CASE STUDIES Counting down toward sustainability These proven examples can contribute to the calculations needed to reduce our buildings' carbon footprint. by Bruce N. Wright, FAIA T his issue of the Fabric Architecture Specifier's Guide showcases solutions where architects around the world have used architectural fabric to help reduce environmental damage. One strategy involves adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Another pays attention to material choices that factor into overall building performance metrics compliance. Another trend that has seen increased adoption is the use of photovoltaic applications using very lightweight, flexible PV films that can be laminated to fabric shades or roofs. Shading has long been a positive factor in mitigating heat gain in buildings, and half of these case studies show creative ways to integrate fabric-based solutions with shading. 12 FabricArchitectureMag.comhttp://www.FabricArchitectureMag.com