Facility Focus Fall 2018

FACILITY FOCUS The Official Publication of the Alberta Educational Facilities Administrators’ Association

Fall 2018

Publications mail agreement #40934510

Light makes world of difference in school environment

AEFAA conference highlights

Radon in schools:

What it is and how to manage it

Math.

Science.

History.

Lead.

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table of

Published by: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, MB R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com

contents

President & CEO David Langstaff Publisher Jason Stefanik Managing Editor Cindy Chan cindy@delcommunications.com Sales Manager Dayna Oulion dayna@delcommunications.com Toll Free: 1.866.424.6398 Advertising Sales Brent Astrope Gary Barrington Jennifer Hebert Dan Roberts

Production services provided by S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com

Art Director Kathy Cable Layout / Design Dana Jensen

4 Message from the AEFAA president, Rob Harrington 6

Let there be light

10 St. Albert Catholic High School receives modernization 12 Emerging issues in building operations 14 It’s always good to have a strong core 16 AEFAA conference highlights 18 Managing radon in Alberta Schools 23 New chapter for New Horizons School 25 The evolution of the flooring adhesive

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Alberta Roofing Contractors Association ..........................................................................................9

Advertising Art Dave Bamburak

Allmar Inc ...............................................................................................................................................................11

Cover photo credit:

Belfor Property Restoration ......................................................................................................................17

Cover photo credit to FWBA Architects.

B.G.E. Service & Supply Ltd. ....................................................................................................................20 Bomi Canada ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

©Copyright 2018. Alberta Educational Facilities Administrators’ Association.

All rights reserved.

Buckwold Western ...........................................................................................................................................9

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Erv Parent ........................................................................................................................................................... 26

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees.

Publications mail agreement #40934510 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0G5 Email: david@delcommunications.com

Centaur Products Inc. ................................................................................................................................. 24 Dobbin Sales Ltd. ......................................................................................................................................... IFC FWBA Architects ............................................................................................................................................ 15 IBC Technologies ..............................................................................................................................................5 Inland Screw Piling ...........................................................................................................................................11 Longbow Sales Inc. ........................................................................................................................................ 15 Premier Fire And Flood Restoration Inc. .................................................................................... OBC Refrigerative Supply ....................................................................................................................................20 Reliable Controls Corporation ..............................................................................................................IBC Royal Stewart Ltd. ......................................................................................................................................... 25 Sci-Tech Engineered Chemicals Inc. ................................................................................................... 26 Servicemaster Restore ................................................................................................................................ 19 Spalding Hardware ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Tarkett Flooring .............................................................................................................................................. 23 The Workun Garrick Partnership ........................................................................................................... 21 Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. ........................................................................................ 22 W.E. Greer Ltd. ................................................................................................................................................ 24 Western Gym & Recreational Supplies Ltd. ..................................................................................... 15 Western Noise Control (2015) Ltd...........................................................................................................4 Winmar ................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Printed in Canada 09/2018

Alberta Educational Facilities Administrators’ Association

3

Message from the AEFAA president

Rob Harrington

i

hope you were

managing the golf tournament

all able to get

this year. It was held at River

out and enjoy

Bend Golf Club and Recreation

the summer, as

Area in Red Deer with more prize

Gushulak in Penticton, B.C. for the

well as complete

holes and on-course fun than

EFMA trade show and conference.

we’ve had in a few years. It was

Our partnership with EFMA is

in-house and IMR projects we all

a great turnout and everyone in

a valuable one; their goals and

have the joy of managing.

attendance had a great time.

objectives are obviously similar to

Our spring conference was held

As well, they hired the

ours and we will continue to work

at the Sheraton in Red Deer

entertainment for our banquet

together to provide educational

and was, once again, a success.

night and those who attended

conferences for both provinces.

Why change something if it

were treated to a thrilling night

Our main focus has been on

isn’t broken, right? We had 90

of magic and illusion. Well done,

professional development and

exhibitor booths and 99 members.

gentlemen, and thank you again

increasing our membership, and

A great job was done by Tammy

for your efforts to support

that’s exactly where it needs to be.

