Ops Talk Magazine Spring 2018

Covering all aspects of educational facilities and operations.

Talk

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40934510

Spring 2018

B.C. government accelerates seismic upgrades in schools New K-7 school opens in downtown Vancouver Preventative maintenance for audio systems

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In this issue

Message from the executive director of EFMA, Glenn Miller....................... 10 Message from the president of EFMA, Steve Smoroden................................ 12 Message from the Minister of Education, Rob Fleming................................. 14 No place like home: EFMA member profile on Nino Maletta........................ 16 Little school in the big city: Vancouver¹s newest urban school.................... 18 B.C. Government accelerating seismic upgrades............................................20 Thoughts on: Should I, or shouldn’t I?..............................................................22 2018 EFMA Conference and Trade Show program......................................... 23 2018 EFMA Conference and Trade Show registration form...........................28 2018 EFMA Conference and Trade Show Partners Program registration....29 2018 EFMA Conference and Trade Show 22nd Annual Golf Tournament..30 2018 EFMA Conference and Trade Show accommodations.......................... 31 2018 EFMA Conference and Trade Show sponsorship opportunities..........34 2018 EFMA Conference and Trade Show sponsorship application..............35 Energy efficiency resources for British Columbia schools.............................38 Condensation: Leak posers on a winter day....................................................40 The lowest price isn’t always the lowest price................................................44 The way I see it! Are you reliable?....................................................................45 Preventative maintenance for audio systems..................................................46

Published by: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com President David Langstaff Publisher Jason Stefanik Managing editor Shayna Wiwierski shayna@delcommunications.com Contributing writers Mel Hoffart | Andre Leblanc Chuck Morris | James Wright Advertising Sales Manager Dayna Oulion Toll Free: 1.866.424.6398 Advertising Sales Gary Barrington | Jennifer Hebert Dan Roberts | Gary Seamans Production services provided by: S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com Art Director Kathy Cable Layout & Design Dana Jensen Advertising Art Dave Bamburak Copyright 2018. EFMA. All rights reserved. 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.

©

Are your students hearing you? The importance of acoustic treatment in K-12 schools.....................................................................................................50 MAGNA3 pumps aid in optimization of a multi-building retrofit project in Coquitlam........................................................................................................ 56 Make your schools safer and more efficient for the 21st century.................. 58 Addressing limited classroom spaces with portable classroom relocations............................................................................................................60

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

ON THE COVER: A number of districts have added portable (or modular) classrooms because of the increasing numbers of

Canadian addresses to: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, MB R3L 0G5

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PRINTED IN CANADA 03/18

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4

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Glenn Miller

A

h yes, spring in Penticton. What a lovely thought as we work through some long dark winter days here in British Columbia.

While the images of sunshine, lakes, and fermented grapes come to mind, I’m really talking about the Educational Facility Managers’ Association of British Columbia (EFMA) conference.

The EFMA conference committee is working hard as we speak to put together another full program from June 4, 2018 to June 8, 2018 (inclusive) that starts off with two days of professional development and leads into three days of concurrent sessions and discussions, ministry presentations, and our annual general meeting. Early registration numbers of exhibitors indicate that there will be a full complement of exhibitors there throughout the day, and evening programs to show and demonstrate a wide range of products and services used in facility maintenance.

It is a well-known fact that good supervisors and managers are taught to be, not born to be. I cannot overstate the importance of professional development in our workforce today. When I started working in facility management many moons ago, I never realized that I would feel that I was a human resources manager, a health and safety officer, a counsellor, and a tradesman all in one.

The reality today, in my opinion, is that any person who now aspires to be involved in facility management, whether it be education, health, construction, or other areas, must have the desire, knowledge, and support to be successful in such an ever-changing work and learning environment. EFMA has made professional development a commitment through the association’s strategic plan to continue to provide support to members by providing progressive and relevant courses and programs.

In the past year, I have had several requests to clarify what the criteria is to become a member of EFMA. Some people believe that it is for facility managers in the K-12 sector only, but that is not the case. I promised I would clarify for those who asked.

“Any person employed by a school district, university, regional college, parochial school, or a private school within British Columbia who, is directly responsible for the management or operation of one or more departments or divisions within facilities, may become an active member”.

If you need any further information, please feel free to contact me at exec.dir@telus.net.

Have a wonderful spring!

See you in Penticton. n

10

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

Your Schools,

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF EFMA

Steve Smoroden

G

reetings everyone, it’s spring again and I am sure we are all planning for the upcoming summer list of projects. Many of us have roofing, flooring, HVAC, and summer cleanup projects. The list goes on and on and we never run out of projects that need to be accomplished during the summer period.

The same planning and strategizing takes place with the EFMA executive. From planning the program and venues for the 54th annual conference and trade show, to the behind-the-scenes work with the ministry, from the shared services, capital advisory, school protection, and capital asset committees. We have representation on these committees and more, and are often asked to share our opinion and expertise in helping to guide the future for our districts’ facilities.

We also have our zones with our zone chairs putting on great professional development within each region of the province.

I want to thank all the members who volunteer their time and energy to participate in a meaningful way on committees and as zone representatives. As you can see, there are many opportunities to serve within the association to add your expertise to help mould the future of facilities in the K-12 sector. I would encourage you talk with these volunteers and/or the executive team to see where you might be able to get involved.

Next I want to thank an amazing group of EFMA directors who once again take time out of their busy schedule to do the work that needs to be done to ensure we have a thriving and robust association which truly does have an impact in the B.C. K-12 sector. They put in many extra hours to ensure the business of the association runs smoothly. I would also like to thank Glenn Miller, our executive director, for stepping in and helping us revise our constitution and bylaws and reviewing the strategic plan. And of course I would like to offer a special thank you to Molly Shipowich, our executive secretary. Molly, you keep us on track and on time, and you make all of us look good. Thank you very much!

Lastly, a big thank you to all the association members for the giving me the opportunity to serve once again as president of this great association. It is truly a wonderful experience because of the great team working alongside me. I consider all of you my dear friends. n

12 Ops Talk • Spring 2018

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message from the minister of education

Rob Fleming

S

pring has finally arrived in beautiful British Columbia and our 2017/2018 school year is in full swing with an abundance of exciting capital projects underway in a large number of districts across the province.

We are continuing to make life better for students, parents, and staff, and we have made tremendous headway since July 2017 when I was sworn in as minister of education. I am committed to maintaining the fast pace of investments in B.C.’s education system as we work to restore funding in key areas.

February was an important month for all of us. The Throne Speech and Budget 2018 outlined a clear path to making life more affordable for British Columbians.

The government made historic investments in housing and childcare, while news of additional funding for education was also celebrated.

Budget 2018 will provide an extra $409 million in Ministry of Education operating funding over three years, bringing the total to nearly $6.4 billion by 2020/21.

Our capital budget is also receiving a boost of $100 million, to $1.8 billion. Over the next three years, these funds will be used to replace aging schools, add additional spaces in growing communities, and fast-track seismic upgrades.

Budget 2018 also announced government’s new Playground Equipment Program, which has an annual budget of $5 million. This relieves pressure on parent advisory councils, previously forced to fundraise for upgrades at their respective schools. Full program details will be released soon.

Additional classrooms for growing districts were also part of the Budget, which includes $100 million, part of a dedicated Enrolment Growth Program, meaning we can take important steps toward reducing the need for portables at schools around the province.

Budget 2018 also included an investment of $50 million this fiscal year in support of the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages. Indigenous learning is at the forefront of our ministry as a result of the findings from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and we are proud to see the emergence and growth of a variety of programs in every corner of the province.

I would like to thank all the members of the Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. for your efforts as we move forward to meet our government’s goals and objectives, and for your hard work and dedication to our schools. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and we all play a role in working to make life better in B.C. n

14 Ops Talk • Spring 2018

ILE F O R PR E B MEM

No place like home EFMA member profile on

Nino Maletta

By Shayna Wiwierski

A

side from a brief time studying at BCIT, Nino Maletta has lived in Prince George his entire life.

As the general manager of capital projects at SD #57 in Prince George, B.C., he has had a long career in the school division. After graduating from high school, he got his fourth-class power engineer certificate at the College of New Caledonia, and then headed south to BCIT to take the Building Technology Program.

After that, he came back to Prince George where he worked for a couple different general contractors from 1984 to 1991, before starting at SD #57 on January 2, 1992.

In his position as the general manager of capital projects, the 58-year-old looks after the renovation work in the school district, as well as all new construction and anything that goes into the building. His vision for the department is customer focused and likes to recognize when work is done well.

“One of my philosophies is to make sure to do the job once and do it right.

Before there was an attitude of a temporary fix it up, but ever since I took over we have followed that premise,” says Maletta, adding that he has built trust with his staff by listening to their concerns.

Maletta’s first position with the district was the manager of Area B for building maintenance, which lasted from 1992 to 1995. That same year, he became the general manager of the facility services department, a job he held until last year.

A feather in his cap was a project he did a couple years ago, the Duchess Park Secondary School, which was the first school in the province to get awarded LEED Gold status. The school also received the Canadian Design Build Institute’s Award of Excellence for design-build in 2011.

“We went through a reorganization [last year],” says Maletta. “We received a new $40 million replacement high school and the last time I looked after a project of that size we had someone come in and oversee the department.

We now have a new general manager of operations and I focus on the capital projects and renovations.”

Although there’s been many highs in his career, it has also come with a set of challenges since he has had to face a number of budget cuts over the years. The school district has reduced the number of open facilities, which means that Maletta has to be as efficient as possible with capital dollars to replace equipment to ensure they

16

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

can operate the buildings. He says that the greatest pressure he has is delivering services over and above the routine daily maintenance. If he ever has a question he can’t answer though, he knows to turn to EFMA B.C. for the answer.

Originally joining the association in 1992, Maletta has found that EFMA has been a great resource for help.

“You can phone someone else and they have dealt with your problem or give you advice and point you in the right direction when it comes to consultants or anything to do with buildings,” says Maletta, who became a member when he got his first position with the school district. “Members are helpful when you have a question and you don’t know who to turn to.”

Aside from his time on the job, Maletta enjoys going to the gym and doing renovations around the house. He is also married and has two adult children, one who is becoming a lawyer and the other who works as a radiation therapist at a cancer clinic. Although he’s spent practically all his life in Prince George, it doesn’t look like Maletta plans on moving anytime soon.

“You get all four seasons here and it’s a really good place to raise a family.” n

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Rendering of the Crosstown Elementary School, downtown Vancouver’s newest urban elementary school. Photo courtesy of the Vancouver School Board.

Little school in the big city Vancouver’s newest urban school

By Tammy Schuster

A

midst the towering highrise condos and the stop-and-start traffic of the streets of downtown Vancouver, elementaryaged children are getting an education.

Located on Expo Boulevard near the International Village in the northeast False Creek neighbourhood of downtown, Crosstown Elementary School is the newest urban elementary school built by the Vancouver School Board and accommodates 510 students from Kindergarten to Grade 7.

“Over the last 10 years, the Vancouver downtown and west end has seen an increase in the number of families living in the area with school-age children,” 18

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

says James Meschino, director of facilities at the Vancouver School Board (VSB). “The first indication of this trend was following the completion of Elsie Roy Elementary School in 2004.”

