Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Design
Fundamentals
for
Buildings
SDCB 101
Architectural Institute of British Columbia
Alberta Association of Architects
Saskatchewan Association of Architects
Manitoba Association of Architects
Ontario Association of Architects
Ordre des architectes du Qubec
Architects Association of New Brunswick
Association des architectes du Nouveau-Brunswick
Nova Scotia Association of Architects
Architects Association of Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland Association of Architects
In partnership with:
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
Sustainable
Design for
Canadian
Buildings
Editor
Peter Busby, FRAIC
Assistant Editor
Michel Labrie
Editorial Review
Veronica de Pencier, MRAIC
Jon Hobbs, MRAIC
Contributors
Raymond J. Cole, PhD
Martine Desbois
Pierre Gallant, MRAIC
Vivian Manasc, FRAIC
Joanne McCallum MRAIC
Lyse M. Tremblay
Proofreading
Isabelle Boss
Graphic Design
Aerographics Creative Services Inc.
Printing
Beauregard Printers
2001 The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada on behalf of all the members of the National Practice Program.
This manual may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the Royal Architectural
Institute of Canada.
Disclaimer
Busby + Associates has compiled the information in the manual Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings.
The National Practice Program (NPP) supports the development and dissemination of Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings;
however, neither the NPP, nor the Contributors, nor the Editors take responsibility for the accuracy or completeness
of any information or its fitness for any particular purpose.
Printed on Rolland Evolution using vegetable inks and made of 100% post-consumer fibre.
Sustainable
Design
Fundamentals
for
Buildings
The members of the National Practice Program gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance from
the following department of the federal government in the development of the Sustainable Design
Fundamentals for Buildings:
Travaux publics et
Services gouvernementaux
Canada
Sustainable
Design
Fundamentals
for
Buildings
Ta b l e of
Contents
Acknowledgements
Preface
Introduction
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
Water Efficiency
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Regional Perspective
10.0
Glossary
Bibliography
Sustainable
Design
Fundamentals
for
Buildings
Acknowledgements
The members of the National Practice Program
gratefully acknowledge the support of the
following committee in the development of the
Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings:
The Sustainable Building Canada Committee
(SBCC)
and the following architects and firms whose
projects are featured in the manual:
difica
Architectura
Arthur Erickson Architectural Corporation
Bourrassa et Gaudreau Architectes
Busby + Associates Architects
Christopher Simmonds Architect
Colborne Architectural Group
Daniel Pearl and Mark Poddubiuk Architectes
ECO-TEK Wastewater Treatment
Genetron Systems Inc.
Hotson Bakker Architects
Julia Bourke Architecte
Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects
Linda Chapman Architect
Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd.
Matsuzaki Wright Architects Inc.
Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership
Patkau Architects Inc.
Phillip Sharp Architect Ltd.
Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg
R. Monnier Architecte
Roger Hughes + Partners Architects
Stone Kohn McQuire Vogt Architects
Van Nostrand diCastri Architects
Preface
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)
and the ten provincial associations of architects,
through the National Practice Program (NPP),
intend to provide a series of Continuing Education
courses on sustainable design to the architectural
profession in Canada. SDCB 101 is the first in
this series.
The NPP plans to offer two other entry level
modules in the year 2002:
SDCB 102 National Assessment Tool
103 Canadian Case Studies
A second level of more specific courses (with
SDCB 101 as a prerequisite) will be offered in the
future. Some of these include:
SDCB 201 Simulation Software and Skills
Development
202 Advanced Daylighting Strategies
203 Concrete, Flyash and Other Additives
204 Selecting Sensible Materials for
Interiors
205 Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells
206 Deconstruction and Demolition
207 Onsite Wastewater Strategies
208 Sustainability Issues in Urban
Planning and Design
209 Greening Your Specifications
210 Sustainable Design of Structures
211 Sustainable Design of Landscapes
More advanced courses which are being considered
in the future (prerequisites will also be required)
include:
SDCB 301 Advanced Simulation, Dynamic
Thermal Modeling
302 Living Machine Design and Use
Chair:
Peter Busby, FRAIC, Busby + Associates
Architects (pbusby@busby.ca)
Vice Chair:
Bruce Lorimer, FRAIC, Director General, PWGSC,
A&ES (lorimerb@pwgsc.gc.ca)
Secretariat:
Jon Hobbs, Executive Director, RAIC
(jonhobbs@raic.org)
Vince Catalli, MRAIC, President, by dEsign
Consultants (catalli@bydesignconsultants.com)
Photo Credits
The following photographs of buildings have been used throughout this manual.
Project:
Project:
Project:
Revenue Canada Office Building
Architect:
Busby + Associates Architects
Image Credit: Martin Tessler
Project:
Project:
Project:
Project:
Project:
Banff Town Hall
Architect:
Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd.
Image Credit: Robert Lemermeyer
Project:
Project:
Image:
Project:
Architect:
Project:
Project:
Project:
Project:
Beausoleil Solar Aquatics
Firm:
ECO-TEK Wastewater Treatment
Image Credit: ECO-TEK Wastewater Treatment
Project:
Architect:
Project:
Project:
Project:
EcoResidence
Daniel Pearl and Mark Poddubiuk
Architectes
Image Credit: Daniel Pearl and Mark Poddubiuk
Architectes
Project:
APEGBC Head Offices
Architect:
Busby + Associates Architects
Image Credit: Martin Tessler
Image:
Pincher Creek wind turbine farm
Image Credit: Busby + Associates Architects
Project:
Telus Office Building
Architect:
Busby + Associates Architects
Image Credit: Busby + Associates Architects
Image:
Pincher Creek wind turbine farm
Image Credit: Busby + Associates Architects
Project:
2211 West Fourth
Architect:
Hotson Bakker Architects
Image Credit: Bruce Haden and Rob Melnychuk
respectively
Project:
Architect:
Project:
Architect:
Introduction
Introduction
SDCB 101 Course Objectives
and Content
This course is designed to be a primer on
green building design in Canada. The material
focuses on residential, commercial, institutional
and light industrial buildings, pertaining to new
construction and renovations. Agricultural and
industrial buildings are not specifically addressed
in this primer. Part of this course material is also
relevant to programming, interior design, and
landscape design.
1.0 Building an
Environmental Ethic
Chapter 1.0
Introduction
The recorded scale and rate of global
environmental degradation represents the
defining characteristics of the 20th century.
Notwithstanding the importance of social and
economic needs and constraints, the health of
the biosphere will remain the limiting factor for
sustainability. A prerequisite for sustainability
is the maintenance of the functional integrity
of the ecosphere so that it can remain resilient
to human-induced stresses and continue to be
biologically productive. The ecological footprint
provides probably the most graphic portrayal of
the mismatch between biological productivity
and current human-imposed demands. Canada has
an ecological footprint of over 7 hectares/person
far in excess of an equable world average
allocation of 1.9 hectares/person.
Green Buildings
Buildings represent significant capital investments, both financial and ecological. Almost every
attempt to bring a new approach or emphasis to
building design is subject to the litmus test of
cost and, most typically, this is the capital or
initial cost. Not only do costs seldom account
for the benefits that may accrue over a buildings
life as a result of higher initial investment, but
also the broader societal costs of poor quality
building or poor environmental standards are not
acknowledged within current accounting methods.
Environmental issues and associated costs will
directly and indirectly shape this century and
therefore increasingly underpin almost all aspects
of human settlement and building design.
