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Establishing a sustainable mindset was critical for the success of First Baptist Church of Greenville, S.C.’s Activities and Youth Ministry Center (AYMC). The church community became vested in the ideals that in addition to ministry, they also needed to be good stewards of the earth. So the LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) process was chosen to guide Greenville’s Neal Prince Architects in the design, and a certification level of LEED Silver was set as a project goal. The designer developed a master plan that integrated sustainable practices seamlessly into the church’s vision of stewardship, community ministry, and the built environment—a master plan that reportedly developed and provided the framework for the entire project. Site impacts Neal Prince Architects associates found a rare opportunity to construct on an otherwise unusable site, finding that existing steep grades prohibited any usable park space for the church. The building footprint was minimized to lessen the environmental impact, and permanent dedicated open space was designated adjacent to the building to promote biodiversity and comply with the requirements of LEED-NC SSc5.2 (Site Development: Maximize Open Space). This designated open space also strengthens and protects the healthy lifestyle attributes of the baseball fields and the section of the city’s Swamp Rabbit Trail located directly next to the project site, according to representatives for the architect. To further lessen the building’s impact on the site, AYMC implemented a storm water management plan that reduces impervious cover, promotes infiltration, and captures and treats the storm water runoff from 90% of the average annual rainfall using vegetative filter strips and acceptable best management practices. In addition, the design firm reports that they implemented light pollution reduction (SSc8) measures to minimize light trespass from the building and site to reduce the impact on nocturnal environments.
In response to a rapidly growing campus, energy conservation and efficiency became primary concerns—to reduce utility costs and adhere to the sustainable master plan. The cooling plant for the new building consisted of connecting to the existing campus chiller plant distribution system. At this time the campus chiller plant was upgraded with new centrifugal chillers that have performances that exceed the ASHRAE 90.1 energy standards, while adhering to the criteria set forth by LEED NC - EAc4 (Energy and Atmosphere – Enhanced Refrigerant Management). The chilled water systems also utilize variable flow pumping systems using VFD-driven motors for greater energy conservation. The central air handling systems also reportedly aid in energy conservation by utilizing airside economizer operation when outside air conditions allow. To further reduce the load on the energy-efficient HVAC equipment, Neal Prince Architects implemented innovative design strategies in the building envelope. For example, increased building insulation, high performance Low-E glazing, and a high albedo roof help mitigate interior temperature gain and reduce the heat island effect caused from the roof. Materials and resources Being conscious of the materials used and the reduction of waste generated by the building and its occupants was another goal set forth in the master plan. Recycling stations are made available throughout the facility to help encourage best practices and comply with LEED-NC MRp1 (storage and collection of recyclables). A Construction Waste Management Plan was also implemented to provide a means of recycling or salvaging 443.67 tons (82.4%) of the construction, demolition, and land clearing waste on the project. All material was sorted on site by utilizing individual containers labeled for different types of waste. According to representatives for Neal Prince Architects, the designer achieved some 21.7% combined recycled content value as a percentage of total materials cost on the project. Recycled material items include structural steel, drywall, metal decking, roofing, metal framing, insulation, ceiling grid, and concrete mix. In addition, 20.8% of building materials and products were extracted, harvested, or recovered as well as manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. This supports the use of indigenous resources and reduced the environmental impacts resulting from transportation, sources say. Regional items used on the project included structural steel, drywall, concrete, brick, and metal framing. Indoor air quality and occupant comfort In addition to the minimum indoor air quality and environmental tobacco smoke control prerequisites required through LEED-NC, an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan was implemented during construction. This required that during construction, on-site or installed absorptive materials were protected from moisture damage and all air handlers used during construction were furnished with the appropriate MERV-rated filters to prevent hazardous particulate infiltration. Neal Prince Architects reports using low-emitting materials, including paints, adhesives and carpets, throughout the project to help reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants. To provide assistance with eliminating outdoor contaminants, AYMC implemented walk-off mats and vestibules at primary entrances. A cleaning policy is also in place for continuous application. Thermal comfort in the youth ministry building is achieved by the use of VAV handlers. Each VAV box/constant volume air handler is controlled by a room thermostat for optimum user control and meets the requirements of ASHRAE 55-2004, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy. Approximately eight months after occupancy, according to Neal Prince Architects, a survey will be administered to the occupants regarding thermal comfort issues and whether or not they are rated “comfortable” to “unacceptable.” In addition, the design firm has plans in place for corrective action if the responses are less than ideal. The overall concept of the building was to have visual connection throughout, as well as to link well with the surrounding riverfront and adjacent church campus. Therefore, representatives for the designer report that the majority of all spaces provide views and natural daylighting. Water conservation AYMC was able to reduce the potable water use by 44.8% from a calculated baseline. To optimize water conservation, the project features dual-flush valve water closets, ultra low flow urinals, ultra low flow lavatory faucets with automatic sensors, and ultra low flow showerheads in locker rooms. The project also employs native vegetation landscaping and highly efficient drip irrigation systems, resulting in a 61% reduction in potable water use for irrigation. Innovation and design In addition to Exemplary Performance in Water Use Reduction and Maximizing Open Space, other innovative strategies implemented at AYMC include an education program that presents the project’s sustainable design to occupants and visitors. These educational components consist of displays highlighting the building’s sustainable design features, the designer reports, as well as public tours and educational outreach through local media. A Green Clean Policy will also be implemented for all janitorial services at the facility. The policy is intended to protect human health and the interior environment by reducing exposure to toxic cleaning supplies and practices while also reducing the impact of disposable janitorial paper products and trash bags. In closing, AYMC is currently undergoing the final construction review process and is on track to receive a LEED Silver Certification. —Report provided by Neal Prince Architects. www.neal-prince.com; www.firstbaptistgreenville.com |
