Optimizing Energy Use

Energy performance in a building is usually directly related to two building energy systems – lighting and HVAC. Ceilings can be a key component in both of these. Energy-efficient lighting can be integrated into the ceiling design, so it provides the needed level of light with a minimum requirement for electricity. Using a ceiling design that allows for integrating skylights means that the use of electricity for lighting is further diminished. The size, shape, and color of the ceiling components themselves can help with reflecting light, whether electrical or natural, thus maximizing the lighting that is available and controlling energy use. Similar efficiencies can be obtained when HVAC diffusers, grilles, and intakes are incorporated into ceiling designs. The spacing, location, and sizing of these components can be integrated into a ceiling design so that the efficiency of the total system they are connected to is optimized without negative impacts on performance.

Materials and Resources

When looking at a life cycle assessment (LCA) for a building, several traits of ceilings can help produce very favorable results. First, is its basic material makeup. The use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) helps designers assess the materials used in ceiling products and the degree to which those materials impact the environment. For some settings, the use of Health Product Declarations (HPDs) is appropriate if there is enhanced concern about the impact of materials on human health. Second is the amount of embodied energy or embodied carbon found in the products. This aspect of building materials has received heightened attention in recent years due to the relatively high impact that construction materials can have on greenhouse gas emissions. The use of recycled content, and the ability to recycle and salvage materials help to contribute to this aspect of the products. Further, working with a single source supplier can limit or reduce the amount of scrap and construction waste on a site. Finally, the longevity and durability of the material are significant since a custom, durable ceiling may not need to be replaced during the life of the building in contrast to other ceiling systems that could need to be replaced repeatedly.

Indoor Environmental Quality

When natural and tested materials are used, custom ceilings can exhibit very favorable traits for indoor environments. By integrating skylights into the ceilings, natural daylight can be added enhancing the human experience. Biophilic design, as we have discussed, can be incorporated to further contribute to the general health and wellness attributes that are possible. From a product standpoint, ceiling products are typically made with low-emitting materials that are pre-finished with low volatile organic compound (VOC) content. Further, no paints, coatings, adhesives, or harmful sealants are usually needed during installation, so the potential for formaldehyde or other on-site VOCs is reduced.

Custom, innovative ceilings have the potential to pursue some innovation in design credits under LEED and other programs too. Even without that, it should be clear that the products currently available can help buildings achieve green building design certification.

SPECIFYING CUSTOM CEILING

When specifying custom ceiling systems, it is advisable to first talk with manufacturers or suppliers of such systems to understand and assess the available product offerings and possibilities. It is also helpful to review industry standards and model specifications that can be edited for specific projects, whether new construction or renovation. In a standard, 3-part specification format following the CSI or MasterFormat system, ceilings are found in Division 09 Finishes usually under Section 09 50 00 or a subsection thereunder. Some of the relevant items to address are highlighted as follows.

Part 1 - General

The scope of the specified work for the custom ceiling system and related work as well as any definitions should be called out. It is advisable to call for a pre-installation meeting and to request submittals based on the project needs, including the request for LEED documentation if any relevant credits are being pursued. Quality assurance can be addressed by calling out the relevant ASTM and other standards that need to be met for the materials selected. Project conditions and product storage should all be addressed in a typical fashion with a particular emphasis on protecting the materials from moisture to avoid damage.

Part 2 - Products

ll of the different performance and material criteria for the ceiling components being specified need to be called out. This includes the ceiling tiles, baffles, suspension systems, hardware, accessories, and any other components or parts. The specific material listings following the ASTM and ANSI standards should be identified including any allowable variations. Since most custom ceiling systems are pre-finished, the colors, textures, and patterns of all exposed components need to be identified and referenced to the drawings as appropriate. Any related materials or accessories provided by others should either be specified in this spec section or be referenced in other relevant specification sections.

Part 3 - Execution

As with any site-installed product, the installation requires multiple steps which need to be clearly articulated in the specification in order to achieve the best results.

• Examination and Preparation: The importance of this step should always be stressed. In addition to the architect, the installer and general contractor or construction manager should review and examine the substrate for conditions that may affect the installation or the overall performance of the ceiling. This can include a determination of where or where suspension wires, rods, etc., should be installed. It may also require an assessment of walls and other surfaces that the ceiling is abutting. Any issues will need to be corrected, likely by the general contractor, if they are found to be out of compliance with the stated requirements.
• Installation: The recommendations and procedures of the ceiling manufacturer as well as the applicable requirements of codes and standards should be followed in all cases.
• Protection: Once installed and finished, the surface should likely be able to withstand use by remaining construction personnel on the project. However, the general contractor should be instructed to cover and protect any surfaces that are vulnerable to damage.

When designed, specified, and installed correctly, a custom ceiling system can readily provide the desired look, the general health and wellness benefits, and the long-term performance characteristics that are intended.

CONCLUSION

Custom ceiling systems can meet a full range of design and performance needs. Coordination is needed to ensure that all of the different ceiling components work together. Whenever possible, a single source responsibility for the entire system is preferred, starting with design assistance all the way through complete installation.