ED+C - October 2011 by Jacob Bunting

The Premier Source for Integrated High-Performance Building www.EDCmag.com October 2011

environmental design + construction

Filled to the BIM New tech packs in sustainability

To learn how our products can perform together as a system to help support healthier indoor environments,visit certainteedsolutions.com.

Visit our booth, #2211N at GreenBuild 2011.

FHUWDLQWHHG FRP

Todd Evans LEED AP BD+C Project Architect Black & Veatch Corporation

“Having the LEED AP BD+C credential put my resumé at the top of the pile during my job search, and I was hired within a month. ” Learn how Todd’s LEED AP Building Design + Construction credential sets him apart at www.gbci.org/Todd.

Reader Service No. 107 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

ÂŠ 2011 CertainTeed Corporation

Products you can look up to.

EPDs you can look into. Many of CertainTeedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ceilings have Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3rd party certiďŹ ed life cycle assessments that tell their whole green story, from raw materials to reusability. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transparency you can see. View the EPDs at www.CertainTeed.com/CeilingsEPD

Visit us at GreenBuild booth #2211N t DFSUBJOUFFE DPN t IUUQ CMPH DFSUBJOUFFE DPN 300'*/( t 4*%*/( t 53*. t %&$,*/( t 3"*-*/( t '&/$& t '06/%"5*0/4 (:146. t $&*-*/(4 t */46-"5*0/ t 1*1& Reader Service No. 104 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

Reader Service No. 170 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

GETTING IT RIGHT.

Fading budgets? Avoid premature carpet replacement. Spot a better carpet solution with carpets of Antron Lumena® solution dyed nylon, which have up to 35% better fade resistance and up to 10x better stain resistance than carpets of the leading competitive solution dyed nylon. More so, carpets of Antron® fiber can last up to 75% longer than the majority of competitive carpets.* Learn how you can be Getting It Right In Its First Life™ with carpets of Antron® fiber at antronfirstlife.net. *Results based on testing of carpets of a representative sample of comparable construction, style and color.

Reader Service No. 39 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

beautiful concrete

beautiful world

irresistible offer Ask for your free copies of Polished Concrete and LEED v3.0 Certification and LEED v3.0 NC Point Allocation Guide Call: 800-362-3331 Click: fgs-permashine.com ®

The new face of polished concrete

Available exclusively from

Better concrete. Better world. sm

Construction Chemicals, Inc. Reader Service No. 83 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

Kawneer’s innovative AA®250 and AA®425 Thermal Entrance Doors are a new line of defense against today’s challenging thermal requirements. In conjunction with Kawneer’s high performing frame, the doors are able to deliver improved thermal efficiency compared to a standard door. And, with our proven performance and welded corner construction, the AA®250 and AA®425 Thermal Entrance Doors are the ideal solution for any commercial or institutional application where strength and performance are required.

Setting the standard in thermal innovation.

Reader Service No. 40 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

Architectural Aluminum Systems Entrances + Framing Curtain Walls Windows

kawneer.com kawneergreen.com

CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2011 VOLUME 14 NUMBER 10

In This Issue 22

2011 RCA Award Winners

A Walk in the Park

It’s (Not) Rocket Science

Find out which sustainable products and services the readers of ED+C and Sustainable Facility voted as the best in nine categories.

The winner of the Government category in ED+C’s 2011 Excellence in Design awards blurs the boundaries of indoor and outdoor spaces.

NASA incorporates sustainable goals — and its own technology — into the first commercial office building built at Ames Research Base in 20 years.

Information provided by Opsis Architecture

By Derrick Teal

In Every Issue

WEB TOC

Missing Parts

EDITOR’S NOTE

Recognizing the Past with Modern Technology

Product Environmental Attributes

NEW + NOTABLE

CROSSWORD

ADVERTISER INDEX

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

The Oklahoma Army National Guard wanted a new facility that blended modern needs with historic appeal.

Why aren’t today’s energy models doing a very good job of predicting a building’s actual energy use?

By Derrick teal

By William J. Worthen, AIA

By Georgy Olivieri, LEED AP

What’s NEXT?

Buying Local

Greenbuild 2011, in Toronto, Canada, will showcase what’s upcoming for LEED.

Examining the complexity of how material selection can either contribute to or offset the environmental impacts of transportation.

By Ashley Katz

By Helen Goodland

SPECIAL SECTION: CERTIFIED WOOD

Using LEED credit 43 to document GSA green building requirements.

SPECIAL SECTION: CERTIFIED WOOD

LEED: Lessons from the Fiber Side Businesses on the solid wood side of the forest products industry should see these trends as an opportunity. By Corey Brinkema and Howard Connell

Painting Green with PPG Environmentally sensitive zero-or low-VOC products for all painting projects

6LJQLÂż HV D 33* JUHHQ SURGXFW EDVHG RQ /((' VWDQGDUGV DV RI

Ask how you can paint green with ecological solutions from PPG.

ZZZ SSJSLWWVEXUJKSDLQWV FRP

ZZZ SSJSRUWHUSDLQWV FRP Reader Service No. 67 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

CONTENTS CONTINUED

SPECIAL SECTION: CERTIFIED WOOD

Guiding Principles A key factor in helping to secure forest health is as simple as remembering one of LEED’s guiding principles. By Eric Palola

SPECIAL SECTION: CERTIFIED WOOD

2010 Design & Build with FSC Award Winners In anticipation of this year’s competition, we take a look back at the winners announced at last year’s Greenbuild.

68 Closing the Gap Air sealing and attention to IAQ offer a boost for home energy efficiency. By Anissa Benich

Newsline For breaking news,

Idea Garden

visit www.EDCmag.com or sign

Sustainable seeds take root and flourish in this 100-year-old renovated Victorian farmhouse.

up online to receive the eNewsletter

By David Arkin, AIA, LEED AP

your phone, snap the mobile tag here.

delivered right to your inbox. For current industry news from

S N A P I T

Get the free app for your phone at http://gettag.mobi

More Online Remember to visit the new EDCmag.com for more Sustainable Home stories, news and products.

On the Cover: The EID winner in the Government category blends the indoors with the outdoors. See page 24 for the full story. Image courtesy of Opsis Architecture/Alan Brandt.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

Reader Service No. 217 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

TOC IMAGE COURTESTY OF LPA INC./COSTEA PHOTOGRAPHY.

WEB

IMAGE COURTESY OF SUSTAINABLE.TO.

THIS MONTH’S WEB EXCLUSIVE FEATURES INCLUDE: Passive House Gets Active for New Orleans

Working Together for a Sustainable Future

Creative Ventilation Breathes Potential into Rec Center

Provided by CASE Design

By Dr. Don McLean

By Glenn Carels, AIA, LEED AP

The “Passive House for New Orleans” challenge engaged the AEC community in developing a series of affordable, low-energy homes for neighborhoods in New Orleans that are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Architects and engineers used to focus on one thing — production. Then the world started to become more energy conscious. How can architects and engineers work together to measure and improve the overall functionality and energy efficiency of buildings?

A southwest-facing concrete wall layered with glass is one of the reasons the Wellness and Recreation Center at California State University East Bay runs without an active heating system.

MORE WEB EXCLUSIVES

Get the free mobile app at

SNAP THE MOBILE TAG HERE FOR MORE ED+C WEB EXCLUSIVE EDITORIAL.

http:/ / gettag.mobi

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

Online Only at www.EDCmag.com

Buildings are being designed to a new performance standard using...

Reward Insulating Concrete Forms The Andrew Apartments – Queens, NY 45,054 sq. ft. – 50 Units 6,500 13" Reward ICFs used 18.66 kBtus/sf/year to heat - $200 year per apartment

Alamosa School District – Alamosa, CO

Photo courtesy of The Neenan Company

Two schools – 145,000 sq. ft. 11,000 13" and 15" Reward ICFs used Energy models show 72% reduction in heating costs

1. 2.5-inches of high density foam on each side

2. Reversible interlocking teeth 3. Integrated furring strips every 6 inches 4. Strong tie design with rebar chairs

Even the best insulated concrete form wall needs to be supported by an even better product supplier like Reward Wall Systems. We have 22+ years of proven expertise and support tools to ensure a project delivers the performance expected.

• • • • •

We Don’t Just SAY It,We DO It.

Straight

90º Corner

45º Corner

In-house design support teams Feedback on designs to address specific ICF detailing Structural engineering support with an in-house engineer Most comprehensive ICF project estimating tools Ability to train on site and educate all team members for a successful installation.

T-Form

Ledge

Taper Top

Start Designing A Premium Building Enclosure

ICF Concrete Cores are available in 4", 6", 8", 10" or 12" widths.

Reward Wall Systems has three ICF educational courses that are available for HSW and SD credits, including courses covering advanced ICF design and building performance. Contact us today to learn more about these programs.

1-800-468-6344 • www.RewardWalls.com Full CAD details, BIM objects, and specs are available online.

Reader Service No. 208 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

EDITOR’S

NOTE International Intrigue This year is the first that USGBC has taken its marquee tradeshow past U.S. borders. Taking the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo abroad shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given the organization’s intent to export its LEED rating system across the globe. I’ve heard a few complaints from some U.S.-based individuals about the added difficulty of having the show in another country, but this step by USGBC is one that many organizations committed to sustainability are taking. Codes, standards, rating systems and other “benchmarks” relating to sustainability are often being created and updated, and a couple of major international organizations have levied their own creations since 2010: ICC and ISO. While the respective creations of IGCC and ISO 50001 aren’t necessarily turning points for sustainability, they exemplify sustainability as a growing trend worldwide. Because enough governments, groups and companies are paying heed to the benefits of environmentally friendly design across the globe (whether or not all of them truly care about the environment is moot), it made sense to create international standards as a sort of Rosetta Stone for green building.

is better simply because anything has to be better than what’s going on in your country. But when you delve into the sustainable practices of other countries, you’ll find that they aren’t necessarily better or worse: They’re just different. The differences can take many forms and be because of less quantifiable reasons like culture. And it’s safe to say that what works in one country might not work in another. The U.S. has that problem within its own borders. Breaking out of the comfort zone and taking a step beyond a defined territory, like what USGBC is doing with Greenbuild or like the introduction of international green codes, gives us all a chance to discuss what sustainable design is and what it means to us. It creates an opportunity to teach others and learn from them at the same time. It’s a chance to share experiences, develop relationships and create a stronger global community focused on redefining the built environment. On some level, green speaks to us all. Reaching out to the world is a great way to get the conversation started, even if the act of reaching out might be an inconvenience. So, whether or not you like having the show in another country, spreading sustainability to neighboring countries and abroad is a necessity.

The Language of Green At face value, it’s easy to fall into the trap and go in with the preconceived notion that what you and your country do is better — and this doesn’t only apply to North Americans going abroad. I’m sure plenty of people from other countries coming here have fallen into the same trap. To that end, I’m sure lots of people might believe that what’s going on in another country

Cheers,

Derrick Teal Editor

2401 W. Big Beaver, Suite 700 | Troy, MI 48084 | 248.362.3700 | www.EDCmag.com Group Publisher Diana Brown brownd@bnpmedia.com Phone: 248.244.6258 Fax: 248.244.3911

Associate Publisher Michelle Hucal, LEED AP hucalm@bnpmedia.com Phone: 248.244.1280 Fax: 248.786.1394

Editor Derrick Teal teald@bnpmedia.com Phone: 248.786.1645 Fax: 248.283.6560

Associate Editor Laura Zielinski zielinskil@bnpmedia.com Phone: 248.786.1680 Fax: 248.502.9016

West Coast Sales Manager Karrie Laughlin laughlink@bnpmedia.com Phone: 248.786.1657 Fax: 248.502.2065

List Rentals For postal information please contact Kevin Collopy at 800-223-2194 x684 or email him at kevin.collopy@infogroup.com

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

Tree(s): 112 Solid waste: 13,731 lb Water: 108,626 gal Air emissions: 35,693 lb

PRODUCTION + ART

ADVERTISING + SALES East Coast Sales Manager Carrie Burrows burrowsc@bnpmedia.com Phone: 248.525.3363 Fax: 248.502.9018

Web Editor Stephanie Fujiwara fujiwaras@bnpmedia.com

ED+C’s use of Rolland Enviro100 Print instead of virgin fibers paper reduced its ecological footprint by:

Reprint Sales Jill DeVries devriesj@bnpmedia.com Phone: 248.244.1726 Fax: 248.244.3934

For email information please contact Michael Costantino at 800-223-2194 x748 or email him at michael.costantino@infogroup.com

Subscription Information Phone: 847.763.9534 Fax: 847.763.9538 EDC@halldata.com

Production Manager Jeff Bagwell bagwellj@bnpmedia.com Phone: 248.244.6481 Fax: 248.283.6589

Art Director Shannon Shortt shortts@bnpmedia.com

www.twitter.com/EDCmagazine www.EDCmag.com/connect www.facebook.com/Greenmags

BNP Media Helps People Succeed in Business with Superior Information

proud member

sbic

Acrovyn® 4000— no PVC, ever No chemicals of concern Contemporary new texture Most realistic simulated woods and metals

We invented modern wall protection in 1968 and have led the industry ever since. You can’t do that without being a good listener. That’s why C/S Acrovyn was also the first to introduce real wood and metal with our Renaissance and Platform series wall protection, durable yet realistic simulated wood and metal patterns, and now the industry’s only complete line of PVC-free wall protection. Stay tuned to find out what’s next. Don’t settle for imitators, choose Acrovyn. For more information, visit www.c-sgroup.com or call 888-621-3344 or find Construction Specialties on ®, ® or twitter.com/acrovyn. See us at Greenbuild, booth #1523.

Protection for tomorrow’s environment Reader Service No. 43 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

2 3

NEW + NOTABLE

To request more information on these products, visit www.EDCmag.com/webcard and enter the corresponding reader service numbers.

