-toolkit-0
FEMA - Links to FEMA/private sector partnerships to support disaster preparedness and response in the building
sector, http://www.fema.gov/pdf/privatesector/building science private sector v2.pdf
U.S. Green Building Council and the University of Michigan - Green Building and Climate Resilience: Understanding
Impacts and Preparing for Changing Conditions - Discusses green building options for addressing climate resilience,
covering the climate impacts it addressed, the expected useful life of various approaches and LEED credit references.
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentlD=18538
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Summary of Potential Climate Change Impacts, Vulnerabilities,
and Adaptation Strategies - A summary of lessons learned from the Metropolitan Washington Council of
Governments' climate adaptation planning initiatives.
http://www.mwcog.org/store/item.asp7PUBLICATION ID=460
Alaska Climate Change Adaptation Planning Tool - Tool covering climate impacts facing Alaska and a Vulnerability Risk
Matrix, http://seagrant.uaf.edu/map/climate/docs/adaptation-planning-tool.pdf
Resilient Design Institute - Creates solutions that enable buildings and communities to survive and thrive in the face of
climate change, natural disasters and other disruptions, http://www.resilientdesign.org/
Environmental Building News- Checklist: Resilient Design: A Checklist of Actions- Lists specific design approaches to
help ensure that buildings are resilient to storms, flooding, temperature extremes, power loss, water shortages and
Tribal Green Building Toolkit m 137
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fire. http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/2012/2/28/Resilient-Design-Smarter-Building-for-a-Turbulent-
Future/?checklist=l
Environmental Building News - Design for Adaptation: Living in a Climate-Changing World - Provides specific climate
adaptation considerations and techniques. http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/2009/8/28/Design-for-
Adaptation-Living-in-a-Climate-Changing- World
Floods
FEMA Building Code Resources for Floods and Other Hazards - Summarizes flood resistant building codes, related
resources and National Flood Insurance Program requirements, http://www.fema.gov/building-code-resources
Improving the Flood Performance of New Buildings: Flood Resilient Construction - Guidance on designing buildings
for flood resilience developed from the Department for Communities and Local Government: London and the joint
Defra/Environment Agency Flood Risk Management Research and Development Programme.
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/flood performance.pdf
Earthquakes
FEMA Earthquake Building Codes - Seismic building codes and seismic retrofit information.
http://www.fema.gov/earthquake/building-codes
FEMA QuakeSmart - A National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) initiative to help businesses in at-risk
earthquake communities implement earthquake mitigation, http://www.fema.gov/quakesmart
Association of Bay Area Governments Earthquakes and Hazards Program - http://quake.abag.ca.gov/resilience/
Fire
Firewise Communities - Provides information on building and landscaping practices to reduce wildfire risk.
http://www.firewise.org
Heat Island Effect
EPA Heat Island Effect - Resources on reducing the urban heat island effect including: trees and vegetation, cool
roofs, cool pavements and green roofs, http://www.epa.gov/hiri/index.htm
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Grid Alternatives Solar Installation, Hopland Band of Porno Indians, California
SECTION 9: CODE IMPLEMENTATION AND
COMPLIANCE
There are many ways tribes can promote and ensure building and land use codes are adopted and complied with,
including through traditional tribal governance structures or by creating new regulatory building and zoning
departments.
Since tribal circumstances and needs are both extremely diverse, and often differ from those of most non-tribal
communities, adoption and implementation strategies should be carefully considered by each tribe.
In addition, many green building and sustainable development practices align well with tribal goals and needs.
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Key Questions:
Have tribal goals been established for green building design,
construction and sustainable land use development practices?
Is there a process to incorporate tribal goals for green design
into building and land use codes?
Is there a process to ensure that the parties responsible for
code compliance are knowledgeable about the green building
goals and requirements?
Is there an appeals process to address code implementation
conflicts or disputes that may arise during different phases of a
construction project?
Is there a process in place for notice of planned adoption and
implementation of new codes, standards or policies?
Is the legal authority for any implementation and compliance
activity included in the code adoption process?
Has a periodic codes review cycle been developed?
Key Strategies:
Identify code implementation and compliance approaches that
are available and appropriate for the tribe to utilize:
What Advantages Could my Tribe
Gain by Implementing Green
Building Codes?
Tribes are potentially in a better
position than other communities to
incorporate sustainable practices into
their regulatory requirements because
they may not need to overcome existing
barriers within conventional codes,
standards and policies.
Some conventional building codes
have presented barriers to green
building practices because they
address a narrower set of hazards
related to building.
Additionally, tribal sovereignty
enables tribes to choose how best to
address their needs and desires for
managing building and development
on their lands.
o Follow traditional governance processes
o Develop relationships with builders and contractors to achieve
collaborative, on-site construction problem solving. Notify those who will be affected (builders,
planners, community members, etc.) and provide opportunities for questions and input for improving
the implementation and compliance process
o Hire an experienced building inspector
o Train staff to conduct building inspections and provide green building education
o Work with a local jurisdiction(s) to provide inspection support
o Hire a third-party code inspector
Conduct periodic reviews and updates of codes, standards and policies. Create and approve a process or
policy that defines:
o Time increments for review,
o The review process,
o Who should carry out the review and
o How the results of the review will be presented to the appropriate tribal decision makers.
