ALBERTA FOCUS FALL 2014-DIGITAL

ALBERTA Canada Green Building Council

FOCUS

ISSUE 5, FALL 2014, Alberta Chapter - CaGBC Regional Publication /

EDMONTON Remand Centre South Calgary Fire Station No. 5 Putting the Sustainable Building Policy into practice Lafarge walks sustainability talk SAIT Polytechnic Innovation research pioneers high-tech greenhouse

Local Workshops + Events FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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CSA SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION – YOUR ASSURANCE OF CANADA’S HIGHEST STANDARDS.

Over 57 million hectares of forest in Canada are certified to the CSA Sustainable Forest Management System standard. An approved National Standard by the Standards Council of Canada, it provides transparency, independence and sustainability in forest management and access to a wide range of certified products.

Find out more about how CSA certification can meet your sustainable wood sourcing needs at www.csasfmforests.ca 2

FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

Message from the Alberta Chapter of the CaGBC The Alberta Chapter – CaGBC is excited!

Alberta’s sustainable building movers and shakers have been moving and shaking, initiating innovative projects, applying new materials, adapting new technologies and spreading the word about the advantages of building green.

The numbers are in and 2014 is poised to become another record year. Alberta LEED registrations for just the first eight months of 2014 have reached 85 per cent of all registrations in 2013.

As well, LEED projects are certifying at record levels in Alberta with 45 projects representing nearly 500,000 square metres receiving certification so far this year.

From my perspective, green building is ‘business as usual’ in Alberta and certification is the insurance of a high-performing, healthy green building for owners and occupants. This insurance applies not only to new construction but also to existing building stock in our province, underlining the inherit value of our stock in meeting society’s needs while minimizing our footprint. As well, the business case for green is increasingly understood and supported by building owners and tenants — and proven in black and white with local benefit analysis similar to those recently completed by the cites of Calgary and Edmonton.

With the current LEED NC 2009 rating system transitioning to LEED version 4 in the coming months, the Alberta Chapter has the in-person and online workshops designed for Canadians in place to help Alberta’s green building professionals prepare for the new LEED v4. See pages 6 and 7 for more information on upcoming LEED v4 education in Alberta.

In addition, the Sustainable Building Advisor program offered by the CaGBC is launching in Calgary in January 2015. Whether you are a seasoned green building professional or aiming to get a start in the fast-paced sustainability field, the Sustainable Building Advisor (SBA) program will open up new opportunities for you. The program focuses on practical, forward-thinking ways to design, construct and manage buildings that are resource efficient, environmentally responsible, cost effective and healthy for all occupants.

I’ve outlined the workshops and training opportunities above to illustrate the point that Alberta’s green building movement has moved far beyond bricks and mortar. Design and construction now encompass areas including our health, lifestyle and finances — with even more potential to develop in the future.

So, are you ready? The Alberta Chapter – CaGBC is committed to ensuring Alberta’s green building professionals have the knowledge and tools they need to lead the way to a more sustainable future.

Sincerely,

Tanya Doran Executive Director Alberta Chapter - CaGBC

FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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What do the Simmons Building, Bow Valley College, City Hall, Intact Place and the National Music Centre all have in common?

BECAUSE YOUR BUILDING CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

They have all made the choice to heat their buildings from ENMAX Energy Corporation’s Downtown District Energy Centre.

The District Energy Centre is located adjacent to the East Village at 4th Street and 9th Avenue S.E. Using a closed loop underground pipe system, it can be tapped into new and existing buildings to supply affordable, reliable, worry free heat.

TM

Learn more about how your building can join District Energy and lead Calgary into a brighter energy future.

Call one of our representatives at 403-514-2885 or visit enmax.com /districtenergy

ENMAX Corporation

Cambridge Lofts Penthouse, Edmonton.

IntroducIng The superior energy performance of The fiberglass curTainwall.

Follow us: williamsengineering.com 4

glascurtain.ca info@glascurtain.ca

FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS 1/4 glasscurtain.indd 5

2014-09-10 3:13 PM

See a digital version of CaGBC Alberta Chapter FOCUS at www.sabmagazine.com/digital

In this Issue Fall 2014

6

Professional Development & Events

20

Lafarge walks sustainability talk

8

Demand is heating up for District Energy

22

Sacramento Municipal Utility District LEED Platinum Net Zero Campus

10

South Calgary Fire Station No. 5 Putting the Sustainable Policy into practice

24

Edmonton Valley Zoo Entry and Wander

12

Green is the new black at Edmonton’s new Remand Centre

26

Edmonton International Airport

14

Mosaic Centre and Lean

28

MacEwan University Service Centre

18

A 21st century Emergency Operations Centre

30

Innovation research pioneers high-tech greenhouse

Alberta FOCUS is printed on Rolland Environ100 Satin, a 100% post-consumer fiber that is certified FSC and EcoLogo. It is processed chlorine-free, FSC-recycled and is manufactured using biogas energy.

