GB & SS Magazine Summer 2016

Green BuildinG BUILDING Green & SuStainable StrategieS

& & SuStainable SUSTAINABLE StrategieS STRATEGIES

SUMMER 2016

9

Devron Developments

14

Derek Nicholson

22

Corvinelli Homes

28

Warren Sinclair Construction

MORLEY HOPPNER - OTTAWA INNOVATION CENTRE

GreenBuildinG GreenBuildinG & SuStainable StrategieS

& SuStainable StrategieS

Volume 5, Number 2 – Summer 2016 www.gbssmag.com PUBLISHER: Giulio Marinescu 416-250-0664 publisher@gbssmag.com 2109-256 Doris Ave. Toronto, ON M2N 6X8

CONTENTS 40

SUMMER 2016

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COVER STORY THE NEW GENERATION OF CANADIAN ENERGY Simply Green aims to become Canada’s leading force in sustainability and efficiency by 2025

9

THE ROLE OF NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE FUTURE OF GREEN CITIES How architecture and engineering promote sustainable lifestyles in urban centres

14 ON THE CUTTING EDGE

Derek Nicholson Incorporated has developed a stellar reputation working with some of Canada’s

most innovative architects 18 A GLIMPSE OF TORONTO’S FUTURE

The Bjarke Ingels Group’s King Street West design melds suburban sensibilities with cityscape 22 NO SMALL FEAT

Awards roll in as Corvinelli Homes solidifies reputation as one of Canada’s top green builders 26 THEIR PEOPLE MAKE AQUA-TECH BETTER 28 WARREN D. SINCLAIR CONSTRUCTION LTD.

Trendsetter in sustainability 33 POWERFUL PROMISE

Its company motto is a pledge that National Capital Insulation takes very seriously 35 ON THE CUSP

Ottawa’s Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards poised to take its place among top

entrepreneurial hubs 38 SOPHIE’S LANDING

Gated waterfront community in Orillia offers peace of mind with resort-style lifestyle 40

EDITH GREEN-WENDELL WYATT FEDERAL BUILDING LAUDED WITH AIA SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AWARD GSA project highlighted as example of reducing operating costs, saving taxpayer money and providing healthier work space for a federal agency

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MANAGING EDITOR: Greg McMillan editor@gbssmag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tony Lomuto Graphic Designs Unlimited LTONY@sympatico.ca Photo credits: Graham Dickhout, gphotography, Bob Gundu, Ben Rahn/A-Frame, SERA , Scott Norsworthy, BIG, Jeremy Bittermann, Nic Lehoux Contributors: Greg McMillan, Olivia Wu, David Ernst Submit articles, event, news to Giulio Marinescu publisher@gbssmag.com Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement number 42332013 Undeliverable mail return to: 2109-256 Doris Ave. Toronto, ON M2N 6X8 Printed in Canada by: CoFax Printing © 2016 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means, in any form, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the respective authors and not necessarily those of this publication.

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies does not specifically endorse the editorial, products or services presented in this magazine.

Subscription Rates Canada: 1 year $24, 2 years $40, single copy $6 United States: 1 year: $32 International: $36 Plus applicable taxes

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

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Members of the Simply Green management team brainstorm new creatives for their winter 2016 marketing campaign.

Simply Green recruits the best and brightest talent to its management team

COVER STORY

THE NEW GENERATION OF CANADIAN ENERGY Simply Green aims to become Canada’s leading force in sustainability and efficiency by 2025 4

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

W

hen it comes to helping Canadians reduce energy consumption, Simply Green Home Services Inc. adheres to the ‘out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new’ approach – in more ways than one. So much so, predicts company CEO/President Lawrence Krimker, that Simply Green will become Canada’s leading force in environmental sustainability and energy reduction efforts by 2025.

“Simply green’s innovative approach has been built on the minds of the industries brightest,” Krimker says.

SUMMER 2016

“It’s run by a creative and innovative team that represents the new generation of the industry.”

“Across the board, Simply Green looks to add efficiency into everyday Canadian life by reducing outdated and inefficient home energy appliances as well as providing transparency to homeowners around energy consumption with the goal of reducing usage.”

While a core focus of Simply Green’s business is offering rental water heaters to home builders, Simply Green has 4 divisions, over 150 sales reps across Canada, and helps across the energy lifecycle.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s available with Simply Green: Simply Residential New Construction / SRNC supports Ontario homebuilders to procure high-efficiency hot-water tanks during the building phase. New homes start their life with top-of-the-line equipment and are supported

by Simply Green’s hassle-free maintenance plans; Simply Sub-metering / SSM helps new residential multi-unit building developers to install sub-meters per building unit to measure and bill the right amount of utility consumption per unit.

Typically, buildings see a 25%+ utility conSUMMER 2016

sumption reduction by raising the awareness to tenants about their individual consumption.

Simply LED / SLED helps Canadian office and condo buildings to replace existing light fixtures with high-efficiency LED fixtures and bulbs. SLED helps building owners leverage government rebates and capital investment to secure 60-70% hydro consumption and typically appreciate a 1.0-1.5-year payback term; Simply Green Home Services Inc / SGHS helps Canadians upgrade their out-dated HVAC units to high-efficiency units that run at 96 per cent efficiency.

In addition, its water and air filtration systems help reduce household air-born and water toxins; “We also have a nation-wide installation network, supplier network and warehousing in every major city in each province west of Ontario,” says Krimker, noting that the company has a 24/7/365 emergency line, along with a 40-person call centre (located in Toronto) that services all of Canada’s time zones. “Our retrofit business has allowed for us to develop a strong focus on customer service.”

