Taking the LEED with retractable roof enclosures

by Sally Bouorm | March 1, 2011 10:43 am

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By Mark Albertine

Green building is growing and sustainable construction is quickly becoming the new norm. The aquatics industry is following suit, as it moves into an era of smart, efficient structures that are not only great for long-term budgets, but benefit both users and the environment.

Pool owners, property managers, architects and builders are increasingly thinking about the impact of today’s choices on future generations and as such, the demand for environmentally sensitive construction and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified projects is growing fast.

There are several ways to make an aquatic building greener, such as installing solar panels to heat water, using local materials to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint, tapping into geothermal energy and incorporating recycled material. In addition to these methods, covering the aquatic centre with a retractable roof enclosure, which lets in fresh air and sunshine, not only helps to create an inviting environment that can be enjoyed all year round, but can also make any aquatic project more sustainable. If the builder’s goal is LEED certification, a retractable roof enclosure can be a great way to help qualify the project for a significant number of credits.

What is a retractable roof enclosure?

Imagine an outdoor pool that turns into an indoor pool at the touch of a button. Retractable roof enclosures allow bathers to swim outside in the warm sunshine and splash around indoors when it is cold or raining. During the summer, opening the roof ventilates the space naturally and lets in the sun, while on cooler days users can still enjoy natural sunlight and outdoor views under the closed roof.

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Retractable roof enclosures are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can also be custom designed and engineered to meet a particular vision. Enclosures are quite different than the cement structures that normally envelop an aquatic facility, as they offer several design possibilities. For example, in addition to an operable roof, an enclosure can also include sidewalls that open partially or completely to let in even more fresh air.

Depending on the project, sidewalls can open to an exterior environment like an outdoor play area or a backyard dining space in residential applications. Panels are typically made of polycarbonate or glass (depending on the application and budget) and fit with any décor. Wood, stone, slate, standing seams, stucco, block, brick and other materials can be incorporated into the design.

In aquatic applications, an aluminum framing system is highly recommended. Aluminum withstands caustic pool chemicals and does not require repainting or replacement in the way a more traditional structure would require.

What is LEED?

Canada Green Building Council’s (CaGBC’s) LEED program is an internationally recognized green building certification system, which rates the sustainability of design, construction and operation of new or renovated buildings. Everything from materials and energy efficiency to natural light and wastewater treatment are assigned credits. The enclosure’s rating level—Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum—is based on the number of credits earned overall. Different projects have different rating systems. For example, the program for new construction, core and shell updates (base building elements including structure, envelope and heating, ventilating and air conditioning [HVAC]) and additions to existing buildings all have different criteria based on the following categories:

• Sustainable sites;
• Water efficiency;
• Energy and atmosphere;
• Materials and resources;
• Indoor environmental quality;
• Innovation in design; and
• Regional priority.

Enclosures and LEED

How does a building that opens up above a swimming pool boost the ‘green’ quotient of a project? With energy-saving technology, innovative design and forward thinking, a swimming pool enclosure can contribute to credits in a number of LEED categories. Through certification, architects and builders can minimize their building’s impact on the environment, while also sparking new ideas for saving energy and maximizing usage.

The following is an overview of how a retractable roof enclosure can make a structure more sustainable and help qualify the project for LEED credits, organized by category:

Sustainable Sites (SS)

(Includes pollution reduction, storm water management, maximizing open space, urban heat island [UHI] effect-roof.)

How a retractable enclosure helps earn credits:

• Retractable enclosures open easily to the outdoors, providing accessible open space to users;
• Many roof systems can collect storm water and be integrated into whole-site storm water management systems; and
• Aluminum framing systems can be easily integrated with other roofing systems that meet LEED requirements.

Water Efficiency (WE)

(Includes reduced water consumption, innovative wastewater technologies and water efficient landscaping.)

How a retractable enclosure helps earn credits:

• Storm water collected on the roof can be integrated into landscaping irrigation systems.

Energy and Atmosphere (EA)

(Includes maximized energy performance, use of renewable energy and green power.)

How a retractable enclosure helps earn credits:

• When the roof is open, fresh air flows easily through the building, eliminating the need for air conditioning and dehumidification systems;
• During the winter, solar heat from the enclosure’s glazed panels naturally warms up the inside air and reduces the amount of heat required;
• Natural light eliminates the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours;
• It can be integrated with renewable energy systems, such as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems, which can be used as an alternative source of generating power; and
• Depending on the enclosure solution, some companies have shown buildings with retractable roof enclosures can save between 20 to 30 per cent in energy costs.

