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Monday, May 12, 2008

Taking efficiency to the extreme

By the Metal Construction Association
The Metal Construction Association has recently taken steps to make architects, architectural students, universities and building owners more aware of the environmental benefits of these types of insulated metal panels.
Insulated metal panels (IMP) lead in energy conservation, recyclables and sustainability.

The Metal Construction Association, expanding the use of metal in construction through marketing, technology and education, has recently taken steps to make architects, architectural students, universities and building owners more aware of the environmental benefits of these types of insulated metal panels.

PP-LEADIN-IMPs MeTecno-MCA.jpgSustainability continues to gain importance in the building industry and focuses on the smart use of natural resources and energy efficiency as related to insulation values, fuel usage, job-site waste and recycling.
According to Scott Kriner, technical director for the MCA, “Today’s architects and building designers continue to look for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of new commercial structures. The use of IMPs for the building envelope will make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to lower energy consumption, less solid waste stream and efficient water usage.”

The single panel includes an insulated foam core, metal exterior, continuous interior metal liner, tongue-and-groove joinery, concealed clips and fasteners and factory installed joint sealants and/or gaskets. The panels can be used for the entirety of an exterior roof system or wall system and can be used in conjunction with other panels or various other materials for multi-component solutions. They are effective in any climate.

Since the panels are produced in a factory, there is reduced jobsite waste, as little or no field cutting is required, water is conserved and chemical usage is avoided during maintenance procedures. Because of the long life span and the durability of the panels, repairs are required less often than in other forms of building panels.

These metal-formed IMPs do even more for the environmental efforts than conserve energy. The skins of these insulated sandwich panels are metal, which has a very high-recycled content. The foam insulation within the panels is also recyclable. Technology already exists to recycle 100 percent of the insulation when the extended life spans of the panels eventually reach their end.

The IMPs reduce air loss, contributing to better HVAC performance, which can earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design energy optimization credits. IMPs can earn up to 10 points in the optimized energy performance credit. They can also contribute to LEED points for recycled content and for low-emitting materials (adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings).


About Metal Construction Association: Founded in 1983, MCA strives to expand the use of metal in construction through marketing, technology and education. MCA’s members can develop and implement both macro and micro programs and activities to promote the use of metal in construction. MCA offers its members a unique opportunity in focusing industry efforts to increase the use of metal through innovation. For more information, visit www.metalconstruction.org/imp.

Source constructionmagnet.com

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