What materials make an OpenAire Building Sustainable?

Starting from the inside out, we can walk through an OpenAire building to see how the various physical elements of an OpenAire enclosure can contribute to a projects’ sustainability objectives.

Starting with the structure itself…

Aluminum:
Per aluminum.org is the sustainable material of choice because it is:

• A highly durable metal, is 100% recyclable and can be recycled repeatedly without degrading its inherent value.
• Nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today.
• Aluminum’s high strength-to-weight ratio makes it especially useful as a structural material, weighing up to 65% less than steel.
• The aluminum industry is working constantly to reduce its carbon impact. In fact, over the past 30 years, the North American aluminum industry has cut its carbon footprint by more than half.
• Aluminum is a low emitting material
• Adhesives and sealants used can be compliant with Low emitting materials
• Buildings can open to the site and be coordinated with water efficient landscaping and storm water design and control

Corrosion Resistance:

For an aquatic facility the other benefit of an aluminum super structure is that we reduce the effect of heavy chloramine filled air on structural corrosion. The powder coated structure remains protected, reducing the risk of structural corrosion and failure. In addition the type of finish eliminates the need for costly facility closures/down time due to long term repair and repainting. The emissions caused from repainting and repairing a building structure are not quantified but can be assumed to be more than never refinishing a structure at all.

The operator of the oldest waterpark in our portfolio states that the ONLY item in his park he has never had to maintain, repair or replace is the aluminum structure!

Roof and Wall Materials:

A translucent or transparent roof / walls promotes the use to daylighting to reduce electric lighting use:

• The ability to turn off lights for primary operating daytime hours increases energy savings
• Reduces reliance on artificial lighting
• Reduces electricity loads and improves the resilience of electric supply
• Reduces electrical operating costs by up to 30%
• Opens sites up to views and daylight and maximizes open spaces
• Daylight improves humans mood, and increase positive behaviour, and social consciousness making both guests and staff more satisfied.
• Daylight also increases revenue in retail applications

The benefits of the materials we use and type of operable building we provide shows that adding an OpenAire retractable building or skylight to your property is absolutely helping meet your sustainability goals.