Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/331457
Feeling Resourceful Eco-design strategies and technologies take a giant leap into the future by Laurie Jones envelope engineers as well as our project partners." This first- principles based framework contains six guiding design strat- egies that cross all third-party green building rating systems – current LEED credits, piloted LEED credits and future LEED credits are all addressed. One of the current projects for RJC is the new SUB building at the University of British Columbia. Currently under con- struction and projected to be LEED Platinum, this five-storey plus penthouse building is incorporating aspects of the Living Building Challenge and will serve as the main meeting place for students. "This building is designed to embrace sustain- ability and features include future adaptability, roof-mounted solar hot water and provision for future solar PV, FSC Wood, portland-limestone cement and in-slab hydronic heating and cooling," says Blackman. RJC also engaged with the Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering) students enrolled in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) course. The students were assisted by RJC and other members of the design team in conducting a cradle-to-grave LCA of the new SUB building. HH Angus & Associates Ltd. recently completed the Thunder Bay Consolidated Courthouse, a multi-storey build- ing with 15 courtrooms and four conference/settlement suites. Len Williams, senior electrical designer at HH Angus & Associates Ltd., says concerns around sustainable lighting consistently address not only the energy efficiency of light- ing but also concerns about where light goes. "HH Angus' lighting design for the project is dark-sky compliant," he says. "It eliminates upward light into the atmosphere – what is known as throwing lumens into the sky – cutting down on unnecessary glow." The Courthouse is targeting LEED Silver, which also requires that exterior lighting cuts off at the property line to eliminate light trespass onto neighbouring lots. While the P3 project used primarily state-of-the-art linear and compact fluorescent lighting throughout to meet cost targets, Williams sees LED use increasing generally. "Early LEDs were extremely bright, but manufacturers have been working to perfect them, while at the same time increasing the energy efficiency." Alex McGowan, VP of technical services at Levelton Consultants Ltd., is completing research for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation ( CMHC) in the North of 60 communities (the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) that addresses energy-efficient retrofits. "This is a continuation of work we did in areas that are South of 60 with retrofit packages for four archetypes – victory house, raised bungalow, two-storey and split level with a back walk- out. Our research has resulted in a number of fact sheets that are now available on the CMHC website under the Green Housing section, entitled Energy Efficiency Building Envelope Retrofits," says McGowan. S ust ainabilit y has become more than a buzzword for renewable produc t s and product development – it is a way of life for many people and busi- nesses. With that in mind, project devel- opers and suppliers look to the latest in state-of-the-art technology and newly designed products that will last. LEED certification criteria continues to be at the forefront with most design- ers and architects, and the development of plans for the Surrey Memorial Hospi- tal Critical Care Tower is no exception. "We will be pursuing LEED Gold level when the project is done, which will reduce the building's energy consump- tion by 47 per cent when compared to a standard design," says Eba Raposo, senior associate with Parkin Architects Limited. "We have added a number of sustainable design elements, the first of which is a flat plate structure design with minimal walls and bracing that would affect floor plans. This allows for greater flexibility in the floor plans as well as for future renovations." Raposo says at least 20 per cent of the materials used in construction will be extracted and manufactured locally. Wood is used in both the interior and exterior as a sustainable resource. "There is also ample use of natural day- lighting for energy efficiency to support a healing, healthy and welcoming envi- ronment while minimizing the need for artificial lighting," Raposo says. Enhancing the interior design with sustainable materials is paramount – carpet with 39 per cent total recycled content and 100 per cent recyclability at end of life will be used in administra- tive areas. On the exterior, a stormwater management system will capture run- off and discharge it into a groundwater infiltration system. Water efficient landscaping will not require irrigation. Engineering considerations play a large part in developing sustainable structures, and experts are ensur- ing their projects consider the highest standards, current codes and future code developments. "Buildings are directly and indirectly responsible for considerable environmental impacts and knowing how specific parts of the building contribute to those impacts allows designers to make better deci- sions," says Michael Blackman, LEED AP and associate with Read Jones Christoffersen (RJC). "As part of a commitment to inte- grating sustainable design, Read Jones Christof fersen has formalized an inhouse Sustainable Design Framework to guide our structural and building Above: Surrey Memorial Hospital's Critical Care Tower. Photo: Ed White Photographics. Courtesy CEI Architecture. Below: Under construction is the new SUB building at the University of British Columbia, by RJC. June 2014 /35 Sustainable Building Design p.34-39Sustainable.indd 35 14-06-03 9:46 AM