Alberta FOCUS - Spring 2014

ALBERTA Canada Green Building Council

FOCUS

ISSUE 4, SprIng 2014, Alberta Chapter - CagBC regional publication /

Eastgate Offices for Environment Canada TELUS Spark Science Centre Building a greener Alberta for future and current generations SAIT Polytechnic shows leadership in green building industry

Local Workshops + Events SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

1

For all door sizes - from takeout windows to aircraft hangars!

Increase employee and customer comfort!

SAVE ENERGY & MONEY!

AIR BARRIER ON

ENERSHIELD ENERGY SAVING AIR BARRIERS

THINK EFFICIENT, THINK EFFECTIVE, THINK ENERSHIELD AIR FLOW The design re-circulates facility air in a smooth laminar/uniform flow, creating up to a 90% seal on the doorway

AIR BARRIER OFF

These thermal images show the effectiveness of Enershield technology

WINTER COLD SUMMER HEAT

WARM AIR

DUST INSECTS SMOKE

COOL AIR

BAD ODOURS EXHAUST GAS

W W W. E N E R S H I E L D . C A 2

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

1-866-464-3667

Message from the Alberta Chapter of the CaGBC The Alberta Chapter – CaGBC strives to transform Alberta’s built environment into sustainable homes, schools, offices, facilities and communities that minimize our carbon footprint while providing leading-edge environments for us all to enjoy.

Through education, advocacy, training and communication, the Alberta Chapter leads and accelerates Alberta’s transformation to high-performing, healthy green buildings and communities.

In addition to the impressive gains in LEED certifications, the Alberta Chapter has introduced a number of innovative ways of spreading the green message. Examples include:

Tools and initiatives include the LEED rating system, the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Smart Growth, Eco-Districts and the newly formed Canadian Green Schools Coalition. As well, the Chapter’s annual flagship event, the Alberta Sustainable Building Symposium, has become the province’s premiere green building event, attracting decision-makers from all segments of the design and construction industries.

• the inaugural Alberta Green Apple Day in September 2013 at Okotoks’ Westmount Elementary School, focusing on the buildings where students learn, • the inaugural Alberta, and first international, Hack-a-Thon in November 2013, offering superior experiential education for professionals looking to qualify for LEED LEED-specific Continuing Education, and

Consider some of our other recent successes: • Roughly 9% of Canada’s LEED professionals reside in Alberta [1,077 in Alberta, 12,000+ in Canada].

• In 2013, Alberta LEED certified 3.3 square feet per capita.

That is more than the U.S. state with the highest per capita rate of LEED certification.

• As of Aug. 31, 2013, 100 of Canada’s LEED-registered schools were in Alberta - almost a quarter of all Canadian school projects.

• To date, Alberta: - owns 209 of Canada’s total 1,573 LEED certifications, - was the first in Canada for registered LEED project area per capita, at 31 square feet/capita

• the current EcoHouse Design Challenge, inviting student and professional teams to design the ultimate eco-friendly house using recycled and/or materials available regionally.

These achievements and initiatives represent tremendous commitment especially from our very generous sponsors and our volunteer Board of Directors. Without the sustaining support of these individuals, the leadership and innovation for which the Alberta Chapter has become known would not be possible.

Thank you all.

Finally, I look forward to seeing a record number of delegates at the 17th annual Alberta SBS, held this year again in Calgary. Look for program details in this issue of SAB Magazine. The one-day event again promises to refresh, inform and even entertain.

Sincerely,

• In the past two years, the CaGBC and its Alberta Chapter provided over 20,000 hours of green building training and education to students and green building professionals.

Tanya Doran Executive Director Alberta Chapter - CaGBC

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

3

The Alberta Chapter – Canada Green Building Council is the voice for the green building community in Alberta.

When you become an Alberta Chapter member, you can:  help influence the evolution of Alberta’s green building industry   network and form partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations   learn from professionals   facilitate your career advancement, and   develop leadership skills by promoting a better built environment  As well, you will:  receive regular updates about chapter activities and industry news, and   receive discounts for chapter events – including the Alberta SBS 

Individual Individual (employer is a national CaGBC member Emerging Green Builder (student or young professional*)

$100 + GST $ 75 + GST $ 35 + GST

* Either a full-time student at a recognized Alberta post-secondary institution or 30 years of age or younger and graduated from any full-time program at a recognized post-secondary institute in 2009 or more recently.

4

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

Visit www.abcagbc.org for details.

See a digital version of CaGBC Alberta Chapter FOCUS at www.sabmagazine.com/digital

In this Issue Spring 2014 6

professional Development & Events

18

Eastgate Offices for Environment Canada

8

TELUS Spark Science Centre

21

SAIT polytechnic shows leadership in green building industry

10

Building a greener Alberta for future and current generations

23

net Zero prototype for Habitat for Humanity brings fresh ideas for affordable housing

12

Fresh spin on old technology provides alternative way to heat Calgary buildings

26

LEED v4 in Canada What’s Coming and What it Means to You

13

Creating productive learning environments

28

City of Edmonton Centennial garage

17

17th annual Alberta Sustainable Building Symposium program

30

parkland net Zero House designed to produce its own energy

Alberta FOCUS is printed on Rolland Environ100 Satin, a 100% post-consumer fiber that is certified FSC and EcoLogo. It is processed chlorine-free, FSC-recycled and is manufactured using biogas energy.