Develop procedures for gathering feedback to inform the next review cycle and ensure that potential
problems that arise in the interim can be addressed in a timely manner.
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Compliance with Existing or New Land Use and
Building Codes
Building codes are only effective to the degree they are followed. Ensuring
code compliance requires both a process to review building plans to confirm
that they meet regulatory requirements, as well as a process to review and
approve variations.
Few tribes have fully staffed building or planning and zoning departments like
those found in county or state governments. Therefore the processes for plan
submittal and review for building and development are often handled in other
ways. Tribes can develop plan review, inspection and code compliance
capacity or work with building code enforcement experts to implement and
ensure codes are followed.
Many non-tribal communities hire outside or private plan review and
inspection services. Small communities often hire a single building
official/inspector to serve multiple jurisdictions so they can share the
expenses. Some tribes may be able to take advantage of similar arrangements
with other tribes or with local or regional building departments. Regardless of
the method used to provide inspections or plan review, a financial
mechanism needs to be in place to pay for these services for long-term
viability of the program.
What Should an
Implementation Plan
and Budget Include?
Staffing needs
Training needs
Timeframes
Defined organizational and
operational structure
Inter- and intra-departmental
relationships and responsibilities
Estimated costs
Funding sources
Fee schedule
Within tribal communities there can also be culturally-specific community
engagement methods. These methods can inform the development of a tribe's code implementation and
compliance strategy. For example, working with community builders and using engagement and mediation
strategies have been used to minimize tribal code compliance issues.
Some tribes use other compliance processes when work is done by tribal entities or designers, contractors or
developers with long-standing relationships and reliable past performance.
Key Questions:
Has the tribe developed and adopted policies for building and
land use code enforcement, which provide for timely plan review,
approval and inspection services?
Have appropriate community engagement methods been used to
inform the tribe's compliance and enforcement strategy?
Examples of Tribal Code
Inspection and Compliance
Techniques:
Training staff to conduct building
inspections
Hiring an experienced building
inspector
Working with a local jurisdiction to
provide inspection support
Hiring a third-party code inspector
Using informal processes or
mediation
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Case Study: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, located in Southern California, adopted its own Tribal
Building and Safety Code in 1999.
The Code was most recently amended in January 2014 to reflect current industry standards. With this
amendment, the Tribe incorporated by reference the latest International and California Building Codes (2013
edition), including the California Green Energy Code. By referencing these codes within the Tribal Building
and Safety Code, the Tribe ensures that each project it reviews and approves meets the most current industry
standards.
The Tribal Building and Safety Code is designed to:
provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by
regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of material, use and occupancy, location
and maintenance of all buildings and structures on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation not covered
under a land use contract between the Tribe and a local jurisdiction;
provide practical safeguarding from hazards arising from the use of electricity, heating, ventilating,
cooling, refrigeration systems and incinerators; and
adopt and enforce rules and regulations necessary to clarify the application of the provisions of the
Code.
Permit fees are based on local cost of construction as well as Building Valuation Data as published by the
International Conference of Building Officials.
The Tribe utilizes a third-party contractor to perform building and safety functions within the Tribe's
jurisdiction. The designated Tribal Building Official is responsible for administering, enforcing and rendering
interpretations of all provisions of the Tribal Building and Safety Code. Under the direction of the Tribal
Building Official, qualified building and safety experts are authorized to enter upon private or public
property to enforce the Code - including inspections, re-inspections and/or testing of any work performed.
Any violation of the Code is considered unlawful and a public nuisance which may result in any of the
following: a stop work order, a notice to correct order with a specific timeline or administrative violations
(including fines and potential suspension, revocation or denial of licenses or permits issued).
In addition to the Tribal Building and Safety Code, the Tribe recently participated in a local Voluntary Green
Building program, which stemmed from a valley-wide greenhouse gas reduction program called Green for
Life. The program was funded by grants through Southern California Edison, and it was managed locally by
the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. The Voluntary Green Building program provided the Tribe
with manuals for distribution to Tribal Members and other interested parties, which provided detailed
illustrations explaining how to improve energy efficiency in one's residence or place of business.
Agua Caliente Ordinance: http://www.aguacaliente.org/downloads/Ordinance26.pdf
Tribal Involvement: Tribal Council, Tribal Building Division, Tribal Planning Division.
Non-Tribal Involvement: Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Southern California Edison.
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Available Resources: Implementation and Enforcement
NOTE: The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. EPA to endorse any private sector website, product or
service. The U.S. EPA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find on non-EPA websites.
Department of Energy Building Energy Codes Program -
o Resource Guides on energy code compliance for designers, policy makers, code officials.
http://www.energycodes.gov/resource-center/resource-guides
o Model Policies for commercial and residential building, with examples, http://www.energycodes.gov/resource-
center/model-policies
o Regional Energy Efficiency Organizations - Though these groups primarily deal with state and local codes, they can
be helpful as regionally knowledgeable resources, http://www.energycodes.gov/resource-center/related-links
Shared Enforcement of the Uniform Code and Energy Code-A guide prepared by New York State on increasing
efficiency by sharing code administration and enforcement responsibilities with one or more other local governments
or contracting with a private, non-governmental provider to perform code enforcement services. Sample agreements
are included. http://www.dos.nv.gov/LG/publications/CODE%20ENFORCEMENT/How%20To%20Book%20-
%20May%202008.htm
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) - Publications on energy code implementation and enforcement.
http://swenergy.org/publications/category.aspx?CategorylD=2
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'4
Havasupai Tribe, Arizona: Little Navajo Falls
if'
SECTION 10: A PLAN TO UPDATE, ADAPT,
ADOPT OR DEVELOP NEW CODES
Completing the Assessment Section of this Toolkit is a first step in achieving greener building codes for a tribe.