+

12savings for this issue: 45,044 L Environmental water trees 682 kg waste

1,774 kg CO2

A joint publishing project of the Alberta Chapter - CaGBC and SABMag. Address all inquiries to Don Griffith: dgriffith@sabmagazine.com Published by Janam Publications Inc. | www.sabmagazine.com | www.janam.net FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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Upcoming Workshops + Events

DATE

COURSE

HIGHLIGHTS

LOCATION

Sept. 22 & 23

LEED v4 Green Associate Study Course

This course provides opportunities to gain and test new knowledge through lecture, small and large group activities and practice test questions.

Calgary

Sept. 25

Understanding the LEED v4 BD & C rating system review

NEW! This workshop introduces the intent, key elements, main requirements and unique aspects of the Green Building Design and Construction (BD+C) LEED rating systems. Participants will gain a solid understanding of the core concepts and strategies behind a successful green construction project.

Edmonton

Oct. 14

Understanding the LEED v4 BD & C rating system review

As above.

Calgary

Oct. 22 - 24

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo

The Alberta Chapter, in partnership with Alberta International and New Orleans Intergovernmental Relations, is planning a business development trade mission to Greenbuild. Your company is invited to participate free of charge as an Alberta Associate Exhibitor to promote your company’s capabilities to the green building market.

Oct. 28

Lunch & Learn: Rebuild, recover, re-imagine - Slave Lake Government Centre and Library

The Slave Lake fire in May 2011 destroyed much of the town including the Government Centre & Library. Both buildings have been rebuilt and are targeting LEED® Silver. This session speaks to the technical and leadership aspects of the rebuild and the resulting regeneration of social capital.

Calgary

Oct. 28

Better Buildings Breakfast: Rebuild, recover, re-imagine - Slave Lake Government Centre and Library

As above.

Edmonton

Oct. 28 & 29

LEED Green Associate v4 study course

This course provides opportunities to gain and test new knowledge through Edmonton lecture, small and large group activities and practice test questions.

Nov. 18

LEED v4 Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance technical review

This workshop introduces the intent, key elements, main requirements and unique aspects of the Green Building Operations and Maintenance LEED rating systems. Participants will gain a solid understanding of the core concepts and strategies behind a successful green construction project.

Calgary

May 5, 2015

Alberta Sustainable Building Symposium

Don’t miss the 18th annual ASBS — Alberta’s premier green building event — which attracts architects, engineers, builders, building owners and operators, suppliers and policy makers.

Edmonton

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

DATE

COURSE

HIGHLIGHTS

LOCATION

Sept. 2 - Oct. 24

LEED AP BD & C v4 study course

This study course is designed for professionals including architects, designers, engineers and building managers with hands-on technical experience on a LEED速 registered and/or certified project.

Online

Sept 2. - Oct. 24

LEED AP O & M v4 exam prep course

Online This study course is intended for design, construction and real estate professionals, building owners and anyone who wants to develop their knowledge in this area.

Sept. 2 - Oct. 24

LEED v4 Green Associate exam prep

Acquire the fundamental concepts of green building. You will examine case studies of LEED certified building projects, concepts of integrated design, third-party verification and the LEED administration process.

This course is intended for design, construction and real estate professionals, building owners or any other interested individual.

Sept. 23 - Oct. 2

LEED v4 Green Associate exam prep

Online This webinar, delivered over 4 days, provides you with numerous supplemental study tools including 200 online practice questions that simulate an online testing environment, 101 paper-based questions and answers, a robust study guide and more!

Oct. 2

Reducing energy demand through living architecture

Online NEW! A green wall case study. Discover how building-integrated vegetation can provide multiple synergistic services for green buildings and reduce the demand for non-sustainable energy inputs. Learn to identify opportunities to optimize energy performance by using interior and exterior vegetation.

Oct. 23

Solar PV analysis

Online This webinar covers how renewable energy systems work and explores how the produced energy can benefit LEED projects, giving participants the background needed to perform a feasibility assessment of commercial scale solar photovoltaic systems with RETScreen速. Participants will get some hands-on time with the RETScreen速 software.

Nov. 4 - 25

LEED v4 Green Associate exam prep

Online This webinar, delivered over 4 days, provides you with numerous supplemental study tools including 200 online practice questions that simulate an online testing environment, 101 paper-based questions and answers, a robust study guide and more!

Online

FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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Submitted by Enmax

Demand is heating up

for District Energy

“Everyone is looking for ways to simplify building design without compromising structure or the tenant experience.”

Across Alberta, developers and architects are signing up for a more efficient and reliable approach for heating their buildings.

“Everyone is looking for ways to simplify building design without compromising structure or the tenant experience,” says Pat Bohan, Director of District Energy and Combined Heat and Power at ENMAX Corporation. “District energy provides a simple, worry-free way to reduce costs and ease maintenance requirements when compared to traditional heating systems.”

As Pat explains, district energy works by producing hot water at a central facility, which is then distributed through underground pipes to customer buildings. A simple heat exchange interface then connects to the building’s heating system. Building designers are able to replace traditional boilers with a system that takes far less space, freeing up valuable building space.

