Green Canopies And Other Trends

Big changes in the canopy business

By Sarah Wienke

Let's face it. Apart from updating brand images, canopies in the petroleum industry have been somewhat slow to change for many years. That is until now. There are three major trends that are very quickly gaining momentum: increased size, inclusion of a sloped roof system, and interest in green construction.

Increasing Canopy Size
First, the size of a canopy at a new site has consistently been getting larger and larger. Has anyone stopped to notice what an astonishing difference has been made in only 15 years? In 1990, the average size of a new canopy was 1,710 sq. ft. Fifteen years later, in 2005, the average size had grown to about 2,848 sq. ft, a 60 percent increase.

While the average fascia height and frequency of unconventional canopy shapes has remained fairly constant, the market, not surprisingly, is calling for many more additions to existing canopies that don't fit today's “big” standards. One in six canopy orders in 2005 were additions. This is one way older stations can compete. In fact, it is not uncommon for a brand new station submitting for building permits to include outlined plans for future additions.

Add A Roof
Within the past few years, a huge spike in the demand for canopies built to support a roof system has swept through the canopy industry. Today more than one in ten new canopies are designed to receive a roof system, as compared to none in 1990. One reason for this new trend is to abide by the city ordinances of an increasing number of mostly suburban neighborhoods that require a canopy to blend in aesthetically with its surroundings. More and more canopies are receiving brick around their columns, shingled or standing seam roofs, and other architectural products to achieve this image.

Another reason to include a roof is to create a unique and upscale image. The petroleum industry is very competitive, and anything that can be done to stand out and reach the target market is considered. More and more, the end-user is looking for a custom design. Similarly, it is common for convenience store owners to match other buildings on the site, including the store, car wash or restaurant. In geographic regions that receive a lot of snow, a sloped roof will prevent snow from collecting on the canopy deck.

What's interesting is that pitched roofs are adding to the functions of a canopy. The focus used to be on advertising the brand image, providing weather protection to the motorists below and supporting light fixtures. Now canopies are also being integrated into a site's overall curb appeal.

Green Construction
One newer trend that is quickly making its way into the petroleum industry is green construction. Because going green is really taking off and is predicted as a major future trend, it deserves a lot of attention.

The colors and style of this sloped roof and fascia match those of the convenience store for maximum appeal.

Not sure how it all works? According to the U.S. Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org), a project must be pre-registered, and the design and construction reviewed in order to accumulate a minimum number of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits from a rating system (with some prerequisites) to be LEED-certified. LEED focuses on five major categories throughout an entire project:

1. Sustainable site development
2. Water savings
3. Energy efficiency
4. Materials selection
5. Indoor environmental quality.

Not only will a LEED-certified building conserve and better use the earth's resources while creating a healthy environment for its occupants, the building also is eligible for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of municipalities.

The LEED for Retail program recognizes the unique nature of retail construction, and is currently in a pilot test phase in order to generate market feedback on the April 2007 draft modifications. According to the draft, a minimum of 26 points out of about 70 is required to be certified at the lowest level. There are four levels: certified, silver, gold and platinum. The number of LEED points a project demonstrates will determine the level of certification it will earn. With a little extra planning (starting with site selection), design and conscious construction efforts, 26 points are not difficult or expensive to achieve.

Generally speaking, how can a canopy assist in generating LEED points for a project's overall master plan? First, a master plan could incorporate using recycled rainwater for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing, and custodial purposes. Also, one way to reduce heat islands on a site's hardscape (roads, sidewalks, courtyards and parking lots) is with a roof or building that provides shade for parking below with a Solar Reflectance Index of at least 29. A canopy's white roof deck should already contribute to this cause for no extra cost.

Limiting light pollution and energy consumption is also worth looking into. Safety, security and comfort should not be compromised beneath a canopy, but following LEED lighting power density guidelines on canopy and facade lights and using fixtures that follow the maximum initial illuminance value for the site's location could earn green points. It may help to have a master plan that shares exterior lighting amenities between buildings on a project site.

Although it would carry a more expensive initial cost, a canopy could be used to mount equipment that generates on-site renewable energy, creating solar power or wind power to offset building energy costs in the long run. If possible, re-using as many materials as possible from an existing canopy may qualify for a credit. Plan ahead to use as many materials extracted, processed and manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. When installing a canopy and other buildings on a site, redirecting or recycling extra materials, rather than disposing of them in a landfill, can earn a point.

Not all eligible credits are practical for a gas station canopy, but may be applied in other areas of the site. For example, a pervious decking material would not protect the contents below from the weather elements, one of a canopy's main purposes. Also, it may not be realistic to plant a vegetated roof on a canopy since so many components contribute to its drainage system, which needs to be clear of debris. Consistency throughout the master plan is very important. Building a green canopy will not make up for shortcomings in the design of the entire site as a whole. For the best results, explore the USGBC Web site for detailed benchmarks and consult a LEED Accredited Professional early in the design stage to effectively develop your green project.

Major changes are quickly sweeping the petroleum industry and inspiring new purposes for pump-island canopies. These changes will continue to serve the interests of motorists, offer functional and aesthetic roof solutions and help preserve the environment, encouraging a more visually pleasing and socially responsible future for our growing nation.

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The PEI Journal • Third Quarter 2007 • Volume 1, No. 3 • Contents are Copyright © Data Key Communications, Inc.
All rights reserved. • Nothing may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the publisher.