Environmental Design + Construction Magazine - May 2011 (True PDF

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Modern
Envelopes
Preserve the Past
Also Inside:
EID Awards and Lighting
CertainTeed is proud to have earned
the 2011 ENERGY STAR Sustained
Excellence Award, the highest
level of recognition for
outstanding contributions
to protecting the
environment
through energy
efficiency.
Visit us at booth #3153
See inside to nd out about
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environmental design + construction
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SKYL I GHT S AND T RANSL UCENT CURTAI NWAL L
* Heschong Mahone Group, Inc. 1999
Major Industries, 2011 888-759-2678 | www.majorskylights.com
CREAT I NG ENVI RONMENT S WHERE PEOPL E CAN SHI NE
Its an undisputed fact - a well-designed daylighting strategy lifts performance in everything from student test
scores to retail sales*. But harsh direct sunlight, when left unchecked creates glare on monitors, raises room
temperatures and pushes human performance downward. Translucent skylights and curtainwall from Major
soften light, moderate temperatures and keep buildings and occupants alike performing at peak levels.
SHARPER IDEAS
SOFTER LIGHT FOSTERS
Reader Service No. 53 www.EDCmag.com/webcard
WELCOME TO
THE RED CARPET
COLLECTION
WHERE BEAUTY
MEETS SUSTAINABILITY
AND THEY WORK
TOGETHER BEAUTIFULLY.
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ed+c MAY 11 8
MAY 2011
VOLUME 14
NUMBER 5
CONTENTS
On the Cover:
The Museum of American Jewish History employs a terra cotta and glass faade
that plays a big role in preserving artifacts and creating an energy-efficient public
space. Image Halkin Photography.
12 EDITORS NOTE
14 NEW + NOTABLE
62 CROSSWORD
64 ADVERTISER INDEX
66 PARTING SHOT
In Every Issue
18
46 42
Newsline For breaking news, visit www.EDCmag.com or sign up online
to receive the eNewsletter delivered right to your inbox. For current industry
news from your phone, snap the mobile tag here. Get the free app for your phone at
http://gettag.mobi
S
N
A
P
I
T
18 24 29 42
In This Issue
2011 EID Awards
Find out which six projects were cho-
sen as the winners of ED+Cs annual
Excellence in Design Awards. See more
with the video online.
On the Record
Interactive design sessions are the hot
topic in this fourth roundtable of net-
zero energy experts. Get even more
insight in the digital edition.
On Trial
Representatives of three different
building material types were invited to
plead their sustainable cases for you,
the jury. Which will you choose?
Let the Building
Breathe
The NMAJHuses a terra cotta andglass
systemtocreate a warm, energy-efficient
public space. By Ronald Boschan
46 50
More Codes,
More Control
Lightingcontrols play a key role inmeet-
ingbuildingenergy codes. By Michael
Jouaneh, LEED AP BD+C
Hybrid Cars Meet
Hybrid Buildings
DC microgrid platforms are emerging
for lighting and more. By Brian
Patterson
High-Performance Building Envelopes
Lighting Continuing Education
52
Chemistry: A Major Driver
of Building Performance
Advances in chemistry make more sustainable building envelopes. By Roger C. Brady,
AIA, LEED AP, with contributions from Mary MacLeod Jones and
Stephanie Inglis on behalf of BASF Construction North America
IN THIS MONTHS
Digital Edition
45A BREATHE DEEP
by Joe Pasma, PE
51A A PRESCRIPTION IN SAVINGS
by Michael Winegard
Before Portland International Airport installed Sloan ECOS
sensor-activated dual-flush flushometers

in its administrative offices and Sloan UPPERCUT
manual dual-flush flushometers in its terminal

restrooms, the airport flushed away about 280,000 gallons of water a day.
Sloan dual-flush systems in the terminal alone have reduced water usage by 177,000 gallons per
day. That adds up to an annual savings of more than 60 million gallons.
The dual-flush flushometers have been a key part of Portland International Airports sustainability
program. The airport has been able to realize real water savings that positively impact the
environment and the business bottom line.
Portland has made great water-efficiency improvements, and so can you. Read the rest of Portlands
story at www.sloanvalve.com/portlandairport.
For more information about Sloan dual-flush flushometers, go to www.sloanvalve.com.
Portland International Airport Saves
177,000 Gallons of Water Every Day
with Sloan High-Efficiency dual-flush Flushometers
The Water Efficiency Company Reader Service No. 37 www.EDCmag.com/webcard
ed+c MAY 11 10
How Green Was My
(Napa) Valley?
Provided by Siegel & Strain
The Yountville Town Center
weaves new and existing
buildings and outdoor rooms
into a place designed to
enrich community life.
WEB
TOC
THIS MONTHS WEB EXCLUSIVE FEATURES INCLUDE:
Challenging Curtain Wall
Limits
By Mary Pence
The Lindsey-Flanigan
Courthouse in Denver is a
testament to the beauty of
innovation and the practical-
ity of building green.
Colorful Panels Envelop
Humane Society
By Byron Smith
As the first LEED Gold animal
shelter in the nation, HSSV
proves that even our four-
legged friends can enjoy the
benefits of sustainability.
Air National Guard Pro-
tects with Curtain Wall
By Heather West
Beyond blast hazard mitiga-
tion, the Readiness Centers
curtain wall system contrib-
utes to daylighting, energy-
efficiency and occupant comfort.
1 2 3 4
Register at the new EDCmag.com to
read all of Mays Web exclusives.
2
3
4
Sustainable Schools - Design, Construction and
Operations, May 26, 2011
This webinar, presented by Warren County Public Schools, includes
Richardsville Elementary, the first net-zero energy school by architects
Sherman Carter Barnhart.
Free Webinar >>>>>>>>>>
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P I O N E E R I N G I N S U L A T E D M E T A L P A N E L T E C H N O L O G Y
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A|coa Arch|tectura| Products 50 lndustr|a| Bou|evard Eastman, GA 31023-4129 Te|. 800 841 7774 ecoc|ean.com
2011 A|coa Arch|tectura| Products. EcoO|ean |s a trademark of A|coa lnc. HYDROTEOT |s a trademark of TOTO SA, lnc.
For decades, sc|ent|sts have recogn|zed that,
when exposed to sun||ght, t|tan|um d|ox|de
acts as a cata|yst to break down organ|c
matter, wh||e a|so creat|ng a superhydroph|||c
water-|ov|ng} surface.
Now, A|coa Arch|tectura| Products has
deve|oped a propr|etary process that
|everages HYDROTEOT
techno|ogy from
TOTO to app|y a t|tan|um d|ox|de coat|ng,
ca||ed EcoO|ean, to the pre-pa|nted a|um|num
surface of Reynobond. The resu|t |s the
wor|d`s frst co||-coated a|um|num arch|tectura|
pane| that c|eans |tse|f - and the a|r around |t.
From b|rd res|due to d|ese| fumes, arch|tectura|
bu||d|ng pane|s are constant|y exposed to
organ|c mater|a| that makes surfaces d|rty.
Yet there`s another organ|c mater|a| constant|y
bombard|ng bu||d|ngs: NOx n|trogen ox|des}.
As the pr|mary component of smog, |t
threatens the qua||ty of the a|r we breathe.
But when NOx mo|ecu|es foat near the
surface of Reynobond w|th EcoO|ean, they
are attacked by free rad|ca|s generated from
the t|tan|um d|ox|de react|ng w|th water and
oxygen |n the a|r - ox|d|z|ng the NOx mo|ecu|es
and convert|ng them to a harm|ess n|trate.
ln th|s way, Reynobond w|th EcoO|ean act|ve|y
works to remove po||utants by us|ng sun||ght
and the water vapor and oxygen |n the a|r to
c|ean the a|r |tse|f.
And because the EcoO|ean coat|ng |s
superhydroph|||c, |t makes the surface of the
Reynobond super s||ck |n the presence of water.
So when |t ra|ns, water co||apses and runs
even|y off the bu||d|ng, tak|ng most of the broken
down organ|c matter and n|trates w|th |t.
Reynobond w|th EcoO|ean creates c|eaner
a|r and a c|eaner bu||d|ng - wh||e |ower|ng
ma|ntenance costs. lt`s another examp|e of
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ed+c MAY 11 14
1
Wood Protection
Sansin Classic, a penetrating, environmentally friendly wood finish, can
help maintain a healthy, breathable building envelope for wood exteri-
ors.The low-VOC formula provides all the characteristics of penetrating
oils, yet utilizes moisture in the wood to diffuse deep into the wood tissue,
even when the moisture content is as high as 25 percent. When used in
construction and exposed to wind, rain and sun, wood needs a level of pro-
tection to remain durable, resilient and pleasing to the eye.Sansin Classic
reportedly delivers that breathability and durability. www.sansin.com
The Sansin Corporation | Reader Service No. 110
2
High-Performance Coated Glass
SNX 62/27 reportedly offers natural light with an improved solar heat
gain coefficientthat raises the glazing light-to-solar gain ratio to2.30,
thanks to three microscopically thin silver layers in the coating. The prod-
uct also features a color-neutral appearance so that buildings still reap
the performance benefit without a dark or reflective look. Architects can
tap into the companys newbuilding energy calculator, which provides
a quick and consistent way tounderstand the tradeoffs between various
glass products andestimate energy dollar costs rather than only compar-
ing producttechnical data.www.sunguardglass.com
Guardian Industries | Reader Service No. 111
3
Rainscreen System
Knight Wall Systems Inc. announced the launch of CI-System, a new
rainscreen system that accommodates continuous rigid insulation on the
exterior of a building, designed to significantly increase the structures
energy efficiency. CI-System reportedly offers superior moisture handling
and thermal performance and reduced risk of condensation, and it is
adaptable to any faade or cladding system.Knight says the new system
enables a true continuously insulated exterior wall that will meet or
exceed current and future energy codes. www.knightwallsystems.com
Knight Wall Systems Inc. | Reader Service No. 112
4
3D Modeled Doors
Tubelites 3D software modeling tools and computer numeric controlled
programming reportedly save materials, reduce lead-times and increase
quality. All of Tubelites custom doors and frames are manufactured using
a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition. Products contain
a minimum of 80 percent reclaimed aluminum, but requests for 100
percent reclaimed aluminum doors can be met. Painted finishes are ap-
plied using a 100 percent air capture system that destroys the VOCs with
a regenerative thermal oxidizer. Thermal barriers and high-performance
glass optimize the doors energy efficiency. www.tubeliteinc.com
Tubelite Inc. | Reader Service No. 113
2
To request more information on these products, visit www.EDCmag.com/webcard
and enter the corresponding reader service numbers.
4
1
3
NEW
+ NOTABLE
View the
new product
catergories at
EDCmag.com.
www.EDCmag.com 15
Stairwell Lighting Solution
Lutron introduced its new Stairwell Retrofit Solu-
tion that automatically adjusts light output based
on stairwell occupancy. The new Stairwell Retrofit
Solution utilizes a lighting fixture with a Lutron
digital dimming ballast preprogrammed to oc-
cupied and unoccupied light levels specific to a
projects code requirements. Through high-end
trim and occupancy sensing, the stairwell retrofit
solution provides the opportunity to save over
80 percent of lighting energy usage. The wireless
communication between devices allows for easy
installation with no additional wiring required.
www.lutron.com
Lutron | Reader Service No. 114
Waterproofing Drainage Board
ShockWave is a 100 percent post-consumer
recycled material waterproofing drainage
board solution. ShockWave is reportedly
made of environmentally friendly closed-cell,
cross-linked foam. The board is designed to
protect the wall and membrane during the
backfill process with its crush-resistant mem-
ory, which allows it to bounce back when
compressed. Shockwave effectively channels
water away from the foundation, absorbing
up to 101.11 gallons per hour per linear foot
of groundwater to eliminate any possibility
of hydrostatic pressure, the company states.
www.mar-flex.com
Mar-flex | Reader Service No. 115
Vapor Retarder
MemBrainVapor Retarder breathes and allows
excess moisture to escape from wall cavities.
This smart vapor retarder is a polyamide film
that changes permeability from less than
1 perm at low humidity to greater than 20
perms at high relative humidity, the company
states. MemBrain is used in place of traditional
polyethylene vapor retarders with unfaced
fiberglass insulation to provide an insulation
system that is designed for areas with seasonal
changes in temperature and humidity. Mem-
Brain reportedly allows closed building enve-
lope systems to increase their drying potential.
www.certainteed.com
CertainTeed | Reader Service No. 116
ed+c MAY 11 16
Design Manual
Kingspan introduced a
new design manual for
Kingspan Benchmark
architectural products
that reportedly
consolidates product
literature and infor-
mation in a single,
easy-to-use resource.
The 248-page manual
is available in two
formats electronic
and print to assist
design professionals in the selection, specification and installation of
insulated wall panels and integrated window systems, column and beam
covers, louvers and sunshades. The manual incorporates 3D isometric
construction details, case studies and product specifications.
www.kingspanpanels.us
Kingspan Insulated Panels North America | Reader Service No. 117
Vapor-Permeable Air Barrier
Air infiltration increases energy demands, and moisture droplets in
the air can collect in the walls, leading to deterioration of structural
members and poor indoor air quality. ExoAir 230 Fluid-Applied
Vapor-Permeable Air Barrier Membrane is a monolithic, synthetic
vapor-permeable air barrier membrane designed to seal exterior
above-grade walls, while serving as a weather-resistive barrier to
keep water out yet remaining permeable to the passage of water
vapor to prevent moisture from being trapped within the wall.
www.tremcosealants.com
Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing | Reader Service No. 118
PVC-Free Bumper
Boston Retails ecoRigid
plus+ bumper is inspired by
ecological enthusiasts that
seek an environmentally
proficient alternative to PVC,
according to the company.
ecoRigid plus+ is report-
edly 100 percent PVC-free
and has earned UL Environ-
ment EVC for containing 95
percent certified post-consumer recycled content. ecoRigid plus+ is
designed for use in retail, commercial and industrial applications to
protect capital equipment, including walls. www.bostonretail.com
Boston Retail | Reader Service No. 119
Drainage Mat
Enkadrain W 3601 is an
environmentally conscious
thin drainage composite.
It consists of a recycled
white polypropylene
drainage core and a strong
but lightweight white Col-
back filter fabric thermally
bonded to one side. The
mat reportedly contains
40 percent post-industrial recycled content. Enkadrain W 3601 is
designed for use with plaza decks, under pavers and for green roofs,
among other applications. www.colbond-usa.com
Colbond | Reader Service No. 120
grass porous pavement
invisiblestructures.com
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ed+c MAY 11 18
E
ach year, ED+C holds its Excellence in Design Awards to honor
projects that demonstrate a clear commitment to green building
and sustainable design. Whose projects? Yours. How do they get
to us? You can submit them during our call for entries.
Why submit a project? Besides getting recognition for a
project, winners encourage others to follow suit in environmentally conscious
building and raise the bar ever higher for those who already build green. Now
completing its ninth year, Excellence in Design recognizes commercial, gov-
ernment, institutional, educational and residential projects meeting a variety
of environmental building criteria.
Perhaps youre working on a project to be completed this year. The Excel-
lence in Design program will start accepting entries for projects completed in
2011 at eid.EDCmag.com in the fall.
Now, without further ado, congratulations to the 2011 ED+C Excellence in
Design Award winners. These six green building projects completed in 2010
demonstrate outstanding sustainable design techniques. Winners of the
competition, as well as finalists and honorable mentions, will be featured in
upcoming issues of ED+C by category beginning in June 2011.
Information was provided by applicants.
2011
EXCELLENCE
IN DESIGN
AWARDS
Get the free mobile app at
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Snap here for
a video with more
about this years
winners.
www.EDCmag.com 19
Winner: Eleven Times Square
Submitted by: FXFOWLE (www.fxfowle.com)
Date Completed: October 1, 2010
Size: 1,100,000 square feet
Location: New York, N.Y.
Certications: LEED Gold; designed to earn ENERGY STAR
Eleven Times Square is a sculptural, glass-clad ofce tower occupying
a full block on one of the worlds most celebrated urban thoroughfares
Manhattans 42nd Street. Designed to extend the vibrancy of Times
Square, its dynamic form is an essay in contextual and solar response.
A driver of the buildings form and expression was the goal to reduce
solar gain.
The Commercial category winner, Eleven Times Square, will be featured in
further detail in the June 2011 edition of ED+C and online at www.EDCmag.com.
Commercial
Winner: Buchanan Energy and
Environmental Research Center
Submitted by: S.I.M. Architects
(www.simarchitects.com)
Date Completed: September 1, 2010
Size: 10,000 square feet
Location: Clovis, Calif.
Cost: $4,603,879
Certications: LEED Certication pending
Clovis Unied School District created a vocational
class to educate and train students for future
careers in the green industry. By providing
students with an educational pathway and
a facility emphasizing these elements, the
Buchanan Energy and Environmental Research
Center project has become a valuable educational
resource. The center gives students real-time
interaction with the energy and sustainable
elements of the facility, including wind turbines,
radiant oor heating, photovoltaic panel arrays,
and a vegetative green roof among other green
design elements.
The Educational category winner, Buchanan Energy
and Environmental Research Center, will be featured in
further detail in the August 2011 edition of ED+C and
online at www.EDCmag.com.
Educational
IMAGES BY PAUL MULLINS, MULLINS STUDIO
IMAGE COURTESY OF RED SQUARE IMAGE COURTESY OF COE WILL, FXFOWLE
ed+c MAY 11 20
Mutifamily Winner: General Colin Powell Apartments
Submitted by: Blue Sea Development Company, LLC
Date Completed: August 17, 2010
Location: Bronx, N.Y.
Cost: $15,300,000
Certications: LEED-H Platinum; ENERGY STAR
The General Colin Powell building is the rst LEED Platinum affordable multifamily
ownership building in New York. The building offers apartments in a building that
models 43 percent better energy efciency than ASHRAE 90.1-2004. Developed on
a former browneld site, the building faade steps in and out, providing a pleasing
visual context for the neighborhood. The partnership with Habitat for Humanity
NYC, where families and volunteers perform much of the air sealing, insulation and
drywall, helped to provide such highly performing, healthy, luxurious new homes to
rst-time buyers.
Residential Multifamily
IMAGES BY BERNSTEIN ASSOCIATES
www.EDCmag.com 21
Single Family Winner:
Santa Cruz Strawbale House
Submitted by: Arkin Tilt Architects
(www.arkintilt.com)
Date Completed: June 2010
Location: Santa Cruz, Calif.
Avid surfers and professors of biology and environmental
studies, the clients wanted to push the ecological envelope
while providing a fun, comfortable house for their family
of six, along with a second unit for rental or parents. The
house combines mechanical technology with natural
building techniques, passive solar strategies and locally
sourced elements. An efcient plan, solar section and a
well-insulated envelope mean that little supplementary
heat is needed. Strawbale walls wrap the north and west,
while the wood-framed south wall brings daylight into the
living spaces.
The Residential category winners, General Colin Powell
Apartments and Santa Cruz Strawbale House, will be featured
in further detail in the July 2011 edition of ED+C and online at
www.EDCmag.com.
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ed+c MAY 11 22
Winner: Bend Park & Recreation District
Administration Building
Submitted by: Opsis Architecture
(www.opsisarch.com)
Date Completed: October 2010
Location: Bend, Ore.
Cost: $5,500,000
Certications: LEED Gold
The new Administration Building for the Bend Parks and Recreation
District will provide ofce space for current staff and allow for
the departments anticipated growth over the next twenty years.
The site is located within a 14-acre community park along the
Deschutes River a highly visible and central location in the Bend
landscape. The design of the Administration Building sought not
only to preserve but also restore. Existing trees and groundcover
were maintained as much as possible, and restoration efforts were
undertaken for the native habitat along the Deschutes River.
The Government category winner, Bend Park & Recreation District
Administration Building, will be featured in further detail in the October
2011 edition of ED+C and online at www.EDCmag.com.
Government
Winner: Madison Childrens Museum
Submitted by: The Kubala Washatko Architects Inc. (www.tkwa.com)
Date Completed: August, 2010
Location: Madison, Wis.
Cost: $5.4 million
The new Madison Childrens Museum used creative problem solving to convert an
ofce building built in 1929 into a dynamic museum-based learning environment.
The museum renovated the building, created an accessible green roof and installed
new exhibits. The new facility greatly expands the museums capacity to serve larger
audiences, older children and school groups in a strong interdisciplinary program that
emphasizes the arts, sciences, history, culture, health and civic engagement.