+

12 savings for this issue: 45,044 L Environmental trees water

682 kg waste

1,774 kg of CO2

A joint publishing project of the Alberta Chapter - Ca CagBC and SABMag. Address all inquiries to Don griffith: dgriffith@sabmagazine.com published by Janam publications Inc. | www.sabmagazine.com | www.janam.net SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

5

News & Events UpCOming WOrkShOpS + EvEntS DATE

COURSE

HIGHLIGHTS

April 7 - May 30

LEED Ap Building Design & Construction Study Course

Successfully prepare for the LEED Ap Building Design + Construction Online [BD+C] exam with this 2-month virtual classroom LEED Ap BD+C study course. Designed for professionals with hands-on technical experience on a LEED速 registered and/or certified project, including architects, designers, engineers and building managers.

Approximately 30 hours of activities.

April 7 - May 30

LEED Ap O & M Exam preparation Course

This course is intended for design, construction and real estate pro- Online fessionals, building owners and anyone who wants to develop their knowledge in this area. Students will examine case studies, concepts of integrated design, third-party verification and the LEED administration process.

April 7 - May 30

LEED green Associate Exam preparation

This two-month online course offers case studies of LEED certified Online building projects, concepts of integrated design, third-party verification and the LEED administration process.

April 15

LEED v4 rating Systems

This introductory workshop is highly recommended for Canadian Calgary audiences. participants will gain a foundational grasp of the major changes and explore the impact of LEED v4 on Canadians. They will learn how projects can ultimately benefit from the Canadian Alternative Compliance paths [ACps] currently under development.

6

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

LOCATION

thAnk YOU tO OUr gEnErOUS 2014-2015 SpOnSOrS gOLD SpOnSOrS

SiLvEr SpOnSOrS

BrOnZE SpOnSOrS ft3 Architects + Landscape + interior Designers

graham

Canada mortgage and housing Corporation (CmhC)

EcoAmmO 3D Energy Limited

DATE

COURSE

HIGHLIGHTS

LOCATION

April 22

LEED v4 rating Systems

This introductory workshop is highly recommended for Canadian Edmonton audiences. participants will gain a foundational grasp of the major changes and explore the impact of LEED v4 on Canadians. They will learn how projects can ultimately benefit from the Canadian Alternative Compliance paths [ACps] currently under development.

May 6

Alberta Sustainable Building Symposium

Be part of the 17th annual ASBS , Alberta’s premier green building event. Calgary Join with architects, engineers, builders, building owners and operators, suppliers, planners and policy makers. Earn gBCI credential maintenance hours.

May 7

Workshop: Integrative Design and Led by ASBS keynote Bill reed, this workshop introduces the principles Calgary the Logical next Step: regenerative and processes of regenerative development — integrating buildings, communities and their inhabitants as healthy contributors to living places.

Development

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

7

Submitted by DIALOG

TELUS Spark Science Centre

1 [1] IllumINated buIldING at NIGht

playing host to 370,000 visitors per year, Calgary’s tELUS Spark Science Centre doubled the capacity of their existing facility in 2011. this new best-of-class destination houses the Creative kids museum, four themed pavilions, a touring exhibit gallery, and science visualization and presentation theatres. the Centre also connects Alberta communities to a virtual Science Centre via the Supernet and supports Alberta’s education system through the renaissance Learning Centre. the project is targeting LEED® gold designation.

Sustainability Strategy the design was developed with an overarching commitment to environmental sustainability and education. the tELUS Spark Science Centre incorporates the use of regional building materials, a compact building massing, low windowwall ratios, a solar shading strategy, effective water and energy management

2

plans, and a fully integrated landscape solution.

[2] INteRPRetIve PRoGRamme GalleRy

8

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

tELUS Spark Science Centre views the expansion project as an opportunity to educate visitors about the environmental issues that shaped the building design and construction methods and processes. these environmental and sustainability strategies will become part of the interpretive program offered at the centre, which includes an electronic building dashboard and permanent exhibition elements.

Key Sustainability Features • Orientation – takes advantage of natural shading and sunlight • Integration with landscape – porous paving, bioswales, and conservation of wetland areas; complements existing public pathway and transit systems 3 • Regional building materials [3] CeNtRal CommuNIty SPaCe

• Compact building massing • Low window to wall ratios – glazing covers only 16% of the building • Water management – onsite stormwater collection and reuse in bathrooms throughout the facility • Energy management – high performance building envelope that uses high r-values, solar shading, natural light, and has a solar ready roof • Displacement ventilation and radiant panels – distribute fresh air and highly effective heating and cooling for visitor comfort • Building as a learning tool – the Science Centre is designed to educate

4

patrons about a variety of environmental issues and technologies [4] StoRmwateR ReteNtIoN PoNd • Brownfield remediation – site is equipped with a methane mitigation and detection system

[5] detaIl of the PeRfoRated metal SCRIm aNd dRaINaGe SwaIl

• Decoupling – cooling and ventilation system is decoupled for enhanced

[6] exteRIoR vIew

energy performance, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality.

Project Stats • 44% energy savings relative to AShrAE 90.1-1999 baseline with the use high-performance building envelope • 47% reduction in sewage generation • 86% potable water savings use through water savings activities such as rainwater capture and storage

5

6

pHOTOS CrEDIT DIALOg SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

9

Submitted by Alberta Infrastructure

Building a

Alberta

for future and current generations results from the first 50 provincially funded green buildings show excellent performance in saving water and supporting regional industries it’s hard work, changing the way we do things every day to have a smaller ecological footprint. the government of Alberta is committed to being environmentally responsible in the face of the status quo, to act when we know better. We aren’t afraid of hard work. green buildings are the government of Alberta story that showcases how much Albertans care about the environment.

Since 2006 all government of Alberta funded buildings have been required to meet Canada green Building Council’s LEED® Silver for green building design and construction. We currently have 63 LEED certified buildings including two with platinum certifications.

