Sustainability
What is Photovoltaic Glass?
Photovoltaic glass is a special glass with integrated solar cells, to convert solar energy into electricity. This means that the power for an entire building can be produced within the roof and façade areas. The solar cells are embedded between two glass panes and a special resin is filled between the panes, securely wrapping the solar cells on all sides. Each individual cell has two electrical connections, which are linked to other cells in the module, to form a system which generates a direct. CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE ANALYSIS!
Environmental quality is essential to our long term well being! That is why Green buildings and renewable energy efficient facilities are our priority; to ensure healthier, cleaner, safer and more energy efficient environments.
The Benefits of Sustainable Design:
Projects that adhere to the standards of sustainable design delineated by the LEED rating system can expect significant benefits in a variety of areas. Some of these include:
- 20-26% better performance from students on language and math tests
- 16% better performance from employees on the job
- Dramatic reduction in sick days and significant improvement in employee retention
- 40-90% energy cost savings
- Flexible, durable, and healthy indoor environment
- 40-90% lower maintenance and operating costs
- Positive public image
- Building as a teaching tool
- Decreased or no liability for Sick Building Syndrome
- Increased funding through utility rebates and special incentive
- Treat the site sensitively by preserving natural amenities and/or restoring damaged ecosystems.
- Conserve Energy & preserve the atmosphere by minimizing usage, incorporate natural lighting & ventilation, optimize active control systems, emit low or no pollutants, and/or generate part or all of the energy needs on site through renewable technologies.
- Maximize water efficiency through landscaping with native species,implementing innovative waste water recovery technology, and reduce overall demand.
- Provide superior Indoor Air Quality by specifying low- emitting materials, providing adequate ventilation, and increasing individual thermal comfort and controllability.
- Responsibly use natural resources by recycling construction debris, specifying materials with high recycled content, using indigenous material, and requiring non-toxic and/or natural finishes through out.
How much more will it cost?
We’ve found that most people agree with the concept of sustainable building, but often think it’ll be too difficult or expensive. But when we show them today’s more affordable technologies and materials, and explain our integrated design process, they find that just the opposite is true.
Whatever your "shade of green," our LEED accredited professionals will help you achieve an affordable, sustainable solution.
Based on an October 2006 study of 30 "green" schools, Gregory Kats report “Greening America’s Schools: Cost and Benefits” reveals that building "green" would save an average school $100,000 each year - enough to hire two new additional full-time teachers. The report demonstrates that green schools (schools designed to be energy efficient, healthy and environmentally friendly) are also extremely cost-effective.
Total financial benefits from green schools outweigh the costs 20 to 1.
Despite the obvious benefits of green design, many districts are managing their current facilities on tight budgets and cannot see “greening” their schools in the near future.
We believe building sustainably doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach.
The Prisco Group offers these approaches on how to achieve a green school environment within your existing facilities.
Designed to enhance the learning and working environment;
Less costly to operate than a conventional school over the life of the building
Conserves important resources such as energy and water.