CFMD Fall 2023

FALL 2023

HEAD OF THE CLASS ZERO-CARBON EXPANSION AT CENTENNIAL COLLEGE CHAMPIONS INDIGENOUS DESIGN

CLEANTECH

PROGRESS

WORKPLACE

DISABILITY

PA R T O F T H E

SCHOOL SAFETY P A R T

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[ contents ]

16 INDIGENOUS GEOMETRY COVERS THE FACADE OF CENTENNIAL COLLEGE’S NEWEST FACILITY EXPANSION.

14 DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The legalities of creating inclusive and accessible spaces.

16 A LESSON ON RECONCILIATION A mass-timber, zero carbon campus facility aligns with Indigenous values in Scarborough, Ontario.

22 CLEANTECH PROGNOSIS

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A report tracking clean energy progress says breakthrough technologies are crucial on the path to a climate-safe future.

24 HIGHER STANDARDS An openly available resource scrutinizes the carbon impacts of building materials.

28 TAKE A SEAT New designs imagine a fresh approach to office comfort.

columns 8 9 26 30

MANAGEMENT MEMO FM TECHNOLOGY INTERIOR DESIGN LAST WORD

department 4 OBSERVATIONS 6 FOUNDATIONS

Fall 2023 CFM&D 3

[ observations ] CARBON CUTTERS

T

he latest report from the International Energy Agency finds the world is on an unstoppable path towards renewable energy, but the shift away from fossil fuels isn’t happening quickly enough.While countries are making good progress on renewables, for instance, the transition from gas boilers to heat pumps, emissions remain too high to stop temperatures from rising above the 1.5c global warming threshold.

Carbon-based greenhouse gases have been increasing each year, taking 2020 out of the equation. Here, in Canada, there is a crop of facility designers who have taken on the role of climate advocate. It’s now impossible to think of cities, buildings and materials without contemplating how they impact the environment and people’s health and well-being, and some brand-new facilities that opened this year reflect these values.

One such space opened in August, on the grounds of Ontario’s Centennial College. The wood-frame campus facility was built to be zero carbon. Another key aspect of the project is how this sustainable achievement directly reflects Indigenous beliefs, which played a foundational role in the design. We feature the A-Building expansion on page 16.

Speaking of schools, another piece looks at how technology can make academic spaces safer. Teachers are reporting escalating incidents of disruptive behaviour. Just one example, in April, 87 per cent of members from the Nova Scotia Teachers Union reported that school violence has risen since 2018.

There are always so many issues to consider when designing, managing and operating buildings. Across the pages, you’ll find more articles that directly relate to the relationship between facilities and the human experience.

Winding down to winter, we wish you another year of success ahead. As always, if there are any topics you’d like to see covered in the upcoming issues, please feel free to reach out at the email below!

FALL 2023 Volume 38, Issue No.3

EDITOR: Rebecca Melnyk rebeccam@mediaedge.ca ART DIRECTOR: Annette Carlucci annettec@mediaedge.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Thuy Huynh roxyh@mediaedge.ca PRODUCTION MANAGER: Ines Louis Inesl@mediaedge.ca CONTRIBUTORS: Lexa Cutler, Nathan Drew, Roby Isaac, Jim Mandeville, Jennifer Nuckles, and Marcia O’Connor.

CIRCULATION: Adrian Holland circulation@mediaedge.ca PRESIDENT: Kevin Brown kevinb@mediaedge.ca GROUP PUBLISHER: Sean Foley seanf@mediaedge.ca DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA: Steven Chester stevenc@mediaedge.ca

Canadian Facility Management & Design (CFM&D) magazine is published five times a year by MediaEdge Communications Inc., 2001 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 500 | Toronto, Ontario M2J 4Z8 Tel (416) 512-8186; Fax 416-512-8344 email: circulation@mediaedge.ca SUBSCRIPTIONS Canada 1 yr $25* 2 yr $45* USA 1 yr $40* 2 yr $70* Int 1 yr $50* 2 yr $90* Single Copy Sales Canada $15* * Plus applicable taxes.

EBECCA MELNYK R EDITOR, CANADIAN FACILITY MANAGEMENT & DESIGN REBECCAM@MEDIAEDGE.CA

Authors: CFM&D magazine accepts unsolicited query letters and article suggestions. Manufacturers: Those wishing to have their products reviewed should contact the publisher or send information to the attention of the editor. Sworn Statement of Circulation: Available from the publisher upon written request. Although Canadian Facility Management & Design makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published, we cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions, however caused. Printed in Canada.

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service@forestgroup.ca 416.524.3000 forestgroup.ca Fall 2023 CFM&D 5

[ foundations ] SASK OPENS SEIZURE INVESTIGATION UNIT A new seizure and epilepsy unit opened at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital for patients to access enhanced monitoring and diagnostic services. About 10,500 people in Saskatchewan are living with epilepsy.

The four-bed Seizure Investigation Unit doubles the number of inpatient beds previously available. The environment is highly-specialized and controlled so neurologists and other physicians can monitor brain activity in patients for a certain period. This typically includes performing surgical interventions to gather important information, such as the nature and origin of seizures.

A WELL CERTIFICATION FIRST CIBC’s new global headquarters in Toronto became the largest workplace to achieve WELL Certification at the Platinum level across all sectors in Canada and in the financial sector, globally.

Performance features at CIBC SQUARE that contributed to this award include: dedicated spaces designed to enhance employee wellness including wellbeing rooms; reflection rooms, rejuvenation corners and a lactation suite; sit-stand workstations located along windows so all employees have access to natural light; healthy nourishment options available to all employees in their workspaces; annual monitoring and testing of air, water and thermal quality standards; and accessibility and universal design elements that exceed standards.

Design input from patients and family members helped create a nurturing, home-like atmosphere for people with difficult-to-diagnose or difficult-to-treat seizures or epilepsy. A total of $2.2 million was spent to renovate and furnish the SIU. “Previously, people undergoing seizure monitoring at RUH found themselves in a shared space alongside critically ill patients, which heightened their stress and presented obstacles for our medical team to capture crucial patient information,” said University of Saskatchewan Medical Director Dr. Alexandra Carter.

GREEN AND ACCESSIBLE LOW-CARBON COLLABORATIVE Building owners and operators in Nova Scotia are invited to check out a new resource hub for net-zero buildings. It launched in October with an agenda to help nurture retrofit expertise and connect facility managers to a range of services for pursuing decarbonization.

