Canada ranks as one of the highest producers of solid waste per capita in the world. A recent survey by Statistics Canada showed that in the year 2002 just over 32.4 million tonnes of waste were managed in Canada with only 25% of this being recycled or reused. Although the figures vary by region, construction and demolition [C&D] wastes account for up to 25% of the non-hazardous solid waste stream.

By Jim Taggart

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Energy in, equals energy out, in Edmonton duplex

The goal of the Riverdale Net Zero Project was to prove that it is possible to build housing that offers an exceptional quality of life for the homeowners while also dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and the overall impact on the environment.

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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…)

Trail breaker a LEED Silver first

The school is remarkable for its quality of light, with large areas of south facing glazing bringing high levels of daylight into classroom areas

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Empowered by the client’s mandate to build a “green” school, the design team pushed the envelope well beyond energy-efficient design, and set out to create a healthy, user-friendly learning environment that effectively facilitates the learning process in the true spirit of sustainability - all within the standard budget for school construction. (more…)