Color Planet Earth Happy With Green Buildings

Warmest month on record. Years of drought. Record-breaking floods. Mudslides and landslides Category Five hurricanes. Named winter storms and blizzards that cut a paralyzing swath of snow and freezing temperatures through entire regions. No matter what the season, it seems as though the weather has a catastrophe to match it. As even skeptics become more aware that climate change is a reality we must address, everyone wants to know how we can adapt our lifestyles to counter the threat posed by this looming crisis. Because we are largely indoor beings, we recognize that we must alter our buildings to be more sustainable if we have hopes of rescuing the environment from the perils that climate change can cause.

Environmental responsibility strives to balance the fact that in industrialized countries, buildings account for 40% of the energy that’s used by those nations. Our buildings don’t just dominate the skylines; if they are not in harmony with environmental measures, they also determine whether or not we are hurting our world. Green buildings are a way to balance that excess with deliberate ways of using materials responsibly so that the places where we work and live pose less of a threat to the planet that we all depend upon for life.

Green BuildingsGREEN BUILDINGS AND THE DANPAL MOTTO

Danpal is more than a leader in the building industry. We’re also a partner in the sustainability movement. Our motto, Global Vision, Local Focus, is an acknowledgment that in order to provide quality materials for our customers, we must create products that support sustainability. Households all over the globe have adopted sustainable measures to support energy efficiency. At Danpal, we do the same.

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AS A WAY OF LIFE

This generation knows that if we fail to protect the planet, we run the risk of having an environment that will be radically different from what we know. Resource efficiency builds upon that theme by encouraging the use of natural, renewable, and recyclable materials. Using materials that can be transported from local sites rather than long-distance destinations is another way of practicing the resource efficiency that supports the green buildings way of life.

HOW RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES PROMOTE GREEN BUILDINGS

At Danpal, we live by our motto and we’re proud of the role we’ve played, thanks to the products that we create, in supporting the green building movement. We comply with federal regulations and building codes that outline specific rules to safeguard the environment. We are all engaged in a vital quest to keep the planet healthy, whether we’re a corporate entity or an individual. The standards that determine whether a structure can be regarded as a green building include an awareness of its Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Materials that emit minimally or no carcinogens or chemicals, are moisture-resistant, use non-toxic cleaning substances, and are installed with a minimum of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) support IAQ. Cleaning materials have traditionally been violators of these precepts, but today, it’s easy to find environmentally responsible, sustainable cleaning products that do the job without adding more toxic substances to the ecology.

Green buildings can count on Danpal

The way Danpal sees it, the planet is our neighborhood and just as we look after our communities, we also need to do what’s necessary to treat our environment with care. One way that we can support sustainable lifestyles every day is with green buildings. By doing this, we create a holistic bond between ourselves and nature.

Green buildings are one of the most effective ways of ensuring the long-term viability of Planet Earth, a vital mission for our society. Danpal is so dedicated to strengthening the connections between the natural world and the man-made world that we’ve pioneered the practice of daylighting architecture, which incorporates natural light into our buildings. Our systems are highly regarded for their high insulation properties and their mechanical resistance.

Danpal is a partner with both the Agency for Economic Development and Energy Control (ADEME) and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). Danpal is so committed to the concept of sustainability that maintenance of our products just requires the freshwater used for pressure washing and minimal detergent or soap. Green buildings can count on DanPal for the most innovative, environmentally friendly building materials on the market.

green buildingsAs an international company with a presence on other continents, we understand the connectional nature of our regions better than other companies with a more limited market. Developing building materials which support green buildings while maintaining the Danpal standard of excellence reflects our experience with the climate and weather patterns of different regions.

We design with the future in mind so that our structures will still be standing for generations to come. Creating products today that will take us safely and responsibly into tomorrow is a smart business practice that reinforces our Global Vision, Local Focus motto.

Planet Earth has been good to us. Green buildings are an important way that we can return the favor.

TIME AND LABOR ARE SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES

We tend to think of sustainability in terms of products. But our lifestyles are also a sustainability issue. Danpal doesn’t lose sight of the fact that labor is also an environmental concern. Just as shoppers are encouraged to “buy local” so that they are purchasing products that needed less transportation time to reach the market, Danpal’s façade, cladding, skylight, roofing and shading systems are manufactured so that they arrive at the site ready for installation.

Reducing on-site labor hours is an enormous time-saver for clients and it’s also popular for building sites that are located in open environments or under conditions which could be problematic.