Of the first 50 LEED certified buildings, all have used at least 10 per cent regional materials, 42 of the 50 have used at least 20 per cent regional materials and 23 of the 50 have achieved exemplary

1

performance above that 20 per cent mark.

All 50 buildings have used at least 15 per cent recycled construction materials and all have used low-emitting materials including paints, coatings, sealants, carpets and wood products. this makes sense as we Canadians spend 90 per cent of our day indoors.

We use LEED to help us target high-energy performance in our new buildings. government of Alberta buildings use an annual average of 1.6 gigajoules per square metre and have been declining in annual per capita energy use for the past seven years.

We also strive for excellence in water conservation, using at least 30 per cent less water when compared to the LEED baseline.

Our green buildings encourage and support environmentally friendly living and learning.

[1] fedeRal buIldING, edmoNtoN [2] beSSIe NICholS SChool, edmoNtoN [3] majoR GeNeRal GRIeSbaCh SChool, edmoNtoN

2

[4] weStmouNt SChool, okotokS 10

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

3

For example, at Westmount School in Okotoks, where the first green Apple Day event in Canada was held in September 2013, some teachers have received grants to install rain barrels and build an outdoor classroom with a teaching garden. the water from the rain barrels will be used to water the food the children will learn to grow. this school has a zero waste program in place. the staff and students are all actively involved in lowering their ecological footprint every day, saving water and reducing waste in a healthy, bright, green school. these are the leaders of tomorrow and they are motivated, inspired and learning in a LEED gold certified school.

4

CREDIT ACHIEVEMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA’S FIRST 50 LEED BUILDINGS [LEED v1.0] Numbers of buildings 0

10

20

30

= 5 buildings 40

50

60

Optimize Energy Performance (6pts and greater) Water Use Reduction: 20% Reduction

LEED Credit

Water Use Reduction: 30% Reduction Recycled Content: 7.5 % Recycled Content: 15% Regional Materials: 10% Regional Materials: 20% Rapidly Renewable Materials : 20% Certified Wood Low-Emitting Materials: Adhesives & Sealants Low-Emitting Materials: Paints & Coating Low-Emitting Materials: Carpets Low-Emitting Materials: Composite Wood & Laminate Adhesives Innovation in Design: Exemplary Performance Water Use Reduction Innovation in Design: Exemplary Performance Regional Materials Innovation in Design: Exemplary Performance Recycled Materials

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

11

Submitted by EnMAx

Fresh spin on old technology provides alternative way to heat Calgary buildings

there’s an alternate way to heat buildings in Calgary’s East village and downtown core. throughout the area, building owners and operators and architects are choosing to replace traditional onsite boiler systems with heat from EnmAX Energy’s Downtown District Energy Centre (DDEC). “people are choosing DDEC because it’s more efficient, has fewer emissions and is more cost-effective than conventional heating systems,” explains pat Bohan, Director of District Energy Business Development at EnmAX. “We monitor and manage both our heating supply and the heat exchange systems in our customers’ buildings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – meaning our customers can rest easy.”

District energy, or district heating, traces its roots back to hot waterheated baths and the greenhouses of ancient rome. hot water produced at a central facility is distributed through underground pipes to buildings connected to the system, using a heat exchange interface between the piping system and buildings’ heating systems. this creates a closed-loop system that takes up much less space in the buildings. While district energy is relatively common in other parts of Canada and the United States, the DDEC is the first of its kind in Calgary.

EnmAX is currently supplying heat to City hall, Bow valley College and the hillier Building, with more on tap to join our district energy system soon. DDEC will be capable of supplying heat for up to 10 million square feet of new and existing residential and commercial properties.

Contact us for more information and join us to learn how you can bring district energy to your building. Contact districtenergy@enmax.com.

12

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

The DDEC was recently granted Silver Level LEED® Certification.

“From the beginning, ENMAX planned it with an eye for a low impact design that increases energy efficiency,” said Pat. “This designation affirms our efforts to build with the environment in mind.”

Submitted by Stantec

Creating productive learning environments Environments change experiences.

Creating productive learning experiences requires designing a school with a healthy indoor environment.

Stantec’s Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis supports and explains how Displacement ventilation (Dv) strategies help meet the LEED goals of new Alberta Schools Alternative procurement (ASAp) iii

horizontal cross-section of classroom humidity (kilograms of water to kilograms of air).

schools the Alberta government is pursuing.

these strategies go beyond best practices to keep learning spaces comfortable, while using as little energy as possible. the mechanical engineer team at Stantec placed air diffusers at a lower level near students and staff and in some cases adjacent to each other. the CFD models confirmed appropriate air distribution within the classrooms and that the classroom’s temperature, temperature gradients, air speed, humidity ratio and CO2 concentrations meet the thermal comfort level.

Vertical cross-section of classroom air Velocity (metres/second)

the use of CFD definitively demonstrated that the designed Dv system is effective and has the capability to meet the thermal comfort requirements specified by Alberta infrastructure and AShrAE standard 55.

By striving to exceed standard best practices we can design and create indoor environments that promote heath, wellbeing and productivity — enhancing the learning experience for students and staff.

horizontal and surface cross-sections of classroom temPerature (ºc)

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

13

THE ANNUAL WEB GUIDE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR SUSTAINABLYDESIGNED PROJECTS

LISTINGS: organized by Product Category and by LEED Category

SEARCH ENGINE: POP-UP INFORMATION WINDOW: Pop-up information window containing more details on a listed product, and a web link

to locate listings faster

VISIT WWW.SABMAGAZINE.COM/PRODUCT-DIRECTORY.HTML 14

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

17th the Alberta Sustainable Building Symposium 2014 offers delegates the best green building professional development and networking opportunity of the year. if you are an architect, engineer, builder, building owner or operator, supplier, municipal planner or building policy maker, stay ahead of the green building curve — attend this premier event!

