Mukhtar Giader, P.E., S.E. is a manager in the structural engineering department at Opus Architects & Engineers in Minnetonka, Minn.\u00a0He is also a LEED AP certified professional. We\u2019ve asked him to share his and his colleague\u2019s insights as well as some advice about LEED\u00a0and sustainable design in the Tilt-Up concrete industry. Giader can be reached at 952-656- 4625 or mukhtar.giader@opus-ae.com.<\/p>\n
TCA: What does the Tilt-Up industry need to know about green and sustainability?<\/strong><\/p>\n Giader: That it is not a trend and it is here to stay. We need to increase the use of recycled materials in the product and study ways to increase the R-Value by adding insulation\u00a0to wall panels. The industry also needs to know where the materials are produced, how far they are transported to the site, and how waste materials are disposed of.<\/p>\n TCA: Why is Tilt-Up a fit for LEED?<\/strong><\/p>\n Giader: Tilt-up wall construction can achieve LEED credits in the following categories:<\/p>\n 1. Energy & Atmosphere (EA):<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n EA Prerequisite 2: Minumun Energy Performance<\/p>\n EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance<\/p>\n Strategies Include:<\/em><\/p>\n 2. Material & Resources (MR):<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n 3. Innovation & Design Process (ID):<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n ID Credit 1-1.4: Innovation in Design<\/p>\n ID Credit 2: LEED Accredited Professional<\/p>\n Strategies Include:<\/em><\/p>\n TCA: Please dispel any misconceptions about the use of Tilt-Up concrete in a LEED project?<\/strong><\/p>\n Giader: The lack of insulation within the panel can be compensated for by insulation added to the inside of the wall, and to the roof.<\/p>\n TCA: Even if a project isn\u2019t seeking LEED Certification, what elements of LEED can be incorporated to the betterment of the project?<\/strong><\/p>\n Giader: Most of the strategies listed in item #2 are easily achievable without adding much cost to the construction budget. In addition, the Tilt-Up method of construction uses very little forming materials and typically does not require temporary heating.<\/p>\n TCA: Who is driving the decision to use Tilt-Up on your projects?<\/strong><\/p>\n Giader: Factors include: market conditions, local aesthetic requirements, cost and schedule, as well as the availability of experienced Tilt-Up contractors.<\/p>\n TCA: Who is driving the decision to use green or sustainable elements on your project? What about LEED Certification?<\/strong><\/p>\n Giader: The Opus Group of Companies strives to incorporate sustainable design practices into all of our projects. The pursuit of LEED certification is driven by market\u00a0demand. For example, all projects for federal government agencies are required to meet one of the four LEED certification categories.<\/p>\n TCA: How can a Tilt-Up contractor, engineer, architect or product supplier capitalize on the growing green and sustainable movement?<\/strong><\/p>\n Giader: Learn more about it and offer products and services that are green\/sustainable, and educate the decision-makers about the benefits of incorporating sustainable design practices into their projects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n TCA: How does Tilt-Up compare to other building methods with regard to LEED Certification?<\/strong><\/p>\n Giader: For warehouse construction, it is challenging to achieve LEED certification and still be competitive in the market place. However, for an office project, Tilt-Up can offer many advantages.<\/p>\n TCA: Where do you see the role\u00a0of Tilt-Up in the green\/sustainable movement in the future?<\/strong><\/p>\n Giader: Playing an active role for office buildings, and possibly for warehouses, depending on market demand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n