Climate Change
Climate change will be the most significant
environmental issue this century. Already,
traditional weather patterns are changing, making
some areas warmer and wetter, others cooler
or drier. These altered patterns will lead to an
increase in the frequency and severity of extreme
weather events, such as droughts, floods, and
storms. Other anticipated effects include rising
sea levels, increased air pollution and health care
costs, decreased fish stocks and reduced crop
yields.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) reaffirms the need for concerted international
commitment and action to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. IPCC has provided a series of scenarios
regarding the burning of fossil fuels, how they
will translate into greenhouse gas emissions,
how that will translate into global warming, and
how that will translate subsequently into climate
change. There is widespread agreement that
current rates of greenhouse gas emissions will be
catastrophic if unabated. This is transforming our
understanding of environmental problems based
primarily on the availability of resources to an
understanding based on the ecological impacts
associated with their acquisition and disposal.
Chapter 1.0
Chapter 1.0
Leadership
Any transition to sustainability will require
profound shifts in human values and
expectations. Nurturing an environmental ethic
must precede or at least parallel technological
advance. As the realities of resource depletion
and global environmental degradation become
more evident, we can anticipate a maturing
and strengthening of the publics concern and
knowledge on environmental issues. This will
translate into an expectation and demand for
greater environmental responsibility and, as
with other sectors, the building industry will be
increasingly scrutinized for its environmental
actions.
Environmental issues present both a challenge
and an opportunity for building design
professionals. The challenges are to develop
approaches and practices that address immediate
environmental concerns and those that adhere
to the emerging principles and dictates of
sustainability. The opportunities are for both
the reinstatement of meaningful and enduring
design principles that respond to the ecologies
of climate, resources and culture, and for design
professionals to provide the visible and creative
leadership that will be necessary to create
change. Although environmental responsibility
has always been implicit in the ethical codes
that govern design professionals, this must now
become an explicit and demonstrated part of
practice. The key message in this course is for
design professionals to:
Commit to environmentally responsible
building design and to accept and remain
collectively focused on sustaining a
commitment to the environmental agenda.
Commit to educational programs to attain
the necessary skills and remain current as
the field matures.
Become proactive in aspiring to and
delivering buildings with higher performance
levels.
Chapter 2.0
2.1 Implementation
Strategies
Implementation Strategies
Chapter 2.1
Chapter 2.1
Implementation Strategies
Case Study
York University Computer Science Building
Busby + Associates Architects, in association with
Van Nostrand diCastri Architects, Toronto, ON
Resources
Life Cycle Assessment Links
www.life-cycle.org
NIST Building Life-Cycle Cost (BLCC) Program
www.eren.doe.gov/femp
Implementation Strategies
Chapter 2.1
Case Study
Resources
Green Building BC Guide to Value Analysis
and Integrated Design Process
www.greenbuildingsbc.com/
new_buildings/resources.html
Chapter 2.1
Implementation Strategies
Implementation Strategies
Chapter 2.1
Case Studies
Resources
Green Building BC Guide to Value Analysis
and Integrated Design Process
www.greenbuildingsbc.com/
new_buildings/resources.html
Sustainable Goals
Objective
to establish quantifiable goals in order to
motivate the design team and to measure
success.
Establishing sustainability goals at the outset
helps define the environmental scope of a given
project. Clients, stakeholder representatives, and
team members should participate in defining the
projects sustainability goals; this strengthens
every team members commitment to those goals.
Chapter 2.1
Implementation Strategies
Case Studies
Mountain Equipment Coop (Ottawa)
Linda Chapman Architect and Christopher
Simmonds Architect in joint venture, Ottawa, ON
Mountain Equipment Coop (Toronto)
Stone Kohn McQuire Vogt Architects, Toronto, ON
CK Choi, Institute for Asian Research
Matsuzaki Wright Architects Inc., Vancouver, BC
Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues
Architectura, in collaboration with
Arthur Erickson, Vancouver, BC
York University - Computer Science Building
Busby + Associates Architects, in association with
Van Nostrand diCastri Architects, Toronto, ON
Resources
Green Building BC Guide to Value Analysis
and Integrated Design Process
www.greenbuildingsbc.com/
new_buildings/resources.html
Centre for Excellence for Sustainable
Development
www.sustainable.doe.gov
Resources
Green Building BC Guide to Value Analysis
and Integrated Design Process
www.greenbuildingsbc.com/
new_buildings/resources.html
Green Building Information Council
www.greenbuilding.ca/
2.2 Measurements
and Verification
Performance Standards
Simulation Software and Programs
Assessment Tools
Commissioning
Chapter 2.2
Performance Standards
Objective
to monitor and increase the environmental
performance of buildings.
Performance standards such as the Model National
Energy Codes, the C-2000 Program, and the
ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999 Energy Standard offer
benchmark objectives for minimum environmental
performance. Use of these performance standards
may help reduce the number of buildings that
are claimed to significantly reduce detrimental
environmental impacts, but really demonstrate
little environmental merit (sometimes referred to
as green wash).
Chapter 2.2
ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999
ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999 is an energy benchmark
for US buildings (except for low- rise residential
buildings). This well-known benchmark targets
commercial buildings and focuses on two areas:
the building envelope, and
the buildings systems and equipment.
This energy benchmark dictates mandatory
provisions required in order to meet the
standard. Two paths are offered to design teams:
a prescriptive path, and a performance path.
Mechanical calculations must be done in order to
prove compliance.
C-2000 Program
The C-2000 Program for Advanced Commercial
Buildings is a demonstration program for highperformance office buildings, developed and
sponsored by CANMET and the Canadian Energy
Technology Centre (CETC), Natural Resources
Canada. This program focuses on the energy
and environmental performance of buildings.
Additional criteria have been developed for a
wide range of other parameters, such as occupant
health and comfort. The program demonstrates
the feasibility of achieving energy efficiency
and minimum negative environmental impacts
through the application of innovative green
building technologies. The program provides
incremental financial support and technical
assistance to development teams for design
which conforms to the programs whole-building
performance requirements. The C-2000 overall
strategy is to assist in the completion of
projects that meet the performance criteria,
to monitor their actual performance, and, to
inform the industry of the results. Program
goals are achieved by the application of explicit
performance targets, careful selection of qualified
teams and the development of close working
relationships with experts in the field. A variety
of simulation software programs such as HOT 2000
are available to aid the design teams.
Resources
C-2000 Program
buildingsgroup.nrcan.gc.ca
Model National Energy Codes
www.nrc.ca/irc
ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999
www.ashrae.org
ATHENA Software
The ATHENATM Sustainable Materials Institute is
a Canadian non-profit organization created to
continue the work started in 1991 by Forintek
Canada Corporation, with the support of Natural
Resources Canada. The Institute has successfully
initiated and managed an extensive series
of studies and it has developed one of the
most highly regarded databases of Life Cycle
Inventories (LCI) for building products in the
world. The project was originally known as
Building Materials in the Context of Sustainable
Development Project. The Institute has Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) software that analyzes:
production processes for different building
products,
the use of those products in building and
construction, and
broader environmental issues associated with
resource extraction, building demolition and
disposal.
Chapter 2.2
RETScreen Tool
Few design professionals consider renewable
energy technology (such as, solar photovoltaic
power and wind generators) to be a feasible
option, and presently discount such applications.
The RETScreen Renewable Energy Project Analysis
Software can assist in breaking down this barrier.
RETScreen International is a tool for renewable
energy awareness, decision support and capacity
building. It has been developed by the CANMET
Energy Diversification Research Laboratory
(CEDRL) with the contribution of numerous
industry experts, government and academia. The
tool consists of standardized and integrated
renewable energy project analysis software that
evaluates the energy production, life cycle costs
and greenhouse gas emission reductions for
various types of renewable energy technologies
(RETs).
The RETScreen tool can be used for a variety of
purposes, including:
WATERSAVE Software
Design teams can use the ATHENATM Software to
carry out assessments of the structural systems of
a building. Additionally, the ATHENATM Institute
can assist design teams by providing consulting
services regarding LCA and LCI in the early design
stage. A more in-depth assessment of detailed
drawings can also be done.