Parry and the executive that

AEFAA.

I believe our partnership with SAIT

helped her out on that very busy

I’ve been on the executive for the

was a move in the right direction,

past three years now and it’s been

and we will continue to work with

On behalf of the entire executive

an excellent experience. I have

them to provide our members

team, I’d like to thank Dave

already attended a CASS session

with valuable and worthwhile

Milchelko and Clyde Krier for

and joined Russ McKay and Kevin

sessions and courses. They consist

the numerous

day.

of information that you can take back to your boards and say, “This is what we are learning, these are the things that other divisions are doing with success and this is why we need to continue supporting

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I look forward to the challenge ahead of me this year as president and welcome any ideas or

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We will be having our fall workshop in Jasper again this year, and it is looking to be a busy three days on Oct. 17, 18 and 19. It’s an event you do not want to miss out on, so sign up soon. n

4

FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

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Let there be light

By Cindy Chan

E

astbrook Elementary School is seeing

that began in the summer of 2016 and wrapped up

brighter days.

June of 2018.

Based in Brooks, Alta., the school,

The modernization consisted of a total replacement

housing roughly 600 kindergarten to

of all mechanical and electrical systems and the

Grade 6 students, was originally built

roof, as well as interior renovations and redesign.

in 1975. According to Alan Kloepper,

“There was a severe lack of daylight in the school,”

manager of facilities and maintenance for Grassland

Kloepper says. “FWBA Architects really opened up

Public Schools, it has received multiple additions since

the space.”

then in 1977, 1980 and 1996. With so many additions

Dan Westwood, principal for FWBA Architects,

but not enough renovations, Eastbrook Elementary School finally received a well-deserved modernization

adds that the modernization also included the creation of spaces that didn’t exist in the school before, such as the new gathering space and two maker spaces that can be adjoined.

According to Westwood, some interior windowless spaces had been converted into the maker spaces.

They are connected by movable glass walls that turn them into one large room. Westwood says five classrooms surround the maker spaces, so students can easily move into the spaces for project-based learning that can’t easily be achieved in a traditional classroom setting. One maker space is the size of half a classroom while the other is the size of threequarters of a classroom.

“We were able to make this area much more

6

FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

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attractive by bringing in some natural light through two large skylights above,” Westwood explains.

offices for the secretary and principal.

“This space allows for some passive supervision of that

Project-based learning is becoming more prevalent

space,” Westwood says. “If students are working in

in the 21st century, so Westwood accommodated for

that gathering space, staff can still be around to keep

this change in learning by incorporating sinks, storage

an eye on them.”

space and other pieces of equipment within the maker spaces.

The gathering space is two storeys tall with an angled roof that brings in ample natural light. Five breakout

“Students are learning more than just theory, so that’s

rooms have also been added to the school for

why the maker spaces are so useful,” he says.

students to work on assignments or study quietly.

Looking out on the main entrance, the gathering space

“I think our biggest concern has been to bring in a lot

is a new feature for Eastbrook Elementary School. This

of natural light into this school. It didn’t get enough

space is the size of three classrooms and is located in

natural light,” Westwood says. “We were able to

the centre of the school. The space provides a place

introduce light through east-facing clerestory windows

for the students and teachers to come together in

and skylights. We actually did a series of studies that

an informal way on a daily basis. It acts as a crush

indicated student are able to learn 17 per cent better

space for events in gym, a place for team teaching

if they were in a room with ample natural light versus

and project work, a learning commons off the formal

in a room with no natural light. We think we should

library and a lunch area for the children. Adjacent

maximize students’ potential by giving them spaces

to the gathering space is a reception area that with

with as much natural light as possible.” n Photo credit to FWBA Architects.

8

FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

Photo credit to FWBA Architects.