Architectural Finishes

Acoustigreen now offers 3M DI-NOC Architectural Finishes on its acoustical wall panel and ceiling systems. DI-NOC finishes are lightweight and self-adhering. The finishes mimic wood grain, metal and natural stone, as well as more decorative and contemporary patterns and textures. DI-NOC is durable, cleanable and may contribute to LEED credits. With Acoustigreen products, customers can opt to refresh wall and ceiling surfaces as opposed to tearing them out and reinstalling new materials. www.acoustigreen.com Acoustigreen | Reader Service No. 1

Simulated Wood and Metal Collection

Acrovyn Chameleon simulated patterns were developed to withstand the abuse real wood and metal can’t handle. The product’s durability is backed with a limited lifetime warranty. Available on Acrovyn doors, wall guards, rigid sheet and wall panels, Chameleon is currently available in 16 wood grain and two simulated metal finishes. These patterns are reportedly more durable than stained wood and high-pressure laminate options. The collection is MBDC Cradle to Cradle certified at the Silver level. www.c-sgroup.com Construction Specialties Inc. | Reader Service No. 2

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

Acoustical Drywall

SilentFX gypsum board is designed to improve acoustical performance and offers a high level of mold and fire resistance. The product is intended for use on interior walls and ceilings and has a high sound transmission class rating of 50 and higher. The product consists of Green Glue, a viscoelastic polymer, sandwiched between two Type X fire-resistant gypsum boards. SilentFX is GREENGUARD Children and Schools certified. www.certainteed.com CertainTeed | Reader Service No. 3

Metal Ceiling Panels

The new Gladius panel and grid system from Hunter Douglas is designed to improve installation efficiency, as panels simply stab into the grid on one side and snap into place on the other. A firm “click” ensures ceiling tiles have been snapped correctly into place. Gladius reportedly will not bend or warp under pressure from the surrounding grid. The no-VOC panels are made with a minimum of 70 percent recycled content. Gladius is GREENGUARD Children and Schools Certified. www.hunterdouglascontract.com Hunter Douglas Contract | Reader Service No. 4

Hardwood Flooring Mirage announced the addition of two new tones of grey to its line of hardwood flooring products: Greystone and Graphite. Greystone, available in maple, is a clear grey color that lets the wood grain shine through for a natural yet modern look. Graphite, available in maple and red oak, brings the intensely dark grey of its mineral namesake. Greystone and Graphite are available in Classic technology in 3-1/4” width and in Engineered technology in 3-5/16” and 5” widths, all of them in Cashmere or Semi-Gloss finish. Mirage Engineered products in oak, maple and yellow birch are eligible for FSC Mixed Source certification. www.miragefloors.com Mirage | Reader Service No. 5

Don’t just go green, go Emerald.

CUSTOM’S COMPLETE SYSTEM OF ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE TILE AND STONE INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

Roof System The 100 Series Membrane Roof System is designed to provide a complete, one-piece insulated, weather-tight roofing system. The laminated membrane provides heat reflectivity and emissivity that is often required by current energy code regulations. All panel-to-panel seams and roof openings are sealed with a field-applied 48-mil batten strip to ensure weather-tightness and meet expansion requirements. The membrane is intended to be an appropriate choice for very low slope roofs and for preengineered structures as well as cold storage applications. www.kingspanpanels.us Kingspan | Reader Service No. 6

Lightweight Wallboard LiftLite is a family of lightweight wallboards formulated to be significantly lighter than standard gypsum wallboard. LiftLite is designed to provide excellent sag resistance and can be used on both walls and ceilings. LiftLite is made with 99 percent recycled content, is designated as a low-VOC emitting product, and is GREENGUARD Children and Schools certified. LiftLite is intended to be easier to score and aims to produce less dust on the jobsite. www.lafarge-na.com Lafarge North America | Reader Service No. 7

s 'UARANTEED TO COMPLY WITH ALL LEADING ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCIES ,%%$® !.3) 4#.! AND MORE s %LIGIBLE FOR UP TO A ,IFETIME )NSTALLATION 3YSTEMS 7ARRANTY s &IRST TILE INSTALLATION SYSTEM TO OFFER #ARBON /FFSET #REDITS

RESPONSIBLE. CONVENIENT. COMPLIANT. WE’RE CUSTOM.

Tile Backer Board GreenGlass fiberglass-faced gypsum tile backer board is now available in a 3’ x 5’ panel size. GreenGlass is reportedly ideal as a tile substrate for walls, ceilings, shower and tub enclosures, countertops and floors, and can be used in wet, non-wet and even non-tile areas. The product contains at least 90 percent recycled content and is produced with the TemShield Mold Protection System engineered into its gypsum core and is faced on both sides with naturally mold- and moisture-resistant fiberglass mat. www.templeinland.com Temple-Inland | Reader Service No. 8

www.customemeraldsystem.com 800-282-8786

To learn more about Emerald System, get the free mobile app for your phone

http://gettag.mobi

Reader Service No. 110 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

www.EDCmag.com

NEW + NOTABLE Wood Ceiling

Insulated Panels

The 9Wood EcoGrille wood ceiling is designed to offer an ecological and economical solution. The 9Wood EcoGrille aims to

Premier SIPs are intended as a building alternative to stick-built framing and other construction methods. The large-section panels aim to provide a tight building envelope to help reduce heating and cooling energy use up to 60 percent, and reduce jobsite waste by up to two-thirds. Premier SIPs are made of two outer skins of oriented strand board (OSB) and an inner core of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam laminated together for strength and insulation. www.premiersips.com/bc Insulfoam LLC | Reader Service No. 10

enhance acoustics via sound-absorbing material placed over open reveals within the t-bar grid. The product features FSC-certified Pacific Albus, a hardwood grown in the Pacific Northwest. The farm-grown tree is harvested in 12-13 year cycles. It is reportedly lightweight and stainable. Low-VOC finishes are available. The 9Wood EcoGrille may qualify for LEED credits. www.9wood.com 9Wood | Reader Service No. 9

Composite Wall Panels CarbonCast High Performance Insulated Wall Panels are designed to deliver all the benefits of

Reliable Water Storage Water is valuable. Many products on the market today, such as excavation liners or various concrete products, don’t have the reliable, water-tight, 30-year track record that Xerxes fiberglass tanks offer.

Xerxes Water Storage Tank Features: • 30-year track record - Companies that annually purchase the largest number of underground tanks in North America rely on Xerxes FRP tanks for their storage needs • Availability - Six North American manufacturing facilities • Superior design - Rustproof, watertight and structurally strong • Strict manufacturing standards - meets various national design standards including an NSF listing that other products don’t offer www.xerxes.com • (952) 887-1890 phone • (952) 887-1882 fax Reader Service No. 119 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

factory precast with thermal efficiency in a fully structurally composite panel. The panels are comprised of two concrete wythes separated by rigid foam insulation boards connected by C-GRID carbon fiber grid shear trusses. The insulating performance of panels may result in a reduction of HVAC first costs and provide ongoing energy savings. The panels are reportedly load bearing but lightweight with no voids or cavities where air or water can combine for mold and mildew growth. www.altusprecast.com AltusGroup | Reader Service No. 11

Chilled Water Plant Software Central Plant Optimization30 (CPO 30), powered by OptimumHVAC, is designed to enable persistent peak performance and energy savings in central plants. CPO 30 incorporates a software application that continuously optimizes central chilled water plant operation. Central to CPO 30 is relational control technology that reportedly makes it possible to operate variable speed central plants holistically based on the power relationships between each piece of equipment and real-time cooling load conditions. www.johnsoncontrols.com Johnson Controls | Reader Service No. 12

a subsidiary of ZCL Composites Inc.

Heavy-Gauge Wall System

Low-VOC Joint Compound

and editing planes for a natural perspective view. www.graphisoft.com GRAPHISOFT | Reader Service No. 14

The accel-E Steel Thermal Efficient Panel (S.T.E.P.) wall system is composed by fusing cold-formed steel framing components and expandable polystyrene (EPS) insulating panels together into a single continuous system. The system is designed to eliminate air infiltration and provide a continuous energy envelope that outperforms conventional framing and insulation. The steel framing members are made of recycled steel and are themselves recyclable. The accel-E system is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality certified. www.syntheoninc.com SYNTHEON Inc. | Reader Service No. 13

FSC-Certified Flooring Mullican Flooring markets 30 FSC products in its Green Haven collection, 10 solid domestic and 20 engineered selections, available in both domestic and exotic varieties. Due to the fact that moisture is perhaps the most significant threat to a hardwood floor, the company offers a lifetime “moisture warranty”

ProForm brand XP Ready Mix Joint Compound with Dust-Tech is designed to be an all-purpose, low-dust joint treatment. ProForm XP features enhanced mold resistance to help prevent mold growth during and after the construction process. It has reportedly achieved the highest possible score for mold resistance

BIM Software ArchiCAD 15 is intended to enrich architectural forms available for designers to unleash their creative minds. The new version also expands the scope of the BIM workflow to include renovation and refurbishment projects. ArchiCAD 15 expands the design capabilities of its BIM tools to support the spectrum of architectural shapes and forms found in both classical and modern architecture. The program introduces 3D guidelines

on its Meridian Pointe collection, a reported cup-proof floor, when paired with the Aqua Shield system. www.mullicanflooring.com Mullican Flooring | Reader Service No. 15

on both the ASTM G 21 and ASTM D 3273 tests and is also GREENGUARD Children and Schools certified. www.nationalgypsum.com National Gypsum | Reader Service No. 17

NEXT GENERATION GREEN RESTROOM DESIGN (Featured USGBC CEU Course @ www.usgbc.org/virtualtour)

T I M E T O T H R O W I N T H E T O W E L® Excel Dryer inc.

•

1.800.255.9235

•

w w w. e x c e l d r y e r. c o m

Reader Service No. 111 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

www.EDCmag.com

NEW + NOTABLE Insulated Metal Panel System

Ceiling Coating

UNA-FOAM Insulated Metal Panel System is a high-performance system designed to provide significantly higher insulation value than tradi-

AirGuard is a coating for ceiling tiles that is designed to actively remove formaldehyde and other aldehydes in indoor air. The coating technology reportedly converts naturally occurring and man-made formaldehyde present in interiors into an inert substance permanently captured by the ceiling. Applied to the back of ceiling tiles, the AirGuard Coating removes aldehydes during the commissioning and early occupancy of a building. Tests reportedly show that it eliminates more than 90 percent of formaldehyde during the first year of use, and over a 10-year

tional cladding systems while also offering ease of cost and installation. UNA-FOAM panels are offered in a range of materials and profiles. The panels can be installed horizontally or vertically as a single element, allowing for quicker building completion without compromising the integrity of the system. The system also has a high thermal value, reportedly enhancing the overall performance of the building. www.unaclad.com Firestone Metal Products Company LLC | Reader Service No. 18

InsulBloc® SPF Insulation The Science of Comfort

Seals walls to roof decks creating a water and air barrier.

FFoorms rm ms a ba barr rrie ierr th ie that at at bblloc ocks ks airr innfffilililtr trat tr atio ionn, n, noisi e po no pollllut u ioon, ut n, dus ust st,t, and poollllen an en..

“At Fanning Howey, we design high performance schools.

That means every aspect of the building must contribute to energy efﬁciency and a healthy environment. We use InsulBloc® because it’s high performance insulation— saves on energy costs, and keeps out pollen, dust, mold and moisture.” Clair E. Howey, AIA Vice Chairman Fanning Howey Columbus, OH

Outperforms other types of insulation.

The Science of Comfort

A 2. 2 0 lb lb../cuu ft dens de nsititity,yy, clo losseed d-ce cellll spra sp praay ppo pollyuurret etha hane ha nee f am fo m tha hatt pprrov ovid ides es the he very ve ry hig ighe hest hest st RR -va valu luee..

www.insulstar.com

Reader Service No.118 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

period, the average formaldehyde reduction is 50 percent, a claim backed by UL-Environment. www.armstrong.com Armstrong World Industries | Reader Service No. 19

FSC-Certified Floors DuChateau’s FSC-certified, wide-planked European hardwood floors are designed to put a modern twist on vintage-style flooring with

the Riverstone collection. Natural distressing and raised knots give the floors a raw and organic contour. Each plank is treated with natural, zero-VOC hard wax oil for a matte finish. The FSC-certified floors may qualify for LEED credits. www.duchateaufloors.com DuChateau Floors | Reader Service No. 20

Sealss th Seal thee irreegu g lar sh hap apes pes es of stee st eell I be ee beam amss,s, am corr co rrug rrug ugat ated at ed roof ro of dec ecks ks, ks annd di diss sssim imilillar ar cons co nstr ns trruccti tion ion on mate ma teri te rial al inte in terf r acces rf es.

Gateway Community & Technical College, Boone Campus for KCTCS, Mt. Zion, KY photo: Frank Doring www.doeringphoto.com

simply better. 92% bio-based, 100% PVC free tile Reasons to choose MCT t low initial cost

MCT will install for $2.75 - $3.45 / ft2 ($3.50 - $3.95 / ft2 Canada) visit www.forboflooringNA.com for pricing guarantee

t no initial waxing t best indoor environmental performance

affordability + sustainability

passes California CHPS 01350 for indoor air quality

t best environmental profile

more independent LCA-based environmental certifications

t best flooring performance low maintenance, high durability

1-800-842-7839 www.forboflooringNA.com www.floorcostcomparison.com info.na@forbo.com

creating better environments Reader Service No. 16 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

with

2011

In 2008, ED+C and Sustainable Facility magazines embarked on an online awards contest that gives manufacturers a chance to see how their products stack up in the eyes of our readers. Readers are asked to vote for products that they feel offer the best combination of sustainable attributes with ease of use and installation in a variety of categories. THE WINNERS FOR THE 2011 COMPETITION ARE LISTED BELOW. MATERIALS WERE SUBMITTED BY THE COMPANIES.

