This issue of SABMag endeavours to provide a snapshot of the current state of the green building movement in Canada, its recent accomplishments, its current concerns and its emerging trends. It follows hard on the heels of our annual awards issue, the fourth in a series that has become a valuable barometer for the design and construction industry. [See www.sabmagazine.com Issues 12, 18, 24 and 30].

Since the first issue of SABMag appeared in the summer of 2006 [less than one year after the country’s first LEED Platinum building was completed], the process of designing and delivering leading edge green buildings in Canada has undergone significant change.

By Jim Taggart

(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…)

Forest certification, reduced-formaldehyde panels build on natural qualities

The manufacturing of wood products uses fewer resources and is less polluting than other materials

by Kathy Abusow

Of all building materials, wood has the largest number of inherent green attributes. Biodegradability, carbon sequestration and renewability top an impressive list that also includes low embodied energy, low manufacturing emissions, and natural insulating properties. (more…)