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

With over four years of historical data for Calgary’s Downtown

District

Energy

Centre

(DDEC),

it’s

easy to prove that ENMAX’s district energy offers reliability and peace of mind to customers. The DDEC even withstood the Alberta floods of 2013.

While Calgary’s downtown was submerged in water, ENMAX’s Downtown District Energy Centre continued operations without interruption.

“We also monitor and manage both our heating supply and the heat exchange systems in our customers’ buildings 24 hours a day, seven days a week – meaning our customers can rest easy,” Pat describes. 

District energy is an attractive option for both existing and new commercial and residential developers. In Calgary, customers include: • Bow Valley College • The Alberta Trade Centre • Evolution • Intact Place • The National Music Centre • The Simmons Building ENMAX is exploring projects in Edmonton and other communities.

Developers are also taking advantage of district energy for temporary heating during building construction, reducing costs while offering the option for removing on-site combustion.

Contact us to learn how you can bring district energy to your building by visiting: www.enmax.com/districtenergy.

FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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Submitted by THE CITY OF CALGARY

South Calgary Fire Station No. 5 Putting the Sustainable Building Policy into practice

As the first municipality in Canada to develop and put into action a Sustainable Building Policy, The City of Calgary has a deep commitment to developing and promoting sustainable buildings.

1

2 With all City-owned and City-funded buildings over 500 square metres being constructed and certified to LEED Gold standards, the City has demonstrated leadership in sustainable building and innovative building practices. Calgary continues to grow, regularly requiring additional emergency service buildings. Building sustainably helps minimize additional costs associated with this growth.

Opened in November 2012, South Calgary Fire Station No. 5 is one of the City’s 24 owned or funded LEED certified buildings. The project achieved LEED Gold certification in January 2014 under LEED Canada-NC 1.0 with 39 points. The $7.5 million building replaces the old Fire Station No. 5, which, constructed in 1952, was the oldest operational fire hall in Calgary. The new 1,360-squaremetre, three-bay fire station houses four platoons, or shifts, of four firefighters and provides emergency services to more than 28,000 Calgarians in the city’s southwest.

The City of Calgary’s sustainable building practices go hand-inhand with the municipality’s commitment to use 100 per cent renewable electricity. In addition, the Calgary Fire Department has set the ambitious goal of becoming energy neutral by 2021. 

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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PROJECT STATS - 53.0% energy savings (by cost) over ASHRAE 90.1-1999 baseline - 3.6% of energy produced on site - 40.4% water use reduction over baseline consumption - 83.9% of construction waste diverted from landfill - 10.0% of construction materials made from recycled content - 13.4% of construction materials regionally manufactured and extracted - 78.9% of all wood-based materials FSC certified

Some of the energy conservation measures and renewable energy sources included in the new South Calgary Fire Station No. 5 are: • 10 solar thermal panels producing hot water to heat the building, • 18 photovoltaic panels to produce electricity for the building, • high-performance building envelope, • low-emissivity, argon-filled, hermetically sealed double glazing to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, • high-efficiency exterior LED lighting, • energy-efficient interior fluorescent lighting with occupancy and daylight sensor controls, • three high-efficiency condensing boilers, • two variable speed pumps in the hydronic heating system, • insulated ductwork, hydronic heating pipe, refrigerant piping and domestic hot and cold water piping, • energy recovery ventilator, and • high-albedo roofing material to reduce cooling loads in summer.

Other key sustainable features: • Rain water cistern to provide 100% of the site’s irrigation • Low-flow water fixtures • Low VOC materials

1 - South Calgary Fire Station No. 5, looking north 2 - Apparatus bay 3 - Eighteen photovoltaic solar panels produce electricity for the building 4 - Ten solar thermal panels produce hot water to help heat the building

• CO2 sensors to monitor ventilation requirements • Three vehicle charging stations • Permeable paver parking surface

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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Submitted by ALBERTA INFRASTRUCTURE

Green

is the new black at Edmonton’s new Remand Centre The new Edmonton Remand Centre is one of the largest public building projects ever undertaken by the Government of Alberta. It is the largest correctional facility in Canada and officially opened March 19, 2013.

The new facility can house up to 1,952 inmates and replaces the 33-year-old former Edmonton Remand Centre located in downtown Edmonton.

1

The new Edmonton Remand Centre received recognition of green building excellence, achieving LEED Silver certification on June 18, 2014, only 15 months after opening.

“This was no small feat for a special purpose facility that operates 24/7/365,” says Dave Frizell, Director of the Government Facilities

2

Branch at Alberta Infrastructure.

Construction of this new facility began in 2007 and was Alberta

3

Infrastructure’s largest project at the time, with a cost of $580 million. The building size and site area are massive, with a building area of 59,511 square metres and a site area of 16 hectares. That makes the building footprint larger than 37 NHL hockey rinks.

A number of green building features contributed to the LEED Silver rating, including energy efficiency measures relating to the building envelope, mechanical systems and lighting, electric car charging stations, an extensive carpooling program, site-specific storm water management and the use of green materials.