The new Building to Zero Exchange (BTZx) is envisioned as a collaborative forum to promote low-carbon building performance, bringing together building owners/managers, technology and service providers, researchers and policymakers. Membership is free and open to organizations and individuals with an interest in net-zero buildings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

A collective of founding sponsors are pledging to: help build Nova Scotia’s net-zero capacity; champion policies and codes to drive the adoption of low-carbon technologies and net-zero development; and support research and pilot projects that can accelerate uptake and/or demonstrate large-scale applications.

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A new 42,000-square-foot community centre in the Marpole neighbourhood of Vancouver will begin construction later this fall after several years of planning.

The project replaces the existing Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre, which is more than 70 years old.

An investment of $91.3 million will help build a fitness centre and studios, sensory room, multi-purpose spaces, a childcare centre, an outdoor performance space and gathering areas, and an outdoor pool with a connected spray park and playground.

The building is set to achieve near zero greenhouse gas emissions in its operation through a fully electric design, and Passive House and LEED Gold certification. It is targeting a 40 per cent reduction in embodied carbon by using a structure made from mass timber.

The facility will also be the first city-owned community centre built to achieve Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Gold, the highest level of accessibility in the country.

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Fall 2023 CFM&D 7

[ management memo ]

BY MARCIA O’CONNOR

FIVE INGREDIENTS OF A WELL-MANAGED FACILITY Managing a facility requires a combination of skilled FM personnel, efficient procedures, reliable process technology, and most importantly, a strong focus on the integration of people, place, process, and technology. All of these aspects should be covered in the FM decision-making process to put clients at the forefront.

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common goal among facility managers is to work efficiently and effectively to improve the company’s operating costs and boost employee productivity. FMs have a vital role in making this happen by ensuring that the facilities are maintained in good condition and functioning to assure business continuity and success.

Here are five key ingredients to keep a facility well-managed: TEAMWORK

This is a vital ingredient to ensure a collaborative workplace environment. FMs manage a team, service providers, suppliers, contractors and customers, with the goal of keeping the facility well-managed. They must be able to design weekly schedules, delegate jobs and tasks. They also promote unity and possess the ability to mediate and resolve conflicts among staff members. A crucial component of an FM’s job is to aid in the growth of their staff and boost commitment and productivity.

is available for operating and capital expenditures. Operations also include keeping the facility functioning and in good working condition.

This includes regular reviews, audits, staff training and development, a willingness to adapt and innovate in response to needs or emergencies and compliance with the current legislation.

BEST PRACTICES

Build on current operations to develop innovative ideas to make facilities operate better than the status quo.

Commit to continual improvement and seek out the best options and opportunities so the facility is aligned for business growth and advancement.

Networking, associations, and conferences are some options to gain best practices and align with a mentor to improve facility operations.

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Sustainability is a fundamental part of how FMs look at the future. The role of facility management is central to delivering more sustainable buildings today and beyond. FMs

play a pivotal role in supporting a more sustainable culture and introducing green innovations. They can cut down on overhead costs, reduce energy consumption and prolong the building life assets.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

Facilities should have well-maintained computer applications to upkeep data and monitor the effectiveness and performance of the building systems. Many FMs have several systems and there is an opportunity to assess data for better informed decision-making.

FMs who are making a significant difference are empathetic, caring and committed to their professional development and career advancement to ensure their facilities are well-managed. It is vital to keep an eye on current trends and opportunities that may impact operations.

Staying aligned with the company vision, mission, mandate, and culture will help maintain FM values and priorities and ensure maximum contributions today and in the future. | CFM&D

THE FM OPERATIONS

Marcia O’Connor is president of AM FM Consulting Group. She is a strategic-minded leader

Day-to-day operations include health and safety, finance/budgets, communications, and project management, as well as ensuring maintenance routines and preventative maintenance plans are being adhered to and that funding

with more than 20-plus years of progressive experience in corporate real estate, asset

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management, and integrated facilities management. Marcia has a passion for mentoring young professionals and helping people, teams, and organizations see their potential. She is the lead instructor for the University of Toronto School of Continued Studies’ facilities management courses, including the FM Certification Program and many others.

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[ fm technology ]

BY JIM MANDEVILLE

RESTORATION TOOLS Innovations for the aftermath of disaster

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ccording to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ), Canada has seen insured losses exceeding $3 billion for weather-related events in 2023. Wildfires in British Columbia, the summer storms that swept across Alberta and Nova Scotia’s devastating flooding events were front and centre.

As the country contends with these catastrophic weather events, the need for resilience and mitigation becomes more pressing. Many technologies figure highly into disaster resilience and property restoration and can be of great interest to facility managers for buildings in affected regions.

SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

The failure of power lines and telecoms in the aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Fiona make communication more difficult as crews work to ensure that critical community infrastructure is able to function again quickly.

Teams can operate off a mix of satellite and cell-based internet to ensure timely communications. Satellite communication (Starlink) can be utilized when communications are down, especially in the event of a large, area-wide event. The proliferation and improvements of satellite phones and satellite adapters for cell phones has also made the world a lot easier and a lot safer for people when operating in disaster areas or very remote areas.

give a previously unavailable perspective for photographs (true overhead rather than a person standing on the roof).

Using them can dramatically speed up inspection time as it takes only seconds to get a drone in the air compared to setting up a ladder and safety equipment.

PROPERTY TECHNOLOGY

Water-related events are among the biggest challenges for first responders in Canada. In fact, 70 per cent of restoration emergency responses are for property damage caused by these events.

IoT water monitoring works to alert facility managers about potential leaks, water flow abnormalities, and humidity levels. Using technology and receiving alerts when abnormalities are detected helps get a head start in responding to a potential problem and can potentially reduce the risk of experiencing a major loss.

DRONES

3D IMAGING

The ability to get a birds-eye or aerial view of roofs and building structures that are above eye level is crucial. Drones offer a safer working environment by keeping people off ladders and roofs while providing documentation through recorded images. They also

Restoration teams use technologies to create high-definition 3D models and images of properties. This allows teams to document losses in previously

impossible detail. This sort of record keeping eliminates disagreements and conf licts with respect to the extent of damage and what the property looked like at set points throughout the process. It also allows adjusters, brokers, or other materially interested parties an ability to walk through the loss, even though they may be physically located on the other side of the country or the other side of the world.

ENABLING MOBILITY

Mobile solutions also reduce the need to return to an office to file documentation and can be done right at the job site for better recording and accuracy of the site situation. Facility managers can get access to property restoration companies through mobile apps that connect them directly with emergency restoration services.

