“Grid parity” is the point at which solar energy will cost the same as traditional electricity generated by coal and other fossil fuels. Right now, due to production, manufacturing and installation costs, solar only comes out ahead because of state and federal tax credits and incentives. But statistics from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C., show that we could achieve grid parity in as little as 10 years.

Read more: Solar Panels Drop Below $1/Watt

Whether you're looking at solar panels or building facades, the wave of the future is OPTIONS.

Aesthetics and sustainability. The two concepts are no longer mutually exclusive, whether you’re talking about sustainable cement fiber exterior walls that last 50+ years and can be designed to match any manufacturer's paint samples, or solar panels that become part of a church’s roof or otherwise integrate into a facility’s overall design.

“From a design perspective, a place of worship is typically designed to have an uplifting look and feel,” says Tarzana, Calif.-based California Green Designs’ Dan Burtt, sales manager. He urges designers and churches to find a solar design company that will take into account aesthetics when mounting solar panels.

Other options for solar include panels by Dow Corning that actually take the place of roofing shingles, integrating directly into the roofline of a worship facility.

“Energy efficiency continues to be a topic of pursuit in the industry,” says Decra's Meredith England, MS, CSI, LEED AP BD+C, marketing specialist for architectural in Corona, Calif. “There are studies being done on the reflectivity, the use of special underlayments to help produce renewable energy within the facility, and the move by manufacturers to make products more attractive when used with solar panels.”

It’s all about choices

Whether you're looking at solar panels or building facades, the wave of the future is options. “The hot trigger is options,” confirms Nichiha's Melba Garris, marketing coordinator in Norcross, Ga. She cites the company's new Illumination Series, which is compatible with the Color Expressions line, as one of the most popular building materials for houses of worship, with more developments on the horizon. “If you have a concept in mind, we can match the look of brick, stone, shakes or siding, and we can match standard colors from any paint manufacturer.”

Image courtesy of Nichiha USA Inc., www.nichiha.com.

RESOURCES:
California Green Designs
http://ca-green.com/

DECRA
www.decra.com

Nichiha USA Inc.
www.nichiha.com

Even when it comes to landscape water management, designers and contractors help churches lead by example

Landscaping is one of the most important features of a church. It needs to be inviting, healing, joyful and represent God’s splendor here on Earth. Church grounds often host picnics, playgrounds, healing gardens, weddings, funerals and many are attached to schools. The beauty of the grounds must convey to the congregation and the community the beauty of God’s love and commitment to his people. The appearance of the grounds, including maintenance and plant selection, not only helps to shape the image of the organization, but it also affects the church’s bottom line. One of the biggest issues facing the bottom line of today’s facility managers is water conservation.

Read more: Leading through Landscaping

A new family of products by Chicago Metallic Corp. offers more than 50% recycled content. The new High Recycled Content Ceiling Grid Systems, or HRCmax, feature 65% recycled steel in its suspension grid components.

According to the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Protection Agency, building related construction and demolition account for 26% of all non-industrial waste generated in the United States.

Read more: Chicago Metallic Introduces New Family of High Recycled-Content Products