CATEGORY: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS Product: DRIQ Manufacturer: BuildingIQ BuildingIQ’s DRIQ is an Optimized Demand Response (DR) product that automates and optimizes a building’s response to DR events. The subscription service models a building’s thermal characteristics, determines its capacity to shed loads, pre-plans energy use, and then continuously shapes the energy use to optimize cost, emissions and occupant comfort. DRIQ also reportedly reduces the peak energy strain on buildings and the grid.

CATEGORY: BUILDING ENVELOPE (ROOFING, WINDOWS, DOORS, SHADING, CURTAIN WALLS, EXTERIOR COATINGS) Product: LiveRoof Hybrid Green Roof System Manufacturer: LiveRoof LLC LiveRoof is a green roof installed with thriving, fully mature plants and soil adapted for local conditions for each project. The modules establish a naturally functioning ecosystem with a seamless vegetative surface rooted in a continuous layer of soil. This horticulturally sensitive design is intended to maximize environmental benefits, energy savings and rooftop aesthetics.

CATEGORY: FRAMING, STRUCTURAL OR INSULATION PRODUCTS Product: RainBarrier 45 Manufacturer: Thermafiber Inc. Thermafiber RainBarrier 45 mineral wool continuous insulation is designed for rainscreen and cavity wall construction applications. RainBarrier 45 aims to provide energy-conserving R-value, fire protection and acoustical control while draining water from a wall cavity system. RainBarrier 45 is non-combustible. Mineral wool is a permeable insulation product, is UV resistant and will not degrade over time.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

CATEGORY: INTERIORS (FLOORING, FURNISHINGS, FINISHES) Product: NOVELIO Clean Air and Mold X Textured Paintable Wall Coverings Manufacturer: Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Novelio is a textured, flexible wall covering and includes two specific formulations, Mold-X or Clean Air, designed to enhance indoor environmental quality standards. Eighty percent of all Novelio wall coverings are formulated from sand, clay and chalk fibers. The wall coverings are recyclable, reusable and, when coated with a VOC-free paint, make up a sustainable interior wall system.

CATEGORY: LIGHTING/BUILDING CONTROLS Product: ColumnLight Manufacturer: greenscreen ColumnLight combines a greenscreen column trellis with an Insight Lighting Euro to create a vertical luminous trellis column. This collaboration allows for the integration of site lighting with vegetation and presents a cost-effective design feature that provides a statement throughout urban project types. The ColumnLight utilizes 3M’s optical lighting. Increasing vegetation on projects may help to achieve environmental goals.

CATEGORY: MECHANICAL/HVAC PRODUCTS Product: Dynamic V8 Air Cleaning System Manufacturer: Dynamic Air Quality Solutions The V8 uses non-ionizing polarized-media technology to collect particles, odors and VOCs. The dust holding capacity extends filter maintenance intervals from months to years. Low static pressures can impact fan horsepower requirements called for in ASHRAE 90.1 calculations. The MERV 13-15+ rating and energy-saving reductions in fan horsepower may contribute to LEED points.

CATEGORY: SERVICES AND RELATED PRODUCTS (CLEANING, WASTE MANAGEMENT, RECYCLING, EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS) Product: AmeriGreen Strategies Sustainability Assessment Manufacturer: Green Tree Partners AmeriGreen Certified Sustainability Assessments are designed to provide a low-cost, third-party verification of compliance and proof of performance for the sustainability and environmental impact of a building product. The reports are based on ISO and ASTM standards. The report focuses on five key areas: Raw Materials; Manufacturing Process; Transportation and Distribution; Product Performance; and Recyclability and Disposal.

CATEGORY: SOFTWARE AND WEB-BASED PROGRAMS Product: Smart eBinder Manufacturer: Visus Technologies LLC Smart eBinder is an interactive version of the architectural binder and offers architects, designers and specifiers features such as automatic updates, instant sample requests and downloadable submittal documents. Updates are handled through a Web connection, and the product establishes a 24-hour-a-day electronic link between company and customer, allowing the latter to instantly get specific questions answered.

CATEGORY: WATER CONSERVATION/MANAGEMENT, PLUMBING Product: D’MAND CIRC Hot Water Circulation System Manufacturer: Enovative Kontrol Systems D’MAND CIRC is an energy-efficient, on demand, hot water circulation system for multiunit residential and commercial buildings. The system operates only when there is actual demand for hot water and runs as little as 1-2 hours per day instead of 24/7, lowering operating costs and reducing maintenance expenses associated with continuous circulators. It works with both solar heating systems and tankless heaters.

www.EDCmag.com

AWA R D S

nvironmental responsibility is a primary value for the Bend Park & Recreation District, and it was a critical element in the design of the LEED Goldcertified administration building by Opsis Architecture. The project offers a demonstration of how manmade and natural elements can be brought together to blur the boundaries of indoor and outdoor spaces while promoting environmental stewardship. Bend Park & Recreation District’s administration building is ED+C’s Excellence in Design Government category winner. The new administration building, located on a 14-acre park in Bend, Ore., provides office space for current staff and allows for the department’s anticipated growth over the next twenty years. In keeping with the Bend Park & Recreation District mission, the administration building project is committed to sustainability

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

and respect for the surrounding landscape. Mixing the indoors with the outdoors was integral to the overall design. “Early in the design process the building committee outlined its desire that the facility respect and integrate with the beautiful riverfront site,” says James Meyer, partner at Opsis. The site, in the Old Mill District area, was selected due to its visibility and central location; both were ideal for serving the community and the district at large. “Maintaining a tie to the architectural fabric of the Old Mill District, the building’s design is

intended to present the visitor with a friendly and welcoming ‘park-like’ experience,” says Jason Miller, senior associate at Opsis. “Public indoor and outdoor spaces were important features to the overall design, making this building within the park a hub for community congregation and local events. The facility’s design is intended to demonstrate the district’s progressive values of environmental and community stewardship, with humble regional charm and a truthfulness of expression.”

In an effort to respect the landscape, existing trees and groundcover were maintained as much as possible. The administration building project preserved 377,836 square feet of vegetated open space, 345 percent more than is required by the local zoning code. The project also included the restoration of the native habitat along the Deschutes River. Onsite stormwater is collected, treated and infiltrated by an expansive 6,000-square-foot green roof, a series of bio-filtration basins and rock trenches designed for infiltration. “Personally, my most favorite sustainable design feature is the green roof,” says Miller. “Located over the portion of the building which houses the public areas, including the lobby and large community room, this broad lower roof plane tilts upward, increasing access to river and mountain views from the interior. But perhaps more importantly, the angle of the roof exposes

IMAGES COURTESY OF OPSIS ARCHITECTURE/ALAN BRANDT. www.EDCmag.com

2011 GOVERNMENT CATEGORY WINNER

Name: Bend Park & Recreation District Administration Building Submitted by: Opsis Architecture (www.opsisarch.com) Date Completed: October 2010 Size: 21,326 square feet Location: Bend, Ore. Winning Team Architect: Opsis Architecture Partner-in-Charge: James Meyer Client: Bend Metro Park & Recreation District MEP Engineer: PAE Consultants Structural Engineer: Madden & Baughman Civil/Geotechnical Engineer: MGH Associates Construction Manager: Skanska USA

Materials Flooring: Mannington Commercial (carpet); daltile (ceramic tile) Ceiling: Armstrong (acoustical ceiling tile); Tectum (acoustical ceiling panels) Wood: Forest Grove Lumber Company (timber); Willamette Forest Products (lumber) Roofing: The Bryer Company (metal roof panels); AEP Span Insulation: GreenFiber (insulation); Insulfoam (expanded polystyrene); VaproShield (rainscreen) Interior Finishes and Furnishings: Herman Miller (office furniture); Bretford (conference tables); Baltix Furniture Inc. (work surfaces); Modernfold Inc. (partitions); Abet Inc. (laminate); PaperStone (countertops); Smith & Fong Plyboo; Forbo Paints and Wallcoverings: Rodda Paint Energy Efficiency: WattStopper (occupancy and daylight photocell sensors) Building Envelope: Cascade Steel; Premier Building Systems (SIPs); Willamette Graystone; JELD-WEN (windows and doors); CertainTeed (siding) Plumbing Fixtures: Sloan (flush valves and faucets); Kohler (waterless urinals); Powers (showerheads) Landscaping: Specialty Soils; Saris Cycling Group (bicycle racks); NW Horticulture; Round Butte Seed Growers (erosion control seed)

the entire surface of succulents and wildflowers to a very public view from the street. In a real sense, it provides the community with a learning opportunity in sustainable systems.” In addition to using native plantings in the landscape, the project employs a drip irrigation system to reduce water use. Waterless urinals and low-flow fixtures further reduce water use within the building. These efforts result in a water savings of 45 percent, or approximately 85,500 gallons every year. “Another key feature in the project is the specific building response to the site orientation,” says

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

IMAGES COURTESY OF OPSIS ARCHITECTURE/ALAN BRANDT.

Meyer. “The north building façade is composed primarily of solid, highly insulated walls with limited glazing areas. On the south side, the building’s glazed walls open to spectacular views to the river and allow sun to penetrate deep into the office spaces while providing summer shading through the use of exterior trellis components.” Besides providing energy efficiency, the orientation of the building also supplies a sense of organization. “One of the most challenging features of the project was to design a facility that invited the community to use the building while at the same time created highly func-

tional office space,” continues Meyer. “This was accomplished by organizing the uses in a manner that allowed office portions of the building to be closed while community activities in other areas could be going on. To this end, the western portion of the building contained the large community room, fireplace lounge, restroom facilities and the large outdoor terrace. Two main entries were created — one from the south and one from the north — to further offer easy access to the community.” Thirty-seven percent building energy efficiency is achieved through the building en-

velope and mechanical systems. The high thermal performance exterior envelope is paired with a mixed-mode natural ventilation system, radiant/chilled floor slab for heating and cooling, two high-efficiency condensing boilers, a solar hot water system, and energy-efficient lighting with occupancy and daylight sensors. Due to the radiant floor system, though, not every step of the design process was blue skies. “Probably the greatest challenge presented to the team came during the LEED construction submittal review in which the Energy and Atmosphere (EAc1) prerequisite credit was denied,” says Miller. “This was due primarily to the complexities involved with modeling a radiant system, which yielded results that could be falsely interpreted in the energy model. Without satisfaction of this prerequisite, project LEED certification would

not have been possible. To address the issue, the team provided information to address the reviewer’s issues primarily concerning fan power, system zoning, outside air rates and heating energy consumption. In addition, the energy model was modified to make the baseline and proposed cases function as accurately as possible to the applicable system types. The project was ultimately awarded

LEED-NC v2.2 Gold certification with 43 points.” These efforts are estimated to result in an energy cost savings of more than $29,000 a year. Additional energy consumed by the building is supplied by green power. Construction waste for the project was tightly managed, allowing more than 88 percent, or 159 tons, to be diverted from landfills. Juniper trees onsite that had to be removed during

the project were harvested, milled onsite and reused as custom juniper woodwork in the building’s interior. From the structural steel to the toilet partitions, the building incorporates a significant amount of recycled materials. Based on cost, 19 percent of the materials used on the project were recycled, reducing the impacts that result from the extraction and processing of virgin materi-

IMAGES COURTESY OF OPSIS ARCHITECTURE/ALAN BRANDT.

www.EDCmag.com

IMAGE COURTESY OF OPSIS ARCHITECTURE/ALAN BRANDT.

als. The selection of local materials was also a high priority for the project, reducing the impact from transportation and supporting the local economy. More than 40 percent of the materials used in the project were extracted, processed and manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. Door frames, stair treads and casework are made from bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource. Extensive daylight and views contribute to the indoor environmental quality of the administration building. Natural ventilation enhances the indoor air quality and allows building occupants a high degree of control over their thermal comfort. Low-VOC adhesives, sealants, paints and carpets were also used to maintain the air quality. “Through this process an entire community has felt a sense of ownership and a satisfaction that the mission of stewardship is represented in the area’s first public LEED-certified building,” says Meyer. Miller agrees. “When client satisfaction is transcended and a real sense of pride and ownership develops, that’s one of the highest complements an architect can receive — you know you got it right.” The above information was provided by Opsis Architecture. For more information on ED+C’s annual Excellence in Design Awards contest, visit http://eid.EDCmag.com.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES

Sustainable Sites Q The project has access to public transportation, dedicated alternative-fuel vehicle parking, as well as facilities to support bicyclists. Q Open space, existing trees and groundcover were preserved, and the native habitat along the Deschutes River adjacent to the site was restored. Q A green roof helps to mitigate stormwater runoff and reduce heat island effect, while bio-filtration basins and rock trenches collect, treat and infiltrate stormwater.

Water Efficiency Q Native low-water vegetation and a highefficiency drip irrigation system reduce water use for irrigation. Q Low-flow faucets and waterless urinals result in a water savings of 85,500 gallons annually.

Energy and Atmosphere Q The building envelope is designed for thermal performance, with R-50 recycled cellulose-filled stud walls and insulated panel roofing. Q Two high-efficiency condensing boilers paired with radiant/chilled slab flooring provide heating and cooling to the building, augmented by operable windows that allow natural ventilation. Q A solar hot water system heats water before it makes its way to the water heater.

Q Occupancy and daylight sensors monitor lighting systems to prevent unnecessary use. Q Green power is purchased to supply the additional power consumed by the buildings.

Materials and Resources Q 88 percent of the construction waste, or 159 tons, was diverted from landfills and transferred to recycling facilities. Q Juniper trees that had to be removed during the project were milled onsite and installed as casework. Q 19 percent of the materials used for the project, calculated by cost, were recycled materials. Q Based on cost, more than 40 percent of the materials used on the project were extracted, processed and manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. Q Door frames, stair treads and casework are made from bamboo.

Indoor Environmental Quality Q All paints and adhesives and carpets were low VOC. Q Extensive daylighting, views and natural ventilation were provided throughout the building, enhancing user comfort and allowing for individual thermal control.