1 - Video visitation booths 2 - Aerial wetland and storm water site treatment in bottom left corner

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

Project highlights • Carbon footprint savings from video conferencing facilities • Energy density*: 390.1 kWh/m2 • Energy savings*: 39% [MNECB] • Best practice commissioning • Measurement and verification • Construction waste management: 82.5% diversion • Storm water management design * Design energy values provided.

Project Credits Owner Alberta Infrastructure Client Justice and Solicitor General Architect ONPA Architects Construction Manager Stuart Olson Construction Ltd. Mechanical Consultant Hemisphere Engineering Electrical/Security Consultants Maskell Plenzik & Partners Engineering Inc., Genivar Engineering [Subconsultant] Commissioning Stantec Landscape Eidos Consultants Civil ISL Engineering and Land Services Structural BPTEC-DNW Structural Engineers Sustainability, Measurement and Verification MMM Group

The facility received LEED credits for best practice commissioning and measurement and verification, putting this facility firmly on track to achieve energy savings in operations. The carbon footprint involved with inmate transportation is significantly reduced thanks to advanced videoconferencing facilities and technologies in place for video-arraignment and video visitation.

The site was designed with consideration of its environmental impact on a neighbouring ecologically sensitive wetland located on the east side of the site. An extensive on-site vegetated area was designed to manage and treat the site’s storm water before diverting it to the nearby wetland.

Healthy green materials were used in construction, including materials with recycled and regional content as well as low-emitting materials. A project of this magnitude has a big impact in helping train the building industry in green building practices and product availability. By the end of the project, 82.5 per cent of construction waste was diverted from the landfill and sent to recycling facilities. 

3 - Video arraignment booths 4 - Front entry

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Submitted by CHANDOS

Mosaic Centre and Lean 1 1 - Mosaic Centre rendering 2 - During construction 3 - On-site process

2

Part One

3

When we at Chandos started using Integrated Project Delivery and Lean on the Mosaic Centre project, we knew it would help us achieve our high sustainability goals of LEED NC 2009 Platinum and Living Building Petal Challenge. Our process and contract would allow our design and construction team to shoot for these lofty goals.

One of the primary tenets behind Lean is to identify and eliminate waste. The eight deadly wastes are over production, over processing, excess inventory, defects, transportation, wasted motion, waiting and not using employee genius. Following is an example of how this might apply to construction.

A mechanical trade is prefabricating duct runs to bring to site. All of

No one asked the workers if there was a better way to build because

the ducts, plus 10 per cent more for safety factor, are sent to site all

we have been doing things the same way we always do them (not

at one time at the beginning of the project (over production). Some

using employee genius).

ducts will be stored outside and are heavily wrapped in poly and then tarped to protect them from the elements (over processing). Because

These examples may seem a bit far-fetched, but these things

everything is on site before we need it, it takes up lots of space — and

happen every day on construction sites all over Canada. On Mosaic,

we have extra ducts (excess inventory). Some of the ducts that sit

Chandos and the team are attempting to schedule with far more

outside eventually get damaged from weather/equipment (defects).

input from our trade partners and we are asking our field workers

The excess ducts have to be moved multiple times because they keep

how to do things better to help us be more effective.

getting in the way as construction proceeds (transportation).

Paul Akers, author of “2 Second Lean,” says there are three keys to As the sheet metal contractor goes to install the ducts, materials and

Lean: see waste, continuously improve every day and record your

tools are in locations that force employees to walk greater distances

improvements in short videos to track progress. We are following

to access their materials (wasted motion). On-site coordination

Paul’s advice on this project. Look for our videos on the Mosaic

between the general contractor and trades isn’t good, and the sheet

Centre website to see how we are reducing waste and continuously

metal contractor is left waiting for the framer to finish work before

improving (http://themosaiccentre.ca/). Our ultimate goal? Build a

starting (waiting).

better building and make a difference for the environment. 

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

18th ANNUAL ALBERTA

Sustainable Bilding

SYMPOSIUM MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Tuesday, May 5, 2015 EDMONTON: Expo Centre

Showcase your work through the Call for Presenters.

Register now and save!

The opportunity:

Symposium registration is now open

• 30 or 50-minutes sessions, lecture or more interactive formats

Register by Feb. 2, 2015 and take advantage of the Super Saver registration rates!

• A Selection Commitee will look for: - innovation, - the learning potential for industry members (entry level to senior) - how the presentation supports the theme, and - skill and experience of the presenter(s)

And in return, Successful submitters will: • gain profile with key industry members, and • receive discounted Symposium registrations

For details check out asbs2015.ca FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS 2014-2015 SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

ft3 Architects + Landscape + Interior Designers Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Graham EcoAMMO 3D Energy Limited

EcoHouse

Design Challenge . . . getting creative Ask Alberta Chapter Executive Director Tanya Doran about

The Alberta Chapter identified the required challenge criteria, team

creative ways to spread the word about sustainable building

eligibility and review process then spread the word through the design

and she will tell you about the Chapter’s management of the

community and post-secondary institutions with design programs. Tanya

EcoHouse Design Challenge.

also coordinated the judging process and advised participants when the judging was complete.