Meschino says when the Yaletown elementary school opened to students living in that downtown neighbourhood in 2004, it was already over capacity. An addition was immediately added to the new school, but it was not enough to meet the growing demand. While much of the attention is given to new mega schools in bursting areas such as Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey, downtown Vancouver has a need as well.

“Working with the city of Vancouver, the VSB has identified school sites

where there is a forecasted need based on demographic growth trends or large development rezoning,” says Meschino.

He says that in addition to the Elsie Roy school site, the VSB negotiated the properties at the Crosstown Elementary site through rezoning sought by Henderson Development (Canada) Ltd., as well as an additional site for future growth in Coal Harbour, the result of another development rezoning.

The City of Vancouver donated the land as part of the community amenity contribution made by the developer for additional residential density as part of land rezoning. The $19.7 million project was built with $15.4 million provided by the provincial government and the remaining $4.3 million from the VSB.

Designed by Francl Architecture in Vancouver, the 47,350-square-foot school features modern, collaborative, and open learning spaces including 22 classrooms, full-sized gymnasium, and daycare, as well as outdoor learning spaces on the rooftop playground and patio areas. The general contractor for this project was ITC Construction, also from Vancouver.

The school is designed to LEED Gold standards, and is linked to the South East False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility. It uses waste thermal energy captured from sewage to provide space heating and hot water for the building.

This recycled energy eliminates more that 60 per cent of the greenhouse gasses associated with heating the premises.

With the footprint for the school already defined by the surrounding residential towers, park, and roadway, the four-storey building was designed to cantilever over the park. This design solution was created to respect distance between the upper floors of the school and the residential balconies of the residential tower.

But, Meschino says the biggest challenge in constructing the school was building on top of an existing underground parkade used by the residential condo-dwellers. The parkade needed to be strengthened to withstand the structure being built above it and this included adding additional columns, slab bands and other reinforcing. The VSB also had to work with the residents of the condo tower, having them park their cars across the street in a designated surface parking lot until construction could be completed.

Another challenge was securing approvals for the school overhang into the park — a challenge due to building bylaw setback requirements. The next challenge was coordinating all the desired program requirements of a school to work within a very constrained site volume.

Located across from Rogers Arena, stu-

additional

dents utilize neighbouring Andy Liv-

room shared with the school.

ingstone Park for recess and physical education activities. Through a partnership with the Vancouver Park Board, the school has shared-used access to the park, reserving the artificial-turf field for daily school use. Construction of a new school playground at the park is also in the works.

community

multipurpose

While the idea of urban schools in downtown Vancouver may still seem unconventional, Meschino says the biggest factor for having an urban school as part of the downtown landscape is to accommodate those in the community.

“Most importantly, it offers a school to residents of the West End, downtown,

In partnership with the City of Vancou-

Yaletown, Crosstown, Gastown, and

ver, the VSB has plans to construct an

Chinatown communities.” n

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Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 19

B.C. Government accelerating seismic upgrades

Minister Rob Fleming announced $7.9 million for seismic upgrades and a four-classroom addition at Keating Elementary School in Central Saanich.

I

t has been an exciting year so far for K-12 students, teachers, and support staff in British Columbia under our new government. We have an amazing education system in our province, and we are working hard to make it even better.

Budget 2018 is further evidence that our government is making a real investment in our future – and our children.

It provides nearly $1.8 billion over three years to replace aging schools, add more spaces in growing communities, and to accelerate seismic upgrades.

This is an historic investment after years of underfunding.

At the Ministry of Education, a major focus has been placed on accelerating the Province’s Seismic Mitigation Program with a goal of giving parents the comfort of knowing they are sending their children to a seismically safe school. Students deserve to learn in the best educational setting possible to support their success.

If a major earthquake hits, we need to be prepared. The current state of many 20

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

schools in our province is unacceptable.

That is why government is making investments that make life better for British Columbians – that includes investments in students and schools throughout the province.

governments was not done efficiently

In July 2017, when the new government was sworn in, only 165 schools in the Seismic Mitigation Program had their upgrades completed. We’re making seismic upgrades a priority, and our goal is to approve 50 seismic mitigation projects in government’s first 18 months.

safe. We will do better. Moving forward,

So far, government has announced funding of nearly $200 million for seismic upgrades or replacements at 13 high-risk schools in communities across B.C. – from Coquitlam to Victoria, from Delta to Maple Ridge.

upgrading or replacing high-risk schools

These investments, and many more to come, will go a long way to improve student safety in the event of a large earthquake.

same direction. This will allow us to get

There is also a need to invest all of the capital dollars that are available to the ministry, something that under previous

giving B.C. students the best opportunity

enough. Since 2012/13, the ministry has underspent its capital budget by an average of 16 per cent annually. That is money that could have been spent on schools to better support students and keep them the ministry intends to improve the approval process to ensure funding allocated in the capital budget is fully spent on much-needed school construction and seismic upgrades.

In addition to spending more efficiently, is not just about investment dollars. We are working with municipalities and school boards to speed up the process from green-light to ground-breaking and make sure everyone is pulling in the students into safe schools as soon as possible.

All of this is to ensure that government is to succeed – and to make our good education system a great one. n

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T houghts on

Should I, or shouldn’t I?

By Chuck Morris

W

e have many instances in our lives where a decision could be made that will improve your life. It happens frequently from small, nearly mundane choices all the way up to career choices that will have an impact. It’s happened to you. It has happened to me as well. What will you do?

tained all government buildings in the northwest. Last I heard he was doing very well. He made a choice that affected his and his new wife, and he succeeded.

I had an electrician working for me in the same district who was an awesome person and very knowledgeable in his trade.

He had taken, on his own volition, a oneyear leave and attended SAIT in Alberta

Years ago I hired a plumber in Vancouver and he chose to move to the district I was working in. That was a big move for a recently married young guy. His destination was the northwest corner of our province.

I chose right as it turned out, for he was a great person to have on staff. As a couple of years went by I could detect he wanted more and we had a few chats about his goals and what he wanted to do. This young man made a move that kept him in the region so he did not have to sell his newly built home. He became a regional manager for WSI, a company that main-

to learn DDC. He learned well. Under the toulage of the local Delta Controls contractor while still working for us, he became our go-to guy for all HVAC control work on DDC. During this time frame I had an opportunity to decide if my wife and I should pull up stakes, sell the house and move to another district after receiving a call to apply for an upcoming vacancy. We did go, ending up on Vancouver Island. Who should I run into one day in Comox? My electrician from the northwest! He became an em-

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Ops Talk • Spring 2018

ployee of mine and worked for two years before another opportunity arose for him.

After five years in Comox I again received a call that turned out to be very worthwhile. I ended up taking a four-year absence from my school district duties and immersed myself in the modular building industry, initially to build a better modular classroom. My fourth year doing this saw me touring northern B.C. and southern Yukon doing business development for a modular company out of Kelowna.

One day in the north, while visiting school districts and First Nation peoples, I pulled into Dease Lake and booked a room at the Northern Motel. I heard laughing and loud talking as I walked down the hall. Recognizing the voice and that familiar laughter, I knocked on the door. My electrician from northern B.C., and more recently from Comox, opened it up. We had a great visit and it turned out he was headed to Telegraph Creek the next morning (I was as well). After Telegraph, he was going to Atlin. It turned out he was now working for the same WSI mentioned above and Nick was still the manager there.

Each move he made improved his life and allowed greater financial rewards too.

I was once given some advice that if you do not want to become stale you need to look at a four-to-six-year period of time, and when opportunity becomes available, think about taking it. The reason is you expose yourself to further challenges and experiences, all the while making you more marketable and building a level of confidence in you that you may not have had in the past. Think about it. Should I, or shouldn’t I? n

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The final session in June will focus on: understanding change, responding effectively to change, and leading organizations in changing times.

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Vanessa McNeil, Pinchin Ltd.

Emma Gibson, Corporate Health and Safety Manager, Enviro-Vac Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the complexities of managing asbestos and other hazardous materials in your buildings? Does it feel like you are never fully understanding the complexities of the requirements, pricing, and procedures? Do you often wonder: are they qualified? How do I know? Can that possibly be right? The legislation changed again? This session is for you! Come listen as a panel of experienced guests share their expertise on how to overcome the challenges that we face as building managers and health and safety practitioners. This panel of experts will discuss this hot topic through the lens of the regulator, the consultant, and the contractor. Join us for questions with the panel and take home some useful tools! This session is sure to be engaging, informative and will provide answers to those frequently wondered questions.

Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 23

8:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

C. Managing in a Unionized Environment

Instructors: Debbie Craig, Director LR, BCPSEA

Leanne Bowes, Senior Labour Relations Specialist This sessions will provide attendees with information essential to effectively address incidents of employee misconduct in a manner that appropriately corrects behaviours to ensure a productive and respectful workplace. The session will include a review of: • Fundamental management rights and how collective agreements impact on those rights.

• The role and responsibility that employers and unions have in our workplace; • The difference between non-culpable and culpable employee behaviours; • How to conduct a fair and effective investigation process; • The key legal principles and best practices that guide this work; • The arbitral tests associated with determining misconduct; and, • A review of the legally sound and effective means for correcting employee misconduct.

TUESDAY, JUNE 5th Professional development 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

A. Leadership Development Program (con’t)

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

D. Develop Effective Solutions with Ergonomics/Human Factors Instructors: Jennifer Colman, Risk Analysis Unit at WorkSafeBC

Gina Vahlas, Risk Analysis Unit at WorkSafeBC This highly interactive workshop will walk you through ergonomics/human factors principles, as well as a process that provides you with an understanding of how workplace factors influence decision making and actions in the context of the work that is being performed. We will analyze incidents related to your workplace and discuss effective recommendations that can pave the path towards sustainable, preventative solutions. These solutions will enable workers to perform at their optimum, leading to improvements in quality and productivity, as well as health and safety. Participants will be provided with materials to help them follow this process in their workplace 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Registration - Members and Exhibitors – South Lobby

12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

EFMA 22nd Annual Nine-Hole Golf Tournament – Penticton Golf & Country Club Hole Sponsored by: Iredale Architecture

2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Exhibitors Set-Up – Ballroom II/Salon A

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Presidents Reception - Entertainment – South Lobby Sponsored by: Tremco Roofing & Building Maintenance

10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Hospitality Suite - Everyone welcome – Kettle Valley Station Pub, Ramada Canstar Restorations Colliers Project Leaders Kimco Controls Ltd. Lightspeed Technologies Inc. RCABC Guarantee Corp.

Rocky Point Engineering Ltd.

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Ops Talk • Spring 2018

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6th 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Registration - Members and Exhibitors – South Lobby

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

New Member Orientation

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Zone Meetings – Continental breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Zone Chair and Executive Meeting

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Visit Exhibitors Booths - Coffee – Ballroom II/Salon A Sponsored by: E.B. Horsman & Son

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

1. The New Safety – Innovations and Successes Speaker: Jeff Lyth, Safety Consultant

When it comes to safety systems and in-practice approaches, the latest may indeed be the greatest!

Even seasoned safety professionals will benefit from this crash-course in what’s new in occupational H&S. And yes, the “new safety” is considerably different from the same-old. Consider how to unlock potential strategies to success on stubborn safety challenges by shining a whole new light on it. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks!

