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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Selecting Carpet and Resilient Flooring

Interior materials and finishes are a component of buildings where life-cycle impacts may be significantly greater than the impact associated with the initial manufacture and installation of the material.  Floor coverings in particular, which are subject to mechanical wear, may be replaced several times during the life of a building.

By Jim Taggart with Shelley Penner

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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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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…)

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…)