Public building makes a statement with energy and water savings

by Jim Taggart

The 1,600 sq.m office and conservation centre has cut the need for potable water by 70%, and passive heating, high-efficiency boilers, and heat recovery ventilators have reduced energy use by 42%. The building has become a destination to learn about LEED construction, and best practices in water conservation and on-site septic treatment.

(more…)

An installed sound masking system is almost indiscernible to occupants.

Just as with light, temperature and humidity, there is a comfort zone for the volume of sound in an occupied space. It is determined by the noise floor, or the level of continuous background sound. If the noise floor is too high, the environment is irritating and tiring. If it is too low, other occupants’ conversations are easily overheard and noises cause distractions.
Acoustically, green buildings present additional challenges because the strategies that help with daylighting, natural ventilation and temperature regulation also tend to lower their acoustic performance. (more…)

Rendering of the Richmond Olympic Oal. The proprietary pre-fab “woodwave” panel system was designed, fabricated and installed by Structurecraft Builders Inc., and spans between the glulam arches.

The increasing concern for energy efficiency and other green building strategies, as codified in the LEED Rating System [as well as other rating systems], considers many aspects of indoor environmental quality but does not explicitly provide credits for good acoustical design. (more…)

for high performance buildings

The Earth Rangers Centre uses earth tubes and a double foundation wall. The energy recovery in winter and summer is sufficient to temper the air about 5º C on average and up to 10º C on cold days.

It has become increasingly common to provide heat recovery on ventilation systems in buildings. In fact, it is difficult to achieve the minimum energy performance requirements for a LEED or other high performance building without it. (more…)