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Buckwold Western Edmonton:

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St. Albert Catholic High School receives modernization

By Cindy Chan

I

t’s out with the

Government of Alberta approved

things a little easier.

old and in with

and provided funding for the

the new for St.

modernization. Construction

Phase 2 was divided into

Albert Catholic

began in November of 2015. With

High School.

completion achieved in June of

The school, located in St. Albert, Alta. was built in 1966, but underwent several additions over

2018, students will return to a newly renovated school this fall.

“We carried out construction in phases while students were still in

subphases, consisting mostly of mechanical and electrical upgrades.

“In this wing, we changed some classrooms into major gathering areas,” Normand says. To do so, walls were taken down to open up the spaces. “This is where we

the years. Additions were placed

classes, which explains the lengthy

in 1968, 1980, 2006 and 2008 to

duration,” Normand says, adding

accommodate for the growing

that Whitson Contracting Ltd.

number of students. However,

was the construction manager

the piecemeal expansions didn’t

and Group2 Architecture Interior

were asbestos years, except for

meet today’s standards and

Design was the architect.

2006 and 2008.”

expectations, according to Joe

The modernization consisted

Normand, project manager for

As a result, the project slowed

of complete mechanical and

down a bit for the HAZMAT

electrical upgrades. Normand says

remediation, but the project kept

An assessment of the school

new systems had to be placed

moving forward. This part of the

was done, which revealed that a

everywhere while still making sure

construction project took place

modernization was in order. The

the old systems were running

during the summer when students

because classes were still in

were out of the building.

Alberta Infrastructure.

session.

10

FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

started running into some issues.

Because of the previous piecemeal additions, HAZMAT remediation was required because those years

“As we went through Phase 2, we

“We started Phase 1, which was

discovered there was a structural

upgrading all the mechanical and

issue with the roof, so we had to

electrical systems in one end of

reroof the area,” Normand recalls,

the school, which was a classroom

adding they also upgraded the

wing,” Normand explains. “During

lower level utility corridor space

this phase, we also upgraded

and added and expanded the

flooring and ceilings throughout

sprinkler system throughout the

the facility.”

school.

Phase 1 took place during the

Phase 3 took place over the

school year. Students were

summer of 2017, the timing of

shuffled around to accommodate

which was necessary because this

the upgrades. However, Normand

portion involved upgrading the

says the school was using 55 per

woodshop classroom. Students

cent of its building, which made

taking this class wouldn’t be able to

carry out their assignments while construction took place.

“We upgraded a lot of spaces during that summer that had to be done before the school year,” Normand says.

Normand recalls a large retaining wall joining the lower level utility corridor up to the exterior level at one end of the school. It had already started to tip before the modernization took place, but during construction it was further impacted. As a result, the retaining wall had to be demolished and rebuilt. However, work had to wait

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until spring.

“We worked on it from March to June 2018,” Normand says.

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Normand says other main components of the modernization include upgrading the science quad, wood shops, food and fashion labs and classrooms with modern technology, as well as the library and cafeteria.

“In addition to getting rid of the hazardous materials and replacing the mechanical and electrical systems, all of the finishes were upgraded,” Normand says. “It was a modernization reflecting today’s standards and aesthetics.

It was our goal to turn over a wellfunctioning school that would inspire staff and students into the future.” n Alberta Educational Facilities Administrators’ Association

11

Emerging issues in building operations Building automation/ energy management/sustainability

B

uildings today employ a multitude

Tapping into associations that focus on professional

of technologies to automate

development can be a way boards of education can instill

their systems and maximize the

a culture of professional development and learning for

performance of their buildings.

those assigned the role of operating their buildings at

However, with such a substantial

maximum capacity.

investment in buildings, has there

been a corresponding investment in the people to manage these buildings?

BOMI Canada is one such organization, focusing on training building operators, facility managers and property managers. Within BOMI’s Systems Maintenance Technician

As boards of education bring on new schools with

designation program, there are certificate programs

automated technologies, the demands placed on their

focusing on general management of buildings as well as

staff to maximize the performance of these buildings

other programs specific to energy/sustainability initiatives.

require individuals who have received training beyond what operational staff have historically received. In addition, those accountable for these buildings must now instill a culture of ongoing education in order for their buildings to achieve the operational goals set out by the systems they employ.

