February 2012
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CONTENTS
FEBRUARY 2012 VOLUME 15 NUMBER 2
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In This Issue 12
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Get with the Program
Green of Course
Green Hornet’s Nest
A California utility is helping owners and architects create energy-efficient projects through a collaborative, incentive-laden program.
A rural middle school follows a path of sustainability with an expansion and renovation for student advancement and fiscal responsibility.
How to help identify and overcome the risks of liability associated with green design and construction.
By Ted Reguly
By Greg Douglas
By Meghan A. Douris, Esq., LEED Green Associate
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In Every Issue 6
WEB TOC
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EDITOR’S NOTE
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NEW + NOTABLE
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ADVERTISER INDEX
Cool Roofing plus 21
Daylighting: Thermal Loss vs. Electrical Savings What the differences are and why we need varying standards. By Grant Grable, LEED AP
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Heating Up with Solar Cogen Trying to cut costs and meet sustainability objectives? Consider solar cogeneration — renewable heat and electricity in one for maximum impact. By Dr. Gilad Almogy
On the Cover:
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Thank you to everyone who has made the past 15 years possible. We’re looking forward to the next 15 years and beyond as we all explore what’s around the bend en route to a sustainable built environment.
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TOC IMAGE COURTESY OF JEREMY SWANSON.
WEB
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IMAGE COURTESY OF GUY CALI ASSOCIATES INC.
THIS MONTH’S WEB EXCLUSIVE FEATURES INCLUDE: District Gets Schooled on Wastewater Recycling
Runaway Building
Has your Business Insurance Gone Green?
By David Maciolek, PE
By Auden Schendler
By Matthew Stangle
Available land parcels for the new Evergreen Elementary School were not served by sewer, and the site required onsite wastewater management. Poor area soils made it unsuitable for a conventional disposal system, which necessitated another option — the result made LEED Silver feasible and created an educational tool.
Almost no building mechanical systems operate as designed. But nobody knows, nobody checks, and life goes on — until there’s trouble. In the peak of the ski season, on a -8 F night, two pipes at Aspen Snowmass’ new restaurant froze and burst. The root of the problem was that the mechanical system simply didn’t work properly.
Green insurance has been around for several years — policies for green commercial and residential buildings stated that in the event of loss, buildings would be reconstructed to their original LEED level. Now, non-green buildings can be rebuilt to LEED certification.
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Online Only at www.EDCmag.com
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EDITOR’S
NOTE 15 Years and Counting! It’s hard to believe that we’re celebrating our 15th year of producing ED+C with this issue. Some of you, like me, have only been around for a part of the decade and a half, but others have been onboard since the beginning and have seen the magazine change from a quarterly to a bi-monthly and then to the only monthly trade magazine dedicated exclusively to sustainable design and construction. Think about the first time you read an issue. What then was different from now? Did LEED exist? Were CFLs and LEDs easy to find on store shelves? Were people putting quotation marks around the word “green” to describe sustainability? Could all of the attendees at Greenbuild still fit at the Metropolitan Opera? The point is a lot of strides have been made in the past fifteen years — but we still have a long way to go. Maybe it’s the fact that we’ve just celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day here in the U.S. as I write this, but I can’t help but see similarities between the push for green and other worthwhile movements. For all the humanitarian progress we’ve made, ugliness like discrimination, bigotry and stereotypes still exist. The struggles to overcome societal blemishes continue years after they began. While many of us would like to believe green has arrived, we should ask ourselves if that belief is borne out of connecting solely with other people operating in our own sustainable bubble. While it doesn’t happen as frequently as it did when I first started, I still see more than my fair share of people publicly discussing their decisions that cause me to drop my head in despair. And I’m not talking about the usual policy makers who are more into grandstanding and ensuring their own agendas. I’m talking about everyday people. I happened to stop on a community access channel just prior to the holidays. On this show, an elderly man and woman were discussing the “ban” on 100-watt incandescent bulbs. The gentleman described how he had been stocking up on the
bulbs as opposed to switching to something more efficient because he knew “what is put in those new kinds of lights.” I tried calling in, but had no success. I was left shaking my head. Associate editor Laura Zielinski pointed out an article in a local newspaper about people protesting their utility’s implementation of new smart meters. The protestors cited a number of reasons for their position, including RF waves and privacy about others knowing how much electricity their appliances used. And here I am trying to get one of these meters installed so that I can more easily pinpoint potential problems immediately. Again, I was left shaking my head. Yeah, okay, I know I’m preaching to the choir here about continuing to make change. But we need to make that choir bigger. Each and every interaction readers like you have with someone unfamiliar with the benefits of sustainability is an opportunity — an opportunity to help someone else see the light. Share your green testimony. Spread the word! Okay, I’m done with the religious clichés, but you get the point. There are still many people out there who are unaware of the benefits or are unwilling to see the benefits of sustainability. Sadly, I don’t think everyone will yet be on board with green come our 30th anniversary. But, again, think about the changes that have been made in these last 15 years. How much more do you think things will change in the next 15? On behalf of everyone at ED+C, thank you for making this celebration possible. Cheers,
Derrick Teal Editor
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NEW + NOTABLE
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Building Envelope Alternative
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Cool Roof Coating
Coat’N’Cool, an architectural coating engineered to reflect sunlight in the UV, IR and Visible spectrum, is designed to be a long-lasting reflective covering. Four colors have earned an ENERGY STAR rating, including: Basecoat White, Topcoat Antique White, Topcoat Butter Cream and Topcoat Siltstone. Cool roof products are intended to lower roof surface temperature, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building. According to Coat’N’Cool statistics, a cool roof can lower interior temperatures by 8-12 degrees, and can cut cooling demand by 10-15 percent. www.coatncool.com Coat’N’Cool | Reader Service No. 26
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Daylighting Solution
3M Architectural Markets introduces the 3M Sunlight Delivery System, a daylighting solution that is designed to bring sunlight deep into interior spaces and provide consistent light levels throughout the day. The hybrid system uses a GPS-equipped rooftop collector to actively track, capture and transport the sun’s natural, full visible spectrum daylight beyond just the top floor. Ducts lined with 3M reflective film carry the light into the building’s interior, where it is delivered with multiple light fixtures. www.3marchitecturalmarkets.com 3M Architectural Markets | Reader Service No. 25
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Residential Siding Insulation