G RESSS IVE A RCHITECT, DESIG G N ER, PROG G ENGINEER A ND SPECII FYING

The Premier Source for Integrated High-Performance Building

G TH H AT SUPPORTSS THE BUILDING

environmental design + construction

www.EDCmag.com

R ATED D HIG G H -PERFF ORMA A NCE INTEGR

August 2011

THE PREE M IER SO O URCEE FOR

Clearing the Air

B UILL D ING D EVELO O P ER.

SCAN HERE FOR YOUR FREE DIGITAL ITAL EDITION!

Get the free mobile app at http://gettag.mobi

Inside: Special Section on IAQ

GovernmentFINALISTS THE NATURE INN AT BALD EAGLE STATE PARK Submitted by: SMP Architects Inc. (www.smparchitects.com) Size: 18,400 square feet Location: Howard, Pa. The inn provides opportunities for visitors who wish to experience the park but desire amenities not offered by cabins and campsites. The inn anticipates LEED Gold certification. The overall goals were to connect visitors to the outdoors, convey the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources message of conservation and stewardship, and provide a sustainable message in the inn’s design, construction and operation. The inn also has a specific theme — birding — since the park lies within an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area.

IMAGE © PA. DEPT. OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

CHINO HILLS GOVERNMENT CENTER Submitted by: LPA Inc. (www.lpainc.com) Size: city hall: 58,826 square feet; library: 28,224 square feet; sheriff’s facility: 29,777 square feet; and fire administration facility: 16,117 square feet Location: Chino Hills, Calif. The Chino Hills Government Center was designed to be grounded in the local topography. The center consists of a city hall, library, sheriff’s facility and a fire department. All these elements are choreographed around a central plaza that changes with the seasons. While the client chose not to pursue a LEED rating, the design team focused on sustainable features that created a business case where less energy, less water and a healthy indoor environment was created.

IMAGE COURTESY OF LPA INC./COSTEA PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

COUNCIL DISTRICT 9 - CENTRAL AVENUE CONSTITUENT SERVICES CENTER Submitted by: Paul Murdoch Architects (www.paulmurdocharchitects.com) Size: 9,300 gross square feet Location: Los Angeles, Calif. The new Central Avenue Constituent Services Center is a neighborhood service center in South Los Angeles that provides the community easy access to city departments, local council representation, a meeting/ training room and public gardens. The project goal was to create a new space to bring the community together, while providing an educational tool through the visible architectural expression of the environmental innovations to the public.

IMAGE © BENNY CHAN/FOTOWORKS.

GovernmentHONORABLE MENTION National Archives II Submitted by: Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

STOENERGY GUARD AIR BARRIER WATERPROOF BARRIER VAPOR BARRIER DRAINAGE PLANE DRYING CAVITY EXTERIOR INSULATION

Cladding wasn’t meant to stand up to climate all by itself. Buildings need StoEnergy Guard advanced cavity wall system to protect from the inside out. This integrated system of products delivers wall protection technology that works seamlessly under many cladding types, all while meeting the latest code requirements for energy ABÖ?EAJ?U =J@ IKEOPQNA ?KJPNKH

StoEnergy Guard stocorp.com/stoenergyguard Reader Service No. 186 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

Principles to Design By Three proven economic principles are put into practice on Sustainability Base: lean, mean and green. Lean is the practice of using the least resources possible, mean is the method of achieving highest output using low-cost/passive strategies, while green exploits renewable power generation to its greatest capacity with regard to human health. Keeping these three principles in mind, the project team was able to achieve a net-zero facility that is projected to save approximately $30,000 per year in energy savings. Without roof-mounted solar panels, Sustainability Base achieves 87 percent better energy performance over ASHRAE 90.1 and goes beyond 100 percent with the panels. Two, two-story structures are joined by a glass bridge to make up the facility that is designed to

IT’S (NOT) ROCKET SCIENCE

hile NASA’s shuttle program has come to an end, other, more earthbound NASA programs are just beginning. The goal of one new program, Renovation by Replacement (RbR), aims to achieve sustainability by replacing dated, inefficient buildings with new, high-performance ones. Building N232, otherwise known as Sustainability Base, was the first to undergo transformation on the 213-acre NASA Ames Research Center. This new 50,000-square-foot office, research and conferencing facility — created through a partnership between AECOM, William McDonough + Partners, Loisos + Ubbelohde, and collaboration with NASA’s researchers and consultants — is “a lunar landing station on earth.” As the first building in 20 years to be built at NASA Ames Research Center, it was likely going to have the smallest environmental footprint and be a healthier work environment than any of the other buildings on the campus. But, in the spirit of exploration, the project team took Sustainability Base further. The result is a building that sets the tone for a change-management process focused on building a sustainable campus infrastructure.

achieve LEED Platinum. The radial plan references the sites’ circular driveway access, while the narrow depth of the building, 55 feet, enables operable windows on both sides to take advantage of the local climate for natural ventilation and daylighting. AECOM’s June Grant, project manager for Sustainability Base, says that the key to the building’s achievements was an understanding that the whole comprises the parts. “There is a tendency to view sustainable design as a list of features,” says Grant. “In fact, for buildings with high goals, such as Sustainability Base, these features must operate as an integrated unit. On average, AECOM and consultants estimated as a base case before green features, NASA Ames’ energy use for per California Code ASHRAE Standard 90.1 energy consumption would have been 850 mWh and 1 million gallons of potable water per year respectively. As a result of an integrated approach, energy use is expected to be net positive at approximately 200 mWh/year, and water consumption should be reduced by approximately 87 percent.” Grant goes on to explain that the engineers on the project undertook a great deal of simulating and prototyping to optimize the strategies used to tie systems together, including façade performance, daylighting and interior electric lighting. And it was through this analysis that some problems with the desired design solutions were found. “Initially, the desire was for a fully naturally ventilated building,” she says. “However, analysis showed a case for zero air-conditioning was not practicable. During peak summer, interior temperatures would have peaked at around 97 F, and it was estimated that 16 days of a year would be lost. “As a result, Sustainability Base is designed with a mixed-mode ventilation system. Operable windows will allow the building to be cooled naturally and, when necessary, augmented by a chilled ceiling and underfloor air distribution system.”

NASA A inccorporrattess susstaain nab ble goals — and itss own n te echn nolo ogy — into o the e first comm merciaal offfice building bu uilt at Ames Re esearrch Basse in 20 0 yearrs. By Derrick Teal

Structured Systems Grant says that one of Sustainability Base’s initial design goals was to create a bolted building for easier dismantling of all steel members. www.EDCmag.com

IT’S (NOT) ROCKET SCIENCE SUSTAINABILITY BASE (BUILDING N232) Size: Approximately 50,000 square feet Location: Mountain View, Calif. Owner: NASA Architect of Record; Building Engineering; Landscape Architecture; Interior Design: AECOM Design Architect: William McDonough + Partners Consulting Design Services: Loisos + Ubbelohde General Contractor: Swinerton Builders Certification: Anticipating LEED Platinum Sustainability Base Integrated Systems Q Q

Q Q Q Q Q Q

Q Q

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

Computer integrated operable windows A mixed-mode ventilation system that utilizes a mix of operable windows (natural ventilation) and underfloor air systems Ground source heat pumps with 108 geothermal wells Solar hot-water systems Solar-sensitive lighting control systems Low ambient artificial light levels Interior solar shades Installation of California native landscaping Low impact design stormwater management system Zero potable water for irrigation Low-flow urinals, dual flush and high efficiency toilets, automatic facets and low-flow showers Photovoltaic roof panels Integrated building management and monitoring systems Material assessments protocols for a healthy environment Bloom box fuel cell

That idea was abandoned for noncompliance with structural code since the base is required to meet high structural and safety standards similar to emergency services. But the idea of creating a long-lasting structure with reuse possibilities, as well as achieving a higher performance life-safety level, stuck. That idea led to a unique solution. “One of the most visible aspects of the new facility was its innovative steel-frame exoskeleton, which required close coordination between the architects and structural engineers, who utilized Revit Structure software,” says Grant. “Revit Architecture, in tandem with Revit Structure, enabled transparency in identifying structural changes which impacted the architecture.” The exoskeleton offered structural support, while also supporting other goals. It allowed the architectural and engineering team to maximize daylight and natural ventilation and helped to create a column-free interior for flexible space planning. Additionally, the structural system relates to the history of other NASA structures.

IT’S (NOT) ROCKET SCIENCE NASA Inside It wouldn’t be a NASA project without incorporating some of the cutting-edge technology available to the organization into the project. And given that research is part of Sustainability Base’s function, it was an opportunity to learn more about the building and how its systems perform. “Like the old Intel advertisement,” Grant says, “the heart of Sustainability Base is the diagnostic devices which have been installed into the building. NASA research such as the Forward-Osmosis Water Recycling System, Intelligent Control Technology and Prognostics devices will provide continuous data about the building from which NASA will be able to monitor and fine-tune its performance.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

MAKE YOUR MARK

PRODUCT: Striation™ COLOR: 100154 Quartz

To learn more call 1 800 336 0225 ext 6511 or visit us online at www.interfaceﬂor.com. Mission Zero and the Mission Zero logo are registered trademarks of Interface, Inc.

And lower your footprint with our most “off oil” products yet!

Reader Service No. 88 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S (NOT) ROCKET SCIENCE â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like a lunar module, Sustainability Base is alive. From its computer-operated windows and intelligent solar sensitive lighting and interior shade devices, Sustainability Base is an adaptive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lunar moduleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on earth.â&#x20AC;? The Sustainability Base also incorporates numerous water-conserving strategies as a part of its overall commit-

ALL IMAGES ÂŠ2011 AECOM/PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LLOYD.

The ORIGINAL Mortar Collection Device Â&#x2021; ,QVHFW %DUULHUâ&#x201E;˘ provides another layer of protection inside the wall cavity Â&#x2021; %UHDNV PRUWDU XS RQ OHYHOV SDWHQWHG SURYHQ Â&#x2021; 8SGDWH \RXU VSHFV WRGD\ Â&#x2021; 0DQXIDFWXUHG ZLWK UHF\FOHG FRQWHQW Â&#x2021; :LOO QRW SURPRWH URW PROG RU IXQJXV QRU UHDFW ZLWK FRPPRQ PDWHULDOV Â&#x2021; 89 UHVLVWDQW Insect Barrier Patent Pending

Call today for information & samples

0DNHUV RI 0RUWDU 1HWÂŽ with Insect Barrierâ&#x201E;˘ 7RWDO)ODVKÂŽ %ORN )ODVKÂŽ %ORFN1HWÂŽ +RXVH1HWÂŽ 6WRQH 6WXFFR 'UDLQâ&#x201E;˘ 0RUWDU 1HWÂŽ :HHS 9HQWVâ&#x201E;˘

Reader Service No. 113 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

STRONG SAFE QUIET & GREEN You’ll be happy to have us underfoot. A complete line of “green” underlayments and sound mats: s Gypsum Underlayments s Level-Right Self-Leveling Underlayments s Ideal for multifamily, single family, commercial and renovation projects s More than 100 UL Fire Rated Designs s Over 800 documented sound tests s All entangled mesh sound mats contain 40% pre-consumer recycled content s Used for fire ratings, floor leveling, and sound control ® s May help contribute points towards LEED project certification

The GREENGUARD INDOOR AIR QUALITY CERTIFIED® Mark is a registered certification mark used under license through the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.

SEE US AT GREENBUILD Booth #3734S

T H E “G R E E N” F L O O R S P E C I A L I S T S Reader Service No. 162 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

IT’S (NOT) ROCKET SCIENCE grass porous pavement

invisiblestructures.com 800-233-1510

ment to sustainability and setting the tone for later NASA projects. The collaborative effort on this project shows what a committed team can do when it reaches for the stars. DERRICK TEAL IS EDITOR OF ED+C.

Reader Service No. 114 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

SOFTER LIGHT FOSTERS

SHARPER IDEAS CREATING ENVIRO NM ENTS W H ER E PEO PL E C AN S H I N E ™

It’s 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.

S KYL IGHTS AN D TR AN SL U C E N T C U RTAI N WAL L

* Heschong Mahone Group, Inc. 1999 © Major Industries, 2011

888-759-2678 | www.majorskylights.com Reader Service No. 53 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

RECOGNI the Pas ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF THE HASKELL COMPANY.

MODERN 42

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

T E C H N O LO G Y

By Derrick Teal

ZING t with www.EDCmag.com

RECOGNIZING the Past with M O D E R N T E C H N O LO G Y

The Oklahoma Army National Guard wanted a new facility that blended modern needs with historic appeal.

he devastation caused by the Great Depression is well documented. Almost equally well documented is the New Deal that helped pull the country from that dark time. In Oklahoma, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was formed to help Oklahoma families through work projects. Among the work projects bolstered by the WPA was the creation of armories for the Oklahoma National Guard. In all, 51 armories were created during the 1930s â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the most of any state. Now, these aging facilities are being replaced to meet modern needs. The creation of seven larger Armed Forces Reserve Centers (AFRC) allows for fewer structures throughout the state while meeting the demanding needs of the National Guard and Army Reserves who provide military readiness, community disaster relief and civic function. One of the new high-quality facilities meeting the needs of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military is the AFRC in Muskogee, Okla. The 97,000-square-foot reserve center was constructed to LEED Silver certification and has been designed to include more than 450 National Guard members and Army Reserve soldiers. It includes training areas, a drill floor, arms vaults, administrative areas, a kitchen and classrooms. HEAT GAIN WAS A MAJOR CONCERN DURING THE DESIGN OF THE MUSKOGEE AFRC AS THE BUILDING FRONTAGE FACES THE HARSH WESTERN SUN.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

www.EDCmag.com

RECOGNIZING the Past with M O D E R N T E C H N O LO G Y

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING HELPED THE DESIGN TEAM TO ADDRESS POTENTIAL PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY OCCURRED, ESPECIALLY WHEN COORDINATING TRADES.

