How does a building become a “green” building? Through design and construction that concentrates on:

Conserving water;
Reducing energy consumption;
Reducing the depletion of natural resources and materials;
Creating a sustainable site;
Use of innovative design;
Improving indoor environmental quality.

To become LEED^TM certified, the building is rated by these six categories. Within each category, points are awarded based on the LEED Green Building Rating System™.

LEED™ awards points to building designs for a variety of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features, from the installation of radiant heating to reduction of energy consumption, to grey water recycling, to the use of local building materials that require less energy to transport. LEED™ points are not given to individual products, but to an aggregate of the building system that saves water, energy, and contributes to a healthy indoor environment. An example of this is Wal-Mart’s use of green building designs on a prototype store in Dallas, Texas, one feature of the design is the capture of rainwater for use throughout the building and grounds; i.e. rainwater harvesting.

By using Smith Siphonic Roof Drains in a siphonic design, LEED™ points can be awarded for using recycled material (cast iron), reducing site preparation (less buried pipe), and extra points can be awarded by using “Innovation and Design” concepts. Additional points can be awarded if the siphonic system is used for rainwater harvesting. For more information on how siphonic systems can be used in rainwater harvesting, click here.

Environmental Design Credits

The benefit of using Smith Siphonic Roof Drains in a siphonic design is that this concept helps achieve the ultimate goal of USGBC: to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work. Here’s how to get design credit:

• SS Credit 5.1 “Reduced Site Disturbance” – 1 Point
  (14 possible points under Sustainable Sites)

Reduced, shallower trenching – “On greenfield sites, limit site disturbance including earthwork and clearing of vegetation...”

Did you know that a siphonic roof drain system requires less site preparation?
In a siphonic system there is a de-pressured flow (a higher flow capacity since flow is a full-bore) which means there is much more flexibility where pipe routing is concerned - thus the pipe work can be run just horizontally below the roof rather than below ground; this means there is less need for

groundwork such as site trenching, bedding, and backfilling.

• SS Credit 6.1 “Stormwater Management, Rate and Quantity” – 1 Point (14 possible points under Sustainable Sites)

Controlled flow roof drainage – “Limit disruption of natural water flow by minimizing stormwater runoff, increase on-site infiltration and reducing contaminants.”

Did you know that a siphonic roof drain system can reduce stormwater runoff from the roof?
In a siphonic system several roof drain outlets can be connected to a single vertical discharge pipe reducing the number of discharge points. And fewer discharge points mean the water can be easily routed for storage and reuse. This in turn controls the amount of rainwater being fed into the stormwater systems or runoff area. Once the water is stored it can be used for landscaping irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing, and custodial uses.

• WE Credit 3.1 & 3.2 “Water Use Reduction” – 1-2 Points
  (5 possible points under Water Efficiency)

Rainwater harvesting

Sewage conveyance and landscape irrigation – “Maximize water efficiency within buildings to reduce the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater system.”

Did you know that a siphonic roof drain system can be used successfully with water harvesting?
A siphonic system allows for piping to a water harvesting system so that it can be stored and used for non-potable applications such as in irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing, mechanical systems, and custodial uses.

•  MR Credit 4.1 & 4.2 “Recycled Content” – 1-2 Points
  (13 possible points under Material & Resources)

Products incorporate recycled content materials – “During construction, ensure that the specified recycled content materials are installed and quantify the total percentages of recycled content materials installed.”

Did you know that most cast iron is “green?”
Most cast iron drainage products use 100% post-consumer recycled materials and can be re-melted and recycled after their useful life. Such is true with all Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co., cast iron, plumbing and drainage products and our siphonic roof drains.

•  ID Credit 1.1 “Innovation in Design” – 1-2 Points
  (5 possible points under Innovation & Design Process)

Reduction in construction materials – “Award points for exceptional performance above the requirements set by the LEED Green Building Rating System™.”

Did you know that a siphonic roof drain system is an innovative design?
A siphonic roof drain system allows for smaller diameter piping and more flexibility where pipe routing is concerned. These characteristics enable significant savings of time and money in the construction of large industrial or commercial buildings. The need for vertical rainwater piping inside a building can be eliminated, saving approximately 1/2 a square meter per stack. This allows greater flexibility in the use of space within open-plan buildings, permitting larger uncluttered areas in large public structures.