Fullback siding insulation is specially contoured to fit neatly between the siding and the housewrap, adding an R-3 insulation factor. The insulation works to break the thermal bridge created by drywall, studs, OSB and the siding. The product is designed to reduce air infiltration, but enhance breathability. Heating and cooling energy bills may be lowered as well. Fullback siding insulation is specially designed to work behind almost every type of siding in use today — fiber cement, engineered wood, vinyl siding and steel. www.progressivefoam.com Progressive Foam Technologies | Reader Service No. 27
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GET WITH THE
Program
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A California utility is helping owners and architects create energy-efficient projects through a collaborative, incentive-laden program. By Ted Reguly
C
alifornia architects have found an unlikely partner in their efforts to build energy efficiency into their blueprints. That partner is their local utility. Yes, the power supplier is not only encouraging design teams to create energyefficient designs, but it is also offering generous incentives to use less power. And if you look in San Diego alone at the number of kilowatt hours saved and incentives paid, the effort is definitely a blueprint for success. Savings By Design (SBD) is a utility-funded initiative that encourages high-performance building design, construction and renovation through incentives for design teams and building owners. Over the last two years San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has awarded nearly $10 million in incentives to more than 100 building projects, which will collectively achieve almost 48 million kilowatt hours (kWh) and 1.4 million therms in energy savings. That’s roughly equivalent to powering 6,897 houses for a year. With more than 70 San Diego architects participating in Savings By Design, the partnership between business, design and utility professionals has been so successful that the energy savings projected by SDG&E in response
to visionary goals set by the California Public Utilities Commission has already been exceeded at 122 percent. The success is due in large part to the collaborative dynamic of the program as SDG&E reaches out to architects through professional associations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with in-depth information on new technologies, policies, products and innovations. “This kind of collaborative program is important because it has affected a fundamental shift in the way building owners think about energy conservation,” says Randy Hanna, AIA, Hanna Gabriel Wells Architects. “The obvious benefit of the incentives has gone
The acclaimed Hanna Gabriel Wells office is the first commercial net-zero energy building in San Diego County and is a hallmark Savings by Design project that achieves an annual energy savings of 29,047 kWh and 138 therms, or $4,500. Credit: Kessler Photography
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GET WITH THE
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KdA Architects + Planning designed the award-winning St. Bartholomew’s Chapel to be 100 percent naturally daylit during operating hours and generate 40 percent of its own power as the building “lives light on the land” in accordance with Native American custom. The chapel utilizes a significant amount of site-harvested building materials; the signature element being the massive rammed earth walls that flank the sanctuary, each nearly 60 feet long, 18 feet tall and 2 feet thick. Symbolically important, these beautifully textured and organic walls are literally molded from 120 tons of sacred reservation soil. Credit: Harrison Photographic
deeper to promote a greater awareness of sustainable strategies that can be obtained through efforts like LEED and other certifications. Where the office building market might have balked at the certification process, now they understand a high-performance building costs less to live in and could yield a beneficial return on their investment.”
How it Works Qualifying buildings exceed California’s Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards by at least 10 percent, with greater incentives being awarded for those that perform at least 30 percent better. The additional incentives can be earned from LEED certification, enhanced commissioning and end-use monitoring. SBD supports the LEED certification effort by offsetting the associated time, resources and costs. The program’s software captures performance data and generates documentation integral to the intensive submission process led by the design team, and the monetary incentive to the building owner offers a financial subsidy. Savings By Design recognizes two types of construction, which ultimately affect the health, comfort and productivity of the building occupants and reduces building and operating costs for the owner. The “Whole Building Approach” considers integrated energy efficiency solutions that balance electric and gas use. For less complex buildings, the “Systems Approach” uses a simplified energy simulation modeling tool to identify system options, associated savings and qualifying incentives on daylighting; interior lighting; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; service hot water; plus manufacturing, refrigeration and food processing systems. “Through Savings By Design, SDG&E has brought the architectural community a greater awareness of new energy efficiency strategies and cutting-edge technologies,” says Hanna. “The program actively supports innovation by collaborating on energy models, such as natural ventilation studies, to test the performance standards of emerging technologies that could be incorporated into new projects.”
Project Success
use to achieve the highest efficiencies,” says Kevin deFreitas of KdA Architecture + Planning. “It’s an extraordinary partnership model that other states should consider because it incentivizes good stewardship and is complimentary with existing sustainability programs.” In an effort to reconnect with traditional Indian culture of living “lighter” on the land, KdA led a design team that re-imagined the historic St. Bartholomew’s Chapel on the Rincon Indian Reservation that was ravaged by a backcountry fire. The project incorporated a complement of locally sourced materials, bioclimatic design, efficient technologies and sustainable strategies. Low-tech, high-mass rammed earth walls, oversized roof overhangs, skylights and protected operable and clerestory windows were combined with high-tech products such as a thin-film solar PV system, a tankless water heater, a computerized lighting control system, and high-performance glazing and insulation. The result is a LEED Gold building that consumes approximately 26 percent less power, and 35 percent less water than comparable structures. The chapel achieves a combined annual savings of 26,007 kWh and 12 therms, saving $3,915 annually at current energy prices,
As the first commercial net-zero energy building in San Diego County, Hanna Gabriel Wells’ own offices were a hallmark Savings by Design project that recently received top honors at California’s Energy Efficiency Integration Awards. The firm transformed a LEED-classified brownfield site — an old, cement-laden auto repair garage — using the latest natural daylighting strategies that balance the building’s west-facing façade with ample skylighting; natural ventilation through a façade of operable windows where the garage’s roll-up doors once were; an array of rooftop PVs; and sustainable landscaping. The building achieved 48.1 percent greater efficiency than Title 24. The renovations earned more than $14,000 in incentives and affected an ongoing energy savings of 29,047 kWh of electricity and 138 therms of natural gas, or approximately $4,500 per year at current energy prices. “What’s remarkable about Savings By Design is that not only does it use a carrot versus a stick to motivate sustainable design as it helps designers navigate California’s rigorous compliance codes, but the program is an interactive resource providing technical support designers