With more than 25 speakers and 18 presentations, you have lots of choice for professional development.

take a look at the program schedule u

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

15

17th

Speakers & program COntinUing EDUCAtiOn CrEDitS GBCI – Approved Course with credentialing maintenance hours. the average participant will earn 6 hours.

Other professional organizations — the Symposium also may be eligible for credits from selfreporting organizations including the AAA, the Association of professional Engineers and geoscientists of Alberta [ApEgA], the Association of Science and Engineering technology professionals of Alberta [ASEt] and the Canadian institute of Quantity Surveyors [CiQS].

SymPoSIum

rEgiStEr nOW AnD SAvE

take advantage of the green Building innovation Showcase to check out the latest products and services that support the sustainable building industry. the Symposium will feature up to 15 easy-to-access displays, available throughout the day and during the evening reception.

the delegate list includes a great range of architects, engineers, builders, building owners and operators, suppliers, municipal planner and building policy makers. register now — and join these industry leaders. Don’t delay!

After monday, April 14, registration fee for the Symposium is $665 + gSt.

Check out www.asbs2014.ca for details.

rEgiStEr At WWW.ASBS2014.CA

PReSeNteRS offeR wealth of exPeRtISe

[1] mosaic centre: alBerta’s first liVing Building?

Shafraaz kaba, Architect and partner with manasc isaac, Jennifer hancock, Director of innovative Construction with Chandos, and Dennis Cuku, mosaic Co-founder

[2] Building Better neighBourhoods Jonathan Lay, Development manager at genstar, and greg mackenzie, Senior planner with Select Engineering Consultants

[3] Beauty

and Performance: the oPPortunity of liVing architecture Dr. maureen Connelly, Director, Faculty of the Centre for Architectural Ecology at the British Columbia institute of technology, and kerry ross, green t Design, inc. [one of the first green roof professionals]

[4] materials transParency: what matters for sustainaBility Braden kurczak, manager of Buildings Sustainability with mmm group, and nadine gudz, Director, Sustainability Strategy with interface

16

grEEn BUiLDing innOvAtiOn ShOWCASE

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

[5] construction

and design: moVing from the industrial to digital age teresa Coady, Chief Operating Officer with kasian

[6] Planning for sustainaBility: the west camPus exPerience

[10] fuelling green innoVation with the internet of eVerything Bill macgowan, Director of Cisco Smart+Connected real Estate and Smart+Connected Communities in Canada, Cisco Canada

[11] achieVing leed Platinum for

Antonio gomez-palacio, Founding partner, and John Lyons, national Director of Sustainability, both with DiALOg [toronto]

existing Buildings graham halsall, project manager, and melanie ross, green planning and Design Consultant, both with halsall

[7] the hidden risks of green

[12] autodesk Vasari

Buildings ralf nielsen, Director, Sustainability Services with mhpm project Leaders

[8] communication strategies for maximizing commissioning Adam Stoker, Sustainability Consultant, University of Calgary, and James Furlong, practice Lead, Stantec’s Building Engineering team

[9] designing for

density along new transit corridors ryan Bragg, perkins + Will, vancouver

as a sustainaBility tool victor Okhoya, Bim Director, kasian

[13] fort mcmurray downtown deVeloPment: a model of urBan sustainaBility Andrew Bond, Sustainability Coordinator, regional municipality of Wood Buffalo

[14] assessing the imPact of architectural form on energy Performance Steve kemp, manager of Sustainability, mmm group [15] reVitalizing an historic Building through community engagement marten Duhoux, principal, ft3

7:30 - 8:30am

registration & Breakfast - Palomino Plenary room

8:30 - 8:45am

welcome ceremonies - Palomino Plenary room

8:45 - 9:45am

keyNote: bIll Reed - moVing toward regeneration in sustainaBle design

9:45 - 10:05am

Break

10:05am - 10:55am

11:00 - 11:50am

Palomino room a

Palomino room B

Palomino room c

[1] mosaic centre: alBerta’s first liVing Building?

— manasc isaac, chandos, mosaic

[2] Building Better

[3] Beauty & Performance:

[4] materials

neighBourhoods

the oPPortunity of

— genstar

liVing architecture

— Bcit, green t designs, inc.

[5] construction

and

transParency: what

design: moVing from the

matters for sustainaBility

industrial to digital age

— mmm grouP, interface

— kasian

11:55 - 12:40Pm

[6] Planning for west camPus exPerience — dialog

sustainaBility: the

lunch

12:40 - 1:10Pm

PaNel: changing climate - managing challenges, fostering

1:10Pm - 1:40Pm

PaNel followuP RouNd table dISCuSSIoN

1:50 - 2:20Pm

oPPortunity

[7] the hidden risks of

[8] communication

[9] designing for

green Buildings

strategies for

density along new

maximizing commissioning

transit corridors

— uniVersity of calgary, stantec

— Perkins + will

— mhPm Project managers

2:25 - 2:55Pm

[10] fuelling green innoVation with the

internet of eVerything — cisco canada

[13] fort mcmurray downtown redeVeloPment: a model of urBan sustainaBility

— regional municiPality of wood Buffalo

3:50 - 4:45Pm 4:45 - 4:50Pm 4:55 - 6:00Pm

as a sustainaBility tool

existing Buildings

— kasian

[12] autodesk Vasari

— halsall

Break

2:55 - 3:15Pm 3:15 - 3:45Pm

[11] achieVing leed Platinum for

[14] assessing the imPact

[15] reVitalizing an

of architectural form

historic Building through

on energy Performance

community engagement

— mmm grouP

— ft3

leedV4: the future of green Building — cagBc, usgBc mc closing

remarks

recePtion SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

17

Submitted by Manasc Isaac

1

Eastgate Offices for Environment Canada Environment Canada issued a tall order to manasc isaac’s