Below is a more comprehensive process that can help whether the tribe is updating, adapting or adopting
existing codes or is developing new building codes. Available resources, the timeframe in which the tribe wants to
have greener codes in place and the availability of information will impact each tribe's code development and
adoption process.
STEP 1: Complete the Toolkit Assessments and Conduct Initial Research
STEP 2: Review and Refine Priorities - Community Visioning
Steering Committee Planning
Community Assessments
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Goal Setting Meeting
Design Workshop
Plan Review and Presentation
STEP 3: Assess Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Barriers
STEP 4: Choose Approach and Types of Code(s)
STEP 5: Finalize Code for Tribal Government Approval, Adoption and Implementation
Finalize the code language, technical research and requirements
Plan approval, legal adoption and update process
Create communication strategy (tribal government, community, builders, others)
Seek approvals and legal adoption
Contract or hire, train and support staff
Community engagement and support
STEP 6: Create Implementation and Compliance System
STEP 7: Evaluate and Update the Code as Needed
STEP 1: Complete the Toolkit Assessment Section and Conduct Initial Research
Before creating an Action Plan, be sure to complete the Toolkit Assessment Section to help outline the tribe's green
building priorities. Instruction for how to complete the Toolkit can be found in Section 2.
Based on the tribe's priorities, conduct initial research on:
Historic and current ways that buildings and land use practices contribute to the community.
o Are there buildings that serve community members particularly well, promote a healthy lifestyle and or
balance with the local ecology?
o Who has knowledge and understanding of the built and natural environment relationship from the
tribe's perspective? What is this relationship?
What traditional and local building materials should be considered?
Which traditional activities can the code support/facilitate?
What are current health problems facing the community that relate to land use and the built
environment - both outdoor and indoor?
Which health-promoting behaviors and actions can be promoted by building codes?
o How have building locations, designs and construction practices been determined?
Who makes these decisions and through what process?
o Are there buildings or land uses that are good (or bad) models for future development?
Identify any potential partners that your tribe may want to coordinate with (nearby tribes, state or local
government code officials, green building organizations, etc.).
Assess codes that may be useful to review:
o What green codes exist?
o What green codes appear to meet the tribe's priorities?
o What codes or standards were used in the construction of buildings in the community? By the housing
authority? What are the lessons learned from construction and operation or use of those buildings?
o Are there codes or standards that are required when accessing particular funding (HUD, BIA, etc.)? What
are the lessons learned from construction and use of those buildings?
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o What building codes, standards or guidelines are being used by nearby tribes, local and state
government, and registered architects and engineers? What can be learned from them to address tribal
priorities and local issues, for example seismic design, local climatic conditions, etc.?
o What type of construction is being planned (commercial or residential)?
What traditional tribal governance practices might be incorporated into the code structure?
Is there a need to support flexibility for tribal members to build their own homes?
What tribal entities and outside agencies will be involved in or affected by code development and adoption?
Can community members be part of the process of code development?
Are insurance carriers insuring properties in the community and would green building codes impact this?
STEP 2: Review and Refine Priorities - Community Visioning
One way to refine the tribe's green building priorities is to undergo a community visioning process. Through this
process, the tribe can identify community priorities and compare them to the Assessment Tool findings to inform
code development. For example, if a community priority is to conserve water resources, the plumbing component
of the building code could be written to require or provide incentives for greywater use and low-flow water fixtures
for all new construction.
For tribes with codes, the Toolkit helps identify areas where codes could be updated to incorporate more green
building elements. When determining how to update the existing codes, it can be useful to list and prioritize all of
the areas within the codes where the Assessment questions were answered RED and YELLOW.
For tribes without codes, the Toolkit helps identify where the tribe already intends to incorporate GREEN building
elements into their codes, and provides references and ideas for doing so. The Toolkit also identifies areas within
the planned codes that do not fully incorporate GREEN building elements, as indicated by the Assessment
questions that were answered RED and YELLOW. For these areas, the tribe may want to reconsider opportunities
to prioritize more sustainable options to incorporate within their codes.
The questions below can help tribes with or without codes identify how the tribe can address the RED and YELLOW
areas to make their codes more GREEN.
What are the tribe's Assessment priorities to include as amendments, in a tribal overlay or as a new code?
Do the Assessment priorities predominantly fall in one category or are they randomly distributed?
What are the most important sustainability topics for the tribe to focus on? If this is not known, one way to
determine the most important topics is by completing a community visioning process outlined in the Tribal
Green Building Visioning Process, summarized below.
Example - Tribal Green Building Visioning Process
Each tribe's visioning process may be different. Here are some steps to consider.
