Going Green With New Building Materials Can Lead to Expensive New Issues

Synthetic stone veneer, fast-growing wood, and green roofs are just a few examples of green building materials and techniques that are rising in popularity as individuals, companies, and local, state and federal governments embrace sustainable building practices. However, for as aesthetically pleasing, environmentally beneficial, and socially conscious as these efforts may be, costly problems can arise if green building materials are used inappropriately or designed and installed ineffectively.

Many green building products are so new that they have limited in-service data indicating whether they are code compliant, compatible with other materials, or will work as intended. For example, synthetic stone veneer (or adhered manufactured stone masonry veneer - “AMSMV”) has been to known to lead to moisture intrusion and buckling. Although the lightweight nature of the veneer can drive down building costs, if installed improperly – such as without appropriate weatherproofing – the later cost of repairing water damage could outweigh its benefits. It is therefore important for construction projects to utilize contractors who are familiar with the appropriate installation techniques (a specific ASTM standard for AMSMV installation was published in 2013) and have worked with AMSMV products before.

Wood from fast-growing trees can earn LEED credits, and may be desirable in green building projects. However, lumber from these trees must be treated using particular sealants to prevent deterioration due to exposure to the elements. One lawsuit exemplifies the pitfalls of using green products inappropriately. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Inc. et al v. Weyerhaeuser Company lawsuit involved the effort to build the nation’s first LEED platinum building using a lumber product made from wood waste from fast growing trees: Parallal Strand Lumber (also known as Parallam). The supplier allegedly provided Parallam that it claimed had been treated with a suitable sealant, when in reality the sealant had not been approved for use on that product. Deterioration, including wide-spread rot, was later found on the exposed beams. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation sued the supplier for $6,000,000 in damages alleging breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation, among other claims. Although the case was ultimately resolved due to statute of limitations grounds, it demonstrates how costly litigation can result where green building products do not perform as originally anticipated or promised.

Vegetation has also become an important part of sustainable building projects. Roof gardens and vertical gardens (“living facades”) are becoming more popular, especially in dense urban spaces. Their benefits include evaporative cooling (leading to energy savings), reduced urban heat island effect, oxygen production, LEED credits, and pleasing aesthetics. However, leaks, dampness, rotting vegetation, molds and bacteria can also result due to poor design or maintenance, and leaks can be difficult to assess and remedy. One often overlooked aspect is the sometimes close proximity between the vegetation and HVAC systems. These systems can transmit spores from rotting vegetation inside, or any pesticides used on the green space. Other important design considerations include the load bearing capacity of the roof, utilization of appropriate weatherproof membranes, and suitable draining. Design limitations must be respected when considering green roofs or walls in order to maintain structural safety and moisture control.

Ultimately, as green building continues to grow in popularity (most especially in government-funded or high-end private projects) new issues will arise due to the use of new products in new applications. Time, effort, and care must therefore be taken when designing new projects, ascertaining what green building products are appropriate to use, and most especially, determining the appropriate means to install and apply these new materials.