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…)

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Products new and re-invented for healthier interiors

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Third-party evaluation removes the guess work

Earlier this year, a study by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing entitled “The Six Sins of Greenwashing,” tried to ascertain the extent that “greenwashing” plays in everyday consumer products deemed environmentally friendly. Greenwashing is defined as “the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service.” (more…)

Best Practice Embraces Efficiency and Innovation Including daylight harvesting

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Product choices and considerations for energy savings

Thermafiber’s Mineral Wool Insulation contains over 80% recycled content and helps projects qualify for LEED Green Building Credits.

Insulation is only one component of many in the building envelope - but arguably the most critical one in determining energy savings and interior thermal comfort. Every aspect of the envelope design must be considered including the air tightness and the positioning of windows within the thickness of the walls. (more…)

Climate change may mean growing role for time-tested products

Construction Durability

Brick provides long service life, and can also be re-used in new construction.

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Tornados, hurricane spin-offs, torrential rains, floods, heat waves and ice storms.
As such incidents become more common in Canada, the ability of structures to withstand the effects of extreme weather is of growing importance to designers and builders. (more…)

Building owners and designers wanting to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and energy use of their buildings are confronted by an array of technologies for heating and cooling, all claiming superior performance and even promising guaranteed LEED credits. (more…)

basic choices for green building

hardwood flooring from certified forests is becoming more available for interior applications

Products for interior environments should be carefully chosen for reasons of durability and indoor air quality, and for sustainable attributes such as their source, embodied energy, and recycled content. (more…)

Energy Star windows

While performance should be based on the entire window assembly, the consumer’s guide published by the Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada states that fiberglass, with foam insulation in the frame cavities, provides the best energy performance for window frames. The Mnjikaning first nation early childhood education centre by Teeple Architects. [ Courtesy Inline Fiberglass Ltd.]

Over the last twenty years, ongoing research and development in all aspects of design and performance
has transformed the window from a simple product to a sophisticated environmental control system. (more…)