A sustainable building delivers healthy environments, energy efficiency and high performance over many years.

Precast Concrete is SustainablePrecast, prestressed concrete can contribute to the design and construction of sustainable structures that perform efficiently and offer occupants and communities safe, healthy and useful spaces that can be effectively utilized over many years.

The flexibility and longevity of precast buildings means they can be used and reused for decades, providing excellent performance for generations. Fly ash and other supplementary cementitious materials also can reduce the carbon impact inherent in the use of cement. LCA data shows that, due to the long life cycle of precast, its lifetime carbon impact is comparable to other materials.

Over the course of that long life, precast can deliver a number benefits for sustainable design. Upwards of 90 percent of the impact of a building happens in its operating phase, and precast sandwich wall panels can utilize the thermal mass effect to provide excellent performance that can result in notable reduction in energy used to heat and cool buildings.

In addition, the long spans possible with precast allow for designs that maximize daylighting, and create an enormous amount of flexibility so buildings can be reorganized and utilized for evolving purposes over their lifespans.

An inert material that does not emit volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) or provide a surface for mold to grow, precast also contributes to healthy interior spaces with good indoor environmental quality. It also has excellent sound attenuation qualities and has high STC ratings.

Sustainable precast is resilient, energy efficient, resource efficient and provides healthy interior environments.

   

Case Study: 

   

To learn more about sustainable precast, prestressed concrete, schedule a CEU presentation today.  

Courses that address sustainability include:

Click on the class name below to learn more.

Level 1 – Introductory Program Number Authorized: LIVE19DHPP100

In recent years, there has been a drive toward high performance structures. Owners, occupants and communities expect the structures they inhabit to be comfortable, efficient, sustainable and durable. High performance design encompasses all of these elements and more. This presentation will explain what high performance structures are, and how precast concrete can help achieve your high performance project goals. The presentation also covers the basics of precast concrete, its applications, finishes, etc. In recent years, there has been a drive toward high performance structures. Owners, occupants and communities expect the structures they inhabit to be comfortable, efficient, sustainable and durable. High performance design encompasses all of these elements and more. This presentation will explain what high performance structures are, and how precast concrete can help achieve your high performance project goals. The presentation also covers the basics of precast concrete, its applications, finishes, etc.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define what high performance structures are and explain how these structures provide benefits such as increased health and wellbeing for the end user/client.
  • Discuss the user advantages and long-term physical and economic benefits of high performance design for improved safety, comfort, and indoor environmental quality.
  • Attendees will be able to explain the concept of resiliency and identify why it is important to the health, safety and welfare of the general public.
  • Attendees will learn how high performance building envelopes provide durability and multi-hazard protection for the public over a long life span.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH
0.1 CEU

Level 2 – Intermediate Program Number Authorized: LIVE19CES100

A structure’s envelope has considerable impact on its overall performance, as highlighted by recent code changes. The envelope not only serves as a barrier between the outside environment and conditioned space, but also as a part of the aesthetic expression for the structure. It must also serve as a protective shield against environmental forces. High-performance building envelopes can help reduce the overall energy consumption of a structure throughout the structure’s life, and maintain and protect its interior environment and occupants.

This presentation addresses what high performance building envelopes are, as well as key elements to their performance. It will discuss how to use precast concrete wall systems to meet the latest code requirements such as continuous insulation and air barriers, and include topics such as moisture management, thermal mass effect and how to calculate effective R-values, integration with other building systems, and more. This session will also touch on the idea of resilience. A structure must be able to resist environmental forces, such as high winds and earthquakes in order to protect life and fulfill its intended purpose. Case studies are used to highlight information presented.

Learning Objectives:
  • Attendees will be able to identify the three basic types of precast concrete envelope systems and how each can be utilized to achieve optimum building performance, as well as benefit the health, wellbeing and comfort of occupants.
  • Attendees will be able to identify the three basic types of precast concrete envelope systems and how each can be utilized to achieve optimum building performance, as well as benefit the health, wellbeing and comfort of occupants.
  • Describe new envelope code requirements and how they can be applied to best provide healthy, high-performing interior spaces for tenants and the public.
  • Attendees will be able to explain the thermal mass effect and understand how to use it to create more energy efficient buildings that emphasize good indoor environmental quality with minimal environmental impact.
  • Describe and discuss heat, air and moisture management methodologies that are vital to combatting “sick building syndrome” and providing healthy buildings that support the comfort and wellbeing of those inside.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH
0.1 CEU

Level 2 – Intermediate Program Number Authorized:
LIVE20DSUP100 GBCI course number: 0920012331

Owners and occupants increasingly expect their buildings to operate at a high level over a long life cycle while also being conscious of their impact on the environment. This course will discuss considerations for the holistic design and construction of sustainable structures that perform efficiently and offer occupants and communities safe, healthy and useful spaces that can be effectively utilized over many years. We’ll examine LCA data and discuss ways precast, prestressed concrete can contribute to sustainable, durable, efficient and resilient buildings.

Learning Objectives:
  • Define sustainability and material life cycle and examine how these factors impact the long-term performance of a building and the health of its occupants.
  • Discuss LEED v.4, EPDs and LCA, and examine how holistic design can impact the health, safety and welfare of occupants and the community.
  • Learn ways that precast can contribute to energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
  • Understand the relationship between durability, resilience and sustainability.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH
0.1 CEU
GBCI 1.0 CE hour

Level 2 – Intermediate Program Number Authorized: LIVE2020PPL100

For communities to thrive, the buildings and structures that make up that community must be able to stand up to challenges presented by climate change, severe weather, fire, earthquakes, floods and other natural and human-caused disasters. This presentation will delve into ways precast concrete can contribute to buildings that protect lives, lifestyles and livelihoods.

Learning Objectives:
  • Define the concept of resiliency and discuss its important in designing for the future.
  • Discuss ways in which resilient design and sustainable design intersect.
  • Learn about ways that precast concrete can be used in designs that protect occupants and contribute to community health and resilience.
  • Discuss case studies of safe, sustainable and resilient precast concrete projects.
Length: 1 Hour
AIA 1.0 HSW/LU
1.0 PDH