TECH-NOTES – metal buildings, old codes, infrastructure assessments, green concrete, BOMA

– Proposed changes to metal building assemblies are being proposed for a new version of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1 that is due out this fall. The changes to Standard 09.1-2007 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings would affect assembly descriptions and U-factors in Appendix A related to insulation and metal buildings. They result from investigations by the ASHRAE Metal Building Task Group. Its members found that in existing metal building stock, typical installation practices of single and double-layer assemblies described in Appendix A compress insulation, which in turn negatively affects thermal performance.

– Historical Building Codes Online. Are you wondering why something was built a certain way and questioning whether it was the best practice in its day? Historical editions of Canada’s National Model Construction Codes dating from 1941 to 1995 are now available on-line from the National Research Council. www.nrc.gc.ca/virtualstore, tel. 1-800-672-7990.

– Model Framework for Assessing Infrastructure. The NRC Institute for Research in Construction, Infrastructure Canada and Engineers Canada have developed a tool for assessing the state and performance of Canada’s core public infrastructure. The model framework applies to both transportation and environment (water and wastewater) infrastructure. Performance is assessed with regard to seven objectives: public safety, health, security, mobility, environmental quality, social equity and economy.  The document, published 2009, is entitled “Model Framework for Assessment of State, Performance, and Management of Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure.” See www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/projects/irc/public-infrastructure.html

– Concrete and Sustainability. The U.S. Green Concrete Council has published “The Sustainable Concrete Guide – Strategies and Examples.” A comprehensive resource, the guide includes case studies, technical data and references, and practices.  www.USGreenConcreteCouncil.com

– Applications for financial incentives from the BOMA Toronto Conservation and Demand (CDM) program can now be done completely online. Currently the approval time is just nine days. The BOMA CDM website also displays project profiles complete with financial metrics and environmental benefits. More than 300 projects approved earlier will have their case study data available on the website, providing a benchmark for owners and managers. See www.bomacdm.com/CaseStudies.aspx