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

2. Facilities and Due Diligence Speaker: Bruce Jackson, WorkSafeBC

As facility owners and employers, it’s important to understand the extent to which WorkSafeBC holds you accountable even when you have a prime contractor in place. Being able to demonstrate due diligence is key to compliance and a must if you hope to avoid the now significantly onerous WorkSafeBC fines associated with non-compliance. Practices to assist employers in meeting the due diligence test are discussed.

11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies – Salon B/C Delegates, Exhibitors and Partners Luncheon Keynote Speaker: Ryan Walter Sponsored by: Quantum Lighting, Inc.

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Visit Exhibitors Booths - Coffee – Ballroom II/Salon A Sponsored by: IKO Industries

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

3. Improving the Learning Environment Speaker: Keith Gray, Director of Applied Research, J+J Flooring Group

Improving the Learning Environment: Flooring Selection is a comprehensive and objective overview of the science that accurately describes the relationship between flooring and acoustic performance, health, comfort and safety in learning environments and the impact they can have on teachers and students. The key learning objectives of the course are: Understand how flooring impacts acoustics and indoor air quality (IAQ); safety and thermal and visual comfort in schools; Assess acoustic, IAQ, safety and comfort properties of different floor coverings; identify ways that environmental factors can impact student performance; learning to use lifecycle costs of ownership as a specifying tool; explain to others the importance of considering these environmental factors when specifying flooring.

Trends in 21st Century Learning Facilities

Speakers: Justin Dyck, Architect AIBC and Ryan Huston, Architect AIBC, CHP Architects

The incorporation of 21st century learning and project-based education has dramatically shifted the traditional school facility design and layout. The program will compare and contrast the various unique design approaches school districts have taken and explore some of the opportunities and challenges from the perspective of students, educators, and facility managers.

Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 25

4. Radon Testing in Schools Speaker: David Shearer, Director, Pinchin Ltd.

If you thought geographically this wasn’t your issue, think again. In this session, discover what each H&S and facilities department needs to know about radon, why testing is being mandated, and where to begin when it comes to testing and compliance.

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Exhibitors Hosted Evening – Ballroom II/Salon A Costume: Prohibition

9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Hospitality Suite – Everyone Welcome – Kettle Valley Station Pub, Ramada Canstar Restorations Colliers Project Leaders Kimco Controls Ltd. Lightspeed Technologies Inc. RCABC Guarantee Corp.

Rocky Point Engineering Ltd.

THURSDAY, JUNE 7th 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Buffet Breakfast - Everyone Welcome – Salon B/C Sponsored by: Fortis BC

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

EFMA Annual General Meeting – Salon B/C

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Workplace Violence Best-Practices Forum

School staff face the challenges of workplace violence in classrooms daily. This session explores best practices with respect to staff safety when it comes to a range of workplace violence challenges.

Participants can expect to add to their professional toolkit both current best practices and novel solutions for an increasingly challenging topic.

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Exhibitors Meeting - Appointing New Exhibitor Representative – Ballroom II/Salon A

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Visit Exhibitors Booths / Hosted Luncheon – Ballroom II/Salon A Sponsored by: CareHawk Inc.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

5. Ministry Presentation – Facility Condition Index Usage as a Planning and Forecasting Tool Speakers: Michael Nyikes, Director, Capital Programs & Policies Unit, Damien Crowell, Planning Officer, Capital Programs & Policies Unit To provide school districts with an overview of resources within the VFA database and usage of Facility Condition Indexes as a planning and forecasting tool.

Ministry Presentation – Round Table - Annual Facility Grants

Speakers: Michael Nyikes, Director, Capital Programs & Policies Unit, John Woycheshin, Regional Director, Capital Programs & Policies Unit To provide dialogue between the ministry and school districts regarding how the Annual Facilities Grant is being used.

6. Occupational Hygiene Expert Panel – Asbestos to Water Testing Speakers: Jeff Clarke, WorkSafeBC, Mary Campbell, SD #36 Surrey, Doug McClary, SD #39 Vancouver

Occupational hygiene is among the most challenging areas in safety as it demands a technical insight that few in the field hold. Let’s demystify occupational hygiene. Promising to be marry regulations

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Ops Talk • Spring 2018

to compliant safety practices and straight-forward implementations, this session is for all district managers grappling to determine how much is enough when dealing with ALARA, TWA, STEL/ ceiling limits and asbestos, lead, mould, silica, and more. We have gathered the key players on our expert panel: the regulator, an H&S manager, and a maintenance manager who is often charged with implementing the advice of the other two!

7. Waste Management Speakers: Steve Smoroden, SD #43 Coquitlam and Harry Kumar, SD #37 Delta

3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

8. Energy Manager Round Table

9. Maintenance Round Table

10. Custodial Round Table

11. Health & Safety Round Table Facilitator: Collette O’Reilly, SD #39 Vancouver

Hot topics will be highlighted: safeguarding requirements - shops to kitchens, justifying H&S funding management, work refusals, and more. Participants are encouraged to bring specific challenges to put to the group, as well as sample resources that are working well for your district to share with others.

6:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Reception, BBQ Dinner, and Social – Penticton Trade and Convention Centre Entertainment: Nearly Neal Sponsored by: Unitech Construction Management Ltd.

FRIDAY, JUNE 8th 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

12. Indoor Air Quality – Compliance, Mould and More Speaker: Geoff Clarke, WorkSafeBC

“What goes around comes around” describes the topic of indoor air quality in schools. Confirm what compliance looks like in 2018 and which WorkSafeBC regulations on IAQ deserve a second look. Mould management certainly warrants a deeper dive and as do requirements around allergens, nuisance odours, and other airborne contaminants.

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

13. Shared Services Speaker: Bruce Tisdale, Director, Shared Services, Ministry of Education

Review of current BCEM Initiatives, future directions, value added and complimented services.

BCPSEA Speaker: Deborah Stewart, Executive Director, Corporate Services and Communications

An update on exempt staff compensation matters in the K-12 public education sector.

Speaker: Renzo Del Negro, Chief Executive Officer, BC Public School Employers’ Association

To provide an update on key BCPSEA initiatives, including preparation for collective bargaining with unionized employees in 2019.

Ministry Update Speakers: Michael Nyikes – Director, Capital Programs & Policies Unit and Joel Palmer – Executive Director, Capital Branch To provide school districts with a current, broad perspective and update on the ministry’s policies, plans, strategies, standards, and performance measures.

Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 27

EFMA 2018 CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Registration Form First name:______________________________________________Surname:________________________________________________ Organization:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________________Postal Code:______________ Tel:_________________________________ Fax:__________________________________ Email:_____________________ Cheques, MasterCard or Visa are accepted via website www.efmabc.com. Forward form with payment.

Educational Facility Managers’ Association of BC PO Box 19032, 1153 – 56th Street, Delta, BC V4L 2P8 • fax: 604-943-3541 • email: society@telus.net Name on the card:________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card #_________ / _________ /_________ /_________ / Exp Date __________ / __________ Code: _______________

o Ladies ***Please indicate your vest size: o Men’s o small o medium o large o X-large

o X-small

o XX-large

o XXX-large

Conference Fees Active Members Full Conference Package (includes banquet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $450______________________ Non-Members Full Conference Package (includes banquet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600______________________ Members One-Day Pass (does not include banquet) Wed___ Thurs ___ Fri ___ . . . . . . . . . . . $200______________________ Non-Members One-Day Pass (does not include banquet) Wed___ Thurs ___ Fri ___ . . . . . . . . $300______________________ Professional Development “A” Leadership Development (two days) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350______________________ Professional Development “B” Monday, June 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200______________________ Professional Development “C” Monday, June 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200______________________ Professional Development “D” Tuesday, June 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200______________________ Partners Program (includes banquet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125______________________ Additional Banquet Dinner Ticket Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50______________________ Golf Tournament (Handicap ____ ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 55______________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GST 5%___________________ Please indicate your selection of sessions and social events: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total $___________________

TUESDAY – June 5 President’s Reception . . . . . . . . .

THURSDAY – June 1

o

WEDNESDAY – June 6 Zone Meeting Breakfast . . . . . . . .

Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exhibitors Hosted Evening . . . . . .

Session 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 2 . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 3 . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 4 . . . . . . . . . .

o o o o o o o

Buffet Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hosted Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 5 . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 6 . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 7 . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 8 . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 9 . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 10 . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 11 . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session 12 . . . . . . . . .

Reception, Dinner, Social . . . . . . .

FRIDAY – June 2

o o o o o o o o o o o

Consecutive Session 12 . . . . . . . .

Consecutive Session 13 . . . . . . . .

Please inform us of any dietary needs.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation of registration must be received before May 18, 2018 for registration fees to be refunded.

A processing fee of $50 will be charged on all refunds.

o o

EFMA 2018CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW June 5- June 8, 2018 Partners Program Registration First name:______________________________________________Surname:________________________________________________ School District / Company:________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Mailing Address:_____________________________________________________Postal Code:___________________ Tel:_________________________________ Email:__________________________________________

Please indicate which social event(s) will be attended: Presidents’ Reception (Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _______________ Meet & Greet Breakfast (Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _______________ Session (Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _______________ Delegates, Exhibitors & Partners Luncheon (Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _______________ Activity (Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _______________ Exhibitors Hosted Evening (Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _______________ Wine Tour Excursion (Thursday at 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _______________ BBQ, Dance and Social (Thursday at 6:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _______________ *** Please inform us of any dietary needs ***

Please return this form, as it will help us in determining transportation and meals needed for various functions.

Cost of the Partners Program is $125 (plus GST) and includes all functions.

Payment: Cheque: _________________________________ Name on the card:________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card #_________ / _________ /_________ /_________ / Exp. __________ / __________ Code: ___________________ Cheques, MasterCard or Visa are accepted, also pay via the EFMA website at www.efmabc.ca.

To register by mail, send this form with cheque, Visa or MasterCard made payable to:

Educational Facility Managers’ Association of BC PO Box 19032, 1153 – 56th Street Delta, BC V4L 2P8 Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 29

EFMA’s 22nd Annual Golf Tournament Penticton Golf & Country Club Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 • Shotgun 1:00 P.M. This year’s highlights and information: • Texas scramble - nine hole - shotgun start • Even out teams for score and fun • Wine cellar • Prizes for long drive/closest to the pin/hole in one/draw prizes • Trophies for winning team • Golf cost $55 (plus GST), includes lunch and transportation to and from golf course • Limit to first 72, please reserve now • Golf Cart reserve on your own, 250-492-7274 Golf Registration: Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company / School District :__________________________________________________________________________________________ Email:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Handi-cap: Under 15 _________________ Between 15-25 _________________ Rarely golf over 25 _________________ Please try to place me on a team with: _________________________________________________________________________________ Please indicate any food allergies: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Cheques, MasterCard or Visa are accepted, also able to pay via the EFMA website at www.efmabc.ca.

To register by mail, send this form with cheque, Visa or MasterCard made payable to:

EFMA PO Box 19032, 1153 – 56th Street, Delta, BC V4L 2P8 Fax: 604-943-3541 Email: society@telus.net Website: www.efmabc.com Name on the card:_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card #_________ / _________ /_________ /_________ / Exp Date __________ / __________ Code: ____________________

Enter early so proper teams, assigned holes etc. can be established well in advance.