While there is no way to guarantee complete protection from weatherrelated events, preparedness and awareness of the professional technology and services available will help facility managers get a leg up. | CFM&D

Jim Mandeville is SVP, Large Loss North America for First Onsite Property Restoration.

Fall 2023 CFM&D 9

[ fm technology ]

BY NATHAN DREW

CULTIVATING SAFE SCHOOLS

Violence in schools has become a major concern across Canada.

Considering a single point of entry is one solution.

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chools across the country have changed over the past two years. Canadian perception was such that violence and crime were troubling issues taking place in the United States, but there are more frequent incidents of bullying and victimization, violent activity, crime, and theft in Canada’s own schools.

To cultivate a safe and welcoming environment, schools require a student and staff safety framework, as well as support for successful daily management and operations to keep everyone on the grounds safe and secure.

PROCESS VISITORS AT A SINGLE POINT

School building officials can focus their attention on many areas, but one of the first to consider is that a campus has a secure single point of entry, with the necessary processes and equipment.

Visitors and parents can receive screening, information, and permission to enter the school all from one specific location on campus. This location could be the front door or a main entrance, which is easily observed and supervised by a staff member.

The chosen entry point should be 10

easily seen and labelled with signage, which clearly outlines the next steps necessary for each visitor. This signage should, for example, direct visitors to the nearest staff member who can sign the visitor in.

CULTIVATING SAFETY THROUGH VISITOR MANAGEMENT

On a given day, there are numerous situations where visitors must enter the facility, whether for maintenance work, events, or student pick-ups outside of normal hours.

Regardless of who they are, they should never be able to enter the building without stating their identity and the purpose of their visit. This information should be verified before entry is granted, for the safety of students and staff, and for adherence to fire regulations.

In the case of unwanted intruders, a gated entry is recommended to prevent people from entering at will. Keeping an audit trail to record who entered the grounds, their stated purpose, and the duration of their stay is important for security review purposes.

Naturally, visitor management strategies vary from school to school depending on the age of the student body

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and the physical layout of the campus.

Even with these differences, there exists applicable technology for every step of the way. The visitor management process should, at minimum, incorporate the following procedures: 1/ An easily identifiable and distinguishable main entrance close to the main office which accepts and screens visitors. This should be easily accessible for visitors on foot and marked well enough to be seen from the building’s parking lot.

2/ All doors are to be locked until access is granted.

3/ The main entrance must house a method of communication between visitors and building security staff.

4/ Once a visitor has communicated with building security, building staff must decide whether to grant access to the visitor. All staff should be routinely trained regarding the visitor screening process and provided with a clear outline of who is allowed into the building and for what purpose. In the case that the visitor is approved for entry, the communication device should also control the lock on the door, permitting the visitor to enter after they are provided with instructions to make their way to the main office.

5/ When the visitor has arrived at the main office, they should be presented with a proper sign-in procedure.

All visitors must provide their name, identification, and the purpose of their visit.This information, along with the time of their visit, should be recorded.

6/ Visitor badges must be distributed with instructions to wear them in clear vision.The visitor should also be instructed on where exactly in the building they should be, based on the stated purpose of their visit.

SIMPLIFYING VISITOR MANAGEMENT

The best way to manage an entrance,

which needs to be locked but also easily accessible to approved visitors, is through the integration of an intercom system.

A single button, which is accurately labelled and grants the visitor a direct line of communication to an available staff member, streamlines the process of screening visitors and creates a safer environment for everyone involved.

An intercom with a video feed allows staff members to hear and see the person attempting to gain access, which further improves the security of the building.

There are several integrated network solutions that can complement the visitor management process and work with existing security systems. IP intercoms, for example, represent a cost-effective method, which combines video and audio communications and seamlessly integrates into existing access control systems or can function as its own access control system. Buildings with existing video management software (VMS) can also work with these intercoms to save records of interactions for future review.

IP-based solutions provide several advantages over traditional hardwired

options. Visitors can be screened from anywhere in the school, as staff can answer calls from a host of network devices such as computers, IP phones, mobile devices, or dedicated answering units. Because of this, staff members can ensure the main entrance is consistently monitored without having to always be at a single desk.

analytics and detection software, which can identify suspicious activity such as loitering and alert school staff remotely.

Modern, integrated solutions allow school security staff to proactively protect their staff and students, while also streamlining operations through automated entry permissions protocols.

FLEXIBLE ACCESS CONTROL

PERIMETER PROTECTION OF SCHOOL GROUNDS

All school facilities can be outfitted with modern access control systems to limit entry to certain people at certain times of the day.

If a door is propped open, modern access control systems can detect this and issue an alarm or alert building security staff. Some companies offer systems that can integrate with intercom devices and video surveillance systems to maximize convenience and security.

Some systems offer embedded

Outdoor perimeter surveillance and protection is essential. This can be used to detect moving persons and moving vehicles without discriminating between vehicle types. Applications for perimeter surveillance and protection reinforce the single point of entry and physical access controls to provide school facility managers and staff with an effective edge-based system where security should start, and that is at the perimeter of the school site. | CFM&D

Nathan Drew is a national sales manager with Axis Communications Canada. Nathan is a surveillance and security leader with several years of demonstrated success leading remote sales teams, consulting, and integration.

Fall 2023 CFM&D 11

SPONSORED CONTENT

GOING PLACES – PRIORITIZING INTERACTIVE

DIGITAL SIGNAGE IN SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

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t’s no surprise that today’s generation expects instantaneous access to information. Finding answers to questions was once timeconsuming and involved research methodologies. Maybe you had to go to the library or bookstore—maybe you even had to handwrite a letter. Now, finding information takes little effort. With a few simple clicks, results appear on screen.

Educational institutions have a tremendous amount of information to convey, and an audience with little time to spend reading it.

Students, whether they’re in elementary school or doing graduate work at university, share a commonality. They are used to using their fingers to search for information using touchscreens, whether it’s their smartphone, laptops, or iPads.

It makes sense that the digital experience also extends into schools.

With printing and paper costs becoming an increasingly analyzed budget line, streamlining communications is a valuable cost-savings tool. Using digital signage in schools is an eco-sustainable, effective solution to the many informational needs of those on campus.

Offering much more than a simple directory, youRhere’s interactive information hubs are limitless knowledge banks. Whether helping newcomers navigate their way to faculties and classes, or sharing photos

of former alumni, digital interactive hubs have a past, present and future in education systems.