Chapter 2.2
Energy-10
ENERGY-10 is another software tool developed
by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
with the Sustainable Building Industry Council,
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and
the Berkeley Solar Group with support from the
U.S. Department of Energy. Energy-10 is design
software that analyzes and illustrates the energy
and cost savings achievable through more than a
dozen sustainable design strategies. Hourly energy
simulations can help quantify, assess, and clearly
depict the benefits of green building strategies
such as daylighting, passive solar heating, natural
ventilation, well-insulated building envelopes,
better windows, lighting systems, and mechanical
equipment. Using climate data that is site specific,
the software shows how different combinations
of materials, systems, and siting yield lesser or
greater results in terms of energy use, comparative
costs, and reduced emissions. The software offers
the possibility of customizing weather files,
converting file formats, and illustrating results
in a variety of ways. This software can be
customized for a Canadian context.
Resources
CBIP Screening Tool
cbip.nrcan.gc.ca/cbip.htm
ATHENATM Software
www.athenasmi.ca
RETScreen Tool
www.retscreen.gc.ca
WATERSAVE Software
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/hoin
DOE-2 and EnergyPlus
gundog.lbl.gov/
Energy-10
www.sbicouncil.org/enTen
Assessment Tools
Objective
to identify platforms for the comparison of
environmental strategies for buildings.
Comprehensive assessment methods can be
used to rate buildings for overall environmental
performance, something which goes beyond the
purpose of simulation software.
Examples of
available assessment systems: Green Building
Challenge (GBC) GB Tool, BREEAM Green Leaf
rating system, and US Green Building Council
(USGBC) LEED rating system.
GBTool Software
The Green Building Challenge (GBC) is an
international collaborative effort that has grown
to include over 25 countries. Its purpose is to
create a forum for the international exchange
of green building strategies. As part of the
international GBC process, Green Building Tool
Software (GBTool) was designed to be the
operational software for the GBC assessment
framework. Nils Larsson of NRCAN and Ray Cole
of UBC were the authors of the GBTool. It is a
sophisticated and subtle spreadsheet that allows
participating countries to selectively incorporate
ideas or modify their own building assessment
tools. The GBC and GBTool processes are valuable
research and development initiatives which
influence many nationally recognized systems in
participating countries.
Chapter 2.2
Chapter 2.2
Resources
GBTool Software
www.greenbuilding.ca/gbc2k/gbc-start.htm
BREEAM GREEN LEAF Rating System
www.breeamcanada.ca
LEEDTM Rating System
www.usgbc.org
Commissioning
Objective
to provide the optimal settings for all
building systems.
Commissioning procedures should be in place to
ensure that a completed building is performing
as designed and that the construction adheres
to the drawings and documented design intent.
Commissioning should occur during construction
as well as during occupancy.
A commissioning agent should be present
during the construction phase to ensure the
calibration of various systems. This is more cost
effective prior to occupancy of the building. The
commissioning of green buildings includes all
systems, such as mechanical, lighting, water,
controls, thermal performance, the building
envelope and natural systems. Natural systems
which may need commissioning include the
proper functioning of operational windows for
natural ventilation, passive solar systems such
as louvers, or daylighting features such as light
shelves.
One of the most important stages of commissioning occurs in post-occupancy. Postoccupancy commissioning is valuable because
sustainable design considers the entire life cycle
of a building, from construction to deconstruction.
As previously mentioned, the operation of a
building consumes the most energy in the useful
life of a building. Changes in staffing, building
use, or systems failure, can result in significant
changes to the performance of a buildings
systems. They may not be functioning as designed.
Ongoing measurements and verification throughout the life of a building optimize performance
and permit adaptation of building systems to
changes. For example, the slightest improvement
in the performance of a building with respect to
water consumption or energy use, when calculated
over a 50 or 75 year period, will account for
enormous savings.
Chapter 2.2
Resources
International Performance Measurement
and Verification Protocol
www.ipmvp.org
ASHRAE (1996) Guideline 1:
The HVAC Commissioning Process
www.ashrae.org
2.3 Regulations,
Linkages and
Tradeoffs
Chapter 2.3
3.0 Sustainable
Site Design
Chapter 3.0
Site Selection
Chapter 3.1
Chapter 3.1
Site Selection
Resources
Smart Growth Network
www.smartgrowth.org
Global Environment Options
www.geonetwork.org
Urban Redevelopment
Objective
to ensure that sites within existing urbanized
areas are favoured.
All sustainable urban redevelopment should ensure
that new projects are located within existing
urban areas. The environmental benefits of such
redevelopment are:
The City of Vancouver is currently reviewing ways to
transform this contaminated site into a model of
sustainable development.
Site Selection
Chapter 3.1
Case Study
Angus Locoshop
difica, Montreal, QC
Resources
Smart Growth Network
www.smartgrowth.org
The Center for Livable Communities
www.lgc.org
BC Green Buildings Directory
www.greenbuildingsbc.com
Brownfield Redevelopment
Objective
to favour, in the site selection process, sites
located in former industrial zones, which may
require environmental restoration.
Brownfield redevelopment is the restoration of
sites previously damaged by human activities.
Redevelopment of contaminated sites can
eliminate sources of pollution and reduce
pressures on undeveloped land. In most cases,
brownfield sites are located within older urban
areas; hence, redevelopment of these sites can
achieve the sustainable design advantages of
urban redevelopment strategies mentioned above.
SDCB 101 Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings
Chapter 3.1
Site Selection
Resources
Mainstreaming Green Sustainable Design
for Buildings & Communities
www.e-architect.com
Ontario Centre for Environmental
Technology Advancement
www.oceta.on.ca
Center for Excellence for Sustainable
Development
www.sustainable.doe.gov
Transportation Issues
Objectives
to ensure that sites serviced by public
transportation are favoured.
to provide alternative transportation systems
(such as pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths
and electric cars).
Transportation systems contribute to our high
levels of energy consumption and other negative
impacts associated with the built environment.
Site Selection
many Canadian communities already provide plugins for winter use. Fuel cell cars will be more difficult
to accommodate, as hydrogen stations may be few
and far between. Laboratories, industrial plants
and universities, where hydrogen tanks are already
maintained, may be the first locations for such
stations. Another opportunity for the research
and development of fuel cell refilling station is
within the Chemical Engineering departments on
Canadian university campuses.
Architects should encourage clients to support
employees using low-impact trans-portation
alternatives. Some alternatives include:
transit subsidies instead of parking passes;
shared company vehicles for employee use
during the day; and
changing / shower facilities for bicycle
commuters.
In Vancouver, Busby + Associates provided the
following employee statistics regarding transportation to the office:
25%
30%
10%
15%
20%
Chapter 3.1
walk to work
cycle
car pool
commute by personal automobile
use transit regularly
Chapter 3.1
Site Selection
Case Study
BC Gas Operation Centre
Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership, Surrey, BC
Resources
North American Greenways Information page
www.ontarioplanners.on.ca/greenway.htm
National Center for Bicycling and Walking
www.bikefed.org
CarFree Cities
www.carfree.com
North American CarSharing Organization (NACSO)
www.carsharing.net
Site Disturbance
Erosion and Sediment Control
Landscape and Exterior Design
Site Water Systems Management
Heat Islands
Light Pollution
Site Impacts
Chapter 3.2
site disturbance;
erosion and sediment deposits;
water pollution;
loss of landscape;
creation of heat islands; and
light pollution.
Site Disturbance
Objective
to reduce the size of the building footprint
and the paved area of new developments.
Construction disturbs sites and this activity
can destroy animal habitats and reduce a sites
biodiversity by eliminating existing native
vegetation. Some of the benefits of protecting
or enhancing the native vegetation include:
promoting the movement of wildlife, allowing for
regional biodiversity of flora, increasing property
values, and contributing to the well-being of the
community at large. Green design teams should
favour compact buildings with small footprints
and incorporate the natural landscape into both
the building and site design.