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and was front-loaded with $8,797 in Savings By Design incentives. “Savings By Design’s strong education component enables the design community at large to analyze good design and share best practices,” says deFreitas. “Working with SDG&E informs an architect’s future projects, whether they participate in the program or not, and begets success on all platforms — for designers, for building owners and for the environment.” While green is the golden rule in today’s new construction, challenges remain as designers balance budgets with product choices and performance expectations. Energy efficiency programs like Savings By Design are a good model for how collaborative partnerships offer smart and strategic, forward-thinking solutions to offset the cost of high-performance building design, as well as affect ongoing utility cost savings that can significantly impact the bottom line of any business. TED REGULY IS THE DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER PROGRAMS & ASSISTANCE FOR SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC, A REGULATED PUBLIC UTILITY COMMITTED TO CREATING WAYS TO HELP CUSTOMERS SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY EVERY DAY. HE CAN BE REACHED AT 858-654-8653 OR TREGULY@ SEMPRAUTILITIES.COM
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GREEN of Course A RURAL MIDDLE SCHOOL FOLLOWS A PATH OF SUSTAINABILITY WITH AN EXPANSION AND RENOVATION FOR STUDENT ADVANCEMENT AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. By Greg Douglas
hen it comes to building a green school, being earth friendly isn’t the only perk that comes to mind. A green school has features that benefit both outdoor and indoor environments. The truth is: A healthy and comfortable space for students and staff impacts everyone’s performance in a positive way. It’s been proven that when students are
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immersed in a green building environment with features such as good air quality and natural daylight, they score better on tests, earn better grades, and asthma and allergy symptoms are significantly reduced, if not eliminated. Lake Mills is a rural community with strong ties and an appreciation for the environment; it also strives to be fiscally responsible and extremely supportive of students’
academic needs. The Lake Mills Area School District, approximately 40 miles from Madison, Wis., needed an upgrade to its middle school, located in the heart of the community. The school, which serves children in fifth through eighth grade, is also used for community purposes. Miron Construction Co. Inc. teamed up with the district and Bray Associates Architects Inc. to design and construct an addition, as well as renovate the
THE STUDENTS AT LAKE MILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL CAN LOOK FORWARD TO BETTER SCORES AND FEWER SICK DAYS THANKS TO THE SCHOOL’S NEW GREEN FEATURES. IMAGES COURTESY OF PHIL WESTON.
existing building, in a way that would allow the middle school to truly serve as a leading example of a green school. The district sought a living teaching tool to enhance learning opportunities by integrating sustainability into the students’ curriculum, and to increase the health and wellbeing of the staff and students. The 36,632-square-foot renovation and 59,865-square-foot expansion of the existing Lake
Mills Middle School provided much-needed academic space and also consolidated the middle school into a single building. The facility now includes a special wing for fifth and sixth graders that minimizes interaction with older students. The shift of fifth graders to the middle school alleviates crowding issues at the elementary school. The project drivers included improved teacher interaction,
unique learning spaces, code compliance including improved accessibility, connection to the neighborhood, annual operational efficiencies, replacement of outdated systems, classroom acoustics and access to natural daylight for all students and staff. Studies show that in green schools, as compared to “standard” schools, morale is higher and students learn better and have fewer absences (the same can be said for staff members).
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GREEN of Course “THE GREAT STORY ABOUT THIS PROJECT IS THAT SUSTAINABILITY WAS ALWAYS A PROJECT DRIVER, NOT NECESSARILY EARNING LEED CERTIFICATION, AND THE PROJECT TEAM USED THE LEED FOR SCHOOLS RATING SYSTEM AS A ROADMAP TO INTEGRATE SUSTAINABILITY INTO THE DESIGN OF THE PROJECT FROM THE BEGINNING.”
I may not be able to stop a speeding g train, butt I’m a m major or force in providing innovative in ovativ concrete ncrete crete solutions. solutions
“Miron Construction’s goal was to create a unique space that would not only satisfy all of the project drivers but would also fulfill Lake Mills School District’s mission, which is to provide an outstanding education that inspires students to be responsible citizens and lifelong learners in an ever-changing world, and that is exactly what we gave them,” says Theresa Lehman, director of sustainable services for Miron Construction. Lehman served as the LEED Project Administrator on the project. The green design strategy used throughout Lake Mills Middle School involved integrating green features that would become more than just building elements; they would provide hands-on learning opportunities for the teachers, students and the community. Additionally, the design now connects the teachers and students to nature, creating a positive atmosphere that promotes learning and inspires students to behave in a sustainable manner.
Green Design Features Bill Lambros, ambros, P.Eng. Lafarge ge Aggregates Aggregate & Concrete
Lafarge is about so much more than materials. It’s about the people who stand behind hind them. It’s about the people dedicated to transforming materials to adapt too our everyday environment. These are e the people of Lafarge. Those who are totally committed to finding sustainable for better Those who l solutions l ti f ab tt world. ld Th h collaborate ll b t with ith architects, hit t leading universities, research centers, industry and environmental organizations to make sustainable construction a reality. I’m proud to be one of these people. Join me online where I discuss how Lafarge has been able to bring multiple solutions to the design process to maximize performance, aesthetics and economics.
Visit: www.lafarge-na.com/visitwithme
© 2011 Lafarge North America Inc. LEED and the related logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used with permission.
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Lake Mills Middle School’s high-efficiency building envelope, energy-efficient lighting and controls system, and geothermal heating and cooling system contribute to making the school 45 percent more efficient than a conventional school, yielding an annual energy savings of $85,000 compared to a code-compliant school. Additional strategies that contribute to the overall energy efficiency include the addition of windows, including window wells in the lower level to increase natural daylighting. Exterior sun shelves were also added to reduce heat gain and provide glare control. Low-flow plumbing fixtures were installed, resulting in a 42 percent decrease in water usage compared to EPACTcompliant fixtures. More than 27 percent of the materials have pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content and 63 percent of the materials were regionally harvested and manufactured. More than 68 percent of the wood purchased for the facility is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and free of added urea-formaldehyde. All adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, flooring and classroom furnishings are GREENGUARD certified. A construction waste management plan was implemented during the construction process, which resulted in the diversion of 77 percent (595 tons) of waste from the landfill, thereby reintroducing the construction materials to the manufacturing process. Reusing and refurbishing existing classroom furniture also saved thousands of dollars. Additional project features included an underground stormwater retention system located below the playground area. The site is
LAKE MILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Location: Lake Mills, Wis. Owner: Lake Mills Area School District Architect: Bray Associates Architects Inc. Commissioning Agent: Sustainable Engineers Construction Manager: Miron Construction Co. Inc. Size: 98,527 square feet Cost: $15,000,000
SUSTAINABLE GOALS, USING LEED FOR SCHOOLS AS A ROAD MAP, WERE SET FROM THE OUTSET OF THE PROJECT, WHICH HELPED ACHIEVE A TOP-TEN RANKING FOR LEED FOR SCHOOLS PROJECTS WORLDWIDE. IMAGES COURTESY OF PHIL WESTON.
