Materials Selection

Selecting materials color, texture and style is a challenging process but there are other items that can be considered.

At ENVI Construction, we strive to incorporate building methods that improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

We are also interested in what impact our purchasing choices have for our personal health and possible influences on our communities.

Japanese Printmaker Koichi Yamamoto of Tennessee states:

"Surface only provides record from recent event.
Making critical judgement requires understanding of what lies underneath".

In terms of selecting materials, with a concern for sustainability, understanding what lies "underneath" requires examining the relationship of many factors.
If clients are interested in this we will ask that they become a partner in making decisions in terms of environmental & personal health and the community.

The best tool I have seen to cut ease the confusion is Pharos Lens. Although not fully launched for consumers, the chart shown can be helpful for making decisions when selecting products.

Pharos Lens

List compiled from Pharos Lens

*Health and Pollution*
IAQ and User Exposure
High Hazard Toxics
Global Warming
Air Quality
Water Quality

*Environment and Resources*
Renewable Energy
Embodied Water
Solid Waste
Renewable Materials Use
Habitat
Embodied Energy

*Social and Community*
Occupational Heath and Safety
Consumer Health and Safety
Fairness and Equity
Community Relations
Corporate Leadership

When purchasing materials. Which of the elements would be the most important factor in selecting a sustainable product? Of course all of them but most products do not include improvement in all areas.

Understanding the gray areas of green building are can be one of the most daunting tasks a designer, builder or homeowner can tackle. Luckily if this is of interest to a client, there is plenty of available information that is being shared to assist with choices that are important to them.