High Performance Structural System Unlike a conventional high-rise office tower, the architect for this project has designed a triangulated structure, which is expressed in stainless steel on the outside. This is stronger and more efficient than the normal orthogonal grid of vertical columns and horizontal beams. In addition, this system also offers more structural redundancy. This unique structural concept provided the opportunity to optimize and reduce the total weight of the steel framing by 20% in comparison to a convention beam and column framing approach at the perimeter. This reduction will represent a savings of over 2,000 tons of steel for this project. Truly in innovation in design geared towards reducing the environmental impacts associated with materials manufacturing and transportation, the design team for this project would like for the USGBC to recognize this unique approach with an Innovation Credit. Will the USGBC award the project an Innovation Credit based on the proposed triangulated structural system? Images that articulate this system are available on request from ahathaway@swinter.com
A high performance structural system is a strategy suitable for an innovation credit. To achieve an innovation credit, you need to clearly identify environmental goals and performance of the project. An alternative design solution in and of itself does not qualify for an innovation credit unless you demonstrate specific environmental advantages not otherwise recognized by LEED. In your case for example, is stainless steel more energy or resource intensive than typical structural steel? If so, what has your project achieved by switching materials? In a previous project, a similar case was made for the innovative nature of a resource-efficient structural system. In that project, the designers evaluated a number of measurable categories, and presented their findings to demonstrate the innovative nature of their solution. The designers compared the weight and material use of four structural systems, as well as evaluating the effect different structural systems had on total building size and conditioned volume. In the end, their calculations showed a material savings of 35%, and an HVAC system capacity savings of 10%. The LEED requirements for an innovation credit are that you identify the intent of the innovation, a proposed requirement for compliance, and describe and provide information necessary to demonstrate that you meet the proposed intent. Your innovation credit proposal should propose and provide a basis for evaluation. Applicable internationally.