The challenge, open to professional and student design teams from Alberta, was to design the most environmentally friendly

The Challenge attracted 13 teams, all showing creative, imaginative and

home for RRRibbitt, the Regional Municipality of Wood

feasible designs. “The Challenge was a fun way to increase the level of

Buffalo’s recycling mascot, on behalf of the municipality and

engagement and awareness about building green,” says Tanya. “The Alberta

Suncor Energy, Wood Buffalo’s partners in recycling.

Chapter is delighted to have been a part of the EcoHouse Design Challenge.”

Using repurposed camp trailers as the design framework,

Following up on the Challenge, the Alberta Chapter is partnering with the

teams were to design a home that would demonstrate

municipality and Suncor Energy to host a “Go Green” workshop at the Fort

the range of sustainable features and materials possible,

McMurray Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 4, showing families how they

showcasing how Wood Buffalo families can improve the

can retrofit their own homes. Check out workshop details and the design

efficiency of their own homes to reduce their carbon footprint.

challenge submissions at recycle-more.ca. 

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

CaGBC Greenest School in Canada competition . . . Alberta school shares winners’ podium Congratulations to Lord Beaverbrook High School in Calgary, second

The living wall in the school’s foyer is a focal point for the school

runner-up in the first-ever CaGBC Greenest School in Canada competition.

— and a source of pride and joy for teachers and students alike.

Designed by the environmental ecology club, 374 spider, snake,

Launched on Earth Day 2014, this annual competition invites all Canadian

prayer and Nephthytis plants in troughs cover 100 square feet

schools to show how sustainability can be woven into the infrastructure,

of the wall.

culture and curriculum of a school.

Dunbarton High School in Pickering, Ontario took top honours in Lord Beaverbrook High School, with a student body of more than 1,800,

the competition, with Oak Lake Community School in Oak Lake,

fits the bill. The CaGBC Greenest School jury, composed of green building

Manitoba and Claude Watson School for the Arts in Toronto first

industry experts from across the country, was impressed with the schools’

runners-up.

efforts to ensure sustainability is a big part of what the students see and The CaGBC and the Canada Coalition for Green Schools work

learn each day.

together on this initiative and the Green Apple Program. Check The school’s green activities include water conservation efforts and

out cagbc.org for information on how to register for the 2015

measurement, an electricity consumption program and an ecological

Greenest School in Canada competition. 

footprint calculator pilot that teaches students about their daily impact and how to monitor it.

BECOME A CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ADVISOR SEASONED PROFESSIONAL? NEW TO THE GREEN BUILDING INDUSTRY? Either way, the SBA course is perfect for you.

This four month certification course focuses on practical,

PROGRAM RUNS FROM JANUARY 16 TO MAY 2, 2015.

Two half-day Friday and two full-day Saturday classes each month

forward-thinking ways to design, construct and manage buildings that are environmentally responsible, highly efficient and healthy for all occupants. The course is highly interactive featuring lectures, field trips to local green building projects, online learning and a team project.

Early-bird pricing is in effect now and CaGBC members save up to $300 more! Email us at education@cagbc.org or visit our website for details: www.cagbc.org/sba

FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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Submitted by Manasc Isaac

A 21st century

Emergency Operations Centre

1

When the City of Calgary approached Manasc Isaac to design a replacement for its antiquated Emergency Operations Centre [EOC], the team set out to create an EOC of the future.

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

2 3

4

1 - The EOC seamlessly integrates into its residential setting.

2 - Natural light pours into even underground spaces.

3 - The EOC houses up to 250 emergency agency staff at one time.

4 - A media pavilion is one particularly successful feature.

Emergency operations that the team toured in New York and

The first test - June 2013 marked the EOC’s first activation,

Chicago showed where the state of the art is – facilities that are efficient

when Calgary experienced the worst flooding in its history.

and inward looking, but with the beginnings of consideration for the

Swelling from 23 to 250 occupants, the EOC became home base

quality of life for occupants during emergencies. These precedents,

for over 60 emergency agency partners. The building enabled

the newest in North America, inspired us to go further.

the Calgary Emergency Management Agency to sustain the city through its state of emergency as well as through the recovery

Underground operation - Calgary selected an EOC site nestled

period, sometimes hosting Alberta’s Premier and Canada’s Prime

within an established residential area, adjacent to the neighbourhood’s

Minister. Its innovative media pavilion was especially successful,

expansive green space. To fit the 50,000-square-foot structure onto

allowing the EOC to keep Calgarians informed while not interfering

the site while unobtrusively settling into its community context, we

with the disaster response program.

undertook extensive community engagement to arrive at a design where the bulk of the building is underground, with a small visible pavilion which appears like an art piece in the park.

Raising the bar - The new Calgary Emergency Operations Centre is ultimately a secure, versatile, high-tech facility that is efficient, comfortable and functional in crisis. Its smart,

Green pedigree - Designed to operate 72 hours off-grid, the

sustainable design keeps the Centre operating under the worst

EOC is a highly sustainable facility, currently pursuing LEED Gold

of circumstances, providing daylight, fresh air and a healthy

certification. Its underground design helps insulate the building walls,

workplace for its occupants — and setting a new design standard

while a lush green roof allows the building to blend into its urban

for EOCs across North America. 

neighbourhood. Daylight is brought deep into the underground space to create a pleasant workspace for staff.

FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

19

Submitted by LAFARGE

Lafarge

walks sustainability talk

Commissions one of North America’s first Environmental Building Declarations

Lafarge’s new Innovation Hub in Edmonton is not just another building claiming to be green; it has posted its performance data for all to see. The Athena Sustainable Materials Institute measured the building footprint using Life Cycle Assessment [LCA] and created an Environmental Building Declaration [EBD].

An EBD states the environmental footprint data

The Hub is a showplace for other sustainable materials such as concrete floors

about a building – similar to the nutrition label on

incorporating reflective white pigment and concrete walls to engage thermal

food packaging, explain the staff at Athena. This

mass. The polished concrete floors are low maintenance and eliminate the

performance data is posted publicly in Lafarge’s Hub

need for floor coverings or paint, keeping VOCs down for a healthy work

and on Athena’s website.

environment.

“Lafarge recently built a LEED Platinum Net Zero

Another feature of a precast concrete building is that it contains open

Energy Precast Concrete Duplex in conjunction with

architecture with long, clear spans; this allows the building to be repurposed

Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. For our own Hub we

or even disassembled and reassembled at another location. Considering the

wanted to go even further on sustainability leadership

building’s full life cycle, at a minimum the concrete could be crushed and

by using LCA to document and share our footprint,”

reused at end of life.

commented

Federico

Tonetti,

Vice

President, “Lafarge is setting a great example for building owners and designers,” said

Edmonton for Lafarge.

Athena President Jennifer O’Connor. “In using LCA to transparently disclose the The Hub is constructed of precast concrete, providing

environmental performance of their new building, they’re extending the concrete

a highly efficient building envelope.

industry’s commitment to sustainability right through the value chain.”

The precast

sandwich panels eliminate thermal bridges and, when combined with an intelligent building management

Lafarge supports the use of LCA to measure the environmental footprint of

system, deliver strong energy performance.

products and buildings – viewing it as a mechanism to keep the organization accountable and to find ways to reduce the footprint of the built environment.

The building houses a world-class laboratory on the

As a leader in sustainability since 2007, the company has been challenging

ground floor where radiant in-floor heating combined

itself and its peers to accelerate environmental, social and economic efforts

with a south-facing design keep Lafarge’s materials

to build better cities. 

experts warm and bathed in natural light. It is slated for use as a construction community hub by postsecondary students as well as associations and local project teams.

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

ASMI-2014-Declaration_Poster_Lafarge_Bldg_CRA.pdf

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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Submitted by STANTEC

Sacramento Municipal Utility District

LEED Platinum Net Zero Campus When the Sacramento Municipal Utility District outgrew their

The project is one of the largest Net Zero energy projects in

19-acre maintenance yard, they wanted a new facility that would not

North America, producing as much energy on site as the

only accommodate future growth, but would also set an example

361,700-square-foot, 50-acre site, consumes annually. The

for energy-efficient building design.

team utilized climate-responsive design techniques and a highperformance building envelope that enabled the project to use

Intense collaboration amongst the design, construction and client

low-energy heating, cooling and lighting systems that reduced

team was fundamental to finding the perfect balance between

energy consumption by 40 per cent compared to market

energy-efficient design and alternative energy sources. With the

standard designs.

use of advanced simulation tools and high-performance building design expertise, Stantec’s Alberta office was able to work with the District and project team to achieve a Net Zero campus.

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FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

A reduction in energy demand translated to less onsite alternative energy infrastructure and reduced capital costs.

Alternative energy sources, namely photovoltaic panels coupled with geoexchange and thermal storage systems, provide the remaining energy with grid backup.

In total, the building has an annual savings of over 3.7 million kilowatt-hours in electricity. That’s enough electricity to power 413 homes.

Client commitment, innovative design, an experienced team and advanced software were pivotal to achieving Net Zero and LEED Platinum on a project of this size. 

Achievement 2013 Consulting Engineers of Alberta Showcase Award of Excellence for International and Sustainability

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Submitted by DIALOG

Edmonton Valley Zoo Entry and Wander Situated in the heart of Edmonton and nestled into the North Saskatchewan River valley, you’ll find the Edmonton Valley Zoo — a location easily accessed by the valley’s vast network of trails.

The new Parkside Entry Plaza and The Wander trail are part of a planned redevelopment to reinvigorate the longstanding institution and illustrate that a zoo can be a sustainable development. Designed as a true plaza, the entry is an open space lined by peripheral buildings and the main gate. The plaza allows for access to the Discovery & Learning Centre, the Zoo store, Parkside Café and river otter exhibit independent of zoo operational hours and without admission being paid.

The Wander creates a destination with a profound sense of place. While it provides a physical link to the Zoo’s various themed exhibits, including the new Parkside Entry Plaza, it also tells the story of the North Saskatchewan River.

The zoo is inspired by the natural landscape that surrounds it, and the new entry facilities, landscape, and integrated interpretive features blend harmoniously with its river valley setting.