Dense development with common party walls
and reducing pavement can help in conserving
greenfield sites elsewhere. Density is accomplished by building vertically rather than
horizontally, hence reducing the ratio of building
footprint to floor area. This also increases energy
efficiency by reducing the ratio of building
envelope to floor area.
Chapter 3.2
Site Impacts
Case Study
Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues
Architectura, in collaboration with Arthur
Erickson, Vancouver, BC, and Cornelia Oberlander,
Landscape Architect
Resources
Objective
Site Impacts
Chapter 3.2
Resources
US EPA Office of Water
www.epa.gov/OW
International Erosion Control Association
www.ieca.org
Chapter 3.2
Site Impacts
Case Studies
Sun Life Insurance Head Office Main Boardroom
Genetron Systems Inc., Toronto, ON
Hinton Government Centre
Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd., Hinton, AB
Resources
Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series
www.sustland.umn.edu
The Evergreen Foundation
www.evergreen.ca
US EPA Green Landscaping with Native Plants
www.epa.gov/greenacres
Site Impacts
Stormwater Management
Stormwater runoff is the most common disruption
to natural water cycle flows.
Chapter 3.2
Chapter 3.2
Site Impacts
Case Study
Hastings Park Restoration Plan
Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg, Vancouver, BC
Resources
Environment Canada: Stormwater Assessment
Monitoring and Performance Program (SWAMP)
www.acs.ryerson.ca/civil/swamp
Canadian Water Resources Association
www.cwra.org
Environment Canada Water Page
www.ec.gc.ca/water
Canadian Ground Water Association
www.cgwa.org
Heat Islands
Objective
to reduce the increase in local temperature
created by buildings and site development.
The effect of heat islands is caused by the
retention of solar heat by the built environment.
Paved areas and buildings absorb solar energy and
this energy can affect local microclimates, including
human and wildlife habitats. The result of heat
islands is a significant difference in microclimate
between urbanized and non-urbanized areas that
share similar climatic characteristics. Seventyfive years ago, Vancouver was a mossy, temperate
rainforest. Today, the Vancouver Parks Board plants
and maintains palm trees in the West End and there
are now productive banana palms nearby.
One of the most obvious negative effects that heat
islands have on buildings is the increased heat load
in summer which increases the output required from
air conditioning systems. Designers should consider
minimizing the heat island effect by specifying
highly reflective roofing materials, using green roof
systems, providing vegetation cover to sites, and
minimizing heat absorbing paved surfaces.
Site Impacts
Chapter 3.2
The Citadel in Quebec City has a fine 150 year old sod
roof.
Chapter 3.2
Site Impacts
Case Studies
Mountain Equipment Co-op
Stone Kohn McQuire Vogt Architects, Toronto, ON
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Busby + Associates Architects, Merritt, BC
Resources
Heat Island group
eande.lbl.gov/heatisland
Green Roofs
www.greenroofs.com
US EPA Energy Star Roofing Products
www.energystar.gov/products
Light Pollution
Objectives
Visit the MEC store in downtown Toronto in May/June
for a special wildflower show!
Site Impacts
Chapter 3.2
Resources
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
www.rasc.ca/light/home.html
Outdoor Environmental Lighting Committee,
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
www.iesna.org
3.3 Regulations,
Linkages and
Tradeoffs
Chapter 3.3
Water Efficiency
Chapter 4.0
Water Efficiency
Overall Objectives
to reduce water demand for landscape
irrigation.
to reduce water consumption within
buildings.
to promote the reclamation of wastewater
in order to conserve water and to minimize
detrimental impacts of wastewater disposal.
The need for water conservation may seem
unnecessary in a country with an apparent
abundance of water. Canada has one of the
highest per capita water consumption rates in the
world. And, it is likely that future demands upon
this resource will increase greatly -- this increase
in demand will be from outside our borders
and from within Canada. The demand for fresh
water and wastewater treatment and disposal is
already putting great pressure on global water
resources. The contamination of the water supply
in Walkerton, Ontario confirms the importance
of maintaining high water quality. It is critical
to protect and conserve our natural fresh water
resources. Regionally, the ecology of our local
watersheds is threatened due to the demand
for freshwater and the amount of wastewater
disposal.
The green design team can address these needs
by applying water conservation strategies to
reduce water demand, and by including innovative
low impact wastewater treatment systems and
disposal techniques.
Chapter 4.1
Xeriscaping includes creative landscape techniques that conserve water. Some of these
techniques include:
soil analysis;
reduced turf area; and
appropriate plant selection
(often native species).
These techniques not only reduce water demand
and but also reduce the need for pesticides and
fertilizers that may contaminate the water flows
offsite. The reduction in the disturbance of the
natural flows of infiltration, evaporation and
runoff helps maintain healthy water systems.
These flows are an essential part of the
hydrological cycle.
Chapter 4.1
Case Study
Hastings Park Restoration Plan
Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg, Vancouver, BC
Resources
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series
www.sustland.umn.edu
The Hasting Park site was restored using native plants
to enhance the ecology of the previously developed
site, as well as reduce water and maintenance
requirements.
Chapter 4.1
Case Study
CK Choi, Institute for Asian Research
Matsuzaki Wright Architects Inc., Vancouver, BC
Resources
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
US EPA Office of Water
www.epa.gov/OW
Waterwiser: the Water Efficiency Clearinghouse
www.waterwiser.org
The Irrigation Association
www.irrigation.org
Chapter 4.2
Objective
Chapter 4.2
Resources
Environment Canada Water Page
www.ec.gc.ca/water
Waterwiser: the Water Efficiency Clearinghouse
www.waterwiser.org
Water Education Foundation
www.water-ed.org
Toilets
Some manufacturers of conventional residential
(tank flush) and commercial (flush valve) toilets
provide water-conserving fixtures. There are
three basic types of water conserving toilets:
Chapter 4.2
Urinals
Showerheads
Washing Machines
The most water efficient washing machines are
front-loading horizontal axis types. These models
can be loaded like a dryer, and the tub rotates
on the horizontal axis. Clothes tumble in a
shallow pool of water at the bottom of the
tub, while baffles scoop up water and spray
it on the clothes. Water levels automatically
adjust based on the water absorption rate of
the clothing. Front loading washers use up to
40% less water and up to 50% less energy than
conventional top-loading (vertical axis) machines.
Also, without the agitator found in top-loading
machines, front-loading machines accommodate
larger capacity loads. The high-speed spin
cycle of a top-loading appliance extracts 30%
more water from clothes, resulting in less drying
time. Although reduction in operating costs and
water consumption are extensive, front-loading
machines are generally more expensive than
conventional models. Front-loading machines are
available in standard (side-by-side with dryers)
and smaller, stackable models.
Faucets
Water-conserving lavatory and gooseneck faucets
are available for commercial and residential use.
The faucets have either manual or automatic
controls (battery or low voltage powered).
Some models operate using infrared sensors for
increased water conservation. A few manufacturers produce metered, pneumatic- control
faucets. Depending on the model, temperature
control may be internal or external. Water
saving faucets have aerators with maximum flows
ranging from 1.9 litres to 8.3 litres per minute.
By comparison, a flow of 13 litres per minute is
standard for conventional faucets.
Case Study
CK Choi, Institute for Asian Research
Matsuzaki Wright Architects Inc., Vancouver, BC
Resources
Dishwashers
Water-conserving dishwashers currently available
use between 12.3 litres and 25.1 litres of hot
water, compared to approximately 35 litres used
by conventional dishwashers. These models are
also energy efficient on normal washing cycles.
Some models offer sensors that adjust the water
level according to the amount of dirt on the
dishes; that is, the cleaner the dishes, the less
water needed. Some models include features
for washing on the top rack only. Models with
stainless steel interiors resist discolouration over
time and prolong the life of the dishwasher.