landscaped with native vegetation and bioswales, which serve as an outdoor classroom, providing hands-on teaching opportunities on biodiversity and ecology and also minimizing the need for an irrigation system. Staff, teachers and students aren’t the only ones who will benefit long term from the school board’s decision to build the environmentally friendly school. Taxpayers will also benefit due to the annual operational savings. Green schools cost less to operate, freeing up resources to truly improve the education of students. In early May 2011, Lake Mills Middle School was awarded LEED Platinum certification, as established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute. The project earned 58 out of 80 possible points. “The great story about this project is that sustainability was always a project driver, not necessarily earning LEED certification, and the project team used the LEED for Schools rating system as a roadmap to integrate sustainability into the design of the project from the beginning,” Lehman says. “Once the project was bid out, and favorably came in under budget due to the economy, the school board decided
45%
yearly energy savings
63%
of materials were regionally harvested and manufactured
68%
of wood is FSC certified
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E N G I N E E R E D S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
rule
Engineered sustainability is the synthesis of common sense and innovative building materials and methods for the common good.
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GREEN of Course
NOT ONLY DID THE SCHOOL COME IN UNDER BUDGET, BUT THE SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS EMPLOYED CAN HELP KEEP OPERATIONAL COSTS LOW THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING’S LIFE. IMAGES COURTESY OF PHIL WESTON.
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to pursue LEED certification. The level they desired was initially Certified, then Silver, and then Gold. The project was awarded Platinum, which had exceeded the school board’s expectations, and the best part was that it was achieved at no additional cost. This is a true testament to the importance of integrating sustainability from the beginning.” But just how green is Lake Mills? In the Top LEED for Schools projects worldwide, Lake Mills Middle School ranks number one in Wisconsin and number seven in the world at the time of certification. By addressing the uniqueness of school spaces and issues such as classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention, community space sharing and indoor air quality, (items that directly affect the health and wellbeing of children), LEED for Schools provides a comprehensive green design and construction tool that enhances the quality of the facility, focuses on water and energy reduction and provides guidelines for measuring actual building performance. Carefully planned acoustics and abundant daylight make it easier and more comfortable for students to learn. The clean indoor air cuts down on sick days and provides children with a head start for a healthy, prosperous future. The innovative design also provides a wealth of hands-on learning opportunities. GREG DOUGLAS IS VICE PRESIDENT OF DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR MIRON CONSTRUCTION.
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DAYLIGHTING: Electrical Savings
By Grant Grable, LEED AP
Thermal Loss
What the differences are and why we need varying standards.
D
aylighting is the use of natural light as a main illumination source from myriad glazing devices in both vertical and horizontal positions within a building. The use of daylighting stems from the beginning of time, and there have always been concerns regarding proper design, light output, glare and even heat. The quality of light and the value to the human eye and visual acuity have never been argued. The light in the shade of a tree has been measured at 600–800 foot candles (6,000 – 8,000 lux), yet the eye is never more relaxed than when it’s introduced to these lighting levels. It is the light that our eyes were made for. However, over time, the value of daylighting through a building’s roofing system (often referred to as “toplighting” in the U.S.) has
taken on debate from an energy perspective, pitting thermal efficiency of a system against electric light energy reduction provided by the system. Today, code bodies are torn between thermal efficiency mandates and the use of commissioned lighting control with properly diffused, high visible light transmission skylights as to which properties provide the greatest
performance measurements for total building energy efficiency.
benefits from toplighting systems in a multitude of climate conditions and locations throughout the U.S. For this report the DOE Thermal Performance contracted with TIAX LLC, which and Energy Savings enlisted information and assisIn June 2008, the U.S. Department tance from a breadth of respected of Energy’s Building Technologies lighting, controls and daylighting Program published a research professionals around the country. paper titled “Commercial Building The thorough report looks into Toplighting: Energy Saving Potenwhy skylights in conjunction tial and Potential Paths Forward,” with lighting control should be which covers the energy savings considered. Additionally, the report focuses on total PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNOPTICS, AN ACUITY BRANDS COMPANY. building energy savings and what the key factors are for a subsequent system. What the DOE identifies is really at the crux of the argument. If a skylighting system is being designed for use in a building absent of lighting control, then thermal performance value should be the highest consideration. After all, any thermal value (whether in thermal loss or thermal gain) that deviates negatively from that of the building envelope and roofing system will provide www.EDCmag.com
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Figure 1. Relative Savings/Losses, 4% SFR INSULATION VALUES OF BUILDING ENVELOPE COMPONENTS
Energy Cost Savings ($/yr./ft2)
The term “U-value” may seem foreign to many in the roofing industry, as the usual measure for the insulation value of a product is described as “Rvalue.” However, with skylights, U-value is used to quantify heat loss through plane elements of the building envelope. U-value is defined as the overall thermal transmittance of a particular construction element (typically a window, door or skylight), including the effect of surface resistance. It depends upon the thickness and thermal conductivity of its component layers and, in the case of air cavities, the emissivity of the surfaces. As a measure of U-value, the lower the number, the better the insulation value. Basically, U-value is the converse of R-value.
