The Metal Alliance for Sustainable Building Envelopes, Chicago, is a new organization focused on improving sustainable building performance through the use of metal. Organizers are hosting an informational Webinar on Thursday, May 20, 2010, for prospective members. The mission of the Alliance is to promote the sustainability, thermal performance and positive environmental impact of metal roof and wall systems used in the whole building envelope. Its primary objectives are: to educate the market on the benefits of using metal as a platform for integrated system solutions; ensure that metal is treated fairly relative to sustainable aspects of building codes, regulations and architectural standards; and to conduct technical studies to evaluate the performance of metal envelope components in full systems or assemblies. MASBE seeks a broad membership of stakeholders in entire building performance. This includes trade associations, component manufacturers, coating manufacturers, suppliers, research laboratories and any other companies or organizations that support the metal roofing/wall building envelope industry. This effort is expected to extend to solar technology manufacturers, insulation providers, membrane producers, insurance groups, and real estate organizations. In the Webinar, which runs from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern time on May 20th, leaders will explain MASBE’s technical, marketing and public policy goals, organizational structure and leadership, the action plan, and membership information. Development of MASBE is being led by Scott Kriner, president of Green Metal Consulting, Macungie, PA; Tom McKay, product manager for PPG Industries, Springdale, PA, and Bob Scichili president of Robert Scichili Associates, Richardson, TX. All three have played key roles in the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition and other industry initiatives. MASBE’s focus is intended to be more comprehensive than other industry groups. “The market is evolving from simple, single product solutions to integrated building systems. All components of the roof and wall assembly, even installation techniques, can impact overall efficiency of a building. So, creating MASBE was a natural next step in expanding awareness of the performance of metal assemblies in what is now most critical – total building performance,” notes Scichili. Kriner emphasized the need for this type of pro-active effort. “Codes, standards and legislation are now emphasizing the importance of building envelope assembly performance rather than the performance of individual components. For example, the Florida Energy Code is now entirely performance based, rather than prescriptive based,” he said. The Alliance’s pro-active measures will be broad based. “The information that we generate will be used by our members’ educational efforts to focus on promoting metal as the ideal platform for building integrated technologies that improve thermal, environmental and sustainable performance of buildings.” adds McKay. For more information about the Webinar or MASBE, contact Tom McKay at Thomas.mckay@ppg.com, or 248-641-2124. To reserve a spot at the May 20th Webinar, visit https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/801246272.