4.3 Innovative
Wastewater
Treatment
Chapter 4.3
Water Requirements
In most residential, commercial and institutional
buildings, the needs for non-potable water are
significantly greater than the needs for potable
Types of Wastewater
Wastewater can be classified in two categories:
blackwater and graywater. Typically wastewater
is treated through septic systems for low-density
developments, or through large-scale wastewater
treatment facilities for entire communities.
Blackwater is the wastewater produced by toilets
and urinals. It requires significant treatment
before being reused, recycled or disposed of.
Regulatory requirements may include the need
to provide conventional wastewater treatment
systems. Also, development on sites adjacent to
wastewater treatment facilities may be restricted
due to possible contamination.
Blackwater
treatment systems require significantly more
maintenance than graywater systems.
Graywater is the wastewater produced from sinks,
showers and laundry. Treatment requires less
maintenance and less infrastructure than the
treatment of black water and it may be achieved
by means of a landscape biofilter. Landscape
biofilters can be incorporated as an amenity or
landscape feature such as a marshland. Biofilters
can also provide other ecological and social
benefits. Treated graywater may be recycled,
SDCB 101 Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings
Chapter 4.3
Resources
Greywater Central
www.greywater.net
Greywater Information
www.greywater.com
Wastewater Reclamation
Objectives
to reduce freshwater demand by applying
wastewater reclamation strategies.
to reduce the negative impacts of
wastewater.
The impact of buildings on water resources can be
minimized by recycling and reusing wastewater.
Using reclaimed or non-potable, lower quality
water can dramatically reduce freshwater demand.
An advanced house La maison des marais, located in
proximity to a marshland, uses a Quebec technology
called Le biofiltre Ecoflo to filtrate the houses
wastewater and avoiding contamination of the
surrounding sensitive ecosystem.
Case Study
Advanced house comparable to R-2000
La maison des marais
R. Monnier, Architecte, QC
Wastewater Recycling
Wastewater recycling recirculates blackwater and
graywater many times through a reclamation
system. These systems use controlled applications
of natural absorption materials and in-line filters.
They are commonly known by trade names, such as
Solar Aquatics, Waterloo Biofilter Living Machines,
and Cycle-Let technologies. Each time wastewater
passes through a reclamation system, a percentage
of water is absorbed by the system. The initial
amount of water is reduced during each successive
cycle through the system. Water is absorbed by
the systems living organisms that feed off the
nutrients in the reclaimed water. Wastewater
recycling is the most efficient type of reclamation,
because it uses a closed loop system.
Chapter 4.3
Wastewater Reuse
Wastewater reuse is a process that does not
include the complete recycling of wastewater.
These systems treat wastewater sufficiently to
permit its reuse as lower quality water. For
example, water from showers and baths can be
treated and reused for toilet flushing. Compared
to full wastewater recycling, reuse strategies
produce a larger amount of wastewater and are
usually less successful in reducing overall water
demand.
Chapter 4.3
Technologies
Many innovative wastewater treatment systems
are available to Canadian design teams. All
new systems will require the involvement and
support of the building users because they may
need an explanation of the function of the
system. Moreover, ongoing maintenance will be
required to ensure the proper functioning of the
wastewater treatment system.
Each system has different advantages and
tradeoffs. Some commonly used wastewater and
septic tank treatment technologies are Clivus
Multrum Greywater Filter, Waterloo Biofilter,
polishing filter, ultraviolet disinfection, ozone
disinfection, Alascan wastewater system,
Biogreen wastewater system, Biokreisel, Clean
Flush System, Cycle-Let, Hydroxyl Systems,
and Rotordisk.
Case Studies
Beausoleil Solar Aquatics
ECO-TEK Wastewater Treatment, Errington, BC
Body Shop (Canada) Headquarters
Colborne Architectural Group, Don Mills, ON
Resources
Ocean Arks International
www.oceanarks.org
Ecological Engineering Associates (EEA)
www.solaraquatics.com
Living Technologies Inc.
www.livingmachines.com
4.4 Regulations,
Linkages and
Tradeoffs
Chapter 4.4
Chapter 5.0
Polluting Emissions
Factors Affecting Pollution
Chapter 5.1
Polluting Emissions
Objective
to minimize the amount of polluting
emissions from energy use.
Greenhouse gases (GHG) are by-products
of energy production and consumption. For
example, coal burned for electricity production
and fossil fuels burned for automobile use both
produce greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2.
Energy production is the largest activity that
produces GHG emissions in Canada, accounting
for approximately 34% of the total emissions.
Greenhouse gases cause global warming, which is
damaging ecosystems.
The 1997 Kyoto Accord identified targets for
the reduction of GHG emissions. Over the last
Chapter 5.1
Resources
Energy Production
Transportation Issues
In brief, the selection of low impact energy
sources can reduce damage to the environment,
depletion of the ozone layer, and consequent
human illnesses (e.g. UV-B exposure can cause
skin cancer, eye damage).
Case Study
Mountain Equipment Co-op
Linda Chapman Architect and Christopher
Simmonds Architect in joint venture, Ottawa, ON
Chapter 5.1
Efficiency
Resources
Natural Resources Canada
www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Network
www.eren.doe.gov
Chapter 5.2
Objective
to minimize embodied construction energy.
Minimizing the initial amount of energy used for
the construction of a building can be achieved by
specifying building products with low embodied
energy and low life cycle environmental impacts,
as well as by using systems, materials and
construction techniques that do not require heavy
machinery and energy-intensive construction.
Chapter 5.2
Case Study
Straw bale house in an urban environment
Julia Bourke, Architecte, QC
Resources
Deconstruction Energy
Objective
to minimize the energy required to
deconstruct buildings.
Chapter 5.2
Case Study
Mountain Equipment Co-op
Linda Chapman Architect and Christopher
Simmonds Architect in joint venture, Ottawa, ON
Resources
CMHC - Designing for Disassembly
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Institute for Self Reliance
Building Deconstruction
www.ilsr.org/recycling/builddecon.html
Chapter 5.3
Chapter 5.3
Case Studies
La Petite Maison du Weekend
Patkau Architects Inc., Vancouver, BC
UBC Earth Science Building
Busby + Associates Architects, Vancouver, BC
Resources
The Guide to Resource Efficient
Buildings Elements
www.crbt.org
HVAC
Lighting
Chapter 5.3
Chapter 5.3
Resources
Consumer Reports
www.consumerreports.org
Energuide
energuide.nrcan.gc.ca
The National Lighting Product Information
Program (NLPIP)
www.lrc.rpi.edu
EPA Energy Star
www.energystar.gov
Building Orientation
Objective
to orient the building to take advantage of
solar and localized climatic conditions.
Proper building orientation and perimeter design
can reduce energy consumption by permitting
passive and active solar power to reduce:
energy use;
the amount of mechanical equipment; and
levels of artificial lighting.
Ideally in Canada, buildings incorporate southfacing glazing for increased winter solar gain
(well shaded to mitigate summer solar heat
gain). On the east and west elevations, the sun
needs to be controlled with more comprehensive
systems (such as louvres) to avoid large heat
gains and glare. This is due to the low angles
of the sun, entering deep into the spaces. Solar
control strategies need to be designed for each
specific location. The north elevation of buildings
should be well-insulated with less glazing. When
the ideal orientation is difficult to achieve due
to existing street patterns, other solutions such
as photovoltaic panels should be used to benefit
from the sun.
At the York University Computer Science Facility,
the east elevation is designed to let in morning
sun in the winter, but to exclude morning sun in
the summer. The west elevation is designed to
eliminate solar gain year round. South elevations
capture winter passive solar gain.