How would you like to have an instant wine cellar?

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Ops Talk • Spring 2018

EFMA 2018 CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Accommodations The following hotels have been chosen with block reservations for your benefit. Each hotel is located close to the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre and has issued special discount rates for those attending the conference. Please ensure you reserve prior to the scheduled deadline date of April 30, 2018 and that you quote EFMA Conference to receive the special discount rate.

Ramada Courtyard Inn (Host Hotel) 1050 Eckhardt Avenue West, Penticton, BC V2A 2C3 Tel: 1-800-665-4966 / 250-492-8926 Room rate: Single $120 - $130/ Business King $140 Kitchen/fireplace $180 - $215 The Coast Penticton Hotel 950 Eckhardt Avenue West, Penticton, BC V2A 1L2 Tel: 250-492-0225 Room rate: Single $105 - $135 Sandman Hotel Penticton 939 Burnaby Avenue West, Penticton, BC V2A 1G7 Tel: 250-493-7151 (Quote Group #302035) Room rate: Twin/Queen $119 to King $129 Days Inn & Conference Centre Penticton 152 Riverside Drive, Penticton, BC V2A 5Y4 Tel: 250-493-6616 (EFMA Conference Group) Room Rate: $105 - $125 Penticton Lakeside Resort 21 Lakeshore Drive West, Penticton, BC V2A 7M5 Tel: 1-800-663-9400 / 250-493-8221 Room rate: Standard Parkview $149 - King Main Hotel $185

Please quote EFMA conference when making reservations. *** Reservations must be made by April 30, 2018*** Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 31

VoiceLift Pro Microphone System Superior Performance and Special Education Pricing Extron is pleased to announce special education pricing of $1,495 on our new VoiceLift® Pro Microphone System, making it even more affordable to add voice amplification to your classrooms. Studies have shown that significant gains in student achievement and teacher effectiveness can be made by simply ensuring that the teacher can be heard clearly throughout the classroom.

VoiceLift Pro Microphone Systems contain all the components necessary for evenly distributing the teacher’s voice including wireless microphone, receiver, switcher/amplifier, speakers, mounting, and cables. They also upgrade easily and affordably to a complete PoleVault® Digital classroom AV switching and control system.

Features: • Enhanced RF wireless technology provides superior sound quality, increased reliability, greater range, and reduced interference over traditional systems • Powerful 50 watt audio amplifier • One pair of Extron patented Flat Field® speakers for consistent sound levels across the listening area • Advanced digital signal processing optimizes voice intelligibility and audio quality

• Supports up to two microphones per classroom for team teaching or student participation • Wall mount kit protects components from tampering and theft • Upgrades easily and affordably to a complete PoleVault Digital classroom AV switching and control system • Grants Available: Apply at www.extronclassroom.com/grant

800.633.9876 • www.extronclassroom.com

HC 403 Collaboration System Powerful, Affordable AV for Modern Learning Environments The Extron HC 403 is a cost-effective and easy-to-use AV system for active learning and collaboration spaces. It combines video switching, scaling, signal extension, and system control into a transmitter and receiver pair that seamlessly integrate with a variety of room configurations. HC 403 systems are simple and intuitive to use. Common functions such as display power and source switching are automated. Students and instructors can quickly share projects by simply connecting their laptop, tablet, or other source device. Monitor, support and report on all of your collaboration spaces throughout the organization using GlobalViewer Enterprise, a powerful networked AV system management solution.

Features: • Powerful solution for collaborative spaces • Decorator-style wallplate transmitter has one HDMI input and one VGA input • HDMI input on receiver is ideal for connecting a local source, such as a ShareLink wireless collaboration gateway • Auto-switching between inputs • Built-in control capability • Easy integration with occupancy sensors • Remotely monitor, control and report AV functions using GlobalViewer Enterprise

Seamless Architectural Integration Components are designed to complement a variety of room environments. Decorator-style wallplate matches other amenities and low-profile receiver can be discreetly mounted behind a display.

800.633.9876 • www.extron.com/hc403

EFMA 2018 CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Sponsorship Opportunities Bronze Sponsorship: u Golf tournament sponsorship from choice of holes one to nine u Logo in conference brochure

Silver Sponsorship:

$ 1,000

u Two nights sponsorship at the Kettle Valley Pub, Ramada Inn and Suites u Logo on banner at suite u Logo in conference brochure u Company name/logo displayed in all conference literature u Company name/logo displayed in all conference brochures

Platinum Sponsorship:

$ 600

u Nutrition station sponsorship u Logo in conference brochure u Company name/logo displayed on signage at the sponsored event u Company name/logo displayed in all conference literature u Company name/logo displayed in all conference brochures

Gold Sponsorship:

$400

$ 2,500

u Event sponsorship one choice from: u President’s Reception; Keynote Speaker Luncheon; Buffet Breakfast; Director’s Breakfast or Reception and Banquet u Company name/logo displayed in all conference literature u Company name/logo displayed on signage at the sponsored event u Company name/logo displayed in all conference brochures u Complimentary trade show registration for event sponsor and two representatives. u Logo included in conference section of EFMA website with hyperlink to company’s webpage u 10’ x 8’ booth and two (2) representatives u Table and two (2) chair u 8’ x 4’ black drape u 1 x 400 watt electrical outlet u 2 x 150 watt flood lights

All sponsors are responsible for: u Providing electronic artwork and logos for conference promotion material, literature, website links, and signage.

The executive for EFMA reserves the right to accept or reject sponsorship applications.

All sponsorship inquiries should be directed to: Educational Facility Managers’ Association of BC 604-943-3314 society@telus.net

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Ops Talk • Spring 2018

EFMA 2018 CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Sponsorship Application Thank you for your generous sponsorship to the Educational Facility Managers’ Association 2018 Annual Conference and Trade Show.

Please complete the form and forward to the address indicated below.

Company Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:|________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________________________ Fax:_____________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________

Event Sponsored:___________________________________________________________ Amount Sponsored:________________________________________________________

Cheques, MasterCard or Visa are accepted, also able to pay via website at www.efmabc.com. Please forward form with payment.

Name on the card:_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card #________________ / ______________ /________________ Exp Date __________ / __________ Code: ___________ Cheques, MasterCard or Visa are accepted, also pay via the EFMA website at www.efmabc.ca.

To register by mail, send this form with cheque, Visa or MasterCard made payable to:

Educational Facility Managers’ Association of BC PO Box 19032, 1153 – 56th Street Delta, BC V4L 2P8 NOTE: Company logo is required no later than April 30, 2018.

Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 35

EFMA EXHIBITORS 2018 (as of May 29, 2018) 3 Phase HVAC Systems A&G Supply Ltd. A.O. Smith WPC Canada Acuity Brands Inc. / Inter-Lite Sales Adanac Sales Allegion Canada Inc. A.O. Smith Apollo Sheet Metal Ltd. Armstrong World Industries/Flooring Avmor BC Hydro Breathe Easy Duct Cleaning Buckwold Western Caliber Sport Systems Canada Mat Inc. Canada Mats Canstar Restorations Care Systems Services CareHawk Inc. Caster Town Centaur Products Inc. Centura Tile Clean Air Services Control Solutions Ltd. CuraFlo of BC Ltd. D.G. MacLachlan Ltd. Dafco Filtration Group Deb Canada Detex Corporation Dobbin Sales Douglas Lighting Controls E.B. Horsman & Son Ecolab Edgewood Group Envirotech Air / Camfil APC Enviro-Vac Division of PRG Equipco Ltd. ERV Parent Company ESC Automation Inc. ETP Energy Technology Products

Falcon Engineering Ltd. Forbo Flooring Systems Fortis BC Freeport Industries Front Row Canada / Points West Gameday Sport Services Inc. Garaventa Lift BC Garland Canada Inc. Goodbye Graffiti Graydon Security Systems Grundfos Habitat Systems Inc. Henderson Recreation Equipment Hospeco Houle Electric Hy-Line Sales Ltd. IBC Technologies Inc. ICS Clean Supplies Ltd. IDN Canada IKO Industries Integra Security Integral Group Interface Island Cleaning Supplies J&J Flooring Jensen Hughes Kee Safety Ltd. Lightspeed Technologies Logical Solutions Ltd. McCrann Cyrus Mfg. McGregor Hardware Distribution Milliken & Company Modern PURAIR Mohawk Group National Air Technologies National Floor Covering Association Nedco On Side Restoration Orion Security Systems Ltd. Ossicle SoundField Solutions

Pacificom Integration Ltd. Paladin Technologies Inc. Pinchin Ltd Prism Engineering Progressive Services Ltd. Quantum Lighting, Inc. RCABC Guarantee Corp Richelieu Building Specialties Rochester Midland Rocky Point Engineering Ltd. S.C. Restorations Ltd. Schoolhouse Products Inc. Shanahan’s Ltd. Sound Solutions (2002) Inc. Steam ‘N’ Weeds Super Save Group of Companies Swing Time Distributors Ltd. Sybertech Waste Reduction Ltd. TaLedi Distribution Talius Tandus Centiva Technical Safety BC Tennant Company TOA Canada Corporation Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance Trimco Hardware Unitech Construction Management Ltd. Venetian Blind Service Victaulic Viessmann Manufacturing Company Vortex Industries Inc. Watertiger Wesclean Planet Clean West Sun Communications Ltd. Westpoint Sales Inc. Winmar

“Inspiring the Hungry Spirit – Staying Resilient” 36

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

Sponsors

SuStainability meetS Performance An environmentally friendly, 100% green, easy to use sanitation system that is more effective and affordable than traditional sanitation chemicals and products. This technology uses cold tap water and the air we breathe to produce an on-site, on-demand sanitizer. Join the other BC schools who have already begun the transition into the future of cleaning.

Watch for our article in the Fall, 2018 edition Benefits include: *Reduce Chemical and Energy Consumption *Eliminate On-Going Chemical Costs *50% More Effective Than Bleach, and Works 3000 Times Faster Than Bleach *Significantly Reduce Harmful Chemical Exposure for School Employees, Teachers, and STudEnTS

CHAd dEnniSOn 778-922-5303 1-855-323-2847 EMAil: o3canada@gmail.com Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 37

Energy efficiency resources for British Columbia schools

By Andre LeBlanc, CAFS

I

n today’s changing regulatory and social environment, energy efficiency is becoming a popular topic of discussion. The federal and provincial governments have created initiatives which provide opportunities for the greening of our homes, businesses, and institutions as a way to promote economic growth while fighting climate change.

Building operation systems which have been industry-standard for decades, now come in a variety of energy-efficient options which can be implemented using upgrades or retrofits. Lighting, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and water systems are eligible for the most energy savings.

The provincial government offers rebates, resources, and networks to organizations that install such eligible systems. Under

BC Hydro’s rebate program, energy-saving upgrades with both short-term and long-term payback are available to save money, reduce environmental impacts, and maintain or upgrade energy infrastructure. There are also grants available to subsidize the cost of employing a designated energy manager, and special funding is also available for organizations spending over $200,000 annually on electricity.

