Sustainable Design / LEED Credit

As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Birdair offers a product line of tensile fabric membranes and steel cable structures that can help building owners earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) credits for their latest design projects.

These credits apply to the USGBC’s Green Building Rating System, which was created to provide a national standard for what constitutes a “green building.” This system is used as a guideline and certification tool for architects and owners who strive to develop environmentally responsible, sustainable buildings.

By using translucent tensile fabric membranes like TiO₂, daylight is maximized in building interiors, thus reducing the costs for electric lighting. This fabric also offers an innovative self-cleaning dimension, using a chemical reaction to neutralize gas exhaust-related pollutants like nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) found in urban environments.

In addition, breakthrough fabrics like Tensotherm™ provide an insulating layer that prevents solar heat gain during the summer months and heat loss during cooler periods. Structurally, Birdair’s steel and cable designs involve fewer components than traditional roofing systems, which save expenses on material costs.

Credits earned through the USGBC’s LEED program apply to building certification only, but the advantages of using Birdair’s structural systems and materials can contribute to the necessary point totals required (certification minimum: 32 points) to achieve these high-performance ratings:

Birdair has contributed toward many LEED building certification projects. These include: the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. (the first convention center in the world to achieve LEED certification); the Pentagon Metro Entrance Facility in Arlington, VA; The Rapid Central Station in Grand Rapids, Mich.; and the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.

As the U.S. building industry has gravitated towards increased environmental sustainability, LEED certification has become an important benchmark. The benefits of achieving LEED certification are numerous. From lower operating costs and healthier occupants, to increased asset value and qualification for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in cities throughout the country, Birdair structures offer an aesthetic and sensible building alternative.