The greener alternative
Municipalities and private organizations are coming to an important understanding: taking care of the planet isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for business.
More and more organizations are seeing the benefits of LEED certification. It shows a genuine commitment to the community, to people, and to the environment. In fact, certification makes particular sense in the aquatics industry; users want safe, appealing environments for swimming, learning and play, and consumers want businesses that care about the people and places around them.
If your project goal is to attain LEED certification, OpenAire can help get you there…beautifully. Our buildings offer a greener, better-looking alternative to traditional construction. Energy-efficient retractable roof enclosures and operable skylight systems create remarkable, one-of-a-kind structures, providing owners, members and visitors with appealing venues – and unforgettable year-round experiences.
Points for smart thinking
OpenAire structures contribute points for both LEED for New Construction and LEED for Core and Shell rating systems. Our team of design experts, engineers and certified LEED professionals work with owners, developers, architects and civil engineers to understand their vision and their LEED goals. Work with us from planning stages of your project, and you’ll maximize points – and contribute to overall building performance.
OpenAire systems contribute to the following credits:
| Sustainable Sites |
| Credit 5.2 Site Development, Maximize Open Space |
OpenAire buildings open up easily to the outside, providing accessible open space for building occupants. |
| Credits 6.1 and 6.2 Stormwater Design, Quality Control |
Specially designed roof systems collect water and can easily integrate into stormwater management systems. |
| Credit 7.2 Heat Island Effect, Roof |
OpenAire systems can integrate with other roofing systems that meet SRI LEED requirements; our aluminum framing systems are available in white coating. (Please note, however, that glazed surfaces are excluded from these credit requirements.) |
| Water Efficiency |
| Credit 1 – Water Efficient Landscaping |
OpenAire roofs collect stormwater through a series of gutter systems, which can be integrated into landscaping irrigation systems. |
| Energy and Atmosphere |
Prerequisite 2 – Minimum Energy Performance
Credit 1 – Optimize Energy Performance |
When your building has a retractable OpenAire roof, it requires less energy for operation. In summer, fresh air eliminates the need for air conditioning and dehumidification. In winter, solar heat gain from the glazed panels significantly reduces heating requirements.
Natural daylight eliminates the need for artificial lighting (during daylight hours) all year round.
Case studies show 20%-30% energy cost savings over traditional construction, based on building type and system configurations. |
| Credit 2 – On-site Renewable Energy |
OpenAire systems can be integrated with renewable energy systems such as building-integrated PV arrays. |
| Materials and Resources |
| Credit 4 – Recycled Content |
Some materials contain recycled content that can qualify for LEED points; contact OpenAire to learn more about these materials. |
| Credit 5 – Regional Materials |
OpenAire system components are sourced and manufactured within 500 miles of the building location. |
| Indoor Environmental Quality |
| Credit 4.1 – Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants |
All adhesives and sealants are compliant with LEED VOC limits. |
| Credit 4.2 – Low-Emitting Materials – Paints and Coatings |
All painting occurs off-site using low-emitting materials. |
Credit 8.1 – Daylight and Views – Daylight
Credit 8.2 – Daylight and Views – Views |
OpenAire systems provide 100% daylighting and views to enclosed spaces. |