Our client for this project was the British Columbia Hydro & Power Authority [BC Hydro]. In accordance with the Province’s Climate Action Plan and its associated carbon reduction mandate, BC Hydro is required to move towards carbon neutrality in all of its activities. As a result, building projects funded by the rate payers of the province are to demonstrate exemplary environmental performance. Our project is the first building to be completed under this initiative.

By Kevin Hanvey

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Heritage landmark brought up to speed from the inside

Over its 80 year life, the interior of this landmark heritage building in downtown Calgary had been compromised by several insensitive renovations, although the exterior remained largely intact and in excellent condition. The challenge posed to the design team, was to create a leading edge, energy efficient and sustainable office environment within the building, while preserving  and enhancing the historic character of the exterior.

By Jerry Hacker

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Pilot projects clear path to future

More information on the
FCM Awards at www.fcm.ca

Among the many factors that helped advance the sustainable design movement in Canada over the last decade was the realization that the construction and operation of buildings accounted for almost 40% of our annual GHG emissions. Not surprisingly this realization initially translated into a building-focused approach to resource and energy conservation.

Compiled by Jim Taggart

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Sensitive design supports native culture in the heart of the city

The new Native Child and Family Services of Toronto [NCFST] consolidates social and culture-based services for aboriginal children and families within an existing  2,800m2 office building in the heart of downtown Toronto.

By Dean Goodman

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Houses that deliver heating and cooling on a shoestring energy bill

The term Passive House refers to a rigorous voluntary performance standard that substantially reduces the environmental impact of a building by reducing energy consumption to a level 80-90% less than that of a standard Canadian house.

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Large Georgian home leaves small enviro footprint

Ottawa’s first LEED Platinum detached house is located in the city’s upscale Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood northeast of downtown. It replaces an older, much modified and energy inefficient home that the owners had occupied for many years.

By Linda Chapman

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The Art of working with the Sun

Taking control of an essential utility service, by becoming your own power provider, can be an empowering experience, especially when it is also sustainable.
This article focuses on the use of naturally produced electricity rather than on its production. Sustainable methods of electricity generation include photo voltaic [PV] panels, wind generation or hydro generation. See the book review section of this issue for more on this subject. Some simple design rules to follow are:
• do not heat anything with electricity,
• eliminate all wasted power sources,
• consider mechanical rather than electronic, and
• be open to alternative methods.
Keeping these points as the basis for all your decisions will avoid complications and unnecessary cost

By Hugh Perry

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Modest home relies on skilled detailing and passive design

This modest 2,000sf house is located on Bowen Island, which lies at the mouth of Howe Sound, a 20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver. The site is in a west-facing rural lot framed by a ridge of exposed granite to the north, and forest to the south and east. Due to the western exposure and bowl-like topography, the site has a distinct microclimate and can easily reach temperatures of 30oC on sunny days from early May through late September.

By James Tuer, MAIBC, LEED AP

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Innovation of low-tech ideas make a modern building that preserves tradition

This 1,196 sq.m multi-purpose educational facility, located at the heart of the University of Victoria Campus, houses the Indigenous Graduate Student Union, Native Student Union, classrooms, faculty and counseling offices, Elders and
student lounges, study areas and a ceremonial space.

By Alfred Waugh

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Sustainable engineering firm shows how it’s done in LEED Platinum headquarters

In the design of Enermodal’s new headquarters, A Grander View, the primary goal was to create a LEED Platinum office that would be the most energy-efficient in Canada. Since its completion in late 2009, energy consumption for the 2150 m2 building is 69 kWh/m2 of energy per year. This was very close to the design energy modelling predictions of 65 kWh/m2. This compares favourably with the Canadian average of almost 400 kWh/m2. Water consumption is a metered 82 % lower than for a conventional building – exceeding predictions by 9%. This level of performance was largely accomplished through an integrated mechanical system, although building form, orientation and materials all played a part.

By Stephen Carpenter

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