The Institutional category winner, Madison Childrens Museum, will be featured in further detail
in the September 2011 edition of ED+C and online at www.EDCmag.com.
Institutional
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ed+c MAY 11 24
ROUNDTABLE OVERVIEW
Sustainable architect Bruce Haxton and ED+Cs
Michelle Hucal organized the Net-Zero Energy
Buildings (NZEB) Roundtable IV: Interactive De-
sign Sessions to present the latest techniques
and information regarding NZEB interactive
design sessions, plus the rationale for making
specific NZEB design decisions, with the under-
standing that each project is site, program and
client specific.
Below is a short set of excerpts from the
teleconference, but a complete transcription is
available at www.EDCmag.com. In addition, a
set of NZE resources and Lessons Learned are
also listed online.
Two specific recent buildings are cited as
examples in the roundtable discussion:
1) The U.S. Department of Energys National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Re-
search Support Facility (RSF) in Golden Colo.
(presented by Haselden, Stantec, RNL, AEC and
their consultants), and;
2) The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center in
Baraboo, Wis. (presented by The Kubala
Washatko Architects team including consul-
tants).
To these examples, a wealth of informa-
tion is added from Perkins+Will Architects,
EHDD team, The Rocky Mountain Institute and
The Integral Group (Peter Rumsey). Software
manufacturers Autodesk, Bentley Systems and
IES shared their expertise regarding softwares
interface with the NZEB design process; and
the NREL team shared their renewable energy
research. Special thanks to Russ Drinker from
Perkins+Will, San Francisco, who hosted this
(and previous) NZEB expert teleconference for
ED+C.
To begin, Bruce Haxton asks the U.S. Depart-
ment of Energys NREL participants to set the
stage of their work in creating the environment
to allow the RSF project to come to fruition.
Ron Judkoff (NREL): Going back quite a
few years, DOE and NREL were grappling with
how to vastly improve the energy efficiency of
the commercial building sector. To gain more
insight, NREL got involved in several projects
where we played an energy consulting role. As
part of that role, we participated in a number
of charrettes for projects where the owners
ON THE
RECORD
Interactive Design Sessions
NET-ZERO ENERGY BUILDINGS EXPERT ROUNDTABLE IV
Egos truly do need to be checked at the door.
This is true in all aspects of our lives, of course,
but it is profoundly important in this setting.
Dana Villeneuve, AEC

Co-Moderator: Bruce McLean
Haxton, AIA, LEED AP, is a sus-
tainable consulting architect
with more than 30 years of
experience. He authored more than
45 articles and research papers and
has spoken at world conferences
on sustainable facilities,
laboratories and science parks.
bmhleedap@gmail.com
Co-Moderator: Michelle Hucal,
LEED AP, associate publisher,
ED+C and Sustainable Facility.
John Andary, principal with
Stantec in San Francisco.
Johns team provided sus-
tainable design consulting
and MEP engineering on the NRELs
RSF, and Marin Country Day School
projects.
Jeff Baker, director of laboratory
operations, Office of Energy Ef-
ficiency and Renewable Energy,
U.S. Department of Energy at
the National Renewable Energy Labora-
tory (NREL).
James Scott Brew, FCSI, AIA,
LEED BD+C, Certified Pas-
sivhaus Design Consultant,
principal architect with
Rocky Mountain Institute.
Rick Cantwell, PE, president/
CEO of Odell International,
LLC, a leading program and
technology management
firm.
Robert Clocker, AIA, LEED
AP BD+C, senior associate at
Perkins+Will and coordinator
for the San Francisco offices
Sustainable Design Initiative.
Russ Drinker, AIA LEED AP,
managing principal of the
San Francisco office for
Perkins+Will.
Noah Eckhouse, vice
president of Bentley Systems
Inc.s Building Performance
Group.
Byron Haselden, president
of Haselden Construction, a
general contractor deliver-
ing sustainable projects
throughout the intermountain West
and design-build contractor for the
NREL RSF.
Tom Hootman, director of
sustainability at the
Denver, Colo., office of
RNL, an international archi-
tecture, planning, interior design and
landscape architecture firm (designed
the NREL RSF).
Brad Jacobson, AIA, senior as-
sociate at EHDD Architecture
in San Francisco (EHDD has
eight NZE projects built or
under construction).
Ron Judkoff, principal pro-
gram manager for
building energy research
at NREL, involved in
the design/construction
of the RSF.
John Kennedy, Autodesk CAD
senior manager for sustain-
able analysis products.
Tom Kubala, principal and
co-founder of The Kubala
Washatko Architects, Inc.
(TKWA led the design team
for the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center).
Philip Macey, AIA, LEED
AP, director of Energy and
Sustainability and the
design-build project manager
for Haselden Construction. (Macey was
formerly at RNL Architects providing
project management on the RSF).
Shanti Pless, commercial
buildings research engineer
at NREL.
Peter Rumsey, principal and
practicing engineer at Inte-
gral Group.
Susan Seastone, senior as-
sociate/project manager in
the San Francisco Office of
Perkins+Will.
Michael Utzinger, associate
professor of architecture at
the University of Wisconsin-
Milwaukee (and served as
energy and environmental consultant
for the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center).
Dana Villeneuve, LEED project
manager with Architectural
Energy Corp. (sustainable
design consultant for the
NREL RSF).
Craig Wheatley, chief tech-
nology officer of Integrated
Environmental Solutions (IES)
and a chartered engineer.
More information on the above partici-
pants and their contact information
is available online at
www.EDCmag.com.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS:
www.EDCmag.com 25
expressed interest in creating extremely energy efficient buildings. We
discovered that, very often, design decisions were being made about
energy efficiency with little or no quantitative data to support rational
decision making. We decided to try and inject energy modeling into the
charrette process.
There was a good deal of skepticism at the beginning because partici-
pants thought that more detailed information about the building would
be needed than is commonly available in the early charrette phases. We
wanted to test the hypothesis that energy modeling would be useful in
the very earliest stages of pre-design and conceptual design even if all
that was known about the building was type, size and location. In our
earliest attempts at this, we found a number of challenges.
It showed us where we needed to improve the software capabilities,
how to prepare quantitative energy information in advance of the char-
rette and how to most effectively weave the quantitative information into
the flow of the charrette. It also showed us how important it was to have
all the various areas of expertise fully engaged in the charrette.
Weve seen projects where everything was done right, but the person
responsible for ordering carpets, partitions and desks ruined a good
daylighting scheme with light absorbing surfaces. Out of that experience
came six case study reports and the charrette manual (available for free
download from the NREL publications database at www.nrel.gov). We, of
course, applied all that hard-earned knowledge in the detailed specifica-
tion document we wrote for the design/build request for proposal (RFP).
That RFP was the start of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Research Support Facility project.
Jeff Baker (NREL): From the purely management perspective, the
early charrettes were critically important to helping us construct the
arguments to promote and execute this project. They gave us what we
needed to convince decision makers that we actually could deliver the
project at cost, scope and schedule.
John Andary (Stantec): The first (NREL) charrette was three full days
with the entire design/build team. For most of our other clients that arent
quite as savvy in low-energy, high-performance design we typically do an
eco-charrette. The eco-charrette is normally a well-orchestrated process
during which we do a lot of storyboarding and no bad idea sessions
to get the participants excited about ideas for energy conservation and
other sustainable goals. Then we do voting sessions to get people to buy
into ideas. Thats our typical eco-charrette process. Its really about moti-
vating them to set aggressive goals and then develop strategies around
those goals. We didnt have to do the big eco-charrette that we typically
do; instead, we went into the first three-day session with our pre-concept
modeling in-hand and described with the team how we thought we
could hit NRELs goals (EUI goals, daylighting, natural ventilation and the
zero energy building) based on the work that we had already done.
Byron Haselden (Haselden): After we won the competition, we had
to regroup internally, and perform an internal expectation meeting to de-
fine each persons role on the team. Because there were so many people
on both sides of the table, on the architectural, the engineering, the con-
struction and the owner, and we had to have one-for-one person match-
ing the owners expertise; specifically in energy modeling. This internal
Expectation Meeting defined all of our roles and responsibilities, and we
set it up to function like a roundtable where we had the leadership at the
top coming down into a working session roundtable where folks would
all collaborate with ideas and then break out for solutions. From that
step of our internal meeting we took it to our client. Next, we performed
a Customer Satisfaction Meeting with DOE and NREL. We had at least
60 people crammed into this little room with the objective to define the
clients expectations. What did their end in mind look like?
Tom Hootman (RNL): The first step to a successful integrated design
process for an NZE project is team alignment and owner commitment.
This alignment includes a clear set of project objectives and require-
ments and trust between all parties. The RSF project had an innovative
RFP and procurement method that expressed the NRELs commitment
ed+c MAY 11 26
to an NZE approach and a rigorous set of
project objectives including a defined energy
goal. This allowed the team to align all of our
individual objectives around a single set of
requirements. The project requirements also
introduced a new set of risks, but they could be
clearly defined and, therefore, managed.
The RSF team began the integrated design
process with a multi-day charrette with our
interdisciplinary team. One thing I have learned
about successful charrettes is that they set the
DNA for the project. You cant solve everything
in just a few days, but you need to make the
basic decisions that solidify the design concept
and address the key issues and objectives of the
project.
One of the other key characteristics of a
successful charrette and early concept design is
the upfront investment in modeling to inform
design decisions. We employed many types of
models included Stantecs energy and thermal
comfort models, AECs daylight modeling,
Haseldens cost modeling and of course the
architectural model. We also built an NZE model,
or balance sheet, that tracked our energy use
against onsite renewable energy generation.
This was key to understanding how to inte-
grate the appropriate size of renewable energy
system into the project and allowed us to
understand how design decisions impacted the
end result of net zero.
Shanti Pless (NREL): We spent a lot of time
doing optimizations and modeling upfront, to
know how to set that energy use intensity goal
of 25,000 BTUs per square foot, on a demand
side. And so, we felt that if you could hit that
energy-efficiency goal with everything well
integrated upfront, it could be cost effective,
and then we can talk about adding renewables
to get you to a net-zero position.
Perspectives: The Interactive Design
Session Process
Brad Jacobson (EHDD): We like to start by de-
fining the problem as broadly as possible at first
and really try to understand what we are shoot-
ON THE
RECORD
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SOFTWARE DURING THE PROCESS
John Kennedy (Autodesk): The goal is to support the expanded use of BIM solutions to enable more people to
easily conduct traditionally compute intensive analysis more quickly and more often. This will help to evaluate
building performance much earlier in the design process or to be able to quickly and easily asses a portfolio of
existing buildings for improvement measurements so that we can radically accelerate the improvement in per-
formance of our existing building stock and create far more new net-zero energy buildings.
Noah Eckhouse (Bentley Systems): We have worked very hard to develop software tools that are relevant to all
stages of the design process. These tools must have the flexibility to allow a design team to rapidly assess large,
early-stage decisions such as location, orientation and massing while providing the depth to conduct detailed,
engineering-level calculations for certification and submittal later in the process.
Craig Wheatley (IES): Being able to get rapid and quantified environment performance feedback on design op-
tions, actually within design charrettes or workshops, is probably one of the most productive abilities analysis
software can offer. Understanding the impact of choices in real-time can drastically increase the level of collabo-
ration possible in these circumstances.
More information on the tools from Autodesk, Bentley Systems and IES is available at www.EDCmag.com.
www.EDCmag.com 26A
ing for before we start to think about strategies
or technologies. In the big picture, then, were
trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. So,
we try to start not only by understanding where
the energy is going in the building but where
the carbon emissions are generated in the orga-
nization or community we are working with.
On the Packard Foundation interview, we
talked about how we were confident we could
reach LEED Platinum and thought we had a
good shot at zero energy though no one
had done it at that scale as of yet. But in order
to achieve the scale of changes that we need to
make, we really should be looking at organi-
zational sustainability, including commuting,
flights, food, plug loads. There was immediate
enthusiasm for this concept, and we were se-
lected. Moving to direct building energy, then,
we really tried to shift the project teams focus
from the beginning towards real energy use.
Weve developed a framework that allows us to
kickoff projects with a focus on real energy use
and then track that all the way to design and
into operation on a continuum.
Tom Kubala (TKWA): Our philosophy of
architecture is based on the idea of wholeness,
meaning that the building is never isolated
from the land where it sits or the culture that
animates it. We take wholeness rather seriously.
In the case of the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center,
we were fortunate to have a client group that
felt the same way. Through the Land Ethic,
an essay written by Aldo Leopold, the Leopold
Foundation charged the design team with put-
ting together a building that would not injure
the land. And the land, according to Leopold,
includes the soil, its associated energy, the par-
ticipating plants and animals in other words,
the natural system into which the building is to
be integrated.
Building Performance/Operations
Mike Utzinger (TKWA Team): What we have
done on a couple of different projects is a pro-
gramming charrette with the team and client
rather than a design charrette, as Brad Jacobson
described for the EHDD projects. On the Aldo
Leopold Foundation building, for example, the
foundation board and the client met with the
entire design team, the commissioning agent
and Pliny Fisk from Maximum Potential Energy.
IMAGINE THE END IN THE BEGINNING,SAYS TOM KUBALA, TKWA. WHAT IS THE PROCESS BY WHICH A HUMAN ORGANIZATION, THE LAND ON WHICH IT FINDS ITSELF, A BUILDER AND AN ARCHITECT MIGHT COLLABORATE
TO CREATE A LIVING WHOLE?IMAGE COURTESY OF TKWA.
Integrated design also takes on new urgency.
Squeezing every drop of savings out of everything
from duct design to glazing specifications has
heightened importance when one looks at the
first-cost savings associated with reductions in
onsite renewables. At the same time, a wider
spectrum of improvements to the building en-
velope and systems looks attractive financially.
Overall, the focus is on optimization of the build-
ing as an integrated system to minimize first cost,
and this begins at the first design workshops.
EHDD Architectural Team
(Scott Shell and Brad Jacobson)
INCREASED SAVINGS
ed+c MAY 11 26B
We set a building energy utilization goal for the
building. That goal, 17,000 kBTU per square foot
per year, was based on our knowledge of the
performance of buildings we had designed and
the performance of buildings reported by the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
With the Energy Utilization Intensity (EUI)
goal, we determined the size of a solar pho-
tovoltaic required to meet projected energy
demand with solar energy onsite. At that goal
setting meeting, we had a discussion of the
different ways that we would begin to look at
trying to meet the energy utilization goal: natu-
ral ventilation, daylighting, 100 percent outdoor
air ventilation and radiant floor heating and
cooling. After the EUI goals were set, the design
team began to work on a design that would
achieve the goals.
At the same time, we built a model of the
building shell which we used in energy rate
control, working with the architect to fine
tune the glazing, the shading and the insula-
tion strategies. We had a series of meetings
along the way within this process that always
included the clients and often the commis-
sioning agent.
One thing we did that was a little bit different
was we actually hired an independent controls
consultant to assist the MEP consultant and
the simulation modeler to work out a very
clear sequence of operations. The sequence
of operations integrated occupant control of
natural ventilation. We had the client involved in
a very real way on feedback to be sure that they
would be buying into how they were interact-
ing overall with the system in terms of the
operation of the building. I cant overemphasize
how important it is that the client is engaged, if
nothing else, for the design team to understand
exactly where and how the client can commit to
their goals in the building and how those under-
standings may be integrated into the design of
the building.
I think what we tried to do after that initial
goals meeting was to ensure that at different
points along the way, the client was engaged
in a real way regarding expectations and their
role in building operation. When the mechani-
cal system simulation model was integrated
with the building shell model, we switched
to temperature level control modeling and
simulated our control strategies. We were able
to engage the client in their role in building
control.
Susan Seastone (Perkins+Will): In the
master planning phase of the project [Ohlone
College Newark Center], we identified four
alternative energy strategies we were interested
in pursuing. During schematic design, life-cycle
costing was completed and three systems were
ON THE
RECORD
PERKINS+WILL ARCHITECTS TEAM (RUSS DRINKER, SUSAN SEASTONE AND ROBERT CLOCKER) SAYS: WHILE WE BRING A CERTAIN DEGREE OF EXPERTISE TO THE TABLE, IT IS ULTIMATELY THE EFFECTIVENESS OF
OUR DESIGN PROCESS WHICHLEVERAGESTHE COLLECTIVE WISDOM OF THE TEAM WEUSE SPECIFICALLY CUSTOMIZED TOOLS, SUCH AS ENERGY MODELS, PERFORMANCE VISUALIZATIONS AND PROGRESSIVE
BENCHMARKS AT EACH PHASE OF THE PROJECT WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY THAT NET ZERO IS THE RULEANDNOT THE EXCEPTION. IMAGE COURTESY OF PERKINS+WILL.
TIPS FROM THE NREL,
RESEARCH SUPPORT FACILITY TEAM
Tom Hootman (RNL):
To summarize a successful integrated design
process and design charrette, I would offer the
following key components:
Front-load the design and utilize models for
early decision making.
Align the team with trust and a strong set of
project objectives.
At the heart of successful integration is having
the right people at the table and building a
culture of innovation on the team.
Philip Macey (Haselden):
Achieving new outcomes like LEED Platinum
and beyond is new but achievable, but only
with good preparation by both ownership and
the design and construction teams.
Include time for not only charrettes, but maybe
even more importantly, get to know each
other at a partnering session, understand each
others concerns and must haves.
Make the process of creating new answers
engaging and, frankly, fun. It will be hard work,
and youll all need to know each other going in
to keep the spark of creativity going.
Make the goal statements achievable and
measurable; avoid anything you cant mea-
sure. The clarity of goals has more to do with
success than practically any other work youll
do as a team.
Out-performing competitors is what you do.
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ON THE
RECORD
chosen to be incorporated into the project:
geothermal (ground-coupled heat pumps), en-
thalpy wheels and rooftop photovoltaic panels.
Wind dropped out of contention. These systems,
once installed, would reduce energy costs over
the buildings life, thus reducing this buildings
impact on the colleges operations and mainte-
nance budget and constant challenge in the
community college system.
The design team was presented with at
least a couple hurdles involving the alterna-
tive energy systems that are worth noting. For
example, the geothermal system was chal-
lenged by the local water quality board early
on in the process.
Rob Clocker (Perkins+Will): Its all these
things net-zero benchmarking tools,
energy modeling, other design analysis tools,
and engaging graphic materials for integrated
design charrettes and goals which facilitate
achieving net-zero buildings. As we saw with
the Ohlone College project, we can get there
in any number of ways, but it makes a big
difference having a set of specific resources to
engage the client and facilitate the rigorous
design thinking that is required to reach these
performance goals.
James Brew (RMI): One of the things we do
that I think some of you alluded to is an exercise
around theoretical minimums. This exercise is
about going into workshops with a pretty good
sense of what either the energy balance might
be for a given building or project type, or at
least knowing how you might work through a
design problem to arrive at the theoretical mini-
mum energy requirements during a workshop
so that everybodys on the same page.
We believe that continuous engagement,
iteration and collaboration can drive the results
we are all striving to achieve.
At RMI were often charged, as I think a
lot of you are too, with being keepers of the
sustainability goals. We understand that the
practicing design professionals we work
with, who are balancing and weighing the
entire usual sundry of forces that create the
built environment, can have a difficult time
keeping energy at the top of their list. So
as the keepers of those goals, we get to be,
albeit continuously collaborative, we get to
be forcefully collaborative and aggressively
iterative, because thats all were responsible
for. Having someone identified as the keeper
of these goals is helpful in assuring success in
the decision making process.
Peter Rumsey (Integral Group): We found
that when were starting to think about sus-
tainability and energy, [it is best] to organize
the charrette around systems. So we talk about
architecture, and everybody participates in
that discussion, but the architect starts to talk
about the building envelope and building
orientation. Then the architect will talk about
building materials, and then the structural
engineer can pipe in, the mechanical engineer
can pipe in and the daylighting guys can pipe
in; so you get feedback on structure. Then the
lighting people and electrical engineers can
start talking about their systems.
Can we do this, can we do that? We know
a lot of the things that lower energy use are
not a secret. Well start with, in essence, a
beginning of a design, and then well go back
and well start modeling it. The idea is that in
that preliminary charrette we can come up
with some alternatives. So, were modeling in
the schematic design phase with a schematic
level energy model, a rapid energy model, a
variety of different options, and then we come
back to the second charrette. Sometimes
while this is going on, were circulating the
information, and were starting to understand
what we can do to make the energy use as
low as possible. What does that mean? How
low is it going to be, and what does that
translate into as far as size of photovoltaic sys-
tems (if theyre using photovoltaics) or biogas
(if theyre using biogas)?