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Baltimore-Area Church Architect Announces New Projects in the Works
The company’s current house-of-worship projects include a new building currently under construction for Kettering Baptist Church in Prince George’s County, Md.; parish center modifications under way for St. Ignatius Parish in Hickory, Md.; ·an expansion and renovation under construction at Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville, Md.; and a recently completed chapel renovation at Hickory, Md.’s St. Ignatius Parish. Rubeling & Associates President and Founder Al Rubeling, Jr., attributes the company’s work and stability to “remaining focused on forming strong relationships with our clients and understanding their needs, particularly in these times.” www.rubeling.com South Carolina Architecture Firm Chosen to Rebuild Destroyed Tennessee Church
A series of five violent Scale 4 tornados that struck during a single 12-hour period—two each in Tennessee and Alabama, and one in Arkansas—resulted in 57 fatalities in four states. For more information on Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church, see www.lighthouse-upc.org. www.church-architect.org; www.lighthouse-upc.org North Texas Gains First LEED-Certified House of Worship
Scott A. Nelson, principal with HH, shared some interesting facts on the LEED structure. According to Nelson, the structure was designed using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, where the building is constructed virtually, on the computer. Nelson also reports that the highly traditional design includes pews, an organ, a wood and stone interior, and stained glass windows. In addition to being the first LEED-certified church in the northern part of the state, CUMC is also the first Methodist church to obtain LEED across the state. HH Architects has completed all four phases at CUMC campus. www.hharchitects.com; www.cumc.com Church Software Management Company Announces New Roadshow Tour
Fellowship Technologies is taking its Roadshow regional, going to 10 cities across the United States with a one-day event. Registration for any stop on the Roadshow is reportedly $99 per attendee. Additional details can be found at http://www.dynamicchurchconference.com. The company also reports that its annual Dynamic Church Conference (DC10) held in Plano, Texas, in May 2010 drew 521 Fellowship One users—a 20% increase in attendance from the previous year. The conference marked the fourth annual event for the company. www.fellowshiptech.com; www.dynamicchurchconference.com 
Ideal Impact Inc. Generates $60 Million in Energy Savings for Christian Ministry The Grapevine, Texas-based company works with churches, Christian schools and other faith-based organizations throughout Texas with a minimum annual energy bill of $20,000. By implementing a proactive energy efficiency plan, combined with energy education training, participating churches are able to yield surplus funds, obtain needed facility improvements and have a positive environmental impact.
“Today, everyone is facing the challenge of meeting operational, personnel and financial demands,” says McDaniel. “For many churches, a new revenue source exists right inside the building. Not only are we helping churches and Christian schools fund short-term needs, but the long-term savings and environmental impact are incredible.” The company’s first customer, Church at the Cross in Grapevine, is a testament to this claim, McDaniel reports. Having signed a three-year energy savings contract in May 2009, estimated to save $32,800 annually, the church is already seeing the affect on its budget and 47-acre campus. Energy consumption has been reduced more than 30% and the church has the potential to generate nearly $800,000 from energy savings over the next 15 years.
This appealed to the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC), which entered into a three-year energy savings agreement in June 2009 for its administration facility in Grapevine, Texas. The 30,000-square-foot facility will save $22,200 annually, and projected savings over a 15-year period is approximately $518,000, McDaniel reports. “They have already achieved monthly savings of 43% of their electric consumption,” he says. “Most significantly, the agreement required no upfront costs and is a positive cash flow project.” Joe Davis, SBTC chief financial officer, agrees that his organization’s relationship with Ideal Impact is working to save both energy and money. "For several years, we have been looking for ways to maximize efficiencies in our energy usage and this is a solution that I believe will provide substantial long-term savings to our ministry,” says Davis. “These savings will increase as time goes by and energy costs continue to climb. Putting more dollars into ministry and less into overhead makes perfect sense.” “These accomplishments are truly a testament to our energy reduction services and ability to create a new revenue source for churches,” McDaniel closes. “Our sales pipeline continues to grow rapidly as our message spreads.” Wes McDaniel, founder and CEO of Ideal Impact Inc. (http://www.idealimpactinc.com) in Grapevine, Texas, can be reached at (817) 251-8498 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). McDaniel is a 30-year veteran in the energy efficiency business, a successful entrepreneur, and an active Christian volunteer. www.idealimpactinc.com www.sbtexas.com www.thechurchatthecross.com 
AirDD’s Illuminated Inflatable Designs Light Up the Night, Save Energy
The temperature of any event rises with the addition of Candelabra, Lilia Pads and the Pointi. These shapes, and classic shapes such as Stars, Tusks and Cones, help warm up outdoor environments. And to add even more layers, the look and feel of a church event can be changed with a programmable LED lighting system within the Hi-Lights.
Compix Spirit Graphics Creation Package Helps Spread the Word
The package offers an integrated Bible search database, more than 100 pre-built templates, fun fonts, stylish backgrounds, and a high-impact animation creation suite.
Fluke Thermal Imagers Help FMs Spot Issues Before They Arise
Thermal imaging is often referred to as the first defense in a predictive maintenance, preventative maintenance program or a building restoration or remediation project. Using Fluke’s product, church facilities managers have the ability to discover problems prior to costly downtime. FMs can also use Fluke’s Thermal Imagers to monitor problems, such as wiring or potential equipment failure, so maintenance can be scheduled when budget is available or downtime can be scheduled.
Notifier Announces New Gas, Flame Detection Products Ideal for Houses of Worship
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