Instead of forgetting the area’s past, the design harkens to those public works projects of the 1930s. The Haskell Company’s Alan Wilson, AIA, design principal for the design-builder of the Muskogee project, explains, “Consistent with the old armories, the building features a stone front with a limited number of small vertical windows facing west. (The windows are high-efficiency glazing.) The plan is organized so rooms that required few or no windows are placed

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

on this elevation, such as the mechanical rooms flanking the main entry portion of the western elevation. The offices and classroom spaces, which required greater expanses of glass, were shifted in the plan to the north and south sides of the building. In these orientations, windows received little solar heat gain (north), or the sun could be controlled by sun-shading devices (south). This was just one of the project’s sustainable features that allowed the facility to be recently certified as

ARMED FORCES RESERVE CENTER Location: Muskogee, Okla. Owner: State of Oklahoma Type: New Construction Size: 97,000 square feet

to the architectural design and structural engineering. The three-dimensional models enabled greater coordination between the trades and helped find resolutions to potential conflicts before work occurred in the field. “There were numerous other advantages to the BIM model as well,” Wilson says. “At complicated intersections of building components, such as the tilt-up concrete panels used as both the back-up and ‘trim’ for the stone veneer, three-dimensional ‘snapshots’ of the model were incorporated into the 2D drawing package. These 3D images illustrating the intersections of components were far more legible and useful in the field than their traditional two-dimensional counterparts. A model

Cost: $23 million Completed: January 2011 Certification: LEED Silver

VISIT US AT GREENBUILD, BOOTH 1231N

Design Team Members Q

Design-Builder: Haskell Civil Engineer: Cobb Engineering Q Landscape Architect: Howard-Fairbairn Site Design Q Commissioning Agent: Pinnacle Commissioning Q Client’s Consultant: CJC Architects Inc. Q

Products and Materials Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

Metal roof panel: Architectural Building Comp. TPO roof membrane: Firestone Building Products Insulation board; cultured stone: Owens Corning Gypsum panels: Temple-Inland Gypsum wallboard: American Gypsum Paper-faced corner bead; ceiling tile: USG Ceiling tile: CertainTeed Ceramic tile; porcelain tile; quarry tile: Daltile VCT: Azrock by Tarkett Flooring: Armstrong Sports flooring: Mondo Carpeting: Shaw Rubber base: Roppe Partitions: Bradley Doors: Curries Sunshades: Construction Specialites Glass; glazing: Arch Aluminum & Glass

LEED Silver by the USGBC. The facility honors the historical precedent and offers a sustainable solution at the same time.” Wilson adds that the building’s layout and solar orientation was in response to one of the most challenging aspects of the facility’s sustainable design. “The primary building façade faces the highway toward harsh western sun,” he says. “This posed an inherent conflict between the need to have a high-quality building front with a positive street presence and the desire to minimize glazing in this direction in order to limit solar heat gain.”

Modern Methods Building information modeling (BIM) played an integral role in the Muskogee AFRC’s development. Revit technology was used to design the facility, which allows the client to view a 3D representation of the completed project and allows the design team to identify modification needs early. The technology was particularly helpful on this project as it allowed Haskell to incorporate the mechanical and electrical aspects of the job in addition

I may not have x-ray vision,, but I h have what it takes s to o see the big picture. ure ure. Patrick Cleary, LEED AP Lafarge Cement

Lafarge is about so much more than an materials. It’s about the people who stand behind them. It’s about the people l d dedicated di t d tto ttransforming f i materials t i l to adapt to our everyday environment. These are the people of Lafarge. Those who are totally committed to ﬁnding sustainable solutions for a better world. Those who collaborate with architects, 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 share my thoughts on the adoption of sustainable construction practices geographically and how Lafarge is contributing to this transformation.

Visit: www.lafarge-na.com/visitwithme

Reader Service No. 115 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

www.EDCmag.com

RECOGNIZING the Past with M O D E R N T E C H N O LO G Y

-PUHSS` H JOPSSLK ILHT [OH[»Z UV[ V]LY `V\Y OLHK Tate’s new In-Floor Active Chilled Beam offers beneﬁts you can really stand on. Increased energy efficiency, improved perimeter aesthetics, less equipment and ductwork and easy access for maintenance. It provides all the benefits and savings of an overhead system without the threat of damage from condensation or leaking water lines. Our in-floor beam works with underfloor air distribution to provide an efficient perimeter solution while maintaining the benefits of stratified airflow and personal comfort control. And to top it all off, it looks good doing it.

877 999 8283 tateaccessﬂoors.com/inﬂoorchilledbeam

THE AFRC IN MUSKOGEE MEETS THE NEEDS OF THE MODERN MILITARY WHILE RECOGNIZING ITS FOREBEARS.

was also utilized for layout of tilt-up panels and ‘followed’ the erection of the building itself so one could view the state of progress on the building simply by seeing the current state of the model.” But what anyone who passes the facility can see is a structure that recognizes the historical importance of its forebears while addressing the current and future needs of those who occupy it. And, as Wilson says, it was all just a matter of making the client happy. “The sustainable measures, technology employed and overall design-build process were all in service of providing a high-quality facility to meet the functional needs and desired image for the National Guard and Army Reserves. Working together as a team, both internally as design-builder and with the client, the new Muskogee Reserve Center accomplishes these objectives and is well-liked by the users.” DERRICK TEAL IS EDITOR OF ED+C.

Reader Service No. 116 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

•

E IM N Ps E (I R ns ul G at Y ed

Ac to hie • 48 ve Ex hi gh re cee Rqu d • va ire en He lu m er es en lp en gy c e of ts qu rg rea co 14 ali y e te de fy ff a fo icie bu • r e n ild Pr ne t a in o rg nd g t s ta vid y t m ha • b ax ay t i ilit e lo Of s ng y cr in fer ed -te s l its m tal ow rm u la • m th Ar lti-c tion ain er o e m of a m tim ten al po e a siz vai n ne vs c es lab e nt . an an le a i d d na ss les co em lo wid s b rs l e va ies rie ty

Reader Service No. 176 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

L et O al Pa S ne S l s)

visit www.insulatedmetalpanels.org

STUDIO By William J. Worthen, AIA

Missing Parts WHY AREN’T TODAY’S ENERGY MODELS DOING A VERY GOOD JOB OF PREDICTING A BUILDING’S ACTUAL ENERGY USE?

TODAY’S MODELING TOOLS ARE NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE PREDICTIVE CERTAINT Y FOR ACTUAL UTILIT Y BILLS.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

Have you ever been denied a building permit based on your project’s energy performance? Very likely, the answer is “not yet.” Documenting energy performance metrics to show code compliance with ASHRAE’s 90.1-2010 or California’s Title 24, Part 6-2008 just isn’t something many architects include in their typical scope of work. But

meeting code requirements that include performance-based energy requirements — as part of the building code — will force a change in the status quo. Even if you have designed LEED Platinum-certified buildings, very few architects really appreciate what MEP engineers and energy modelers do when they walk behind the energy modeling

curtain and return after much time and effort with “the number” that determines whether or not the design is in compliance with the applicable energy code. Why should architects want to change the design process to more substantively incorporate energy models? After all, aren’t architects trained in the fundamentals of building sciences as part of our

7KH 6RODLUH 1HZ <RUN 1<

From concept to completion $ JUHHQ URRI LV DERXW PRUH WKDQ MXVW EHLQJ Â´JUHHQÂľ LWV VXFFHVV DOVR GHSHQGV RQ NHHSLQJ WKH EXLOGLQJ GU\ $PHULFDQ +\GURWHFKÂˇV *DUGHQ 5RRIÂ&#x160; $VVHPEO\ LV VHWWLQJ WKH VWDQGDUG E\ ZKLFK DOO RWKHU JUHHQ URRIV DUH PHDVXUHG DQG RXU 0RQROLWKLF 0HPEUDQH Â&#x160; LV WKH NH\ 00 Â&#x160; ZDV GHYHORSHG VSHFLILFDOO\ IRU ZHW HQYLURQPHQWV DQG LV D VHDPOHVV PHPEUDQH WKDW LV ERQGHG GLUHFWO\ WR WKH VXEVWUDWH ,WÂˇV WKH SHUIHFW FKRLFH IRU D JUHHQ URRI DQG WKH RQO\ RQH +\GURWHFK UHFRPPHQGV IRU D *DUGHQ 5RRI $VVHPEO\ $GGLWLRQDOO\ RXU 7RWDO $VVHPEO\ :DUUDQW\ SURYLGHV RZQHUV ZLWK VLQJOH VRXUFH UHVSRQVLELOLW\ IURP WKH GHFN XS 7KLV LV D ZDUUDQW\ WKDW RQO\ $PHULFDQ +\GURWHFK FDQ RIIHU DQG SHDFH RI PLQG WKDW RQO\ $PHULFDQ +\GURWHFK FDQ SURYLGH 7R OHDUQ PRUH DERXW WKH *DUGHQ 5RRI $VVHPEO\ SOHDVH FDOO 800.877.6125 RU YLVLW XV RQOLQH DW www.hydrotechusa.com $PHULFDQ +\GURWHFK ,QF _ (DVW 2KLR _ &KLFDJR ,/ _ _ ZZZ K\GURWHFKXVD FRP Â&#x2039; *DUGHQ 5RRI LV D UHJLVWHUHG WUDGHPDUN RI $PHULFDQ +\GURWHFK ,QF Reader Service No. 54 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

Experience matters! American Hydrotechâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Roof Assemblies have been installed for the past ĎĎŻ years on over ĎÍ&#x2022;Ď°ĎŹĎŹ structures covering more than

ĎłÍ&#x2022;ĎĎŹĎŹÍ&#x2022;ĎŹĎŹĎŹ SF worldwide.

STUDIO education and licensure? Personally, I have a bachelor’s of science in building science, earned as part of an accredited architecture degree. So, why do architects need energy models to validate our ability to design high-performance, energy-optimized buildings? Because the codes are about to require it. Are we ready for simulation tools to provide a constructive critique of our ability to do “good” design and high energy performance? I would argue we need it more than ever. After all, as buildings increase in design complexity, their energy use also becomes more complex and may become even more counterintuitive, making the most cost-effective, energy-efficient building strategies much harder to understand and quantify in terms of best value for our clients. If we take the time to embrace this emerging field, we can use energy models for much more than just code compliance. Providing context and cost/benefit data allow us to make informed, value-based decisions so we can really know, for example, if automated shade controls would have greater potential to improve the overall performance than external shading devices. If this is where high-performance building codes are moving related to energy models, why aren’t today’s energy models doing a very good job of predicting a building’s actual energy use? The simplest answer to this complex question is that today’s modeling tools are not intended to provide any higher degree of predictive certainty for actual utility bills than the miles-per-gallon ratings displayed on the window sticker of your last new car will predict real-life mileage. Hopefully, that number influenced your selection of the car. But when you drive off the dealer’s lot, most people don’t drive their cars exactly the same way the mileage testing was designed. Despite all the simulations, concept testing and 3D modeling that the automotive industry uses (and in some ways, it races ahead of the building industry’s predicative capacity), it’s simply not possible to design a car in a lab and then predict exactly what city and highway mileage you will get when you start driving. Understanding this concept as it relates to whole-building performance and energy models (and communicating this to our clients) will be a key factor in the success of highperformance building codes. This is also the key to architects embracing a new generation of energy modeling software currently in development at national energy labs. The AIA is involved in

the development of several of these new, rather user-friendly tools, which will be tailored to the specific professional expertise of architects.

An Energy Modeling Summit Today, the fragmented field of building energy modeling suffers from a lack of standardized inputs, the need for new and better modeling algorithms, and a wide variety of other challenges. These tools are often ad hoc and arbitrary in their application, and the Energy Modeling Innovation Summit hosted by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) that I recently attended in Boulder, Colo., was an important step in the right direction toward closing these gaps. All this is about to change with CALGreen and the IGCC, and the many local green building ordinances already in place across the United States. If you and your firm want to get ahead of the curve, consider taking the time to identify and build ongoing relations with design professionals with specialized energy modeling expertise. Do not assume your MEP engineers have the needed expertise (or proper scope) to use energy modeling as part of the iterative design process. As a sign of hope for the future on this subject, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that more than a few of the experienced energy modelers who attended the RMI summit were architecturally trained before finding an affinity for energy modeling. Hopefully, some young architects will also choose to explore this new permutation of design and practice. It’s a field that is about to grow rapidly in the coming years. The last thing any architect wants after a project receives its building permit is to realize the design does not meet new high-performance building codes, only the building codes we’ve already spent our careers getting to know. Being sent back to the drawing board by the code official at this late stage in the game can set off chain reactions that might just sink a project forever. If the code violation points to the overall design and aesthetic of the façade, changing it might require going back to the local planning review board. If they don’t like the amended, codecompliant design, this surprise round of public input can lead to some awkward conversations with clients. No matter what the building code says, our clients assume we know how to design to meet it. The AIA is working to help all members avoid this scenario as much as possible. This includes working across the institute and with our industry partners to prepare tools and resources for the game changer that is high-performance building codes. The subject of energy modeling is of such importance for architects to understand that it’s a major focus of sustainable education programs and my work at the AIA. ASHRAE recently held a three-day meeting in Atlanta on the subject called Energy Modeling: Tools for Designing High Performance Buildings where I was a co-keynote speaker with the president of ASHRAE, Lynn G. Bellenger. The conference’s goal was to explain building energy modeling and computer-aided building simulations by providing a program that focuses on understanding, manipulating and optimizing building design choices and dynamics. The program covered modeling fundamentals, building component contributions, daylighting, the impact of renewable sources and waste energy recovery, system right-sizing, and 3D computer simulation advantages. The AIA has formed an energy modeling working group that is actively developing a practitioner’s guide on how to use energy modeling in the design process. An AIA document will provide an overview of all available energy modeling tools and engines, their interoperability with CAD and 3D software, questions you should ask your energy modeler, and other information written with architects’ expertise and technical understanding in mind. The guide will be published in December 2011. WILLIAM J. WORTHEN, AIA, IS DIRECTOR AND RESOURCE ARCHITECT FOR SUSTAINABILITY AT THE AIA. HE MAY BE CONTACTED AT BILLWORTHEN@AIA.ORG.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

Reader Service No. 133 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

STUDIO By Georgy Olivieri, LEED AP

Product Environmental Attributes USING LEED CREDIT 43 TO DOCUMENT GSA GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS.