Chapter 5.3
Chapter 5.3
Case Studies
York University Computer Science Facility
Busby + Associates Architects, in association with
Van Nostrand diCastri Architects, Toronto, ON
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
Busby + Associates Architects, Merritt, BC
Resources
Sustainable Buildings Industry Council
www.sbicouncil.org
Advanced Buildings technologies and Practices
www.advancedbuildings.org
Thermal Performance
Objective
to increase thermal performance in order to
reduce operational energy use.
Improving the thermal performance of all elements
of a building the floor, roof, glazing and
walls will significantly improve the energy
efficiency of a building. It is critical to reducing
long and short-term operational energy and
system costs. In addition, improved thermal
performance facilitates the use of passive
systems. Some techniques include:
increasing overall thermal performance of the
walls and windows;
minimizing thermal breaks and heat loss
through the envelope;
using high performance glazing; and
restricting and optimizing the use of glazing
while maintaining benefits of light, air and
views.
Possible recommendations for insulation include:
R30/40 (Wall and Roof) for Canadian
maritime regions;
R40/60 for central regions; and
higher for northern communities.
Scandinavian practice already uses these levels.
Because rising costs are anticipated in a future
deregulated energy industry, such levels of
insulation will result in a payback from improved
thermal performance. The insulation level
architects specify today is intended to last 50 to
75 years.
Chapter 5.3
Passive Systems
Objective
to use the natural attributes of the site to
reduce environmental impacts.
Case Study
Natural Ventilation
Resources
Sustainable Buildings Industry Council
www.sbicouncil.org
The Building Thermal Envelope
Systems & Materials Program
www.ornl.gov/roofs+walls
Institute of Research In Construction
www.nrc.ca/irc
Chapter 5.3
Chapter 5.3
Chapter 5.3
Daylighting
10
Chapter 5.3
Daylighting
Design interiors with good access to natural
light, using narrow floor plates, courtyards
and atria.
Redirect daylight with light shelves to extend
naturally lit spaces deeper into buildings.
Limit or angle west elevation glazing away
from direct western light.
Limit shading on east elevations to allow for
morning solar preheating.
Shade south elevations.
Limit glazing on the north elevation to
reduce heat loss.
Case Studies
EcoResidence
Daniel Pearl and Mark Poddubiuk Architectes,
Montreal, QC
York University Computer Science Facility
Busby + Associates Architects, in association with
Van Nostrand diCastri Architects, Toronto, ON
APEGBC Head Offices
Busby + Associates Architects, Burnaby, BC
Walnut Grove Aquatic Centre
Roger Hughes + Partners Architects, Langley, BC
AIBC offices, 440 Cambie Street
Busby + Associates Architects,
Pioneer Consultants Ltd. (Code Consultant),
Vancouver, BC
Resources
Advanced Technologies for Commercial Buildings
www.advancedbuildings.org
Solar Energy Society of Canada
www.solarenergysociety.ca
MITs Natural Ventilation Case Studies
naturalvent.mit.edu
11
Energy Sources
Chapter 5.4
Chapter 5.4
Energy Sources
Resources
Advanced technologies for Commercial Buildings
www.advancedbuildings.org
The Energy Efficiency +
Renewable Energy (EREN) Database
www.eren.doe.gov
NRCan Energy Sector
www.nrcan.gc.ca/es
Solar Energy
Energy Sources
Hydroelectric
Wind Power
Chapter 5.4
Alternative Fuels
Geothermal
Chapter 5.4
Energy Sources
Case Studies
2211 West Fourth
Hotson Bakker Architects, Vancouver, BC
Telus Office Building
Busby + Associates Architects, Vancouver, BC
Resources
Canadian Renewable Energy Network
www.canren.gc.ca
A commercial mixed-use development in Vancouver, BC,
demonstrates the use of thermal energy harnessed with
heat pumps.
5.5 Regulations,
Linkages and
Tradeoffs
Chapter 5.5
Chapter 6.0
Material Efficiency
Chapter 6.1
Objective
to achieve materials, energy and cost savings
by reusing or renovating existing buildings.
Reusing and renovating buildings offers
material and resource efficiency by avoiding
the construction of new buildings. The reuse
of buildings is a very effective way to reduce
demand for new materials.
Buildings are
constructed with a hierarchy of building elements
and systems, such as, 1. structural components,
2. envelope, and 3. interior finishes. Reusing
only the structure can save 20-30% of new
building costs and avoid massive additions to
landfills (30% of Canadian landfill sites consist
of construction wastes). In some instances, it
is feasible to save only the structural elements
and to replace the building envelope and interior
finishes. In other cases, a cosmetic renovation
may require replacing only interior finishes.
Designing buildings with structural systems that
last and perform well over time is a first step to
facilitating the future reuse of a building.
The office of Busby + Associates Architects is
located in a 1950s era concrete warehouse.
The structure was seismically upgraded. Simple
openings have been cut for atriums and
ventilation.
Natural ventilation, daylighting
and material efficiency are some of the design
strategies employed in this recycled facility. As
Chapter 6.1
Material Efficiency
Case Studies
Telus Office Building
Busby + Associates Architects, Vancouver, BC
1220 Homer Street
Busby + Associates Architects, Vancouver, BC
Angus Locoshop
difica, Montreal, QC
Resources
Material Reduction
and Efficiency
Objective
to provide design solutions that reduce
material and resource demand.
Material reduction can significantly reduce the
consumption of new resources. This can be
achieved by:
designing compact spaces;
using material-efficient construction
techniques;
avoiding superfluous materials such as
unnecessary finishes; and
using standard material dimensions to avoid
waste during construction.
Material Efficiency
Case Studies
1220 Homer Street
Busby + Associates Architects, Vancouver, BC
Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues
Architectura, in collaboration with Arthur
Erickson, Vancouver, BC
Strawberry Vale Elementary School
Patkau Architects Inc, Saanich, BC
La Petite Maison du Weekend
Patkau Architects Inc, Vancouver, BC
Resources
Guide to Resource Efficient Building Products
www.crbt.org
Chapter 6.1
Lifespan
The CSA Standard S478-95, Guidelines on
Durability in Buildings, analyzes the lifespan
of interior materials for an office building over
60 years. The design service life of finishes
is defined as 5 years for painted materials,
10 years for carpet and floor finishes, and 20
years for partitions, gypsum board and masonry
substrates. For longer useable lives, buildings
must be designed for maximum flexibility, with
the knowledge of these differing lifespans.
Building designs must accommodate for the fact
that components with shorter lifespans need to
be replaced without compromising or damaging
components with longer lifespans. Architects
must create details for easy access, removal and
replacement of various building components. The
useful life of these removed components can be
extended by subsequent reuse or recycling.
Adaptability
Adaptability is a fundamental concept for
the design of green buildings. The design of
conventional buildings dictates their energy and
resource consumption as well as their waste
production for their entire life cycle. Conventional
buildings can be technological time capsules,
locked into consumption profiles based on the
design approaches and technologies prescribed
at the time of their design and construction.
Since sustainable designs must take the longterm view and respond to different uses and
needs over the entire lifecycle of a building, it
is important that a building evolve and that it
be readily adaptable to different uses and new
sustainable technologies.
Green buildings should accommodate changes
in use, new systems, and ease of maintenance.
Contiguous service zones should be provided
for increased adaptability of existing systems
and as support for future new technologies,
such as solar panels, fuel cells, vehicle charging
stations, etc. These new technologies may need
to be incorporated either in the service zones
or externally. Flexible buildings should be able
to provide both internal and external plug-in
connections. Non-zoned schemes are much less
flexible for accommodating future unanticipated
uses and room configurations, for additional
systems, and for future distribution needs.
It is difficult to predict future technologies;
nevertheless, the green design team must provide
for future adaptability to the extent possible.
