February 1, 2009, Glenview, IL – The Metal Construction Association and the Dept. of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have agreed on a multi-year research project aimed at evaluating the future needs of advanced metal roof and wall assemblies.
Knowing that building energy codes and standards will continue to become more stringent, the MCA recognized the need to generate data on dynamic metal roof and wall systems that can meet the anticipated requirements for energy efficiency. An important component of the research will be the evaluation of next-generation building-integrated photovoltaic technologies.
The project will involve ORNL’s Building Technology Research Center and will be aimed at evaluating the thermal performance of assemblies using alternative interface details. ORNL will utilize full-scale steady-state and dynamic testing of walls and roof assemblies using hot box conditions and climatic chambers, field testing, and computer modeling.
The study will specifically document thermal performance levels of systems to demonstrate compliance with the Council of American Building Officials Model Energy Code, ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 and ASHRAE 90.2.
According to MCA Technical Director Scott Kriner, “The timely research is intended to provide data to show metal’s role in improving building envelope performance. “
One of the missions of the ORNL Buildings Technology Research Center is to work with private industry to accelerate market penetration of the most promising energy efficient opaque building roof and wall technologies. The objective of this project is to assist manufacturers of building envelope systems to develop the necessary experimental and analytical data to accurately describe the energy efficiency of their technologies.
About MCA
MCA is an organization of manufacturers and suppliers whose metal products are used in structures throughout the world. It promotes the use of metal in the building envelope through education, advocacy of industry codes and standards, research, technical programs, marketing and achievement awards. For more information about MCA visit www.metalconstruction.org.
MCA also promotes the use of metal through its flagship event, METALCON International, a trade show and conference with a 48-session educational program and product exhibits from more than 300 companies. The 19th annual METALCON is slated for October 6-8, 2009 at the Tampa Bay Convention Center. For details visit www.metalcon.com.
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Marge O'Connor
Marketing Manager
Metal Construction Association
4700 W. Lake Ave, Glenview, IL 60025
Phone: 847-375-4392
