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O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0 | 23 Insulation P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E SY C P C I extruded polystyrene. "R-5 offers a one-step solution to meet the energy- efficiency requirements for both the Ontario and Quebec building energy codes," says Matthieu Danis, product manager, wood fibre, for BP Canada. "They provide the permeance as well as a stiff panel assembly without requiring wrap." Finally, one of precast concrete's key benefits is its high thermal mass, a prop- erty that allows concrete to gradually store and release heat to help moderate daily temperature swings. Recent studies have demonstrated that the thermal mass of exterior walls reduces annual energy costs in buildings – which is why the Canadian Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI) continues to pro- mote insulated precast Double Wythe Insulated Panels – also known as precast concrete sandwich wall panels – to developers. These panels consist of two reinforced or prestressed concrete wythes with a continuous layer of rigid insulation sandwiched between. They are mass- produced in standard widths on long line casting beds and can be used for both load bearing and non-load bearing applications. The type and thickness of insulation contained in panels varies with the RSI-value required for each building, and the insulation is installed under controlled factory conditions and well protected by the concrete. Brian Hall, managing director of the CPCI, points out that, "In the last 10 years, the range of products has broadened as manufacturers have incorporated new manufacturing methods, new finishing techniques and materials, new insulating and anchoring methods, as well as improved methods for addressing rain, wind, vapour, and heat movement. "With high versatility, rapid construction, and unparalleled energy efficiency, the use of double wythe insulated panels has become widespread in a number of building applications, including educational, residential, medical, retail, commercial, governmental, correctional, and industrial. One only has to look to the recent Amazon's one-million-square-foot fulfillment centre project in Ottawa East and the recently announced new 450,000-square-foot facility slated for Ottawa's south end to understand the reasons for the panels' popularity: precast concrete and Amazon are both famous for their delivery speed." A Construction of Amazon's one-million-square-foot fulfillment centre project, Ottawa East, ON. December 2020 ANNUAL INDUSTRY FEATURE: Green Building Design Book your ad space now: Dan Chapman 604.473.0316 Alexander Sugden 604.473.0358