Studies today show that the technical knowledge of staff will be short-lived: as individuals master one skill set, new knowledge requirements quickly replace it. In fact, the reality is that just when we start to understand

Some of the key trends identified by the Green Building Council for 2018 included: • Going retro(fit) — updating existing buildings and improving their energy efficiency will help Canada meet its long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

• Recognizing the value of data — analyzing the data available on building operations will help identify areas for improvement and optimization.

one piece of software, a new one is available. As

In recognizing these trends and adopting a culture of

buildings evolve and use more and more technology,

ongoing training, building operators will play an influential

building operators will be faced with this reality as well.

role in achieving the benchmarks required for their

With an aging workforce, building operators are transitioning from skills dealing with aging technology to those that employ new technology. However, there is still the need to have a foundational knowledge of the old systems in order to maintain buildings with older systems in place.

12

FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

buildings. For example, courses such as BOMI’s Energy Management and Controls assists building operators in advancing their knowledge in several key areas. They are able to better: • Apply an energy management plan to their building’s systems;

•E valuate new systems with a concentration on retrofitting; and •U nderstand traditional and alternative energy systems.

These types of courses will enable building operators to successfully respond to key operational trends that are emerging in building management as a result of the need for retrofitting older buildings. Additionally, they will be able to employ data management skills to maximize the performance of older systems as well as newer ones.

As school boards and commercial buildings work to help Canada meet its international obligation to reduce its carbon footprint, there will be a greater need for trained individuals to manage the day-to-day operation

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their impact on the environment. n

Alberta Educational Facilities Administrators’ Association

13

It’s always good to have a strong core

By Cheryl Dick

I

n the fitness world today, building a strong core is considered one of the fundamentals of a healthy body. FWBA Architects has been successful in taking that concept into the ‘wellness’ of the schools we

design and build for the students of Alberta.

For the École St. John Paul II School in Medicine Hat, Alta., principal architect Dan Westwood created a central core that provides maximum flexibility. There are three large blocks: the gymnasium with a fixed ancillary classroom, a central gathering space with two ancillary spaces including capacity for a lab and administration and staff areas with breakout meeting rooms. In the heart of this core is a uniquely shaped library surrounded by the gathering space.

While the inside of the school employs this innovative design, Westwood worked with a shell that would fit on the site selected by the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education. He set up the inner system in a way that makes it possible for rooms to vary in their configuration through providing capacity of adjoining

“The gathering space and the flow of the traffic

rooms to be separated or opened, depending on the

through the heart of the school was very intentional

teaching needs at the time.

as our client, the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of

“There is also a large amount of natural light coming

Education, was keen to have the design foster the development of community within the school,” says Westwood. “They connected that to the Alberta Education Inspiring Education strategic goal of encouraging ethical citizenship and they believe creating spaces where trust and relationships are built contributes to that objective.”

into the core, making for a dynamic and stimulating environment,” adds Westwood. “When you peek into the central space, it’s like a ‘village’ of rooms with varying heights and colours but all under one large roof that lets in the outside light in over the top of the village.”

Given the substantial amount of sunshine that Medicine Hat gets every year, the building also integrates passive solar heating in a way that exaggerates the benefits. The south face of the main space has a large amount of glazing to take advantage of solar gain in the winter months. In the summer, excessive solar gains are controlled using interior blinds that are vented through convection.

“Although the volume of the main space may be higher than a conventional school of this size, it has been designed to take advantage of passive

Photo and floor plan provided by FWBA Architects.

14

FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

mechanical mean. With a large amount of natural light,

the electrical consumption will be lower than a typical school of this size as well,” says Westwood. As a result of these applications, the school is designated as LEED Gold awhile maintaining the budget of a LEED Silver school.