$0.35 $0.30 $0.25 $0.20 $0.15
Lighting Total $0.20
Total $0.31
Heating Cooling
$0.10 $0.05 $0.00 -$0.05
There is an easy calculation that allows you to see what the R-value of a window or skylight may be:
Burlington
Phoenix
1 ÷ U-value = R-value Once you utilize this formula with different skylight systems, you will quickly realize that even some of the well-promoted thermally efficient skylights have a fraction of the R-value that the building’s roofing system has. A skylight will never equal the insulation value of a roof and still allow for light to pass through, so its only value is in the quality of light that passes through the product. After all, it is called a “skylight” not “sky-insulation.”
a negative energy impact to the building either in increased cooling loads or increased heating loads. However, what would be the primary motivator for including less thermally efficient building products through a perfectly well-insulated roofing system? If thermal performance was the main motivator and the only energy savings opportunity, an energy professional would argue that all toplighting products should be removed from the facility as they will never equal the insulated value of the roofing system. However, globally we’re now seeing growing mandates for thermal performance of toplighting systems with little to no mandate for performance around the light output properties (let alone the missing key ingredient mandatory for any true energy savings through daylighting — commissioned lighting controls). In many cases around the world, building codes are being established with higher effective skylight-tofloor ratios to compensate for the reduced visible light transmission occurring from decreased values in solar heat gain (SHGC in the U.S. or G-value in Europe) as well as decreased conductance (U-value). For instance, the European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (2002/91/EC) under the 2006 Building Regulations Approved Document L2A, “Conservation of Fuel and Power in New Buildings
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other than Dwellings,” states that rooflights are limited to 20 percent of floor area. The areaweighted average U-value of all the rooflights must not exceed 2.2 W/m2K, while the U-value in an array must not exceed 3.3 W/m2K, providing the average U-value overall does not exceed 2.2 W/m2K. As these high skylight-to-floor ratios (SFRs) between 10 percent to 20 percent have shown, the increase to thermal mandates has driven the increase to SFRs to be able to meet light output needs for the space. However, extensive studies have been performed on what lighting control mandates along with toplighting have done to minimize SFRs for a space, which decreases thermal impact and, in many cases, even reduces air conditioning in the process. In section 4.6 of the DOE commercial toplighting report, it states that the primary factors influencing the economics of toplighting are climate and building type (primarily due to lighting power density, schedule and light well needs); appropriate skylight technology selection is also crucial. The key performance attributes of a skylight for daylighting are good diffusing properties to aid in light distribution and avoid glare and high visible transmittance (VT). Of special note in this report, as stated by the DOE, “Other desirable properties that are much less important for daylighting applications are low solar-heat-gain coefficient (SHGC in U.S., G-value in Europe Standards) and conductance (U-value).” The DOE report illustrates the rationale for this prioritization in a graph, re-created here as Figure 1. The report also states: “Reduced lighting energy use ranks as, by far, the greatest factor in the annual savings at economically optimum SFRs. The reduction in lighting energy use is directly related to VT, i.e. the higher the VT, the
lower the total skylight area needed to achieve a given lighting energy savings. However total skylight area reduces cost and energy losses.” The report goes on to identify that, “To further minimize energy losses, in most climates, the SHGC and U-value of the skylight should be as low as possible. However, because heating and cooling energy losses are small relative to lighting energy savings, if reducing SHGC (G-value) or U-value results in any significant reduction in visible transmission (while maintaining high diffusion, 90 percent<), it is generally not a beneficial tradeoff at SFRs in the range expected to be economically optimal, i.e., below 5 percent.”
Going to Extremes The report continues to investigate this theory by documenting the extreme climate conditions in the United States. The area determined to have the lowest amount of solar load and highest heating degree figure in the United States was Burlington, Vt. The area with the highest amount of solar load and highest cooling degree figure was Phoenix. The report documents the results in total building energy savings from lighting, cooling and heating based on several building types and illustrates the findings in the report, re-created on page 24 as Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 show that light energy savings truly do compensate for any thermal loss or gain (even in extreme climates) and, in fact, are the main driving factor to any energy savings for the space. The DOE proves that toplighting solutions that maximize visible light transmission with diffusion and the mandate for commissioned lighting control to maximize electric lighting reduction would produce 0.4 Quads of electricity reduction in the U.S. alone for buildings that
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Figure 2. Big Box Retail - Burlington 50.00
Primary Energy Savings (kBtu/yr/ft2)
40.00 30.00 Lighting 20.00
Total
10.00
Cooling Heating
0.00 -10.00 -20.00 0%
1%
2%
3%
4%
5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
Skylight to Floor Ratio
Figure 3. Big Box Retail - Phoenix 60.00
Primary Energy Savings (kBtu/yr/ft2)
50.00 40.00 30.00
Lighting
20.00
Total
10.00
Cooling
0.00
Heating
-10.00 -20.00 -30.00 0%
1%
2%
3%
4%
5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
Skylight to Floor Ratio
Figure 4
Primary Energy Savings Potential (Trillion Btu./yr.)
160 Climate Zone
140 120
6,7
100
5
80
4
60
3 1,2
40 20 0 Office
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School
Warehouse
BB Retail
should be daylit. The report contains a chart showing the primary energy savings technical potential for buildings by climate zone, re-created here as Figure 4. The DOE report suggests that code changes for big box retail and warehouse facilities could help expand daylighting opportunities and save energy. The report states: “Codes limiting solar heat gain and U-value should be loosened for skylights used with lighting controls.” It also recommends codes require skylights in certain applications and that rating systems should be updated “to reflect performance in a toplighting application.” As the DOE has documented, there is a major energy consumption difference in buildings that only implement skylights for visual effect and those that utilize commissioned lighting control to minimize the use of electric lighting during daylight hours. As noted above, codes limiting solar heat gain and U-value need to be loosened for applications where toplighting with lighting controls are utilized and commissioned properly. In the U.S., building energy codes have even been established that mandate daylighting with lighting controls for certain building types. For instance in ASHRAE 90.1-2010, buildings over 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) with 15 foot (4.572 meters) or higher ceilings with a connected light load of 0.5 watts per square foot (5.38 watts per square meter) or greater have to utilize daylighting and commissioned lighting controls that are focused on high VT with diffusion with more relaxed requirements for U-value and SHGC (G-value). The IECC 2012 code is also following this prescriptive as well. As building energy codes evolve worldwide, the true energy savings benefits of passive solar lighting through daylighting and lighting controls are being discovered. Daylighting has the ability to reduce electric energy usage worldwide. 74 percent of all electricity usage is from buildings and, staggeringly, 30 to 50 percent of this value is from electric lighting alone. Globally, the environmental impact through reduced carbon output is also as dramatic. The distinction of daylighting with lighting controls needs of be separated from the installation of skylights for aesthetics. The impact to the world would be both economically feasible as well as sustainable as a renewable energy solution harnessing the ultimate power of the sun. After all, there is no greater efficiency than “off.” GRANT GRABLE, LEED AP, IS VICE PRESIDENT, VALUE STREAM LEADER FOR SUNOPTICS, AN ACUITY BRANDS COMPANY. HE CAN BE REACHED AT
[email protected].