Theres this rapid iteration on the model in
the schematic phase, and ideally wed like to
do it right then and there when were talking
about it.
Want to read more? Visit www.EDCmag.com
for the full Expert Roundtable IV on Interactive
Design Sessions. And coming in July: Dont miss
the expert roundtable on NZE schools.
COPYRIGHTED NOVEMBER 2010 BRUCE HAXTON. THIS WORK MAY NOT
BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
BRUCE HAXTON. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TIPS FOR INTERACTIVE DESIGN
SESSIONS TO REACH NZE GOALS
Team Formation
Plan the process carefully; possibly form a
steering committee to plan the design process
and the interactive meeting process.
Create a cohesive project team that can work
well together and share ideas and support each
other.
Build a cohesive team that is focused on great
problem solving and great communication.
Customize your process to the clients of that
particular project.
Review the existing information on conducting
design charrettes.
Define the entire team and expertise that is
needed on your project.
Pre-Charrette Activities
Conduct some early research and engineering
investigation to make sure that you can actu-
ally achieve the performance results you are
trying to achieve.
Possibly develop a Pre-Charrette Energy Model
similar to that developed by Stantec for the RSF
project.
Project tours of similar buildings can create
a shared experience that will help create a
common bond between the team members.
Benchmark both the organization and the
building energy use.
Develop a system of tracking energy.
Conduct pre-charrette modeling work before
the charrette.
Research Energy Utilization Index (EUI) for the
building you are about to design.
Visit EDCmag.com for a summarized list of char-
rette activities and overview of the interactive de-
sign process. There is also a full list web resources
listed online with the full roundtable transcript.
JOHN ANDARY FACILITATED AN ECO-CHARRETTE WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
We think about the forests behind our wood, pulp, and paper products so you dont have to.
The demand for diverse products from sustainably managed forests is met each and every day by the
capability and technology of Canadas forest sector. We pride ourselves on regenerating harvested areas,
committing to legal logging and the enforcement of tough regulations, welcoming outside scrutiny of our
practices, participating in recovery and recycling, and promoting carbon neutrality across the value chain.
Our dedication lies in the promise that todays quality wood, pulp, and paper products wont come at the
expense of tomorrows forests.
Feel good about Canadian pulp, paper, and wood.
To learn more, visit feel-good.ca and visit the
Wood Product Showcase at AIA in booth 3141.
scan this code
with your smart phone
for more information
www.buildgreenwithwood.com
Sponsorship opportunities available!
Contact Diana Brown
(248) 244-6258
brownd@bnpmedia.com
Exhibitors:
Register Today at www.TheVirtualGreenExpo.com
August 4, 2011 | 9AM - 3:30PM EDT
From your desktop, youll be able to:
Attend live keynote session and webinars all included with your FREE
registration
Earn AIA and USGBC continuing education credits
Chat in real-time with industry experts moderated by ED+C and Sustainable
Facility editor Derrick Teal and associate publisher Michelle Hucal, LEED AP
View technology demonstrations
Visit exhibits
Download collateral
Network with peers
Fast, easy, convenient and cost effective. No ights, no nights away from home.
Log on from the comfort of your ofce or home!
Questions? Email webinars@bnpmedia.com
@edcmagazine @Sustnble
The Virtual Green Event is back
with a focus on GREEN SCHOOLS!
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Snap a shot to view a video
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Green Schools!
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
29 www.EDCmag.com
W
elcome readers to ED+Cs first judgmental
foray into examining the purportedly
sustainable materials and processes
available for your buildings designs. As
opposed to the typical article in which a
single authors viewpoint is offered on a
topic, weve invited select members of various industries to
present testimony that their material or product or process
is the most sustainable and put them side by side.
Each representative was asked to state their case, and
the resulting information was broken out in the following
format: Opening Statement, Exhibits for evidence stating
said case, and a Closing Argument. Statistical sources
of various types, including studies funded by the repre-
sentatives own organization, were admissible. However,
decorum is highly valued. As such, a representative was
not allowed to directly compare the material he or she
represented with another material. The jurys decision
(your decision) as to which type of material can lay claim to
the most sustainable will lie solely with how persuasive the
representative and the statistics he or she presents can be
without mud-slinging.
This month, for your consideration, we will be entertain-
ing testimony from representatives of concrete, metal and
wood. Their cases will be presented in alphabetical order
by material.
Therefore, without further ado, let the hearing commence!
Judge
You Be the
REPRESENTATIVES OF THREE DIFFERENT
BUILDING MATERIAL TYPES PLEAD THEIR
SUSTAINABLE CASES. WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE?
Need Additional Evidence?
Have a question for one of the representatives before
issuing your verdict? Then give your query voice at the
new www.EDCmag.com! Simply register and direct
your question to the appropriate party. Feel free to
leave your verdict as well!
ed+c MAY 11 30
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
Concrete
Concrete testimony provided by David Shepherd, AIA, LEED AP
Opening Statement
Building envelope performance requires additional scrutiny in a world
where sustainability challenges us to reevaluate the way we design
buildings. It is a physical barrier between the internal and external
environment and the skin of our buildings, and much like human skin, it
is required to perform multiple key functions. Here are some envelope
performance requirements:
Durability
Insulation
Air infltration
Moisture resistance
Fire protection
Structural
Severe weather protection
Acoustic attenuation
Aesthetic value
Mold and insect resistance
Exhibit A: Manufacturing
Whether site cast, masonry or precast, insulated concrete wall assemblies
rely on portland cement as the glue to bind aggregates into the desired
shape and fnish. Cement is made from some of the most common materi-
als on earth; calcium-based minerals such as limestone, shale and clay, and
smaller amounts of silica, iron and alumina. Reducing the need for virgin
materials and waste headed to landflls, 45 percent of U.S. cement plants
use industrial byproducts from other industries, such as steel mill scale and
foundry sands as part of the raw mill feed. Ingredients are ground, precisely
blended and heated in a kiln where they combine to form small nodules
called clinker. This clinker is ground to a fne powder called portland
cement. The process is energy intensive, but manufacturers have reduced
the energy needed to make one ton of product by 37 percent since 1972.
They continue to seek innovative processes and alternative fuels to reduce
energy needs, carbon footprint and associated emissions.
Exhibit B: Liquid Stone
When activated with water, the cement binds sand and aggregates into
concrete. Cement typically accounts for only 10 percent to 15 percent of a
concrete mix. The majority of concrete is made up of water, and structural
fller materials of sand and coarse aggregate all of which have very low
embodied energy.
Exhibit C: Transportation
Concrete in its many forms is produced throughout the country at ready-
mixed, precast and masonry plants. Depending on the product, shipping
distances vary. Here in the U.S., the average distance between project and
ready-mixed concrete plant is only 14.2 miles.
Exhibit D: Versatility
Concrete products are used in a variety of applications for building
envelopes. Concrete is a highly versatile product, enabling designers to
specify the plastic properties, strength, color and texture, fnal shape and
optimal performance. Concrete is not a good insulator, with an Rvalue
similar to stone. But when integrated with insulation, it provides ben-
FIGURE 1: KEY INDUSTRYS ANNUAL OUTPUT OF GHG.
FIGURE 2: COMPONENTS OF TYPICAL PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE.
FIGURE 3A, B, C: ICF MASONRY AND PRECAST/TILT-UP SYSTEMS PROVIDE CONTINUOUS PLANES OF
INSULATION FOR HIGH WHOLE WALL R-VALUE.
Outfit your
building with the
latest solar heat gain
reduction technology
Architectural Blinds
Introducing C/S Solarmotion Architectural Blinds. All the rage in Europe for decades
due to traditionally high energy costs, C/S is pleased to bring this advanced technology
to North America through an exclusive agreement with Warema, Europes leading
manufacturer. This system can reduce your buildings solar heat gain coefficient by up to
90%, drastically lower your energy consumption and have a stunning effect on the look
of your facade. The time is right. To learn more, visit www.c-sgroup.com,
call 800-631-7379 or find Construction Specialties on
or .
See us at the AIA Convention, booth #1427.
ed+c MAY 11 32
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
efits ideal for high-performing walls: high R-value, low air infiltration
and thermal mass.
Additional benefts of these composite assemblies are rigidity and
strength for disaster resistance, very long life, superior acoustical
separation, fre and moisture resistance, nor are they a food source for
insects and mold. More information on the diferent assemblies and
benefts can be found here: http://www.cement.org/homes/
ch_buildsys.asp.
Exhibit F: Cladding
For long-lasting exterior finishes, cement-based materials are dif-
ficult to beat. Using concrete with white cement as a blank canvas,
designers are able to incorporate integral color through tints and
stains to provide consistent color on large-scale buildings typically
clad in precast or tilt-up panels. Additional finishes include stucco,
concrete masonry and cast stone, fiber cement siding and roof-
ing tile. These do not require repainting, eliminating the ongoing
maintenance and additional use of solvent-based coatings. Not only
architecturally pleasing, these finishes are non-combustible, provid-
ing additional protection in areas of wildfires and higher-density
urban environments.
Exhibit G: Durability and Functional Resilience
Functional resilience is a facilitys capacity to provide an acceptable level of
service through long service life, adaptive reuse and the challenges of natural
and manmade disasters.
Building envelope performance is much more than keeping occupants
comfortable. It is the frst line of defense for protection of the structure, its
occupants and the viability of the family or business housed within. Concrete
is mineral based. As such, it does not rot, warp or burn, nor is it afected by
insects. It is unafected by moisture and UV rays, making it ideal for wall
cladding and roof tile. Not only architecturally appealing, noncombustible
concrete fnishes provide protection in areas of wildfres.
Severe weather, such as hurricanes and tornados, creates life-threatening
conditions and can destroy communities. With superior strength, concrete
wall assemblies have been identifed by the Federal Emergency Manage-
ment Agency (FEMA) as appropriate technology for safe room construction
in what it calls near absoluteprotection. More information can be found
here: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/saferoom/fema320.shtm.
Four-hour fre-rated wall systems are achievable with concrete assemblies,
and the use of non-combustible cement based cladding such as stucco,
concrete masonry and roof tiles are appropriate for added protection in areas
of wildfres.
Exhibit H: Recyclability
According to the Construction Materials Recycling Association, approximate-
ly 140 million tons of concrete is recycled annually.
1
Not only is concrete read-
ily recycled, it can often utilize industrial byproducts from other industries
which improve performance.
Closing Argument
Key to the increasing use of concrete products for building envelopes is their
ability to combine multiple functions into one assembly, providing many of
the characteristics necessary for creating safe, secure and sustainable high-
performing buildings.
DAVID SHEPHERD, AIA, LEED AP, IS DIRECTOR - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PORTLAND CEMENT
ASSOCIATION (PCA). IN THIS ROLE, HE OVERSEES THE ADVANCEMENT AND INTEGRATION OF SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES FOR THE CEMENT AND CONCRETE INDUSTRY TO SUPPORT EDUCATION, PROMO-
TION, ADVOCACY, STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH FOR THE BUILDINGS AND PAVING MARKETS.
SHEPHERD IS A LICENSED ARCHITECT IN ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN.
ENDNOTE
1 Reference: www.concreterecycling.org.
FIGURE 4: CAST STONE AND THIN BRICK APPLICATION ON INSULATED PRECAST WALL PANELS.
FIGURE 5: ITS NOT LIMITED TO CALIFORNIA. SOME OF THE LARGEST WILDFIRES OCCURRED IN THE
SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH CENTRAL U.S., AND AS FAR NORTH AS MAINE.
Houston, TX (Corporate) 877-713-6224 | Adel, GA 888-446-6224 | Atlanta, GA 877-512-6224 | Atwater, CA 800-829-9324 | Dallas, TX 800-653-6224 | Indianapolis, IN 800-735-6224
Jackson, MS 800-622-4136 | Lubbock, TX 800-758-6224 | Memphis, TN 800-206-6224 | Oklahoma City, OK 800-597-6224 | Omaha, NE 800-458-6224 | Phoenix, AZ 888-533-6224
Richmond, VA 800-729-6224 | Rome, NY 800-559-6224 | Salt Lake City, UT 800-874-2404 | San Antonio, TX 800-598-6224
www.mbci.com/EDCeco
The road to sustainable building.
Albeit a long and arduous journey, the road to sustainable building is becoming easier to trek.
With an overwhelming number of products to choose from, how can you be sure you have the
right one? Choose Eco-fcient insulated metal panels from MBCI. Eco-fcient panels improve
the thermal performance of a building envelope, provide continuous insulation and qualify as
continuous air barriers. Eco-fcient panels can also lead to potential energy savings due to their
high R-values. And, because of their superior thermal performance, less energy is needed for
climate control allowing for lower greenhouse gas emissions. Learn about all of the benefts of
Eco-fcient panels at www.mbci.com/EDCeco.
ed+c MAY 11 34
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
Metal
Metal testimony provided by Scott Kriner, AIA, CSI, LEED AP
Opening Statement
Many building owners are incorporating metal roofs and metal walls
into existing buildings and new projects as a way to help reduce en-
ergy consumption and operating costs while achieving a multitude of
design objectives.
They also recognize metals environmental aspects. Metal panels
have recycled content ranging from 25 to 95 percent, are fully recy-
clable and in many cases can be reused at the end of a buildings useful
life. All of these attributes lower the demand for raw materials and
reduce construction waste. The surfaces of metal roofs and walls are
inert and do not create off-gassing or VOCs. In exterior applications,
this helps to reduce smog and mitigate the heat island effect.
Metal roofs are designed to last between 30 and 50 years depending
on the substrates, coatings and the buildings location. Commercially
produced metal roof systems are rigorously tested on an ongoing
basis for structural performance, wind resistance, fire resistance and
hail resistance. They are listed with various testing organizations and
building codes, including UL, Dade County (Fla.), International Building
Code and International Residential Code.
Metal roofing and metal walls have a very low life-cycle cost due
to their durability. Surveys conducted by Ducker Worldwide have
confirmed that metal roofs have significantly lower maintenance costs
than some conventional roofs. As a result, an initially higher installed
cost can actually provide a building owner with a low-cost product
given its long service life.
Exhibit A: Retrot
A new metal roof also can be installed over existing roofs, which keeps
old roof material out of the landfill. Metals light weight from 1/3 to
1/8 the weight of conventional roofing adds minimal weight load to
an existing structure.
Since metal can be used for both low-slope roofs (from :12 to
2:12), and for roofs with a steep slope (2:12 or greater), retrofitting a
flat roof with a sloped metal roof can help cool a building by creating a
ventilation cavity called above sheathing ventilation (ASV). This works
especially well in areas that experience both warm and cool tempera-
tures since the heated air is dissipated through the ridge vent in hot
weather, and in cold weather the air space acts as an insulation layer to
minimize heat loss.
Studies of ASV combined with cool metal roof surfaces conducted
by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a facility of the Depart-
ment of Energy, show a 45 percent reduction in heat gain through
the roof assembly.
Exhibit B: Cool Roong
Cool metal roofng also is a viable method for improving energy ef ciency.
The premise of cool roofng is to fnd the best combination of solar refec-
tance and thermal emittance that will keep the surface temperature low
enough to be considered cool.
When a paint fnish is applied to metal through a continuous coil coat-
ing process, the surface characteristics are afected by the paint formula-
tions. A wide range of solar refectance values can be engineered into the
paint system with infrared refective ceramic pigmentation and diferent
resin types. A painted metal roof will also have a relatively high thermal
emittance value, which allows the surface to dissipate absorbed heat
energy. Most pre-painted cool roofs of this type are highly refective and
highly emissive, which signifcantly reduces heat gain into the building in
climates where cooling loads dominate.
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratorys general rule of thumb
states for every 0.01 increment in a roofs solar refectance, the surface
temperature decreases by one degree Fahrenheit.
Building owners also beneft from the extended performance of cool
paint systems. Exterior paint fnishes normally degrade over time due to
efects of heat, UV rays and moisture. The specially formulated coatings in
cool metal roofs help lower the roofs temperature and reduce tempera-
ture fuctuation. This reduces the thermal expansion and contraction and,
therefore, reduces wear and tear on the roof.
Cool roofng has been the subject of many research studies involving
ORNL that compared the weathering of low- and steep-sloped metal roofs
in various colors over a three-year period with other types of common
roof materials. From these fndings, ORNL created a model that predicted
energy savings of cool roofs compared to black roofs as the benchmark.
That modeling has been converted to a user-friendly calculator available
for general use at www.eren.doe.gov/buildings.
The most important aspect of these ORNL studies is the evaluation of
the degradation of metal roofng with other types of roofng. Results of
testing metal roofng material show that over a three-year period a white
PVDF painted metal roof can retain more than 95 percent of its initial
solar refectance because it sheds dirt more readily. In contrast, other
competing materials show degradation of more than 40 percent primarily
because they retain dirt, which darkens the surface.
Metals value in the building envelope has also been recognized in
many federal programs. The commercial building energy incentive for
metal roofng in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was extended to 2013 via
the American Recovery and Re-Investment Act of 2009. This allows a tax
deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot if the building conserves energy
relative to ASHRAE 90.1 standards. Since a cool roof can be considered
to be an energy-ef cient building envelope component, the use of cool
roofng can help a building achieve the tax incentive. Many metal roofs
are now ENERGY STAR compliant, which qualifes the product for some
incentive programs and ofers the value of having an energy-ef cient roof
atop the building.
Exhibit C: Walls
The same paint systems used for cool roof systems are used for metal wall
systems. Energy provisions in some codes and standards now also include
cool wall systems. The ASHRAE Standard 189.1 High Performance Building
Standard, for example, contains provisions that are easily met with cool
metal wall products. Cool wall systems have also been tested by ORNL,
and preliminary results show a range of reduction in cooling energy from
about 10 percent to 20 percent.
Walls can also help achieve higher building performance when
insulated metal panels (IMPs) are used. An IMP is a strong, single unit
constructed of a rigid insulating core of polyurethane or polyisocyanurate
foam adhered between two sheets of metal.
IMPs are installed outside the metal stud cavity or other structural
J. DOUGLAS ADAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL FEATURES METAL ROOFING TOPPED BY 82 KW OF SOLAR
PV LAMINATES.
WlNDCWS - CUFI/lN W/LLS - ENIF/NCES - SICFEFFCNIS
WHERE WINDOWS ARE JUST THE BEGINNING.
cn exi:ling Lui|cing. Which mcke: EFCC: Lrccc |ine cf relrcfl :c|ulicn: c :mcrler chcice lhcn ever.
EFCC winccw:, curlcin wc||:, enlrcnce: cnc :lcrefrcnl: ccn give ycur exi:ling Lui|cing c curcL|e,
cllrcclive cnc energy-:cving fulure. /nc cur experl :c|e: lecm wi|| mcke lhe prcce:: cc:l-effeclive
cnc cc||cLcrclive. Finc cul mcre Ly cc||ing 1-800-221-41.
No one makes it easier
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ed+c MAY 11 36
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
support mechanism. This minimizes thermal bridging while ef ciently
incorporating a water, air and vapor barrier with a single-unit wall assem-
bly that eliminates the need for other materials and construction trade
coordination. IMPs can provide up to 95 percent thermal ef ciency. This
high level of feld performance is verifed by their compliance with ASTM
C-1363-05 dealing with thermal performance and ASTM C 518 related to
steady-state thermal transmission properties.
Exhibit D: Benets in LEED
Building projects that use metal roof and/or metal wall components and
are seeking certifcation in the USGBCs LEED program, can qualify for
points in several categories, including but not limited to:
Energy and Atmosphere Credits, Optimize Energy Performance
Materials and Resources Credit 1.1, Building Reuse
Materials and Resources Credit 2, Construction Waste
Material and Resources Credit 4, Recycled Content
Sustainable Site Credit 7.2, Heat Island Efect-Roof
Water Ef ciency Credits 1, 2, and 3
Exhibit E: Solar
Metal roofs are exceptionally compatible with solar energy systems, particu-
larly photovoltaics. PV panels can be mounted on a metal roof without pen-
etrating the roof surface, which can save installation time and cost. Because
metal is highly durable, a metal roof allows easy maintenance on the solar
equipment and can outlast most solar energy systems by about 10-15 years.
Closing Argument
Designers and building owners who want great design while using renew-
able resources wisely and improving energy ef ciency, can fnd it in metal
wall and roof systems that come in a variety of colors, and styles all with
the same environmental benefts of metal. For more information about
metal construction products, visit www.themetalinitiative.com.