So, just like an athlete relies on a strong core, the students, teachers and staff of École St. John Paul II School will benefit from the community strength built around the heart of their new facility. The school opened for its first student intake in August 2018 and the community grand opening is scheduled for Oct 22. n

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15

AEFAA conference highlights

By Alan Kloepper

A

EFAA was proud to host their 44th

imagination to participate in that theme. Ninety booths

annual spring conference and trade

were sold this year, making the event a huge success.

show from May 14 to 17, 2018 at the

This year’s grand prize was an all-expense-paid fishing

Sheraton Red Deer in Red Deer, Alta.

trip to the Northwest Territories, and the winner was

The event kicked off with the annual

Guy Robin from the French School Division in Calgary.

golf tournament at the River Bend

Right after the draws, the group ventured into the

Golf and Country Club. There were 21 teams of four

karaoke room. Let’s just say it’s always interesting when

golfers in attendance that enjoyed good times and

this bunch gets to provide their own entertainment.

good food. For the first time, an alternate professional

Wednesday is the day typically used for professional

development session was hosted by SAIT at the

development sessions. The day with a session by

Sheraton Red Deer. A full class of 25 delegates were in

Alberta Education on the recommended practices

attendance and certificates were awarded.

on using IMR funds versus PO&M funding. It was

Afterwards, the traditional president’s reception

an interactive session, and the one-and-a-half-hour

was held where all delegates took the time to renew

time slot was not enough time to cover this topic

acquaintances. The conference itself was kicked off by

thoroughly. AEFAA has made the arrangements for this

our keynote speaker Leah Goldstein and her inspiring

presentation to be continued at the fall workshop in

life story of how you should always challenge yourself

Jasper.

and never give up. New member orientation was

The second session was presented by Tom Lemming of

provided while the rest of the registered delegates

the Alberta Boiler Safety Association. This was a lively

took in the LAPP session presented by Donna Kowalchuk.

presentation discussing the minimum requirements for boiler supervision. Tom did a great job on simplifying

After a great lunch provided by the wonderful staff

this matter for the attendees. Following lunch, Scott

at the Sheraton Red Deer, the 97 registered delegates

Mace from the Lawnmower Hospital did a presentation

attended the trade show. This year’s theme was “The

on proper grounds maintenance and proper

Great Outdoors” and all the exhibitors used their

maintenance and operation of grounds equipment.

16

FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

Julianna Cantwell of JUNA Consulting presented

McKay has sailed off into the sunset and is now past

the final session of the day on succession planning.

president. Russ served AEFAA well as president for

Eventually, all educational facility administrators

the past two years and he will be missed dearly.

will be leaving their posts, and Julianna provided tremendous guidance on how to ensure that they are replaced with someone who can do their jobs effectively and efficiently. The day wrapped up with

This year’s conference and trade show was a tremendous success and it would not be possible without the generous support of our exhibitors.

a banquet and entertainment. The food was delicious

This year’s gold sponsors were Damage Inc.;

and the entertainer was a gifted mind reader.

Tremco Roofing; Premier Fire & Flood Restoration;

The final day of the conference was dedicated to zone meetings and the annual general meeting.

Some highlights of the day were the election of two

ServiceMaster of Edmonton; and Carehawk. The silver sponsor was Caliber Sport Systems. Our bronze sponsors were Titan Sport Systems; Spalding

new directors, Mike Cahoon and Kevin Henderson –

Hardware Systems; the Lawnmower Hospital;

congratulations to both. Our new incoming president

Shanahan’s Limited Partnership; Associated

is Rob Harrington from Black Gold Regional Schools.

Engineering; Cozifoam Roof Armor Systems; and

We are all very excited to have him at the helm. Russ

Alberta Safety & Environmental. n

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17

Managing radon in Alberta schools

B

ackground By now, you’ve probably

developed new guidelines for testing radon in schools and other public buildings.

heard about

As of November 2017, only three

the concerns

per cent of Alberta schools have

of radon gas in

tested for radon. Most other

Alberta schools. However, since

provinces and territories have

awareness of the health risks of

(or are in the process of) testing

as potential conflicts of interest,

radon gas risks is a relatively new

significantly higher percentages of

prescriptive versus performance

development, you may be finding

their schools.

specifications and data ownership.