Outside of these incentives, BC Hydro offers an online teaching resource hub for schools on energy education. This includes activities and lesson plans for teachers to instruct students on topics like conservation, sustainability, and safety. Scholarships and endowments are also available for B.C. students applying to pursue higher education in clean energy fields. (BC Hydro, 2018).

Celebrating 50 Years in Business Commercial Commercial Industrial Industrial Healthcare Healthcare Education Education Government Government Residential Residential

Vancouver 604-526-3154 604-526-3154 Vancouver Prince George 250-564-6178

Prince George 250-564-6178

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Manufacturing & Distribution of HVAC Filtration Products Across Western Canada 38

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

Please recycle.

Many Canadian schools are already reaping the benefits of energy rebate programs. According to benchmark statistics from the energy efficiency projects in Canadian provinces, the Office of Energy Efficiency speculates, “Schools that implement energy efficiency projects can save 15 to 20 per cent or more of their energy costs.” (Office of Energy Efficiency, 2017).

Recommendations School facility operators should be aware of the financial, social, and ecological benefits of switching to energy-efficient practices. It is best to stay informed of new developments and industry trends, to ensure which upgrades are right for your facility. Here are some quick tips: • Consult government and industry sources for additional information and support when considering energy efficiency upgrades. BC Hydro Power Smart is a great place to start.

• Before implementing these projects, schools should research and determine the cost of implementation, potential disruption of installation, and maximum benefit of efficiency upgrades.

• For any building, HVAC systems tend to be a large component of energy usage and wastage. Consider energy efficiency when selecting air filters for HVAC systems. Efficient air filtration systems will help reduce costs associ-

ated with running HVAC equipment. Be sure that the air filtration system is also protecting the indoor environment by removing particulate matter to levels safe for human occupancy. Air filters should be independently tested and compliant with ASHRAE standard 62.2-2016. A full filtration survey should be completed by a NAFA-certified technician, and followed up with air quality testing to provide evidence of a school’s indoor air quality. A filtration survey will reveal any limitations of a current air filtration system and help to diagnose IAQ problems. Air quality testing monitors the presence of any harmful contaminants, pressure deficiencies, and HVAC problem areas.

• Consider LEED certification to maximize energy efficiency of your school. In particular, LEED schools provide a great opportunity to integrate energy efficiency and conservation directly into the learning environment. n

Sources BC Hydro. 2018. Power Smart for Schools. https://schools. bchydro.com/ Office of Energy Efficiency. 2001. Benchmarking Guide for School Facility Managers. Energy Innovators Initiative.

Ottawa. http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/Publications/commercial/ pdf/m92-221-2001E.pdf

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Condensation: Leak posers on a winter day

By Mel Hoffart

The new roof is cut down to the steel deck, then the curb is built with a new vapour barrier on the steel deck (right-hand side of photo). Finally, the roof reinstalled around the box.

The top of the curbs were not sloped and thus held water, which froze solid. When the snowblower was used to access the large units nearby, the resulting ice could get very thick.

I

n my years of working on many projects in the north, it has never ceased to amaze me at how few individuals in the building business have any real-world understanding of condensation. Many building managers with all types of buildings have an extremely difficult time understanding how condensation and roofing can be related, and how it can possibly be relevant to a roof inspector to know how condensation works. It is not uncommon at all for even professionals to believe that condensation collection only occurs in residential situations, such as a poorly ventilated attic. In this article, I will portray how even a large commercial facility, with a flat roof, can experience major problems with condensation and the resultant “posing” of the condensation as roof leaks. The design team had been requesting for several years after completion of this project to “find the leaks”, and reports were submitted, and although possible problems were located and fixed, the real problems were still occurring, and were significant in several ways.

1. They occurred almost exclusively in the winter after a long cold spell and the weather was warming up.

2. There was a notable amount of interior damage below these “leaks”, and they were always in the same spot.

The following summer, a liquid membrane, complete with reinforcing mesh, was installed around the base of all the pipes and penetrations.

40

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

The project was a design-build exercise – one of the first we were part of in the north. There were a couple of design elements on the roof that were new to us on this project, and yet, I must admit, these ideas have been used again and again. It is because of this “repetition

of mistakes” that I write this article. In my experience, when one gets down to the basics, there are only two ways to learn; from your own mistakes, or from the mistakes of others.

The only aspect I will discuss here is the use of “super curbs” for dozens of smaller penetrations. In the sequencing of the construction, it was necessary to have the roof completed, with the vapour barrier and insulation and roof membrane all installed as quickly as possible on the building. Many months later, as the mechanical installation progressed, huge holes were cut in the roof system to construct these large-framed “boxes” to run the pipes and vents through. These boxes varied in size from four-foot square by fourfeet high to eight- or 10-feet square, but still four-feet high. They were framed with steel studs and fiberglass batts, not that unlike residential construction, and the outside had plywood and a two-ply SBS membrane. The vapour barrier was still on the original roof deck, albeit quite compromised by the time the various pipes, cables, and ducts were run through it. They were not considered part of the roof by the design team, and thus as roof inspectors, we were quickly and quietly told that our inspections or input were not required in regards to this aspect of the roof. After it started leaking, we were of course expected to find the leaks and have the roofing contractor fix them all as part of the warranty. To be fair, there were numerous vents and pipes run through the top of these curbs that were not well sealed. Many times this was due to the fact that the mechanical installation was too tight to allow flashings around the penetration. After

several years of chasing the problems down and solving only a few, and the refusal of the design team to accept the possibility of condensation being the culprit, I felt compelled to write a long letter to all parties involved. I have included an excerpt from that communication below.

To get condensation to reveal itself in the dramatic fashion as displayed in this report, there are two halves of the equation, the collection and the release, both of which have multiple factors affecting their efficiency and the outcome.

Collection of condensation can be as minor as the drops that collect around a glass of cold water on a warm, humid, summer day, or as major as having an entire attic in a modern home lined with over a foot of heavy hoar frost. I have seen both. The factors that affect this are several, including: a) The relative humidity in the source air that is being cooled. If you have a very humid environment where the RH is 80 or 90 per cent, then it will only take a slight temperature drop to see large amounts of water condense out of the air, and find a place to collect. If the humid air is being slowly “re-humidified” by breaches in a vapour barrier for example, then the collection process will continue unabated.

b) The surface Life Specialists

temperature of the collection point. If the surface temperature of the collection point is well below freezing, even though the surrounding interior air temperature is above zero, then the water collection will quickly freeze to the surface and immediately begin seeking more moisture to capture and collect, with an even greater surface area to do so. E.g. steel studs have greater cold conduction than wood studs. They will thus collect frost on the inside surfaces readily when there is little or no R-factor on the outside surface, and the exterior temperature is cold MEMBERS OF enough to propel the conduction.

c) The materials available for collection.

Well-insulated cavity wall construction will rarely have condensation collection on fibreglass insulation, even when it is exposed to the humid air without a vapour barrier. This material does not have the mass to effectively conduct cold through it, and even if there is a bit of frost collected on it, it will usually be absorbed into the fibres and released as vapour before it becomes liquid. The effective R-factor may well suffer as a result of repeated occurrence of this, but that is not highly relevant here. d) The air circulation over the collecting surfaces. To have little or no air circulation over the collection-prone surface is to invite more condensation.

This is the reason heat ducts come through the floor below the windows.

If this design aspect is short changed by closing heavy drapes over the window and thus preventing the air from getting behind the curtains, the re-

sult is heavy water collection on the glass surface, which, when left long enough, will begin to form ice at the bottom edge of the window frame.

Further consequences will follow. e) Length of collection time. If humid air is constantly provided to a cold collection-prone surface, then the amount of frost collected will be greater as more time passes. The rate of collection per square inch of surface will slow down significantly when the frost reaches a certain depth, because, like snow, frost has an insulating factor of its own; but, there are now more square inches of collection surface due to the outside area of the frost collection.

Release of the collected frost/water has also several factors that can alter the drama factor and how much damage results. a) Delta T over time. How fast the exterior temperature changes will have a major impact on the release of the

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After another couple of years, and the liquid ingress continued, the pipes had custom-built stack flashings installed with soldered joints.

frost. This is one factor that our climatic zone can become almost violent in the way it plays out. This is why I mentioned this in the report. To have six inches of hoar frost melt in less than a day, from a large surface, will have a devastating effect on any susceptible building materials downstream from it.

These custom flashings were then sealed in with another application of liquid membrane, again with reinforcing mesh, and storm collars caulked on every pipe. To be fair, the first application of liquid membrane was cracking at the base line from the thermal movement of the pipes. This repair has held, but the liquid ingress from several of the supercurbs continued until vent louvres were cut in the walls near the top.

cases the older homes with poor ventilation in the attic would function this way.

b) Air circulation over the surface. Here again the air circulation plays a huge role. If there is dry air moving quickly over the surface as the frost melts, then large amounts of the water will evaporate and be carried away without notice by any downstream materials. If, however, the air surrounding the surface is stagnant, or already at a high RH, then the vaporization rate will be slow, and the downstream materials will see water incursion.

These are the main factors explained as objectively as possible. In the case of this facility, we do not have photos of many of the elevated curbs, as they were never part of the warranty, and our inspection services were not required. The few photos we have reveal that the construction of these curbs was fairly basic. Twoby-six steel studs frame the walls and flat top of the curb, and the outside is sheathed with half-inch plywood. There are two or three plies of SBS membrane on the outside of the plywood and the vapour barrier from the roof system appears to be running straight through under the curb and airspace within. The walls and roof of the curb we saw were filled with batt insulation.

c) Absorption rate of downstream materials. If the surface where the frost collects will absorb moisture, like wood studs or fibreglass insulation, then at least part of the potential water incursion is delayed or prevented.

If there is a collection mat where the water drips, that can readily release the moisture again as vapour, then many times the interior of the building will not notice a problem. In many

This box will not collect condensation at the first minor dip in temperature as in the scenario portrayed in your letter.

Instead, it will take a significant drop below freezing to see the dew point move to the interior surfaces of the box. Our experience tells us that in the range of -20 to -25 C outside, the inside surfaces of the studs would start to collect condensation, and at some point, a few degrees colder would begin to collect

42

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

hoar frost. This dew point exterior temperature range could vary significantly if there were a heat source inside the box, such as radiant heat from a B-vent. The time that the cold lasted would also play a role, since the conduction through the studs would take a while. Two months at -25 could have more effect than two nights at -40. There is also the related role that the summer season plays in drying out the materials within the box.

The first incidents of condensation collection are usually minor, and if the materials are very dry, their absorption will prevent the release of water from showing inside, at least until the saturation point is reached. The photos we have do not show the pipes, cables, and other assorted penetrations that come through the box as to what sort of cut was made in the vapour barrier to accommodate them. We hope that these breaches in the membrane were properly sealed at the time of installation. But, even if they were, we also know from experience that thermal movement of metal pipes, and to some degree, even plastic pipes, not to mention the vibration that sometimes occurs during use of the pipes, can, and has, opened the seal that was originally installed. In order for there to be no possibility of condensation inside of these boxes, this seal requires perfection.

As to the release of a possible collection; if all of the studs had just half an inch of frost on the inside surface area, and it all melts within a day, to land on the vapour barrier just above the steel deck, it is likely to have a fair bit of depth to it.

If there is condensation to release, then there is a hole in the vapour barrier to let it in there to start with, and this same hole will let the water into the building.