Eastgate’s sustainability credentials begin with the sea of solar panels on its

design team for its new facility. Formally called Eastgate Offices

roof, engineered and installed by great Canadian Solar. the largest of its kind in

for Environment Canada and more casually referred to as

the prairie provinces, this array consists of 624 panels and is rated at 153 kilowatts

Eastgate, the building is a double agent. Functioning as healthy,

(kW). Other sustainable strategies include a well-insulated building envelope,

sustainable office space for its occupants, Eastgate is also a

the purchase of green power, highly efficient mechanical and electrical systems,

24/7 mission critical facility, ensuring Environment Canada’s

implementation of durable building credit guidelines, as well as the use of local

important work continues under any circumstance.

and recycled materials.

Because the operation of a 24/7 mission critical facility

A durable high-performance building envelope wraps around Eastgate,

requires intricate mechanical systems, multiple redundancies

providing a strong passive design element that ensures sustainability. inside the

and a great amount of equipment, designing to LEED® gold

building, Eastgate’s technological devices and systems are equally well considered.

standards was a real challenge. however, manasc isaac was able

instead of wasting the heat created by Environment Canada’s equipment, the

to balance the project’s stringent sustainability standards and

design team created a heat loop that recovers and distributes it throughout the

tight developer-set budget, delivering an end product that is

building, depending on outside temperature.

also aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for its occupants.

18

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

2 2

All other areas of environmental impact have been optimized for sustainability, from water conservation (native landscaping, low-flow toilets) to energy conservation (heat recovery loops, sunshades). green transportation is encouraged at Eastgate. Low-emitting and fuelefficient vehicles are offered a reduced rate for parking. Electric vehicles may also take advantage of one of the 14 recharging stations in the parking lot.

Carpools are given priority parking at the front of the building.

3

When Environment Canada moved into Eastgate in the fall of 2013, it marked a paradigm shift not only for sustainable office design, but also for mission critical facilities needing equipment redundancy.

4

5

pHOTOS CrEDIT 1 , 2 , 3 - Darren Jacknisky, Bluefish Studios 4 , 5 - David Dodge, green Energy Futures

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

19

YOUR MADE IN CANADA SOLAR COMPANY

Alberta-based specialists in the engineering, procurement, and construction of solar electric power systems for residential, agricultural and commercial projects.

Visit our booth at the 17th Annual Alberta Sustainable Building Symposium May 6, 2014, Calgary … and take in the presentation on one of our projects Mosaic Centre: Alberta’s first Living Building?

Details at www.asbs2014.ca

Proud members of...

GREAT CANADIAN SOLAR LTD.

info@greatcanadiansolar.com www.greatcanadiansolar.com 1(780) 938 3540

1/2gratcanadiansolar.indd 1

2014-03-12 2:11 PM

Design the world differently

We design sustainable buildings systems that create a comfortable occupant environment. To support our designs we give our team the resources and software support as needed. We used computational fluid dynamics to illustrate the impact of our sustainable mechanical solutions for a new school in Alberta.

As a Sustainability Analyst you can join our team and design more sustainable buildings

stantec.com/designyourcareer

Stantec is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to Affirmative Action, Workforce Diversity, and the principles of Employment Equity.

20

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

Submitted by SAIT Polytechnic

SAIT Polytechnic shows leadership in green building industry

aldred centre

SAit polytechnic had a banner year in 2013 and continues to contribute to the green building industry.

Academic Leadership At the Canada green Building Council’s (CagBC) 2013 national Conference Awards gala held in vancouver, SAit polytechnic was

Fuels, Environmental technologies, information and Communications technologies, and Sports and Wellness Engineering technologies.

recognized with the CagBC Academic Leadership Award for their commitment to the delivery of green building education programs.

the green building technologies team have collaborated with industry on the research and development of numerous LEED and

this encompasses

SAit Continuing Education courses offered

for building professionals in Southern Alberta and all full-time

net-Zero homes, rain water capture and storage, living walls and solar technologies.

Architectural technology students (approximately 160 each year) that complete ArCh 355 Sustainable methods (based extensively upon the LEED green Building Strategies course developed by the CagBC). included in the course curriculum is the Ecohouse Design Challenge, managed by the Alberta Chapter - CagBC on behalf of the regional municipality of Wood Buffalo and Suncor, which invites the design community to create the ultimate eco-friendly house by reusing worksite trailers.

Green Building Hack-a-thon in november, approximately 40 Alberta professionals and students gathered at SAit polytechnic for a one-day hack-a-thon, an event that pairs real projects that are either contemplating or committed to achieving LEED certification through the LEED Canada for homes rating System with individuals interested in learning about LEED Canada for homes through a hands-on approach. participants worked together to evaluate one of four designs, determining if the current

LEED Certification

design satisfied credit requirements or suggesting possible design three buildings on SAit polytechnic’s main campus achieved

alterations that would improve the project’s performance.

LEED certification – the Aldred Centre and Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre both achieved LEED Canada-nC 2009 gold certification, and the Cenovus Energy Centre received LEED Canada-nC 2009 Silver certification. A fourth building, Begin tower (Student residence), is still awaiting certification.

the Alberta Chapter - CagBC has provided free chapter memberships to SAit polytechnic students enrolled in the Architectural technologies program, and many students are participating in the Chapter’s Emerging green Builders committee and social activities.

Research SAit has been recognized as Canada’s top research College by rE$EArCh infosource inc.