Creating the plan

Here are the basics:

Radon management planning

• Radon kills people by causing

Radon gas is a manageable

Step 1: Build your team.

lung cancer. As of 2015, Health

risk – but the key word here is

Your team should have, at

Canada estimated 3,200

manageable. Because awareness

the least, representation from

Canadian deaths per year as a

of the problem is so new, there’s a

facility management, safety/

result of radon gas exposure.

tendency for those who are trying

risk management, teachers, staff

to be proactive to focus on just

and consultants if you choose

getting testing done at a low cost.

to use them. You may also want

it difficult to get a handle on what you’re supposed to do about it.

• It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas that’s both colourless and odourless.

• It seeps into school buildings from belowground, where it can build up to dangerous concentrations.

• Children are at higher risk than adults (mostly due to having longer for the cancers to manifest).

• The only way to know if there’s elevated radon in a school is to test for it.

Health Canada has recently 18

FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

However, especially if there are multiple facilities or large buildings, a complete

to include representatives from parent groups. Be sure to get executive level buy in.

management program is critical –

Plan on having the team meet

as opposed to simply conducting

often at the beginning of the

a bunch of tests.

process, but less often (although

Elements of a management include factors such as: project management; risk management;

at least annually) as the program matures over time.

data integrity and preservation;

Step 2: Create a written communications plan

quality assurance; and resource

The communications plan

prioritization. Also of concern is

is probably the single most

using third parties: issues such

overlooked component when

communication and reporting;

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19

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managing radon, and lack thereof

communications go out to all

means you can take a measured

is most likely to create problems.

stakeholders in advance of an

approach to getting testing done;

Designate an official spokesperson

actions taken.

you don’t have to do all in the first

(and alternate). Ensure contact

Take an “open information”

year.

information is included on any

approach. You have nothing to

According to the Health Canada

communications and train your

hide, so make sure any and all

guidelines, tests need to run for

staff to respond to any public

information is available to anyone

at least 90 days, “ideally” during

or media queries by referring

who wants it. In fact, promote it as

cooler months. On the other hand,

them to that spokesperson.

loudly as you can. If practical, put

having the testing done during

Remember that to the media

all information online.

summer months may be more practical to provide access and

saying “no comment” is a “you need to ask with [designated

Step 3: Develop and implement a testing strategy

spokesperson] about that, let me

There are no current regulations in

newsworthy comment, whereas

get you their contact information” is not.

Double-check that

Alberta requiring you to test your

avoid damage to the detectors.

There’s no one right choice, but these are important constraints to consider.

schools for radon (unless they

Factors to consider in prioritizing

contain daycare facilities). That

testing might include areas with the most likelihood of elevated radon levels; where younger children are present; any areas with previously elevated test results; and, of course, financial considerations such as geographic convenience.

Decide if you want to do your own testing or hire an external testing firm. Either approach can work, but be sure the people

Calgary-North

Calgary-South

Edmonton-North

Edmonton-South

actual doing the testing are

#3, 3401-19th Street, N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 6S8 P: 403-250-9866 F: 403-250-9877

4616 Manhattan Road S.E. Calgary, AB T2G 4B4 P: 403-243-8191 F: 403-243-8670

11089 – 120th Street Edmonton, AB T5H 3R2 P: 780-455-7755 F: 780-455-7800

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accredited through the Canadian

Distributing Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning, and Heating Parts and Equipment to the HVAC and Refrigeration Trade.

National Radon Proficiency Testing Program (C-NRPP) as measurement professionals.