Identifying the multi-layered needs of communication within educational institutions, youRhere has developed software features which provide flexible and affordable signage solutions for schools, colleges and universities. Rotating messaging is displayed in an engaging format—everything happens in one space. Years of school photos can be digitized and celebrated in interactive displays, encouraging presentday students to engage with the school’s history, and digital signage is a clever way for schools to increase their brand awareness.

“If the school has been around for 50 years, you haven’t got room for that amount of class pictures,” explains Scot Martin, President and CEO of youRhere. “You can put up a touch screen that would allow someone interested in looking at a past class to find them quickly and easily on a single screen.”

Honouring alumni through multimedia photo displays is fantastic for sharing the wealth of graduation photos and historical information, without cluttering walls with aging photos. Awareness of benefactors and their historical influence on the school can also be raised in an engaging, visually appealing format.

SPONSORED CONTENT

“When alumni come back to visit, they are tremendously disappointed if they can’t find anything that helps them reminisce about the old days,” Martin says. “They’re delighted if they can pull up pictures of their team, their classmates, or their favourite teacher. All those things can be searched for and found quickly with interactive digital signage.”

Wayfinding technology allows students to easily locate classrooms, lecture halls, the nearest elevator, and the cafeteria. Students

can access maps for the full campus, rather than just for the building they are in, allowing them to better understand the campus layout, including parking facilities. QR codes offer students the opportunity to scan the directions to their phone, ensuring they have consistent guidance even after they leave the digital signage space.

Those with visual impairments can access text to voice options with headphones.

Standalone units are virtually heightadjustable, ensuring accessibility is no barrier for anyone in a wheelchair. There are few limitations with digital signage.

After class, live transit information displayed on the interactive hubs makes it easy for students to get home safely without waiting around outside for the next bus, which could be 20 minutes away. Updates on potentially hazardous weather conditions can be clearly displayed on interactive digital signage.

In the event of an emergency, displaying critical instructions to students can assist with evacuation efforts. Conveying important health and safety reminders is a valuable use of digital screens in education settings. When you need to inform people quickly, digital signage complements your communication tools.

Over in the student union building, interactive hubs can promote textbook sales, fundraising activities, happy hour and lunch specials. For sports fans, excitement and hype are generated through displays of future game schedules or last night’s game highlights. youRhere’s digital screens are updated remotely through a simple content

management system (CMS). The system is so easy to use, updates can even be completed from a smartphone. youRhere will also provide editable templates, making your latest communication a breeze to convey.

While youRhere’s digital signage offers mega messaging possibilities, the cost is surprisingly small. Screens can be purchased outright or leased and paid for over a contracted period.

To offset costs, advertising space can be sold to local businesses, or to advertise local events.

Interactive digital hubs provide a green, sustainable solution to educational communication requirements. Scot Martin is the CEO of youRhere, a leading provider of digital signage solutions for commercial, retail, healthcare, and educational properties across Canada. To learn more, visit www.yourhere.ca.

[ legal ]

BY LEXA CUTLER

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Creating inclusive and accessible spaces for individuals with disabilities to participate equally in society is the right thing to do and a legal obligation for employers and service providers.

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mployers have a duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities. The right for disabled individuals to receive equal treatment and to be accommodated in employment is guaranteed under the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”).

WHAT IS A “DISABILITY” UNDER THE ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE?

Disability under the Code is defined broadly and includes physical, mental and learning disabilities, mental disorders, hearing or vision disabilities, epilepsy, mental health disabilities, addictions, and other conditions, both visible and invisible. Individuals can be born with disabilities, disabilities can be caused by an accident or illness or can be developed over time.

provides the following guidance: The employee requesting accommodation must: • Make their needs known to the best of their ability, ideally in writing; • Answer questions and provide information about their restrictions and limitations; • Participate in accommodation discussions; and, • Work with any experts or accommodations providers to manage the accommodation process. the actual substance of the accommodation provided is important to fulfill this duty. It is important, even if the employee cannot be substantively accommodated, that the procedural duty is fulfilled by thoroughly investigating the employee’s needs and the possible accommodations, considering all available options, and communicating appropriately with the individual.

However, the duty to accommodate is not absolute. Employers must accommodate to the point of undue hardship. They do not need to provide an accommodation if it would cause undue or excessive hardship, such as onerous costs or health and safety risks.

Business interests and inconvenience are not considerations when establishing undue hardship.

WHAT IS THE DUTY TO ACCOMMODATE?

DUTIES IN THE ACCOMMODATION PROCESS

Employers have a legal duty to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. This duty has both a procedural and a substantive component.

This means that both the procedure used to assess the accommodation and

The accommodation process is inherently collaborative, and employers and employees need to be cooperative, share information, and work together to find potential accommodation solutions. The Ontario Human Rights Commission

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The employer must: • Accept accommodation requests in good faith, unless there are valid reasons not to; • Take an active role in investigating possible accommodation solutions; • Keep records of accommodation requests and actions taken; • Communicate regularly with the individual regarding the status of their accommodation request; • Maintain privacy and confidentiality; • Consult with the individual to determine the most appropriate accommodation; and, • Implement accommodations promptly.

Employees are not entitled to their preferred/perfect method of accommodation. It’s a two-way street and the parties have to work together to create an accommodation plan that works for both parties.

WHAT MEDICAL INFORMATION CAN BE REQUESTED FOR ACCOMMODATING A DISABILITY?

In meeting the duty to accommodate, you can request suff icient medical information to:

• Understand whether the employee has a disability (which therefore triggers the duty to accommodate); • Understand the functional restrictions or limitations associated with the disability and whether those restrictions or limitations are temporary or permanent; and • Determine what accommodations may be appropriate in light of the employee’s needs.

In the employment context, this information can be collected in a standardized form, such as a Functional Abilities Form (FAF).

Generally, requests for medical information should be limited to those related to the nature of the limitation or restriction, to assess the individual’s needs.

The information requested should be as minimally intrusive as possible, while still allowing the employer to fulfill its duty.

WHAT COULD AN ACCOMMODATION LOOK LIKE?

Accommodation should always be individualized to the unique needs of the person. Examples of potential accommodation solutions in the employment context: • Allowing flexibility in job schedules or allowing for additional breaks • Providing ergonomic modifications to workstations • Modifying job duties or providing additional training • Allowing disability or medical leaves PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS 1/ Education: Ensure that staff and manag-

ers are aware of the duty to accommodate and know how to report and properly handle accommodation requests. Even better, have policies in place that set out how your organization will handle requests for accommodation from employees.