Emerging Green Builders

Faculty

Applied research and innovation

Services (AriS) was created at SAit 10 years ago as a gateway for

William thompson, an experienced green building consultant

industry, students and faculty to collaborate on projects. research

and outgoing Chair of the Alberta Chapter - CagBC, joined SAit

is currently underway in: green Building technologies, renewable

polytechnic’s School of Construction faculty.

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

21

MANASC ISAAC

Constructive Thinkers

Borden Park Natural Swim Experience (Courtesy of gh3 Architects)

We’ve Brought Sustainability to the Next Level Morrison Hershfield is a North American Leader in engineering design. Utilizing the newest of sustainable technologies, Morrison Hershfield helps our clients to integrate LEED Version 4 in the design of high performance green buildings optimized to benefit the environment, human health, and the community.

Expert LEED Facilitation

Life Cycle Assessment

Energy Modeling and Simulation

Whole Building Commissioning

Carbon Footprinting & Verification

Code & Life Safety

Building Science

Multi-Disciplinary Engineering, Specialty Consulting, Sustainability, Project Management and AFP/P3 Advisory Services from 17 offices across North America

www.morrisonhershfield.com

Natural Building Clean, Green and Affordable

Making Better Buildings

A Comparative Guide to Sustainable Construction for Homeowners and Contractors Chris Magwood | US/Can $32.95 | MEN Wiser Living Choice Systematically describes the real-world implications of the most popular green and natural building materials and techniques, presenting the pros, cons and overall viability of each.

Available at fine bookstores, ebook retailers and online.

22

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

www.newsociety.com

SuStainable PrecaSt 1

Net Zero prototype for Habitat for Humanity brings fresh ideas for affordable housing

Can a sustainable home be affordable?

That is the question Stantec, Lafarge, and Habitat for Humanity set out to answer with the development of a Net Zero energy duplex in Edmonton.

1 - Lafarge and Stantec partnered to design the first netZero energy precast concrete home in north America, which is targetting LEED® platinum certification.

By Klaas Rodenburg

the habitat net Zero prototype was developed as a collaborative project supplying a social, innovative, and affordable housing option to urban infill developments. this project was constructed as a pilot project allowing all parties involved in its development a chance to further refine the and reflect upon strategies that were implemented to supply Edmonton’s habitat for humanity with their first net-zero home. the project explored the collaborative development of a precast concrete housing unit that would be manufactured by Lafarge and donated to habitat for construction as a prototype on an Edmonton infill site. inspired by the unique properties of precast concrete construction, an innovative design was sought to reinterpret and challenge habitat’s current construction layouts, including a lofty ambition of attaining net-zero status.

Thinking Outside the “Wooden” Box What started with a simple lunchtime conversation between the team involved soon grew into a vehicle for innovative thinking about high-performance buildings. Lafarge wanted to prove that pre-cast concrete is a viable alternative to

2

the traditional wood- frame house. habitat for humanity had a standard plan for a duplex home – 1060 sq. ft. on each side – that they can build on single lots or small infill communities at a very economical price. that is where Stantec’s design team started.

By adopting a standard model, it was possible for our team to compare prototypes by capital cost and performance throughout the life cycle of the homes.

2 - Casting the walls. Load bearing and non-load bearing exterior wall panels vary in thickness from 14” - 17” in thickness but both sections include 8” thick layers of continuous insulation.

the design team decided to explore the full potential of concrete. the fluid nature of concrete and its ability to record the shape and texture of the precast forms allowed us to explore a wide range of alternatives to standard bed liners. this eliminated the need for vinyl siding on the outside or drywall on the inside, which reduced the cost and construction waste.

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

23

www.sabmagazine.com

YOUR MOST COMPLETE RESOURCE OF CANADIAN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN INFORMATION, BUILDING PRACTICES AND PRODUCTS.

house

Canada

Archive of all SABMag and

for designers, Builders And Homeowners | SPRING 2013

ZEN BARN

ecoHouse Canada articles

Reclaimed siding melds modern house into historic neighbourhood

Halifax Seaport Farmers Market

shipping warehouse achieves LEED Platinum

Interior Living Walls

Construction of an indoor air biofilter

Air BArriers The essential ingredient of building envelopes

Product Directory

Testing the concept of living really small

PB PB

SPECIAL ISSU

House in niAgArA energy efficiency from the foundation up

Tiny TAck House

by Product Category and by LEED Category

Issue number 38 | nOVember - DeCember 2012 | Pm40024961 | $6

Centre For InteraCtIve reSearCH most sustainable on SuStaInabILIty The building in North america

sabMag - NOVeMber/DeCeMber 2012

ecohouse | SPRING 2013

ecohouse | SPRING 2013

sabMag - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

E 1

1

A special Continuing Education section to maintain your LEED accreditation

Digital issues of SABMag, the annual CaGBC LEED Buildings Year-in-Review,

and GaGBC Chapter FOCUS publications

Sustainability News section on what some of the most progressive companies are doing in sustainable products

PARTNERS F+E_cover_30juil

ONLINE BOOKSTORE

24

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

8/13/10

11:07 AM

Page 2

Solar Photovoltaic System: photovoltaic panels are sized and positioned on the roof in an orientation that will provide adequate electricity production on an annual basis.

Green walls: precast planters allow the native landscape plantings to converge with the facade and be brought up to second floor operable windows. planters utilize rainwater collected and drained from the second floor roof.

Solar hot water collectors: are group with the photovoltaic panels to satisfy the homes hot water needs.

Green Roof: The high bearing capacity of the hollowcore roof structure allows for green roof plantings to occupy the roof in areas not required for solar collection.

Hydronic In-Floor Heating: Fed by the geothermal loop, water is circulated through the interior of the structure.

