TWO NEW PV SYSTEMS OFFER NON-PENETRATING INSTALLATION
Two new PV systems are available: 1) a rigid glass-based polycrystalline silicon module that can be installed on standing seam metal roofs using a non-penetrating clamp, and 2) a flexible, thin film module that can be adhered to the metal roof panel in a factory environment, allowing the PV array and roof panels to be installed simultaneously. These PV systems can be installed on existing and new metal roofs because they don’t penetrate the substrate. Furthermore, a metal roof likely will outlive the solar equipment, saving removal and replacement costs associated with other roof materials.
LIGHT SHELF ALLOWS FOR EASY CLEANING
The InLighten light shelf features an extruded-aluminum chassis system in several panel choices. It comes in depths of up to 30 inches of reflective surface. InLighten light shelf’s new design incorporates a unique mounting bracket that allows the panel to be tilted for cleaning, an important maintenance factor in schools, daycare centers, offices, and other commercial and institutional applications. The light shelf can be attached to multiple curtain wall systems and storefront framing systems for application in new construction and retrofits.
NEW COMBINATION FIRE ALARM/ECS MEETS NFPA, UL, DOD STANDARDS
The Farenhyt Emergency Communication System (ECS) provides fire alarm technology and mass notification capabilities in an all-in-one system. This real-time communications system meets the latest NFPA 72, UL 2572, and Department of Defense standards and runs on most wire-types, making it an effective retrofit option. As many as seven ECS-RCUs (“remote command units”) can tie into a facility’s Farenhyt ECS system to provide live paging in specific areas of a property. BD+C
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New Urbanist Andrés Duany: We need a LEED Brown rating
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| Feb 15, 2011
AIA on President Obama's proposed $1 billion investment in energy conservation
The President’s budget increases the value of investment in energy conservation in commercial buildings by roughly $1 billion, reports AIA 2011 President Clark Manus, FAIA. The significant increase from the current tax deduction of $1.80 per sq. ft. now on the books is an increase for which the AIA has been advocating in order to encourage energy conservation.
| Feb 14, 2011
Sustainable Roofing: A Whole-Building Approach
According to sustainability experts, the first step toward designing an energy-efficient roofing system is to see roof materials and systems as an integral component of the enclosure and the building as a whole. Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and successfully completing the online exam.
| Feb 11, 2011
Four Products That Stand Up to Hurricanes
What do a panelized wall system, a newly developed roof hatch, spray polyurethane foam, and a custom-made curtain wall have in common? They’ve been extensively researched and tested for their ability to take abuse from the likes of Hurricane Katrina.
| Feb 11, 2011
RS Means Cost Comparison Chart: Office Buildings
This month's RS Means Cost Comparison Chart focuses on office building construction.
| Feb 11, 2011
Sustainable features on the bill for dual-building performing arts center at Soka University of America
The $73 million Soka University of America’s new performing arts center and academic complex recently opened on the school’s Aliso Viejo, Calif., campus. McCarthy Building Companies and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects collaborated on the two-building project. One is a three-story, 47,836-sf facility with a grand reception lobby, a 1,200-seat auditorium, and supports spaces. The other is a four-story, 48,974-sf facility with 11 classrooms, 29 faculty offices, a 150-seat black box theater, rehearsal/dance studio, and support spaces. The project, which has a green roof, solar panels, operable windows, and sun-shading devices, is going for LEED Silver.
| Feb 11, 2011
BIM-enabled Texas church complex can broadcast services in high-def
After two years of design and construction, members of the Gateway Church in Southland, Texas, were able to attend services in their new 4,000-seat facility in late 2010. Located on a 180-acre site, the 205,000-sf complex has six auditoriums, including a massive 200,000-sf Worship Center, complete with catwalks, top-end audio and video system, and high-definition broadcast capabilities. BIM played a significant role in the building’s design and construction. Balfour Beatty Construction and Beck Architecture formed the nucleus of the Building Team.
| Feb 11, 2011
Kentucky’s first green adaptive reuse project earns Platinum
(FER) studio, Inglewood, Calif., converted a 115-year-old former dry goods store in Louisville, Ky., into a 10,175-sf mixed-use commercial building earned LEED Platinum and holds the distinction of being the state’s first adaptive reuse project to earn any LEED rating. The facility, located in the East Market District, houses a gallery, event space, offices, conference space, and a restaurant. Sustainable elements that helped the building reach its top LEED rating include xeriscaping, a green roof, rainwater collection and reuse, 12 geothermal wells, 81 solar panels, a 1,100-gallon ice storage system (off-grid energy efficiency is 68%) and the reuse and recycling of construction materials. Local firm Peters Construction served as GC.