LEED CREDIT 43 VALIDATES THE USE OF CERTIFIED PRODUCTS THAT INCLUDE DOCUMENTATION ABOUT MATERIALS, INGREDIENTS, SUSTAINABLE ATTRIBUTES AND LIFE CYCLE.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

In June, when the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) introduced Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Pilot Credit 43 — Certified Products — the agency began paving the way for organizations to document products’ environmental attributes through approved third-party certifiers. A big winner from the launch of this pilot credit is the Government Services Administration (GSA) and the way in which it supports the government’s requirement to document

the environmental attributes of green products. In 2009, when President Barack Obama signed Federal Executive Order 13514 (Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance), he set several new federal energy requirements in areas including, but not limited to: accountability and transparency, strategic sustainability performance planning, sustainable buildings and communities, fleet and transportation management, and pollution prevention and waste reduction. In short, the government began requiring that all new and renovated GSA buildings follow and meet LEED guidelines. Until now, there has not been a specific LEED credit or document validating which third-party environmental attribute certifiers are USGBC-approved to meet the requirements set forth in the mandate. During the last few years, the GSA has primarily sought products with certifications from programs such as American National Standards Institute/Business and Institutional Furniture Manufactures Association (ANSI/BIFMA) level, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Cradle to Cradle, to help meet LEED certification guidelines. Although third-party certifier programs were not recognized by the USGBC until LEED Pilot Credit 43, government designers and facility managers, on their own, identified which manufacturers’ products passed rigorous, holistic environmental review. LEED Pilot Credit 43 validates the use of certified products that

include transparent documentation about a product’s materials, ingredients, sustainable attributes and life cycle — all of which are needed to meet the mandate. The credit aims to help facilities increase the use of products that incorporate a holistic view to sustainability through materials, economic impact and corporate social responsibility. A list of approved certifications and labels is available on the USGBC website, in the LEED Pilot Credit Library, www.usgbc.org. To apply for the credit, a minimum of 10 percent of the dollar value of installed, non-structural products and materials must meet the approved certifications or life-cycle analysis (LCA) criteria listed in LEED Pilot Credit 43. The credit can be obtained through two separate paths, 1) products can be certified to recognized third-party standards, such as ANSI/BIFMA level, and 2) manufacturers can offer product sustainability data in approved and public formats. There is not a timeline for the evaluation of LEED Pilot Credit 43 or when it will move through the LEED member ballot process. Anyone interested in commenting on the elements of the credit can visit www.LEEDuser.com. GEORGY OLIVIERI, LEED AP, MBA, SERVES AS KIMBALL OFFICE’S DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES. SHE CAN BE REACHED AT GEORGY.OLIVIERI@KIMBALL.COM.

Flooring created foreverystepyoutake... for the facts.

2Q DYHUDJH PRVW SHRSOH VSHQG DV PXFK DV RI WKHLU WLPH LQGRRUV &HQWLYD Ă RRUV contribute to better living, learning, and working spaces. All Centiva products are FloorScoreÂŽ &HUWLĂ&#x20AC; HG DQG DGKHVLYHV DUH *5((1*8$5' &HUWLĂ&#x20AC; HG This means our products have met stringent indoor air quality emissions requirements and offer a low VOC solution for interior environments.

'REENBUILD s "OOTH Reader Service No. 153 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

Shown above: Centiva chips on their way to be recycled.

STUDIO By Ashley Katz

What’s NEXT? GREENBUILD 2011 WILL SHOWCASE WHAT’S UPCOMING FOR LEED.

GREENBUILD IS THE PLACE TO LEARN FIRSTHAND ABOUT WHAT’S NEXT IN LEED FROM THE EXPERTS.

This year’s Greenbuild is all about what’s NEXT — from a sneak peak at what’s NEXT in product and service innovations, to what’s NEXT in business and sustainability in our nation’s cities. For those with a finger on the pulse of the LEED green building rating system, Greenbuild is the place to learn firsthand about what’s NEXT in LEED from the experts as well as earn continuing education credits for a variety of professional credentials like the LEED AP. Continuous improvement of LEED is in its DNA, and with the increased prevalence of green codes and the increased uptake of LEED certification, evolution is necessary in order to maintain its position as a leadership tool. The next update to the rating system, coined LEED 2012, just completed its second public comment and builds on the foundation of LEED 2009, including the alignment and weighting of credits and further advancing the “bookshelf” framework where credits are applied to specific building types. The draft also places increased emphasis on integrative process and building performance. Updates and guidance to LEED 2012 are woven throughout the Greenbuild programming and include a handful of standalone sessions focusing entirely on the update. The Greenbuild Master Series will feature well-known speakers and leaders in the green building world along with USGBC’s own staff.

NEXT Events Wednesday, Oct. 5: The first of Greenbuild’s Master Series ses-

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

sions, LEED Performance and Recertification (RD15), will pair Garvin Gardi of The Christman Company and Lauren Yarmuth from YRG Sustainability for a dialogue about building performance tracking and improvement. Attendees will also learn about the new LEED Recertification Program, which uses the Building Performance Partnership (BPP) framework and updates to LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, to allow projects to easily maintain, improve and verify their operational performance. The session will take place at 8:30 a.m. in Theatre 102, North Building, and qualifies for 1.5 CE hours for GBCI’s Credential Maintenance Program and LEEDspecific for BD+C, ID+C and O+M. Thursday, Oct. 6: As a market transformation instrument, LEED engages building project teams in a way that connects strategies to a defined set of goals through the point allocation, or weightings, process. LEED’s impact categories were developed to answer the question: What do we want LEED projects to accomplish? USGBC’s own staff will team up with CTG Energetics for a discussion on weighing in LEED 2012 in the session Point Allocation (Weightings) Process and Outcomes for LEED 2012 (SU13). The session will discuss the theory behind the weightings process, how the impact categories and their components were developed and how these differ in the update to LEED. The session will take place at 2:30 p.m. in Room 701B, South Building and qualifies for 1 CE

hour for GBCI’s CMP program and LEED-specific for BD+C, ID+C, O+M, HOMES, ND. Friday, Oct. 7: The aptly named session LEED 2012: The Next Version of LEED (SL15), taking place at 9 a.m., will bring together chairs of the LEED Committees for a look into the decisions behind the changes in LEED and discuss some of the more complex issues that have arisen during the development process. The session will take place in Theatre 102, North Building, and qualifies for 1.5 CE hours for GBCI’s Credential Maintenance Program and LEEDspecific for BD+C, ID+C, O+M, Homes and ND. Packed schedule? Don’t worry! If you can’t make it to all of the specialty updates and Master Series Sessions, USGBC’s NEXT Team will bring you up to speed during the Closing Plenary session on Friday, Oct. 7 in Constitution Hall, North Building. USGBC’s Scot Horst, senior vice president of LEED; Mahesh Ramanujam, chief information officer; Rachel Gutter, director of USGBC’s Center for Green Schools; and Chris Pyke, vice president of research, will tell the story of what’s NEXT for green building and USGBC’s future plans and budding technologies. For late-breaking announcements and information onsite, follow @USGBC on Twitter using hashtag #greenbuild. ASHLEY KATZ IS MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR USGBC.

Selection tip for continuous insulation (ci):

It shouldn’t burn! Unlike rigid foam, non-combustible Thermaﬁber RainBarrier 姞 provides thermal AND ﬁre protection in rain screen/cavity wall construction.

LIFE SAFETY RainBarrier insulation remains intact at 2,080° F, even after 5 hours of testing. (Rigid foam melts at 300° F.)

SUSTAINABILITY RainBarrier is made of 70% to 90% recycled materials. (Rigid foam includes no more than 40% recycled content.)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RainBarrier provides equal or better R-value (up to 4.2/inch) for less than the price of rigid foam and contributes to 33 LEED姞 credits.

To learn more about Thermafiber RainBarrier: Contact your field representative. Call 1-888-834-2371. Visit www.thermafiber.com/rainbarrier.

Thermafiber RainBarrier is available in light or dark fiber to help camouflage the insulation in open-joint systems (or ventilated façades).

LEED姞 is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council. THERMAFIBER姞, RAINBARRIER姞 and THE NAME IN MINERAL WOOL姞 are registered trademarks of Thermaﬁber Inc.

Reader Service No. 155 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

YOUR PARTNER FOR RAINWATER HARVESTING

RAIN OR SHINE Rainwater Harvesting makes sense for sustainability—conserving water and protecting the environment. It also offers a great ROI for your business—saving money and helping you meet LEED goals. At BRAE, we’re passionate about rainwater harvesting. We continually search out the best products and combine them into our BRAE Complete™ Systems, and then work closely with you to tailor those systems to your exact needs. Let us show you how.

AIA Professionals: Earn GBCI CE hours for LEED Credentials. Take our course at braewater.com! Visit our unique Rainwater Calculator Tool at braewater.com/calculator and find out the rainwater collection potential for your business.

FIND YOUR BALANCE™

BRAEWATER.COM Reader Service No. 120 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

SPECIAL SECTION

Certified Wood

Welcome to ED+C’s Certiﬁed Wood special section. The following pages address this popular building material and some of the programs claiming to offer responsible harvesting and forestry management. The opinions expressed in the following articles and columns are those of the authors and do not necessarily reﬂect the position of ED+C.

SPECIAL SECTION

Certified Wood

Buying Local EXAMINING THE COMPLEXITY OF HOW MATERIAL SELECTION CAN EITHER CONTRIBUTE TO OR OFFSET THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF TRANSPORTATION. By Helen Goodland

lacing special emphasis on the use of local materials is a popular approach to reducing the environmental impacts of construction projects. Sourcing materials within 500 miles of the site is a fairly straightforward way to earn one to two points under the Regional Materials credit in the LEED rating system (see sidebar). However, the reality may be more complex, and it may not be safe to assume

that the pursuit of this credit will reduce the environmental impact of your project. The primary impacts of transportation are the fossil fuels used in conveyance and the associated GHG emissions. But it is simplistic to consider these impacts independently from what is being transported and why. The interplay of all the environmental impacts of materials needs to be considered in totality and objectively assessed. Unlike

in Europe, there are no regulations in Canada which require accountability from product manufacturers for the environmental impacts of raw-material extraction, production, transportation, etc. The magnitude of these impacts can be significant and building materials are particularly problematic. Large amounts of energy are required for the manufacture of most common construction materials such as steel, glass and concrete.

While it may seem somewhat counterintuitive, transportationÂ impacts are not necessarily a function of distance. Mode of transportation matters a lot. A product travelling a long distance in a highly efficient mode may have a smaller environmental footprint than a product with fewer miles to travel in an inefficient carrier. LEED sets out transportation efficiencies as follows: shipping by truck (2,127 kJ/ton-km) is more than six times

IMAGE COURTESY OF WWW.NATURALLYWOOD.COM.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

Sustainable design. Begins with the right building blocks.

Highlights: . Over 600 manufacturers of a wide range of structural, finishing and engineered products . Technical expertise to answer questions on specific product information, installation inquiries and more . Douglas-fir, western red cedar, pine beetle wood and many other species . Case studies on sports and entertainment venues, schools and the latest innovations in wood technology . Green building tools

Visit www.naturallywood.com/edc for more information.

British Columbia wood. Sustainable by nature. Innovative by design.

Reader Service No. 199 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

SPECIAL SECTION

Certified Wood

LEED MR CREDIT 5: REGIONAL MATERIALS

From LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System (updated May 2011) Intent: To increase demand for building materials and products that are extracted and manufactured within the region, thereby supporting the use of indigenous resources and reducing the environmental impacts resulting from transportation. Requirements: Use building materials or products that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well as manufactured, within 500 miles of the project site for a minimum of 10 or 20 percent, based on cost, of the total materials value. If only a fraction of a product or material is extracted, harvested or recovered and manufactured locally, then only that percentage (by weight) can contribute to the regional value. The minimum percentage regional materials for each point threshold is as follows: Regional Materials Points 10 percent — 1 point 20 percent — 2 points Mechanical, electrical and plumbing components and specialty items such as elevators and equipment must not be included in this calculation. Include only materials permanently installed in the project. Furniture may be included if it is included consistently in MR Credit 3: Materials Reuse through MR Credit 7: Certiﬁed Wood. Potential Technologies & Strategies: Establish a project goal for locally sourced materials, and identify materials and material suppliers that can achieve this goal. During construction, ensure that the speciﬁed local materials are installed, and quantify the total percentage of local materials installed. Consider a range of environmental, economic and performance attributes when selecting products and materials.