Net Zero systems

Geothermal Loop: A geothermal loop is shared between living units and assists in providing a thermally comfortable interior environment

Structurally doweled parapet 16’’ sloped insulation

Going Mod modular wall panels gave us the opportunity to create a modern aesthetic with an exterior design that can be integrated into any community.

At the same time, the modular wall panels offered sustainable features such as durability, living exterior walls, a “cap” for solar panels, and enough structural strength to house a green roof [although that option was not pursued for this project. meanwhile, the ultra-high performance of the foam sandwiched between two layers of concrete provided an excellent exterior envelope.

Using an existing habitat site as a theoretical test fit, the habitat net

8’’ insulation

Zero prototype was developed to respect existing site constraints, typical habitat floor plans, and city development regulations. precast concrete panels also had to be developed in a manner that they could be easily fab-

Triple insulated thermally broken window

ricated and altered within Lafarge’s standard form liners and pouring beds.

Once these structural and dimensional limitations were understood, the moulding and manipulation of existing plans could take shape. While the footprint and orientation of the units were to remain fixed, the units were

6’’ structural bearing precast

manipulated slightly to provide private covered entrances and secondfloor projections, allowing each unit to have its own identity responding to

2’’ concrete topping 10’’ hollowcore

site, solar, and abutting landscape conditions.

Economies of Scale the lessons learned from this prototype will allow Lafarge and Stantec to develop a modular approach to constructing homes and multi-family residential buildings. the ability to produce repeatable, high-performance, precast modules on an industrial scale will significantly reduce the capital costs for homes thus making sustainable home ownership attainable for

Wall construction detail

more and more families throughout the world.

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

25

LEED v4 in Canada What’s Coming and What it Means to You The Canadian green building market has evolved rapidly over the last 10 years.

There are now over 4500 LEED projects registered in Canada, of which over 1500 are certified.

The Canadian green building industry and LEED have driven continual improvements in building construction and operation and maintenance meanwhile making real impacts on energy and water consumption, waste reduction and occupant well-being. LEED was always intended to evolve with the market, and LEED version 4 (LEED v4) is about taking the next step towards market transformation and raising the ceiling of building performance.

By MARK HUTCHINSON

CREDIT:

LEED 2009

LEED v4

LEED ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL

At least one project principal shall be a LEED Accredited Professional [AP].

At least one principal shall be a LEED AP with the specialty (Building Design & Construction, Operation & Maintenance, Interior Design & Construction, Neighbourhood Development) most appreciated for the project.

summary of changes from leed 2009 to leed V4, innoVation in design.

The CaGBC’s role in LEED v4 in developing LEED v4, it was time to re-evaluate where

LEED v4 was launched at greenbuild in november 2013 and is currently available in

to set the bar on performance, but also take what has

Canada, but in order to facilitate the transition, Canadian projects will still be able

been learned as an industry and reconsider how the bar is

to register under the current rating system (LEED Canada 2009) until June, 2015.

measured. to do this, there was large-scale industry dialog

this will give professionals and owners a period of time to learn about and prepare

with six public comment periods that generated over

for the new requirements.

22,000 comments. the result is a better rating system that

the Canada green Building Council (CagBC) will continue to provide certification

focuses on:

reviews under LEED v4 to ensure an appreciation and understanding of the unique

• increased stringency, including increased thresholds in

Canadian context. We will also continue to provide local support for any questions

energy, water, waste and indoor environmental air quality

and issues that may arise during the design, construction, and certification of

to ensure LEED v4 projects continue to drive change;

projects. Lastly, CagBC will also be developing Alternate Compliance paths for

• the addition of Environmental product Declarations, life

Canadian projects.

cycle assessment, and material ingredient reporting as next steps in addressing the environmental impacts from

Canadian Alternative Compliance Paths

materials;

in an effort to increase the range of LEED resources for Canadians and follow an

• An increased focus on human health, biodiversity, green

internationally consistent approach to how LEED is deployed in different regions of

economy and community.

the world, the CagBC will not be developing stand-alone Canadian rating systems.

the changes to the materials Credits are a very exciting

instead, we will streamline development work by providing Canadian options for

aspect of LEED v4. these changes will lead to a greater

demonstrating compliance – termed Alternative Compliance paths (ACps) – within

knowledge and expertise within the industry about the use

the international rating systems. these will be made available to Canadians at the

of sustainable materials and the impact they can have, and

CagBC national Conference and Expo, Building Lasting Change, which will be held

also generate a lot of innovation from manufacturers.

in toronto June 2 - 4.

26

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

CONTACT US The CaGBC is here for you – to answer questions, provide LEED Online webinars (beginning in march) and to help guide you through LEED v4. For more information go to www.cagbc.org or email CagBC national at info@cagbc.org or contact the greater toronto Chapter at info@gta.cagbc.org

ACps will allow the CagBC to identify equivalent means of

this workshop will provide a deeper foundational grasp of the major

demonstrating compliance to the credit requirements. For

changes and more thoroughly explore the impact of LEED v4 on Canadian

example, where an equivalent Canadian reference standard exists,

projects and show how they can ultimately benefit from the Canadian

an ACp can allow for the use of that standard.

Alternative Compliance paths that are currently under development.

As a part of the national Conference pre-conference programming, the

What is new for Canadians?

CagBC will be offering a half-day workshop - materials in LEED v4. this

For Canadians, LEED v4 brings big changes and big benefits. All 21

workshop will delve into the details of the LEED v4 materials credits –

of the LEED v4 rating systems will now be available to Canadians,

providing the information you need to ensure your products meet the

including new rating systems for data centres, hotels, warehouses

needs of the green construction market and helping those who specify

and other specific project types that will make LEED even more

materials understand how these new tools and information will lead to

accessible to various types of projects.

the use of healthier, more sustainable products.