To our knowledge, there is no appreciable air flow inside of these boxes to allow evaporation, so this is not really part of the equation. The water will remain as a liquid until it either flows inside to drip on a ceiling tile, or the temperature warms enough to vaporize it inside the box and drive it out through whatever egress it can find. Water vapour is 14 times larger than liquid.

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This letter received a reply from a couple of the building management team, thankful that I had explained what was going on better than they had ever understood the problems before. The design team never replied one way or the other.

The “supercurbs” eventually had large ventilation louvres cut in their walls to allow the moist air to flow through.

The “leakage” has not been a problem since. These supercurbs are used, I have been told, to facilitate some leeway in the location of the pipes, vents, chimneys, and ductwork that are required by the mechanical installation.

Indeed, we have seen up to 20 penetrations through just one large supercurb.

In the fact that these dozens of small penetrations are raised above the roof line, it is far superior to the alternative.

The consequences for possible condensation collection however, cannot be ignored, and are better addressed right at the design phase then as a remedial repair with limitations as to what was still feasible.

It is up to all of us in the construction business to learn from our mistakes, but even more importantly, to pass the lessons learned in finding the solution onto others, especially the next generation. n

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Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 43

The lowest price isn’t always the lowest price

O

ver the past few years, there has been an increase in the amount of too-good-to-be-true pricing. In an industry that

building secure or are they leaving the

reach all sides of the line at once. The

open doors unguarded? Truck-mounted

only way to get the larger ducting clean

systems also generate noise that may

is to have personnel manually enter and

hours of work fit within the noise by-

• Do they give you before and after

isn’t regulated or standardized, how do

laws? There are portable vacuum sys-

pictures? This is your insurance and

you know you are picking the right person

tems that can be taken right inside your

evidence that the job has been done.

for your job? Here are some key things to

facility allowing the premises to be se-

It allows you to see the impact duct

look for when selecting a duct cleaner:

cure and your neighbours undisturbed.

cleaning has on your overall system. It

• How detailed is the quote? The

• How are they cleaning the ducts?

also gives you something to share with

quote should outline the proposed

Some companies use only forced air

the occupants of your building to prove

scope of work so that each side has a

to push/pull the debris down the ven-

that you care about their health.

clear understanding of what is included

tilation lines to the vacuum. We have

• Do they guarantee their work? We

and what isn’t. Requesting a detailed

found this to be moderately effective. A

all know that maintenance staff mem-

quote protects you from any change

combination of forced air and a brush

bers are busy and if you get the wrong

orders and gives you a reference to hold

system removes a greater percentage of

duct cleaners they might cut corners. If

the cleaners to.

the debris.

your staff finds a problem will the com-

upset the neighbours. Do the proposed

vacuum the ducts.

• What type of equipment are they

• Are larger ducts being manually

pany come back and fix it for free? Are

using? If the company is using a truck-

entered? With large ducting, forced air

they willing to have you or someone

mounted system, does their quote in-

and a brush system just aren’t enough.

else inspect their work?

clude additional personnel to keep your

They don’t make brushes big enough to In an industry that has no set standards or regulations, it is easy for just anyone to

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Ops Talk • Spring 2018

The way I see it!

By Chuck Morris

Are you reliable?

Gain a modest reputation for being unreliable and you will never

ances of the problem and who may be affected by it, what it

be asked to do a thing! - Paul Theroux

may mean to the bottom line, and what it may mean to cus-

Ever wonder why some people always get asked to do things when you feel you are very capable and know how to do it? Do you ever wonder why some people are always the first people contacted when something goes wrong?

tomer service.

Your job depends on it.

Learn from others, and ask others what they would do in a given situation. Place yourself into a situation where you must

Usually it is not because of favouritism. Some people are contacted every time something goes wrong because they have become known as reliable and able to resolve whatever the issue is.

seek a resolution to a problem.

Do not stop learning. Do not stop preparing for situations.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. That is the

Is this unfair? No, because in a business setting when something goes wrong it does need to be rectified as soon as pos-

only way you are going to learn how to deal with problems that come your way. Take ownership and step up to the plate.

sible. If you have become known as someone that has diffi-

You be the one! Be the one that will pick it up and figure out

culty comprehending the problem and possible solutions, or

how best to resolve the problem. Become the go-to person; it

someone who seems to dismiss the importance of it, you will

is not difficult to do. All it takes is the will to learn how to deal

be marginalized.

with many different situations.

Fix that problem!

Search for problems and learn how to deal with them. It won’t

Step back and ask yourself what are others doing differently

take long and you will be able to be one of those who others

than you when tackling this type of issue. Understand the nu-

come to to help with a problem. You can do it! n

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Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 45

Preventative maintenance for audio systems

More speakers doesn’t mean better sound. Call a qualified sound company to assist with proper speaker locations for a music room, theatre or gymnasium.

W

e have recently received a number of service calls with respect to sound systems which are all related to preventative maintenance, so we thought we’d share a few of our expert tips on how to keep your audio and video systems running as long as possible. There is simply nothing worse than hosting a large function at your facility, only to discover that the sound system is not operational for a standing-room-only crowd. While some contractors offer 24-hour support, the travel time involved may make it far too late for the tech to be of any useful assistance. Let’s look at some basic maintenance tips to keep your systems in top shape.

the no-name brand ones. When was the last time you took your television to a TV repair store to get serviced? These days, you simply throw it out and purchase a new one. Sadly, the same can hold true for sound and video systems.

Lifespan of a typical audio/video system

While the days of a smoke-filled environment are long gone, the large metal heat sinks that keep an amplifier cool are also long gone. Today’s amplifiers use small heat sinks, and rely on fans to keep cool. Even in a relatively clean office environment, an amplifier can gather a lot of dust. This heats up the internal components quickly, resulting in damage that can exceed the cost of a new unit.

Back in the day, we simply advised that a piece of equipment was not worth repairing. Currently, we use the catch phrase “end of life cycle” or “built-in obsolescence” because now most equipment is designed to be disposable. Most audio manufacturing companies historically put forth claims such as “17 years mean time between failures”, but all have long since quietly dropped these sentiments as the equipment they are manufacturing no longer will perform reliably for 17 years.

This applies across the board to all manufacturers – not just 46

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

From our experience, a typical commercial sound system will last no more than 15 years before problems start creeping in due to component aging. That is assuming that the sound system is properly designed, is well ventilated, and that namebrand equipment is being used. Sound systems that are poorly ventilated, or located in a closed closet can see that longevity number drop to under half.

Failures due to heat

While we do not recommend that anyone open their amplifiers to clean them, a jet of compressed air into the vent slots at the front of an amplifier can certainly clean off the serious

Keep your sound system in top shape: • Use a jet of compressed air to clean out air vents on sound equipment • Clean dust bunnies from around the audio/video system • Rotate volume and tone controls every six to 12 months to keep them lubricated • Leave equipment on 24/7 • Get an annual check-up of your equipment from a sound contractor accumulation of dust and dirt. We recently completed a service call to an arena that advised that the sound cut out after the system had been used for about an hour. We had installed the two amplifiers 17 years ago, but they had never even once

Here’s a neglected amplifier that will most likely shut down to overheating even at low volumes.

been serviced. One amplifier was beyond repair due to the heat

switches every six months from one end to the other. This pre-

damage, but the second was cleaned and is still working today.

vents oxidation from building up, and ensures the lubrication

Also, it is very important to remove dust bunnies from around

within the controls remains fluid. It is usually that one signal

the amplifier rack. This prevents the fans from sucking in more

input (such as a wireless mic) that is only used once a year

dust, which then results in more build up inside the amplifier

for a large function will inevitably fail on the day it’s needed.

chassis.

Working the controls can prevent this experience. Note that we do not recommend removing any security covers that may

Noisy controls/system cutting out

be covering sensitive settings. In addition, do not forget to ro-

A non-technical fix to cure some common problems of inter-

tate the volume controls that may be in a penalty box or on a

mittent sound systems is to rotate the volume controls and

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Long gone are the days of the TV repair shop that also repaired amplifiers and sound systems.

Don’t do this.. ever! Overloading an AC outlet is a fire hazard.

Once a volume control starts cutting out, or changes from soft to full volume when moved slightly, a technician will need to be called to replace or to clean the control internally.

Keep it turned on, or turn it off?

We are frequently asked for advice about whether it is preferable to turn a sound system off at night, or at any time when it is not being used. With everyone concentrating on energy savings, it’s a good question. It’s a two-part answer: a) Most sound equipment draws a negligible amount of power when idling, so we recommend that mixers, amplifiers, and signal processing equipment be left on 24/7 for a number of reasons: - You won’t see the difference on your power bill if you turn off even a large arena sound system nightly.

- Just like an incandescent bulb will burn out when you turn

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48

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

it on, so will an amplifier. The surge of power rushing into the amplifier at turn-on is hard on equipment. Leave the equipment on so that it remains at a constant temperature, as this practice lengthens the life of electronic components. b) The exception to leaving sound equipment on continually are CD or MP3 players, laptop computers that act as music sources, and (gasp!) cassette decks - if anyone is still using them.

All of these music sources use components, such as lasers or motors, that have a finite life to them. Turning these devices off until they are needed will extend their life significantly.

Call your sound contractor for a yearly check-up While the above tips will extend the life of your sound system, there’s nothing like calling in a professional technician to run through all of your audio and video systems completely.

We were recently requested to check a sound system that we had installed 15 years ago. When our tech arrived on site, he noticed that there was a lot of hiss in the sound system which had not been mentioned when we were initially contacted.

Our tech diagnosed that one of the components in the sound rack was defective and was able to bypass it, ensuring that the sound quality was excellent for the upcoming high school graduation ceremonies. This was a case where only a tech familiar with sound equipment could have resolved the issue, and averted a potential audio disaster!

It is a wise choice to have a qualified audio contractor check your entire sound system over at least once every year. Think of it as being the oil change that keeps your system running smoothly. A skilled tech can pinpoint and diagnose potential problems that may not be apparent to end users.

End of life The expected life span of a well-designed and installed sound system is about 15 years.

The exception is your music sources, which typically last two to three years for a CD/MP3 player. This time frame is even less if used in a pool environment where chlorine can and will attack mechanisms, laser assemblies, and microphone jacks that are typically abused in an arena or aquatic setting.

On the positive side, the speakers in a comA properly mounted wall rack, securing all equipment, of commercial grade quality. mercial environment should last well in excess of 20 years. This of course is providing that the your sound contractor if you have problems. Budget to upgrade sound system is designed so that the speakers cannot be damyour sound system roughly every 15 years, and contact a qualiaged regardless of how loud the volume is turned up, and secfied audio technician to assess the equipment and system you ondly, as long as the correct speakers are specified at the time have. Follow these steps to avoid having an aging neglected

of the installation.

What won’t increase the life of your sound system We’ve had many inquiries over the years as to the benefit of power line conditioners and surge protectors. Generally speaking, the vast amount of AC power coming into a building is well regulated, and is not subject to power surges or outages. Many companies push the sale of power line conditioners and surge protectors as being mandatory in a sound system, and that the use of this equipment will prevent a sound system from failing.

system die in the middle of an important function. n Martha Currie Elementary School

Mar Jok Elementary School

courtesy of Schubert Plumbing

Courtesy of Think Space & Sawchuck

Sunnyside Elementary School courtesy of Grant + Sinclair Architects

Norma Rose

Based on our many years of experience however, these claims are false. Virtually all electronic equipment has some form of surge protection built right into the unit, and external surge protectors are simply duplicating what the equipment already has.