Steering Committee Planning - Identify who should be involved in the planning process (e.g., tribal
government officials, elders, residents, architects, land use planners, natural resource experts, building
users, etc.) and explain this process to all interested, eligible participants. Select a steering committee. A
design team could also be chosen at the same time.
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Remembering
Related to community visioning, tribal
members have encouraged "remembering"
to look to past wisdom and knowledge of
traditional ways that ensured safe, healthy
housing and was aligned with tribal values.
This wisdom and knowledge can be
incorporated into the tribe's code
framework or code requirements.
Community Assessments - Determine how involved other
members of the tribe want to be in the planning process. If
they want to be involved, form focus groups, plan public
meetings or go to established events where they can
participate.
Goal Setting Meeting - Set goals for your planning process
(What is the potential vision? When will we complete the
planning process?).
Design Workshop - The steering committee and design team
create a community concept plan, with input from the
participating community members. The design team obtains
the materials and feedback needed to create a draft
Community Vision Plan.
Plan Review-The design team presents the Community
Vision Plan to the steering committee and participating community members, who will provide feedback for
improvements.
Plan Presentation - The design team will make final changes and present the plan to the steering
committee and community for approval.
For more information on community visioning, visit the EPA Green Communities website:
http://www.epa.gov/greenkit/index.htm
STEP 3: Assess Internal and External Barriers and Opportunities for Change
Tribal governments should consider which green building practices might have initial internal or external support or
resistance. For example, if the tribal government knows a particular group has championed sustainability or has not
been supportive of some sustainable design practices, a conversation should be started with them early in the
process. Although it is difficult to anticipate potential issues early in the process, thinking them through can be
helpful.
Assess Your Tribe's Internal Conditions
The following questions should be considered to gain a better understanding of the current internal conditions, and
how they will impact developing, adapting or adopting codes:
What opportunities and/or obstacles exist to achieve code development, implementation, and compliance?
o Are sufficient or limited staff resources and knowledge available?
o Are cultural beliefs reflected or disregarded by the proposed code?
o Do community members support or disapprove of building codes and sustainable building?
Can the tribe engage the community, builders and contractors to comply with the code?
What is the tribe's capacity to implement the building code?
o Is there sufficient staff and technical expertise to develop and implement the priorities?
o Are additional resources needed to develop and implement the priorities?
Is it more efficient to "bundle" the code priorities or implement them one-by-one?
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Should the tribe reevaluate whether improving existing codes, adopting codes, creating codes or some
combination of these strategies is the best approach?
Does the tribe need to reevaluate the existing or proposed process for implementation and compliance?
What departments or tribal organizations will be affected by new or proposed changes to code/ordinances
and implementation/compliance?
o Have these departments or tribal organizations been given the opportunity to engage in the process?
o Who are the specific people that would be directly affected?
o What are their roles during the regulatory process and how would the proposed changes impact their
roles?
o Does the information sharing process or internal structure (e.g., the inter-departmental dynamics that
dictate how permits are currently issued and complied with), need to be modified?
What level of internal support does your tribe's government have for permitting changes?
o Are there "champions" within tribal departments or tribal organizations?
o Are there "champions" in tribal leadership?
o Are there "champions" among the tribe's architects, builders or contractors?
To what extent can the proposed regulatory changes be tried on a limited scale (e.g., first start with
commercial development) before scaling up revised codes/ordinances for other sectors (e.g., residential)?
o Would small scale application hurt or help promote the proposed changes?
o Is implementing or phasing the changes dependent on funding the changes?
Assess External Conditions that May Affect Your Tribe
This section deals with identifying and working with external stakeholders and consensus building processes.
Which outside entities could be affected by tribal building code changes, which have strong interest(s)?
o Is there local government elected official (e.g., city council) interest, engagement and/or oversight?
o Are there frequent conversations with non-profit groups, developers or builders?
o How effective is the tribal government's ability to communicate with external parties to:
Make a compelling case for change?
Share information in a timely manner?
Understand expectations from the various internal and external stakeholder groups?
o What additional information is needed to make decisions from an external perspective? Are these
information needs similar to the internal needs?
o What level of external support does the tribal government have for the proposed regulatory changes?
From federal agencies, other tribal government, state, county, etc.?
From the affected communitydevelopers, builders, owners, etc.?
From non-governmental and civic organizationsenvironmental groups, local watershed groups,
community groups, etc.?
From civic leaders and the general public:
o Is this an issue that has been raised with the public before?
o Is this an issue the public will actively care about?
o Does the tribal government need active public support for this permitting change?
o To what extent are the changes consistent with the non-tribal community's policies, mission or vision?
o Have other tribal or local governments of similar size, geographic location, etc., adopted similar
changes?
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Green Building Practices that
May be Restricted by
Conventional Codes:
Rainwater use
Greywater use
Composting, non-water or urine
separating toilets
Ultra low tech materials and
techniques
Wall systems of adobe, straw bale,
light straw clay, rammed earth, cob,
hemp lime, woodchip clay, stone,
cordwood, earth bag, tire, bamboo
Green roofs
Rubble trench foundations
Rocket mass heaters
Earthen floors
Very small house sizes
Constructed wetlands for
wastewater treatment
Super-efficient HVAC-free buildings
Is it helpful to external parties to know that the
proposed changes have been implemented elsewhere?
