EcoMasterSpecs include twenty-two Sections in Divisions 1 through 9 of the CSI format, with notes to the specifier. They are intended to be included in the typical short form, broadscope specifications for residential and light commercial projects, new and remodeling. Although some Sections lend themselves more than others to an "Eco" treatment, all have an emphasis on resource-efficient, low-toxin, and energy saving practices and materials.
These sample specifications were prepared by Design Coalition Inc. in January 1997 for the Wisconsin Partnership for Housing, as part of a project sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. As such, these specifications are in the public domain and are not copyrighted. They are intended to be used by owners, property managers, specification writers, developers, builders and architects. They assume the procedures and role of an architect during construction as described in American Institute of Architect (AIA) documents, especially A201 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. Articles related to resource efficiency which can be added to document A201 are also included.
Construction Materials: Management and Markets, A Resource Guide for Wisconsin Builders and Contractors, Sherrie Gruder, UW-Extension Solid & Hazardous Waste Education Center (1997).
Demolition for Salvage and Reuse, Soderstrom Architects, Metro, 600 Grand Ave. NE, Portland OR 97232.
Environmental Building News, RR1, Box 161, Brattleboro, VT 05301, (802) 257-7300.
Environmental Resource Guide, The American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006, (800) 365-ARCH.
Guide to Resource Efficient Building Elements, 6th Edition, Tracy Mumma, Center For Resourceful Building Technology, P.O. Box 100, Missoula, MT 59806, (406) 549-7678.
Healthful Houses, Clint Good, AIA, Guaranty Press, 7315 Wisconsin Ave. Suite 615E, Bethesda, MD 20814, (800) 541-9185.
The Source for Sustainable Design, Andrew St.John, AIA, Ed., Architects for Social Responsibility, Boston Society of Architects, 52 Broad St. Boston MA 02109-4301, (617) 951-1433.
WasteSpec Triangle J Council of Governments, P.O. Box 12276, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, (919)549-0551).
A master specification is a working document, one that is never finished; new products always come onto the market, costs vary over time, formerly unusual processes become accepted, new issues are raised. In fact there are many products available right now but not included herein simply because of the limits to our knowledge regarding their performance, the time these specifications were written, availability, cost, etc.
Every attempt has been made to provide a document of practical use. Products and manufacturers included are for the most part known to us; however, their inclusion does not serve as an endorsement, nor does the omission of a manufacturer or product imply that these would serve less well. The provisions included for "green" and "healthy" building are still not normal practice, but they can be done and have been done. In the area of construction and demolition waste management, however, many provisions here may be "ahead of the curve". Before including these provisions, take special care to assure that markets are in place and that costs incurred are acceptable to the client.
Use of any Section or provision contained herein is the sole responsibility of the specifier or other user. There is no guarantee that this document will meet all federal, state, and local statutory and regulatory requirements. Design Coalition, its employees and consultants disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any party for any damages, direct or indirect, resulting from the use or adaptation of this document, including the disk version.
The authors welcome any comments or corrections, and request that they be sent to one of the following addresses:
Design Coalition, Inc
2088 Atwood Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
608-246-8846
608-246-8670 (fax)