
The Green Spec Playbook For Cleaner Builds Part 1
From Green Architects' Lounge by Chris Briley and Phil Kaplan
January 14, 2026 · 1h 14m · Episode 57
About this episode
Chris and Phil discuss the importance of the residential project manual and how to effectively write and enforce specifications for cleaner builds.
Chris and Phil get nerdy about the most underrated tool in your CD set: the residential project manual. They walk through key spec divisions and the small callouts that protect performance, like blower door targets, temporary heat, low carbon concrete mixes, and toxicity rules that keep bad products off site. You will leave with a clearer way to write, organize, and enforce specs so substitutions do not quietly wreck airtightness, durability, or indoor air quality.
People in this episode
Hosts: Chris, Phil
Topics covered
- residential project manual
- spec divisions
- blower door targets
- temporary heat
- low carbon concrete mixes
- toxicity rules
Keywords
- airtightness
- durability
- indoor air quality
Mentioned in this episode
Products: low carbon concrete
Books & works: The Green Spec Playbook For Cleaner Builds
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- The Green Spec Playbook For Cleaner Builds Part 2 · March 11, 2026 · 1h 1m
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