PWC CE - Underfloor service dist.: A key strategy for green buildings

On July 15, Professional Women in Construction (PWC) presented a forum on "Underfloor Service Distribution (UFSD): A Key Strategy for Green Buildings," the latest installment in PWC's ongoing Continuing Ed series. It was presented by Tate Access Floors northeast regional manager James Rizzo. Rizzo explained that today renovations and new construction focus on "green" - they need to demonstrate high performance, sustainability and financial advantages. Under Floor Service Distribution meets these criteria and is now used increasingly in owner occupied commercial office buildings; high rise commercial development projects; schools and higher education; libraries; government buildings; casinos and data centers. The UFSD or "raised floor strategy" is a method that, simply stated, places all power, voice and cabling under the floor system rather than overhead and then uses open plenum under the raised floor to supply conditioned air to the occupants. This strategy ensures improved IAQ (indoor air quality) due to reduced pollutants and other factors; comfort; flexibility; and increased daylight. These advantages have been proven to increase workforce productivity or student performance and lessen absenteeism. Moreover, the system generally pays for itself within a year or less of installation. Attendees found the information extremely valuable. Olga Vinogradova, esq., a construction litigation attorney, said, "I learned a lot. Now I see how this aids the environment and I will definitely be more informed and better able to assist my clients who are turning to greener, more sustainable design." Lisa Renz, a preservationist with ICS Builders, said, "In historic buildings ceilings are often highly decorative elements. Finding an alternative, a way to run systems under the floor, is very valuable to me." Kendra Potasiewicz, a sales engineer with Johnson Controls Inc., said, "This outlined the quantifiable benefits clearly - it will be very helpful in explaining the product to the consulting engineers I work with." Nancy Czesak, RA, Tishman, an AECOM Company, chairs the PWC Continuing Ed committee. The Continuing Ed program offers credits as AIA/CEUs. The program was held at the General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen, NYC. For information on upcoming PWC programs contact [email protected], call 212-486-7745; or visit www.pwcusa.org/ny.