Carpentry
Green Application 5
Key Lessons from Carpentry
In Carpentry, we learned about:
• Tool and equipment use, safety, and
maintenance
• Primary materials, including lumber
• Proper rough-in framing methods
• Appropriate exterior and interior finishes
Green Building Principles
and Carpentry
Each of Carpentry’s key lessons can shape
these important green principles:
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Energy efficiency
Durability and water management
Indoor air quality
Green product selection
Reduce material use and recycle waste
Work with other trades
Homeowner education and training manual
Energy Efficiency
Carpentry shapes the soundness of the building
envelope and, therefore, potential energy
leaks.
A green carpenter will install appropriate
insulation, will properly caulk and seal around
exterior penetrations, and will look for energyefficient equipment.
Energy Efficiency
A carpenter can:
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Use energy-efficient building components
Install wall and cavity insulation
Install air barriers and seal air leaks
Design and install framing to accommodate
HVAC ducts
• Install energy-efficient windows and doors, like
ENERGY STAR
Durability and Water Management
Carpentry, like masonry, directly shapes
the exterior walls and so determines the
amount of water and moisture that can
enter a home from the outside.
A green carpenter ensures proper water
barriers in the exterior walls and roof.
Durability and Water Management
A carpenter can:
• Install capillary breaks in foundation and
slabs
• Manage water drainage
• Flash roof penetrations
• Install balanced roof ventilation
• Install weather resistive barriers
• Flash wall penetrations like windows
Indoor Air Quality
Because carpenters often install interior
cabinets and finishes, they must be
aware of the off-gassing from those
components and necessary ventilation
requirements.
A green carpenter is always on the
lookout for non-toxic (low-VOC)
materials and finishes.
Green Product Selection
Because of the amount of material that a
carpenter uses, selecting
environmentally-friendly options makes
a significant difference to overall green
performance.
A green carpenter can look for materials,
finishes, and equipment that have used
less energy and materials.
Green Product Selection
A carpenter can:
• Select green concrete
• Select certified lumber and materials
• Select locally harvested and
manufactured materials
• Select and install environmentally
friendly products
Reduce Material Use and
Recycle Waste
A carpenter can help promote an efficient
house design that does not use more
structural framing than absolutely
necessary. Lumber is the most used
construction material.
A green carpenter will try to select better
material, use less, and recycle what’s left.
Reduce Material Use and
Recycle Waste
A carpenter can:
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Design a plan with reasonable dimensions
Use precut components
Use scrap materials onsite
Save or recycle leftover materials
Store and handle materials carefully to avoid damage
and waste
• Estimate materials accurately
• Integrate carpentry waste into jobsite-recycling
Work with Other Trades
A green carpenter must coordinate with
other trades that might change the
overall performance of the building.
For example, the carpenter must know
where the plumber, electrician, and
HVAC technician install equipment to
ensure minimal and sealed
penetrations.
Homeowner Education and
Training Manual
A green carpenter is always ready to make sure
that her work is maintained properly to last a
long time.
Carpenters can provide information to
occupants about what kinds of finishes and
materials were used, how to care for them,
and what to do if they remodel in the future.
Referencing Carpentry and
the Green Application
Carpentry Section
1. Tools and Materials
2. Rough Carpentry
3. Exterior Finish
4. Interior Finish
Relevant Green Application Section
Green Product Selection
Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste
Work with Other Trades
Durability and Water Management
Energy Efficiency
Green Product Selection
Indoor Air Quality
Homeowner Education and Reference
Manual