SCOTT KRINER, AIA, CSI, LEED AP, SERVES AS THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR FOR THE METAL INITIATIVE (TMI) AND THE
METAL CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION (MCA) IN GLENVIEW, ILL. HE HAS 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE METALS
AND METAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES AND IS PRESIDENT OF GREEN METAL CONSULTING, MACUNGIE, PA. KRINER
CAN BE REACHED VIA EMAIL AT SKRINER1@VERIZON.NET.
Wood
Wood testimony provided by Dwight Yochim, RPF
Opening Statement
For many building designers, the choice to use wood as a structural mate-
rial comes down to cost.
A wood building is cost-efective in terms of materials, design fexibility
and speed of construction, and a wood building can be easily designed to
meet code requirements for safety and performance. However, as green
building has evolved beyond its initial emphasis on operational energy
ef ciency, greater attention has been given to the choice of structural
materials and the degree to which they infuence a buildings environmen-
tal impact. As a result, more people are recognizing that the use of wood
from sustainably managed forests contributes to a green building and, in
particular, its low carbon footprint.
Exhibit A: Renewable, Sustainable, Abundant
Although woods renewability ofers a signifcant advantage, a question
designers need to ask is: How can I be sure that the wood I specify comes
from a sustainably managed resource?
The answer is to choose wood from North American forests, the sustain-
ability of which is demonstrated by the following:
The United States and Canada have roughly the same amount of for-
ested land now as they did 100 years ago.
1
During the past 50 years, less
than 2 percent of the standing tree inventory in the U.S. was harvested
each year, while net tree growth was 3 percent.
2
In Canada, where 93 per-
cent of forests are publicly owned, forest companies operate under some
of the most stringent sustainability regulations in the world. Less than
one-half of 1 percent of the managed forest is harvested annually, and the
law requires all harvested areas to be promptly regenerated.
3
Prior to the 20th century, settlers coming to North America cleared an
average of 2.1 acres of forest per person to survive and grow food.
4
Since then,
thanks largely to industrial farming, the amount of forest has been stable. In
both the U.S. and Canada, the rate of deforestation (which is the permanent
MORE THAN 45,000 SQUARE FEET OF INSULATED METAL PANELS ARE USED ON THE NORTHERN
GUILFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL, GREENSBORO, N.C., ARGUABLY THE STATES MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY
SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL.
PERKINS+WILL OF ATLANTA TOOK HOME THE INSTITUTIONAL WOOD DESIGN AWARD FOR THE
WILLSON HOSPICE HOUSE IN ALBANY, GA. THE BUILDING EXEMPLIFIES WOODS BEAUTY AND COST-
EFFECTIVENESS WHILE CREATING A WARM AND INVITING ATMOSPHERE. WILLSON HOSPICE IS ALSO
THE FIRST AND ONLY HEALTHCARE FACILITY IN THE WORLD TO RECEIVE AUDUBON INTERNATIONALS
SIGNATURE SILVER SANCTUARY DESIGNATION. ENGINEER: UZUN & CASE, ATLANTA, GA. PHOTO BY JIM
ROOF CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY.
For more information on IMPs, visit www.insulatedmetalpanels.org
IMProved
Insulative Properties
Choose IMPs (Insulated Metal Panels) to achieve high R-values of 14 to 48, exceed energy
code requirements, and help create a building that is energy efficient and may qualify for
energy tax credits. IMPs offer long-term thermal stability, low maintenance and less installation
time vs. multi-component assemblies. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors.
ed+c MAY 11 38
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
38
////////////////////
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
removal of forest in a given area) has been virtually zero for many decades.
The U.S. reported an annual increase in forest area of 0.12 percent in the 1990s
and 0.05 percent from 2000 to 2005, while Canada reported no change.
5

Sustainable forest certifcation ofers additional assurance by allow-
ing companies to have their practices independently assessed against
standards that go beyond regulatory requirements and take into account
elements of sustainability such as biodiversity, soil and water resources, and
wildlife habitat. It is worth noting that wood is the only building material
with third-party certifcation systems in place to demonstrate that the prod-
ucts being sold have come from a sustainably managed resource and
North America has more certifed forests than anywhere else in the world.
6
Exhibit B: Wood and Life-Cycle Assessment
Today, there is a growing trend toward using life-cycle assessment (LCA) as
an objective way to evaluate materials, assemblies and even whole struc-
tures over the course of their entire lives from resource extraction through
manufacturing, distribution, use and end-of-life disposal or recycling. This
marks a shift away from a prescriptive approach which assumes that
certain prescribed practices, such as the use of products with recycled
content, are automatically better for the environment toward the scien-
tifc evaluation of actual environmental performance.
When viewed over its life cycle, an inherent advantage of wood is that
it grows naturally, using energy from the sun, and requires very little
fossil fuel-based energy to manufacture into products. As a result, wood
buildings produce less greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and water
pollution, and require less energy across their life cycle.
7
Internationally, the United Nations Environmental Programme has been
promoting LCA for a decade,
8
but its use is also becoming increasingly
widespread in North America. The state of California recently included LCA
as a voluntary measure in its 2010 draft Green Building Standards Code.
Its also part of the new American National Standard based on the Green
Globes green building rating system and is included as a pilot credit in the
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system.
Exhibit C: Contributing to a Buildings
Low Carbon Footprint
The use of wood as a structural material is also an excellent way to reduce
a buildings carbon footprint.
The fact that wood is made using solar energy means that substituting
wood for materials that require large amounts of fossil fuels to manufac-
ture results in avoided greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the carbon stored in wood products also has a signifcant
positive impact. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO
2
) from the atmosphere,
use the carbon (C) to produce sugars for growth and release the oxygen
(O
2
). Importantly, wood products continue to store much of this carbon. In
the case of a wood building, the carbon is kept out of the atmosphere for
its lifetime even longer if the wood is reclaimed and used elsewhere.
The amount of carbon accumulated in U.S. wood products is about
60 million metric tons a year most of which is in the nations housing
stock.
9
Assuming that a greater number of homes and non-residential
wood buildings are built each year than deconstructed, the amount of
stored carbon can be expected to grow signifcantly.
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39 www.EDCmag.com
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
39
Also noteworthy is the fact that most of the energy used to manufac-
ture wood into products is bioenergy. Derived from organic materials
such as bark and sawdust, bioenergy is a clean and renewable substitute
for fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. In 2008, more than 73 percent
of the energy used to manufacture U.S. wood products was renewable
energy,
10
while in Canada, waste-based biomass constitutes nearly 60
percent of the energy used by the forest industry.
11
Exhibit D: The Importance of Adaptability
The fact that wood buildings are easily adapted or dismantled and reused
adds to their environmental benefts. Although there are examples of
wood buildings that remain structurally sound after hundreds of years,
North American buildings often have a service life of less than 50 years
because of changing needs or increasing land values as opposed to
performance issues.
12

When one considers the embodied energy in these structures and
the implications of material disposal, it is easy to understand why one of
the tenets of sustainable design is that buildings should last 100 years
or more. However, while some people interpret this as a call for more
durable materials, the foremost requirement is in fact the use of building
systems that can adapt to changing needs, either through renovation or
deconstruction and reuse.
THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON ADMISSIONS OFFICE AT CRAIG HALL, DESIGNED BY WATSON TATE
SAVORY LIOLLIO ARCHITECTURE OF CHARLESTON, S.C. THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON CAMPUS,
WHICH DATES BACK TO 1770, EXUDES HISTORY, BUT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR THE ADMISSIONS
OFFICE AT CRAIG HALL TO REFLECT THE MODERNITY OF THE INSTITUTION AND REMAIN
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. THE USE OF WOOD HELPED MEET THIS CHALLENGE AND PROVIDED
THE EASE OF CONSTRUCTION SOUGHT BY THE DESIGN TEAM. ENGINEER: 4SES INC., CHARLESTON,
S.C. PHOTO BY JAY WHITE.
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Closing Argument
While wood continues to dominate single-family construction, the
push for more sustainable commercial buildings, combined with
advances in wood products and engineering, is accelerating increased
wood use in all building types. There is also a trend toward taller wood
buildings that store more carbon and offer other environmental ben-
efits. In British Columbia, for example, the building code was changed
in 2009 to allow six-story residential wood buildings (up from the
previous four), and the author of a pending study
13
has said that it will
confirm the feasibility of a 20-story wood building in Vancouver. Right
now, the tallest modern wood building is eight stories of wood over
one story of concrete but there is every reason to believe that the
future for wood is upward.
DWIGHT YOCHIM, RPF, IS THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF WOODWORKS, AN INITIATIVE OF THE WOOD PRODUCTS
COUNCIL ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE FREE EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO DESIGN AND BUILDING
PROFESSIONALS USING WOOD IN NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.
CHERRY HUFFMAN ARCHITECTS OF RALEIGH RECEIVED THE GREEN BUILDING AWARD FOR ITS WORK
ON THE WHITE DEER PARK NATURE CENTER IN GARNER, N.C. THE NATURE CENTERS MISSION IS TO
INSTILL CITIZENS WITH AN APPRECIATION OF THE NATURAL WORLD WHILE TEACHING THEM ABOUT
ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES THEY CAN REPLICATE AT HOME. WOOD CREATED A COST
EFFECTIVE AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING STRUCTURE THAT HELPS REINFORCE THIS SUSTAINABILITY
MESSAGE. ENGINEER: STEWART ENGINEERING, RALEIGH, N.C. PHOTO BY JAMES WEST.
41 www.EDCmag.com
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
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Endnotes
1 State of the Worlds Forest Report, 1997 through
2009
2 The State of Americas Forests, M. Alvarez, 2007,
Society of American Foresters
3 Forest Products Association of Canada, http://
www.fpac.ca/index.php/en/our-committments/
4 American Forests: A History of Resiliency and Re-
covery, Douglas W. McCleary, 1997, Forest History
Society, Issues Papers Series
5 The State of Americas Forests, M. Alvarez, 2007,
Society of American Foresters; State of the Worlds
Forests Report, 2007
6 As of January 2009, there were more than 470
million acres certifed to one of the four main
certifcations programs in use in North America;
based on 2008 year-end data from www.pefc.org,
www.fscus.org, www.fsccanada.org, www.fsc.org,
www.certifcationcanada.org, www.mtc.com.my
7 A Synthesis of Research on Wood Products & Green-
house Gas Impacts, 2nd Edition, Technical Report
No. TR-19R, Roger Sathre, Jennifer OConnor, 2010
http://www.forintek.ca/public/pdf/Public_Infor
mation/technical_rpt/TR19%20Complete%20Pub-
web.pdf
8 United Nations Environment Programme,
http://www.unep.fr/scp/publications/details.
asp?id=DTI/0585/PA
9 Carbon Storage in Wood and Wood Products,
Dovetail Partners Inc., referenced in Tackle Climate
Change Use Wood, 2009, www.bcclimatechange.
org
10 American Forest & Paper Association, 2010
11 Forest Products Association of Canada, 2011,
http://www.fpac.ca
12 Survey on Actual Service Lives for North American
Buildings, 2004, FPInnovations, http://www.cwc.
ca/NR/rdonlyres/67D42613-BF5D-4573-BD43-
C430B0B72C08/0/ Service_Life_E.pdf
13 Materials Matter, Architectural Record, March 2011,
McGraw-Hill Construction Continuing Learning
Center, http://continuingeducation.construction.
com/article.php?L=221&C=754&P=1
ed+c MAY 11 42
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
T
he most recent
addition to the
iconic buildings that
compose Inde-
pendence Mall in
Philadelphia is one dedicated
to telling the story of the
American Jewish experi-
ence. The National Museum
of American Jewish History
(NMAJH) designed by Ennead
Architects (formerly James
Stewart Polshek Architects)
opened in November 2010
with a lavish gala event
hosted by Jerry Seinfeld and
Bette Midler.
Situated adjacent to Inde-
pendence Mall, the museum
overlooks such buildings and
attractions as Independence
Hall, the Liberty Bell and the
National Constitution Center.
Built at a cost of $150 million
by Philadelphia construction
management frm Intech
Construction, the fve-story
100,000-square-foot space
includes 25,000 square feet of
exhibit space, an 85-foot-tall
atrium and a 200-seat theater.
The terra cotta and glass
building is topped out with a
beacon of light which is meant
to symbolize themes of faith
and patriotism.
Terra cotta is a natural
masonry product that is warm,
extremely durable and fade
resistant. While aesthetics
play a large role, the building
envelope provides additional
benefts ideal for the pres-
ervation of artifacts and for
creating an energy-ef cient
public space. Ennead Archi-
tects selected a terra cotta
back-ventilated and pressure-
equalized rainscreen system
for both of these aesthetic
and performance reasons. This
Letting the Building
BREATHE
THE MOST RECENT ADDITION
TO THE ICONIC BUILDINGS IN
INDEPENDENCE MALL USES
A TERRA COTTA AND GLASS
SYSTEM TO CREATE A WARM,
ENERGY-EFFICIENT
PUBLIC SPACE.
By Ronald Boschan
PHOTOS HALKIN PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
43 www.EDCmag.com
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
system, developed in Europe in the last half
of the twentieth century, is emerging as
the system of choice for meeting the high-
performance building and energy codes
required under the International Building
Code and ASHRAE 90.1 building perfor-
mance requirements.
Simple, Yet Sophisticated
The striking exterior of the museum refects a
trend in cultural centers to incorporate warm,
natural materials with high-performance
faades. The sole aesthetic elements of the
NMAJH are accomplished with glass curtain
wall and terra cotta rainscreen by Shildan Inc.
While limiting the number of materials used
creates an air of simplicity, the sophistication
of the technology is anything but.
An intricately designed boxclad with
15,000 square feet of terra cotta appears
suspended within the glass curtain wall. This
geometric fgure is softened with rounded
edges and corners. Curved baguettes are
interwoven with a scalloped design that
runs the length of the surface, a pattern
custom-developed by Shildan. The exterior
design penetrates the transparency of the
glass curtain wall, bringing the outside in.
Terra cotta baguettes serve as sunscreens,
shading the windows from the glare of the
Market and Fifth Street elevations.
The modern aesthetics harmonize with
the surrounding brick of old city Philadel-
phia. The terra cottas natural burnt red
hues blend with the historic structures of
the mall while the glass curtain wall signi-
fes transparency and openness between
the museum and visitors to the mall.
Guests standing between the terra cotta
and the glass curtain wall are ofered a pan-
oramic view of some of the most important
buildings of American history.
Downfalls to
Traditional Construction
To understand the benefts of a rainscreen
system, it helps to explain traditional U.S.
construction. Standard construction has
used either a masonry back-up wall or
steel studs faced with exterior sheathing.
A metal support system is attached to that
substructure and the exterior material
be it metal panel, stone or otherwise is
then clad to the support system. To prevent
air and water from entering the building, the
exterior material is caulked with sealant, a
practice that has several drawbacks:
It relies on perfect installation, which is
rarely achieved.
It deteriorates over time due to material
movement and UV degradation.
In order to accommodate building
movement, the sealant often contains mate-
rials that attract dirt which then leaches over
the panels.
High winds and HVAC can create a
pressure diferential between the building ex-
terior and the interior wall. This negative pres-
sure can suck water into the wall cavity when
its raining or humid. Sealed buildings cannot
equalize this pressure, so moisture becomes
trapped in the wall cavity which then creates
ed+c MAY 11 44
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
a short-lived wall and the possibility of mold
and mildew in the wall cavity.
Benets of a
Back-Ventilated Rainscreen
The back-ventilated rainscreen faade is
composed of an inner and outer leaf. The inner
leaf serves as the structural wall. The outboard
layers include: an exterior air/vapor barrier,
exterior installation, an air space and then the
aluminum support system which holds the
terra cotta faade, the outer leaf. The joints
are left open so that air can come in under the
system, through the panel joints and exit there
as well. Because the air barrier is continuous
and connected to the windows and dissimilar
materials, the air cavity in the wall becomes
both pressure-equalized and back-ventilated.
Among the benefts, instead of eliminating
the entrance of water by perfectly sealing the
joints, the rainscreen system creates equal
pressure inside the wall cavity and outside of it.
When air pressure is equal, water will not seep
in, even in 100 mph winds.
The back-ventilated component eliminates
any moisture that gets into the wall cavity. In-
cidental water entering from the outside tracks
down the back of the exterior panel and drains
to the outside.
Condensation will form on the insulation
outside the air/vapor barrier. Air movement
through the cavity lifts the moisture from the
insulation, carrying it to the outside and elimi-
nating mold or mildew.
The open-joint system also reduces the size
of the required HVAC equipment by eliminat-
ing air infltration and exfltration through
the wall. This reduces energy costs and helps
maintain the relative humidity inside the
building, which is essential for museums and
libraries since proper relative humidity is criti-
cal to preserving collections.
Open joints reduce the amount of air condi-
tioning used as heat escapes through the open
joints rather than radiating into the building.
Location: Philadelphia
Cost: $150 million
Architect: Ennead Architects
Construction Manager:
Intech Construction
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF
AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
45 www.EDCmag.com
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
Many museums have taken advantage
of the back-ventilated rainscreen system
because of its numerous benefits energy
efficiency, humidity control, long-term dura-
bility, the elimination of most maintenance
combined with the attractive, classic
appearance of terra cotta. LEED points can
be earned from recycling the terra cotta and
aluminum material. In Shildans case, the alu-
minum support system is also manufactured
with 62 percent recycled aluminum sourced
within 300 miles of the museum. By using an
innovative system and eliminating off-gas-
sing from sealants, additional benefits to the
environment were achieved. The result is a
state-of-the-art museum that is as functional
as it is visually appealing.
RONALD BOSCHAN IS VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING FOR
SHILDAN INC., A LEADING SUPPLIER OF TERRA COTTA FOR HIGH-PERFOR-
MANCE, SUSTAINABLE BUILDING FAADES AND SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS.
HEADQUARTERED IN MT. LAUREL, N.J., WITH OFFICES CLOSE TO NEW YORK
CITY, PHILADELPHIA, LOS ANGELES AND RALEIGH, N.C., SHILDAN SERVES
AS THE EXCLUSIVE NORTH AMERICAN REPRESENTATIVE OF MOEDING,
A LEADING WORLDWIDE TERRA COTTA MANUFACTURER.FOR MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS FROM SHILDAN, VISIT
WWW.SHILDAN.COM.
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/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPES
A
s building materials and methods
become better at sealing air leaks, the
question arises, How tight is too tight?
In terms of energy ef ciency, one
cannot build too tightly. Reducing air
leakage is critical to lowering heating and cooling
energy consumption. Every cubic foot of con-
ditioned air that escapes the building envelope
represents lost therms or watts and dollars
that the HVAC system consumes.
But of course, fresh air is needed for occupant
health and comfort. Managing airfow becomes
a carefully controlled balance. Think of a hot-air
balloon sailing thousands of feet above the
ground: Keeping the heated air inside is para-
mount to avoid crashing to earth, yet well-placed,
operable vents allow the balloonist to safely
descend when desired.
In buildings constructed with structural
insulated panels (SIPs) or other high-performance
wall and roof systems, mechanical ventilation is
typically necessary since the number of unaided
air changes per hour is so low. And similar to other
construction methods, moisture management is
needed for long-term durability.
The Ins and Outs of Air
Air leakage rates in todays buildings are often
dramatically lower than older construction. For ex-
ample, SIPs structures are approximately 15 times
more airtight than stick framing, according to U.S.
Department of Energy blower door tests. The tests
found that for spaces built with SIPs, the leakage
rate was 8 cubic feet/minute at 50 pascals com-
pared to 121 cubic feet/minute at 50 pascals for
wood framing with fberglass batt insulation. The
low leakage rates, along with more continuous
insulation and less thermal bridging, mean that
SIPs can help reduce energy consumption costs up
to 60 percent over other building methods.
With such airtight structures, mechanical
ventilation can help provide adequate fresh
air, as well as remove indoor air pollutants such
as formaldehyde, radon and tobacco smoke.
Ventilation systems can also get rid of excess
humidity from cooking, bathing and other
sources, including breathing and sweating of
the occupants.
In essence, the goal with building for energy
ef ciency is to tighten the building envelope
as much as possible and then use mechanical
systems to control air infow and outfow. Ac-
complishing this requires a systems approach
to the overall building design and construction.
Unfortunately, there are no easy rules of thumb
and consultation with a qualifed heating and
ventilation engineer is necessary.
The specifc type and size of mechanical
ventilation system required for a given building
depends on the climate zone, type of occu-
Breathe
Deep
MANAGING FRESH AIR AND MOISTURE
IN STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANEL
(SIP) BUILDINGS. By Joe Pasma, PE
IMAGE COURTESY OF BNIM ARCHITECTS.
