Environmental impact, and the reduced costs that come with an improved footprint, have become increasingly important to homeowners and business owners alike in recent years. Armed with knowledge, they want to take action in the form of sustainable design.
Consider this: In 2000, the U.S. had 41 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) registrations. In 2018, the number of registrations reached more than 67,000.
With all the momentum around sustainable design, it’s important to know which products can benefit the cause. At Viega, we offer a variety of systems that reduce water waste and save energy — and that’s just the start of their sustainable benefits.
While Viega ProPress is used for copper and stainless steel and Viega MegaPress is used for carbon steel and stainless steel, both provide peace of mind thanks to Viega’s Smart Connect technology. This proven method helps to quickly identify unpressed connections so issues are addressed swiftly and water waste is kept to a minimum.
Another benefit to sustainable design: Because Viega ProPress and Viega MegaPress don’t require the use of flame to install pipe, fewer indoor air contaminants enter the environment.
The Viega ManaBloc functions as a central distribution point for domestic water supply lines. With the ability to connect ½" or ⅜" PEX tube lines based on the demand of individual fixtures, the system supplies the proper volume of water required, which results in faster hot water delivery times and reduced water waste.
While decreasing water consumption, there’s also an opportunity to minimize energy use. The closer the manifold is placed to the water heater, the fewer demands there are on the system.
Because forced-air systems unevenly heat/cool spaces and have the potential for loss, it’s natural to adjust thermostats by a few degrees to counteract this issue. Viega Heating and Cooling Solutions offer a far more energy-efficient option. With an even temperature distribution and minimized loss, the radiant system enhances thermal comfort while using at least 30% less energy.
One more benefit for sustainable design: With minimal ductwork to meet commercial ventilation requirements or none at all in residential projects, far less dust and allergens circulate through the air. This improves indoor air quality and provides relief to allergy sufferers.
When Gina and Rodman Schley — the stars of the PBS TV show Urban Conversion — purchased an old farmhouse outside the city, they set out to incorporate green living concepts into the remodel. To be more specific, they aimed to achieve LEED Platinum certification.
With this goal in mind, the couple turned to Viega products. Three different types of radiant installation were used throughout the 4,000-square-foot home, with multiple zones included enabling ease of control. Meanwhile, Viega ManaBloc serves as the centralized water system for the home.
At Viega, we like to practice what we preach. That’s why we made every effort to weave green principles into the design and construction of our new seminar center in Broomfield, Colorado (as well as the new headquarters building next door).
Viega ProPress copper lines provide potable water throughout the seminar center, while Viega MegaPress carbon steel lines connect to the fire sprinkler system. Thanks to the use of radiant products, bare concrete floors remain comfortable year-round.