IMAGE COURTESY OF WWW.NATURALLYWOOD.COM.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

worse than rail (373 kJ/ton-km) and more than 15 times worse than ship (138 kJ/ton-km). So, shipping 1 ton of wood from Vancouver to Asia is roughly the same energy-wise as driving 1 ton of steel from Vancouver to Calgary (973 km) in a truck. A report by Forintek on Japan’s Woodmiles system corroborates the same principle, maintaining that “1 kilometer of truck travel is equivalent to 31.9 kilometers of ocean travel on a bulk carrier.” The report, which is concerned with the transport of lumber from Canada to Japan, states that instead of doubling Japan’s self-sufficiency in logs, a faster way to attain the same carbon dioxide reduction would be to shift some of Japan’s imports from Canadian logs to Canadian sawn lumber, which is less dense and lighter to transport. The UK is the first to have a Publicly Available Specification — PAS 2050 — for assessing carbon footprint of individual products. This methodology brings together all carbon impacts (transportation, raw material extraction, manufacture, etc). “Carbon Footprint of Four Canadian Wood Products Delivered to the UK as per PAS 2050 Methodology,” a study

SPECIAL SECTION prepared by the Athena Institute and FP Innovations (available at www. naturallywood.com) assessed four British Columbia wood products of interest to the UK market. Despite being transported more than approximately 16,000 km, all four Canadian products represent a net carbon sink upon delivery in the UK. Using transportation as a metric of environmental impact is clearly limited. The solution is for buildings to be assessed using a life-cycle impact assessment methodology. This process analyzes total environmental impacts of all materials and energy flows, either as input or output, over the life of a product from raw material to end-of-life disposal or rebirth as a new product. Increasingly, some companies (such as Interface), industries (such as the BC Forestry industry) and countries (such as France), are looking to life-cycle analysis (LCA) as a standard method (defined by ISO 14040) with which to assess and report environmental impacts. Under Loi Grenelle 2, France now requires environmental product declarations (EPDs) to be in place for a host of product categories. Tools such as BEES provide quick, graphical comparisons of products (free download or online from www.nist.gov/el/economics/ BEESSoftware.cfm). Athena’s spreadsheet-based application, EcoCalculator, comes preloaded with a wide range of envelope and structural assemblies for a series of North American climate zones and urban centers. It is easy to use and free to download (available at www.athenasmi.ca). Athena’s Impact Estimator can assess whole buildings with data input from drawings and/or bills of quantity. All of these systems will enable the full range of impacts to be considered, not just transportation.

Certified Wood

Clearly, mainstream adoption of LCA will only happen when building owners are motivated either by regulations or by market demand for this information. However, with so many accessible tools available, LCA thinking can start today and can inform designs from schematic stage forward. You may be surprised by what you find out. HELEN GOODLAND IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LIGHT HOUSE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CENTRE. LOCATED IN VANCOUVER, B.C., CANADA, LIGHT HOUSE IS A ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR INFORMATION, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND FRIENDLY ADVICE; A VOICE FOR CONSUMERS; AND AN INDUSTRY CATALYST FOR GOVERNMENT, ACADEMIA AND BUSINESS.

TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS Light House provides LEED documentation services to a wide range of projects across Canada. For every project, the transportation impacts are deﬁned the region in which the project is being built. In general, the further the project is from logistics centers, the greater the impact. When it comes to large volume products used in the projects on our books (mostly in Western Canada), we ﬁnd the following travel distances generally hold: Q Concrete — less than 100 km Q Cement, Sand, Aggregate — less than 500 km to the batch plant Q Dimensional Lumber — less than 1,000K km (Alb., B.C., Wash., Ore.) Q Engineered structural wood products — less than 800 km (USA) Q Steel studs — less than 800 km (quite a lot of U.S.-based plants), some have high recycled content from local scrap, others ship raw steel from Asia Q Structural steel — Korea and China (~14,000 km)

Reader Service No. 112 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

www.EDCmag.com

SPECIAL SECTION

Certified Wood

LEED: Lessons from the Fiber Side BUSINESSES ON THE SOLID WOOD SIDE OF THE FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY SHOULD SEE THESE TRENDS AS AN OPPORTUNITY. By Corey Brinkema and Howard Connell

s the U.S. Green Building Council updates its LEED program, there are valuable lessons the forest products industry can learn from the fiber side where booming demand for FSC-certified products has become a leading driver for change within the sector. At the top of the list of lessons is this one: High standards work. Since releasing its first sustainability goals in 1994, Kimberly-Clark (K-C), maker of Kleenex and Scott brands among others, has been setting and working toward industry-leading environmental improvement goals. Often K-C has been able to exceed the high goals ahead of the deadline. For example, in 2009, K-C adopted a groundbreaking fiber procurement policy that included a commitment to using 40 percent of either post-consumer recycled or FSC-certified fiber in all North American tissue products by the end of 2011. By the end of 2010, nearly 57 percent of North American fiber was FSC-certified or recycled, exceeding the goal by a wide margin and a year early. These procurement goals have had very real effects on improving forest management. Across North America, 135 million acres of forestland have been certified to FSC’s high standards, in part to meet demand from K-C. And we expect much more forestland to follow, especially as K-C and other industry players continue to grow the demand for FSC-certified fiber. Which brings us to the second lesson we’ve learned: By clearly signaling commitment to high standards, the market will respond. Through strong predictable demand, K-C has played a critical role in growing the market for products from responsibly managed forests, which is driving the supply side to expand availability of more sustainable solutions. While the potential benefits from an increase in FSC-certified forestland span North America, in places like the Southeastern U.S. they are especially significant. These forests have the highest biodiversity, face the greatest threats of conversion to non-forest uses and are the source of the majority of U.S. fiber. So, by clearly communicating consistent, high standards, K-C is able to help shape the marketplace and can point to real improvements in the forest.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE FSC.

The final lesson relates to the other two: There is no going backwards. The market demands constant improvement and everhigher standards. In pulp, paper and tissue, demand for FSCcertified products is exploding. Companies like K-C have demonstrated that FSC certification is a viable part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy. And while it’s not realistic to expect any company to change overnight, leadership and aggressive goal setting is a proven recipe for success.

With these three lessons in mind, businesses on the solid wood side of the forest products industry should see these trends as both a bellwether of things to come and a business opportunity. COREY BRINKEMA IS PRESIDENT OF FSC US, AND HOWARD CONNELL IS GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY LEADER FOR KIMBERLYCLARK PROFESSIONAL.

SPECIAL SECTION

Certified Wood

Guiding Principles A KEY FACTOR IN HELPING TO SECURE FOREST HEALTH IS AS SIMPLE AS REMEMBERING ONE OF LEED’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES. By Eric Palola

he U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has articulated seven “Guiding Principles” to help make decisions. One of the seven seems especially timely now as the organization overhauls its LEED program: Establish Leadership. The principle emphasizes USGBC’s role in driving societal changes “that achieve a more robust triple bottom line.” Unfortunately, much of the second LEED 2012 draft is at odds with this laudable principle, especially when considered through the lens of forest health. As America’s largest conservation organization — with more than four million members — the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) works to protect and restore wildlife habitat, confront global warming and connect people with nature. With such ambitious goals, NWF looks for all forms of leverage to advance its mission. So, it is no wonder that NWF views LEED as a potentially powerful tool — but only if the bar is set high. After reviewing the proposed revisions to LEED, NWF has come to the conclusion that USGBC can and should do much better for U.S. forests. This second draft is a big step backwards from the market-transforming standards set in earlier versions of LEED. It’s important to remember that in the U.S., particularly in the Southeast and Pacific Northwest, there are still very harmful industrial forest practices that damage wildlife habitat, harm water quality, threaten endangered species and release climate pollution. In short, barely legal forestry in the U.S. is not good enough to be called “green.” NWF’s concerns with the LEED 2012 draft are shared widely among its colleagues in other leading environmental organizations. And while there are many details, the concerns are motivated primarily by an over-reliance on vague, unproven life-cycle assessment (LCA) and “bio-based” tools that fail to account for many of the values in forests. For example, all wood looks the same to LCA, even if it was harvested in a way that degrades water quality or destroys old growth habitat. It is clear that all wood is not the same. And the very values LCA ignores are the ones USGBC professes to be guided

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE FSC.

by in its effort to promote triple bottom line outcomes. To be truly green, a standard must go above and beyond what is required by law. This isn’t just NWF’s opinion, it’s the definition for green marketing claims set by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC also has a name for calling something “green” that doesn’t meet the legal requirements: greenwash. At a high level, the solutions are straightforward: Connect minimum performance standards to bio-based credits. For wood, the minimum acceptable standard is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. Limit reliance on LCA to one transparency credit. LCA is an important emerging tool and incentivizing development of LCA tools is good, but the credits awarded should take into account the relatively nascent state of LCA science and application. And finally, create incentives for FSC Pure (now known as FSC 100%) while also crediting FSC Mix. As the market matures, there

will be more opportunity for FSC 100%, but that is not the reality today. USGBC is at a crossroads. Created with strong support from environmental groups and design leaders, USGBC has grown into an organization with global impact that shapes billions of dollars of investment. As a large organization itself, NWF understands well the challenges of growth. Yet to grow gracefully, commitment to mission and guiding principles must always remain front and center. And in the case of the LEED 2012 update, it seems the USGBC may have stepped off this path. Luckily, there is still time for significant revisions before the members vote on the standard next year. ERIC PALOLA IS SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR FORESTS AT THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION.

www.EDCmag.com

SPECIAL SECTION

Certified Wood

2010 Design & Build with FSC Award Winners IN ANTICIPATION OF THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION, WE TAKE A LOOK BACK AT THE WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT LAST YEAR’S GREENBUILD.

he Design & Build with FSC Award honors designers and builders who are committed to using FSC-certified wood and creating a marketplace that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically prosperous forest management. This award is open to homeowners, architects, interior designers, general contractors, builders, consultants and other professionals committed to using FSC-certified wood. Each year, the winners of this award are announced at Greenbuild. In anticipation of the 2011 winners, we take a look back at the winning projects from 2010.

2010 Residential Award Winner: The Vermont Street Project Q Location: Portland, Ore. Q Architect & General Contractor: New Energy Works Q Owner: Jonathan Orpin All of the solid wood used in this 2,000-square-foot home is FSC-certified — reclaimed, recycled or freshly sawn. The home features: Q Reclaimed timber frame Q Reclaimed and repurposed flooring Q Reclaimed wood cabinets, counters, doors and custom dining table Q Reclaimed exterior siding and decking Q Fresh-sawn flooring and paneling The Vermont Street Project is the result of the homeowner’s nearly three decades in the business of custom timberwork and environmentally sensitive design and construction. The beauty of this home is a direct reflection of selecting and showcasing the resilient, organic fibers only nature can produce and the mindfulness of choosing 100-percent reclaimed, recycled and sustainably managed forest products. The exposed timber frame timber functions as both the structural integrity of the home and as part of the aesthetic that defines its interior spaces and Pacific Northwest architecture. The keystone of the house is a peeled, smooth FSC-certified log that spans two stories on an outside

corner of the house. Creative woodworking is displayed through interior doors featuring wood salvaged from pickle vats, still containing dark mineral stains left by the brine. In addition to the FSC-certified woods, wood waste serves a role in the insulation and insulated concrete forms in the home’s foundation. The house is a candidate for LEED Platinum certification.

2010 Commercial Award Winner: FondAction Building Quebec Q Location: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Q Architect: GHA Architecture et Développement Durable Q Owner: FondAction CSN pour la coopération et l’emploi The structure of this six-floor, 60,000-square-foot office building is composed entirely of FSC-certified glued-laminated (glu-lam) wood. Having substituted wood for the more typical steel and concrete structure, the FondAction building is now the tallest wood structure building in North America. The final building integrates about 415 MBF of wood, of which approximately one-half are structural glu-lams, while more than 200 MBF remain uncovered, and therefore visible, in the floors and ceilings. FSCcertified wood is showcased throughout the building’s interior, including the doors and door frames, architectural walls and wall coverings, and a suspended wooden ceiling in the main entrance. The use of high-quality engineered wooden glu-lams for the building structure not only eliminated the need for almost two times the volume of concrete, but also made use of spruce heads abandoned on the forest floor by the lumber industry and will provide natural insulation that will reduce energy consumption for the life of the building. The project team was inspired by an International Panel on Climate Change report that found using structural wood instead of concrete and steel in construction is an effective way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Considering only its construction phase, this building succeeded in producing a net carbon reduction of 1,350 tons of carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas equivalent produced by 270 cars in one year.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF THE FSC.

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

YOU MIGHT THINK INTEGRATING A SUSTAINABLE ROOFING SYSTEM INTO A WHOLE BUILDING DESIGN IS A REAL BALANCING ACT . . .

INTRODUCING ROOFPOINT WHAT IS ROOFPOINT? • • • •

ELEVATINGENVIRONMENTALPERFORMANCE™

WHY ROOFPOINT?

Guideline for the selection of sustainable roofing systems Checklist to evaluate economic and environmental benefits Assessment System to compare alternative strategies Certification Program

•

• •

Annual potential of 700 trillion BTU in energy savings and 125,000 megawatts of renewable energy production Guideline to address commercial re-rooﬁng market Make responsible and sustainable rooﬁng decisions

ROOFPOINT PILOT PROGRAM The pilot program has been established to identify and qualify rooﬁng projects. Evaluations are underway. Contact Center staﬀ at info@roofpoint.org if you are interested in participating. Learn more at www.roofpoint.org.

Reader Service No. 218 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

roofpointsponsoredby RoofPoint™ is an exclusive trademark of the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing

SPECIAL SECTION

REDUCING AIR INFILTRATION IN A HOME HAS A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY. PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTISTIC HOMES.

CLOSING THE AIR SEALING AND ATTENTION TO IAQ OFFER A BOOST FOR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY.

ith increasing demands for greener housing and pending building code changes, more attention is being placed on the well-documented fact that air leakage is critical to home energy efficiency. It’s a fact that’s foremost for builder Tom Wade, president of Artistic Homes in New Mexico. Founded by his father Jerry Wade 44 years ago, Artistic Homes today has built more than 5,300 high-performance homes and currently builds 100 percent of homes to LEED-H Silver, Gold or Platinum certification. Jerry and Tom Wade first took a decisive focus on building science in 1999, when Artistic partnered with the Department of Energy’s Build America program. All homes are built to a HERS rating of 54 or below. Annu-

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTISTIC HOMES.