The Solaire - New York, NY
From concept to completion A green roof is about more than just being “green”; its success also depends on keeping the building dry. American Hydrotech’s Garden Roof® Assembly is setting the standard by which all other green roofs are measured and our Monolithic Membrane 6125® is the key. MM6125® was developed specifically for wet environments and is a seamless membrane that is bonded directly to the substrate. It’s the perfect choice for a green roof and the only one Hydrotech recommends for a Garden Roof Assembly. Additionally, our Total Assembly Warranty provides owners with single source responsibility from the deck up. This is a warranty that only American Hydrotech can offer, and peace of mind that only American Hydrotech can provide. To learn more about the Garden Roof Assembly, please call 800.877.6125 or visit us online at www.hydrotechusa.com. American Hydrotech, Inc. | 303 East Ohio | Chicago, IL 60611 | 800.877.6125 | www.hydrotechusa.com © 2012 Garden Roof is a registered trademark of American Hydrotech, Inc. Reader Service No. 54 www.EDCmag.com/webcard
Experience matters! American Hydrotech’s Garden Roof Assemblies have been installed for the past 13 years on over 1,400 structures covering more than
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with Solar Cogen
By Dr. Gilad Almogy
Heating Up
Trying to cut costs and meet sustainability objectives? Consider solar cogeneration — renewable heat and electricity in one for maximum impact.
A
rchitects and facility managers are constantly looking to cut costs and foster long-term financial stability. While many agree renewable energy is an effective solution to meet sustainability objectives and improve the bottom line, selecting the right technology can be a difficult process. There are essentially two fundamental solar technologies available: 1) solar photovoltaic (PV), traditional solar panels that generate electricity, and 2) solar thermal, systems that generate heat for hot water and other operations that are typically fueled by burning natural gas. Both solar PV and solar thermal supply a valuable energy resource, so why choose between the two? Now, industry professionals don’t have to: solar cogeneration combines these two proven technologies, producing valuable electricity and hot water in one array. Like traditional cogeneration or CHP (combined heat and power) solutions, solar cogeneration is optimized for facilities that use significant amounts of hot water on a daily basis. Environmental Design + Construction and Sustainable Facility have covered cogeneration solutions extensively before. These systems utilize waste heat created from natural gas turbines during electricity production to heat water. Solar cogeneration works in a similar fashion but eliminates the use of any non-renewable resources. Instead, solar cogeneration uses the power of the sun to generate clean,
emission-free energy. As a result, solar cogeneration can be implemented in the same industries that have grown accustomed to traditional cogeneration — places such as hospitals and college campuses. The advantages are reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy price stability.
SOLAR COGENERATION ELIMINATES THE NEED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO FUNDAMENTAL SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES. IMAGES COURTESY OF COGENRA SOLAR.
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How Does Solar Cogeneration Work? Solar cogeneration, also known as solar cogen or hybrid solar, combines proven PV and solar thermal technologies in a single system to deliver both electricity and hot water. Despite years of incremental improvements, standard PV panels only capture about 15 to
20 percent of the sun’s energy. The remaining 80 to 85 percent is discarded in the form of waste heat. With solar cogeneration, this waste heat is captured and used to heat water, applying up to 75 percent of the sun’s delivered energy. By tapping into this lost resource, solar cogeneration eliminates greenhouse gas
emissions at nearly three times the rate of traditional PV panels. The process also reduces local VOC (volatile organic compounds) and NOx (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide) emissions released from the onsite burning of natural gas. In some air quality districts, avoidance of VOC and NOx pollutants can obviate regulatory burdens and associated fines.
System Integration and Impact The solar modules are quickly assembled onsite — either ground or roof mounted — and designed to seamlessly integrate with existing hot water equipment. Depending on the facility’s needs, the water is heated through a closed-loop heat exchanger to temperatures around 70 C (158 F) to be used immediately, fed into boilers to be elevated to higher temperatures, or temporarily stored and applied during non-sunny hours. The electricity generated feeds directly to the facility’s existing power supply. This dual production value makes solar cogeneration applicable for a variety of institutional and industrial applications. Quickly
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IMAGES COURTESY OF COGENRA SOLAR.
Financing Feasibility Even with short payback periods, it’s understandable that the upfront capital cost may not be realistic with current business priorities. Government incentives, such as federal tax credits and accelerated depreciation as well as state-level rebates, have been implemented to attract private businesses to invest in renewable energy systems. Alternatively, several financing models allow facilities to integrate renewable energy systems for little or no upfront costs. Taking on a “pay-as-you-go” model, facilities can opt to buy the energy produced rather than purchasing the equipment itself. Known as power purchase agreements (PPAs), or heat and power purchase agreements (HPPAs) in the case of solar cogeneration, facilities can hedge against volatile utility rates without redirecting capital from core business objectives. Solar cogeneration is a highly efficient and environmentally sustainable solar solution for onsite energy generation. Compared to standard solar electric systems, hybrid solutions can produce five times the energy, three times the greenhouse gas reduction and twice the financial savings. DR. GILAD ALMOGY IS THE FOUNDER AND CEO OF COGENRA SOLAR, A PROVIDER OF DISTRIBUTED SOLAR COGENERATION SYSTEMS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SERVICE SOLUTIONS BASED IN MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF.
LIKE TRADITIONAL COGENERATION OR CHP (COMBINED HEAT AND POWER) SOLUTIONS, SOLAR COGENERATION IS OPTIMIZED FOR FACILITIES THAT USE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF HOT WATER ON A DAILY BASIS.
