Armstrong World Industries Energy Saving Ceilings are Now Part of IES Virtual Environment Software

Integration of Armstrong TEMPLOK Ceilings in leading energy modeling software supports architects, consultants, and engineers in optimizing building performance

LANCASTER, Pa. — Armstrong World Industries and Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) have officially launched Armstrong TEMPLOK Energy Saving Ceilings into IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) software, a suite of integrated analysis tools used by engineers and architects around the world to optimize whole-building performance. Innovative TEMPLOK ceiling panels use Phase Change Material (PCM) technology to passively regulate room temperature and can reduce a facility’s energy costs and consumption by as much as 15%.*

Since announcing their partnership last fall, Armstrong and IES have completed the validation process necessary to launch TEMPLOK in the IESVE Parametric Simulation feature used by architects, engineers, and sustainable design consultants to analyze a range of performance metrics including the prediction of carbon emissions, energy consumption, costs, thermal and visual comfort, and water usage. The launch of TEMPLOK is the first time PCM ceilings, specifically, as well as PCM technology, in general, have been incorporated into IESVE software. In addition, the modeling was developed specifically for Armstrong TEMPLOK solutions, which are currently available in the Americas. With this full integration, users of the software will experience a fast, streamlined, and easy-to-use method of simulating the effect of the PCM ceilings within their whole-building IESVE model. “In Armstrong, we have a partner whose decarbonization mission aligns perfectly with ours, and a ceiling solution that—as it becomes widely adopted in the built environment—will contribute more and more to the sustainability of our planet,” said Nathan Kegel, Vice President of Business Development, North America, IES. “This launch is a major turning point for energy modelers as well as for architects, designers, engineers, and facility managers who can now benefit from more accurate energy savings data when incorporating TEMPLOK ceilings into their projects.”

TEMPLOK validation for the IESVE software came from a combination of laboratory and simulated data. Precise measurements and extensive testing were performed in a controlled environment. In addition, a digital twin of that environment was created to leverage the rigorous simulation capabilities of the IESVE platform. In the first of what will be hundreds of modeling studies—modeling a medium-size office building in Los Angeles—TEMPLOK ceilings were shown to generate a 7.2% increase in annual cooling savings and a 30.2% increase in annual heating savings, compared to the baseline ceiling using standard mineral fiber ceiling panels. (See study details)

“Until PCM ceiling technology innovation, no one considered ceilings as a source of energy savings—but we now know they can play a key role in lowering energy expenditure and be an attractive alternative to more costly HVAC system upgrades or replacements,” said Alex Waltemyer, Director, Energy Saving Ceilings, Armstrong World Industries. “The launch in the IESVE will introduce TEMPLOK to thousands of architects, designers, consultants, and engineers. When you consider everything from rising global warming to increases in extreme weather events, the planet needs collaborations like the one between Armstrong and IES that will expedite understanding and widespread use of solutions proven to make a positive environmental impact.”

Options, optimization, and other savings
IES technology and expert consultancy are leveraged by thousands of customers worldwide to optimize performance for everything from a single space to a building to an entire campus, city, or community. To help meet the diversity of potential uses, Armstrong offers TEMPLOK energy saving ceilings in three product families—ULTIMA TEMPLOK, CALLA TEMPLOK, and TEMPLOK SCHOOL ZONE FINE FISSURED. In addition, projects utilizing TEMPLOK energy-saving ceiling panels may qualify for up to 50% in tax savings under the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) 48E.

The partnership between Armstrong and IES—aiming to advance decarbonization in the built environment through innovation—is a strong example of the Armstrong “Building Better Together” initiative. This effort is focused on industrywide collaboration to advance sustainable solutions in the built environment that address intensifying public health, climate, and equity challenges.

* Cooling energy savings according to research estimates measured in lab tests. Results may vary.