Why build "Green"

Sometimes its good to pause and step back and look at the big picture every once in a while.  This blog has talked a lot about a specific project's progress and the sustainable design and construction methods being utilized.  But maybe you would ask ...Why?  Why should we be building more sustainable?   That is a great question, I am glad you asked.

Lets back way up and look at what is going on around us on the planet.  There are 6.7 billion humans on Earth, with projections to reach 9 billion by 2050.  Oceans are being overfished and polluted.  Forests are being stripped faster than they can be replaced.  Oil extraction is estimated to have reached the midpoint with world demands continuing to rise.  Water consumption rose 6 fold in the last century – double the rate of population.  If these figures are correct, it is clear that the planet can not sustain our current rate of consumption.  Additionally while there is a lot of debate about climate change, it seems that there is consensus among the scientific community that the Earth has warmed about a degree in the last 100 years and they believe this is a result of human activity starting with the industrial revolution.  While the Earth has undergone natural warming and cooling, this would be the first time it was a result of human behavior and the trend shows this would continue to rise unless behavior is modified.

Okay, so there are large scale environmental issues to address.  Why does this matter to construction?  Again, great question.  Have a look at these numbers according to the EPA.

So what this is saying is that buildings account for a HUGE amount of electricity, energy, and waste in our country.  So the best way to make a dent in a big problem is to go after the big ticket items, right?  If you can make even a small change across a large market segment you can achieve significant improvements.

What LEED and other sustainable building initiatives seek to do is reduce the built environment's impact on resources, waste generation, and energy usage.

And if this isn't enough to convince you, what if I said you can spend a little more on the upfront cost, but the life-cycle savings through operational efficiencies will actually save money in the long run if properly designed and constructed.  Win-win, right?  this seems like a no-brainer.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  You can delve into all sorts of studies and data about how LEED buildings create a better work environment with improved air quality and natural daylighting.  This also  leads to reduced absenteeism, better worker productivity, higher test scores and so on and so on.

So what I'm saying is this is good for the environment, good for you, and good for your wallet.

I again reflect on the definition of sustainable development as "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"  We are stewards of this planet and need to protect its resources for our future generations.

KEC Metal Roofing

The metal roofing is now well underway as you can see from the photo.  I wanted to talk a little about the roof and how it contributes to a sustainable project in a few different ways, specifically as it relates to LEED.

There are 2 direct points within the LEED rating system affected by the roofing material selection on this project.  First is the Heat Island Effect.  Many buildings have dark colored roofs since they use asphalt shingles or black EPDM roofing membrane.  These roof materials absorb heat from the sun and then radiate that absorbed heat into the atmosphere.  Urban areas with more dense buildings and parking are typically hotter than rural areas with vegetated shade.

According to the EPA negetaive impacts associated with Heat Island Effect include:

• increased energy consumption
• elevated emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases
• compromised human health and comfort
• impaired water quality 

To earn the Heat Island Effect point for roofs, LEED requires roofing materials having a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) equal to or greater than 29 for roofs with a pitch greater than 2:12; or equal to or greater than 78 for roofs less than or equal to a 2:12 pitch for a minimum of 75% of the roof surface.

The KEC is using PAC-CLAD Tite-Loc Plus standing seam aluminum metal roofing.  The color selection is Zinc  which has an SRI value of 30.

Additionally the PAC-CLAD Tite-Loc Plus material has a 26% post-consumer and 7% pre-consumer recycled content which contributes to the recycled content LEED point.

Using the PAC-CLAD Tite-Loc Plus in Zinc finish has indirect affects on other points as well.  For example a roof that reflects more of the suns heat will create less cooling load in the summer months and therefore result in less energy consumption and will then help optimize energy performance for the MEP systems.  You can find additional helpful information at the manufacturer's website.

KEC Week 32

It seems we have had a bit of a reprieve from that cold spell and snow and temperatures have warmed up for a couple of weeks.  Lets hope this stays around a few more weeks.

In the picture above you can see that we have been VERY busy since the last status update.  The SIPS roof panels are now complete.  The roof is also covered with felt paper and ice and water barrier on the eaves, hips, valleys, and ridges to protect against moisture.  The roofer is preparing to start installing the standing seam metal roof on the West wing and work in a clockwise direction.  In the foreground is our onsite recycle sorting area where construction debris is separated into woods, metals, masonry, and general debris.  All mixed containers are then sorted offsite at a recycling facility.  On the right you can see white tarps hanging down.  These are temporary protection to keep rain off of the masons working below.  They are installing the stone veneer.  Its hard to tell from this photo but the Marvin aluminum clad windows have also been installed along this elevation.

Masonry veneer in progress

Masonry veneer in progress

Ductwork has started to arrive onsite and all open ends are to be protected to prevent dirt or mold or other contaminants from getting in the air stream.  This is part of the Indoor Air Quality requirements associated with LEED construction.

Progress shot of mechanical room showing spray insulation at the exterior wall, batt insulation in the joist space, and sheetrock ceilings.

Another shot of basement mechanical space ceilings

More protected ductwork

Mechanical equipment in the attic mechanical rooms has been set.  Resinous flooring has already been installed and protected.

The grease trap for the kitchen has been installed and backfilled.

Marvin windows are being installed.

Mason is installing metal flashings and stripping them in with detail membrane and then laying the building paper over the flashing to properly shed water down the cavity wall.  To the right is mortar net which prevents mortar from the backside of the stonework from creating a damn and trapping water in the cavity.

West elevation

South elevation where the greenhouse will be installed later in the winter months.

Interior classroom space

Interior corridor with protection material on the polished slabs

Interior classroom

Stained cedar fascia.  We are staining the materials on the ground prior to installation and will touch up after install.

Wood sleepers at wood flooring in faculty apartments

Mechanical equipment and resinous floors in attic mechanical space

Shot of the commons room fireplace from the mechanical attic before walls are closed up

Second floor dorm wing prior to ceilng framing

Temporary bracing of exterior walls in dorm wing prior to ceiling framing

Classroom wing from the second floor dorm wing.