By Anissa Benich

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTISTIC HOMES.

ally, about 40 percent of Artistic Homes are built with either the company’s “Net-Zero” or “Solar 30” near-zero options. “Air-sealing a home to reduce air infiltration has a huge impact on energy efficiency. Air tightness is the byproduct of doing building science correctly. When we hold air tightness as a goal, then we know we’ve built a house the correct way,” says Tom Wade. “Unfortunately,” Wade says, “there are some builders with poor construction practices who use sprayfoam to cover up problems. While they’re achieving air tightness, it’s not the end result of good building practices. If you achieve air tightness through proper building practices and application of building science, then you know you’ve built a good home on every level. “A basic aspect is framing — unless it’s done correctly, you’re not going to achieve energy efficiency. That’s plain black and white. With thermal imaging, you can easily see the inefficiencies with poor framing,” says Wade. Interested in advancements that could improve the performance of his already-tight homes, Wade turned to Knauf Insulation’s EcoSeal System, a water-based elastomeric spray used in conjunction with its fiber glass blown-in or batt insulation. The GREENGUARD Children and Schools-certified EcoSeal is applied with an airless sprayer and dries to a flexible tough film. It has the ability to penetrate gaps as small as 1/16” to take care of areas that aren’t effectively sealed by foam. Wade does not use open- or closed-cell sprayfoam insulation because of its petroleum base and potential for off-gassing. Historically, he had achieved tightness by hand-sealing joints with caulk or expanding foam and using a BIBS insulation system. “We spent a lot of time caulking and foaming prior to insulation. EcoSeal is an ideal replacement for much of that work,” Wade says. “If you do building science and building techniques correctly, it

helps you create a more efficient, quality home.” The net-zero homes Artistic produces feature efficient 15-SEER air conditioning units. “Proper sealing and insulation make a huge impact with HVAC. We can right-size our equipment to create savings in equipment dollars,” Wade notes. Many of Artistic’s “near-zero” customers have utility bills that are only around $35. In addition to approximate energy savings of $200 a month, Artistic’s

ARTISTIC HOMES FOCUSES ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY TO INCREASE OCCUPANT SAFETY AND COMFORT. PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTISTIC HOMES.

net-zero customers could also contribute to the grid with their solar power, earning payment for their energy production. “If the house wasn’t air tight,” Wade adds, “we would have to upsize all our equipment. That would result in a vicious cycle of inefficiency and a lack of in-room comfort. You’d have a hot/cold effect because your equipment’s too big. Having proper insulation and air tightness allows us to

maintain overall room comfort and right-size the equipment.” The comfort factor has tremendous importance for Wade, who has both allergies and asthma. “I’ve lived in almost all of our homes throughout the years, so I’m a great guinea pig concerning air quality, of which I’m very sensitive. With our last set of homes prior to focusing on indoor air quality, I told my father that they just weren’t comfortable to live

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNAUF INSULATION.

www.EDCmag.com

CLOSING THE

ARTISTIC HOMESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; NET-ZERO OFFERINGS PRESENT OCCUPANTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPLY ELECTRICITY TO THE GRID. PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTISTIC HOMES.

AAir & Waterproof Barrier Systems

Tested to hurricane conditions

Proven where others fail FastFlash Air & Waterproof barrier systems for new construction and window retroďŹ ts.

Created, tested and proven 5P QSPUFDU UIF NPTU WVMOFSBCMF DPOOFDUJPOT JO UIF CVJMEJOH FOWFMPQF GSPN BJS BOE XBUFS MFBLT BOE DPOEFOTBUJPO GSPN FYUSFNF XFBUIFS OBUJPOXJEF

t XXX QSPTPDP DPN Reader Service No. 117 www.EDCmag.com/webcard

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

in because of the air quality. Temperature and everything else was great, but this was really the turning point that pushed us to expand our perspective and include high indoor air quality.â&#x20AC;? Artisticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homes are certified under ENERGY STARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Indoor Air package. Each home has HEPA-filtered fresh air ventilation and is backed by the builderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy-usage and comfort guarantee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We owe it to our customers to build a home that is structurally sound. At the same time, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to build a product that is going to make them sick,â&#x20AC;? Wade says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right now,â&#x20AC;? he adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;almost all the code changes are about energy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a lot of the traditional loss-of-life discussion on future code changes. As our enforcement agencies start adopting these energy codes, and builders who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully knowledgeable on building science are forced to tighten these homes up, we could see the effect of creating poor indoor air quality and water management problems,â&#x20AC;? says Wade. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The key is to follow the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;build it tight, ventilate it rightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rule, so you can add and control ventilation, and recover energy,â&#x20AC;? says Scott Miller, director of sustainability at Knauf Insulation. Foam options have inherent variability and the potential for lingering emission problems. With the tightness of the homes that Artistic builds, they cannot afford to take that chance. They were already meeting the ENERGY STAR standard of .35 natural air exchanges per hour, but we helped drop that to a .11 rate.â&#x20AC;? A speaker at the United Nations Global Climate Change Summit in Cancun, Wade is thrilled at the potential international progress of high-performance building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of international pressure to move homes to become much more energy efficient. Internationally, I think there are going to be a lot of synergies. When new innovations are made, hopefully Artistic will be at the leading edge with those. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exciting to be involved at the global level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really proud of the fact that over the last four years, in the deepest pits of the recession, is when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made our biggest leaps not only in energy efficiency, but also tremendous progress in green andÂ indoor air quality,â&#x20AC;? Wade says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jerry and Tom at Artistic are phenomenal builders,â&#x20AC;? Miller notes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They understand and sell life-cycle economics and the sustainability associated with it, and they care about social, environmental and people impacts â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the triple bottom line that we at Knauf Insulation value as a company. Artistic Homes reflect their innovative design and vision toward the future, and we are very proud that they use our products.â&#x20AC;? ANISSA BENICH IS KNAUF INSULATION MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER FOR NORTH AMERICA.

AWA R D S

Call for Entries

Visit eid.EDCmag.com for more details or to apply online now. Open to projects completed in the 2011 calendar year. Submissions are due February 1st, 2012. 2011 Early Bird Pricing: $50 per entry ($75 after Dec. 31, 2011)

2012 WINNERS OF THE EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS WILL GET: A full editorial spread in ED+C magazine detailing the project with a possible cover opportunity

NEW Category for 2012! Renovations & Retrofits

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE! Email Michelle Hucal: HucalM@bnpmedia.com

2011 Commercial Winner

Educational Winner

Residential Multifamily

Submitted by FXFOWLE Eleven Times Square

Submitted by S.I.M. Architects Buchanan Energy and Environmental Research Center

Submitted by Blue Sea Development Company LLC General Colin Powell Apartments

CREDIT: PHOTO COURTESY OF COE WILL, FXFOWLE

PHOTO CREDIT: MULLINS STUDIO

PHOTO COURTESY OF BERNSTEIN ASSOCIATES

Residential Single Family

Institutional Winner

Government Winner

Submitted by Arkin Tilt Architects Santa Cruz Strawbale House

Submitted by The Kubala Washatko Architects Inc. Madison Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum

Submitted by Opsis Architecture Bend Park & Recreation District Administration Building

PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.EDWARDCALDWELLPHOTO.COM

PHOTO CREDIT: ZANE WILLIAMS

CREDIT: PHOTO COURTESY OF OPSIS ARCHITECTURE/ALAN BRANDT

SPECIAL SECTION

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

Idea

GARDEN

Sustainable seeds take root and flourish in this 100-year-old renovated Victorian farmhouse.

By David Arkin, AIA, LEED AP

he owners, a gynecologist and a successful businessman internationally honored for his social awareness, had already dubbed their project as fertile ground for bringing together people and ideas when Arkin Tilt Architects stepped in. The nearly 100-year-old Victorian farmhouse clearly had good bones, but unfortunate facelifts and additions throughout the years had

left it somewhat listless as well as thermally challenged in both summer and winter. The design team approached the project with the inclination that the original Victorian charm should remain essentially unchanged, but that the renovated kitchen and dining room addition should have an open Zen sensibility, connecting it to the surrounding garden. Improving the home’s livability and energy efficiency were givens,

and Arkin Tilt sought to model appropriate technologies and innovative solutions. To improve the efficiency of the existing portion, a wrap of 2” rigid insulation was applied to the exterior, and new windows were installed throughout. Increased attic insulation was coupled with an “Ice-House” ventilated roof, featuring an air space that allows large volumes of air to flow through, keeping the spaces below cool and comfortable. www.EDCmag.com

Idea

GARDEN

IDEA GARDEN Project Location: Healdsburg, Calif. Size: 2,063 square feet (existing: 1,658/new: 405) Project Completion Date: December 2010 Owners: Will Rosenzweig and Carla Fraccia Architects: Arkin Tilt Architects Project Manager: Dan Johnson Prinicpal-in-Charge: David Arkin, AIA, LEED AP Builder: Earthtone Construction, Sebastopol, Calif. Photographer: Edward Caldwell, Edward Caldwell Photography, San Francisco, Calif. Materials Flooring: Heritage Salvage (reclaimed wide plank Douglas fir); Triangle Coatings (sealed concrete) Ceiling: Heritage Salvage (salvaged Douglas fir high school bleachers); salvaged Douglas fir spaced boards; existing rafters and ceiling framing (revealed, preserved, wire brushed and reinstalled); original plaster in Victorian portions of home Wood: Berry’s Sawmill (exterior Redwood siding); FSC-certified framing lumber; TREX (recycled composite decking); Madrone post from local forest thinning Roofing: Custom-Bilt Metals (ventilated “Ice-House” roof) HVAC System and Appliances: ThermalBoard (radiant subfloor under wood); radiant heating in concrete; baseboard hydronic heaters reused in existing home; Phoenix “Evolution” (combined solar space heating and domestic hot water system); high-efficiency modulating condensing boiler; Airscape (whole-house fan); Bosch (washer, dryer and dishwasher); KitchenAid (refrigerator) Insulation or ICFs: Dense-pack blown cellulose in walls and roofs; rigid exterior insulation wrap: 1” polyisocyanurate at existing walls and roof; 4” EPS underslab insulation Interior Finishes and Furnishings: Craigslist (dining room table: salvaged bowling alley); custom bathroom door from salvaged wood slabs; integrated compost and recycling bins Paints and Wallcoverings: American Clay (confetti-clay wall finish at entry, finish in dining room); Benjamin Moore (paint); original wallpaper preserved in existing portions of the home Energy Efficiency: Heliodyne (solar hot water collectors); passive solar design with deep overhangs, awnings and porches for summer shading; Cardinal (low-E glazing) Building Envelope: Loewen (windows and doors); HardiePlank (rainscreen cladding and wood siding); 4” EPS beneath radiant slabs Plumbing Fixtures: Toto (dual flush toilet); Waterworks (low-flow showerhead); Stone Forest (sink) Landscaping: edible, native and low-water landscape; entry gate and garden sculptures of salvaged and found materials by Jordy Morgan

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

The added kitchen and dining room boast ample south-facing windows with carefully designed overhangs, awnings and porches that shade the high summer and afternoon sun. Like the Victorian, this new wing features high ceilings that allow the warmer air to stratify near the ceiling.

The owners report that “The house now provides an entirely different level of comfort and performance — a quantum leap forward — which has transformed the way we use our weekend home. In the past, the house got so cold that we just could not use the home much. It would take literally

24 hours to heat the interior to a comfortable level, using both the wood stove and the inefficient baseboard heating. Now the house maintains a comfortable temperature all day and night with little or no supplemental heating. So, the renovation has not only transformed the comfort, but our use www.EDCmag.com

Idea

GARDEN

after

before

of the house as well. Now we are at the house every weekend during the winter without having to wear our down coats and long underwear.” While minimally used, heating is provided by a solar-assisted domestic hot water and spaceheating system featuring the innovative Phoenix “Evolution” all-in-one system for radiant heat in the new addition. Exist-

ed+c

O C TOB E R 1 1

ing baseboard hydronic heats the old Victorian portion. Solar collectors are hidden behind the clerestory windows that bring direct sunlight and daylight to the kitchen, located on the north side of the new wing. The owners continue, “The biggest difference that we have been able to ascertain is dramatically reduced propane consumption, which powered

the old boiler for heating the downstairs. I would estimate that we have reduced the propane consumption by 50 percent or more. We have also eliminated burning wood or pressed wood logs entirely for heat. The house upgrade has added no additional electrical costs, even though we have additional pumps running the solar hydronic and have greatly

upgraded the (inadequate) lighting. We heat the upstairs with electric space heaters, which we use much more infrequently now that the house is insulated so well and retains a comfortable temperature, even in cold nighttime temperatures.” The Victorian portion of the home features windows installed from the exterior, so the historic interior molding

could be retained. The upstairs bathroom was fitted with a skylight over the shower, adding light and spaciousness to the small water closet. Locally made Heath tile lines the new shower, and a marble slab salvaged from wainscot at Brooks Brothers in San Francisco now serves as the vanity top; bamboo light fixtures add warmth.

Local craftsmen and sculptors were engaged for the “tansu” tub, uniquely carved bathroom door, dining room table of reused bowling lane, and custom pot rack over the kitchen island. Salvaged vertical grain Douglas fir “stadium select”-grade bleacher seating was re-planed to create warm, textured ceilings while simple clay paints and finishes complete the serene quality of

each of the rooms. The live-edge bench at the entry was crafted from a slab of walnut wood from a diseased tree that was removed. Connecting the home to the garden was the highest priority, and a 14-foot-wide multi-fold door completely opens the new dining room to the outdoors while shading the interior space from the western sun. The deep, covered porch features

an outdoor countertop and sink for washing vegetables on their way from the garden to the table, another simple way of bringing a serene feeling to this balanced house. DAVID ARKIN, AIA, LEED AP, IS A PRINCIPAL AND CO-FOUNDER OF ARKIN TILT ARCHITECTS ALONG WITH HIS WIFE AND CO-FOUNDER ANNI TILT, BSE, M.ARCH. VISIT WWW.ARKINTILT.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. www.EDCmag.com