ROOF TOP WIND TURBINES

Wind energy is a clean, renewable energy source and offers many advantages, which explains
why it's one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the world. Research is aimed at improving
technology, lowering costs, and addressing the challenges to greater use of wind energy. Read on to
learn more about the benefits of wind power and some of the challenges the industry is working to
overcome.

Advantages of Wind Turbines

o WIND ENERGY IS A CLEAN FUEL SOURCE.
o WIND POWER DOES NOT USE WATER,
o WIND IS A DOMESTIC SOURCE OF ENERGY.
o WIND POWER IS INEXHAUSTIBLE.
o WIND POWER IS COST-EFFECTIVE.

SOLAR GLASS

BIPV building-integrated photovoltaics are solar panels designed to replace conventional

building materials in parts such as the roof, skylights, facades and windows.
The key difference between this technology and traditional solar PV is that panels are built into the
building rather than being tacked-on. This means theres more of a relationship between aesthetics and
functionality; it is all about getting a balance so that one is not at the expense of another.

ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR GLASS

They tend to be less affected by high temperatures it doesnt reduce their performance as
much as it does other types.
The new panels also insulate better than standard glass (a reason why people sometimes shy
away from designing windows with glass facades).
Polysolars modules operate in as little as 10% sunlight although PV panels positioned at the
right angle on a roof will receive more light than vertical panels.
The panels are designed to reduce heat gain so they will get less warm in summer than other
properties with glass features.
They are highly customisable any colour/opacity of backing can be included to make panels
matte or hide the pin stripes. This does slightly affect solar gain though.
 It is a relatively cheap and easy way of achieving a BREEAM (zer0-carbon rating) on your
building.
STEEL AND CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

STEEL IS A GREEN PRODUCT

IT'S ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Steel is made from recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of its lifespan, one of the many
reasons why it can earn builders points toward major green building certification programs. According to
the Steel Recycling Institute:
80 million tons of steel are recycled each year, making it the world's most recycled product.
Since 1990, the steel industry has reduced energy intensity per ton of steel produced by 28%
and CO2 emissions by 35% per ton of steel shipped.
Reductions in energy use and CO2 emissions are rapidly reaching the limits defined by the laws
of physics.
When combined with other design enhancements, steel buildings are incredibly energy efficient. The
connections between high-quality, prefabricated steel parts are so exact that with the addition of
adequate insulation, they are air-tight and comfortable, ensuring the building has a completely sealed
envelope. Roof panels are primed and ready to host a solar array and cool metal roofing products
dramatically decrease solar heat gain, further increasing energy savings.
STEEL IS INCREDIBLY VERSATILE
The versatility of steel is unrivaled. From the ability for structural steel to be molded into virtually any
shape to its exterior ability to yield shingle-esque roofing patterns and wood-like siding, steel's
versatility is part of what is making it such an attractive option for the residential construction market.
STEEL CAN BE RECYCLED.
Rather than paying landfill fees for non-recyclable construction waste, your company will be able to
recycle steel and metal building components. Due to public interest in decreasing unnecessary
construction waste, most waste removal companies have subsidized programs allowing them to pick up
your steel and metal building waste at no cost to you.
STEEL IS SO DURABLE.
It requires so little maintenance; it is a more economic choice for building owners. Maintenance fees,
repairs and replacements are minimal - even over the course of 50 years or more - saving building
owners tens of thousands of dollars over the course of the building's lifetime.
BUILD FASTER WITH STEEL
Time has always equaled money, but it seems like this high-tech era of ours has made it so that every
clients wants their building to come in under budget and ahead of schedule. Fast-tracked projects can
be a nightmare for architects and construction crews - namely because taking shortcuts can lead to
unsafe building practices and a finished product that isn't up to snuff; That all changes with the addition
of steel.
STEEL IS LIGHTER THAN WOOD
This may seem surprising at first, because if you weigh a 2x4 of wood and a 2x4 of steel, the steel will
weigh more as the result of its density. When it comes to framing, however, The design of a steel I-beam
will almost always cause it to be lighter than the lightest, structurally sound wood beam design. A steel
I-beam weighs less than glulams, LVL, and Parallam beams.