The design for The Wander creates a dynamic place to gather, learn and engage for all visitors, staff and the zoo’s residents. A collaborative effort between zoo planners, interpretive designers, landscape architects, engineers and architects, the outcome is one that respects the architectural vision, master plan and functional requirements, as well as animal husbandry and engineering principles. The design for The Wander supports the goals of the zoo while being a model of sustainable and responsible design.

The project is targeting LEED Silver designation.

1 - Rammed earth wall entrance 2 - Entry Plaza 3 - Green roof, GLU-LAM beams and FSC certified wood sun shades 4 - The Wander 5 - Stormwater management

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Key sustainability features Natural lighting and ventilation A passive sustainable design approach was implemented with the inclusion of natural lighting and ventilation in all occupied areas. All buildings have been designed to maximize daylighting through the use of clerestory and skylights. Natural ventilation provides passive cooling as well as providing a healthy working environment for visitors and staff.

Green roof Green roofs have been designed to reflect the natural prairie grasses found within the valley. Vegetation will flow from roof edge to roof edge and will incorporate plant species that represent a restored landscape, thereby inviting the natural habitat to reclaim its place in the valley.

Natural materials Designed for sustainability and as a reflection of its place, the building’s materials and finishes ranging from wood, rammed earth and stone, to concrete and zinc are predominately natural and locally sourced.

Storm water management Storm water from the entire site is collected within or directed toward indigenously planted areas or wetland areas on site. 

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Submitted by EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

EDMONTON

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INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is growing with more

Efficient water systems feature electric sensors on low-flow faucets and

passengers, a bigger terminal and higher sustainability standards.

toilets in terminal washrooms. To build a more sustainable environment,

Its new terminal and iconic central tower are designed to deliver

EIA works to raise awareness of sustainable practice among passengers

LEED designations.

and employees. EIA offers employees a sustainability orientation to develop LEED awareness and learn how they can contribute to this

The airport features a work of natural art in the new terminal

ongoing initiative.

that treats passengers to both beauty and fresher air. EIA’s Living Wall is one of the largest in Canada, as well as the first of its

EIA is dedicated to being responsible stewards of the natural

kind in an airport terminal in North America. Plant life breathes

environment, as well as meeting the Edmonton region’s needs. EIA

oxygen into the terminal and absorbs toxic indoor air pollutants.

continues its efforts to both increase air services and decrease

Designed by Mike Weinmaster of Green over Grey, the wall

environmental impact.

includes approximately 8,000 plants from 32 different species.

According to NASA, nine of these particular plant species significantly improve indoor air quality.

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1 - Domestic-international departures lounge, a large, open-concept space with natural light and custom art installations 2 - Solar panels along the rooftop of the new U.S. terminal expansion 3 - Two-storey living wall located in the Canada arrivals hall

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Desjardins Headquarters, Levis, Quebec Tallest indoor living wall in the world at 16 storeys

Creators of the largest and most biologically diverse living wall in North America.

greenovergrey.com info@greenovergrey.com 1-800-862-6784

ATB Financial, Calgary, Alberta 3 storey interior living wall

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Guildford Town Centre, Surrey, British Columbia Largest living wall in North America at over 10,000sqft

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Microsoft Headquarters, Redmond, Washington 3 interior living walls

greyovergreen ad alverta focus fall 2014.indd 1

2014-09-12 5:29 PM

you are invited to Submit nominationS!

Design AwArDs 2015 new online submission process at www.wood–works.ca/alberta nomination deadline January 23rd, 2015 | Award presentation March 17th, 2015 image Grizzly Paw Brewery, Steve nagy Photography FALL 2014 | Alberta FOCUS

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Submitted by Clark Builders

MacEwan University Service Centre

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Using existing infrastructure to expand services Uniquely situated on top of Edmonton’s MacEwan University City Centre Campus west parkade, the University Service Centre showcases an innovative approach to expanding services through renovating existing infrastructure, optimizing land use to reduce the footprint and improving the use of existing buildings.

Specific measures were put in place to evaluate the sustainability features. Measures show: • saving at least 30 per cent of water use, • reducing energy consumption by 30 per cent, • diverting 77 per cent of construction and demolition waste from disposal in landfills, • incorporating 27 per cent recycled building products, and

The service centres serves as a model to learners and the community at large of MacEwan’s commitment to sustainability.

The project was designed as an open concept strategy, integrating individual workspaces as well as collaborative high energy hubs throughout. Green development practices were used throughout the planning, construction and operation of the building, promoting a holistic approach to sustainability by recognizing the impact our built environment has on natural and human systems.

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• ensuring 14 per cent of the building materials and products were extracted, processed and manufactured within the region.

Energy-efficient windows are located along the perimeter, taking advantage of passive solar energy, reducing the demand for artificial heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting. 