Is it helpful to external parties to know that the tribal
community would be the "first" (e.g., in the area, state,
region, etc.) to try something new?
What is the timing of the potential regulatory change?
Are the elected officials up for re-election or new to
the tribal government?
Is the change being proposed during a busy or slow
regulatory season?
Is the change occurring during a period of high
or slow economic growth?
o Would a small scale application of proposed changes or a
broader sustainable design or green building program be
more likely to succeed?
STEP 4: Choose Approach and Type of Building
Code
A tribe looking to use codes for the first time or to change the codes
currently used has a variety of choices. Four common choices for new
codes are:
1. Adopting existing "off the shelf" codes
2. Adapting existing "off the shelf" codes
3. Creating a new code or codes or a new style of regulatory tool
4. Combining the above
Adopting Existing Codes
Adopting existing codes may involve the least investment of time, effort and expertise of any of the code
choices, although costs for purchasing codes and related standards may be high.
Existing codes are typically extensive documents requiring expertise in interpretation and compliance.
Most existing codes were not developed for or by tribes, and therefore may not address all needs or address
needs well.
Adopting existing codes typically includes basic amendments for local climatic and other conditions such as
seismic risk factors, termite intensity, radon risk, etc.
Some existing codes may restrict specific green building practices a tribe wants to utilize.
Adapting Existing Codes
Tribes can adapt existing codes to include tribal priorities, local and cultural elements.
Adapting existing codes can be a balanced way of using tribal resources to reach tribal goals.
Adaptation of existing codes can include basic amendments mentioned above as well as more
extensive changes such as deleting or adding sections or changing provisions.
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Adaptation can include selection of relevant appendix chapters
that are available with some codes.
Adapting existing codes may not change the complexity of the
document and may not work well for some tribes.
Use of a tribal overlay is one way to use an existing code while
adding tribal priorities and local and cultural elements, such as:
o Multigenerational homes
o East-facing entry doors
o Landscaping with native edible and medicinal plants
o Large cooking and kitchen ventilation systems
o Storage areas for tribal regalia, materials, or clothing
o Passive solar design
o Solar ready construction (for PV and/or Solar Hot Water)
o Community involvement in design and construction
o Preference for local and historical materials and methods
o Material reuse
Creating New Codes
New codes can:
How to Use Tribal Overlays
The tribal overlay could be described as
a "cultural code." An overlay can provide
intent statements as in a performance
code or specific requirements as in a
prescriptive code about tribal goals for
green building and cultural values that
exceed or add to adopted codes.
Example intent statement: To
incorporate water conservation,
harvesting and reuse into projects
whenever possible.
Example specific requirement: the
maximum flow rate of a kitchen faucets
shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute
at 60 pounds per square inch (psi).
Be comprehensive or limited to a specific purpose,
Specifically support the tribe's unique vision, priorities and risks,
Be simple or complex, and written in technical or non-technical language,
Provide opportunities to develop a new code framework to align with current or traditional governance
structure,
Require expertise and experience with codes, green building and land use.
Developing codes for a tribe's unique goals can be an effective path towards achieving the tribe's envisioned future.
Well-crafted codes can support tribal sovereignty and provide regulatory authority to achieve community goals.
Options to exercise regulatory authority on non-tribal lands may be more limited, but many opportunities still exist
to support green and culturally relevant development. A tribal code can also guide development projects owned or
built by the tribe on non-tribal lands.
The choice to adopt, adapt or create a new code should be carefully considered. Conventional building and land use
codes are extensive documents and typically updated on a three year cycle. An important consideration in choosing
to develop a full code is a tribe's capacity to both develop and regularly update a code.
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Kayenta Township, Navajo Nation, Arizona: Northeast Arizona Technical Institute for Vocational Education. Photo: Kayenta Township Building Department
Kayenta Township on the Navajo Nation adopted the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) with code
electives to protect greenfields, conservation areas and agricultural land. The code was used on the Northeast
Arizona Technical Institute for Vocational Education campus.
For a Tribe Adapting or Adopting Existing Code
If your tribe has not previously adopted codes or has limited resources,
consider adapting or adopting an existing green building or land use
code. Included at the end of this section is a list of existing codes,
standards and other resources to consider when adapting or adopting
codes. The tribe's priorities can be incorporated by using a tribal
overlay with an existing code, simplifying an existing code with clear
intent statements, phasing codes in over time or shifting from
voluntary to eventual mandatory requirements.
For a Tribe Creating an Entirely New Code
The development of an entirely new code may serve some tribes better
than anything that currently exists. Desire for a customized code to
meet tribal goals, or a code written in less technical language may drive
the decision. Traditional governance structures, blending of traditional
knowledge and other elements, or the desire to involve elders may
inform a new structure for a code unique to a specific tribe. Included at
the end of this section is a list of resources that may be relevant for a
tribe to consider when developing new codes.