Also, while the CagBC will continue to provide certification reviews under LEED v4, Canadians will now use LEED Online to coordinate the submission process as well as certification review.

LEED Online provides a platform for the whole project team to coordinate their work, view their areas of responsibility and upload supporting documentation.

Learn more about LEED v4 the CagBC is developing a number of education opportunities, from local workshops to webinar series, to help provide the resources Canadians need to understand LEED v4. For the latest information, visit the Education section at www.cagbc.org. to start, you can watch our one-hour LEED v4 intro webinar (free to all CagBC members) which gives a brief overview of LEED v4, touching on the major themes and detailing how the rating

Mark Hutchinson is Director of Green Building Programs, CaGBC

systems will be introduced in Canada. members can view the webinar by signing in on “my CagBC”.

Locally, the greater toronto Chapter (CagBC) is offering the new introduction to LEED v4 in-class workshop on April 2, 2014.

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

27

Submitted by Clark Builders

City of Edmonton Centennial Garage

1

This LEED Silver project shows the versatility possible with industrial facilities designed and constructed to LEED standard. the project included site development and construction of a new Edmonton transit System (EtS) bus storage/ maintenance facility and administration building.

project Description: • LEED nC v1.0 Silver project o 36 points total o iDc for over 25% recycled content in materials o iDc for over 36% regional materials o iDc point for over 80% reduction in potable process water savings

• An innovative ventilation system that moves fumes away from occupied areas for employee safety and comfort (16 units moving 188,000 litres per second of outdoor air – 5.4 air changes per hour) • maintenance area contains 17 hydraulic piston hoist bays, body shop, tire bay, lube bay, interior wash and steam cleaning bus wash • Structural steel with open web steel joists (span of OWSJ over maintenance garage is over 140 feet)

• Storage and maintenance for 250 buses

• heated slab with four boilers plus over 40 rtUs/mUAs on the roof

• Solar wall for heating (one of the largest installations in

• Eco-friendly controlled lighting system (ambient light and occupant

Canada delivering maximum 6,600 cfm of preheated air) • A specialized low-volume bus wash and undercarriage wash system using recycled water (saves over two million litres of water per year)

controlled) • two 90,000 litre underground diesel tanks for easy fuelling • Exterior is stained precast concrete panels, metal sandwich insulated cladding and “solar wall” perforated siding, masonry and exterior aluminum glazing

28

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

2

Size of project: • 317,988 square feet (29,400 square metres)

project Completion: • January 2010

interesting info: • Snow dumping site adjacent to project is used for building cooling (snow melt cooling system) • 81 miles of in-slab heating pipe • 1.25 miles of foundation grade beam

3

• 11,800 cubic metres of concrete • 3,300 sprinkler heads • 43 roof top units • 7 acres of roof • 1,325 imperial tons of steel

gEnErAL COnTrACTOr Clark Builders ArCHITECTUrAL Cory D. Yee Architect Ltd. CIvIL / STrUCTUrAL / MECHAnICAL / ELECTrICAL / FIrE prOTECTIOn / BUILDIng EnvELOpE / LEAD FACILITATIOn Morrison Hershfield Limited LAnDSCApE DESIgn Earthscape Consultants

4

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

29

Parkland NetZero House

DESIGNED TO PrODuCE ITS OwN ENErGy The Parkland NetZero project is a certified LEED Platinum, single-family home in Parkland County just south of Spruce Grove, Alberta. The two storey, 4,025 square foot home acomodates a couple and their three children with a secondary suite.

By Peter Amerongen

ThE PrOjECT AIMED TO AChIEvE fOur kEy OBjECTIvES Net Zero Energy: the project was designed to produce all of its own energy for heating, hot water, lighting and appliances, on site, over the course of a year. the designers were guided by the passive house idea that reducing building envelope losses and using passive solar strategies could be partially paid for by savings from the consequently smaller and simpler mechanical systems.

The aggressive conservation measures: of the passive house approach were also the most effective way to reduce the size of the photovoltaic array required to meet the annual heating needs. the end result is a house that is predicted to use only 23% of the energy required for a similar home with conventional construction. heating and domestic hot water loads loads have been reduced to the point where it is more economical for them to be provided by a grid tied photovoltaic system.

Reduced Environmental Footprint: materials and strategy decisions were vetted against a comprehensive matrix of environmental considerations: embodied energy, environmental impacts in manufacture, effect on indoor air quality, proximity of manufacture, durability, recycled content, and recyclability.

Demonstration: the owners felt a responsibility to demonstrate that it was possible to make these deep reductions without sacrificing beauty and comfort. they have hosted numerous public open houses, and guided tours. On-going monitoring will tell whether it reaches the net zero energy goal.

PETEr AMErONGEN IS wITh By hABITAT STuDIO & wOrkShOP LTD. Of EDMONTON, whICh DESIGNED AND BuILT ThE hOuSE. 30

SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

Image courtesy of Waterfront Toronto

Join us at

Building Lasting Change » Expo 2014 – bigger and better than ever with new features like International and Energy Conservation Pavilions.

» Expert keynotes including Stefan Behnisch of Behnisch Architekten, and Mike Pedersen, President and CEO of TD Bank.

» Pre-conference ‘Materials in LEED v4’ workshop for manufacturers and product specifiers.

» Your best opportunity to network and socialize with Canada’s green building leaders.

CaGBC National Conference and Expo June 2-4, 2014

Save up to $200 with early bird pricing until April 1

To register, visit cagbc.org/2014conference SPRING 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

31