2/ Communication is key: Get accommodation requests in writing, document each step taken in the accommodation process and every option canvassed, and keep the employee in the loop of any expected timelines, decisions, or delays in the accommodation process.

3/ Know when to engage counsel:

Some accommodation requests will be simple and straightforward: someone asks for a ramp to be installed or a designated accessible parking spot.

However, they can quickly become complex, emotional, and costly, and could result in complaints to the Human Rights Tribunal. If you’re unsure how to handle a delicate accommodation process, consult with counsel to ensure you’re doing everything correctly and avoiding future legal headaches. | CFM&D

Lexa Cutler is a lawyer at SpringLaw, a virtual law firm practicing exclusively in the areas of employment, labour, and human rights law. Lexa has experience advising and representing both employers and employees in all aspects of workplace law. She’s well-versed in workplace law, offering creative, empathetic, and efficient solutions to legal challenges for both employers and employees. Lexa’s experience spans human rights issues, wrongful dismissals, health and safety concerns, and WSIB matters. She can be reached at lcutler@springlaw.ca www.springlaw.ca

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Contact Mich Ward at:

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Fall 2023 CFM&D 15

FACILITY DESIGN

A LESSON ON RECONCILIATION At Centennial College, a new post-secondary facility becomes poetry in motion

BY REBECCA MELNYK

INDIGENOUS COMMONS. PHOTO BY RILEY SNELLING

Fall 2023 CFM&D 17

FACILITY DESIGN

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A-BUILDING CREATES A PLACE WHERE INDIGENOUS STUDENTS, STAFF AND FACULTY CAN GATHER AND PRACTICE CULTURAL CEREMONIES AND TRADITIONS. THIS SPACE OVERLOOKS AN INTERIOR COURTYARD THAT SERVES AS AN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM; THE BASKET WEAVING OF WOOD SLATS REFLECTS THE PRINCIPAL OF THE ANISHINAABE ROUNDHOUSE; AGILE OFFICE SPACE WITH STANDARD FURNITURE, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT; AND A FLEXIBLE CLASSROOM. PHOTOS BY RILEY SNELLING.

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arely are post-secondar y spaces constructed with poetr y in mind.

Yet when architecture firms were competing on a design for A-Building, the recently completed $112-million expansion project at Centennial College, the school handed them a book, “Living in the Tall Grass: Poems of Reconciliation,” by Chief Stacey Laforme.

“They said, make the building be an embodiment of this poetry and represent and embody Indigenous culture,” says Craig Applegath, partner at DIALOG, which ultimately won the bid. “I thought, I’ve never in my whole career had an assignment like this... it’s wonderful.”

Anishinaabeg-led Smoke Architecture consulted on various Indigenous design elements for the 133,000-square-foot addition on the Scarborough, Ontario cam18

pus, and worked alongside DIALOG to physically manifest teachings from the school’s first Indigenous Outreach Coordinator Joseph McQuabbie, who passed away during the process, as well teachings that resonate through the book.

“If you read those poems it’s all about how we’ve come through a difficult pathway of where our original intentions towards each other, towards the land, have become obscured at times,” explains Principal Architect Eladia Smoke. “But then they reveal themselves in glimpses and we see the truth of how wonderful it can be if we returned to those commitments once more.”

As people pass through the space, they will catch these glimpses of cohesion and obscurity, she says. Along the ceiling of Wisdom Hall—a knowledge sharing space modeled after the Midewigan and Anishinaabe teaching lodge—artistic panels with graphic pictorials move east to west, telling the Anishinaabe creation

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story. Moving from west to east, are artist’s representations of the Haudenosaunee creation story. The directions of the stories symbolize how these nations move in ceremony.

“Those artists’ expressions of creation are sliced into panels,” Smoke elaborates.

“As you move under them you will see glimpses of the creation story happening through time but the rest becomes fragmented and that is how life is. You kind of lose track of where you’re going sometimes, but then you’ll catch a glimpse of where you’re headed. . . that’s how we can again come together and find our way.”

The acoustic baffles upon which the art is displayed curve to mimic the pattern of Highland Creek that flows behind the building and connects the Morningside and Progress Avenue campuses.

To enter the A-Building, a ceremonial east entrance reflects the sunrise and new beginnings and honours The Beaver Bowl pattern from the Dish with

One Spoon wampum covenant. A set of public stairs with peer seating mirrors the natural rise of the earth outside.

Moving up through the building, people will find a student touchdown area for communal learning and Wisdom Hall, which leads to a north teaching garden with Indigenous plantings.

On the fourth floor, Dehwigan Café overlooks the Balance Centrestone—a prominent spot at the northwest corner of the building with seven columns that represent sacred teachings. “The building actually structurally depends on that element,” says Smoke. “We thought it was a powerful expression—a promise that the building is making to abide by our commitments to each other as humans and to all of those other life systems that support us.”

At the heart of the facility is Indigenous Commons with a sacred wood-burning fireplace at the east entrance.

The dome-shaped room, for drumming and ceremony, is wrapped in a basket weaving of wood slats to reflect the principles of the Anishinaabe Roundhouse. “It feels like being on the interior of a wood ship,” says Applegath, with a colour scheme of white against wood tying into the natural organic feel of the building.

The room opens onto an administration suite modeled after Kookum’s Kitchen (grandma’s kitchen), with activity zones mirroring the patterns of a Haudenosaunee longhouse. An outdoor courtyard is easily accessible for ceremonies and events, with seating terraces that reference the four levels of creation with Anishinaabemowin words.

An outdoor classroom lies in the middle of the courtyard. “When it’s a full moon and the noonday sun falls in that circle, you’ll see the line of the shadow fall on the Anishinaabemowin name for that moon,” says

Smoke. “That reminds us of what we do out on the land during that time of the year and how we connect to all these living systems.”

Indigenous design continues along the building’s exterior as the facade lifts up to reveal the structure of glass—a metaphor for pulling the skins back from a teepee. Indigenous geometry graces the envelope in back-and-forth diagonals. “It’s very special,” says Applegath. “You won’t see any other geometry like this on a building anywhere else in the world.”

Between the windows, white painted steel presents like scales of fish. “The white reflects sunlight so the building doesn’t heat, but it also means that during the day, the windows appear darker compared to the white skin so they stand out geometrically,” says Applegath. “In the early morning or at dusk, when the sun is low, the building comes alive with light from inside.”

