Stanley Construction
Our Team (hereafter referred to as the Mobile Green Team MGT), met with Gary Caulfield, General Manager Stanley Construction, and an active member of the New Zealand Green Building Council. Being an advocate for sustainability, “because it’s the right thing to do”, Gary is one of a few people in New Zealand who have managed a project that has attained a Green star rating (http://www.stanleygroup.co.nz/page/140-our-people).
Gary provided in-depth knowledge about the New Zealand Green Council, of which he has been a member since its inception in 2005. (http://www.nzgbc.org.nz/main/) The Council was established in July 2005 with its goal to move the global property industry and built environment towards sustainability.
Gary provided detailed information about “leaky buildings”, a problem that manifested itself much in the same way that lead paint issued did in USA. During the 1990s many houses were built using methods that haven't withstood the weather conditions in New Zealand. Because of the problems involving design, and installation of materials, these houses leak when it rains. (http://www.consumerbuild.org.nz/publish/leaky/leaky-background.php)
Once water or moisture gets behind certain cladding types, if there is no cavity between the cladding and the framework, the water becomes trapped and cannot easily escape or evaporate. In 1998, a change in the New Zealand standard for Timber Treatment (as referenced in Acceptable Solution B2/AS1) allowed the use of untreated kiln-dried timber in wall framing. If this untreated timber framing gets wet, the timber starts to rot. Likewise, steel framed buildings and treated timber can also be affected if they remain wet long enough. This causes, in some cases, extensive damage to the fabric and structure of the house.
A side effect of leaking buildings is the risk to human health. Some molds that grow on damp timber and other materials can cause respiratory and skin problems. In addition, some residential structures have been determined to be dangerous because of weak timber and/or weak building structures.
One of the facts that I found most fascinating about the leaky building issue is even though there is much litigation and tax payers’ dollars being spent on this problem, the New Zealand Government has not banned the use of this untreated timber in buildings.
One of the most impressive things about this visit was Gary Caulfield’s dedication and commitment to sustainable living and practices.
No comments:
Post a Comment