SDCB 101 Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings
Chapter 6.1
Material Efficiency
Resources
Material Efficiency
Case Studies
Richmond City Hall
Hotson Bakker Architects and Kuwabara Payne
McKenna Blumberg Associated Architects,
Richmond, BC
Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues
Architectura, in collaboration with Arthur
Erickson, Vancouver, BC
Resources
Greater Vancouver Regional District Sustainable Design and Construction
www.gvrd.bc.ca/services/garbage/
jobsite/index.html
C&D Waste Web
www.cdwaste.com
Chapter 6.1
Objective
to reduce demolition and deconstruction
waste.
Designing for building deconstruction (demountability) helps minimize the negative impacts of
buildings on the environment. The construction
industry is a large producer of demolition waste approximately 30% of Greater Vancouver Regional
District landfill waste originates from demolition
and land clearing. The remaining waste is
from the institutional, industrial and commercial
sectors (50%) and the residential sector (20%).
It is possible to change an industry. Following a
1996 law, German cars must be deconstructed
into separate types of material with less than five
hours labour. Current demolition usually involves
mixing large quantities of valuable materials with
less valuable materials, contaminated or ruined
in the demolition process. This valuable material
could be diverted from the waste stream by
deconstructing buildings rather than demolishing
them. Careful disassembly during deconstruction
permits the reuse of salvaged building materials
in new construction.
Chapter 6.1
Material Efficiency
Case Studies
Concord Sales Pavilion
Busby + Associates Architects, Vancouver, BC
Mountain Equipment Co-op
Linda Chapman Architect and Christopher
Simmonds Architect in joint venture, Ottawa, ON
Resources
CMHC - Designing for Disassembly
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Chapter 6.2
Chapter 6.2
Resources
Resources
Objective
to reduce the energy demand associated with
building products.
In order to reduce the energy use associated
with building products, the design team can
specify local and regional materials, thereby
reducing transportation energy and providing
support for the local economy. Using local
materials enhances regionally-differentiated
architecture; for example, the use of a local stone
or other cladding materials can define a regional
architectural characteristic.
Products that reduce operational energy use
should be incorporated. As mentioned in the
Energy and Atmosphere section, energy savings
can be obtained by specifying products that
minimize operational energy, such as energyefficient appliances, lighting and HVAC systems.
Objective
to specify only building products that are
material efficient.
A green building material should demonstrate
material and resource efficiency through its entire
life cycle. The environmental selection criteria
that can be used for selecting efficient green
building products include resource efficiency,
renewable materials, salvaged materials,
recycled content, and materials selected for low
maintenance characteristics.
Renewable Materials
When specifying a building product, the design
team may be faced with the selection of either
renewable products, non-renewable products or
a combination of the two. Renewable building
products, if sustainably harvested, offer the
advantage of conserving other building products
made from finite resources. The use of renewable
materials can be sustained for many generations
without compromising the current global stock.
Some products, such as bamboo and straw, rapidly
Salvaged Materials
The use of salvaged building material minimizes
demands for new materials and resources,
reduces pressure on existing landfills, and offsets
the negative environmental effects from the
production of new materials. There are many
materials that can be reclaimed from existing
buildings. Reclaimed, large dimension lumber
is usually high quality, clear wood that is very
difficult to obtain new today. It should be
remilled and used in ways that demonstrates its
inherent natural beauty in applications such as
millwork or furniture.
Chapter 6.2
Chapter 6.2
Case Studies
City of Vancouver Materials Testing Facility
Busby + Associates Architects, Vancouver, BC
Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues
Architectura, in collaboration with Arthur
Erickson, Vancouver, BC
Resources
EcoSmart Concrete Project
www.ecosmart.ca
Used Building Material Associations (UBMA)
www.ubma.com
Used Building Materials Exchange (UBM) Index
www.build.recycle.net
Certified Products
Objective
to specify certified products to ensure
minimum environmental performance
There are third party associations that will certify
the environmental merits of certain products.
In the case of sustainably harvested wood,
two organizations undertake such certification:
the Silva Forest Foundation and the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC). Numerous labeling
programs are also available such as EcoLogo,
Energy Star Label, and Terrachoice. Certification
and labeling is growing rapidly and there are
likely to be green labels on most products in the
near future. In the meantime, architects should
request the data and backup reports for all eco
labels on products specified.
Chapter 6.2
Resources
Forest Stewardship Council
www.fscoax.org
UPA Energy Star
www.energystar.gov
Green Seal
www.greenseal.org
Silva Forest Foundation
www.silvafor.org
Case Studies
Strawbale house construction in
an urban environment
Julia Bourke, Architecte, QC
Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues
Architectura, in collaboration with Arthur
Erickson, Vancouver, BC
Low Cost Dwelling for the Environmentally
Hypersensitive
Phillip Sharp Architect Ltd, Ottawa, ON
CK Choi, Institute for Asian Research
Matsuzaki Wright Architects Inc., Vancouver, BC
Resources
Environmental Building News Product Catalog
www.buildingreen.com
OIKOS Green Building Source
www.oikos.com
Canadas EcoLogo
www.environmentalchoice.com
6.3 Regulations,
Linkages and
Tradeoffs
Chapter 6.3
Chapter 7.0
Outdoor Pollutants
Indoor Pollutants
Fresh Air and Ventilation
Chapter 7.1
Outdoor Pollutants
Objective
to minimize the penetration of outdoor
pollutants into buildings.
The presence in outdoor air pollutants is
exacerbated by various activities located in
the immediate vicinity of buildings. Outside
activities such as high traffic, idling vehicles at
loading docks and industrial processes nearby
can introduce contaminants into a buildings
ventilation system or through operable windows.
Contamination from outdoor air pollutants can
be effectively mitigated by the proper location
of outdoor air intakes and the orientation and
distribution of operable windows.
Chapter 7.1
Resources
ASHRAE 62-1999 Ventilation Standards for
Acceptable Indoor Quality
www.ashrae.org
Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Indoor Pollutants
Objectives
to minimize the contamination of indoor air
during construction and during operation.
to reduce or eliminate the use of materials
that emit contaminants or pollutants to
indoor air.
Indoor air pollutants can be introduced by
various construction processes, interior activities,
inadequate maintenance and by materials
specified and used in buildings.
Compounds introduced during construction
and renovation can contaminate the indoor
environment and lead to long-term problems with
indoor air quality. HVAC systems are especially
vulnerable to contaminants such as dust, VOCs,
and micro-organisms. Contaminants can remain
in HVAC systems for long periods of time, causing
serious health problems to building occupants.
Strategies to minimize contamination during
construction include:
isolating HVAC systems;
isolating work areas to minimize overall
contamination;
Chapter 7.1
Chapter 7.1
Case Studies
Low Cost Dwelling for the Environmentally
Hypersensitive
Phillip Sharp Architect Ltd, Ottawa, ON
Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues
Architectura, in collaboration with
Arthur Erickson, Vancouver, BC
Resources
Canadas EcoLogo
www.environmentalchoice.com
OIKOS Green Building Source
www.oikos.com/products
Building Materials for the
Environmentally Hypersensitive, CMHC
www.cmhc.ca
Public Works and Government
Services Canada, IAQ
www.pwgsc.gc.ca/rps/iaq
Resources
ASHRAE 52.2 Method for Testing
General Air Cleaning Devices for
Removal Efficiency by Particle Size
www.ashrae.org
USEPA Indoor Air Quality Division
www.epa.gov/iaq
Canadian Lung Association
www.lung.ca
Controllability of Systems
Thermal Strategies
Lighting Strategies
Chapter 7.2
Controllability of Systems
Objective
Chapter 7.2
Case Studies
Revenue Canada Office Building
Busby + Associates Architects, Surrey, BC
Telus Office Building
Busby + Associates Architects, Vancouver, BC
Resources
Best Practice to Maintaining IEQ
www.ipmvp.org
ASHRAE Indoor Air Quality Position Document
www.ashrae.org
USEPA Indoor Air Quality Division
www.epa.gov/iaq
At the Revenue Canada Building, Trox diffusers can be
located anywhere occupants wish, and the numbers of
diffusers can be adjusted for people who are chronically
hot or cold.