SUSTAINABILITY IS MORE THAN A MOTTO, IT’S A WAY OF LIFE

Green building living has completely transformed the way we live and work. We strive to use products that promote the conservation of resources that are nonrenewable. This philosophy encourages all of us to lessen the impact on the environment that comes with the extraction, transportation, fabrication, processing, installation, and disposal of building materials. When we re-use and recycle, we advocate habits that make us responsible stewards of our planet.

Polycarbonate sheets make building stronger

No one disputes the need for strength in our building materials. A building is intended to last for generations. While repairs to a structure are an expected part of maintenance, a building should be strong enough to withstand the effects of weather. But standards for strength have evolved as innovative research has discovered newer and better materials. Danpal, always at the forefront of the most cutting-edge products manufactured, has made the use of polycarbonate sheets a primary component in our efforts to build better.

CAN POLYCARBONATE SHEETS WITHSTAND WEATHER?

In recent years, the weather has become more extreme. We’ve witnessed terrible storms throughout the seasons as blizzards, rainstorms, and other manifestations of nature seem to behave as if they’re in a contest to overpower the landscape. Buildings must be constructed out of materials that give them the stamina that they must have in order to outlast the furies of nature. Every season seems to bring its own special form of nature’s wrath and all over the world, people are experiencing weather that’s unlike anything they’ve known before. That’s why polycarbonate sheets have become so popular. Polycarbonate is light and easy to work with, while at the same time displaying a phenomenal strength. In fact, polycarbonate sheets, although only half as heavy as glass, are two hundred times stronger. As the weather has become more powerful, buildings are now stronger thanks to polycarbonate sheets.

polycarbonate sheets TYPES OF POLYCARBONATE SHEETS

Building materials that are equipped with versatility can offer more to architects and clients. Polycarbonate sheets are available in two different forms. You might choose solid polycarbonate, which resembles glass in its clear, flat sheeting form. Although solid polycarbonate looks like glass, it has far superior strength. Or you might choose multiwall polycarbonate, a structured sheet which has hollow air chambers. Whichever one you select, you can be confident that you’ll benefit from the same reliable polycarbonate strength.

WHY POLYCARBONATE SHEETS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You’ve heard a lot about the strength of polycarbonate sheets, but you may not realize why that strength is so important. Buildings are very vulnerable to the forces of weather.

Keeping insulation dry is one of the most important ways to protect a building. Damp moisture can lead to problems that begin with leaks and a loss of energy and can turn into structural stress and, ultimately, the possibility of building collapse. The damage isn’t merely confined to the building. Damp insulation creates an atmosphere in which mold thrives and once mold has found a home, it doesn’t want to leave. It leads to health problems for the occupants of a building, and if there’s someone who has asthma or allergies, they’ll feel the effects of mold very quickly. You don’t want to live or work in a building that adversely affects your health. Damp insulation also leads to financial issues because you’re paying for energy that you aren’t using. It’s escaping outside and that’s bad for the environment. Dry insulation is the formula for a healthy building and healthy people.

Wall cladding won’t let weather ruin your insulation

Budgets have a lot to do with the purchases that we make, but no matter what you’re buying, remember that if you skimp on quality, you’re going to end up paying in repairs and replacements what you thought you were saving in the beginning. At Danpal, we remind our clients that, when purchasing wall cladding, it’s important to buy smart. What does that mean? Well, wall cladding can make the difference in your energy bills, the structural integrity of your building, as well as the comfort of your living and working space. We’ll explain why wall cladding makes such a difference in your building’s ability to keep the weather out and keep savings in.

WALL CLADDING: THE ECONOMICAL AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTION

In the majority of the world’s International Energy Agency (IEA) countries, 40% of the individual nation’s energy usage stems from what their buildings use. That’s a lot of energy! But imagine how much worse that number would be if energy is being wasted. Energy waste isn’t always detected at first. Moisture from rain or snow can get into the interior of a residence or a business and spread dampness to the insulation. After that, the cost of wasting energy begins to make itself known. Wall cladding can protect your insulation from the threats of weather damage.

WALL CLADDINGHOW TO KNOW IF YOUR INSULATION HAS BEEN COMPROMISED BY MOISTURE

What is the temperature inside your structure? It should be consistent all year round so that, even when it’s very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter, you can maintain a steady temperature and not have to turn the thermostat up and down to be more comfortable. If you do have to adjust the temperature as the weather outside changes, it’s time to see if your insulation is wet.