Simply Green has solidified its impact on the industry by taking on large, established companies and providing cost-efficient, viable alternatives.

“We’ve built our business by going above and beyond what’s traditionally been offered,” Krimker says, providing a number of examples.

“A very common scenario is where we find that a gas fitter hired by a builder – a nonSimply Green worker – did not properly install the equipment that we provided. The customer is upset.

Simply Green has then sent out its own gas fitter, at no cost to the builder or customer, to take care of the issues that the first gas fitter has created.”

“Another example is when a customer who, once again, experienced an improper installation by a non-Simply Green plumber. In that case, the customer was not getting any hot water.

The customer called the builder and the builder called us. Again, at no cost, we dispatched our own plumber within an hour, to fix the issue for the customer.”

“In yet another case, where a site manager had ordered incorrect units, we made sure the builder did not have to wait for a new shipment.

I had our team load up their personal cars with as much of the equipment as possible, and they drove to the site with the deliveries within two hours of receiving the initial call.

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

5

Two sales staff check on the installation of a high-efficiency air-conditioner with a customer (not pictured).

Simply Green sales staff regularly revisit clients’ homes after installations to ensure they are satisfied with the service they are receiving.

Client Service Representative, and Client Service Manager on phone calls with customers.

Simply Green’s Client Service team spend all day, every day, ensuring clients are happy with the service they receive.

The builder was in shock that we reacted so quickly to their mistake. And, again, we did not charge them for shipping back the incorrect equipment.”

Exceptional customer service notwithstanding, Simply Green takes an innovative approach to low-rise water heater rentals and high-rise sub-metering. Krimker says all Simply Green’s equipment has the highest level of energy efficiency.

“Our retrofit HVAC business is responsible for helping over 20,000 homeowners upgrade from mid-efficiency HVAC systems to brand new Energy Star-certified 96% efficient units,” he says. “This is, on average, an energy-efficiency improvement of 20-50% in their gas consumption. This has resulted in over 30,000 tons of CO2 being lifted from the environment.”

Simply Green is a recipient of a 2016 Great Places to Work Award, ranked 43rd in the medium-sized company category. Organizations selected are outperforming their peers; both financially and in terms of innovation, collaboration, and productivity. Great Place to Work® is the research firm that produces this list.

Simply Green’s Charitable Division, Simply Cares, has helped raise over $300,000 in the past three years for the Covenant House Shelter, and its sales agents and customers also provide warm clothing for the homeless. www.mysimplygreen.com Toronto-based sales team completes technical training and get ready to visit a Toronto neighbourhood. Simply Green sales staff receive daily technical training to ensure they are qualified and equipped to help homeowners upgrade their heating and cooling equipment.

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

SUMMER 2016

SUMMER 2016

Lawrence Krimker, CEO/President Simply Green Home Services Inc Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

7

THE ROLE OF NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE FUTURE OF GREEN CITIES

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

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evelopers build for the future. But only recently has sustainability become a major factor for the industry.

Over the last decade, developers experienced a dramatic shift from regarding green features as optional features to following mandatory green standards.

And with each passing year, technology SUMMER 2016

continues to advance and introduce even more ways to increase efficiency and overall building performance while decreasing its environmental impact.

With the severity and awareness of climate change growing, and municipalities planning towards intensification, populations are prompt to adapt new habits and alter

their lifestyles to find a more sustainable way of living.

From taking public transit to turning off the lights when leaving a room, many are becoming more environmentally conscientious and are seeking support to make sustainable living more convenient and accessible.

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

9

Finding a balance between user-driven design and environmental performance is key, a challenge which Devron’s founders are well acquainted from their backgrounds in architecture, engineering and sustainable design.

“It only takes a couple of years to construct a high rise building, but that building will continue to stand beyond my lifetime,” says Pouyan Safapour, CEO, Devron Developments. “One of the greatest

10

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

responsibilities we have as developers is to ensure that the design and construction reflects our values for the future and doesn’t simply react to the current market. We can ensure that the design of the building supports a more sustainable lifestyle and, in turn, moving whole neighbourhoods and cities towards a greener future.”

Pushing beyond Green Standards Devron Developments is constructing a

remarkably sustainable 25-storey mixed-use condominium in the Grandview neighbourhood called The Vanguard. It’s currently planned for LEED gold certification, a status only 23 residential buildings in City of Markham presently hold.

While achieving such high standards for building performance is impressive, it’s the thoughtfulness behind the design that makes The Vanguard standout.

SUMMER 2016

The Vanguard will use 35 per cent renewable energy, 20 per cent less water than a standard building, 30 per cent regional construction material, and 20 per cent post-consumer material.

The project achieves this through a combination of green features, including the installation of Tesla Destination Chargers and Electric Vehicle chargers to the building-wide water filtration system.

The Vanguard is also designed to maintain its sustainability mandate beyond what is required of the LEED certification. The criteria for green power requires the building to have 35 per cent of its power generated from a renewable source.

The Vanguard is obligated to have a green energy provider for at least two years, but Devron also added special exercise bikes to the fitness facilities that generate energy that contributes back to the building’s grid too.

These will continue to be a source of renewable energy and maintain Devron’s commitment to a holistic sustainable lifestyle.

Building for families While condos are associated with downtown urban living, The Vanguard will be one of the first high-density developments in the predominantly lowrise residential Grandview neighbourhood.