45B www.EDCmag.com
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
pancy and a range of other factors. Potential
systems include:
Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs): Also
known as air-to-air heat exchangers, these units
pull air from high-humidity spaces such as bath-
rooms and kitchens. The warm, moist air passes
through a core where it preheats incoming cool,
fresh air from outdoors. HRVs are most com-
monly used in northern climates where cold,
relatively dry outside air prevails.
Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs): ERVs per-
form the same heat exchange function as HRVs
along with dehumidifying the air. They are typi-
cally used in southern climates where removal
of high humidity from outdoor air is required.
The specifc target for indoor relative humidity
varies by region, but generally the range is 30
percent to 50 percent.
Exhaust-only systems: The relatively simple
units used in these systems move air from the
inside out and come in a variety of confgura-
tions for single rooms to whole-buildings. They
typically rely on air infltration through the
building envelope to replace the vented air and
may cause negative indoor air pressure in a
tightly sealed structure. Because of this, they are
not used with SIP construction.
Other potential air management systems
include ventilating windows and air cleaners,
among others. The former can help exhaust
stale air and bring in fresh air, while the latter
can typically remove particle pollutants such
as smoke, but not gaseous pollutants such as
radon. Neither type of system conditions the air
for heat or humidity.
Beyond mechanical ventilation systems, it is
also common for tight structures to use sealed
combustion furnaces and water heaters. These
heating appliances draw air directly from out-
doors for use in the combustion chamber, which
helps manage the overall internal pressure
balance of the structure and the total amount of
fresh air required in the building (i.e., the appli-
ance does not contribute to the need to bring
more outdoor air into living spaces).
Water, Water Go Away
As with other construction methods, the exte-
rior building envelope in SIPs structures must be
protected from water accumulation. Both the
International Building Code (IBC) and Interna-
tional Residential Code (IRC) typically require
buildings to have fashing, a water-resistant
barrier and a means of draining to the exterior
any water that enters the wall assembly.
Consistent with codes, SIPs used as exterior
walls typically include a water-resistive barrier.
Potential options include No. 15 asphalt felt,
synthetic weather barriers/building wraps or
liquid-applied membranes. It is important to
check with the SIP manufacturer and to consult
local codes for specifc requirements.
For roofs, synthetic, breathable roofng un-
derlayments provide an alternative to traditional
No. 15 and No. 30 felts. Such underlayments
typically have perm ratings much greater than
one, which allows water vapor to pass up and
out through the membrane, yet keep bulk
water away from the roof assembly. This can be
especially benefcial when the OSB skins of SIP
roof panels have been exposed to precipitation
during construction.
While methods to protect SIPs from water
are similar to those used with other building
envelope assemblies, a specifc consideration
with SIP installation is proper sealing between
panels. All panel joints must be sealed against
air and vapor transmission by using a mastic
specifed by the SIP manufacturer. A vapor
retarder may also be required, with the specifc
details varying for commercial and residential
buildings.
In many commercial projects, the mechanical
ventilation system usually obviates the need
for SIP tape or other vapor retarders. However,
for buildings with pools, spas or other high-
humidity conditions, SIP tape may be required.
SIP tape has perm ratings less than one and
works in conjunction with the OSB skin of the
SIP panels to provide a vapor retarder. Typically,
6" wide SIP tape is used at all wall and roof panel
joints and wall panel corners, and 12" wide SIP
tape is used where roof and wall panels join. In
cases where roof panels meet over supporting
beams such as at a ridge beam 18" wide
SIP tape is required.
For residential SIP installations, SIP tape
is usually required in all instances. In certain
climates and based on local building codes, an
additional vapor retarder may be necessary.
Such barriers include polyethylene sheeting or
similar performance materials.
All Together Now
Optimum building performance requires that
architects, engineers and contractors take a
systematic approach to the whole building.
Increasingly, the walls, roof, HVAC, windows and
other elements must work together to maximize
energy ef ciency and comfort. In projects
using structural insulated panels, attention to
mechanical ventilation, and moisture and vapor
management can help ensure a quality building
that performs for many decades.
JOE PASMA, PE, IS THE TECHNICAL MANAGER FOR PREMIER SIPS BY INSUL-
FOAM. A LICENSED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, PASMA HAS WORKED WITH
SIPS FOR ALMOST TWO DECADES. CALL 800-275-7086 OR VISIT
WWW.PREMIERSIPS.COM/BC FOR MORE INFORMATION.
IMAGES COURTESY OF PREMIER SIPS BY INSULFOAM.
ed+c MAY 11 46
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
LIGHTING
Visit the
lighting section
on the all new

EDCm
ag.com
.
47 www.EDCmag.com
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
B
uildings consume the
bulk of the worlds energy
(nearly 40 percent), so the
building industry has been
focusing on sustainability,
ef ciency and practical
energy-saving solutions for both new
construction and retrofts.
As the building industry moves
(albeit slowly) toward net-zero
energy the goal of the Architec-
ture 2030 program the industry
is recognizing that lighting controls
play a crucial role in energy con-
servation. According to the U.S.
Dept. of Energy, lighting is, by far,
the largest user of electricity in
commercial buildings. It consumes
38 percent of a buildings total
electricity use more than space
heating, cooling, ventilation, equip-
ment and computers combined.
1
Lighting controls can drasti-
cally reduce that appetite. They
can eliminate 60 percent or more
of the wasted lighting energy in
buildings while enhancing oc-
cupant comfort and productivity.
They provide flexible control over
the lighting in a space and support
energy savings by reducing the
amount of power or amount of
time the lighting system is in use.
Energy Codes and
Standards
The nations top three building
energy codes and standards
Californias Title 24, the International
Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
and ASHRAE 90.1 are used by
nearly every state as the basis
for their local building energy
code. They provide the minimum
acceptable energy performance
requirements for new construction
or major renovations of commercial
buildings.
These codes/standards reflect
the importance of using lighting
controls to conserve energy. In fact,
they all have similar mandatory
lighting control requirements that
designers and engineers must meet
for their new construction or major
renovation projects.
Focus on ASHRAE 90.1
2010
Sometimes referred to as Americas
primary commercial energy code,
ASHRAE Standard 90.1 2010 was
recently published in late 2010.
The American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) partners
with the Illuminating Engineering
Society (IES) to produce the
90.1 Standard, which provides
the minimum requirements for
the energy-efficient design of
buildings, excluding low-rise
residential buildings.
The following are some of the
More
Control
LIGHTING CONTROLS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN
MEETING BUILDING ENERGY CODES. By Michael Jouaneh, LEED AP BD+C
ed+c MAY 11 48
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
LIGHTING
48
mandatory lighting control requirements contained in the new
ASHRAE 90.1 2010 standard:
Area control: Each area enclosed by ceiling-height partitions must
have an accessible, independent switching or control device (such as
an occupancy sensor, manual switch or dimmer) to control the general
lighting. Each control device shall be readily accessible and located so
the occupants can see the controlled lighting and can only override the
automatic lighting shutof requirement by a maximum of two hours.
Occupancy sensor or timer switches that turn of lighting within
30 minutes of vacancy are required in the following spaces:
1. Classrooms and lecture halls
2. Conference, meeting and training rooms
3. Employee lunch and break rooms
4. Storage and supply rooms between 50 square feet and 1,000 square feet
5. Rooms used for document copying and printing
6. Of ce spaces up to 250 square feet
7. Restrooms
8. Dressing, locker and ftting rooms
Automatic shutoff: All indoor lighting systems must include a
separate automatic shutoff control such as an occupancy sensor or
More site electricity is consumed for lighting
than for any other end use.
time switch. An astronomical time clock that provides a building
lighting off sweep afterhours is a common way to comply with this
requirement.
Daylight control: An automatic reduction in lighting power
in areas where the daylight can help illuminate the space will be
required in most areas that are side lighted (with windows) or top
lighted (with skylights). Areas greater than 250 square feet for side-
lighted areas or greater than 900 square feet for top-lighted areas
shall have a multilevel photocontrol (including continuous dimming
devices) for the general lighting.
Exterior lighting control: Permanently installed outdoor light-
ing must be controlled by a photocontrol or astronomical time switch
that automatically turns off the lighting during daylight hours. In
addition, the new standard also requires that faade and landscape
lighting be turned off between midnight and 6 a.m. or in conjunction
with business opening and closing times. Other outdoor lighting,
such as advertising signage, must operate at 70 percent power (or
lower) between midnight and 6 a.m. or in conjunction with business
closing and opening times, or when no activity has been detected for
15 minutes.
Manual-on control: All automatic control devices shall not be set
to automatically turn on the lighting. This efectively requires manual-
on/automatic-of controls or up to 50 percent auto-on capability for
automatic controls. These controls already exist and are referred to as
vacancy sensors or multilevel occupancy sensors. Auto-on is allowed
in some spaces, including public corridors and stairwells, restrooms,
primary building entrance areas and lobbies, and areas where manual-
on operation would endanger safety or security.
Multilevel lighting control: Most areas must provide at least
one light level between 30 percent and 70 percent of full lighting
power in addition to off. This can be done by continuous or stepped
dimming, or stepped/dual switching of luminaires or lamps while
maintaining a reasonably uniform level of illuminance throughout
the area.
Stairwell controls: Lighting in enclosed stairwells shall have one
or more control devices to automatically reduce lighting poww er by
at least 50 percent within 30 minutes of all occupants leaving.
The preceding examples represent a portion of the new ASHRAE
90.1 regulations related to lighting control. Other items include
automatic receptacle shutoff (to control task lighting and other plug
loads), parking garage lighting control (lighting power is automati-
cally reduced when daylight is present and/or during periods of va-
cancy), and functional testing requirements (to ensure that the light-
ing controls operate as intended). Last, there are now extra lighting
power credits for using additional lighting controls in a space above
and beyond the mandatory controls for that space. The additional
lighting power credit can be used anywhere in the building not
just in the space with the additional controls.
All in all, lighting controls are vital components for helping us
meet the increasingly stringent energy code requirements; require-
ments which help our nation meet its energy conservation goals in an
energy-starved world.

1
U.S. Dept. of Energy, Energy Information Administration, 2003 Commercial Build-
ing Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), released in April 2009. http://www.eia.
doe.gov/emeu/cbecs/cbecs2003/lighting/lighting1.html
MICHAEL JOUANEH, LEED AP BD+C, IS A MARKETING MANAGER WITH LUTRON. HIS PRIMARY FOCUS IS ON
ENERGY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY. HE IS ACTIVE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONS TOP
ENERGY AND GREEN BUILDING CODES/STANDARDS AND IS THE AUTHOR OF SEVERAL PUBLISHED ARTICLES,
WHITEPAPERS AND CASE STUDIES ON HIGH-PERFORMANCE GREEN BUILDINGS.
ed+c MAY 11 50
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
LIGHTING
T
he U.S. consumes almost a third of the
electricity generated worldwide. Light-
ing in commercial buildings consumes
a signifcant amount of this power. Its
no wonder theres a continued em-
phasis on improving lightings energy
ef ciency without sacrifcing the critical role it
serves in our buildings.
During the past decade, the lighting industry
has developed a number of ways to improve light-
ing ef cacy. The use of more ef cient luminaires,
higher ef ciency lamping, better ballasts and driv-
ers, and more extensive use of controls, modeling
and daylighting have all combined to make light-
ing a key focus area for reduced power consump-
tion. New building energy codes and regulations
have refected these improved capabilities in more
stringent requirements. And utilities, eager to
moderate the growing need for additional clean
energy production, have provided incentives to
reduce lighting power use. Beyond regulatory
requirements and utility eforts, commonsense
economics has also spurred building owners to
invest in lighting upgrades.
The quest for more ef cient lighting systems has
spurred ongoing innovations in technology and
techniques. Most solutions deepen the trend for
lighting and controls to become more and more
electronic. As a result, an increasing portion of
the electricity used in lighting and related devices
requires conversion to direct current (DC) from the
building-available form of alternating current (AC).
In many cases, this can result in power conversion
losses between 5 and 20 percent, depending on the
device being powered. On the power generation
side, more and more site-based native DC renew-
able sources of power are being deployed onsite,
which results in additional losses from converting
the power generated to AC for general power
distribution in the building.
Future use of onsite power storage to accom-
modate demand response, peak shaving and of-
setting of renewable energy production suggests
yet another conversion of DC to AC, or AC to DC,
then back again before the power is consumed.
This situation already exists in mission critical
applications in data and telecom centers, which
are backed by battery storage in uninterruptible
power supplies. Power conversion losses can ap-
proach 30 percent in these applications. It should
be noted that when cooling is required, every watt
of power loss in electrical conversion consumes an
additional 1.4 watts of energy needed for cooling.
As an example, using the newest trend in
lighting technology, LEDs, a transition toward
Hybrid
Cars Meet
Hybrid
Buildings
DC MICROGRID PLATFORMS ARE EMERGING FOR LIGHTING AND MORE.
By Brian Patterson
*HIGHER ENERGY USE IN OFFICE BUILDINGS, UP TO 40%
FIGURE 1 DEMONSTRATES POTENTIAL ENERGY SAVINGS WITH DC POWER.
51 www.EDCmag.com
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
51 www.EDCmag.com
low-voltage DC as the power feed from the more traditional 277-volt AC feed
can result in up to 15 percent improved power ef ciency at the fxture level.
Depending on how and where that DC power is produced, a net ef ciency
gain of a similar amount can be realized while simplifying driver electronics
and improving reliability.
In response to this new landscape for improved power use ef ciency,
a growing number of organizations are looking to revamp the traditional
power generation and delivery systems in buildings. Two critical aspects of
the current electrical infrastructure are involved in solutions that improve
energy ef ciency via a minimization of conversion losses. First, if AC power
can be converted upstream of the individual devices, the means and size of
these converters can be more ef cient and cost efective. Second, if power
generated or stored as DC power can avoid the need to be converted to AC
for building distribution or is otherwise used in its native DC form, signifcant
additional conversion losses can be avoided. The simple axiom is to convert
AC to DC once, instead of multiple times, and to use DC as DC without con-
version for onsite renewable energy generation.
Figure 1 shows the range of potential power savings that could result from
such an approach. Besides power savings, there are additional benefts from
this hybrid approach to building power distribution. First, fewer conversions
should result in higher reliability of power-consuming devices. Second,
low-voltage devices can be made touch safein plug-and-play platforms
at the user level in the occupied space. This includes highly reconfgurable
ceiling and task level lighting and other devices such as personal and device
area network IT devices. A coincidental trend is the increasing use of wireless
controls. The combination of plug-and-play power and wireless control is a
powerful tool providing ultimate fexibility to accommodate churnin build-
ings. Last but not least is the increased sustainability potential of equipment
reuse and ease of technology upgrades.
While hybridizing the power infrastructure in buildings may seem
a daunting task, there are other beneficial applications in building ap-
plications besides lighting alone. DC power-based IT equipment, the
use of electronic variable speed drives in HVAC equipment, and the
use of electric vehicle chargers are all further examples that make the
need for a transition to hybrid or all DC-powered buildings increas-
ingly compelling.
The key to this transition is the creation of a harmonized set of new, open
electrical interconnection standards. A nonproft, standards coalition called
the EMerge Alliance was formed two years ago with just such a vision (Figure
2). Started by a small set of governing members, the alliance has grown to
more than 70 member organizations. Its members include owners, architects,
designers, engineers, construction, technology and building products
leaders, integrators, government, national labs and academic organizations
associated with commercial buildings. It is member funded and has a variety
of membership levels.
To date, the EMerge Alliance has issued one standard covering
the plug-and-play platform designed for building interiors (Figure
3) and is nearing completion on a higher voltage data/telecom
standard. Alliance members have deployed more than fifteen beta
sites across the country focused on DC microgrid applications in
these spaces. Following close behind will be a standard for building-
wide DC power distribution with provisions for direct connection
of native DC power sources such as solar photovoltaics, wind, fuel
cells and power storage technologies. EMerge is collaborating with
other standards organizations working in related fields to harmonize
these new infrastructure standards globally. It is also partnering with
the Society of Automotive Engineers and Electric Vehicle Charging
Association on DC fast-charge standards for electric vehicles parked
at commercial and public buildings. The ultimate goal is to provide a
set of pragmatic standards for DC microgrid infrastructure in build-
ings that will complement those being established at the macro-
building level for community smart grid efforts.
BRIANPATTERSONIS CHAIRMANOFTHE EMERGE ALLIANCE AND GENERAL MANAGER OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
AT ARMSTRONGWORLD INDUSTRIES BUILDING PRODUCTS DIVISION. ARMSTRONG IS A FOUNDING MEMBER OFTHE
EMERGE ALLIANCE.
FIGURE 2 SHOWS THE INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS EMERGE ALLIANCE HARMONIZES.
IN FIGURE 3, BUILDING INTERIOR PLUG-AND-PLAY PLATFORMS NOW HAVE ONE STANDARD.
A BUILDING-WIDE STANDARD FOR DIRECT CONNECTION OF NATIVE DC POWER SOURCES WILL BE
AVAILABLE SOON.
ed+c MAY 11 51A
/////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////
LIGHTING
STIMULUS FUNDS ARE
STILL AVAILABLE FOR
HEALTHCARE ENERGY
UPGRADES AND
LIGHTING RETROFITS.
By Michael Winegard
Savings
A Prescription in
U
.S. hospitals spend more than $5
billion annually on energy, often
equaling 1 to 3 percent of a typical
hospitals operating budget or an
estimated 15 percent of profts.
1
In a
recent survey conducted by Healthcare Financial
Management magazine, more than 90 percent of
hospitals surveyed reported higher energy costs
over the previous year and more than half cited
double-digit increases.
With these startling statistics its no wonder
that hospitals are searching for ways to lessen
their energy costs and become environmental
stewards. Improving the lighting, which accounts
for approximately 18 percent of a hospitals energy
costs, is one initiative that may be implemented
with a relatively short return on investment and a
high return on costs savings. Hospitals clearly rec-
ognize that energy conservation is a priority and
also realize the benefts both to their bottom
line and the environment.
Lighting Retrots and
Stimulus Funding
In a Seattle Times article late last summer, a gov-
ernment audit determined that stimulus money
destined for energy ef ciency programs run by
state and municipal governments isnt being
spent. According to the Energy Departments
Inspector Generals report, grant recipients have
IMAGE COURTESY OF BETALED.
51B www.EDCmag.com
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
spent just 8.4 percent of the $3.2 billion earmarked for energy ef ciency.
2

Additionally, Ken Simonson, chief economist at Associated General Contractors of America
(AGC) in Washington, D.C., AGC of America has identifed 61 separate funding programs
covered by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
3
The ARRA also provides helpful tax provisions for energy ef ciency. For example, the
federal tax deduction for energy-ef cient commercial buildings has been extended to 2013,
which provides up to $1.80 per square foot of building foor area for buildings that achieve a
50 percent reduction in energy use based on the 2001 version of ASHRAE 90.1.
4

What does this mean for you and your prospective projects? The opportunity to guide
clients toward lighting retroft projects funding sources. Below, is an overview to help
you get started.
Government Buildings
An article earlier this year on govpro.com, Finding funding to pay for facility energy
upgrades, revealed that governments are updating their facilities energy infrastruc-
tures to reduce carbon footprints and save energy. A recent survey by Milwaukee-
based Johnson Controls and Houston-based International Facility Management
Association found that investment in energy ef ciency tools is expected to increase
despite the slowdown in the economy. The survey, which included respondents from
the public sector, noted that lighting system retrofts were some of the most popular
ef ciency measures.
5

As you may know, lighting is the largest single use of energy in commercial buildings,
accounting for more than 30 percent of total energy use. By efectively addressing lighting-
related energy use, government administrators can reduce lighting costs for public sector
buildings by as much as 70 percent.
6
The ARRA alone allocated billions of dollars to energy-ef cient retrofts for government
buildings. More specifcally, $4.5 billion was allocated to federal buildings, $4.23 billion for
improvements to Department of Defense and Veterans Administration facilities, and $1.45
billion for military hospitals, to highlight just a fraction of whats available.
7
Private Companies and Stimulus Funding Grants
What might be surprising to learn is that private companies may apply for and receive
stimulus funding for lighting retroft projects. Specifcally, through a competitive request
for proposal (RFP) process administered by states Cabinet for Economic Development
companies complete and submit a detailed proposal. If selected for funding, the cabinet
will provide 50 percent of the funds needed to implement the lighting upgrades and each
company will provide the additional funding required to complete its project.