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FACILITY DESIGN

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: TOUCHDOWN SPACE UPON ENTERING THE FACILITY; REPEATING GEOMETRIC PATTERNS ON THE FACADE ECHO THOSE OF THE NATURAL WORLD AND ANISHINAABE AND HAUDENOSAUNEE ARTISANSHIP. PHOTOS BY RILEY SNELLING. ARCHITECT ELADIA SMOKE SPEAKS ON OPENING DAY AT THE AWAKENING. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LAKE.

“There’s not a lot of internal ceremonial space that exists for community members.”

ZERO CARBON COMMITMENTS

Sustainability played a predominant role in the project as it also aligns with Indigenous values. This included meeting the CAGBC’s net-zero carbon requirements and using the most contemporary methods of mass timber structural design.

As Applegath explains, the walls and roof are heavily insulated. The curtain wall is triple-glazed for a U-value of .28. To reduce heat gain in summer, the white painted steel cladding not only reflects the light, but the roof is covered with white calcite ballast.

The building inputs energy through electrical systems. The generator, when tested, is the only source of gas in the building besides a tiny amount of natural gas in the kitchen. All lighting is LEDS for ultra low energy demand.

“To add energy that is zero carbon the building uses two systems,” he adds. “One

is an electrical photovoltaic array on the roof to add electricity to the system. We also have water reheat through roofmounted water heaters that capture the sun’s heat.”

Such is a large feat that doesn’t come without obstacles. “The biggest challenge in any building for zero carbon is you’re going to have to use some energy, typically outside of what you generate with photovoltaics,” he says. “This is a six-storey building, so although the roof is covered in photovoltaics, it’s not enough energy to cover all the electrical demands.”

Some of this electrical energy comes from the grid. “In Ontario the electrical grid is very, very low in carbon, but there is still some carbon,” he says. “That means the college has to have a contract with a carbon offsetter.”

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SHOWCASING MASS TIMBER

The glulam post-and-beam structure and CLT floors maximize the use of mass timber, a material that has 15 to 20 per cent less embodied carbon than steel or concrete and integrates Indigenous belief systems.

“One cubic metre of wood is equivalent to one tonne of sequestered carbon so it’s a really, really important material,” says Applegath. “Some might argue that wood stores biogenic carbon that will one day release back into the atmosphere, but I’d argue there is a climate emergency now and the building is going to last more than 25 years. “We’ve got to do everything we can to lock up carbon over the next 25 to 30 years. After that, if we haven’t figured it out, we’re in big trouble.”

The value of wood extends beyond carbon. Across all settings, but particularly within post-secondary facilities, being surrounded by wood is conducive to learning.

“When we are in nature we get a bit of a dopamine jolt in our brains, and I think that wood is a substitute for that.”

Wood also brings more care to construction sites, which are typically littered with coffee cups and other garbage. “A

mass timber building feels different,” he says. “It’s a quiet construction. There’s a sort of respect, like building in a church.”

COLLABORATING RESPECTFULLY

Back in 2018, when the school’s Indigenous Strategic Framework was released in the wake of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, physical spaces like the refreshed A-building didn’t exist at the school, says Seán Kinsella, first director of the Eighth Fire and current cochair of Centennial College’s Indigenous Working Group.

“One thing institutions tend to do is they silo Indigenous faculty and Indigenous student support, where they sort of segment those different parts out,” they explain. The team worked on bringing the various needs of Indigenous faculty, students and staff under one roof, while ensuring the treaty process was honoured.

The group engaged with internal Indigenous stakeholders then branched out to the Aboriginal Education Council and other community members. “We did have

Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee people in our working group to make sure a variety of perspectives were captured, particularly as it pertains to the treaty folks for this area,” they add. “And not just the modern treaties, but also the historical context of Toronto as a gathering space.”

As it stands, there are critical gaps in the Greater Toronto Area. “There’s not a lot of internal ceremonial space that exists for community members, particularly in Scarborough, they say. “A lot of the Indigenous agencies tend to be centred downtown.”

To respectfully engage with local Indigenous groups, Kinsella advises that design teams determine who the space is for, how it will be used, and barriers to accessing the space, and create room around tight deadlines for robust conversations. “Give way more time than you’ll think you need. We talked about design elements for hours and hours and hours.”

When Indigenous community leaders reach a high level of success they can be

pulled in multiple directions. “Ask them how much time they can contribute, how they would like to stay involved with the project and what’s the easiest way to communicate with them,” advises Smoke. “And then be very rigorous in how you record the conversations, checking back with people to make sure you didn’t misunderstand.”

Continuously showing how the project is capturing and responding to what is conveyed will respectfully involve people through the entire process.

“There is so much work to do,” says Smoke. “As a country we’ve been struggling along without our Indigenous Peoples, without input and wisdom and knowledge systems. We as Canadians have a right to those knowledge systems and we’ve been denied that right through the forces of colonialism that have sublimated and obscured those teachings. We need them now because they are tremendously important for our survival as a species.” | CFM&D

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SUSTAINABILITY

CLEANTECH PROGNOSIS Breakthrough technologies are key for clean energy progress “The extraordinary growth of key technologies like solar and electric cars shows what is possible,” asserts Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director. “The clean energy economy is rapidly taking shape, but even faster progress is needed in most areas to meet international energy and climate goals.”

FLOOR SPACE EXPANSION UNDERLIES GROWING ENERGY DEMAND

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he global buildings sector made some headway in curbing its energy appetite and output of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions last year, but speedier advancement will be needed to meet the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) envisioned targets for 2030 and 2050. The IEA’s annual progress report upgrades the sector’s status from “not on track” to “more efforts needed” — an assessment attached to 28 of 53 identified key elements of clean energy and the low-carbon transition.

Perhaps tellingly, behavioural change is among the 22 elements designated as not on track. Looking at other sectors, electricity is urged to make more efforts, while oil and gas, low-emission fuels, transport and industrial manufacturing/processing all receive the lower designation of not on track. Drilling down to technologies/ products, just three — solar photovoltaics (PV), lighting and electric vehicles — are deemed to be “on track” with the vast remainder trailing the IEA’s calculated required pace to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Even so, the progress report applauds the rise of some breakthrough technologies and accelerated uptake of other measures evidenced in the nearly 15 per cent year-over-year increase in clean and efficient energy investment in 2022, for a total expenditure of about USD $1.6 trillion.Within the buildings sector, approximately USD $250 billion was invested in energy efficiency, representing a 14 per cent increase from 2021.