Another clue that your insulation has been affected by moisture comes when you’re paying your heating and cooling bills. If you notice an unexpected increase in the amount you’re paying, you might want to check to see if your insulation is in good condition. Wet insulation lets energy escape and you’re the one paying for energy that you aren’t using.

HOW DANPAL WALL CLADDING DOES THE JOB

Danpal has invested a great deal into the research and development aspect of our business and we’re pleased with the results. We’ve developed products that suit the client’s needs while also meeting the needs of the environment. This formula for success has been a popular one with customers and that’s why we continue to be in the forefront of the industry.

Our wall cladding is designed with an air gap. This gives the wall cladding natural ventilation that keeps insulation dry and uncompromised by moisture. Another feature that prevents moisture from striking insulation is the convective motion behind the wall.

The high-quality performance of wall cladding’s connector-bound microcell polycarbonate panels keeps moisture out. Your building will be around for a long time because Danpal wall cladding keeps the leaks out.

SELECTING MATERIALS FOR GREEN BUILDINGS

The twenty-first century has seen the growing prominence of the sustainability movement advance to the point where lifestyles have dramatically changed. We make decisions on the foods we purchase, vacations that we take, and the buildings where we live based on how the environment is affected by what we do. As the movement has progressed, we now pay close attention to the use of materials and products in the construction of green buildings. We know the advantages of using green building materials. We benefit from the energy conservation, the reduction in maintenance costs, the improved productivity and health of the building occupants; the lower cost of changing space configurations; and an increased flexibility in design. Choosing the right materials is a straightforward process that puts the planet first. By doing that, we also support our own wellbeing.

THE COMPOSITION OF GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS

Using green building materials and products has a multifaceted role in protecting the environment by promoting the conservation of nonrenewable resources. Another benefit is the reduction of the environmental impact that’s associated with the extraction, transport, fabrication, processing, installation, reuse, recycling and disposal of building materials. Because green building materials are made out of renewable resources, they promote environmental responsibility, especially as we consider their impact over the life span of the product.


SELECTION CRITERIA FOR GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS

Resource-efficient materials

  • are made of recycled content
  • come from natural and renewable materials
  • are manufactured with resource-efficient processes
  • are made from locally available materials and components
  • use materials that are salvaged; refurbished; reusable; recyclable
  • are packaged responsibly

Energy efficiency is maximized

  • by using materials that help reduce the consumption of energy in buildings and facilities

Indoor air quality is enhanced by using materials that

  • emit few or no carcinogens
  • release minimal chemicals
  • are installed with minimal VOC-producing compounds
  • are resistant to moisture
  • require simple, non-toxic cleaning
  • promote healthy indoor air quality

Other criteria include the affordability of the material and its role in water conservation.

green buildingsSELECTING GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS

After establishing project-specific environmental goals, the environmentally-minded consumer can rely on research, evaluation and selection to choose green building materials. Research includes collecting all available technical data to be evaluated so that you can be sure you’re identifying all options. Evaluation consists of confirming the technical information and, where there are gaps, finding the missing information. When selecting the products to be used, an evaluation matrix is needed to score the project-specific environmental criteria. The product with the best environmental attributes will be identified by the total score of the individual products.

DANPAL’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN BUILDING SELECTION

As a company, Danpal has remained committed to the principles of sustainability throughout our existence. With the motto of Global Vision, Local Focus, we reinforce our practices by adhering to the policy that what we produce must not harm the planet or the people who live upon it. That’s a lofty goal but we feel that it’s also a practical one. Taking care of the environment is a way to take care of ourselves as well, because what affects the planet ultimately affects each of us. Our natural resources must be protected if they are going to continue to sustain us. We cannot live without water that is clean and drinkable, air that we can breathe, and soil that can grow food for us to eat. The buildings that we design and construct can play a harmonious role in the overall sustainability of this planet that is home to us all.

Facades Are The Beautiful Way To Protect Buildings From Weather Damage

Danpal, a leader in the building industry with over half a century of experience, has always emphasized the importance of manufacturing high-quality products that deliver superior performance. Our commitment to the environment assures our clients that the materials we produce support their own ecological concerns. These are the factors which have established our company as a trailblazer in the field. But we also have a creative influence on the buildings that are designed by architects. That harmony of creativity and performance is exemplified by our facades. The façade of a building is both an esthetic and a functional component of the structure.