For example, last spring, more than $787,000 in ARRA funding was awarded to four
Kentucky companies. The money was used to replace old, inef cient lighting with advanced
energy-ef cient fxtures in existing Kentucky commercial facilities.
Additional Resources
The white paper, Measurement and Verifcation: Tapping into ARRA Stimuls Funds,by Mass.-
based Onset, provides building owners with information on using federal stimulus funds
for their energy-ef cient programs and retrofts. The following websites provide additional
information on stimulus funds.
www.doe.gov/recovery
www.recovery.gov
http://www.onsetcomp.com/ARRA
More information may be found at the Of ce of Energy Ef ciency and Renewable Energy
website: www.eere.energy.gov or by contacting Claire Johnson, Energy Ef ciency and
Conservation Block Grant Program, Of ce of Energy Ef ciency and Renewable Energy, US
Department of Energy, (202) 586-9424, claire.johnson@hq.doe.gov or your states Of ce of
Energy Development.
Endnotes
1 http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7363.htm
2 http://epoverviews.com/articles/visitor.php?keyword=Of ce%20of%20Energy%20Ef ciency
3 Piell, Amanda How Federal Stimulus Package Can Help Your Building,Buildings magazine, August, 2009.
4 ibid
5 http://govpro.com/buildings_facilities/content/energy-upgrade-funds-20101013/
6 ibid
7 ibid
RETROFIT PROJECT USING STIMULUS FUNDS
Bay Pines Veterans Hospital
Bay Pines, Fla.
Since 1933, Bay Pines
VA Healthcare System
has been improving
the health of the men
and women who have
proudly served our
nation. The facility
specically treats vet-
erans living in a ten-
county catchment
area in west central
Florida.
Recently,
through a grant from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act earmarked for energy projects, the
hospital retrotted 245 high-pressure
sodium exterior parking lights with LED
luminaires. Tony Mora, Bay Pines energy manager, initially was
only interested in induction lighting and hadnt considered LED
technology. However, due to the existing pole heights, induction
lighting could not meet the required light output and, in fact,
would have been a lighting reduction. Additionally, the lack of
optical control in conventional lighting is very wasteful.
Because of advances in technology, LEDs not only have the
required intensity for outdoor applications such as roadways
and parking lots, but also superior optical control compared to
conventional sources of light.
Through the selection process, Mora and his team exam-
ined numerous exterior LED luminaires and selected LEDway
by Wis.-based BetaLED because of the product technology and
xture quality, and because theyre American made.
So now that theyre installed, what is the consensus?
The parking lot and especially the roadway illumination
is amazing with a lot less glare and very bright, even white
light, said Mora. Weve had quite a few patients and staff
compliment us on the new lighting and the difference from the
old HPS xtures.
According to Mora, Bay Pines is anticipating a 50 percent
reduction in both wattage and energy savings, and virtually
eliminating maintenance costs on these xtures.
LED Luminaires Installed
143 Bronze LEDway Streetlights with 100 LED, Type III medium
optics, 347/480V, UL Listed 6000K
70 Bronze LEDway Streetlights with 100 LED, Type II medium
13 Bronze LEDway Streetlights with 100 LED, Type II medium
optics with backlight control, 347/480V, UL Listed 6000K
11 Bronze LEDway Streetlights with 100 LED, Type IV medium
8 Silver LEDway Streetlights with 100 LED, Type III medium
2 Bronze THE EDGE Round Area Lights with 80 LED, Type V
medium optics, 347/480V
MICHAELWINEGARD IS EAST COAST REGIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR BETALED AND MAY BE
REACHED AT MICHAEL_WINEGARD@BETALED.COM, 401-954-5769. BETALED, A BRAND OF
BETA LIGHTING, WAS ESTABLISHEDTO DEDICATE RESOURCESTOTHE EMERGING USE OF LED
TECHNOLOGY FOR GENERAL ILLUMINATION. BETA LIGHTING, AWIS.-BASED RUUD LIGHT-
ING COMPANY, PROVIDESTHE LIGHTING INDUSTRYWITHHIGH-QUALITY, SPECIFICATION-
GRADE LUMINAIRES FOR EXTERIOR LIGHTING APPLICATIONS. FOR ADDITIONAL EXTERIOR
LED LUMINAIRE INFORMATION, VISITWWW.BETALED.COM.
IMAGE COURTESY OF BAY
PINES VA HEALTHCARE
SYSTEM.
52
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Learning Objectives
At the end of this article, the participant will be able to:
1. Evaluate at least three negative impacts of buildings on the
environment;
2. Identify the six elements of the building envelope discussed in this
article;
3. Specify at least one sustainability benefit for each of the six
elements that advances in chemistry have made possible; and
4. Explain how at least one of the sustainability advances discussed in
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The following article and quiz is available online at
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We will look at thiee plastic foam insulating mateiials in the section
below, incluuing:
- Spiay-applieu polyuiethane foam (SPF) insulation, aii baiiiei anu
ioofing systems (closeu anu open cell)
- Extiuueu polyuiethane (P0)
- Expanuable polystyiene (EPS)
Spray-Applied Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
SPF is useu in a numbei of ways in constiuction. SPF is a two-component
piouuct that is manufactuieu onsite, but engineeieu in the moleculai level
to optimize peifoimance foi a specific application. By vaiying key compo-
nents, the finisheu piouuct can be mouifieu to meet specific peifoimance
iequiiements foi ioofing applications, insulating aii baiiiei systems,
auhesive applications oi wall insulation.
SPF insulation has two basic foimulations: open-cell (low-uensity (LB)
8 kgm
S
to 12 kgm
S
(u.S to u.7 pcf) anu closeu-cell (meuium-uensity (NB)
24 kgm
S
to 48 kgm
S
(1.S pcf to S pcf). (A thiiu foimulation, high-uensity
(BB), is useu foi ioofing applications.) Foi each cell type, the liquiu
compiiseu of isocyanate anu a foimulateu iesin is mixeu in the spiay
gun anu then piopelleu by a blowing agent watei foi open-cell anu a
chemical blowing agent foi closeu cell. In both cases, the foimulations have
no ozone-uepleting blowing agents, foimaluehyue oi any ozone uepleting
chemicals, anu they emit low to no v0Cs. The foimulateu iesin poition of
any SPF piouuct uses a veiy small amount of a ienewable iesouice like soy
oil oi suciose-baseu oil, but in all cases that natuial component is negli-
gible. The catalyst staits when the piessuiizeu mix comes out as a liquiu,
iises as a foam anu can expanu up to Su times. The majoi uiffeiences aie:
Open-Cell SPF is soft to the touch, has an R-value aiounu S.S pei
inch, anu is usually less expensive than closeu-cell foam. It is watei blown
in place. An open-cell foam is uefineu as having aiounu 6u peicent of the
cells within the mateiial open (think poppeu bubbles), making it useful to
absoib sounu, but shoulu not be useu as a vapoi oi watei baiiiei.
Closed-Cell SPF is uefineu as having gieatei than 9u peicent of the
cells within the mateiial closeu anu is chemically blown (with zeio-
ozone-uepleting blowing agents), expanus iapiuly anu significantly upon
application, fills all voius, anu sets up haiu, foiming a iigiu foam plastic. It
chemically bonus to the suiface to which it is spiayeu. It is an excellent aii,
moistuie anu vapoi baiiiei, but not a sounu absoibei. It is uensei, heaviei,
anu offeis the supeiioi insulating peifoimance of the two with an R-value
aiounu 6.S pei inch of thickness. It is usually moie expensive.
In auuition, SPF (anu any closeu-cell plastic foam insulation mateiial) is
FENA-appioveu foi floou pione aieas. Because it is iigiu anu monolithic,
its incieaseu stiength makes it an appiopiiate mateiial in huiiicane zones.
The National Bome Builueis Association's SPF ieseaich ueteimineu that
it pioviues significant iacking iesistance in stick built piojects, pioviuing
some stiuctuial benefit as well.
SPF is an efficient insulation mateiial foi ioof anu wall insulation (as
we will uiscuss shoitly), insulateu winuows anu uoois, anu aii baiiiei
continuity components (sealants) all contiibutois to ieuuceu aii leakage
(infiltiation oi exfiltiation), which accounts foi 2S peicent to 4u peicent of
(wasteu) eneigy use accoiuing to ENERuY STAR stuuies.
As a high-peifoimance insulation mateiial, SPF can ieuuce the amount
of fossil fuels neeueu to heat anu cool builuings, ieuucing the iesulting
gieenhouse gas emissions, anu may iequiie less eneigy to piouuce than
some othei insulation piouucts. Plus, the amount of eneigy iequiieu to
tianspoit anu install SPF is also minimizeu in compaiison to othei alteina-
tives, accoiuing to a life-cycle Eco-Efficiency Analysis.
Finally, SPF is uuiable anu maintains its physical piopeities ovei time.
In a veitical wall application, it shoulu last the lifetime of the builuing. In a
low-slope ioofing application, its lifespan can be ieneweu inuefinitely with
simple iecoats (ieau moie about SPF ioofing below). It contiibutes little to
the waste stieam, anu in a single piouuct (uepenuing on the foimula anu
application, as well as local coue iequiiements) can uo the job of thiee oi
foui piouucts insulation, aii baiiiei, sealant, vapoi baiiiei anu weathei
baiiiei. Spiay-applieu polyuiethane foam insulates anu eliminates theimal
biiuging thiough fasteneis oi gaps in uecking.
Extruded Rigid Polyurethane (PU)
Polyuiethane P0 foam has an R-value of 6.7 pei inch of mateiial anu is a
closeu-cell foam that uses a zeio-ozone-uepleting chemical blowing agent.
It exhibits most the peifoimance chaiacteiistics anu benefits of closeu cell
SPF, but is engineeieu to be pouieu-in-place iathei than spiay applieu.
Rigiu closeu cell P0 can be founu in a vaiiety of uensities anu is a key
component useu in Stiuctuial Insulateu Panels (SIPs) foi walls, floois, anu
ioofs, as well as Insulating Conciete Foims (ICFs), insulateu masoniy block,
entiy uoois, gaiage uoois, exteiioi shutteis, insulateu siuing anu many
PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL
Chemists have created a new category of insulating material referred
to as phase change material (pcm), which helps maintain interior
comfort as temperatures change during the day. When its hot, these
microscopic acrylic capsules containing high-purity paraffin wax
melt and absorb the heat. When its cold, they solidify and release
the heat back into the room, helping to keep it comfortable with
no energy expended in the process. When the pcm capsules are
combined with gypsum in a .5-inch by 4-by-8-foot fiberglass-faced
panel, they provide a 2,100-pound/msf panel and added thermal
mass not typically found in traditional lightweight construction. They
also provide latent heat capacity of ~22 BTU/ft
2
with a melting point
of 23 degrees C and 73 degrees F. An ATSM D3273 Mold Growth
score of 10 (the best) is an added benefit this new panel provides.
///////////////////////////////////////////////
54
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insulation applications in civil engineeiing anu infiastiuctuie piojects. P0 is
a key ingieuient in 0EN piouucts such as weathei stiipping, gasketing anu
uooi sweeps. 0utsiue of insulation, P0 can be founu in inteiioi anu exteiioi
moluings anu tiim, ceiling meuallions, uecking, iailings anu poich posts,
aichitectuial columns, louvei gable vents anu composite boaiu stock.
Expandable Polystyrene (EPS)
EPS offeis an R-value of S.S pei inch anu is tiauitionally useu foi boaiu stock
insulation, anu in wall systems such as SIPs, ICFs anu Exteiioi Insulateu
Finishing Systems (EIFS). Patenteu in 19Su, EPS is a cost-effective anu
easy-to-hanule insulation mateiial. As a closeu-cell plastic foam insulation
mateiial, it is FENA appioveu foi use in floou zones.
A iecent uevelopment in EPS is the auvent of giaphite-enhanceu foi-
mulations. uiaphite-enhanceu EPS featuies micioscopic flakes of giaphite
that woik as small miiiois to ieflect heat back into the enviionment anu
inciease insulation value up to 2u peicent veisus stanuaiu EPS, ieuucing
the thickness of insulation neeueu foi equal iesults. In ietiofit applications,
the insulation is attacheu to gypsum boaiu anu installeu on the inteiioi siue
of exteiioi walls to pioviue a one-step piocess foi both inteiioi finishing
anu enhanceu insulation peifoimance. Foi new constiuction, giaphite-
enhanceu EPS is gaining populaiity foi SIPs, ICFs anu EIFS.
Sustainable Benefits
Eneigy efficiency is the majoi enviionmental anu financial benefit these
high-peifoimance insulation solutions pioviue. Insulating R-values anu
iesulting peifoimance can be twice as effective as tiauitional mateiials.
Auuitionally, they:
1. Stop theimal biiuging, which occuis when mateiials that aie pooi
insulatois come in contact with each othei, allowing heat to flow thiough
the path cieateu. Insulation aiounu oi besiue a biiuge is of little help in
pieventing heat loss oi gain uue to theimal biiuging. The biiuging can be
impioveu oi eliminateu by cieative uesign to "uismantle the biiuge" oi by
using mateiials with bettei insulating piopeities in the biiuging configuia-
tion itself oi by using moie effective insulation piouucts to block oi isolate
the heatcolu fiom ieaching the biiuge.
2. Reuuce oi eliminate convective loops, which aie wall anu ceiling
cavities that act as ioom-sizeu heat exchangeis, ielentlessly pumping
heat out of a space (to an attic oi basement) even if theie is no uiiect aii
leakage fiom inuoois to outuoois. Convective loop heat losses occui in
builuings within anu at the top oi bottom of uninsulateu, woou-fiameu
oi metal stuu inteiioi paitition walls anu, of couise, in hollow coie
masoniy walls. They can be eliminateu as well with piopei application
of SPF insulation that seals the ciacks anu cievices anu inefficient wall
assemblies that facilitate convective loops.
S. Likewise, uncontiolleu aii leakage can be ieuuceu oi eliminateu with
piopei specification anu application of high-peifoimance insulation piou-
ucts like those uiscusseu heie.
<<2>> Roofs
Keeping piecipitation out the builuing is the piioiity foi any ioof. Built-up
ioofs (B0Rs) in vaiious configuiations anu with numeious mateiial
combinations have been on that job many uecaues. 0thei systems
common foi low-slope applications, incluuing metal ioofs, membiane
ioofing mateiials anu spiay-applieu polyuiethane foam (SPF) may be
consiueieu compaiatively new. Anu vegetative ioofs aie enjoying iesui-
gence as conceins foi the enviionment giow. Let's look at these last two
bioau ioof categoiies, which have some impoitant similaiities, anu bettei
unueistanu what chemistiy has auueu to the mix of high-peifoimance,
moie sustainable ioofs.
Whethei a ioof has a natuial, vegetative top layei oi a synthetic, man-
maue look, an impoitant element in each case is "what's unueineath."
Biainage anu insulation can be hanuleu in a numbei of ways, of couise, but
in many cases these two consiueiations get iesolveu oi iefineu between
the stiuctuie suppoiting of the ioof anu its wateipioofing layei. Biainage
is key to managing the piecipitation that lanus on the ioof, anu insulation
helps manage the impact of the outsiue aii anu elements on the comfoit of
the inhabitants insiue. In many cases, the insulation mateiial useu anu the
benefits it pioviues aie essential to the ioof system anu oveiall builuing
envelope peifoimance.
Nost low-slope ioofing systems employ boaiu stock insulation mateii-
als maue fiom eithei expanuable polystyiene (EPS) oi extiuueu poly-
styiene (XPS). With an SPF ioofing system, the system is compiiseu of a
mateiial known best foi its insulation piopeities that also offeis othei
qualities neeueu foi a high-peifoimance ioof.
SPF Roofing Systems
As pieviously uesciibeu, SPF is an insulation mate-
iial commonly founu in veitical wall applications
that is also useu in low-slope ioof applications. It
is unique fiom all othei ioofing systems. SPF is
a geneiic chemical-based piouuct that has been
auopteu anu auapteu by countless builuing piouuct
manufactuieis, all ovei the 0.S. anu the woilu. SPF
is ceitainly not a new piouuct, but its benefits aie
many anu have stoou the test of time.
As most aichitects anu builueis know, SPF insula-
tion is iigiu, lightweight, winu iesistant anu effective
in extieme tempeiatuies anu weathei conuitions.
SPF insulation has the highest R-value pei squaie
inch of any commeicially available insulation mate-
iial. It is a veiy cost effective anu sustainable means
to iescue a failing ioof because it can be installeu
uiiectly to the existing substiate without teai-off in
about 9S peicent of ietiofit situations (accoiuing
to Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance Life Cycle Cost
Study, Nichelsen Technologies, LLC, 2uu4), pioviueu
that the mateiials fiom the oiiginal ioof aie stiuc-
tuially sounu anu have not taken on too much watei.
This piactice can uiveit thousanus of tons of waste
fiom the lanufill, while also affoiuing a fast installa-
tion with limiteu uisiuption to occupants.
Aftei iemoving the giavel anu cleaning up the
Closed-Cell
Foam
Glass Fiber Wool Blown
Cellulose
Open-Cell
Foam
R-Value 6.0 3.0 3.5 3.0 3.5
Approved Air
Barrier System
Yes at
1-inch
thickness
No No No
Yes at
5.5-inch
thickness
Seamless
Construction
Yes No No No Yes
Rigid Yes No No No No
Fully Adhered Yes No No No Yes
Adds Structural
Strength
Yes No No No No
Long Service Life Yes No No No Yes
Absorbs Water <4% v/v Yes Yes Yes >40% v/v
Allows Moisture
Vapor In
No Yes Yes Yes Yes
55
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olu ioofing suiface, SPF can be spiayeu on as a seamless, monolithic layei
that is self-uetailing oi self-flashing anu offeis tenacious auhesion. The
mixeu liquiu expanus many times its oiiginal volume in a mattei of seconus
upon application, foiming a iigiu foam plastic that chemically bonus to the
suiface to which it is spiayeu. Spiaying the foam in .S-inch to 1.S-inch lifts
allows the applicatoi to ieach the uesiieu thickness to fill in low aieas, builu
up slope, anu pioviue insulation in a single opeiation.
SPF is iueal foi (veiy) low-slope ioofs because its application anu fin-
isheu thickness can be veiy well contiolleu to pioviue slope-to-uiain anu
avoiu low spots (ponuing). At the othei extieme, SPF is iueal foi uomes, ouu
shapeu ioofs, oi ioofs with many openings foi skylights, etc., because it can
be applieu to viitually any configuiation with the same high-peifoimance
iesults. In fact, SPF insulateu ioofs paiu foi themselves thiough eneigy sav-
ings in 4.S yeais on aveiage, baseu on a Texas A&N stuuy entitleu "Energy
Data Measuring Cost Saving on Campus SPF Roofs Compared to BUR Roofs,"
ueialu Scott, PE, 198S.
SPF ioofing systems also offei inuustiy
leauing winu uplift iesistance because
theie aie no euges oi seams foi the winu
to giab anu pull away fiom the stiuctuie.
Its composition allows it to withstanu
hailstoims anu winuboine uebiis while
offeiing a 2u-yeai life expectancy with
limiteu maintenance iequiiements.
To piotect the foam fiom the elements,
anu paiticulaily fiom uegiauation uue to
exposuie to 0v iays, SPF ioofing iequiies
a top coating. Buuget, climate, aesthetics
anu the choice of installei often ueteimine
which choice is best. Aggiegate gianules
can be incoipoiateu into the coating layei
to pioviue a non-slip suiface foi those
conuucting ioof inspections oi seivicing
iooftop mechanical equipment. Thiee
elastomeiic coatings most fiequently useu
as coatings foi SPF ioofs aie:
Urethane, typically the longest lasting
of the choices;
Silicone, which holus up well to high impactshail; oi
Acrylic, which iesists uiit anu tenus to stay whitei longei aie
usually useu.
All thiee of these high albeuo-coatings (veiy ieflective) uo the following:
1. Reuuce the absoiption of solai eneigy;
2. Reuuce suiface tempeiatuies;
S. Reuuce heat tiansfei into the builuing; anu
4. Belp to ieuuce uiban heat islanu effect anu smog.
Anu to maximize cooling eneigy savings, these coatings typically have:
S. Bigh solai ieflectivity;
6. Bigh infiaieu emissivity; anu
7. Retain these piopeities foi many yeais.
Elastomeiic coatings tenu to last between 1u anu 1S yeais, uepenuing
on weathei conuitions anu the amount of foot tiaffic they aie exposeu
to uuiing that time span. At the enu of the coating's seivice life, the SPF
ioof can be ieneweu by simply iemoving the coating anu a minimal (1.4
inches to .S inch) layei of the SPF (known as scaifing). A new layei of
SPF (.S inch to 1 inch) is applieu, followeu by a fiesh coating. This piac-
tice can be iepeateu almost inuefinitely, giving SPF ioofing one of the
longest life expectancies available foi low-slope ioofing.