Devron recognized that potential purchasers are mostly families looking into the highly desirable neighbourhood. But with limited low-rise stock in one of the city’s hottest real estate markets on record, The Vanguard offers an incredible alternative that offers more than most traditional houses.

“Families want a space to raise their kids that support their values, which includes sensitivity to the environment,” says Safapour. “They want access to the outdoors to play, enough rooms in the home to give everyone a sense of privacy, and built-in features that make sustainable living more convenient.

We were tasked to design a condo that offers all of that, while furthering its attractiveness by offering amenities that support a healthy family lifestyle.”

SUMMER 2016

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“We are extremely happy to be working with Simply Green Home Services. They’ve provided top notch customer service, immediate response time and one of the best overall experiences we’ve had with a water heater supplier.”

Michael DeGasperis President & CEO, Arista Homes

the new generation of water heater efficiency

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from all of us at Milborne Real Estate over 100,000 units sold profit from our experience.

The Vanguard will have suites with up to four bedrooms and a one-of-a-kind children’s playroom complete with a playful sculptural tree.

Amenities also include a stunning 7,000 s.f. rooftop terrace, kitted out with a culinary centre, community garden and lawn space.

In addition to combating Urban Heat Island Effect, the terrace is planted with native species and drought resistant plants, and is irrigated using collected rainwater.

Setting the bar for the city The right building materials need to meet both aesthetic and sustainability goals. In lieu of constructing a predominantly glass tower, The Vanguard will be clad in cast limestone, which gives the project a timeless look while also offering superior insulation.

“Every green feature contributes to the project’s integrity,” says Safapour. “If the technology and resources exist to build a greener future, it’s our responsibility to lead the way. As developers, we lay down the foundation for a more sustainable lifestyle and a more environmentally conscious city.

As long as the industry strives to further reduce our ecological impact, we will continue to do the same with each consecutive project.” www.devron.com

12

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

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Lawrence Park house - D’Arcy Jones Architecture Photography: Bob Gundu

T

ON THE CUTTING EDGE

Derek Nicholson Incorporated has developed a stellar reputation working with some of Canada’s most innovative architects Barryman residence - Williamson Chong Architects Photography: Bob Gundu

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

SUMMER 2016

he words ‘cutting edge’ come to mind whenever one thinks about the work done by Derek Nicholson Incorporated.

It’s easy to see why. As a specialized contracting and project management firm, the company has developed a reputation for producing finely-executed renovations and custom designed buildings for some of Canada’s most innovative architects.

“We also have the management structure to be costeffective and efficient on our projects,” says company founder Derek Nicholson. “We definitely provide excellent value for money, as well.”

Founded in 2000, the Toronto-based firm has been involved in numerous projects that have received local and international awards and media attention, including four Governor General’s awards, which represent the greatest honour for architecture in Canada. Nicholson feels strongly that those distinctions are the result of dedication to excellent design, management and construction, plus credits the stellar group of architects and designers he collaborates with.

Derek Nicholson Incorporated prides itself in resolving and executing detailed projects of exceptional quality. Its team of skilled trades and craftspeople ensure that design integrity is realized from conception to completion.

The company’s office staff, Nicholson says, have degrees from architecture and interior design schools and have prior work experience at boutique architecture and design firms.

“Our qualified project managers are therefore able to collaborate with architects and designers to ensure that construction details are well-executed,” he says. “We work with the consultants and clients to ‘value engineer’ projects to meet budget requirements.

“As a result,” Nicholson says, “we have received widespread acclaim and are continuously referred to other clients by the consultants and clients of completed projects.”

SUMMER 2016

12YVC - superkül Photography: Ben Rahn/A-Frame

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Some of the innovative architecture and design firms Derek Nicholson Incorporated has worked with recently are superkül, William Chong Architects, Luc Bouliane, Teeple Architects and D’Arcy Jones Architecture. Teeple Architects, for example, is recognized for executing technically-advanced projects of exceptional quality that are conceptually and practically rooted in the specific needs and aspirations of each client. They say they are committed to responding creatively and effectively to each program, site, context and budget; inspired to find innovative and appropriate solutions for each new project.

Derek Nicholson Incorporated shares the same values. The firm provides crews that are capable of providing a wide variety of work – from the initial stages of demolition through to completion. Some of their expert in-house services include underpinning, waterproofing, poured concrete walls plus Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and installation of structural steel and framing. “And just a little while ago,” says Nicholson, “we opened a landscape section, completing a number of finely-designed and executed landscape projects.

“Because of our total integration, projects are seamless. Not relying on outside trades allows us to complete projects in a timely fashion.”

Next up for Derek Nicholson Incorporated is a segue into BONE structure construction, a system for assembling houses quickly, without any cutting or use of nails.

“We are now an authorized BONE structure builder,” says Nicholson.

“We’ll be starting our first project right away.

We’re excited – BONE structures are prefabricated steel structures that are energy efficient and create zero waste during erection compared to traditional wood framing methods.

And wall and roof panels are spray foamed to achieve air-tight enclosures.”

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17

A GLIMPSE OF TORONTO’S FUTURE The Bjarke Ingels Group’s King Street West design melds suburban sensibilities with cityscape

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

I

t’s not exactly a walk on the wild side, but standout architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has definitely stepped outside the box with its much-heralded King Street West project.

Breaking with tradition in many ways, the design in the transitional area of Toronto will stand out among the tall towers of the central business district to the east, and the low-rise neighbourhoods in the northwest.

