Page 26 - Grapevine Jan-Feb 2020

In The Winery

Photo Courtesy of: Morton Buildings

exist, which limit your flexibility,” he said. However, tent and is completely recyclable at the end of its
if you want renewable solutions for an existing lifespan. “By combining sustainable building prac-
facility, Schumm advised getting a feasibility study tices and our Energy Performer insulation system,
and an energy audit, and making adaptations many of our buildings are able to achieve national
where you can. recognition for their efficiency,” Milby said.

Design Engineer’s website has articles featuring Morton’s post-frame construction allows for con-
real-world numbers demonstrating where to find tinuous insulation between structural elements. “So
net zero savings. Not surprisingly, the primary cat- plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems are placed
egory contributing to energy efficiency is conserva- between the insulation and in the finished wall or
tion. “Methods such as daylighting, energy recovery ceiling. This configuration results in no penetration
for ventilation, good passive solar design, southern of the insulation and an increase in energy effi-
exposure with appropriate shading and so on. ciency and overall insulation performance,” Milby
Then, another quarter of the savings comes from said. He added that cool roofing or high-reflective
geothermal heat pumps,” he said. roofing products reduce the “heat island” effect
on a building, and lowers energy use and costs.
Rossignol agreed. “Heat recovery systems such as Foundations with concrete lower pier columns
ventilation systems re-circulate warm air, so energy eliminate wood contacting the ground and wood
used to heat buildings isn’t wasted. And geother- treatment and require less excavation and less con-
mal has drastically proven to reduce heating energy crete. Morton even utilizes sustainable sourcing.
and, for wineries, in particular, can be integrated
with the cooling systems for fermentation,” he said. “Long before the U.S. Green Building Council cre-
ated LEED, Morton Buildings was already applying
The structure that houses these systems shouldn’t a number of sustainable building practices. Since
be an afterthought. For example, Morton’s steel 1949, we’ve used timber frames manufactured
roofing and siding has high levels of recycled con- from renewable wood sources. To conserve energy

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