Vegetative Roofs
A vegetative ioof is fiist anu foiemost a ioof, anu theiefoie, has to get
the wateipioofing iight. It is vital that the membiane unueineath the
plantings is uuiable anu withstanus the test of time. Again chemistiy
has maue a significant contiibution to the wateipioofing component
of a vegetative assembly. Bone piopeily, a vegetative ioof can uouble
oi even tiiple the useful life of the wateipioofing system (ioof )
unueineath it.
The chemical ingieuients founu in acceptable membiane ioofing types
foi vegetative ioofing accoiuing to the Federal Green Construction Guide for
Specifiers, Section 07 55 63 (Section 07530) Vegetated Protected Membrane
Roofing, publisheu by the Whole Builuing Besign uuiue, incluue:
- Theimoplastic polyolefin (TP0)
- Polyisobutylene (PIB)
- Polyethylene teiephthalate (PET)
- Bigh-uensity polyethylene (BBPE)
- Low-uensity polyethylene (LBPE)
- Polyvinyl chloiiue (PvC)
These chemical compounus aie key ingieuients in membiane mateii-
als, but they aie not the membianes themselves. Peifoimance of the
final membiane piouuct uepenus on each manufactuiei's unique iecipe
even foi compaiable piouucts baseu
on the same chemical ingieuients. Foi
example, TP0 is chloiine-fiee anu offeis
high bieaking anu teaiing stiength anu
punctuie iesistance; PIB is gas-impeime-
able, iequiies no vulcanization, is elastic
anu most impoitantly, ietains flexibility
at low tempeiatuies; anu PvC pioviues
excellent weatheiing chaiacteiistics,
high tensile stiength anu long-teim flex-
ibility with excellent iesistance to haish
chemicals anu inuustiial pollutants.
Choice in membiane mateiials is usually
baseu on the manufactuiei, thiiu-paity
valiuateu peifoimance testing iesults
(such as ASTN oi 0L stanuaius), availabil-
ity, piice anu installei piefeience.
Each of these membiane ioof mateiials
ensuie the numeious benefits of vegeta-
tive ioofs aie iealizeu:
- Reuuceu heat islanu effect
- Replacement of the gieen footpiint
lost when the builuing was constiucteu
- Contiol anu ietention of stoimwatei iunoff
- Clean outsiue aii with less C0
2
anu othei haimful contaminates
All of these high-peifoimance wateipioofing membianes pioviue a
iobust, long-lasting solution anu aie iecommenueu accoiuing to the Whole
Builuing Besign uuiue.
<<3>> Wall Systems
Netal stuu walls in commeicial builuings anu stick-built homes have been
aiounu a long time, but they aie losing favoi to moie auvanceu wall systems
that take auvantage of leauing euge chemistiy anu innovation by builuing
piouuct manufactuieis to offei impiessive enviionmental benefits among
many otheis.
The following thiee wall systems can pioviue a moie sustainable, high-
peifoimance builuing envelope than conventional constiuction techniques,
especially when employeu in conceit with the othei builuing envelope
elements uiscusseu heie.
- Stiuctuial Insulateu Panels (SIPs)
- Exteiioi Insulateu Finishing Systems (EIFS)
- Insulateu Conciete Foims (ICFs)
The common uenominatoi foi each of these wall systems is the insula-
tion component expanuable polystyiene (EPS). Polyuiethane (P0) is an
alteinative to EPS, but is useu much less fiequently because it is typically
moie expensive foi the same uimensions uue to its highei R-value of 6.S
inch veisus the EPS R-value of 4inch.
SIPs aie essentially a "wall sanuwich" with stiuctuial skin on eithei siue
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY MONITORED ENERGY SAVINGS ON 27 DIFFERENT BUILDINGS ON THE CAMPUS
THAT HAD RECEIVED A SPRAY-APPLIED POLYURETHANE FOAM (SPF) ROOF FROM 1980 TO 1984.
THE RESULTS SHOWED THE UNIVERSITY WAS ABLE TO COVER THE COMPLETE COST OF THE ROOF
APPLICATION THROUGH ENERGY SAVINGS IN AN AVERAGE OF 4.5 YEARS. TODAY, THE MAIN CAMPUS
BOASTS MORE THAN 7 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF SPF ROOFING.
56
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of an EPS oi P0 insulating coie. Suitable foi iesiuential anu light commeicial
constiuction, SIPs aie useu foi wall anu ioof applications.
SIPs begin life in a factoiy. CAB uiawings of the stiuctuie to be built aie
conveiteu to shop uiawings, which aie then pluggeu uiiectly into computei
numeiical contiol (CNC) fabiication machines oi aie useu to measuie anu
cut the panels by hanu. Special channels (chases) aie cut into the foam to al-
low foi the electiical wiiing, anu the insulation coie is iecesseu aiounu the
euges to accept the connection splines oi uimensional lumbei useu uuiing
constiuction.
Nost SIPs featuie 0SB as the skins oi faceis that encompass the innei
foam insulation coie of the panel. But othei skins aie available, incluuing:
- Netal
- Fibei cement
- Fibei ieinfoiceu conciete
- Plywoou
- uypsum boaiu
Regaiuless of the stiuctuial skins, those
skins aie iaiely the final faaue foi the
builuing. Stanuaiu panels aie available
in 4-by-8-foot oi 8-by-24-foot configuia-
tions. Thicknesses typically iange fiom
4.S inches to 12.2S inches but custom
sizes anu thicknesses aie also available.
Insulating aii sealants single- anu
pluial-component polyuiethane foams
aie commonly useu with SIPs to help join
panels togethei quickly, ensuie aii baiiiei
continuity, inciease eneigy efficiency anu
inciease stiuctuial stiength.
A iecent Time & Notion stuuy
conuucteu by Reeu Constiuction Bata
RSNeans Business Solutions showeu
that utilizing SIPs ieuuceu installa-
tion time by 1Su laboi houis. When
compaieu to RSNeans laboi houis foi
a conventionally fiameu home, this is
equivalent to time savings of appioxi-
mately SS peicent. (Foi moie infoimation, see BASF Corporation Time
& Motion Study, Novembei 2uu6, submitteu to BuiluingInsight, LLC,
conuucteu by Reeu Constiuction BataRSNeans.)
EIFS have suiviveu some well-publicizeu pioblems fiom its past,
such as leaks uue to pooi installation, which weie often uue to pooi
installation tiaining. Well-testeu mastei specifications foi aichitects
anu aggiessive contiactoiinstallei tiaining have maue EIFS an
extiemely populai wall panel system touay. Nany manufactuieis also
offei moistuie-uiainage EIFS systems that incluue a uiainage channel
built into the insulation oi auhesive elements of the system. Theii
populaiity also stems fiom the incieuible uesign flexibility they offei
the aichitect. They aie attacheu to the exteiioi faaue anu can be
veiy impact anu uamage iesistant baseu on the giaue of mesh useu.
EIFS aie compiiseu of polystyiene insulation anu ieinfoiceu
synthetic stucco. Nost systems also incoipoiate a liquiu applieu aii
watei-iesistive baiiiei ovei the sheathing to fuithei enhance theimal
comfoit anu eneigy efficiency while ieuucing intiusive moistuie
conceins.
In 2uu7, the 0.S. Bepaitment of Eneigy (B0E), thiough the 0f-
fice of Eneigy Efficiency anu Renewable Eneigy's (EERE) Builuing
Technologies Piogiam, anu the EIFS Inuustiy Nembeis Association
(EINA), sponsoieu a stuuy, which was conuucteu by ieseaicheis at
the 0ak Riuge National Laboiatoiy (0RNL). A builuing was constiuct-
eu neai Chaileston in Bollywoou, S.C., featuiing panels with vaiious
wall clauuings anu assemblies. Each of the wall panels in which the
clauuings hau been incoipoiateu containeu sensois that pioviueu a
full piofile of tempeiatuie, heat flux, ielative humiuity anu moistuie
content. These sensois collecteu infoimation 24 houis a uay, 7 uays
a week, anu tiansmitteu the uata to the 0RNL ieseaich facility in 0ak
Riuge, Tenn., foi analysis.
The ieal-woilu uata gatheieu uuiing the stuuy uemonstiateu that EIFS
clau wall assemblies with uiainage outpeifoim othei typical exteiioi clau-
uings (biick, stucco anu cementacious fibeiboaiu siuing) uuiing most of the
yeai, making EIFS an excellent exteiioi clauuing choice foi achieving key
builuing peifoimance goals in a hot anu humiu climate. (See Exterior Wall
Cladding Performance Study, 0ak Riuge National LaboiatoiyEIFS Inuustiy
Nembeis Association, 2uu8.)
ICFs aie inteilocking, mouulai units of insulation that aie connecteu anu
uiy stackeu (without moitai), often with a skeleton of ieinfoicing bais in
the aii spacecavity that sepaiates the insiue anu outsiue insulateu panels.
These insulateu foims aie then filleu with conciete. ICFs pioviue extieme
stiuctuial stiength (because they aie filleu with conciete) anu aie often
useu foi basement walls (anu even floois) with lightei weight wall solutions
such as SIPs useu on above-giaue floois.
The insulateu panels can be maue up
of EPS, giaphite-enhanceu EPS oi P0.
EPS is the most common anu usually less
expensive than othei insulation foims.
uiaphite-enhanceu EPS pioviues 2u pei-
cent bettei insulating peifoimance, anu is
theiefoie moie expensive, all othei things
being equal. Rigiu polyuiethane is also
a choice foi the insulateu foim mateiial,
which pioviues twice the R-value pei inch
of EPS anu moie compiessive stiength as
an ICF foim because it is uensei.
Each of these high-peifoimance wall
systems pioviue the following impoitant
enviionmental benefits:
1. Reuuceu aii leakage, theimal biiug-
ing, anu convection looping.
2. Extiemely high R-values up to
R-Su oi moie.
S. Reuuceu BvAC loaus anu iesulting
ieuuceu BT0 iequiiements fiom eaily in the uesign piocess.
4. FENA-appioveu foi floou zones.
S. Wall stability flat, won't waip, expanu oi contiact.
6. Supeiioi stiuctuial stability, stiffness, stiength anu pieuictable peifoi-
mance.
7. Low enviionmental impact mateiials.
8. Reuuceu tianspoitation fuel costs uue to lightweight mateiials useu in
each wall system.
9. Low jobsite waste piouuceu.
1u. Low oi no v0Cs.
Auuitionally the wall systems have inuiviuual, specific benefits to note as
well:
- SIPs stiuctuial chaiacteiistics aie similai to an I-beam.
- ICF passes seismic lab anu fielu-testing.
- EIFS aie iesistant to winu-boine missiles in high winu events.
- EIFS can iestoie failing facaues, ietaining the embouieu caibon foot-
piint of existing stiuctuies.
These notable benefits can be enhanceu anu leveiageu when useu
in conceit with othei high-peifoimance builuing envelope elements
uiscusseu heie.
<<4>> Fenestrations
Some of the newei high-peifoimance auvancements foi builuing envelopes
have maue majoi impiovements to the efficiency of the weakest links in
the builuing envelope the winuows anu uoois. 0ne such auvancement is
calleu warm edge theimo plastic spacei (TPS), which is a combineu auhe-
sive anu sealant baseu on polyisobutylene that pioviues a flexible, watei-
THE PEPPER VINER HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOME IN TUCSON, ARIZ., IS 80 PERCENT MORE ENERGY
EFFICIENT THAN AN AVERAGE AMERICAN HOME, REDUCES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND IS BUILT TO
LAST FOR DECADES. THE PROJECT WAS PART OF AN INITIATIVE TO HELP SYSTEMIZE THE PRODUCTION
BUILDERS SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PROCEDURES THROUGH A PROCESS CALLED INTEGRATED DESIGN.
57
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pioof, uuiable spacei that is iesistant to 0v
iauiation. Auopteu by a giowing numbei
of winuow manufactuieis in iecent yeais,
TPS combines veiy low moistuie tiansmis-
sion iates anu low gas peimeability values
(< .1 peicentyeai) with stiong auhesion
anu gieat elasticity (veisus aluminum,
stainless steel, etc., spaceis) to pioviue
eneigy-saving featuies anu high iesistance
to mechanical anu theimal stiess causeu
by a vaiiety of enviionmental conuitions.
TPS enable winuows to be built in viitually
any shape oi size anu with any type of
winuow fiame incluuing woou, vinyl,
fibeiglass anu aluminum.
Fuitheimoie, when compaieu with
moie tiauitional uual-pane spacei technol-
ogies, TPS have the lowest oveiall winuow
0 value, which means it has the best iating
foi heat tiansfei iesistance (insulation)
chaiacteiistics in auuition to the lowest fogging potential. As a iesult, TPS
has the best enviionmental footpiint in the categoiies of eneigy consump-
tion, emissions, iesouice consumption anu lanu use. (See TPS ecological
footpiint uiagiam.)
ENERuY STAR peifoimance levels will uemanu bettei winuow peifoi-
mance as of 2u12. TPS can help meet these new stanuaius by impioving en-
eigy efficiency by up to 1u peicent compaieu with metal-spaceu uual-pane
winuows that aie iuentical in eveiy othei way.
Anothei auvancement is the impiovement of insulateu exteiioi uoois.
Both peuestiian egiess uoois anu laigei gaiage uoois aie now being maue
with coies of iigiu oi high-uensity polyuiethane foam (P0). This technology
allows uoois to offei an R-value of up to 14 a significant impiovement
ovei a tiauitional 2-inch soliu woou uooi, which offeis R 2.SS (http:www.
sizes.comunitsivalue.htm). Polyuiethane coies aie lightweight, but veiy
stiong, pioviuing incieaseu stiuctuial stiength anu long-teim uuiability
in high-tiaffic aieas oi "iough-hanuling"
enviionments such as schools.
Inteiioi fiie uoois also benefit fiom
auvances in chemistiy. Specially foimu-
lateu alkali silicate blenus aie useu to
cieate lightweight panels foi fiie uoois
that expanu unuei the effect of heat anu
the iesulting geneiation of foaming pies-
suie. The non-combustible, heat-insulating
foam cieateu in this piocess pievents fiie
anu smoke fiom spieauing to othei iooms
foi a given time span. Similai chemistiy is
employeu in fiie-piotection glazing, as well
as in fiiepioof bulkheaus foi pipes, cables
oi ventilation elements.
<<5>> Air & Weather Barriers
Aii anu weathei baiiieis fall into thiee
classifications:
1. Watei-iesistive baiiieis aie uesigneu
to keep liquiu watei out of walls. These
baiiieis can be peimeable oi impeimeable.
2. Aii baiiieis aie intenueu to seal the ioof, walls anu founuation so
that aii uoes not infiltiate oi exfiltiate. The No. 2 souice of watei intiu-
sion into a builuing (behinu bulk watei intiusion such as iain oi melting
ice) is humiuity tiaveling with aii. Aii baiiieis can also be vapoi peime-
able oi impeimeable.
S. vapoi baiiieis pievent moistuie fiom peimeating thiough the baiiiei
mateiial into the wall assembly. vapoi baiiieis pievent heat anu watei fiom
tiaveling fiom high concentiation to low
concentiation aieas.
Aii anu weathei baiiieis aie impoitant,
piimaiily, because theie is so much aii
anu moistuie flowing in anu aiounu most
builuings anu houses. Buiing the wintei
months, watei leaks, humiuity fiom the
clothes washei, showeis anu steam fiom
cooking even bieathing all cieate
waim, moist aii that will finu the path of
least iesistance to wheie theie is no heat
anu moistuie. It can anu uoes go anywheie
anu will take any ciicuitous ioute. Stack
effect (the iule that hot aii iises), winu
effect causeu by exteinal elements anu me-
chanical effect (often positive piessuie in
the foim of make-up aii) all exaceibate aii
migiation iates. The tallei the stiuctuie,
the gieatei impact these effects can have.
As the aii passes fiom a waimei to a
coolei space it cools, anu the moistuie content uiops off onto woou oi metal
oi any othei conuensing suiface, sometimes insiue a wall oi unsealeu attic
space. Can lights (houseu in the ceiling) aie a piimaiy path foi this migiat-
ing aii tiaveling to the attic of a house. Wheievei theie is conuensation,
molu can iesult. Summei months have eveiything flowing in ieveise anu
the basement anu ciawl space unuei a house come into play. vapoi baiiieis
uo stop the flow of moistuie when they aie useu but may not pievent
uncontiolleu aii migiation.
When moistuie goes wheie it shoulun't, uuiability of builuing mateiials
can be affecteu. Nany mateiials aie susceptible to iot, anu many fibious
insulation mateiials can act as sponges that holu moistuie. Inuooi aii qual-
ity is affecteu if aii movement is not contiolleu: pollens get insiue. The ioom
ovei the gaiage is fiequently colu, with the intiouuction of exhaust fumes
anu othei v0Cs into the living space posing a health iisk to inhabitants. Aii
leakage can also cause back uiafting anu C0 pioblems in a house.
Eneigy usage goes up since as much
as 4u peicent of it lost to aii leakage anu
convection looping. Eneigy costs to heat
anu cool anu conuition the aii as well as
uBu emissions go up as well. In fact, a
giounubieaking iepoit fiom the National
Institute of Stanuaius anu Technology
(NIST), "Investigation of the Impact of
Commeicial Builuing Envelope Aii tight-
ness on BvAC Eneigy 0se," inuicates that
continuous aii baiiiei systems can ieuuce
aii infiltiation by moie than 6u peicent anu
eneigy consumption by up to 4u peicent
compaieu to builuings with typical aii
leakage iates.
Aii baiiiei peifoimance is uefineu by
the aii leakage iate L(s-m`-Pa)
the iate of aiiflow (Ls) uiiven thiough
a unit suiface aiea (m`) of an assembly
by a unit static piessuie uiffeience (Pa)
acioss the assembly. Seveial mateiials
qualify as aii baiiiei mateiials. Two high-peifoimance aiiweathei bai-
iiei mateiials incluue:
A one-component, fluiu-applieu, vapoi-peimeable, aiiwatei-iesistive
baiiiei membiane can be spiay, iollei, biush oi tiowel applieu uiiectly to
above-giaue wall substiates. 0ne-component baiiieis iesist aiiwatei flow
at u.uu49 lm
2
7S Pa.
A two-component, closeu-cell SPF (spiay polyuiethane foam) aiiweath-
ei baiiiei can be spiay applieu at a iate of .S inch to 2 inches maximum pei
TWO YEARS AFTER THE ATLANTIS HOTEL AND CASINO WAS CLAD USING EIFS, THE LANDMARK WAS
BUFFETED BY CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE FLOYD, YET SUFFERED ABSOLUTELY NO DAMAGE TO THE CLADDING.
THE CITY OF LUBBOCK, TEXAS, GATHERED AND ANALYZED THREE YEARS OF COST DATA ON 100
HOMES BUILT USING ICFS. THE RESULTS SHOWED THE MONTHLY ENERGY COSTS FOR THE ICF
HOMES WERE $50 TO $75 ONE-THIRD THE $150 TO $200 MONTHLY COSTS FOR NON-ICF
CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY.
58
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pass with typical installations being at a maximum thickness of 4
inches anu iesulting R-values at 6.7 pei inch of applieu mateiial.
This mateiial offeis an aii leakage iate of u.uuuu2S lm
2
7S Pa.
The two-component aiiweathei baiiiei system can be applieu
to glazing, metal, woou anu conciete block among otheis. In some
juiisuictions, SPF qualifies to uo thiee jobs in one application aii
baiiiei, vapoi baiiiei anu insulation.
Piopeily installeuapplieu, aii anu weathei baiiieis can:
- eliminate uncontiolleu aii leakage;
- ieuuce BvAC iequiiements;
- ieuuce eneigy use by S peicent-S6 peicent, uepenuing on the
builuing uesign anu piopei installation of the complete, continuous
aii baiiiei system;
- last foi the life of the stiuctuies, as they aie uesigneu to uo;
- pievent moistuie intiusion uue to aii infiltiation anu exfiltia-
tion; anu
- stop moistuie-vapoi tiansfei, conuensing, molu anu miluew
within the wall cavity.
