Category: Shared Learning
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How the IgCC Will Impact Building Design
The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is the first national green model code. It is flexible, enabling jurisdictions to choose additional requirements that make the code a deeper shade of green, while paying close attention to the local climate and local regulatory requirements. This new code is intended to provide “minimum requirements to safeguard the…
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Shedding Light on Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics convert light energy into electrical energy. The word “photovoltaic” is derived from photo, the Greek word for light, and volt, relating to electricity pioneer Alessandro Volta. In 1954, Bell Labs in the U.S. introduced the first solar photovoltaic (PV) device that produced a useful amount of electricity, and by the late 1950s solar cells…
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LEED Guidelines and Fenestration Design – Part 2
In the second half of this two-part blog (click here to read part one), we continue our look at how “smart” fenestration designs and applications can significantly improve a building’s performance using the guidelines in the LEED Rating System. This month we’ll take a look at Thermal Comfort, Daylighting and Views to the Outdoors. Materials…
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LEED Guidelines and Fenestration Design
Not every building is designed to achieve LEED certification, but using the guidelines in the LEED Rating System can help lower utility costs, minimize the impact on our environment and improve occupant comfort levels. In this two-part blog, we’ll take a look at how “smart” fenestration designs and applications can significantly improve a building’s performance.…
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Controlling Storefront and Curtainwall Water Infiltration
Most architectural aluminum glazing systems are not designed to be totally waterproof. Rather, most systems are designed to control water infiltration under extreme conditions and weep that water back to the exterior. Storefront and curtainwall systems differ in many ways: appearance, profiles, windload resistance, glazing, thermal performance and how they weep water. This discussion focuses…
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What to Expect in Thermal Performance at AIA 2012
As the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2012 National Convention and Design Exposition opens in Washington, D.C., tomorrow, exhibitors will be showcasing new technology and products for use in the glass and glazing industry. One focal point will be increasing the thermal performance of commercial glazing systems. This has become paramount as new energy codes…
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Glazing and Energy Codes
Architects and building owners face growing challenges in balancing aesthetics and daylighting design needs with increasingly stringent building and energy code requirements. This month’s discussion will focus on ways to reduce heat loss and heat gain to comply with commercial energy codes. Thermal energy performance of glass can be improved several ways; many of them…
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Discussing Thermal Barriers
Aluminum remains the framing material of choice for architectural fenestration products used in non-residential applications. Aluminum has many excellent qualities from recyclability to engineering versatility to corrosion resistance. It also is an excellent conductor of temperature. Adding a barrier or “break” to insulate between the inside and outside aluminum surfaces, reduces the transfer of hot…
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Lessons in U-Factors
Energy efficiency and occupant comfort are two key criteria in designing green buildings, especially for projects seeking LEED® certification. Contributing to these goals, thermal performance will continue to be an essential factor in the upcoming International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as well as the Architecture 2030 Challenge,…
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Lessons for a New Year
As we begin 2012, I add blogging to my list of New Year’s resolutions and new skills. In our industry, “What’s new?” is a question we’re constantly asked by architects. Staying current, accessible, relevant and knowledgeable are expectations. These are especially important qualities when discussing sustainable design and environmentally responsible construction. The challenges, codes and…