Featuring extensive greenery, there is a direct attempt to provide a stretched-out suburban feel with dense urban look.

In fact, BIG’s idea has been compared to what a youthful Moshe Safdie brought to his Habitat for Montreal’s Expo 1967.

“With King Street West, we wanted to find an alternative to the tower and podium you see a lot of in Toronto and revisit some of Safdie’s revolutionary ideas, but rather than an utopian experiment on an island, have it nested into the heart of the city,” says Ingels, Founding Partner, BIG.

SUMMER 2016

“It would be strange if one of the most diverse cities in the world had the most homogenous architecture.”

Designed for Allied Properties REIT and Westbank Corp, the residential development juts up to a maximum height of 17 storeys, but with varied rectilinear volumes stacked together. The tallest parts would be away from the street, where the restoration of heritage buildings will be featured.

In the middle will be a sprawling courtyard, enhancing the striking design and brokering an intimate communal setting.

The staggered residential levels aren’t simply aesthetic in nature – they serve to maximize residents’ outdoor space, with varying views facing a mix of terraces.

Covering about 725,000 square feet, with plans for 500 apartment units, BIG touts the design as featuring pixelated patterns, with up to a dozen different floor plans offered.

Each pixel is set at the size of a room; rotated 45 degrees from the street grid to increase exposure to light and air.

At the base, pixels lift to provide 24/7 access across the courtyard, while the roof surface is manipulated to allow sunlight to penetrate the entire building, creating space for green terraces attached to each unit.

Landscape architects Public Work have been brought in to assist with the challenges of creating sustainable greenery in the rambling gardens, but the results could undoubtedly be worth the considerable effort.

Located at the meeting point of three 20th century neighborhood parks, BIG, Westbank and Allied will provide a mixed-use development with a public plaza that will create a new centre for the community while connecting the various pedestrian pathways that crisscross the area.

The building is organized as a traditional perimeter block with a public plaza in the centre.

SUMMER 2016

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

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Surrounding the plaza, King Street West (currently in progress) will rise to create space for housing, retail and boutique offices – avoiding the footprints of heritage buildings that already

exist on the site.

The resulting undulating façade is a connective topography – allowing increased circulation through the neighborhood while creating an abundance of green space normally reserved for the suburbs. www.big.dk

2016

The courtyard itself is defined by two distinct atmospheres: a lushly landscaped forest paired next to an urban, hardscaped court.

A BIG spokesperson says the resulting balance between these perceived opposites is a reflection of Toronto’s current state of rapid redevelopment: the union of old and new, an

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21

NO SMALL FEAT

Awards roll in as Corvinelli Homes solidifies reputation as one of Canada’s top green builders

C

orvinelli Homes may bill itself as a small builder, but the Ottawa-area company continues to make a very big impression on the green construction industry.

Just this year alone, Corvinelli Homes has been the recipient of two prestigious awards, solidifying a reputation as one of Canada’s top green builders.

At the provincial enerQUALITY Awards in Toronto, Corvinelli Homes was named Energy Star“ for New Homes Champion of the Year 2015, then followed that up with top prize in the Best Design under 1,500-square-foot category at the Canadian Homebuilders’ Association (CHBA) National Awards for Housing Excellence held in Kelowna, British Columbia.

“As a small builder – less than 20 homes per year – Corvinelli Homes strives to make a home purchase simple for the client,” says John Corvinelli, the firm’s owner. “Always ahead of the building code, we build some of the most energyefficient homes across Canada.

“And to get recognition at the national level, 22

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

John and Judi Corvinelli of Corvinelli Homes

considering we compete with large volume builders, is incredible.”

Theirs is no overnight success story. In 2018, the Corvinelli family will celebrate 50 years in the construction industry. Tony Corvinelli, the patriarch of the family, built homes under the Solidex Homes banner, son John has carried on as President and Owner of Corvinelli Homes, and a third generation, Amy Corvinelli, has joined the business.

One of the first builders to register with Energy Star“ in 2004, Corvinelli Homes has a long list of green initiatives to its credit. Every house it builds is registered and stamped as Energy Star“, and Corvinelli Homes is both a registered R-2000 builder and Net Zero/Zero Energy builder.

A founding member of the CHBA Net Zero committee, Corvinelli also points out that Corvinelli Homes was one of the first builders to use drain water heat recovery pipes. “They continue to be a standard in all our homes, as we believe very strongly in their no-maintenance efficiency,” says Corvinelli.

SUMMER 2016

“That’s an example of our standard features, many of which are considered upgrades with other builders.

We are essentially building custom homes at production home prices.”

Before receiving national recognition at the Kelowna ceremony, Corvinelli Homes had been a CHBA finalist seven times since 2007.

Additionally, they have been a five-time champion in the Greater Ottawa Home Builder’s Association (GOHBA) competition for Green Home

SUMMER 2016

of the Year, the winner of GOHBA’s Green Project of the Year, and was the winner of the Ottawa Citizen’s ‘People’s Choice’ voting in 2007.

A certified participant in the Enbridge Gas ‘Savings by Design’ program, Corvinelli says the company guarantees that all its homes are built to a minimum of at least 25 per cent more efficient than current Ontario Building Code standards.

“Parents are now bringing their kids to buy our homes because of energy efficiency,” he adds.

“We pride ourselves on that.”

