21st Century Building Envelope Systems: Merging Innovation with Technology, Sustainability, and Function

By addressing energy efficiency, moisture infiltration, aesthetics, and occupant comfort, building envelope elements and component systems enhance design opportunities and minimize potential risk
This course is no longer active
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Advertorial course provided by Dryvit, Vistawall, CENTRIA, W&W Glass, Oldcastle Glass, and Alcoa
Barbara A. Nadel, FAIA

Sustainability and Product Life Cycle

Cradle to Cradle Certification, a new sustainability evaluation method, is administered by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC), which reviews material or product ingredients, and the formulation for human and environmental health impacts throughout the overall life cycle. The certification assesses a material's potential for being recycled or safely composted. Certification criteria include: material reutilization and design for the environment; energy; water, and social responsibility. The program focuses on products whose materials are perpetually circulated in closed loops, thus cradle to cradle.

In the final phase of a campus transformation, insulated metal composite panels on the exterior of the housing building help create the new focal point of the University of Cincinnati campus.
Photo credit: Centria

A series of insulated metal composite panels have met, or exceeded, certification criteria. These insulated metal composite panels have several characteristics that may help a building qualify for credits within the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System, including:

  • Tested insulation value: Based on independent testing, insulated metal composite panels show low U-values, ranging from 0.050 to 0.076 (lower is better). This series of metal composite panels provides superior insulating value that can result in significant energy savings.
  • High recycled content: Based on the LEED®-NC Reference Guide, this panel series has an average post consumer recycled content of 16 to 19 percent, and an average post industrial recycled content of six to seven percent, for a total recycled content of 22 to 26 percent.
  • Low-emitting materials: A factory-applied sealant may have a volatile organic compound (VOC) below the limit established by LEED®.
  • Reduced jobsite scrap: Pre-fabricated panels made in the factory result in little to no jobsite scrap generated, since field cutting of the panels is generally not required. Products that are shrink-wrapped eliminate wasteful crating and packing materials.
  • Regional materials:LEED®-NC (for new commercial construction and major renovation) provides credits for products manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. In many instances, this criteria is achievable for insulated metal composite panels systems.
  • Sustainability: Insulated metal composite panels replace multiple materials with one-piece panels, reducing jobsite scrap and minimizing the fuel consumption multiple freight deliveries would require. The durability and advanced thermal and moisture protection qualities of insulated metal composite panels promote energy efficiency and reduce maintenance demands.
  • Durability: Insulated metal composite panels are durable, low maintenance, and decrease the need for water-washings or toxic chemical cleanings. A product life cycle averaging 20 years or more minimizes the need for replacement.
  • Energy costs: Reflective coatings are typically available for high solar reflectance, potentially resulting in lower building cooling costs.

Thermal and Moisture Protection

Advanced thermal and moisture protection (ATMP) refers to building envelope wall systems that provide superior thermal and moisture control, especially when compared to traditional wall systems.

Innovative ATMP solutions involve insulated metal composite panels that are installed outboard of a building's metal studs. Available systems can be utilized individually as a complete exterior wall system or combined with other exterior aesthetic panels for a superior multi-component wall solution. ATMP is important because many city, state, and national codes are requiring better thermal barriers within the building envelope, as energy conservation continues remain a priority.

Even the smallest leak in an air or vapor barrier can be a potential source for moisture control failure. Air and pressure alone can cause significant amounts of moisture-laden air to flow through cuts, rips, and staple penetrations. The moisture can condense and remain inside the wall cavity, damaging materials, and thus creating an environment for mold, which causes other problems.

 

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Architectural Record
Originally published in August 2006

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