The southern wall of the building is clad in 2,240 square feet of InSpire. The wall panels are 0.032-aluminum in a highly absorptive Classic Bronze color. Coupled with energy-efficient lighting, an efficient HVAC system and high-performance insulation, the InSpire wall system contributes to a 47 percent reduction in annual energy bills for Better Living compared to similar buildings.

The InSpire system by ATAS consists of transpired solar collector metal wall panels mounted a few inches from a building's outer wall. The perforations in the wall panels allow outside air to travel through the face of the panels. Solar heated air at the surface of the panels is then drawn through the perforations where it rises between the two walls and enters the building's ventilation system. In the summer, InSpire helps to keep the building more comfortable by preventing normal solar radiation from striking the building's main wall. Hot air is thermally siphoned up the wall and vented through holes at the top of the system, leaving the main wall cooler. In the summer, by-pass dampers allow cool fresh air to be drawn into the building at night, maintaining indoor air quality and temperature.

“The southern wall collects solar heat for use inside the facility, reducing the use of the traditional HVAC system,” explained Jim Bush, vice president of sales for ATAS. “We are proud that ATAS and its InSpire wall panels have helped to create an energy-efficient building for Better Living, as well as to bring a LEED facility to central Virginia.”

This project and ATAS were recognized in late 2009 when awarded the 2009 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award—the Silver Medal Winner in the Environmental Project Category—by the state of Virginia. Other recipients included the project team, featuring architectural firm The Gaines Group, PLC, Charlottesville, Va.; builder, Mathers Construction, Waynesboro, Va.; and MEP engineer, F7 Engineers, Charlottesville.

Together, this team created a building with sustainable features, including:

• Transpired solar collector

• Energy-efficient lighting

• Efficient HVAC system

• High-performance insulation strategies

• Water-efficient fixtures

• Recycled content materials

• 95,000-gallon rain water collection system

Charles Hendricks, AIA, CSI, CDT, LEED AP, of The Gaines Group, said: “These fundamental design elements provide a positive return on investment, not only for Better Living’s bottom line but for the resources available to future generations.”