Code & Application Ambiguity
Inteiestingly, theie is no aii baiiiei iequiiement foi commeicial
builuings in most states anu coues. Although Euiopean countiies
have aii baiiiei iequiiements in theii builuing coues, Nassachusetts
was the fiist state to iequiie an aii baiiiei by coue, but not until
aftei 2uuu. Anu only a half uozen states have followeu suit since
then. LEEB uoes not auuiess aii baiiieis eithei. Yet aii baiiieis can
save up to 4u peicent of the eneigy a builuing uses.
Bouse wiap is commonly useu foi iesiuential constiuction anu
is effective if installeu piopeily. Continuity of the aiitight baiiiei is
key nailing an aii-impeimeable baiiiei to the stiuctuie is piob-
lematic, since any punctuiesholes makes the baiiiei less than
aiitight. Consequently, fluiu oi spiay applieu aii-impeimeable bai-
iieis aie best oi a "stick-on" application with oveilapping seams
can woik well too.
The location of the aii baiiiei vaiies by climate, but is typically
applieu on the inteiioi of a house. Conveisely, aii baiiieis aie usu-
ally applieu between the stiuctuie anu the clauuing on the outsiue
of a commeicial piopeity.
Befoie giving any aii baiiiei assembly its seal of appioval, the Aii
Baiiiei Association of Ameiica (ABAA) is iequiiing manufactuieis
to piove theii technologies can pass the ASTN E 2SS7 Aii Leakage
of Aii Baiiiei Assemblies test. The puipose of this assessment is to
ueteimine whethei aii-baiiiei piouucts, when useu with othei typi-
cal wall components, collectively function as an aii-baiiiei assembly.
The test is peifoimeu on an 8-by-8-foot wall mock-up that
incluues typical wall penetiations a winuow, galvanizeu
uuct, PvC pipe, post-applieu biick tie-ins, electiical junction
boxes, ioof anu conciete-founuation inteifaces. The aii baiiiei
assembly is applieu to the wall, complete with flashing anu seal-
ing mateiials applieu aiounu all penetiations anu at aii baiiiei
joints in specifieu locations.
The wall specimen is then mounteu in a sealeu test chambei with
an aii supply that allows application anu measuiement of both posi-
tive anu negative aii-piessuie uiffeientials acioss the wall stiuctuie.
The assembly then unueigoes a "conuitioning" piocess wheie the
assembly is subjecteu to both positive anu negative loaus to confiim
that the vaiious mateiials will actually woik togethei to pioviue an
aiitight seal. Accoiuing to the E 2SS7, the aii leakage of an appioveu
assembly must not to exceeu u.2L(s-m
2
) 7SPa. (u.u4 cfmft
2

1.S7 psf). Baseu on the iesults, the aii baiiiei assembly is assigneu
an aii leakage iating.
The benefits to aiiweathei baiiieis aie many, incluuing:
1. Reuucing the footpiint of a builuing thiough ieuuceu
eneigy use.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
No discussion on the chemistry of sustainable construction prod-
ucts would be complete without a brief reference to new innova-
tions. The combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy
technologies is changing the way we think about buildings. Two
game changers that are in development currently are nanotechnol-
ogy insulating foams and organic solar cells.
Nanotechnology Insulating Foams
Also known as nanofoams, this innovation represent the next gen-
eration of insulating materials. The prefix nano describes an order of
magnitude one nanometer being one billionth of a meter. This is
about the length of five to 10 atoms arranged end-to-end. If a meter
is the planet Earth, a nanometer is a tennis ball. Nanotechnology
describes the targeted and controlled development, manufacture
and use of structures, materials and systems in magnitudes smaller
than a hundred nanometers.
One example of current nanofoam technology available in the
market is in the area of polycarbonate skylights and curtain walls.
This silica-based nanofoam insulation improves the insulating value
of these units by as much as five times, without the need for a
vacuum seal.
The materials physical characteristics limit its applications but
scientists are currently working on non-silica based nanofoams that
will deliver equivalent or greater insulating values while providing
durability and wide-scale availability. For example, researchers
are working on ways to transform current standard carbon-based
insulations such as EPS and polyurethane into nanofoams. This
innovation could significantly reduce heat conduction to less than
half of that observed with conventional materials. These early stage
nanofoams could be used to improve the overall performance of
vacuum insulated panels, since they retain greater insulating value
than traditional materials if the fragile vacuum seal is breached.
Near Infrared (NIR) Reflective Pigments
Transparent NIR pigments can be formulated to reflect up to 45
percent of solar radiation, while NIR reflecting black pigments have
solar reflectance of as much as 30 percent. By comparison, for tra-
ditional carbon black pigments this value is less than 5 percent, and
white material has a long-term solar reflectance of 80 percent. In
practical trials, the lower absorption of NIR reflecting black pigment
relative to other black pigments results in a temperature decrease of
up to 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) on building surfaces.
Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs)
This emerging technology is starting to garner attention internation-
ally. The units consist of a core panel enclosed in a vacuum sealed
metallic or Mylar-foil envelope that provide an insulating value of
three to seven times that of equivalent an thickness of other insula-
tion materials, such as rigid foam boards, foam beads, or fiber
blankets. Currently, there are several types of core being developed
for this use, including polystyrene, polyurethane, and a combination
of silica and carbon. Although VIPs represent a promising, continu-
ously improving technology, they are currently very costly. Addition-
ally, the impressive insulating values could be greatly diminished
if the vacuum seal protecting the panels is breached. In a retrofit
scenario, however, VIPs could represent an important, easy-to-
install solution for areas where the building envelope needs energy
upgrading, including interior walls and under the roofing deck.
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59
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2. 0sing iecycleu oi bio-baseu mateiials
in its manufactuie.
S. Low oi no v0Cs.
4. Engineeieu to last the lifetime of the
stiuctuie, minimizing iesouices useu.
<<6>> Concrete
The last of the six builuing envelope ele-
ments to uiscuss is conciete. 0n the suiface,
conciete seems pietty stiaight foiwaiu, but
on closei examination, chemistiy has piob-
ably uone moie to manipulate anu impiove
the sustainable aspects of conciete than any
othei element uiscusseu.
Aumixtuies aie auuitives that aie engi-
neeieu to enhance specific peifoimance at-
tiibutes anu they fall into these categoiies:
- Watei Reuuceis usually ieuuce
the iequiieu watei content foi a conciete
mixtuie by about S to 1u peicent.
- Plasticizeis also known as supei-
plasticizeis oi high-iange watei ieuuceis
(BRWR) ieuuce watei content by 12 to Su
peicent anu inciease flow iates.
- Acceleiatois inciease the iate of eaily stiength uevelopment; ieuuce
the time iequiieu foi piopei cuiing anu piotection, anu speeu up the stait
of finishing opeiations.
- Retaiueis slow the setting iate of conciete anu aie useu to countei-
act the acceleiating effect of hot weathei on conciete setting.
- Coiiosion-inhibiting useu to slow coiiosion of ieinfoicing steel
in conciete.
Specific aumixtuie foimulations vaiy uepenuing on the chaiacteiistics
iequiieu. The peifoimance piioiities foi conciete useu in the constiuction
of a majoi biiuge aie uiffeient fiom those foi conciete useu to lay the foun-
uation of a house. Climactic conuitions, setting times, the type of equipment
useu anu the availability of local Poitlanu cement oi local sanu all have an
impact on the aumixtuies neeueu to piouuce the peifoimance chaiactei-
istics uesiieu. Biffeient aumixtuies can be useu foi ieauy-mix, pie-cast,
masoniy, paving anu unueigiounu applications.
0ne uevelopment in conciete aumixtuies that achieves new levels of
peifoimance, economics anu sustainability is an enviionmentally fiienuly,
cost-effective conciete with optimizeu piopoitions in which supplementaiy
cementitious mateiials, non-cementitious filleis, oi both, aie useu with
special high-iange watei-ieuucing aumixtuies anuoi woikability-ietaining
aumixtuies to meet oi exceeu peifoimance taigets.
Relative to a baseline iefeience mix, it attains uesiieu setting chaiactei-
istics, stiength, uuiability, anu if neeueu, a highei slump at a ieuuceu cost to
the piouucei. A simple equation sums up the iecipe anu its iesults:
Anothei innovation gaining giounu
because of its sustainability benefits
aie peivious pavement technologies
incluuing peivious conciete anu peivious
asphalt which play a significant iole by
pioviuing unifoim uistiibution of iunoff
into vegetateu aieas to keep the watei
fiom uiiectly enteiing the stoim-uiain
netwoik, ieuucing iunoff volume anu
piomoting uistiibuteu infiltiation. Peivi-
ous conciete helps to iechaige giounu-
watei, maintain aquifei levels, pioviue
nouiishment foi tiees anu plants, ieuuce
untieateu iunoff to stoim seweis anu
eliminate hyuiocaibon pollution fiom
asphalt pavements anu sealeis.
Peivious conciete is a mix of Poitlanu
cement, coaise aggiegate, watei anu
aumixtuies, as well as iecycleu mateiials.
Some also use a uiethane-baseu auhesive
coating. Because theie is little oi no sanu
in the mix, the poie stiuctuie contains
many voius that allow watei anu aii to
pass thiough. Chemical aumixtuies aie
useu to enhance these foimulations to impiove ease of installation, incluu-
ing incieaseu woiking time with impioveu conciete flow. The aumixtuies
also inciease compiessive stiength.
Summary
The iole of chemistiy in auvancing high-peifoimance builuing envelopes
is encouiaging. It is goou to know that othei piofessionals chemists
anu builuing piouuct manufactuieis, in paiticulai aie ueeply commit-
teu to finuing new anu moie sustainable ways to iefine anu ieinvent eveiy
aspect of aichitectuie anu constiuction, just as uesign piofessionals aie.
The funuamental builuing blocks of the built enviionment uiscusseu heie
aie, at once, plain anu sexy the same yet entiiely uiffeient, basis stuff
anu also totally exotic.
As a fitting example of what these builuing envelope elements can
contiibute to moie sustainable homes, in this case, can be obseiveu at
a uemonstiation pioject in Canaua, completeu in 2uu7 (http:www.
cmhc.caencoipneioneie2uu72uu7-11-u9-14uu.cfm). Alouette
Bomes leau one of 12 teams that uesigneu anu built a home in East-
man, Quebec, Canaua as paiticipants in the Canauian Noitgage anu
Bousing Coipoiation (CBNC) EQuilibiium housing initiative. Theii
uemonstiation house consumes only 1u peicent of the eneigy useu in a
stanuaiu house with the same suiface aiea. That's a 9u peicent savings!
Neaningful change is veiy possible.
The CNBC's EQuilibiium initiative uemonstiates a new appioach to
housing in Canaua, anu iepiesents a funuamental change in the way Cana-
uians will think about theii homes in the futuie. It stiives to balance theii
housing neeus with those of the enviionment. It biings togethei unuei
one ioof the piinciples of occupant health anu comfoit, eneigy ef-
ficiency, ienewable eneigy piouuction, iesouice anu watei conseivation,
anu ieuuceu enviionmental impact anu pollutant emissions. EQuilibiium
also iefeis to eneigy use anu geneiation stiiving foi a net-zeio house, a
sustainable home.
supplementary cementitious materials
and/or non-cementitious materials
+
special high-range water-reducing admixtures
and/or workability-retaining admixture
= reduction of the amount of cement/
CO
2
/energy used per unit of concrete produced
THE COTERRA PROJECT, CONSTRUCTED BY ALOUETTE HOMES AS PART OF THE CANADA
MORTGAGE AND HOUSING CORPORATION (CMHC) EQUILIBRIUM HOUSING INITIATIVE,
CONSUMES 10 PERCENT OF THE ENERGY USED BY A STANDARD HOUSE OF THE SAME
SURFACE AREA. FACTORY PRE-ENGINEERED MODULAR SECTIONS WERE USED TO OPTIMIZE
CONSTRUCTION QUALITY AND REDUCE ONSITE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. ADVANCED
BUILDING ENVELOPE TECHNOLOGIES USED IN THE HOME INCLUDE CLOSED-CELL SPF
(PICTURED), OPEN-CELL SPF AND GRAPHITE-ENHANCED EPS, CREATING INSULATION LEVELS
OF R-54 FOR THE CATHEDRAL CEILING AND ROOF SECTIONS, R-37 FOR THE WALLS AND R-7.5
FOR THE BASEMENT SLAB.
Foi moie continuing euucation couises iegisteieu foi AIA units,
visit the BASF 0nline Campus foi Bigh-Peifoimance Constiuc-
tion via www.constiuction.basf.us anu ED+C's fiee online uistance
euucation couises at http:www.eucmag.comCBAAiticlesCE0
(aiticles) anu http:webinai.eucmag.com (webinais).
60
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1. Which one of these lists-of-three most accurately describes
the negative impacts that buildings have on the environment?
a. 1 million pounus of foul aii eveiy uay, 12 peicent of the C0
2
, anu
7u peicent of the fossil fuels
b. Su peicent of the watei, Su peicent of the fossil fuel anu Su
peicent of lanufills
c. S quauiillion pounus of foul aii eveiy yeai, 7u peicent of the
electiicity anu SS peicent of lanufills
u. 8u peicent of the C0
2
, SS peicent of the S0
2
anu Su peicent of
the N0x in the aii
2. Identify the six elements of the building envelop discussed in
this article.
a. insulation mateiials, ioofs, wall systems, fenestiations, conciete,
anu aii & weathei baiiieis.
b. SPF, P0, 0iethane, EIFS, TPS anu PCN
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u. exteiioi sheathing, 0SB, fibeiboaiu siuing, biick veneei, clap-
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3. Which of these choices best describes the sustainability ben-
efits of high-performance insulation materials discussed in
the article?
a. closeu cell, open cell anu giaphite-enhanceu
b. uuiability, easy ietiofitting oi ieplacement, anu excellent R-
values of 4.S to 6.7
c. insulation, aii baiiiei, sealant, vapoi ietaiuei anu weathei baiiiei
u. impioveu eneigy efficiency, stop theimal biiuging, anu ieuuce
oi eliminate convective loops
efits of membrane roofs discussed in the article?
a. stiuctuial integiity, uiainage, insulation, wateipioofing
b. ieuuceu absoiption of solai eneigy, suiface tempeiatuies, heat
tiansfei into the builuing anu heat islanu effect
c. ieplacement of the gieen footpiint, contiol anu ietention of
stoimwatei, cleaning of outsiue aii
u. 4u peicent impiovement in R-values, uuiability to up to Su yeais
anu 6u peicent less pione to punctuies of all soits
5. Warm edge thermo plastic spacers (TPS) are an adhesive +
sealant that provide a waterproof, durable spacer for dual
pane windows that improves their thermal performance by
up to 10 percent.
a. Tiue
b. False
efits of wall panels discussed in the article?
a. EIFS pioviues stiuctuial enhancements anu SIPs pioviue an
integiateu exteiioi finish
b. ieuuceu aii leakage, ieuuceu BvAC loaus, high R-values
c. SIPs, ICFs anu EIFS
u. Nanufactuieu using CAB uiawings, FENA-appioveu foi floou
pione aieas anu moie efficient assembly
7. Properly installed/applied water-resistive, air and weather
barriers can virtually eliminate air leakage, prevent moisture
intrusion, stop moisture-vapor transfer, reduce HVAC equip-
ment requirements and save up to 30 percent in energy usage.
a. Tiue
b. False
8. According to the article, chemistry has perfected admixtures
or additives to concrete that can do all of the following except:
a. ieuuce the amount of watei useu
b. uouble the uistance of cleai spans not iequiiing ieinfoicing bais
c. aujust the flexibility anu iigiuity of the conciete
u. uelay oi acceleiate the cuiing piocess
9. If you were to sum up the benefits that chemistry and a high-
performance building provide to the environment, according
to this article, what would it be?
a. watei conseivation
b. ieuuceu lanu fill
c. eneigy conseivation
u. cleanei aii
10. This generic product expands upon application and fills all voids,
eliminating any air transfer. It chemically bonds to the surface to
which it is sprayed. It is an excellent moisture and vapor barrier,
but not a sound absorber. It is a superior insulating product.
a. PCN
b. 0pen Cell TP0
c. ICF
u. Closeu cell SPF
10 Question Assessment of Learning
Instructions: Once you have read the entire article, go online to Chemistry: A Major Driver of Building Performance at
http://www.edcmag.com/CDA/Articles/CEU to complete the quiz. Or, for a $10 process/handling fee, you may complete the
quiz below and fax or mail it to the address at the bottom of this form. You must pass the quiz to earn credit.
EDUCATION
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Piogiam title: Chemistiy: A Najoi Biivei of Builuing Peifoimance
ED+C, Nay 2u11 - 0nline: http:www.eucmag.comCBAAiticlesCE0
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Mail to ED+C / CEU, BNP Media, PO Box 2600, Troy, MI 48007-2600 or
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ed+c MAY 11 62
CROSS
ACROSS
1 One of the key elements in
high-performance cladding
6 Type of window space
9 Square footage
10 Ability of a building to turn
away precipitation
12 Lie in a sheltered position
13 Structurally strong
16 EPA partnership with
food retailers to reduce
refrigerant emissions
19 Musical composition,
reminiscent of Bach and
cathedrals
21 Oval-shaped object
22 Green source of lighting and
power
23 Place (abbr.)
24 Before
25 Color
27 Plus
30 Linked photovoltaic modules
31 _____ Alliance: an open
industry association
working on the rapid
adoption of safe DC power
distribution standards for
commercial buildings
33 Compass point
34 Site of the AIA National
Convention and Design
Exposition (2 words)
36 Turn over a garden bed
37 Buddhist philosophy
38 Natural light and heat
source
39 Part of the 2011 AIA
Convention theme
40 Life duration
DOWN
1 Runoff efficiency
2 Submerged ridges of coral
3 Through
4 Environmentally friendly
building certification
5 Inclines from a vertical
position
6 Construction
7 Yin and ___
8 Type of drawing
11 Integrate harmoniously
14 Cycle
15 Electro-chemical power
generators with high
electrical efficiencies (2
words)
17 Gardening tool that keeps
lawns neat
18 Well-known flower
19 Internal structure
20 Above
21 Wander off course
24 Zero-VOC ____
25 The DC microgrid platform
facilitates the ____ use of AC
and DC power
26 George Washingtons dream
28 Vane direction
29 Factor measuring a
buildings ability to remove
moisture when wet
31 Twisty curve
32 Flower and shrub homes
33 Compact
35 Come out on top
36 Green drink, sometimes
Crossword by Myles Mellor WORD
Crossword puzzle solution can be found at www.EDCmag.com/crossword.
Sponsored by:
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T h e P r e m
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ed+c MAY 11 64
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ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN&CONSTRUCTION Volume 14, Issue 5 (ISSN1095-8932) is published12 times annually, monthly, by BNPMedia II, L.L.C., 2401W. BigBeaver Rd., Suite 700, Troy, MI 48084-3333. Telephone: (248) 362-3700, Fax: (248) 362-0317.
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When you are through with this magazine, please do not throw it away. There is no away. Please pass it on
to a friend or colleague who you think might appreciate, learn and/or be inspired by this information.
www.edcmag.com/enews
ED+Cs popular semimonthly eNewsletter highlights
the news, products and topics you need to know
when specifying products for or designing your latest
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trends and products affecting
learning environments.
The Center for Energy Efficient Design (CEED), a Franklin
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est standards in energy efficient construction, the CEED
serves as a hands-on education facility to teach students
and the community about green building technologies.
The school also serves as a template for future residential
and commercial construction.
In order to meet the precise design standards, Adam
Cohen, co-owner of Structures Design/Build, incorporated
energy-efficient building techniques and technologies,
including the use of highly insulating windows. One chal-
lenge was designing windows that would meet the projects
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without importing costly products from Europe.
To help seal the building envelope, the Ply Gem Win-
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Other design techniques of the CEED include south fac-
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The CEED building is the first Passive House-certi-
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INFORMATION COURTESY OF CHRIS PICKERING, PLY GEM WINDOWS
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ed+c MAY 11 66
PARTING
Opening
Windows to
Cutting-Edge
Education
By Chris Pickering
ms and
,
Join SMARTschools
(http://cot.ag/dRTpKr)
to read more about
this project in May.
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In fact, its a system so complete with green-build attributes, you never really walk on it, you make a stand.
To learn more, call 1-800-231-7788 or visit www.tateaccessoors.com.
CEILING&WALL SYSTEMS
Bet ween us, i deas become r eal i t y
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in White
Lawrence University Richard & Margot Warch Campus Center, Appleton, WI
Architects: Uihlein-Wilson Architects, Inc., Milwaukee, WI / KSS Architects, Princeton, NJ

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