As one of the leading designs in demountable walls and glazing systems, Muraflex embraces its responsibility to maintain environmental stability through its practices and productions. We take pride in manufacturing towards a future that is enjoyable by all, with clear skies and clean drinking water. Our sustainability practices extend to our production practices, our internal culture, as well as relations with our clients and representatives. Examples of these include subsidizing our workers’ use of public transportation, lean manufacturing, and following all necessary and legal Health, Safety, and Welfare guidelines established by the American Institute of Architects. Additional information about Muraflex’s certifications and efforts towards environmental sustainability is here.
This article demonstrates how choosing Muraflex helps achieve more LEED points and attain one or more of the following LEED certifications listed above.
1. FLEXIBLE DESIGN MEANS REUSING MATERIALS
The past two years, more than ever, have shown us the importance of flexibility. Our glazed systems simultaneously offer connection as well as safety: teams and workers are able to see each other while maintaining physical distance. Additional products, such as switch glass furthermore provide a sense of privacy with a quick click of a switch. Unlike permanent constructions, our demountable walls are easily installed and uninstalled, thereby drastically reducing waste, time, and effort. Demountable systems are good news for the environment as well as your finances. In terms of LEED, material reuse is worth 1 – 2 LEED points, as is construction waste management.
2. BUILDING AND MATERIAL REUSE
Building reuse is the change of a purpose of a building. Converting a church into a school, a government building into a concert hall, or a high-rise office into a condo are all examples of building reuse. The higher a building’s potential to transform itself rather than needing to be deconstructed and reconstructed, the higher the LEED points it attains. Similar to material reuse, building reuse is a form of smart design, one that requires little energy, finances and time commitment to change something from A to B. Demountable walls are an amazing tool for repurposing a building whilst simultaneously minimizing waste, as it is the same material switching location or positioning.
3. GLASS RETAINS HEAT AND LIGHT: REDUCED ELECTRICITY USAGE
Imagine looking out at the snow while you’re toasty and warm inside. When one thinks of Muraflex, the first thing that comes to mind are glazed walls for offices. Glazed systems, in terms of windows as well as walls within an office space, are an excellent way to retain sunlight and heat insulation. In terms of light, the more glass partitions there are within a building, the more access it has to natural sunlight, resulting in fewer bulbs and ceiling lamps being used. Heat is distributed in a similar manner, via its ability to absorb infrared radiation. The default reliance on solar energy leads to a lower carbon footprint. Optimizing energy performance and lighting power can add up to 18 points in total.
4. MORE AIRFLOW AND SUNLIGHT
In addition to reduced electricity usage, LEED also takes into account the well-being of a building itself and the people in it. Daylight transmission, good air quality and views are all worth 1 –2 LEED point each. Along with the obvious visual appeal, glazed wall systems allow for a better airflow and transfer of sunlight, which also means fewer uses of electronic lights. They merge the indoors with the outdoors, and aid in developing a sense of belonging and community.
5. SOUND BLOCKING AND ACOUSTICAL RESISTANCE
Muraflex has been dedicated to working towards creating spaces that are sound proof and have high STC scores. Our glazed partitions are the perfect blend of open work spaced and quiet privacy. Flanking, the process by which sound travels around barriers such as walls and through small gaps, hurts STC ratings. Our doors come with a drop seal to prevent flanking, thereby reducing noise and increasing LEED points. A noise-free building exudes prestige while gaining you LEED points.
6. DEMOUNTABLE SYSTEMS ADJUST SPACE
A project under the LEED supervision must include a minimum gross floor area of 250 sq/ft. Demountable walls are excellent strategies for adjusting your space. For example, Muraflex’s EXPO has telescopic doors which change the size of a room with a quick hand-motion over a sensor. Our elegant FINO ‘s slim profile maximizes floorspace, automatically increasing the size of a space. Similarly, MIMO and PLANIKA work around your existing space and accommodate plumbing and wirings that are already present.
7. GLASS IS RECYCLABLE
Recyclable materials are worth one LEED point, and glass is one of the most easily recyclable material. In case of breakage, glass is taken to the recycling center where it’s sorted by color, smashed, and made into new. Unlike many other materials, recycling glass does not compromise its quality. Using recyclable materials for your construction purposes significantly enhances your LEED points, thereby getting you closer to the certification of your choosing. It is also note-worthy that Muraflex uses recycled glass and other materials in its manufacturing, so much of your products are already recycled materials.
8. ALUMINUM IS RECYCLABLE
Durable and abundant, aluminum is an environmentally friendly metal that recycles easily whilst staying close to its original quality. What’s more, the Muraflex warehouse does not produce waste material, and reshapes and reuses any leftover material from previous manufacturing.
9. DECOMPOSABLE MATERIALS
Muraflex puts special care towards using materials that are natural rather than synthetic. Glass made from sand, wood from trees, are two examples of biodegradable materials which Muraflex manufactures. While our priority is to use any product to its maximum potential, we make sure to avoid material that damages the environment. While working with us, you can be assured that the products used in your office designs are earth-friendly.
10. LEAN MANUFACTURING
Lean manufacturing is the practice of purchasing no more than the required material needed for manufacturing. Lean manufacturing leads to reduced waste and smarter finances. It encourages companies to be more cautious and thoughtful about each purchase and use, thereby reducing waste and consumption. Sustainable purchasing and solid waste manufacturing can add up to four points.
Key Takeaways
Glazed systems and demountable walls add elegance and beauty to your office space. Their slim profiles and ability to blend with their environment make them a reliable way to impress clients and create a thriving work environment. Apart from their aesthetic and functional appeals, they are a fully recyclable product which allow for easy passage of heat, light and air flow. LEED takes into account the internal and external wellbeing of a building, and demountable walls make any office a mentally fulfilling space. Our extra features such as sound minimization via flanking are also factors which significantly increase LEED scores.