In general, look for experience working with large-scale testing

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Vancouver Edmonton 604-526-3154 780-436-6961

in schools or other large buildings – proven project management experience with this sort of

Calgary 403-243-5941

Prince George 250-564-6178

project is a much more difficult

Fort McMurray 780-743-2998

skill than the mechanics of the

www.TheFilterShop.com

actual radon testing.

www.TheFilterShop.com

You can roughly estimate budget costs by estimating how many

Manufacturing & Distribution of HVAC Filtration Products Across Western Canada 20

FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

occupied rooms you have below grade (or at grade if there are

no below grade rooms). At least

work will be done by a separate,

Canada guidelines recommend

one sample per occupied room

unrelated contractor.

mitigating within two years if

Make sure any reports are not

results are found over 200 Bq/m3,

only complete by the letter of

and within one year if results are

the guidelines, but also follow

found over 600 Bq/m3.

best practices. Reports should

If you do find elevated levels,

be easily understandable and

don’t get stampeded into making

If you do decide to hire an external

include floorplans with sample

immediate, expensive decisions.

testing firm, be wary of potential

locations, photographs and

conflicts of interest. The US EPA

Radon mitigation is a relatively

specific recommendations.

(United States Environmental

new field, and there’s a lot of

Ideally, they should be available

Protection Agency) warns, “Be

innovation going on within it. Be

online in an interactive format.

open to alternative proposals and

Finally, ensure any results and

technologies to reduce radon

data are 1) at least co-owned by

levels to acceptable levels.

the school district, and 2) will be

Relatedly, be cautious regarding

kept available for several years.

issuing prescriptive (telling the

is required by the guidelines, and current prices for surveys tend to run from about $100 to $200 per sample location, depending on the size of the survey.

aware that a potential conflict of interest exists if the same person or firm performs the testing and installs the mitigation system.”

Many firms offering radon testing are counting on finding radon to

contractor exactly what to do)

mitigation work. If you do choose

Step 4: Develop a mitigation strategy

to hire a mitigation contractor to

Depending on what’s found in

to be achieved) RFPs. The latter

do the testing, you may wish to

the surveys, you may need to

will allow much more flexibility

advise them that any mitigation

mitigate the radon gas. Health

for innovative approaches, and

acquire more profitable follow-on

versus performance-based (telling the contractor what has

Alberta Educational Facilities Administrators’ Association

21

may save a significant amount of

re-testing just as a precautionary

Having a properly implemented

money.

measure.

program for radon gas is going

Remember too that radon

Make sure you have all the

mitigation contractors are highly

information easily available even

incentivized to sell you mitigation

when all the testing and mitigation

systems - this is an area where having a knowledgeable radon consultant can be very useful.

Step 5: Monitor and review Once all your facilities have been tested and, if necessary, mitigated, you’re done, right? Not so fast – radon levels can be significantly affected if you modify your HVAC systems or conduct major renovations.

has been completed. Last year, there were school districts in Ontario and Manitoba who had pretty bad publicity issues because they could not find or

to make life safer and simpler for everyone.

Resources Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) https://www.c-nrpp.ca CARST – Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and

produce the testing documents

Technologists -

from work done previously (i.e.

https://www.carst.ca/

did not have a proper radon

Health Canada Guidelines for

management program in place).

Radon in Schools - https://

Final thoughts

www.canada.ca/en/healthcanada/services/environmental-

No one likes the idea that there

workplace-health/reports-

You need to have a plan to

may be a dangerous radioactive

publications/radiation/guide-

monitor and re-test if either of

gas in their schools, but always

radon-measurements-public-

these conditions occurs. You may

remember this is very much a

buildings-schools-hospitals-care-

also want to conduct periodic

manageable problem.

facilities-detention-centres.html. n

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FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

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New chapter for New Horizons School

By Cindy Chan

A

lberta’s oldest charter school is

setting”. It is operated by the New Horizons Charter

getting a new beginning.

School Society, a non-profit charitable society made

Established in 1995, New Horizons School, located in Sherwood Park, Alta., houses more than 250 students from kindergarten to Grade

up of parents, teachers and community members, and it is governed by an elected board of directors.

Students do not pay a tuition fee as the school is funded by the Government of Alberta.

9. According to the school’s website (newhorizons.

According to Shaun Boylan, Alberta Infrastructure

ca), New Horizons School serves students primarily

project manager, construction began in November

from Sherwood Park, the rural Strathcona County and

of 2016 and wrapped up in December of 2017.

several students throughout the Greater Edmonton

Construction was completed in four phases to

area. The school focuses on “meeting the needs

accommodate the students’ schedules during the

of academically gifted children in a congregated

school year.