In the case of a lightning strike, which of course is common in many areas of B.C., a direct strike of a lightning bolt onto a power line causes a surge far beyond the ability of a rackmounted unit to remove from the incoming AC power.

The bottom line is that we recommend saving your money and skipping the expensive surge protectors. Instead, ensure that your sound system has enough circuits from the breaker panel to correctly power all equipment.

In summary, make sure your sound system components are kept clean and cool so they remain within the correct operating temperature. Test all functions of your sound system prior to a large and/or important event, and don’t hesitate to call

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Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 49

Are your students hearing you?

The importance of acoustic treatment in K-12 schools

By James Wright “ We would never teach reading in a classroom without lights. Why then do we teach in ‘acoustical darkness’?

Speaking to a class, especially of younger students, is akin to turning out the light.” – John Erdreich PhD Several generations of students and teachers have battled the inherent problems caused by noise and poor acoustic design in educational settings. Despite the problem having been recognized for over 100 years, acoustics in classrooms remain underaddressed in older buildings and many newer-built schools. A 2012 released study, “Essex Study-Optimal classroom acoustics for all” defines the need and benefits of acoustically treating classrooms. The study looked at the impact of reducing reverberation time in a working classroom environment. The conclusion drawn after several measurements of acoustics and surveys with participants was a demonstrable clear benefit to all by improving the acoustic environment. Simply, uncontrolled reverberations in a classroom have a direct negative effect on health and performance, for both students and teachers.

Reverberation is the echo of sound reflecting from hard surface to hard surface causing noise to build up and creating a confusing, unintelligible mass of sound. The hard surfaces such as windows, blackboards, concrete blocks, and gypsum walls found in most classrooms do not absorb sound energy, and as a result, the sound reflects back into the room, arriving at the ear many times at intervals that are milliseconds apart. This creates a sound that is smeared and the brain has difficulty distinguishing the primary information and disseminating it from the reverberation. This problem is exacerbated when hearing-assist devices and cochlear implants are used. Excess reverberation also affects students with auditory processing issues, ADHD, and other learning challenges. In fact, all students benefit from lowering the reverberation and improving intelligibility.

Reverberation is measured in relation to time. The measurement (RT60) is the time it takes for sound to decay by 60dB in a particular space. The greater the reverberation time, the more “echo” in a room, and the greater the listening challenges 50

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

become. The reverberation time of a room will depend on variables such as the size of the classroom, the reflective surfaces, and how other absorbent or reflective features in the room may increase the effect.

Consider the following: A typical classroom measures 960 square feet with a ceiling height of 12 feet. This adds up to a wall surface area of 1,488 square feet. The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) suggests an acceptable reverberation time for instruction in a classroom be less than 0.7 seconds when unoccupied. If left untreated, a classroom of this size can have a predicted reverberation time of approximately 1.9 seconds, or just about three times greater than the suggested maximum.

The effect on students and teachers Most learning occurs from the verbal communication of information and ideas. Traditionally, classrooms have not been designed with attention to how the room sounds or how it may affect the students and teachers that are using it. It is well known that proximity to the teacher increases student engagement and the comprehension of the material being taught.

As most classes have 30 or more students in it, it is impossible for every student to be close to the teacher.

Rows of desks can put students up to 27-feet away from the teacher or the instructive source. For students at the rear of the class, the volume level reaching the students will be reduced by as much as 20dB compared to when it is created. And due to the time it takes for sound to travel, it will be delayed by 25 milliseconds, causing a slight disconnect between the visual stimuli created by teacher’s mouth movement and the late arrival of the information. The brain then has to differentiate whether the sound being received is the source material or the sound bouncing off the walls. When one factors in the natural reverberation in the room, the delay in sound reaching the ear, along with distractions such as HVAC noise, the classroom base-level sound, and noise seeping in from outside the doors and windows, it is not surprising to find that many children are simply not hearing the material they are being taught.

And this is only the beginning. As the ambient sound level

Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 51

REMOtE COntROLLED SLOPE MOwERS

in the classroom increases, the teacher naturally increases his or her voice level. The ‘classroom chatter’ naturally increases to compensate and the problem exacerbates to the point where the teacher and students begin to lose concentration. To fully understand the severity of the problem, think of the last time you went to a noisy restaurant. In some cases, the sound pressure inside the room is so loud that you cannot even

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Ops Talk • Spring 2018

have a conversation with the person across the table. The acoustic energy has increased beyond the room’s ability to dissipate it. We manage to communicate by reading lips and filling in the blanks.

Children do not listen like adults When you consider the acoustic problems described, studies suggest that as many as 30 per cent of students may actually be challenged in understanding their teacher’s message. Poor intel-

ligibility due to proximity to the teacher, excessive reverberation and noise result in a lack of comprehension of the material being taught.

Most adults would not notice these challenges as life experience allows us to “fill in the missing words”. Consider the following example: Arocdnicg to rsceearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer are in the rghit pcale. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit poberlrm. Tihs is buseace the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Many students miss up to one in four words being spoken by their instructor due to sub-standard room acoustics or poor intelligibility. Acoustic smearing from poor-sounding classrooms is akin to changing the order of letters and expecting children to understand the message. Children, however, are not as mature, are not skillful readers, and are not as capable at listening as adults.

As such, to ensure the message being transmitted is actually being received, they require optimal conditions for hearing and comprehension.

The solution is to acoustically treat the classroom

ship, or broadcasting a distance-learn-

Right from the early days of radio, broadcasters came to the conclusion that unless the source broadcast was clear and concise, the message would get lost. To address the problem, absorptive acoustic panels were mounted on the broadcast studio wall surfaces to suppress the reflections and improve intelligibility for the listener. This practice continues to this day and the same rules apply whether you are teaching in a classroom, delivering a message in a house of wor-

How sound absorption works

ing class over the Internet.

Sound, in the form of acoustic energy, penetrates the porous acoustic panel where it causes minute internal fibers to vibrate. This causes a thermo-dynamic energy transfer - which in essence converts acoustic energy into heat. Highdensity panels made from six lbs. glass wool are particularly effective as they are designed to absorb energy in the critical voice spectrum. Instead of sound

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Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 53

reflecting off the wall surfaces, it is absorbed. This lowers the ambient noise in the classroom and significantly reduces the reverberant field, vastly improving intelligibility.

Fix the problem

more than one or two seconds, adding

In order to determine how much acous-

acoustic panels to the wall surfaces will

tic treatment is required to fix a rooms’

be very beneficial. For classrooms, cover-

acoustics you must first determine the

ing between 17 per cent to approximately

RT (reverberation time) in your classroom,

25 per cent of the wall surface with six lbs.

Estimating the amount of acoustic treatment required to

simply clap your hands and listen to the

glass wool acoustic panels will produce

decay while counting. If the decay lasts

a very noticeable improvement in the

Should I treat the room with acoustic panels or amplify the teacher?

Amplifying the instructor has become a solution advocated by some audio-visual companies. In most cases, this only serves to exaggerate the pre-existing reverberation problems. While there is more volume of sound created, the increased sound energy creates more reverberation and echo and over excites the classroom. The Acoustical Society of America, in a 2006 position statement, claims that the “amplification of teacher’s voices, as a general policy, is not a best practice”. The relationship between acoustic treatment and amplification is complementary. Best practice suggests that treating the

room acoustically will allow for an accurate assessment of the need for and effectiveness of teacher amplification.

• Amplification adds more excitement to an already overexcited room • Amplification worsens already poor acoustical conditions, reducing intelligibility • Amplification does not address student-to-student or student-to-teacher issues • Amplification requires the teacher to be trained for proper functionality

About Acoustic Panels There are many types of acoustic panels made today. The most common is a fabric-wrapped glass wool panel that can be sourced in various densities, but acoustic testing has proven that higherdensity six lbs. panels provide even absorption across the audio spectrum to deliver a more natural-sounding room. For public spaces such as classrooms, libraries, cafeterias and gymnasiums, special attention regarding safety must be paid to flame spread and smoke density. Look for panels that are safe for use in commercial applications.

They will have been tested by an independent lab to ensure they pass ASTM-E83 (United States), Can/UL S108 (Canada) or EIN-36535 (Europe). It is best to avoid panels made from plastics such as urethane.

The thickness and density of the acoustic panel plays a role in the performance. As rule of thumb, the thicker the panel, the lower the frequency it will absorb. For instance, while a classroom may be treated with a combination of one-inch and two-inch-thick six lbs. fibreglass panels — capable of absorbing sound in the voice range — a multifunction assembly hall may benefit from thicker panels to absorb more energy in the lower registers. This would better manage bass during musical performances.

54

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

Coverage

15%

20%

25%

223 sq/ft

298 sq/ft

372 sq/ft

5

6

8

Material Cost Estimate

$2,500

$3,000

$4,000

Cost Per Student/Year

$4.17

$5.12

$6.67

A classroom free from excessive rever-

.9 seconds

.7 seconds

.4 seconds

beration and noise is far more conducive

Treatment Needed Panel Boxes Needed

Estimated Reverberation Time

using available space to your best advantage by evenly distributing the panels around the room.

to learning and greatly contributes to betacoustical behaviour of the room.

The table above describes the average reverberation time of a classroom measuring 960 square feet with a ceiling height of 12 feet. The predicted reverberation time for this room is 1.9 seconds with no acoustic treatment.

The wall surface area for this room (1,488 square feet) is determined by multiplying the wall width or length by the height.

Reducing the reverberation time to 0.7 seconds vastly improves intelligibility, which in turn enables the teacher to communicate source material effectively in an even volume, as well as helping to keep the ambient noise level of the room significantly quieter. Applying acoustic

panels to 17 per cent to 20 per cent of the

ter student success - whether the student

available wall surface area will deliver ef-

has learning issues or not. Reducing the

fective results.

ambient sound level also makes it easier

When wall surfaces are taken up by windows and blackboards, mounting or hanging panels from the ceiling is recommended. A popular solution is to suspend the panels from the ceiling. The added benefit of the airspace created behind the panel when suspended increases the panel’s absorbtive surface area. This is particularly effective in noisy cafeterias. For classrooms with T-bar ceilings,

to teach, reduces teacher stress and burnout, and significantly reduces listening fatigue for everyone. When you consider the teacher and student benefits and the relatively low cost involved to install acoustic treatment, a practical solution for school districts and post-secondary institutions that care about attaining the maximum results from their student body is readily available. n

there are acoustic tiles that can replace

James Wright is a business

the original non-absorbtive compressed

development executive at Primacoustic.

fiber tile. Actual panel placement is not as

He can be reached at 604-942-1001,

critical as one may think. It is more about

www.primacoustic.com.