Corvinelli Homes builds quality houses in the community of Russell located in Eastern Ontario. The highest building standards mean the company’s new homes surpass Energy Star“ requirements and boast high quality materials from the design through finishing stages. With many environmental award-winning designs to choose from, Corvinelli Homes is the natural choice for responsible home buyers. www.corvinellihomes.ca

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

23

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Aqua-Tech works with and trains installers so they correctly understand the installation,

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functional and servicing requirements for each product. The vast in-house knowledge base is continually expanded and shared through the Aqua-Tech training facilities in Ontario and British Columbia as well as the Lochinvar University centre in Nashville. All planned to ensure exceptional service to you. It’s an investment that pays dividends for everyone. Fewer call-backs, fewer job schedule interruptions and a lot less frustration.

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Phone: 905.631.5815 Fax: 905.637.8655 Web: www.aquatech-canada.com SUMMER 2016

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BC Training Centre These broadly based facilities located across Canada allow Aqua-Tech to support you with the necessary products and parts to service maintenance requirements quickly and efficiently.

In addition, Aqua-Tech maintains associate agencies and service support in many major centres in Canada. This support offers a local presence for immediate service.

Aqua-Tech works with Architects, Engineers and Contractors to ensure the best system solutions for cost-effective and efficient water heating.

THEIR PEOPLE MAKE AQUA-TECH BETTER

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qua-Tech Sales and Marketing Inc. is a Manufacturer’s Representative and Distribution Company, established in 1980 by president and founder Bill Palamar.

With over 35 years of experience in the Canadian market distributing hot water heaters, hot water boiler systems and components for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional applications and their obligation to help you… who better to turn to when you need a green solution.

Their highly trained sales team and sales agents service every major centre in Canada with the exception of Quebec.

The largest stock available from any one source in Canada Aqua-Tech is the Canada-wide Master Distributor for Lochinvar Boilers and Water Heaters (except Quebec). The head office, with more than 70,000 square feet of warehouse and office space is located in Burlington, Ontario. There is a 5,000 square foot warehouse and office facility in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia and inventory in Edmonton, Alberta to service the Western Canadian Marketplace.

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

Tier I DSP

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We are 100% Boiler Room Savvy Over twenty Aqua-Tech technical sales and support people will offer you and your clients the service, technical support and training essential to

ensure a competent knowledge and understanding of the products.

Proven Heating Engineering Knowledge to Meet Today’s Requirements With Over 300 Years of Boiler Room Experience Innovation in heating engineering is essential to everything. They understand that. Aqua-Tech’s registered engineers can provide direction, recommendations, support, design and even inspiration to your water heater or boiler project! With major systems installed throughout Canada you know you are working with experts.

Their water heating and boiler product lines include LOCHINVAR® commercial and residential gas fired and electric boilers, water heaters, packaged

systems and storage tanks.

Their registered heating engineers’ comprehensive knowledge of products, applications, and systems engineering requirements can provide you with on-site project reviews and hands-on engineering assistance as required.

By providing knowledgeable technical support, understanding their customers’ needs and by investing in an ongoing training and development program, Aqua-Tech continues its convention for excellence and helps its customers realize the greatest quality and value for their investment.

They will help you increased efficiency and reduced maintenance with today’s Building Automation System (BAS) compliant options. AQUATECH™ branded service goes way beyond just sales.

AquaTech Sales & Marketing Inc. Distribution Support Program Partners for 2016

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Crane Boone

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Emco

Marks Supply LK Metals

Independent

Burlington Centre SUMMER 2016

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FEATURE STORY

Sinclair Construction takes a collaborative stance to reinforce its reputation as an industry leader

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any builders talk the talk about sustainable strategies, but Sinclair Construction takes the discussion to a whole new level.

An early proponent of a more sustainable approach within the residential home building industry, Sinclair Construction actually reaches out to others, seeking a collaborative approach, which cements its status as an industry leader in LID (Low Impact Development).

“Sinclair Construction has embraced LID, energy efficiency and more sustainable housing,” says Dan Sinclair, Project Manager for the Kitchener-Waterloo-based company.

Family-owned, Sinclair Construction was founded by Warren Sinclair back in 1979. Its customer-centered approach, accented by a mark of excellence, reinforces its reputation as a builder that exceeds the standard and accentuates the details.

Sinclair Construction is known as a company that builds homes to last and believes that longevity starts with efficiency.

“We don’t just comply with the energy efficient Ontario building code – we surpass it,” says Sinclair. “And this means when you own a Sinclair Construction home, you enjoy reduced operating and maintenance costs and a smaller carbon footprint.”

Over the past 36 years, Sinclair Construction has built several communities and more than 300 family homes.

Its current project, The Enclave at Victoria Hills in the town of Ingersoll, is the most recent example of a synergistic LID endeavor. Working in conjunction with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Sinclair Construction has incorporated extensive rain gardens as a means of achieving storm water management through the promotion of infiltration and evaporation.

In a nutshell, LID is a storm water management approach that uses Best Management Practices (BMP) – small, simple designs and landscape features at the lot level to infiltrate, filter, store and evaporate and detain runoff close to its source. (BMPs can be used in new development, urban retrofits and redevelopment projects, on lawns, streets, sidewalks, medians, roofs and in parking lots.)

WARREN D. SINCLAIR CONSTRUCTION LTD. Trendsetter in sustainability 28

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“By eliminating more traditional methods for storm water management we were able to avoid costly underground infrastructure and the installation of a storm water management (SWM) pond, therefore gaining more land on which to build more units,” Sinclair says, noting that The Enclave

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at Victoria Hills is on a peaceful neighbourhood street, and features condominium bungalow and two-storey townhomes.