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The IEA offers the buildings sector some praise for keeping energy demand and emissions increases below the growth rate, but new development presents an ongoing challenge for meeting ambitious targets. Average global energy intensity dropped from 164.6 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per square metre (m2) or about 15.3 kWh per square foot (ft2) in 2010 to 142 kWh/ m2 (13.2 kWh/ft2) last year. However, total energy demand from buildings has crept up by about 1 per cent per year as approximately 56.6 billion square metres (609 billion square feet) of space was added to the global built stock over the same 12-year period.

Nearly two-thirds of that growth occurred in countries defined as developing or emerging economies, but countries with advanced economies, which include Canada, also collectively built another 4.6 billion square metres (49.5 billion square feet) of real estate. Looking ahead, a 15 per cent increase in global floor space is projected by 2030, which is roughly equivalent to North America’s current total built footprint.

A 35 per cent cut in energy intensity compared to 2022 levels will be needed over the next eight years to achieve the IEA’s interim 2030 global average target of 94.1 kWh/ m2 or 8.7 kWh/ft2.As well, the building sector accounted for 9.8 gigatonnes (Gt) or 9.8 billion tonnes of direct and indirect carbon emissions in 2022, which will have to drop by 55 per cent, or more than 9 per cent annually, to hit the IEA’s 2030 target of 4.4 Gt. That will require a dramatic reversal of the upward trend that saw global buildings’ combined direct and indirect emissions output increase by 0.8 Gt or 800 million tonnes between 2010 and last year. Since that carbon footprint expansion is primarily linked to indirect residential emissions, arising from the production of electricity that housing consumes, IEA analysts stress the importance of both cleaner supply and improved energy efficiency as the envisioned widescale switchover from fossil fuel heating to electric heat pumps unfolds.

GEOPOLITICAL FACTORS COMPLICATE INVESTMENT IN PROMISING TECHNOLOGIES

The IEA’s deeper examination of six categories of building systems finds them at varying stages of progress, with lighting in the lead and building envelope trailing the pack. In between, heating, space cooling, heat pumps and appliances/equipment are judged off-pace to reach the 2030 target, albeit closer to catching up than building envelope.

Among positive indicators, the report cites the 11 per cent increase in global heat pump sales last year and LEDs’ 50.5 per cent market share of residential lighting sales, up from 1.1 per cent in 2010. More than 110 countries enforce minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for new appliances, covering roughly 90 per cent of global refrigerator sales last year, 87 per cent of freezers, 78 per cent of fans and 72 per cent of televisions.

From the perspective of technological feasibility, heating systems relying on renewable energy sources are deemed to be mature and relatively available. Notably, nearly 30 per cent of heating in the European Union is now supplied through a combination of renewables, including bioenergy, solar thermal, geothermal, district energy and electricity, but that percentage drops to 11.7 per cent worldwide.

As well, renewable cooling technologies are emerging, tied to solar thermal, energy storage and district cooling.These could be reinforced through passive house design features, initiatives to mitigate urban heat islands, and innovations in insulation and building envelope technologies related to supercool and smart materials.

Myriad impediments lurk on the flipside, related to ever-increasing global floor space, cost pressures and some missing puzzle pieces still to be secured. The latter includes requirements for: a clean and smart electricity grid; refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP); improved performance of heat pumps in cold temperatures; commercialization of enabling technologies and products; and an adequate workforce to implement and maintain the required upgrades.World peace and lower interest rates would also be a boon as the IEA foresees a pullback on investment.

“Increased geopolitical uncertainty surrounding the length of the conflict in Ukraine combined with adverse global economic trends, including high inflation and stringent monetary policies, are expected to slow construction and energy efficiency spending. This is compounded by the end of a subsidy cycle in many markets, including in China and Europe,” the report warns.

in countries deemed to have a high need for space cooling.

Space and water heating accounted for 4.2 Gt or 4.2 billion tonnes of emissions last year, with 2.4 billion tonnes of that attributable to direct emissions from on-site gas, oil or coal-burning sources and the remainder in indirect emissions from electricity or steam production. The IEA is targeting a heating carbon footprint of 2.063 billion tonnes by 2030, with about 1.14 billion tonnes in direct emissions and 920 million tonnes in indirect emissions.

The buildings sector also carries a significant share of embodied carbon linked to construction practices and manufacturing, processing and shipment of a wide range of materials, most notably cement, steel and aluminum.The IEA pegs that at 2.5 Gt or 2.5 billion tonnes of emissions last year, representing about 6.8 per cent of global emissions.

The cement, steel and aluminum industries are currently designated as “not on track” in the IEA’s grading system. However, a Quebec-based venture, Elysis, is among a handful of innovators the progress report cites for its early-stage advancements in carbon-free aluminum smelting.Various promising innovations in cement production, including carbon capture and electric kilns, are also highlighted.

Along with the annual progress reports, the IEA hosts a digital database that tracks more than 500 clean energy technologies and a database of demonstration projects. | CFM&D

GAPS TO 2030 TARGETS PERSIST AND WIDEN

Pegging 2022 performance against the IEA’s 2030 targets, yearover-year global emissions from cooling nudged up 2 per cent last year, to reach 1.02 Gt or 1.02 billion tonnes, and will need to drop by nearly 63 per cent to hit the aspirational target of 0.38 Gt or 380 million tonnes. At the same time, more than half of the projected new building construction over the next seven to eight years will occur Fall 2023 CFM&D 23

SUSTAINABILITY

HIGHER STANDARDS Raising the bar for materials used in architecture and interior projects.

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he global architecture firm, Gensler, is launching a set of standards that define minimum sustainability criteria for high-volume materials used in building interiors. The database is open to all building industry sectors, including facility managers who oversee big projects and play a key role in the transition to net-zero.

The Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards v1.0 outline performance criteria for 12 commonly used product categories. They include: gypsum board; decorative glass; task

chairs; resilient flooring and base; interior latex paint; non-structural metal framing; carpet tile; batt and board insulation; systems furniture workstations; glass demountable partitions and acoustic ceiling panels; tile; and suspension grids.

Philip Galway-Witham, associate at Gensler and regional sustainability lead in Toronto, says the goal is to create a clear and consistent standard across the firm, but also for the entire design industry. Ultimately, it creates a feedback loop among suppliers, contractors and clients to look at the cur-

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rent target and evolve as the industry moves toward a carbon neutral future.

