Tempo:
SUSTAINABLE HOUSING INSIGHT Construction is resource-intensive and any measures that reduce the quantity of resources needed will make construction more sustainable. The four Rs—Review, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle—apply to all building materials but are particularly applicable to the large proportion of wood products used in wood-frame house construction.
Resource Efficiency
Plan house layouts and room sizes for efficient use of space and to avoid excessive building area and heated volume.
Reduce
Plan room dimensions so that standard material sizes are used wherever possible. Consider using code-acceptable practices that use less framing materials such as advanced framing techniques (also called optimum value engineering).
Look for ways to reduce framing materials, such as by constructing walls with wider stud spacing and by using fewer studs at corners, where permitted.
Reuse
Review
Store and protect materials properly to avoid damage and the need to discard and replace.
Reuse cut-offs for short framing members and as blocking, strapping and bracing. Reuse materials and equipment when they have the same properties as new ones and are satisfactory for the intended use. For example, bricks can be reused as long as they are clean and free of mortar. Reuse lumber where possible. For example, use footing formwork lumber for bracing or strapping.
Recycle
Sort and securely store materials for recycling.
Estimate quantities carefully to minimize leftover materials and waste.
RELATED PUBLICATIONS 2010 National Building Code of Canada (Section 9.23, Part 4 and Appendix C), National Research Council of Canada Engineering Guide for Wood Frame Construction 2009, Canadian Wood Council (publication no. EGWF-09-E)
Resource Efficiency
Plan house layouts and room sizes for efficient use of space and to avoid excessive building area and heated volume.
Reduce
Plan room dimensions so that standard material sizes are used wherever possible. Consider using code-acceptable practices that use less framing materials such as advanced framing techniques (also called optimum value engineering).
Look for ways to reduce framing materials, such as by constructing walls with wider stud spacing and by using fewer studs at corners, where permitted.
Reuse
Review
Store and protect materials properly to avoid damage and the need to discard and replace.
Reuse cut-offs for short framing members and as blocking, strapping and bracing. Reuse materials and equipment when they have the same properties as new ones and are satisfactory for the intended use. For example, bricks can be reused as long as they are clean and free of mortar. Reuse lumber where possible. For example, use footing formwork lumber for bracing or strapping.
Recycle
Sort and securely store materials for recycling.
Estimate quantities carefully to minimize leftover materials and waste.
RELATED PUBLICATIONS 2010 National Building Code of Canada (Section 9.23, Part 4 and Appendix C), National Research Council of Canada Engineering Guide for Wood Frame Construction 2009, Canadian Wood Council (publication no. EGWF-09-E)
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