The process at The Enclave at Victoria Hills project began with the existing streetscape.

Originally, Sinclair says, the site drained

towards a street, in this case Ingersoll Street. After the installation, the runoff drained to the perimeter, and then either clockwise or counter-clockwise around the edge. The runoff then moves through a series of bioswales and rain gardens, towards two large rain gardens along Ingersoll Street.

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Water is retained in the rain gardens before infiltrating into the soil. A perforated drain moves storm water that has been filtered by plants and soil on to the next rain garden. At the two largest rain gardens along Ingersoll Street, any water in the underdrain will flow at a controlled rate into the municipal storm water system.

Sinclair Construction also looked to industry experts for energy efficiency input. “We worked collaboratively with Bowser Technical Inc., and Priority Mechanical Services Ltd. to ensure all homes in our project are built to the Energy Star standard, at a minimum, with most achieving higher EnerGuide ratings,” he added, noting that an Energy Star new home is, on average, 20 per cent more energy efficient than a home built to code.

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“Both organizations (Bowser Technical Inc., and Priority Mechanical Services Ltd.) have provided valuable knowledge in helping us to select features to achieve these ratings, such as higher insulation values, better windows and water heaters, rightsized HVAC systems with 96 per cent-efficient two-stage furnaces, and increased air-tightness results.”

“We are looking forward to continuing to position ourselves as an industry leader in LID through the adoption of more sustainable building methods and technologies and also pursuing net-zero goals in upcoming projects.”

Sinclair Construction has consistently set the bar for new home builds in southwestern Ontario, participating in the Ontario Power Authority’s NEW

HOME CONSTRUCTION initiative, which is designed to encourage home builders and renovators to construct energy-efficient homes. Sixteen per cent of the homes built in Ontario that have taken advantage of this initiative were built by Sinclair Construction. The homes surpassed the building code using energy-efficient materials and techniques to meet EnerGuide standards. The homes are more energy-efficient from the beginning, reducing waste and providing future savings for the homeowner. Additionally, Sinclair Construction has been the recipient of a residential sector ERTH award, which recognizes businesses that are committed to sustainability. www.sinclairconstruction.ca

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EnergyStar, GreenHouse, R2000 & LEED (519) 756-9116 Dara@BowserTech.com Bowser Technical is independent & is not associated with product sales or representation.

Servicing Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph & London areas 32

Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

SUMMER 2016

POWERFUL PROMISE Its company motto is a pledge that National Capital Insulation takes very seriously

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here’s one thing National Capital Insulation Inc. is absolutely clear about – its clients will always get exactly what they’ve been promised.

“Our company motto is ‘Promise only what you can do, and always do what you promise,’” says Wayne Baker, President/Co-Owner of the spray foam insulation firm, serving Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. “Those are words we take very seriously and we do our best to always follow them.”

Formed three years ago, National Capital Insulation has 14 full-time employees now. Besides Baker, there are co-owners/co-vice-presidents Scott Tennant and Kevin Wallingford. Baker brings over 20 years of experience in the spray foam industry to the table, Tennant has been involved in home, bathroom, and kitchen renovations for over 15 years, and Wallingford also has been at it for over a decade, in both the construction and renovation fields.

Together, Baker says, they make a perfect fit for National Capital Insulation.

“Whether the job or project we undertake is a small home renovation, or addition to a high rise or school, we treat each project as if we owned the building,” he says. “Always doing our best, and always working smart.”

With the ever-rising cost of energy, Baker says homeowners and builders are turning to insulation to help reduce heating and cooling costs.

In Eastern Ontario, specifically, the temperature extremes present challenges that require careful selection of insulation materials to achieve desired outcomes.

“At National Capital Insulation we want to help make your home the most energy-efficient, and the most comfortable it can be,” Baker says.

“We do this by helping you to choose the most appropriate insulation for your specific project.

Whether it is a small renovation, a new addition or a completely new home or building, we can help you.”

The company mandate points out the benefits of spray foam insulation, not only to increase energy efficiency, but to also save on energy costs. It says that spray foam insulation seals off the entire building envelope and can offer savings of between 30 to 50 per cent on energy bills.

Citing government energy studies, National Capital Insulation says upwards of 40% of a building’s total energy loss is due to air filtration weaknesses. When spray foam is applied to buildings, a perfect fit is formed to any design. The company SUMMER 2016

website says with this perfect fit, any voids, gaps or areas of infiltration are eliminated.

Along with the elimination of air filtration, the company website explains, moisture infiltration is also eliminated. “Almost 90% of moisture moving into, or out of, a building is due to air movement.

Therefore, eliminating one helps the other. By doing this the potential of mould and mildew in the building materials is also eliminated,” according to the company.

Baker stresses that the main goal for National Capital Insulation is to offer the best materials

or products to allow the end user to make an educated choice; allowing them to choose so they can do their part to help the environment.

“By offering superior materials we can help our clients build more energy-efficient houses or buildings,” he says. “And we hire the best people for the job so that we can offer the best service to our clients. We also feel that partnering with suppliers who offer the best products allows us to provide our clients with what’s best for their projects.” www.sprayfoam613.ca Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

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NCI National Capital Insulation Inc.

Congratulations Morley Hoppner!

ON THE CUSP Ottawa’s Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards poised to take its place among top entrepreneurial hubs

National Capital Insulation

is proud to be Spray Foam Insulation Contractor

for Ottawa Innovation Centre

NCI

National Capital Insulation Inc. SPECIALICING IN SPRAY FOAM INSULATION

613-983-FOAM (3626) • www.sprayfoam613.ca

National Capital Insulation Inc.