Example of Unique Format for
a New Tribal Code
The Green Building Code of the Big
Sandy Rancheria includes requirements
and options, with a reasoning statement
that functions like the objectives in a
performance code, and offers helpful
resources to educate and ensure best
practices. The code is infused with
formatting elements from the Rocky
Mountain Land Use Institute's
Sustainable Community Development
Framework.
http://www.law.du.edu/index.php/rmlu
i/rmlui-practice/code-framework/
model-code
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STEP 5: Finalize Code for Tribal Government Approval, Adoption and
Implementation
Finalize the code to be approved by the tribe's government
o Conduct technical research and set requirements
o Plan approval and legal adoption process
o Plan periodic review and update process
o Create communication strategy for the community, tribal government, builders and others
Seek approvals and legal adoption
Contract or hire and train staff
Conduct community engagement and provide support
STEP 6: Create an Implementation Plan and Compliance System
An implementation plan and compliance system are key parts of successful code adoption. This is especially true
when methods or materials, such as cultural building practices or local building materials, are introduced or
implemented for the first time.
Key elements of an implementation plan include budgets, timeframes, staffing needs, defined organizational and
operational structure and inter- and intra-departmental relationships and responsibilities, funding sources and fee
schedules.
Key elements of a compliance system include developing good relationships with building designers, builders,
contractors and residents. They system should cover plan review, inspection schedules and procedures,
compliance and/or corrective action procedures and an appeals process.
STEP 7: Evaluate and Update the Code as Needed
An essential role of codes is to incorporate current knowledge of land use and building materials and methods
while responding to updated information about risks and changing conditions. A regular review and update cycle
should be incorporated into the model code development processes every three years.
Whether a tribe creates their own code or adopts an existing code that is updated through a process, a tribe
should establish a regular review of adopted codes to respond to changes in information, risks and conditions to:
Assess how well the code adoption process worked
Evaluate code implementation and compliance efforts
Identify adjustments or additional actions that are needed.
For more information on code development, visit the EPA Tribal Building Code Development website:
http://www.epa.gov/region9/greenbuilding/codes/
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Resources for Updating, Adapting, Adopting or Developing New Codes
NOTE: The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. EPA to endorse any private sector website, product, or
service. The U.S. EPA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find on non-EPA websites.
Existing codes, standards and other resources that may be relevant for a tribe to consider when adapting or
adopting codes.
Tribal Green Building Resources
EPA Tribal Green Building Codes Development website - http://www.epa.gov/region9/greenbuilding/codes/
EPA Tribal Codes Working Group - http://www.epa.gov/Region9/greenbuilding/tribal-workgroup.html
Sustainable Native Communities Collaborative - http://www.sustainablenativecommunities.org/
CalRecycle Buying and Building Green in Indian Country -
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/publications/Documents/GreenBuilding%5C43304004.pdf
Comprehensive Life Safety Codes
International Residential Code - http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/
International Building Code, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical and other codes - http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/
International Performance Codes for Buildings and Facilities - http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/
California Building Standards Codes with Chapter 11 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) -
https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/safety.html
Green Codes that Overlay Comprehensive Life Safety Codes
International Green Construction Code - http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/
International Energy Conservation Code - http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/
Green Plumbing & Mechanical Code Supplement -
http://iapmomembership.org/index.php?page=shop.product details&flypage=flypage iapmo.tpl&product id=4&categ
ory id=6&option=com virtuemart<emid=3
Uniform Solar Energy Code -
http://iapmomembership.org/index.php?page=shop.product details&flvpage=flypage iapmo.tpl&product id=709&ca
tegory id=41&kevword=solar+energy&option=com virtuemart<emid=3
Sustainable Community Development Code Framework - http://www.law.du.edu/index.php/rmlui/rmlui-
practice/code-framework
Oregon Energy Code - http://www.bcd.oregon.gov/programs/energy.html
Washington Energy Code - https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/sbcc/page.aspx?nid=14
Green Standards, Rating and Labeling Systems and Points Programs
ENERGY STAR Certified New Homes - http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new homes.hm index&s=mega
EPA WaterSense Specifications for New Homes - http://www.epa.gov/watersense/new homes/homes final.html
LEED for Homes - http://www.usgbc.org
LEED for Neighborhood Development - http://www.usgbc.org
Enterprise Green Communities Criteria- http://www.enterprisecommunity.com/solutions-and-innovation/enterprise-
green-communities/criteria
Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard -
http://www.commerce.wa.gov/Programs/housing/TrustFund/Pages/EvergreenSustainableDevelopment.aspx
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Sustainable Community Development Code Framework - http://www.law.du.edu/index.php/rmlui/rmlui-
practice/code-framework
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) - http://www.resnet.us/energy-rating
Living Building Challenge - http://living-future.org/lbc
Green Globes - http://www.greenblobes.com
Green Guide for Health Care - http://gghc.org/
Collaborative for High Performance Schools Criteria - http://www.chps.net/dev/Drupal/node/212
LEED for Schools - http://www.usgbc.org/leed/rating-systems/schools
Resources for Developing New Codes
EPA Green Building Standards - Summarizes and provides comparisons of some green building standards and codes.
http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/standards/
Department of Energy, Going Beyond Code - A guide to Creating Effective Green Building Programs for Energy
Efficient and Sustainable Communities.
http://www.energvcodes.gov/sites/default/files/documents/GoingBevondCode.pdf
Development Center for Appropriate Technology - Works on sustainability and appropriate technology in relation
to the built environment, building codes, standards, public policy, http://www.dcat.net
Ecological Building Network- Promotes intelligent design, clean energy and healthy building materials.
