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Title
Sustainable in Nothing New
Sustainable in Nothing New
Date
9/2011
9/2011
Author(s)
Larry Meyers Sr; Carole Ceja
Larry Meyers Sr; Carole Ceja
Page(s)
Keyword(s)
clay tile; copper; life cycle cost; durability; university; historic; recycling embodied energy; cradle to cradle; LEED
clay tile; copper; life cycle cost; durability; university; historic; recycling embodied energy; cradle to cradle; LEED
Abstract
In a world filled with buzz words such as sustainable, green and energy-efficient, many building owners and homeowners only consider the most recent, high-tech innovations when shopping for a high-performance roof system. However, sustainability and high performance are not defined by the most recent products or most innovative chemistry. One must never lose track of the historic techniques that provide quality roof systems from highly recyclable materials that can outlast so many of the “modern” advancements in the roofing industry, providing a life-cycle cost savings with a minimally invasive imprint on nature. Using the recent reroofing of Few Hall at Duke University, Durham, N.C., as a case study, this article explores the real value of returning to historic precedent to satisfy modern roof system performance requirements. Few Hall was constructed during the late 1930s as a residential dormitory for students. In 2009, the original Ludowici Roof Tile™ (Ludowici) brand clay tile roof system was removed and replaced with a new Ludowici clay tile roof system in the same style. The new tile carries a 75-year warranty. Although much has changed in the roofing industry since the first installation, the new roof system incorporates principles of sustainable design while remaining true to the time-honored craftsmanship of the early 20th century, creating a product that could conceivably last long into the 21st century with a combination of good design, quality materials, proper installation and appropriate maintenance. New ASTM International standards have been developed to ensure tiles can withstand whatever challenges nature presents. More designers know about the effects of harvesting new materials, the captured energy contained in their processing and shipping, as well as their eventual reintegration into new products at the end of their lives on a structure. The new roof system began as raw materials harvested from Ohio; formed by hand only miles from where the clay was taken from the ground; cured in large batches in a natural gas-fired kiln; and delivered to the site as needed by the construction scheduled. The copper on the old roof system—right down to the nails—was recycled and the value returned to the project budget. The tiles were separated and recycled into road base. In another 75 to 100 years, the same process can begin again. Few Hall is a prime example of learning from the past rather than relying on untested technology. It once again proves that sustainability is nothing new.
In a world filled with buzz words such as sustainable, green and energy-efficient, many building owners and homeowners only consider the most recent, high-tech innovations when shopping for a high-performance roof system. However, sustainability and high performance are not defined by the most recent products or most innovative chemistry. One must never lose track of the historic techniques that provide quality roof systems from highly recyclable materials that can outlast so many of the “modern” advancements in the roofing industry, providing a life-cycle cost savings with a minimally invasive imprint on nature. Using the recent reroofing of Few Hall at Duke University, Durham, N.C., as a case study, this article explores the real value of returning to historic precedent to satisfy modern roof system performance requirements. Few Hall was constructed during the late 1930s as a residential dormitory for students. In 2009, the original Ludowici Roof Tile™ (Ludowici) brand clay tile roof system was removed and replaced with a new Ludowici clay tile roof system in the same style. The new tile carries a 75-year warranty. Although much has changed in the roofing industry since the first installation, the new roof system incorporates principles of sustainable design while remaining true to the time-honored craftsmanship of the early 20th century, creating a product that could conceivably last long into the 21st century with a combination of good design, quality materials, proper installation and appropriate maintenance. New ASTM International standards have been developed to ensure tiles can withstand whatever challenges nature presents. More designers know about the effects of harvesting new materials, the captured energy contained in their processing and shipping, as well as their eventual reintegration into new products at the end of their lives on a structure. The new roof system began as raw materials harvested from Ohio; formed by hand only miles from where the clay was taken from the ground; cured in large batches in a natural gas-fired kiln; and delivered to the site as needed by the construction scheduled. The copper on the old roof system—right down to the nails—was recycled and the value returned to the project budget. The tiles were separated and recycled into road base. In another 75 to 100 years, the same process can begin again. Few Hall is a prime example of learning from the past rather than relying on untested technology. It once again proves that sustainability is nothing new.