Materials and Resources (MR)

(Includes reuse and recycling of building materials, construction waste management and purchasing regional materials.)

How a retractable enclosure helps earn credits:

• Enclosures can be built using recycled and/or locally sourced materials.

Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)

(Includes increased outdoor air, ventilation, monitoring and controllability, low-emitting construction materials, natural daylighting and outdoor views.)

How a retractable enclosure helps earn credits:

• A glazed enclosure provides 100 per cent daylighting and outdoor views to enclosed spaces;
• Opening the roof naturally ventilates the space; and
• Structures can be built with LEED-compliant, low-emitting adhesives, sealants and other construction materials. Painting and coating is performed offsite.

Innovation and Design Process (ID)

(Includes innovative approaches and use of accredited professionals.)

How a retractable enclosure helps earn credits:

• Companies that design and manufacture retractable enclosures may have LEED-accredited professionals on staff. When selecting a supplier, ask if they have a LEED expert on their team

Regional Priority (RP)

This depends on the project’s location; points are specific to the region the building is in, and hinge on the green priorities of that area. These are not new LEED credits, but instead are existing credits that CaGBC chapters and regional councils have designated as being particularly important to their areas. The incentive to achieve the credits comes in the form of ‘bonus points.’ For more information about regional credits, visit www.cagbc.org.

Why certify?

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For residential projects that include a small swimming pool enclosure, following LEED standards can help minimize the structure’s carbon footprint and improve sustainability. Certification is not necessarily required for these projects; however, when selling the home, having a LEED-certified swimming pool enclosure can be listed on the sell sheet as a selling feature.

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On the other hand, when building an enclosure for a commercial or public aquatic facility, LEED certification can help builders achieve their goals, while also spreading the word about their commitment to the environment, community and health of facility patrons. Certification can also help the project qualify for tax rebates and incentives, save energy and operational costs, increase asset value and create a healthier, more appealing atmosphere for users and employees.

Ready to build green?

Most retractable roof enclosure manufacturers will work with architects, owners, developers and civil engineers to ensure they understand the project’s overall vision. They will also explore opportunities for maximizing LEED credits and developing solutions to meet project objectives.

When looking for an enclosure manufacturer that specializes in retractable (and green) systems, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Visit some of the company’s previous projects to get the full experience of a retractable roof enclosure and an understanding of the possibilities of this type of construction.
• Companies with green building experience will be able to provide detailed documentation of how their solutions contribute to LEED credits.
• These companies will also be able to supply independent energy and life cycle analysis studies, which demonstrate energy and operational savings that will be realized over the life of the building. For example, the company should be able to provide information from past clients showing how the retractable roof enclosure impacted the facility’s operational budget, in addition to how it would compare to the ongoing costs of a more traditionally built structure.
• Companies with green building experience can also be a valuable resource for builders when planning a project by providing valuable advice and guidance, even before any drawings are put to paper. Depending on the builder’s needs and overall project requirements, a myriad of options and custom designs can be incorporated. A knowledgeable company will help explore these options and determine which of them make the most sense for the project at hand.

Those considering LEED certification for their next project should consider a retractable roof enclosure as a key element. They are an attractive, sustainable option that is a major draw for users, offering all the benefits of both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

BEST PRACTICES FOR LEED CERTIFICATION

A builder considering LEED-certification for their aquatic project should follow these industry best practices to achieve project goals: • Think long-term. Building to LEED standards can come with a hefty initial price tag. However, by looking at the project in terms of the life of the building, the lower operational costs and tax benefits of a more efficient structure will offset the initial costs over time. • ‘Green’ should not be an afterthought. Make sure LEED is part of the planning process from the start. This way all of the required documents and details for specification and pricing are in hand, which helps to prevent big surprises down the road. • Put in the effort. Certification means paperwork, submissions and more paperwork. Everyone involved needs to do their part and be committed to sticking with LEED principles throughout each project phase to ensure a smooth process. • Get accredited. Having a LEED-accredited crewmember will earn credits for the project and makes for a more streamlined process. Accreditation is available through the CaGBC. • Submit applications early. The application documents the project’s compliance with the rating system and includes its registration and certification fees. Certification will be granted based on the number of points the project has earned.

 

 

Mark Albertine is president of OpenAire Inc., a designer, manufacturer and installer of retractable roof enclosures in Oakville, Ont. He has more than 20 years experience in all facets of the aluminum and glass construction industry. He can be reached via e-mail at malbertine@openaire.com[5].

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