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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Bold form reflects site’s rugged terrain and environmental stewardship

View of the west elevation shows how the building perches on the rock ledge. An overhang at the south-west corner [right in photo] and interior sun shades mitigate solar heat gain

Shifting, sloping and canting, the Killbear Provincial Park Visitor Centre pays homage to its site, a windswept outcropping of the Canadian Shield, its granite bedrock exposed by the glaciers at the end of the last ice age. (more…)

A closed loop approach to materials, products and manufacturing processes

Haworth’s Gold-rated Zody Chair®. Cradle to Cradle™ Certified materials are eligible for a LEED point as an Innovation Design credit. [Photo: Haworth, Inc.]

Created by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry [MBDC] and first launched in 1995, the Cradle to Cradle design protocol evaluates, optimizes and certifies materials, products and manufacturing processes for their human health, ecological and life cycle impacts. (more…)