Strategies for Wireless Systems

Minimizing the energy consumption for lighting can only be achieved when the lighting is controlled in an efficient manner. The better this goal is achieved, the greater the energy savings.

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The least expensive and essential first step to saving energy is to increase thermal resistance of the building envelope with insulation. Manufacturers provide a variety of insulation types and applications, each having varying environmental trade-offs.

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Thermal Mass and Energy Performance

This article is condensed from the sustainable design module of the Concrete Thinking seminar that formed part of the RAIC’s 2009 continuing education program.

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A primer to help choose what to buy

by Hugh Perry and Jim Taggart

In our very seasonal Canadian climate, home designers, builders and homeowners have to balance the desire for large windows that give style, views and natural light with the need to conserve energy. This article reviews the essential things to consider in choosing and sizing windows for a new home, or replacing old windows.

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Technologies to Cut Energy Use

by Hugh Perry

Environmental groups were promoting the benefits of solar heating long before the federal government introduced its solar program in 1975. Over the next few years, domestic solar systems appeared on many buildings across Canada. But the program soon died from lack of commitment and maintenance. The infrastructure had not been as well established as it is now, 30 years later.

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The lighting industry is moving to minimize the amount of mercury used while making lamps more efficient – the target being 200 lumens per watt. The most efficient of today’s lamps [High Pressure Sodium] achieve 120 lumens per watt, [courtesy Forestry Innovation Investment]

by Cristian Suvagau

The search for sustainable lighting solutions is transforming traditional practices and attitudes as the industry navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by outdated infrastructure, new lamp technologies, and the emerging field of photo-biology – the relationship between light and human well-being.
In most situations, lighting design now focuses on maximizing the contribution of daylight, with artificial lighting being designed in ‘layers’ that separate the functions of ambient and task illumination.  An appropriate level of ambient light is necessary not just for navigation, but to reduce eye strain. Task or accent lighting is used to support specific visual tasks, or to create focal points for architectural purposes. Providing low levels of ambient light, and highly localized task illumination allows a lighting installation to respond to changing patterns of occupancy, efficiently and economically. (more…)

The best-value way to start  building green

Most housing experts will say that the least expensive and essential first step to build green is by increasing thermal resistance [R value] of the walls and roof - the building envelope - of the house.

by Hugh Perry

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Paints and Coatings

by Hugh Perry

The industry has revolutionized painting and coating products during the past 20 years and even more so recently. The move away from oil-based finishes to water-based has resulted in greater longevity, better coverage, less use of raw materials, the reintroduction of natural materials, and a safer environment for producers, painters and occupants. Certification agencies have sprouted globally to set achievable standards, verify technical advances and to communicate results to consumers.

Concerns for health and environmental impact are now balanced with aesthetics, and have created this driving force for change that is being met by manufacturers, suppliers and contractors. New technologies and associated terminology has resulted, along with growing interest in purely natural products and unconventional application methods. (more…)

Flooring

InterfaceFLOR carpet tile is manufactured under its EcoMetrics system that monitors manufacturing waste reduction, renewable energy, carbon emissions, water and energy usage, and the percentage of recycled and bio-based materials in its products.

by Jim Taggart

The ‘take, make and waste’ system upon which most of our industries were founded is the legacy of a time when resources seemed limitless; there were fewer people to consume them, and our material needs were less.

Today our perception has changed and our industries are adjusting to a new reality. Some lead, some follow and some drag their feet - and in this regard the flooring industry is no different from any other. (more…)

The Industry View

Water Cube

Water Cube; The National Aquatic Centre in Beijing China is the largest building to use EIFE roofing material. In this application the thin film is made into translucent pillows that modulate light and provide a degree of thermal insulation [Photo: Yang Lei, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China]

by Marion Axmith

At first sight, plastics may appear to be a poor fit in the context of green building. Many in the design and construction industry consider plastics “unnatural” and nowhere near as “green” as more traditional materials like wood. However, more considered analysis reveals that plastic building materials bring a lot of advantages to the table, including energy efficiencies and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The materials are durable and effective so, whether a project is being built according to the latest LEED, Green Globes or other recognized industry tool, plastics can make a significant contribution. (more…)