It is well known that the built environment is responsible for approximately 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but the best path forward for reducing its impact is not always obvious. In this ebook, we take a closer look at the carbon of a commercial fenestration system to help architects better realize how they can reduce the carbon footprint of a façade. What's important to consider is there is not a general rule of thumb that applies when considering the embodied carbon content of a commercial aluminum fenestration system. To learn more, download the ebook.
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Reducing the Footprint of Your Facade
Parkland Memorial Hospital, in Dallas, Texas, has many striking aspects. But for sublime beauty, design ingenuity and emotional resonance, nothing stands out like the main glass façade.
The website for the architectural firm HDR describes it this way: "[It] is defined by a tree graphic that at a distance transforms from a dense summer canopy on the western façade to a delicate branch pattern that covers the south-facing lobby. At closer inspection the tree graphic is created by the names of donors who contributed to this public building." Or, as the Alpolic-Americas website says, the graphic "forms a mural of deciduous trees in winter on one side and summer on the other – symbolizing growth and renewal with the passage of time."
Our team of experts conducted an analysis of a fenestration system and commercial building in such a way to compare the embodied and operational carbon by looking at some of the key factors driving the total carbon footprint. It is critical that any building designer motivated to reduce carbon emissions understands the specific situation related to the building and fenestration to make informed decisions. Understanding the predicted building energy consumption and carbon intensity of the heating and cooling systems is vital, along with the embodied carbon of the aluminum framing system.
What we learned is that operational carbon is driven by the performance specifications of the fenestration, carbon intensity of the heating and cooling systems, and local weather. And embodied carbon is driven by the aluminum recycled content and source of primary billet along with the ratio of framing to glass. When a holistic view of the manufacturing and use phase of an aluminum fenestration system is considered, it is possible to minimize both operational and embodied carbon in a way that provides the best environmental benefit.
Early assessment and ongoing strategic, efficient, cost-effective consultation and solutions will bridge the gaps between design and engineering, materials and applications; and anchoring points and installations. The result is a seamless experience and successful project delivery"
- Billy Strait, CSI, VP Business Dev. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
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