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ngenuity and sustainable progressive thinking are talking points for Toronto’s MaRS Discovery District and Waterloo’s Communitech, but now they’ve got company.

Enter Ottawa’s Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards (ICBY).

The Innovation Centre, partnered with Ottawa-based Morley Hoppner Ltd. real estate development firm and Barry J. Hobin and Associates Architects, will be a dynamic and energized hub that serves as a basecamp for top-tier homegrown technology talent, capabilities and companies. It will be the ultimate onestop business acceleration shop and ‘mash-up’ of technical, business and market services, resources and expertise that helps entrepreneurs and companies launch, grow and thrive – and compete with anyone in the world.

“We are extremely excited to be a part of the transformation of this heritage building into an entrepreneurial hub for new companies to emerge and grow in the Ottawa area,” says Brad Morley, President of Morley Hoppner. “ Set to open late in 2016, the Innovation Centre will sit on the site of an abandoned Ottawa garage, with 46,000 square feet of space, and will essentially combine many elements of the regional innovation ecosystem. Leveraging $30-million in public investment to date (including $15-million in funding and donated real estate from the City of Ottawa, and $15-million from the Government of Ontario), the Innovation Centre will be located within hundreds of feet of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) station.

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ICBY will bring together many local innovation players that provide services and support to entrepreneurs. This includes anchor tenant Invest Ottawa, which will deliver its economic development programs from this new home, and work with many fellow academic, public and private sector partners at the facility. In collaboration with these organizations, the centre’s board is expected to provide the framework and foundations for the growth of local startups in varying states of development. ICBY will also serve as a regional epicenter for global sales, market development, expertise, investment and business development.

Moreover, ICBY will work together with leading program delivery partners such as Invest Ottawa’s Investment and Trade team, Carleton University, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) and prototypeD, to deliver targeted global programming that enables and accelerates the development and commercial success of globally-oriented, customer, market and investment-ready companies. This is expected to create a wealth of opportunity for Innovation Centre clients, partners and investors.

Morley Hoppner’s involvement in a sustainable development such as ICBY corresponds seamlessly with the firm’s philosophy. Since its inception in 1988, Morley Hoppner has created a culture of sustainability, says Morley.

“From day one, we have recycled and composted at our office and are always looking for ways to recycle waste,” he says. “We have always worked to create environmentallysustainable buildings regardless of LEED requirements. We are advocates for green building and sustainability and continuously promote this to our clients and partners.”

The ICBY project, he points out, includes a LEED Gold certification component. Other features include food growth, a green education program, sustainable transportation provisions, high-energy performance, innovative building automation and control system rooftop solar panels.

“We believe that utilizing more efficient systems which achieve long-term cost savings is important for all buildings,” says Morley. “Saying that, our approach is to be creative but practical, because obtaining LEED certification may not always be reasonable or financially possible given the location and type of the project proposed.

“In the case of the Innovation Centre, sustainability represented a fundamental part of its vision from the very beginning. We are proud to help realize this objective for our entrepreneurial community.” www.thebayviewyards.com www.morleyhoppner.com 36

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SOPHIE’S LANDING Gated waterfront community in Orillia offers peace of mind with resort-style lifestyle

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here are many features that stand out about Orillia’s premier waterfront community, but perhaps one, in particular, tops them all.

And that would be the fact that Sophie’s Landing Lakeside Club is a gated community. In many instances, that often makes a world of difference as buyers seeking a safe, resort-like lifestyle are

569 Steven Court, Unit 1 Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z3 Tel. 905-853-8507 • sales@rowanfloor.com • www.rowanfloor.com

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Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

drawn to the development on the shores of Lake Simcoe.

One of only a few gated waterfront communities in Ontario, Sophie’s Landing offers freehold custom-built homes inside a condominium corporation.

The collection of 84 Muskoka and French Country custom bungalows with soaring lofts, full basements and attached garages are designed as a pedestrian scale French Country village, with no two homes alike.

Examples of on-site amenities include: • Gated entry with security system; • 2,000 feet of private Lake Simcoe waterfront; • Private marina (36 slips) with night lighting; • Floating gazebo in Smith’s Bay; • Waterfront nature trails; • Two fireside lounges; • Two communal kitchens and two barbecues; • Fitness and spa areas; • Two saltwater swimming pools; • Billiards and games room; • Private theatre; • And a conference room/business centre.

The community is ideal for empty nesters, snowbirds and retirees who choose to cottage or live in a secure and active resort setting.

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Residents are surrounded by like-minded people who value a quality lifestyle and friendships, all within a secure environment with easy access to surrounding amenities and just 70 minutes from Toronto. Children, friends and pets are commonplace and welcome.

Built by Signature Carleton, Sophie’s Landing’s concept is key to the needs of many buyers – a good number are snowbirds who spend half the year away in warmer, southern climes, then utilize the lakefront residences in the summer as cottage properties.

Unlike the gated community norm in the United States – locking others out and keeping them away – the version at Sophie’s Landing is somewhat different. Yes, Canadian gated community homeowners value some measure of security, but mostly they want to be able to lock and leave, without the worry that goes along with being away for months at a time.

Largely, Sophie’s Landing is seen as a community with a real sense of community. The gates aren’t there because it’s a bad neighbourhood. They help to provide peace of mind, Signature Carleton President Eric Kerzner has said. The first stage of the development even instituted a program called Neighbours Helping Neighbours, which encourages interaction between residents.

