Seal cracks and gaps around windows, floor/ceiling connections, piping and electrical penetrations, interior and exterior walls and hallways

Weatherize doors, windows, and plumbing and electrical penetrations in building corridors. Sealing cracks and gaps will conserve heat during the winter, and reduce air conditioning use during the summer.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_sealing

Sealing gaps and cracks is an excellent way to retain heat or cool air

Applying caulk, sealants and foam in any of the envelope’s gaps or cracks is an excellent way to conserve heat or cool air within the building. Most importantly, seal the seams of your attic, crawlspace, unheated basement and garage air ducts with mastic or foil tape, and then wrap with insulation to maintain proper temperatures.

http://www.toolbase.org/Home-Building-Topics/Energy-Efficiency/air-sealing

Select bathroom finishes and materials that are low-emitting and non-toxic

Select caulks, adhesives, grout and floor substrates that are low-emitting and non-toxic.  Paint ceilings and walls with a low or no-VOC semi-gloss paint that is easy to wipe down.

http://www.epa.gov/greenhomes/bathroom.htm

Select bathroom finishes and materials that are moisture and mold resistant

Eliminate unhealthy building conditions by choosing materials that are impervious to mold and bacteria.

http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html

Select flooring and cabinetry that are durable and easy to maintain

Select flooring and cabinetry that are durable and easy to maintain.

http://www.buildinggreen.com/menus/drillBC.cfm?BuilderCategoryID=8

Select kitchen finishes and materials that are low-emitting and non-toxic

Select paints, caulks, adhesives, and floor substrates that are low-emitting and non-toxic.

http://www.epa.gov/greenhomes/Kitchen.htm

Select low or no-VOC semi-gloss paint that is easy to keep clean

Select paints, caulks, adhesives, and floor substrates that are low-emitting and non-toxic.

Use construction materials with minimal formaldehyde whenever possible

Work with particleboard and/or MDF that is in compliance with codes A208.1 & A208.2 of the American National Standards Institute.

www.sefalabs.com/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3394

Use construction materials without formaldehyde whenever possible

Particleboard, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), and carpeting with its associated padding and adhesives typically emit urea formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are hazardous to your health.

http://www.buildinggreen.com/

Use latex or water-based maintenance products

Latex, silicone, and water-based products are safer for the user and the building resident than oil-based products--they don’t release harmful fumes. They’re also easier to clean up using soap and warm water, rather than mineral spirits or turpentine.

http://www.greenseal.org/FindGreenSealProductsandServices.aspx?vid=ViewProductDetail&cid=10

Use low and zero VOC paints – they dry quickly and have little or no odor

Paints and primers, sealants and coatings, and adhesives and caulks contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate easily at room temperature, releasing unhealthy gasses into the building’s interior air.

http://www.greenseal.org/FindGreenSealProductsandServices.aspx?vid=ViewProductDetail&cid=10

Use low-flow fixtures and fittings to save water

Saving water saves money. Use low-flow fixtures and fittings to prevent flushing money down the drain.

http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/

Use recycled wood or engineered wood flooring for a cleaner installation

When laying hardwood flooring, use recycled wood or engineered wood. It’s easier to install and to clean, plus it’s better for the environment.

http://www.buildinggreen.com/

Use refillable spray bottles for mixing cleaning concentrates

Look for products made from plant-based ingredients such as citrus, herb, and vegetable oils. Vinegar and baking soda are natural and effective cleaners. Use refillable spray bottles, and buy concentrates instead of ready-to-use solutions. Avoid aerosol sprays. Instead of paper towels, use microfiber cloths, which can be laundered.

http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/cleaning.htm

Weatherstripping is inexpensive and readily available

To prevent drafts, install weatherstripping on windows and doors in your building’s common areas, and in residents’ apartments. Weatherstripping is inexpensive and available at any hardware store. Make sure you get the correct thickness and width for each door or window.  

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11280