Alberta Educational Facilities Administrators’ Association

23

The $8-million modernization included removal of the unoccupied west wing of portable classrooms and replacement with six new modular classrooms, as well as a connecting link; a series of upgrades to bring the facility up to current health and safety standards such as roof upgrades, barrier-free upgrades, life safety and regulatory code upgrades, interior upgrades and electrical and mechanical upgrades; new heating, ventilation and fire sprinkler systems; new light fixtures; water service in all classrooms; a new entrance feature; and upgrades to the school’s administration area.

One notable feature of the modernization was the learning commons, formerly known as the library.

Located in the middle of the school, the learning commons area received clerestory windows, allowing for a lot more natural light.

“Before the modernization, the learning commons was a bit dark – it was primarily lit by fluorescent lighting,” Boylan says. “As a result, we’ve opened it up all the way “Every phase included a small abatement, demolition

through the structure. We also installed ‘cloud ceilings’,

and construction, and then we let the students and

which is basically built-up drywall ceiling that is hung

teachers move back into their spaces and start

from the structure. Now it has a lot of architectural

working on the next phase,” Boylan explains.

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FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

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The evolution of the flooring adhesive

By Bianca Johnny

N

ot all adhesives

Standard formats of adhesive

have been touting the benefits of a

are created

include troweled adhesive, spray

spray adhesive, but the newest and

equal. There are

adhesive and rolled adhesive.

greatest is the roll adhesive.

purpose-specific

The industry standard is to use a

and specialty

Tarkett has a new RollSmart Adhesive

troweled adhesive recommend

that is engineered to streamline the

by manufacturer in conjunction

installation process. The RollSmart

with the product specified.

adhesive has a lot of benefits that

Recently, a lot of manufacturers

can change not only how floors are

ones, but there are

also more options to the standard troweled adhesives for vinyl flooring products. Whether it’s an LVT, a PVC sheet or a safety or specialty

For over 50 years

floor, you have a multitude of adhesives available to you.

It is always best to utilize the manufacturers’ recommended adhesive to maintain warranties, but even then, how do you decide the benefits of using one adhesive versus another?

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A lot of the time, the flooring contractor will decide what to use based on what they are familiar with, but with tight takeover times, higher RH values in concrete, heavy traffic rolling loads and LEED Certifications, adhesives also need to evolve to the market’s demand.

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Alberta Educational Facilities Administrators’ Association

25

installed, but also their ability to be recycled. Since LEED Version 4 is in full effect, not only are adhesives expected to meet more aggressive

eventually end its life in a landfill.

which helps reduce cost by approximately 30 per cent per

Another amazing benefit of

square foot.

RollSmart is, with thinner PVC sheet products, you reduce

The RollSmart’s unique chemistry

telegraphing of either trowel marks

supports a quick installation due

and/or spray marks. If the floor is

to its short open time and high

polished to have a shiny finish, you

RH of 95 per cent. This means you

RollSmart allows for full product

can see any imperfections in the

can lay your floor in as little as 10

upcycling, allowing the materials to

substrate. RollSmart takes away

minutes and immediately accept

be used in flooring of equal quality.

any uneven coverage by utilizing

heavy rolling loads, or weld the

Most recycling programs create

a 3/8-inch nap paint roller. This

floor if necessary as it will not

lower quality products that will

even coverage is more controlled

emulsify the adhesive.

VOC requirements, but recycling and, more importantly, upcycling are also expected by the end occupants in the space. Tarkett

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In conclusion, with an adhesive that is Cradle to Cradle Bronze, FloorScore certified and LEED accredited, with immediate

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Tarkett xf2 Linoleum

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also save the installer’s time, which

Mondo Sport Rubber

is a huge cost-saver. Contact your

Wall Protection Systems Erv Parent Co. Ltd.

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Tarkett representative and ask about RollSmart today. n

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FACILITY FOCUS • Fall 2018

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