The community has a board of directors that hires groundskeepers and maintenance workers, but there’s also a newsletter published that includes advice from maintenance contractors – answering questions to help residents with small jobs or projects.

Sophie’s Landing was rated as Ontario’s #1 lifestyle community by Active Adult magazine. Just outside its gates is a 65-acre park with beaches and trails connecting to the Gordon Lightfoot Trail system, Casino Rama, Horseshoe Valley Ski Resort, Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club and heritage downtown Orillia. Orillia has many summer and winter amenities including weekend festivals, golfing, tennis, cycling, mountain biking, fishing, sailing, wake boarding, tubing, curling, downhill and cross country skiing. www.sophieslanding.ca SUMMER 2016

905-799-1487

pencodrywall.com 2131 WILLIAMS PARKWAY EAST UNIT 17, BRAMPTON

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EDITH GREEN-WENDELL WYATT FEDERAL BUILDING LAUDED WITH AIA SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AWARD GSA project highlighted as example of reducing operating costs, saving taxpayer money and providing healthier work space for a federal agency

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he American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the U.S. General Services Administration Region 10’s (GSA) Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland, OR, as the recipient of the Top Ten Plus award. In its fourth year, the award recognizes one past AIA COTE Top Ten Project Award recipient which has quantifiable metrics demonstrating the true impact the sustainable design has achieved. The project, designed by SERA Architects and Cutler Anderson Architects, was selected in 2014 as a recipient of the AIA/COTE Top Ten Project Award program Completed in 1974, the building received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2010 to undergo a major renovation and replace outdated equipment and systems. Under the Energy Independence & Security Act, the renovated building would have to meet or exceed stringent energy and water savings requirements. Working with Howard S. Wright Construction, the design team was able to deliver the project 10 months early, saving taxpayers more than $900,000 in the process.

“We were tasked with converting an aging energy hog into one of GSA’s highest-performing buildings,” said Don Eggleston, AIA, principal at SERA Architects.

From an initial building analysis, it was determined that for seismic safety, the precast concrete exterior would need to be removed. Energy studies led to a number of solutions, including a blast-resistant glass curtain wall, exterior shading and reflective elements and a highly-efficient hydronic heating and cooling system inside.

“These creative design solutions not only reduced utility costs, but also freed up more than 30,000 square feet of rentable space that enabled a much greater ROI for the GSA’s investment in this property,” Eggleston added.

Building performance metrics determined by post-occupancy evaluations:

Before and after - The original 1974 building (right) and today, following its high-efficiency makeover (left). Credit: SERA (left) and Nic Lehoux (right)

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Facade detail - Our concept focused on creating a highly-efficient, visually compelling Portland landmark. Credit: Jeremy Bittermann

• Renovated building uses 55% less energy than the original structure • Harvested rainwater and water-conserving plumbing fixtures resulted in a 65% reduction in water use • By maintaining a central location downtown, an estimated 85% percent of occupants are not reliant on single-occupancy vehicles for transportation • The radiant heating and cooling system resulted in a projected lifecycle cost reduction of $2 million compared to traditional Variable Air Volume Air Systems • The building boasts an occupant satisfaction rating of 75% “We’re proud that this GSA cornerstone building is one of the most efficient office buildings in the country,” said Kimberly Gray, GSA Director of Facilities Management Division. “Our tenants regularly give us feedback about how they enjoy all of the building features, especially the increased exposure to daylight throughout.”

COTE Jury comments: “This project transforms a generic concrete office building into a high-performance, environmentally responsive, comfortable place to work. This sets a great precedent for re-use and upgrade, and demonstrates the potential for creative, green re-use projects.”

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For a new LX Series Residential Split System from Simply Green contact: Marcos Soberano 416 - 845 - 6656 www.mysimplygreen.com

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Thank you for helping us build a more energy efficient Ontario.

Alliance Homes Andrin Homes Arista Homes Aspen Ridge Homes Ballantry Homes Ballymore Homes Branthaven Homes Brentwood Developments Briarwood Homes Brookfield Residential Campanale Homes Cardel Homes Centro Homes Corvinelli Homes

Coughlan Homes CountryWide Homes Delta-Rae Homes Eldora Homes Empire Communities EQ Homes Fandor Homes Fernbrook (Castlemore) Fieldgate Developments & Construction Flato Developments Fourteen Estates Geranium Homes Great Gulf Homes Greenpark Greystone Homes

Habitat for Humanity Halminen Homes Heathwood Homes Jeffery Homes Ltd. Lakeside Developments Lakeview Homes Lancaster Homes Landmart Homes Laurier Homes Lindvest Lormel Homes Lucchetta Homes Madison Homes Marshall Homes Mason Homes

Mattamy Homes Midhaven Homes Minto Monarch Corporation Mosaik Homes Orchard Ridge Phelps Homes Parkview Homes Reid’s Heritage Homes Remington Homes Rinaldi Homes Royalpark Homes San Diego Homes Sean Mason Homes

Signature Homes Solmar Starlane Tamarack Homes Tartan Homes Thornhill North Thornridge Homes Times Group Townwood Homes Treasure Hill Homes Urbandale Vogue Homes Wycliffe Yorkwood Homes Zancor Homes

We look forward to building the future with you in 2016.

From early design to construction, Enbridge is here to support and reward you with performance incentives for constructing energy efficient, healthy and sustainable homes beyond code requirements.

Learn more at build.savingsbydesign.ca 42 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies

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