The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center serves as both a museum and a scientific research facility for individuals interested in how the ecosystem functions at the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers.
Roof consultants typically work with both the building owner and the roofing contractor, giving them a unique perspective when it comes to examining roof maintenance. Roofing Contractor spoke with four consultants who work with building owners across the country and asked them to share their clients’ key concerns and their goals in setting up roof asset management programs.
Solaleya Design first introduced its Domespace house to the U.S. market in 2007. The design, utilizing a motor to rotate the entire structure relative to the sun to increase or decrease solar collection, was intended to dramatically reduce energy consumption versus traditional housing.
As the first LEED Gold certified animal shelter in the nation, the new Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) Animal Community Center in Milpitas, CA proves that even our four-legged friends can enjoy the benefits of sustainability.
Contractors and architects in search of sustainable and energy-efficient roofing products increasingly face a broad range of new choices. But a recent study suggests that a frontrunner in the race to be green may be one of the most tried and true products in the marketplace.
In February, President Obama announced the Better Buildings Initiative, a multi-pronged effort to make commercial buildings 20 percent more energy efficient over the next decade by encouraging private sector investment through incentives to upgrade schools, universities and municipal facilities, as well as offices, stores and other commercial buildings.
Energy efficiency, re-use, and recyclability are buzzwords in the roofing industry, and while such terms have a tendency to lose their meaning over time, some in the business take them very seriously. With landfill space at a premium, recycling has become much more than a fad. Instead, it is increasingly providing a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and easy alternative to skyrocketing waste disposal rates.
Chicago has long been known as the Windy City. But Chicago is earning a new nickname - “Green Roof City.” Much of the credit goes to the Public Building Commission (PBC), which oversees public buildings across the city.
While sustainability is on the forefront of clients’ minds, it is often perceived as the more expensive option. In fact, a McGraw-Hill Construction study showed the largest obstacle to green construction is the perception of an increased cost. Educational institutions in particular are concerned with achieving sustainable design at a value, as they are often dealing with limited budgets and public money.
As global interest has increased in passive, energy-saving technologies, cool roofs have received a significant boost in awareness and research over the past year. In both commercial and residential applications, people are discovering the comfort, energy efficiency and climate change mitigation benefits of cool roofs.
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