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Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 55

MAGNA3 pumps aid in optimization of a multi-building retrofit project in Coquitlam

L

17 MAGNA3 all-purpose variable speed circulators were utilized in the Thermenex system.

ocated on the eastern borders of Vancouver, the city of Coquitlam offers extensive sporting, cultural, and recreational amenities to residents and visitors alike. In efforts to continue providing exceptional public facilities while minimiz-

ty Building, and the Evergreen Cultural Centre, uses thermal

ing environmental impacts, the municipality commissioned

among the buildings through water circulation. This tech-

the City Centre District Energy Project to reduce greenhouse

nology makes it possible for the chillers and heating system

gas emissions. The project, which includes the City Centre

to operate at their most efficient point, while ensuring an

Aquatic Complex, Coquitlam City Hall, an RCMP Public Safe-

optimal indoor environment.

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Website: www.timeaccessinc.com 56

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

energy to heat and cool buildings with minimal waste.

TC Thermenex Inc. designed and installed the innovative system, which captures and transfers thermal energy

“Cheap systems are no longer the focus of most clients,”

metre, flow-limiting function, differential pressure and

said Ian Hall, principal of Thermenex. “They want value and

temperature sensor, and wireless communication be-

energy efficiency; we give them both.”

tween pumps, MAGNA3 provides complete control, opti-

Three heat exchangers and 34 Grundfos pumps consist-

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• MAGNA3 is easy to install and start up, saving time and effort.

Thermenex system. The combination of pumps was select-

“Everywhere we turn, this pump is saving time, which is

ed for their efficient operation, compact size and simple in-

money,” said Darcy Hart, director of operations for Ther-

stallation, which were essential for this retrofit application.

menex. “We are really finding that Grundfos products are

The MAGNA3 in particular was selected for the following reasons:

great all the way through the line, with great documentation and great support. This retrofit has really stepped up

• MAGNA3 is the obvious choice having the lowest power consumption in the North American market, with the

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Make your schools safer and more efficient for the 21st century

S

chool communication for class transitions (bells), paging, and intercom has been a basic element of running a learning institution. In today’s schools, communication needs have grown to also include class transition for multiple grades and/or schools on one campus, emergency preparedness with varying levels of alerts, and integrating other devices such as digital signage and door locks. Unfortunately, many schools are entrusting these critical functions to limited and outdated technology. Here’s the problem: 1. 1960s technology isn’t up to 21st century demands. Many school buildings are still relying on decadesold analog technology that was designed for a different era when zone changes and schedule shifts were rare, and today’s threats were unthinkable.

2. “One-size-fits-all” limitations.

Analog and some digital communication tools have assumptions about how you’ll use them — and then lock you into those restrictions.

3.

Dependence on outside techs.

It often requires a costly call to an outside technician and potentially re-wiring to simply add or change a communication zone, or make adjustments to bell schedules.

4. Too many stand-alone systems.

Your schools may have one system of amplifiers, wiring and speakers for paging, and another for classroom media. Your schools may also have standalone systems for door locks, se58

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

curity cameras, digital signage, and email.

5. Wasteful redundancy. Your LAN cabling probably runs side-by-side with your analog paging wires. They could easily carry the same information, but, instead, you carry the cost and support structure for both.

6. Managing emergency communication. Chances are that some areas of your schools have poor intelligibility or paging speakers that are competing with classroom audio, so how do you know if a message was heard?

Moreover, principals often need to use precious time to make live emergency announcements, or worry about external communication before they can take action.

A modern, integrated communications platform should bring together all the communication needs of a school under one system. The system should be easy-to-use, flexible, expandable, and

give power to the school to make necessary changes to the system to suit their evolving needs, including new technologies around school safety and security.

The most comprehensive and flexible solution built for K-12 institutions is FrontRow’s Conductor platform.

Through Conductor, the company’s networked classroom AV systems can be linked to hallway speakers, intercom stations, signage, and other devices into a single communications grid over the school’s LAN. A simple, but powerful software interface lets the school staff do daily tasks like paging, bells, and using the intercom, as well as emergency response, in a much more manageable way. Those schools across Canada that have discovered the academic benefits of FrontRow’s classroom audio technology can now leverage that investment to address campus-wide communication challenges.

St. Jerome’s Catholic school in Vermilion, Alberta upgraded their analog PA sys-

The FrontRow Conductor has allowed our school to have an easy-to-use, technologically advanced intercom system, that works seamlessly with our classroom audio systems tem with FrontRow Conductor during a modernization to the school in 2016.

"The FrontRow Conductor has allowed our school to have an easy-to-use, technologically advanced intercom system, that works seamlessly with our classroom audio systems,” says Sean Whelan, assistant principal and Grade 8 teacher. “The tech support and customer service from FrontRow has been second to none."

With a conventional bell system, Whittier City School District in California dreaded the arrival of Daylight Saving Time. “Changing our bell system was very difficult. Over the weekend we had to have men come in and go school to school and make the changes,” says Jon McNeil, assistant superintendent of Whittier City School District, who adds that since implementing FrontRow Conductor, “We’ve got tremendous flexibility. The principal or secretary can make changes easily and operate it very quickly and intuitively.”

McNeil notes that Conductor is efficient in space, as well as function, since the “head-end” is simply one server and a PC for the office manager. “It’s a big deal for us,” he says. “The old system [was] an enormous box that’s seven feet tall… and now we’re able to blow out these offices and enlarge them, whereas before we could not move those units.”

Schools that have chosen modern, scalable, and networkable communication

solutions are reducing costs, saving effort, and achieving more. FrontRow Conductor is available through qualified resellers across Canada, and supported by the manufacturer’s own team from Mississauga, Ontario. n For more information on modernizing your school’s classroom and campus communication, visit www.gofrontrow.com, or call 800-340-9894.

A safer, more efficient school Create a single communications grid for paging, bells, intercom and emergency alerts over your LAN with FrontRow. • Flexible & Expandable - totally customizable with no ongoing or hidden fees • Self-sufficient - use the intuitive interface to manage communications without the need for outside consultants and techs • One system for emergency response - one-click can activate emergency alerts, trigger digital signage, lock doors, send e-mail notifications and much more

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Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 59

Addressing limited classroom spaces with

portable classroom relocations

Thinkspace Architecture Planning Interior Design has been working on portable relocation projects on more than 75 different school sites to help address the lack of available classroom spaces in various school districts.

R

ecently, class sizes were reduced in B.C., creating a shortage of classroom space in many schools across the province. School District #36 (Surrey) is one example of a district that is working towards accommodating a growing

student population; currently they are experiencing a population growth rate of 10,000 new residents annually. This, in addition to reduced class sizes, means that classroom space is at a premium. The Surrey School District is not alone in this problem, and in the last year, Thinkspace Architecture Planning Interior Design has been working on portable relocation

The portable classroom can be connected independently to site services or connect to the existing school, depending on what capacity is available.

projects on more than 75 different school sites to help address the lack of available classroom spaces in various school dis-

• Fire protection – We have encountered many challenges

tricts.

with BCBC limiting distances, fire access routes, and fire

Portable classrooms may not be ideal, but they are impor-

hydrants. Limiting distances restrict where a portable class-

tant as they offer a relatively quick solution to providing more classroom spaces rather than holding classes in a gymnasium or library. Our experience over the years has allowed us to identify many challenges that may present themselves during preparation of permit documents for a portable class-

room can be placed on site, as well as dictating fire ratings and construction materials; sometimes the ideal location is not permitted. Additionally, oftentimes the portables cannot be placed close enough to a fire access lane or fire hydrant, so new access lanes and hydrants need to be provided.

room relocation. Often, the most difficult part of a portable

• Zoning regulations – locating a portable on an existing site

relocation is choosing the best placement on site while con-

means that all current zoning regulations must be met. The

forming to current building code and zoning regulations.

most common problem this presents is regarding vehicle

These challenges include:

parking and setbacks. We have found in many cases that

60

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

that concrete platforms or retaining walls need to be built to achieve accessible access. Site lighting might not be sufficient and new lights must be installed. Protected environmental zones, such as Riparian zones may not allow you to build within their boundaries.

Locating a portable on an existing site means that all current zoning regulations must be met.

older schools do not have sufficient parking by current regulations, and more parking stalls must be added, or a variance permit applied for to allow an exception to be made. Additionally, we have encountered cases where the site setbacks do not allow convenient siting, also requiring a variance.

• Site conditions – existing site conditions including trees, grades, lighting, protected environmental zones, and available space all influence portable placement as well. Trees may need to be removed, usually requiring they also be replaced, or they may be bylaw protected trees that you can’t build within a specified distance of. Grades may be so steep

• Site services – some portables require sanitary, water, or gas connections, and all require electrical connections.

Depending on where the portable can be placed on site

by BCBC and zoning regulations, this can sometimes be quite challenging to achieve. The portable classroom can be connected independently to site services or connect to the existing school, depending on what capacity is available from the existing school. Additionally, all portables must connect to the fire alarm system, which typically has extra space available, but not always.

• Washrooms – the existing school must provide an adequate number of washrooms by BCBC, or washrooms must be added to the portable classroom.

The challenges outlined above include the ones most commonly encountered during portable relocations. In addition to portable relocations, Thinkspace has completed more than 100 projects to assist school districts meet their space requirements through new builds, additions, renovations, seismic upgrades, and other miscellaneous projects. n

University Hill Secondary School, Vancouver

Mar Jok Elementary School, Kelowna

Design & Construction | Renovations & Additions | Building Envelope Design Maintenance Projects | Seismic Upgrades | Portable Relocations | Long Term Facility Plans Project Identification & Definition Reports | Prefabricated Modular Construction

architecture planning interior design t (604) 581 8128 | (250) 762 2503 www.thinkspace.ca Educational Facility Managers’ Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 61

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McGregor Hardware Distribution..................................................... 13

Breathe Easy Duct Cleaning Ltd...................................................... 44

O3 Canada........................................................................................... 37

Canstar Restorations............................................................................ 3

Ossicle SoundField Solutions............................................................ 21

Craven Huston Powers Architects................................................... 48

Pigeon Patrol....................................................................................... 56

D.g. MacLachlan Limited.................................................................. 57

Reliable Controls Corporation.........................................................IBC

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Rocky Point Engineering Ltd............................................................ 49

Emco Corporation............................................................................... 53 Erv Parent Co. Ltd................................................................................. 4 Esc Automation / Delta Controls................................................. OBC Etp – Energy Technology Products................................................. 22 Extron Electronics.............................................................................. 32 Fortis BC................................................................................................ 8 Front Row Education.......................................................................... 59

Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia................... 19 Royal Stewart Ltd............................................................................... 43 Sound Solutions.................................................................................. 47 Spears Sales & Service....................................................................... 57 Thinkspace.......................................................................................... 61 Time Access Systems Inc.................................................................. 56

Garaventa Lift..................................................................................... 43

Topside Consulting (2004) Ltd.......................................................... 41

Grundfos Canada Inc..........................................................................17

Tremco................................................................................................. 45

Houle.................................................................................................... 15

Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc....................................... 39

IBC Technologies.................................................................................. 5

Wesco Distribution/Philips Lighting............................................. IFC

Integral Group..................................................................................... 62

Western Bus Parts & Service Ltd........................................................ 6

Interior Turf Equipment..................................................................... 52

Winmar.................................................................................................. 7

Kimco Controls Ltd..............................................................................11

WorkSafe BC........................................................................................ 55

62

Ops Talk • Spring 2018

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