1- Exterior, east side 2 - Meeting rooms 3 - Staff relaxation area 4 - Waiting area 5 - Reception

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Project highlights Size of project: 60,440 square feet [5,615 square metres] Targeting LEED NC v1.0 Silver Single floor office being built on top of an existing five-storey parkade High albedo roof [solar reflective roof] 100% green power Best practice commissioning Efficient water conservation features include low-flush toilets and low-flow faucets Exterior finish consists of cladding and masonry brick Special features include access flooring and demountable walls Logistical challenge to design/build on top of an existing parkade

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GENERAL CONTRACTOR Clark Builders ARCHITECT Stantec STRUCTURAL Reed Jones Christoffersen MECHANICAL Stantec ELECTRICAL Stantec

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Submitted by SAIT Polytechnic

Innovation research pioneers high-tech greenhouse Using unique “soap bubble” technology, an off-grid, four-season bubble

“I did the majority of the post-permitting construction drawings,

greenhouse is up and running on the SAIT Polytechnic campus as the product

including the cedar timber connections and the soap bubble

of a partnership with SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services [ARIS)]

water sealing details,” said Sanderson. “I was able to apply

department, industry partner Shane Homes, SAIT’s School of Hospitality and

all the concepts we learned in school to the greenhouse, but

Tourism and a team of dedicated students.

the construction assembly was completely different. Detailing rainwater mitigation on the outside, soap bubble drainage within

The walls of the modern greenhouse are seasonally lined with unique

the walls, and misting and irrigation drainage for plants on the

“soap bubble” technology, providing an R10-15 insulation value to keep the

inside was not something the average student has done before.”

greenhouse warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The soap bubbles are delivered through a series of ducts into the double-paned roof and walls,

The project helped Sanderson make the leap from the learning

providing both insulation and light transmittance that enable plants to grow.

environment to the workforce and cemented his future career path.

While the project provides a number of practical outcomes on campus,

“The Architectural Technology program at SAIT emphasizes the

including an extended growing season to support SAIT’s culinary venues, it

importance of sustainable building. The projects I get to work

is the exposure to applied research projects through ARIS that is providing

on with the Green Building Technologies research office are

students with a competitive advantage in today’s workforce.

innovative and engaging. They’ve really pushed me towards a sustainable construction career path.”

The greenhouse project engaged students from a variety of academic backgrounds including architectural technology, electrical engineering

Sanderson is currently working on his Masters of Architecture at

technology, plumbing and culinary. Working together to apply technology

the University of Calgary with graduation in the spring of 2016. 

and innovation to a real-world problem, students had a chance to test out not only their technical knowledge but develop soft skills in the work environment.

To collaborate with SAIT Polytechnic on a Green Building Technologies research project, please visit:

Brett Sanderson, a recent Architectural Technologies graduate, was hired to work on the bubble greenhouse as a research assistant.

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http://www.sait.ca/research-and-innovation.php.

AWARDS

BU ILDING

14 CAN 0 2 A

G RE N A E I N D

Canadian Green Building Awards winners recognized at CaGBC conference

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â www.sabmagazine.com [1] Mountain Equipment Co-op representatives Sean McSweeney [left] and Sandy Tregaus, CFO [centre] receive the Awards certificate for the MEC North Vancouver store on behalf of Proscenium Architects from Brian Hall, Managing Director of sponsor the Canadian Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute [CPCI].

[2] Representatives of Perkins+Will [left to right] Gerrett Lim, Joanna Peacock, Ryan Bragg [Principal], and Kathy Wardle receive the Awards certificate for the VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre from Suresh Parmachand, Senior Marketing Manager, of sponsor Uponor. [3] From left to right, Mauro Carreno of Baird Sampson Neuert Architects [BSN], University of Toronto representatives Steve Miszuk [Director Planning and Infrastructure], and Brent Sleep [Chair of Civil Engineering], and Jon Neuert of BSN receive their Awards certificates for The Goldcorp Mining Innovation Suite of the Lassonde Mining Building, University of Toronto from Nadine Gudz, Director, Sustainability Strategy of sponsor Interface. [4] Representatives of Perkins+Will receive the Awards certificate for the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability from Brian Hall of sponsor the CPCI. [5] Scott Demark [left], partner in BuildGreen Solutions, receives his Awards certificate for the One Planet Reno project from Suresh Parmachand, of sponsor Uponor. [6] From left to right, Mike Williams from RWDI, Birgit Siber, John Featherstone and Cecily Eckhardt from Diamond Schmitt Architects accept their Awards certificates for the CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory from Brian Hall of sponsor the CPCI. [7] Denis Clermont [left] of Les Architectes Labonte Marcil [and accepting for consortium partners Cardinal Hardy, Labonté Marcil and Eric Pelletier Architect], and Alan DeSousa, Mayor of SaintLaurent, accept their Awards certificates for Bibliothèque du Boisé from Suresh Parmachand of sponsor Uponor. [8] Mona Lemoine [left] of Hughes Condon receives the Awards certificate for the UNBC Bio-Energy Plant from Nadine Gudz of sponsor Interface.

Providing energy solutions for sustainable future

Energy Management Systems and Monitoring Sustainability and LEED Consulting Building Energy Modeling Contact us today at 416-736-0630 info@pemi.com We are proud members of:

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