Masonry Magazine January 2010 Page. 21
Fortunately, we are not alone at the crossroads. While LEED has seen an unprecedented growth as a market driver, with a projected 9,000 registered commercial projects projected for 2009, only 10 percent of all construction each year is registered, and only 1 percent certified. The designers and owners of the other 90 percent and even some of those participating in the LEED registration program also are seeking the right path to do the right thing. What does all this mean for the concrete masonry industry? It means that we need to do the following:
Reframe the issue
Is masonry really sustainable, or are we simply drinking our own Kool-Aid and greenwashing ourselves into believing what we want? I believe that our motivated passion has simply enabled us to look beyond the framework that some of our rating systems have inadvertently created. Our challenge is to provide a new framework upon which others can view us and the role that masonry materials provide for society.
* Longevity and durability. These attributions are of masonry's greatest assets. Those structures that last longer, require less maintenance, and can be adapted for reuse cast a smaller shadow on the environment. While we get no credit for this attribute in many rating systems, we are fortunate that our customers recognize this value in our products. Moreover, many architects consider this characteristic to be one of the most critical elements of a definition of sustainability.
* Resource efficiency. Concrete masonry materials are manufactured using some of the most abundant materials found on earth. While those materials may not be renewable, the manner in which they are collected, transported short distances, incorporated into manufactured products with relatively little energy, and disposed of provide minimal negative impact on the environment, compared to other construction materials.
* Safety and protection. While most environmental rating systems include occupant health and comfort, they frequently ignore the safety and protection of those inhabitants, leaving that task to building codes. However, those codes provide minimum life-safety standards. Concrete masonry structures go above and beyond other building systems in providing improved fire safety, shelter from hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes, and protection from blasts and bullets.
* Operational continuity. The safety and protection provided by concrete masonry also benefits communities by enabling them to return to normal operations faster. Fires that are contained in their location of origin enable buildings to re-open sooner. Communities with hardened shelters enable residents to find safe haven and faster returns to their homes.
* Byproducts reduction. Concrete masonry products are capable of incorporating materials that have been recycled from other industries and from consumers.
Take the Grunt out of Grouting!!!
Grout Grunt™
The Faster, More Ergonomic way to Hand-Deliver Grout.
"Scoop, Pass, Pour"
Grouting has become that simple!!!
Grout Grunt is a dual-handled plastic scoop that quickly and efficiently scoops, transfers, and pours mixed grout, mortar, sand, or any high density material.
* Grout faster, easier, and cleaner!
* Transfers 0.5 cubic foot each scoop!
* Weighs under 3 pounds, washes clean with ease
* Saves time (50% faster), makes money
www.groutgrunt.com or call 877.266.6432
DEALERS WANTED
AVAILABLE IN CANADA
READER SERVICE #239
SCAFFOLD PLANK
LAMINATED OR SOLID SAWN
When it comes to jobsite safety, your workers deserve the best!
* Microllam
* Master Plank
* DI-65 Pine
* OSHA Recognized
* Third Party Inspection
* Proof Tested & Stamped
* Readily Available
A WORLD OF SOURCES FOR SPECIALTY WOOD PRODUCTS
SERVING THE INDUSTRY FOR OVER 60 YEARS
800 365 9663
586 294 9663
Roseville, MI USA
www.mccauseylumber.com
MCCAUS
READER SERVICE #160
January 2010
CAUSEY LUMBER CO.
MASONRY 19