Previously in this column we discussed the value of using The Construction Specifications Institute's MasterFormatT system to organize project information. In this issue, we will take a look at how to use MasterFormat to implement a design decision. Green or garden roofs, for example, have been used in Europe for over a decade but are only now starting to appear in the United States. Due to the recent appearance of these roofs in the marketplace, a section number and title for them does not exist in the 1995 edition of MasterFormat. To implement a green roof in a project, the specification writer would need to create a new section title and select a currently unassigned number to begin preparation of the specification section.

To aid in this process, it is helpful to understand what components make up the green roof system. These components include a waterproofing membrane, a biobarrier, a growing material and plant materials. Even though the individual components can be specified in separate sections, it is better to specify them together in one section as a system for both bidding and warranty purposes. Since these systems are usually provided by a membrane manufacturer, I chose "Green Roofing System" as the section's title and the unused section number "07599," which falls under "Membrane Roofing" in MasterFormat, for the new section.

Within the body of the section itself, you should include requirements that are specific to green roofing systems. For example, in Part 1: General, you should include an article entitled "Performance Requirements." This article should include requirements that identify criteria related to the function of the system. Some typical requirements included in a standard roofing specification may deal with structural, thermal and life safety properties. For a green roofing system, this article should also include requirements related to roof load limits and plant material type.

Another important Part 1 article should include "Environmental Requirements," such as recycled content, toxicity, energy efficiency, urban heat island effect, stormwater management and air quality.

In Part 2: Products, you should include not only the waterproofing membrane but also the biobarrier, growing material and plant materials. While you could specify the components of the system without naming the manufacturer or product name, it is preferable to specify the green roofing system by manufacturer and product name because of warranty requirements and the need to ensure that only tested components are incorporated into the system.

Finally, in Part 3: Execution, you should incorporate any installation requirements that are specifically applicable to green roofing systems, such as an article covering the installation of the biobarrier, growing material and plant materials. The specifier should review the system manufacturer's installation instructions for guidance on which requirements to include in the specification.

The previous example demonstrates how you can take a standard specification section format and add requirements that address environmental concerns to produce a specification that addresses a green building project's design intent. While the example specifically discusses green roofs, the same idea could easily be carried over into other green building projects.

Editor's note: MasterFormat is published by The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC), and can be obtained by contacting The Construction Specifications Institute, 99 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314; 800-689-2900.