GREEN ROOF SYSTEM

A green roof is not only appealing to look at, it also offers many other advantages, such as water
buffering, temperature regulation, sound insulation, air purification and it also encourages biodiversity.

ADVANTAGES OF GREEN ROOF SYSTEM

IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Sustainable drainage is an important component of any building, as a way to counter
flooding in the event of excess rainfall. Traditionally, a network of pipes connected to the
sewage system has helped control water. However, as a result of increasing urban development,
as much as 75% of water is running off into urban areas.
INCREASE THE LIFESPAN OF THE ROOF
A rooftop is continually under attack from the elements and has plenty to cope with
throughout the year. Not only will a roof need to sufficiently deal with wind and rain, but
ultraviolet light and fluctuating temperatures too. As such, its common for both homeowners
and businesses to consider an alternative option for the roof.
Green roofs offer this opportunity and have proved to double or even triple the life
expectancy of your rooftop. The barrier of greenery helps protect the waterproof membrane
underneath and ensure your rooftops life expectancy lasts well for decades.
BOOSTING THERMAL PERFORMANCE
Without doubt, one of a green roofs most beneficial advantages is thermal
performance and its staggering just how much of a difference this can make. One of the biggest
problems facing a typical roof is poor insulation, leading to substantial heat loss in winter and
sweltering conditions over the summer months.
This all changes with the aid of a green roof. By implementing a green roof you can
ensure to improve energy efficiency and limit the usage of air conditioning too. Plants absorb
the suns energy and therefore reduce the temperature of the roof in summer, whilst aiding
thermal efficiency in the colder winter by locking heat inside.
TRUE GRID PERMEABLE PAVING SYSTEM

A permeable pavement system combines a series of plastic grids with a fill materials, such as
gravel, limestone or sod, to create a durable parking surface that allows moisture to soak into the
ground naturally. It is used as an alternative to conventional asphalt or concrete surfaces, which are
expensive to install, prone to damage and require complicated drainage systems to control water from
rainfall and floods.
ADVANTAGES
EASY INSTALLATION
Permeable pavement does not require expensive specialty equipment like asphalt or concrete surfaces
do. For a permanent installation, the ground must be cleared of vegetation and graded; the layer of rock
is installed as a base, similar to a concrete or asphalt installation. Then the grids are laid out, and
trimmed to fit around any objects. The grids are pallet-sized and light enough to be carried by a single
person, making it easy to cover large areas in a very short time.
DURABLE
Once filled, permeable pavement is as durable as concrete or asphalt surfaces, and in many
cases, even more durable. It can support heavy equipment such as wheel loaders, backhoes, fork lifts,
dump trucks and 18-wheelers without a problem.
SUSTAINABLE
The permeable pavement grids are made from environmentally-friendly recycled materials,
which reduces the amount of waste in the system and reduces the energy required to acquire new
materials. At the end of their lifespan, they can easily be recycled, further reducing their carbon
footprint.
LOW COST
Asphalt and concrete can be expensive to install and require a large amount of labor. Permeable
pavement is less expensive per square foot, and is much less labor-intensive. The fill materials can be
obtained from local sources, reducing transportation costs, and because the paving grids are made from
lightweight plastic, the shipping costs are kept to a minimum.
ELIMINATES COSTLY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
With a conventional asphalt or concrete surface, the parking area must be crowned and have a
system of storm drains and pipes to control water during rain or flooding events. This can significantly
add to the construction costs of the parking area, and if the system is connected to a municipal waste
water system, there may be extra costs and permits required to install the drainage system. Permeable
pavement allows any water that accumulates to drain through the surface and into the ground. This
helps to prevent flooding and allows any aquifers in the area to replenish naturally.