http://www.ecobuildingnetwork.org
Oasis Design - Provides guidance about rainwater harvesting, gray water systems and integrated approaches to
sustainability. http://www.oasisdesign.net
Building Codes Assistance Project's Online Code Environment and Advocacy Network (BCAP OCEAN) - A collection of
useful information about energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building codes and code resources.
http://ww.bcap-ocean.org
The New Buildings Institute - Assesses technologies, promotes design approaches, and helps guide policies and
programs that will significantly improve the energy efficiency of buildings, http://www.newbuildings.org
Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center- Provides an online archive of green building codes and
standards, http://ww.pprc.org/pubs/greencon/code std.cfmtfcodes
Columbia Law School Center for Climate Change Law Model Ordinances - Provides best practices for municipal
ordinances covering green buildings, wind and solar resources.
http://www.law.columbia.edu/centers/climatechange/resources/municipal
Codes and Hannover Principles - A living document supporting the understanding of human's interdependence
with nature, http://www.mcdonough.com/writings/principles practices and.htm
Architecture 2030 - Establishes a challenge and resources for carbon-neutral buildings that use no fossil fuel,
greenhouse-gas-emitting energy to operate, http://architecture2030.org/action/governments
Public Resource.org - Maintains a list of safety codes adopted as law in state and select jurisdictions across the U.S.
https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/safetv.html
2012 Washington Energy Prescriptive Checklist - A visual guide to the Washington state energy code.
http://www.energy.wsu.edu/Documents/2012 Prescriptive Checklist.pdf
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Summit Lake Paiute Tribe, Nevada
SECTION 11: CONCLUSION
Tribes have shown strong interest in developing healthy, green affordable housing; and in many tribal communities
there is great need for such housing.
The U.S. EPA and the Tribal Green Building Codes Workgroup are interested in learning about your experiences using
this Toolkit and with tribal green building practices. We welcome your feedback via email at tribalcodes@epa.gov.
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APPENDIX A: GENERAL GREEN BUILDING
RESOURCES
This appendix contains general green building codes and sustainable land use policies.
NOTE: The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. EPA to endorse any private sector website, product, or
service. The U.S. EPA does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find on non-EPA websites.
ASHRAE
ASHRAE Standard 189.1 - Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings - Except Low-Rise Residential
Buildings: http://www.ashrae.org/resourcespublications/bookstore/standard-189-1
U.S. Green Building Council
USGBC - Offers green building rating standards for new commercial construction and major renovations,
residential construction and major renovations, and new construction standards for specific building types -
http://www.usgbc.org
Roadmap to Sustainable Government Buildings-This document guides government staff and officials in the
development of a green building program based on the USGBC's LEED rating system.
http://www.usgbc.org/resources/roadmap-green-government-buildings
USGBC Green Home Guide - http://greenhomeguide.com/
Green Building Initiative
GBI - A nonprofit organization accelerating the adoption of green building practices through the Green Globes and
Guiding Principles cimpliance ans assessment programs, http://www.thegbi.org
Green Globes - A green rating assessment, guidance and certification program for new construction, existing buildings
and interiors, http://www.thegbi.org/green-globes-certification/
International Code Council
The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) - References ICC-700 and ASHRAE 189.1 and is
applicable to residential and commercial construction. http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/igcc/Pages/default.aspx
Code Adoption Resources - Briefing papers on technical issues, samples of ordinances, endorsements and support
materials from national organizations. http://www.iccsafe.org/gr/Pages/resources.aspx
ICC Green Resources Center-Includes sections of resources for Green Building Design Tools and Resources and Green
Building Program/Initiative Development Tools and Information.
http://www.iccsafe.org/Communities/Green/Pages/ResourceCenter.aspx
ICC Communities of Interest - A community meeting place for ICC members interested in the environmental impact of
the buildings and in creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation,
operation, maintenance and demolition. http://www.iccsafe.org/Communities/Pages/default.aspx
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National Home Builders Association
NAHB/ICC-700-2008 National Green Building Standard - Defines green building for single and multifamily homes,
residential remodeling projects and site development projects, http://www.nahbgreen.org/ngbs/default.aspx
Green Tools
Whole Building Design Guide-The goal of the guide is to create a successful high-performance building by applying an
integrated design and team approach to the project during the planning and programming phases, http://www.wbdg.org/
Resource for General Green Technologies: The National Association of Home Builders Research Center-Green
technologies and practices are detailed to include summaries, manufacturers and resources. Information is provided on
where the technologies or practices lie in terms of code acceptance.
http://www.toolbase.org/ToolbaseResources/level3.aspx?BucketlD=2&CategorylD=17
BCAP Code Builder Tool - Provides information on advanced codes, explains terminology, references current
practice of specific measures and applicability. The Code Builder also serves as a clearinghouse for next-
generation code changes - including advances and green measures used in high performance homes.