Rooftop How Does Your Garden Grow?
gaining traction, solar cogeneration is being deployed at a range of facilities from corporate campuses and schools to dairies and wineries. Some of the most common uses for hot water are showers, laundry, cleaning, cooking and dishwashing. With that in mind, institutional sites that support a large community of people benefit greatly from the hybrid solution. For example, the University of Arizona recently decided to install solar cogeneration arrays on the rooftop of one of its dormitories to sustainably fuel student residents’ laundry and showers with hot water. Facebook recently signed up for solar cogeneration as well and is currently installing a rooftop solar cogeneration system for the fitness center at its new corporate campus in Menlo Park, Calif. Similarly, hotels, hospitals, cafeterias, correctional facilities, multifamily housing complexes, etc. can all reap significant energy savings by fueling amenities with solar hot water and electricity. Energy-intensive industrial sites also need large quantities of hot water to process food, beverage, textiles, paper and pharmaceuticals. In this vein, the Sonoma Wine Company, Sonoma’s largest contract bottler, installed a system more than a year ago to reduce the costs of heating water needed for its routine tank and barrel washing systems. By reducing natural gas and grid-fed electricity consumption in one solution, payback times are typically one-half to two-thirds that of standalone systems.
With proven watertight protection for your building, if there’s a Cool Zone® roofing system below. If you’re considering a vegetative roof for your building, consider installing the Duro-Last® Cool Zone roofing system first. The Cool Zone system is perfect for rooftop garden projects because it is precision-fabricated to fit each roof’s dimensions exactly. By eliminating up to 85% of rooftop installation seaming, we significantly reduce job site waste as well as the potential for future leaks – an important consideration if you’re covering your building with a vegetative roof. Plus, our lightweight membrane only minimally adds to the overall weight of the rooftop assembly.
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STUDIO By Meghan A. Douris, Esq., LEED Green Associate
Green Hornet’s Nest HOW TO HELP IDENTIFY AND OVERCOME THE RISKS OF LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH GREEN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. No good deed goes unpunished, and sadly, sustainable design and construction is proving to be no different. That the market is pushing forward with green building should come as no surprise to those in the construction industry — but the extensive professional liability risks might.
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Increased liability exposure for projects coming under the “green building” purview arises from two major issues. First, with the explosion of “green” and “sustainable” being branded on everything from paper towels to luxury condominiums, there is the risk of heightened expectations on the part of the end user
of the project. Second, as of yet, there are still no universally accepted standards for what qualifies as green. Looking at the first issue, design professionals must be cognizant of any green representations they’re making to the owners of the project. Owners, potential buyers and developers
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STUDIO may have very different understandings of what green means, and managing expectations is the key. The aggressive marketing of those in the green construction industry, including manufacturers and consultants, which are then passed along by the design professional could possibly lead to allegations of fraud when the end product does not measure up. Moreover, construction professionals must be careful with the representations they are making about their qualifications and experience with green building, which could elevate the standard of care to which they are held. Questions and claims have arisen on a variety of issues. For example, what if the building was intended to meet certain LEED certification or other green standards but ended up falling short of the requirements? What if it failed to receive expected tax breaks — either due to delay or performance? How do you incorporate and handle changes in the code requirements as more and more municipalities attempt to green their legislation? Are there patent issues to consider with these new green technologies? Understanding the green construction market will help design professionals and builders understand and reduce the inherent risks. Professional industry groups are beginning to provide framework to help their members understand their role in the green movement. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) advocates the public policy that “[a]rchitects must be environmentally responsible and advocate for the sustainable use of those resources.” The AIA Code of Ethics requires its members to promote sustainable design and development principles and practices. (AIA Canon VI, E.S. 6.1-6.3). The National Society of Professional Engineers also requires its engineers to adhere to the principles of sustainable development. The AIA Form B101-2007 has attempted to provide limited guidance within the contract, requiring that the architect discuss the feasibility of incorporating environmentally responsible design with the owner. (§3.2.3) While the professional societies are embracing the green movement, they have not yet caught up to the times in providing the framework to handle the potential claims.
Managing Professional Liability Risks The AIA forms, and most other traditional construction contracts, leave open a host of risks for A+E professionals when it comes to green building. Communication between the architect and the owner to manage expecta-
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tions and determine the key green objectives is crucial, and a detailed scope of services pertaining to the green or LEED requirements must be set forth. Be careful not to guarantee achieving a specific LEED goal but rather discuss aspirations pointing out the participation of third parties required to achieve certification. Frank and frequent discussions about the project’s budget and schedule are a necessity to successfully accommodate the owner’s green expectations. As the project evolves, the integration of green elements should be regularly discussed with the owner, and any changes must be thoroughly confirmed and documented in order to manage the aspirations and expectations. Traditional project relationships must also be examined. It is imperative that all parties involved consider the green aspects of the project in their respective role. An integrated design process with the design and construction teams working together from the start will keep the costs in line. Costs for green or LEED projects usually only exceed those of traditional construction when the green elements are added piecemeal during the life of the project, instead of being considered integral to the project as a whole. Practically
speaking, the design professional must work closely with the contractor or construction manager to ensure that the product selections are consistent with the green objectives of the owner. This imposes on the traditional allocation of means and methods belonging solely to the contractor and must be considered in the contract. Open communication with all project participants is essential — but is not enough to eliminate professional liability risks. The contract must consider and address the many issues associated with green building and LEED certification. Specifically, waiver or allocation for risk for consequential damages as it relates to tax credits or incentives, higher rents and/or tenant expectations, anticipation of lower energy costs that may or may not be realized, maintenance costs, and failure to meet LEED or other green certifications must be addressed. Has risk been allocated for new and unproven systems or technologies and warranties on green products? The lead times associated with investigating, testing and/or obtaining the green products must also be weighed and allocations of risk assigned. The delivery and integration of materials between subcontractors must also be considered. Product substitutions must be carefully considered — confirming that the substitutions meet the standards, the products work together and whether the combination or addition of a product would jeopardize consideration for LEED points must be taken into account. Insurance coverage must be carefully considered, including A/E E&O exclusions as related to the green and LEED components. The contract must also allocate responsibility for the post occupancy review process for collecting data, measuring performance and reporting to the USGBC, as well as maintaining the LEED performance goals if the project is LEED certified. As the industry standards evolve and the participants in the green construction industry get more projects under their belt, green building will become more standardized. In the interim, education, communication, risk allocation and documentation will help keep design professionals from falling into the green hornet’s nest. MEGHAN A. DOURIS, ESQ., LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE, PRACTICES AT OLES MORRISON RINKER & BAKER LLP, A SEATTLE-BASED LAW FIRM SPECIALIZING IN CONSTRUCTION, GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS AND PUBLIC PROCUREMENT, AS AN ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY. HER LEGAL EXPERTISE INCLUDES HANDLING CASES THAT INVOLVE PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE, DIFFERING SITE CONDITIONS, DELAY AND IMPACT CLAIMS, AS WELL AS IN-DEPTH GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING CONCERNS. SHE CAN BE CONTACTED AT 206-623-3427 OR
[email protected].