Matching A Façade To the Neighborhood

We provide many options for colors, textures, and finishes so that architects can have a wide variety of choices when deciding how the building will look. A building has a designated purpose for the occupants within; whether it’s a home or a workplace, the interior of the structure must be safe and comfortable for the people who spend time there. But a building also has its own neighborhood; how it looks on the exterior will play a part in the way it fits into the community. Is your building located in a part of the community where the architectural style is more traditional, or is it in an area that’s know for its modern look? The façade that you choose can blend with the style that’s best suited for the building’s location. Facades can enhance the outward appearance of a building so that it helps to create a positive impression.

FacadesFaçade Strength Keeps Weather Damage Away

Microcell technology is at the heart of the strength of a Danpal façade. The high-impact resistance capitalizes on microcell technology to enable a building to withstand the damage that hail can cause. The snap-lock connection system keeps water and air from invading the building and letting moisture thrive. There’s also co-extended UV protection with Danpal facades so that the power of the sun won’t cause harm to your building over time.

Facades And Esthetics

Daylight is one of the most attractive features that’s provided with Danpal facades. The glazing panel of the façade has tight spacing between the ribs so that the natural light from outside can be evenly diffused inside. Light also opens the possibilities for visual contrasts, as building elements, whether hidden or integrated with conventional glazing, create fascinating impressions. There is also a wonderful range of colors and finishes to transform a building into an artistic masterpiece.

Other Advantages of Facades

Architects appreciate the flexibility of Danpal facades which makes them much easier to work with. The flush external of the concealed joints can warp and twist if necessary. Another feature is the system certification, which is compliant with ISO9001 and CSTB requirements. As the “R” values of roofing insulation have almost tripled in recent decades, Danpal facades play a role. That’s because the unique cell structure of the façade works with superior thermal insulation. At at a time when environmental responsibility is the universal goal, Danpal’s facades do their part to make the world a better place.

Green Buildings by Danpal Support Sustainability

Today’s architect can no longer be content merely to design green buildings for clients. Architecture has become a crucial component in the goal to keep the planet healthy; the more we learn about our environment, the more we realize that everything we do has a consequence. In order to keep those consequences holistic, architects have taken on the responsibility of designing buildings that support sustainability. Buildings in the developed world, because they are so sophisticated and so technologically advanced, account for 40% of the primary energy usage in their countries. At the same time, building materials may account for a significant proportion of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. It might seem as though the goal to build in a manner that supports our environment might be too difficult. But Danpal has taken up the challenge and, by investing in the research and development that looks to the future, we are helping architects build for a better, greener world.

In order to bring all these factors into balance so that each newly designed and constructed building conforms to federal standards, architects have expanded their professional sense of responsibility. They’re doing their part, and that’s why, at Danpal, we’re doing our part to promote the construction of green buildings.

GREEN BUILDINGSDANPAL AND ARCHITECTURE: A GREAT GREEN PARTNERSHIP

Danpal’s slogan is Global Vision, Local Focus. With that motto in mind, we’ve been able to focus upon the ways that the overall mission of our company impacts the daily lives of our customers. Danpal is widely respected in the building industry for the sustainable characteristics of our innovative projects all over the world. With a business presence on five continents, Danpal is firmly committed to the interconnected nature of our planet. That requires us to manufacture building materials that are both strong and sustainable: strong, because a building must be able to stand up to the adverse elements of nature; and sustainable because the life of a building extends through generations for whom Planet Earth is also their home.

GREEN BUILDINGS AND DAYLIGHT ARCHITECTURE

A transformative revolution in architecture has taken place and Danpal is proud to be a part of it. As pioneers in the concept of daylight architecture, Danpal recognizes that one of the best ways to promote the environment and its benefits is to include it in our buildings. We are a global leader in the designing and manufacturing of daylight systems that have high thermal insulation and mechanical resistance. We have enabled architects to harness one of the planet’s most holistic resources—natural light—in a cost-effective manner that is environmentally responsible.

SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFICIENCY: HOW DANPAL SUPPORTS GREEN BUILDINGS

On-site labor hours are reduced thanks to Danpal’s popular ready-to-install systems for facades, cladding, roofing, skylights and shading applications. This feature is especially useful for installations in open environments or in conditions that are problematic. Saving time and saving money are always popular when they’re made possible by a company like Danpal, which is known for its high-quality products. Doing both in a manner that supports sustainability is the right thing to do for our planet.