System Zones
Occupant control strategies can be applied to
either perimeter or interior HVAC zones.
Thermal Strategies
Objective
to provide maximum thermal comfort for
occupants
to maximize energy savings.
Chapter 7.2
Case Studies
Telus Office Building
Busby + Associates Architects, Vancouver, BC
Intuit Canada Headquarters
Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd., Edmonton, AB
Resources
ASHRAE Thermal Comfort Standard
www.ashrae.org
Lighting Strategies
Objective
to provide adequate lighting levels for
increased energy savings and occupant
comfort.
Lighting design represents an opportunity
to improve the indoor environment through
increased occupant control, improved daylighting,
reduced glare, and a better visual connection with
the outside. When using daylighting strategies,
glare control should be carefully considered.
Increased energy savings are a result of the
increased use of natural daylight and reduced use
of artificial lighting.
The BC Gas Operation Centre is full of naturally lit
spaces. Here, light shelves increase the amount
of daylight entering the spaces and facilitate
solar control.
Chapter 7.2
Case Studies
Revenue Canada Office Building
Busby + Associates Architects, Surrey, BC
APEGBC Head Offices
Busby + Associates Architects, Burnaby, BC
Resources
Tips for Daylighting with Windows
windows.lbl.gov/daylighting/
designguide/browse.htm
7.3 Regulations,
Linkages and
Tradeoffs
Chapter 7.3
Chapter 8.0
Chapter 8.1
LEED
LEED
LEED
LEED
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Certified
(14
(05
(17
(13
possible
possible
possible
possible
points)
points)
points)
points)
Chapter 8.1
Resources
United States Green Building Council
www.usgbc.org
BREEAM GREEN LEAF Rating System.
www.breeamcanada.ca
SBCC and National Assessment Tool
www.raic.org
RAIC Vision
As members of the Royal Architectural Institute
of Canada, we believe that architecture is
intrinsic to our national culture, and that
it must be experienced, discussed, and respected
to stimulate its development and to define
our heritage.
We believe that excellence in the practice
of architecture embodies environmental and
social responsibility, the exceptional resolution
of built form and functional requirements,
and the ability to lift the human spirit.
Chapter 10.0
Introduction
Information Technologies
Chapter 10.0
Dematerialization:
Information technologies
offer the promise of satisfying a wide range of
human needs without construction - employing
electronic services in place of physical built
facilities. The social and behavioural implications
of widespread adoption of Information
Technologies are currently uncertain, but they
will profoundly alter our perceptions of time and
space and, one can speculate, the perceived limits
of human possibility.
Decarbonization
Energy production and use are central to the
current environmental problems and to any
discussion of sustainability.
A decarbonization of energy has occurred over
the past 150 years, reflecting greater conversion
efficiencies and the substitution of fuels that
are progressively lighter in carbon - from wood,
to coal, to oil, and now to natural gas. Current
discussions see solar and other renewable energy
technologies emerge as the logical alternative
to fossil fuels, either harnessed centrally or
captured locally. But alternative paths have
been posited. Ausubel (1996), illustrates that
growth of per capita energy consumption has
also been historically keyed to the adoption of
cleaner fuels and that in the past, per capita
energy consumption tripled before the energy
services desired outgrew the old fuels or portfolio
of fuels, whether the limits were economic,
social, technical, and / or environmental. He
suggests that we are on a steady trajectory
toward a methane, and eventually hydrogen,
economy. Solar and renewable technologies would
eventually be used to generate hydrogen that
would then be the primary storage medium,
capable of fulfilling human need without the
adverse environmental consequences associated
with the combustion of fossil fuels. The promise
suggested by Ausubel is for yet another seemingly
unconstrained increase in energy use.
World Views
The key question is not what will be the nature of
future building, but what value set or worldview
will prevail and the extent to which it embraces
and engenders environmental responsibility
across a range of diverse cultures. The way that
the broader technological and other contextual
changes may shape this worldview over the next
century is critical.
There are two current conflicting worldviews.
One is a recognition of ecological constraint;
the other is shaped by the perceived freedoms
permitted by new technologies:
At the centre of an ecological-based
worldview is that humans are an integral part
of the natural world and are constrained by
its production and assimilative abilities. The
underlying message in environmental debate
over the past two or three decades, above
all, has been about respecting natural limits
and understanding how to live within them.
The emergence of the Internet and the
promise of a New Economy, a new Energy
Economy the Hydrogen Economy ,
may well change human preference,
expectation and action. Any answer to
the question of the future of green
building must start with anticipating
how the seemingly unlimited capability of
information technologies and the potential
of abundant clean energy within a hydrogen
economy may affect human aspirations.
Not only are they about constraint and
freedom, but they are also about fundamentally
different time frames of reference. Ecological
responsibility is about accepting the long-term
view and yet emerging information technologies
are shortening our time horizons of thinking.
How we react to either long-term or shortterm demands of these information technologies,
will indirectly but profoundly transform our
understanding of energy and environmental
problems, future environmental policy, the
strategies that we implement, and what and
how we build.
Embracing Sustainability
The shift from green performance to sustainable
levels of performance may well require a conceptual
leap. Whereas we can define green and even
greener as well as the incremental process for
improving performance, it is difficult to currently
envision a sustainable future either in general
terms or as related to the configuration of human
settlement. As such it is more difficult to identify
sustainable targets for individual buildings and the
individual building is a too constraining level to
define sustainable practice. While greater leaps
in building performance may be perceived more
risky and more challenging for clients and the
design team, they will not necessarily be more
expensive. Greater and more comprehensive leaps
in performance enables the creative integration
of systems and strategies. Further, a more
coordinated effort by the design team can provide
a greater opportunity for trade-off of one cost
item against another.
Chapter 10.0
References
Ausubel. J.H., (1996) Can Technology Spare
the Earth? American Scientist, Vol. 84,
March-April, 1996, pp167-179
Graedel, T.E. and B.R. Allenby, Industrial Ecology,
Prentice Hall, 1995
Mitchell, W.J., (1999) The Era of the E-topia:
the right reactions to the digital revolution
can produce lean and green cities, Architectural
Record, March 1999, pp35-36
Romm, J., Rosenfeld, A., and Herrmann,
S., (1999) The Internet Economy and Global
Warming: A Scenario of the Impact of
E-commerce on Energy and the Environment,
The Center for Energy and Climate Solutions,
A Division of The Global Environment and
Technology Foundation, Version 1.0,
December 1999
Yashiro, T., (2001) Incentive for Industrial
Ecology in Building Sectors. Paper presented
at OECD/IEA Joint Workshop: The Design of
Sustainable Building Policies, OECD, Paris,
28-29th June 2001.
Glossary
Glossary
SDCB 101
Glossary
Biodegradable
Ecology
Blackwater
Ecosystem
Brownfields
Efficient Detailing
Commissioning
Daylighting
Daylighting Controls
Depletion
Embodied Energy
Emission
Environmental LCA
Extraction
Ecolabel
Filtration
SDCB 101
Glossary
Fossil Fuel
Freshwater
Graywater
Life Cycle
Non-Renewable Resource
Green Design
Design which
considerations.
focuses
on
environmental
Hazardous Wastes
Heat Island
Photovoltaic
Quality of Life
Hydrological Cycle
Recyclable Materials
Recycling
Glossary
Renewable Energy
Resource Efficiency
Runoff
SDCB 101
Stormwater Management
Sustainability
Thermal Mass
Scrubber
Sedimentation
Sewage
Sewer
Smog
Waste
Watershed
Water Table
Bibliography
Bibliography
SDCB 101
Bibliography
Publications
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