FREE r Webina
Speakers:
Title: Navigating the Energy Management Software Minefield Date: On-Demand Until February 2013 Companies with plants, facilities, and equipment are now facing a daunting reality: Energy consumption is eroding profit margins. As rising energy costs continue to take a larger part of the operating and maintenance budget, corporate executives must focus on the challenge of managing energy use, as well as growing public and government concerns about carbon emissions and other pollutants. As heads of energy and facilities realize the potential to deliver huge energy and cost savings across their total business operations, strategic energy management is rising up the agenda. But the market for energy management software solutions is confusing. New innovations, partnerships and providers are flooding the market. How can energy and facilities executives drive an effective energy management program that engages senior management and aligns with the sustainability strategy? Join experts from Verdantix and Infor in this webcast; Verdantix senior manager Janet Lin will draw on in-depth comparative analysis of the software and services available to help buyers understand how to select the appropriate partnerships and providers to deliver ROI for their energy management program. Rod Ellsworth, Vice President of Infor Enterprise Sustainability will go over examples of companies that have added the energy consumption component to their asset management systems and have already realized big reductions in energy usage, a quick return on investment, and improved environmental conditions.
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Janet Lin Senior Manager Verdantix
Rod Ellsworth Vice President of Enterprise Asset Management Business Solutions, Infor Sponsored by:
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FREE r Webina Title: Integrating Single-Ply Roofing With Photovoltaic Arrays Date: Wednesday, February 29 at 2:00 p.m. EST
This course has been approved by AIA for one learning unit.*
Speaker:
Rooftops can be an excellent place to install photovoltaics (PV) because the space is often unused and unobstructed. One risk of doing this is the potential to compromise the integrity of the roofing system. This program will summarize the general types of PV systems and look at the elements to consider with rooftop mounting of PV. Single-ply roof systems have been shown to be one of the most effective and reliable types of roofing to combine with PV systems. The best single-ply roofing systems are those that are able to integrate with virtually any type of PV system and mounting method and exhibit excellent longevity. Learning objectives: At the end of this program participants will be able to: 1) Describe the basics of roofing, 2) Recognize the issues to consider with rooftop mounting of PV systems, 3) List and discuss the essential guidelines for roof system selection in conjunction with typical PV system designs, and 4) Define “solar ready” roofing and explain the service life considerations for a roof system versus a PV system.
Drew Ballensky Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. Sponsored by:
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ADINDEX
To request free information from ED+C advertisers, simply go to www.EDCmag.com/webcard and enter the corresponding circle numbers listed below or fill out the card located after page 26.
American Hydrotech, Inc. www.hydrotechusa.com Page 25 | Circle # 54
Duro-Last Roofing www.duro-last.com/value Page 29 | Circle # 16
Kawneer Company, Inc. www.kawneer.com Page 7 | Circle # 40
Mule-Hide Products www.mulehide.com Page 28 | Circle # 15
Bluebeam Software, Inc. www.Bluebeam.com/impress Page 5 | Circle # 1
Q GAF www.gaf.com/green Page 31 | Circle # 125
Lafarge North America www.lafarge-na.com/visitwithme Page 18 | Circle # 12
Namaste Solar www.NamasteSolar.com Page 9 | Circle # 99
Centiva www.centiva.com Page 2 | Circle # 153
QGreen Building Research Institute www.gbrionline.org Page 15 | Circle # 11
MBCI Group www.mbci.com Page 3 | Circle # 134
Prosoco www.prosoco.com Page 20 | Circle # 14
Coverings www.coverings.com Page 11 | Circle # 118
Icynene www.icynene.com Page 36 | Circle # 152
Messe Frankfurt www.light-building.com Page 14 | Circle # 10
QSyntheon Inc. www.SYNTHEONinc.com Page 19 | Circle # 13
Decra www.decra.com Page 35 | Circle # 165
Karnak Corporation www.karnakcorp.com Page 23 | Circle # 139
Mortar Net www.mortarnet.com Page 34 | Circle # 17
Q First-time advertiser. ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION Volume 15, Issue 2 (ISSN 1095-8932) is published 12 times annually, monthly, by BNP Media II, L.L.C., 2401 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 700, Troy, MI 48084-3333. Telephone: (248) 362-3700, Fax: (248) 362-0317. No charge for subscriptions to qualified individuals. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in the U.S.A.: $115.00 USD. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in Canada: $149.00 USD (includes GST & postage); all other countries: $165.00 (int’l mail) payable in U.S. funds. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2012, by BNP Media II, L.L.C. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations. Periodicals Postage Paid at Troy, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION, P.O. Box 2148, Skokie, IL 60076. Change of address: Send old address label along with new address to ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION, P.O. Box 2148, Skokie, IL 60076. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. GST account: 131263923. Send returns (Canada) to Pitney Bowes, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON, N6C 6B2. For single copies or back issues: contact Ann Kalb at (248) 244-6499 or
[email protected].
Made in the USA
Makers of Mortar Net® with Insect Barrier™, TotalFlash®, Blok-Flash®, BlockNet®, HouseNet®, Stone & Stucco Drain™, & Mortar Net® Weep Vents™
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F E B RUA RY 1 2
Metal Roofing ®
Isn’t What It Used To Be
tile
villa tile
shake
shake XD
®
shingle plu s
shingle
Challenge: Harmonize with and preserve natural surroundings
Solution: DECRA Stone Coated Steel Roofing Material look harmonizes with natural surroundings
Water run-off will not harm ground water
Durable steel roofing product
Clean manufacturing process
50 - Year Limited Warranty; 120 mph Wind Warranty; Highest Impact Resistance to Hail; Freeze/Thaw Resistant; Fire Safe UL File #R14710; Florida Building Code, Miami-Dade County NOA, CCMC and ICC-ES reports available at www.decra.com.
For more information on DECRA’s sustainability initiative, please visit www.decra.com or call 877.GO.DECRA [463.3272]. The USGBC logo is a registered trademark owned by the USGBC and is used in accordance with USGBC Guidelines.
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