http://www.resnet.us/blog/bcap-unveils-code-builder-tool-on-advanced-codes/
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE): Sustainability Tool - Offers assistance on the
following issues: energy and CO2 emissions, water use, adapting buildings for climate change, flood risk, sustainable
drainage systems, transport, ecology and biodiversity, pollution, health, waste, lifecycle impacts of materials and
equipment, local environment and community, http://sustain.cibse.org/
CalRecycles Sustainable Building Tool Kit - Sustainable building case studies, virtual tours and research, http://
www.calrecycle.ca.gov/GreenBuilding/Toolkit.htm
Government and Nonprofit Resources
The District of Columbia City Council Enacted Legislation - Requires all new government buildings to go green. By
2012, all new buildings larger than 50,000 square feetpublic or private must conform to green standards.
http://www.greenbuildinglawupdate.com/articles/codes-andregulations/city/
New Mexico Executive Order 2006-001 - Requires all new state buildings and major renovations meet The 2030
Challenge's call for a 50 percent reduction in fossil-fuel energy consumption from what traditional buildings use by
using a LEED-based system. http://energvcodesocean.org/policy-actiontool/Level-ll
San Jose City Council Green Building Ordinance - Establishes green building requirements for new, private sector
construction. http://www.sanioseca.gov/clerk/Agenda/20090623/20090623 0702ord.pdf
Seattle, Washington City Council Bill 115524 - Amended the Land Use Code to allow a developer to build at a higher
density than is normally allowed under the code, if the developer can certify that the building will be rated LEED
Silver or its equivalent. The amendment applies only to buildings in downtown commercial districts.
http://energvcodesocean.org/sites/default/files/Level%20ll%20Seattle%20Ordinance%20LEED.pdf
The South Carolina Legislature House Bill 3034 - Requires that all state-owned and state-funded construction greater
than 10,000 square feet and any major renovation projects of greater than fifty percent of total building space or value
achieve LEED-NC Silver certification or comparable standard, http://www.aceee.org/sector/statepolicy/south-carolina/
building-requirements
Creating Communities of Change: What We Learned in the Codes Forest - Presentation by David Eisenberg, Director
of the Development Center for Appropriate Technology for the West Coast Green Conference in 2007.
http://www.dcat.net/resources/communitiesofchange w-notes.pdf
California Green Building Standards Code - California adopted the nation's first Green Building Standards Code,
known as CalGreen. http://ag.ca.gov/globalwarming/pdf/green building.pdf and http://www.hcd.ca.gov/
calgreen.html
Chicago Green Permitting Program - By Chicago Department of Construction and Permits. If accepted into the
program it would create an expedited permit process. The more green building elements in the project plans, the
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shorter the timeline to obtain a permit.
http://www.iccsafe.org/Communities/Green/Documents/Chicago GreenPermitBrochure.pdf
State of Minnesota Green Building Guidelines-All Minnesota State bonded projects, new and substantially
renovated are required to meet the Minnesota Sustainable Building 2030 (SB 2030) energy standards, http://
www.msbg.umn.edu/
Green Communities: Self-Certification Process-The first national green building program focused entirely on
affordable housing. Launched by Enterprise in fall 2004, Green Communities is designed to help developers,
investors, builders and policymakers make the transition to a greener future for affordable housing, http://
www.greencommunitiesonline.org/
Green Single Family Rehab Specifications - Guide specifications for reference to meet mandatory and optional 2008
Green Communities Criteria.
http://www.greencommunitiesonline.org/tools/resources/green rehab specs gci 2008 criteria final.pdf
. Green Point Rating System - Residential, voluntary rating system developed by Build It Green, a nonprofit organization
of California. Rating systems for both single and multifamily new homes and existing homes are to be updated every
three years to reflect changes to California Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
http://www.builditgreen.org/greenpoint-rated
National League of Cities Sustainable Cities Institute - Affordable housing, case studies and model sustainble building
ordinance information, http://www.sustainablecitiesinstitute.org/topics/buildings-and-energy
City of Bellingham, Washington - Sustainable Connections Advanced Methods and Materials (AMM) guidance for
permitting waterless urinals, composting toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, porous concrete and asphalt, vegetated
roofs, amended soils and rain gardens, http://www.earthbuilding.info/gb/07 links/07-2 links resources.htm
Compliance and Verification of Green Technologies
EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program - A public-private partnership between EPA and nonproft testing
and evaluation organizations that verified the performance of innovative technologies, including green building
technologies. The program concluded operations in 2014, but archived infomation on certified technologies and
protocols is available, http://www.epa.gov/etv/
Washington, D.C.'s Green Building Act of 2006 - Requires commercial projects to verify compliance through a District
agency or a third party, http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/
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APPENDIX B: BLANK ASSESSMENT FORM
Questions, Potential Tools and
Techniques
Tribal Priority:
Potential Tools and Techniques:
For Tribe WITH Building Codes
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Red
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
For Tribe WITHOUT Building Codes
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
D Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Priority:
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
D Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
D Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Red
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
Tribal Priority:
Potential Tools and Techniques:
Green
D Required by code/ordinance
D Incentivized
Yellow
Expressly allowed
Code/ordinance silent, but typically
allowed
Green
D Will be required or incentivized by
code/ordinance
Yellow
Will be expressly allowed in
code/ordinance
Code/ordinance silent, but not
typically approved
Expressly prohibited
D Not Applicable
Will be prohibited or discouraged
D Not Applicable
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