EMBODIED CARBON AND OTHER IMPACTS

The 12 product groups can be evaluated through five different impact categories, which include embodied carbon over the lifecycle of the material.

The current building codes typically do not reference any standards for addressing carbon emissions associated with materials and construction processes.

The Carbon Leadership Forum estimates that more than half of all GHG

FINAL TEST PRECEDES LEED V5 O+M 2024 LAUNCH LEED v5 is nearing final form, with the updated rating system for existing buildings operations and maintenance (O+M) undergoing final refinements ahead of a projected 2024 rollout.

The draft version was released in conjunction with the U.S. Green Building Council’s annual conference last week along with a call for projects to help with the final testing.

This will replace LEED v4.1, which was introduced in 2017. LEED v5

emissions are related to materials management. “Canada is making great progress when it comes to operational carbon, which is the energy for buildings, but the embodied carbon is more nuanced and we’re providing a mechanism to clearly talk about that,” he says.

“Scope 3 emissions are becoming more common as a yardstick for orga-

will place greater emphasis on all significant sources of carbon emissions in buildings, resilience and the social and health impacts of buildings. That includes new credits for: decarbonization and net-zero planning; operational preparedness for extreme events; continual assessment and verification of measurable indoor air quality; and protections for cleaning staff.

“The launch of LEED v5 underscores our unwavering commitment to our mission of fostering sustainable building practices that embrace principles of equity, health, biodiversity and resilience,” says Peter Templeton, president and chief executive officer of USGBC. A draft of LEED v5 for building design and construction (BD+C) is expected for next year.

nizations to start looking at their own businesses when it comes to carbon reporting.” As well, they are increasingly being set for new construction and retrofits in certain jurisdictions.

“As legislation and the aspirations of companies continue to improve, this is where having clear targets to measure against your Scope 3 emissions is really valuable.”

The firm will roll out the new standards in 2024 and plans to expand them, as needed, to cover more types of materials.“We’re drawing a line in the sand and saying this is where we want our projects to go,” says Galway-Witham. “It’s a mechanism for suppliers of those materials to have a dialogue with ourselves and our clients about how we can make the industry better.” | CFM&D

S U B S C R I B E

TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER

PRODUCED BY

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INTERIOR DESIGN

BY ROBY ISAAC

A HUMAN TOUCH How office space can become relevant through design

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rganizations are recognizing the importance of human connection and embracing a more thoughtful approach to their employees’ well-being. This growing optimism is driven by a desire to foster personal connections and a recognition of the need for a more balanced and fulfilling work environment than ever before.

Commercial designers are also shifting their approach to what makes a great workspace. As the world slowly transitions back to more in-person collaboration, the focus on human connection and well-being has become paramount, laying the foundation for trends that incorporate elements from residential and hospitality design and look to bring the natural world indoors.

continue to be a cornerstone of communication and collaboration, technology is not a replacement for human connection.

If a space is designed well, it can play a huge role in encouraging human interaction. For instance, the office kitchen spaces are not only about food; they are also places for employees to talk with each other—to chat about work, family, sports or whatever else might come up over lunch.

Furthermore, encouraging engagement among employees is critical. Providing spaces where colleagues gather for informal meetings fosters collaboration and enhances comfort. Residential-style furniture, cozy lounge areas and homey touches are being introduced to create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

The demand for comfortable breakout or brainstorming areas is increasing. Providing spaces where employees can relax, collaborate, and gather their thoughts is essential in promoting creativity and productivity.

HUMAN CONNECTION

COMFORT ZONE

In a post-pandemic world, human connection is being emphasized in the workplace.After spending time in homes alone or with close family, the longing for human interaction is a driving factor for many people coming back to the office, if even for just a couple of days a week.

Employees missed the company of work colleagues, perhaps because many of them had spent more time with colleagues than they did their own families during a “normal” work week.

Office space can help build, or rebuild, a sense of culture. It can create a gathering place where connection, collaboration and camaraderie thrive. Fostering human connection in the office is vital for promoting a positive work environment and enhancing the overall well-being of employees. And while technology will

Designing comfortable workspaces is essential in promoting employee well-being and enhancing productivity. When employees feel at ease in their work environment, they are more likely to be engaged and satisfied, creating a positive atmosphere. Many companies recognize the importance of prioritizing employee comfort as it contributes to a positive work culture, boosts productivity and aids in talent retention.

Designers should take a holistic approach to employee wellness by including ergonomic furniture, adjustable lighting and good air circulation/ventilation. These are all crucial elements in building comfort in the workplace.

Flexible workspaces are also important. Personalized workstations, designated quiet zones, and incorporating

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office acoustic pods create adaptability in office design. Research shows that happy employees not only drive sales and productivity but also contribute to organizational success.

Creating spaces that boost employee well-being, encourage social bonding and reduce stress is key.This can include incorporating residential design trends such as rugs and mixed flooring types to make the office space feel more comfortable and home-like. Dampening noise through the use of rugs, upholstery and acoustic walls is also important in creating a conducive work environment.

The aim is to blur the lines between work and home, inspiring users to feel and do something meaningful. Overall, designing comfortable workspaces is vital in promoting employee well-being and creating a positive work environment.

INVITING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE

Many offices are introducing outdoor entertaining spaces that can double as creative gathering spots or break areas.

Incorporating biophilic elements, such as skylights, enhances the appeal of the indoor office space and contributes to well-being. Prioritizing access to natural light and introducing plants can create a more inviting and refreshing environment.

In addition, using neutral colours makes smaller spaces feel more open and airy. Natural materials like wood, textural fabrics and earthy colours create warmth.

The inclusion of comfortable seating, flexible furniture layouts, and access to natural elements can create an inspiring and rejuvenating environment. Designing workspaces that bring the outdoors in through biophilic elements, natural materials, and comfortable breakout areas can create a harmonious and enjoyable work environment for employees.

The use of office space is changing to reflect what we’ve discovered is important to us—a workplace that provides comfort, instills wellness and increases productivity. | CFM&D As Vice President of Commercial Design, Roby Isaac leads a team of talented designers who develop products across six flooring categories for Mannington

WHAT’S ALL THE HEMP? UBC students are enjoying a vibrant new teaching and learning space that is one of Canada’s first institutional facilities designed to be near-zero embodied carbon. It’s also the first such building designed by students.

Known as Third Space Commons, the thermal insulation is made of hempcrete – a mixture of hemp fibres and lime which captures carbon from the atmosphere as it sets. It eventually turns into a concrete-like material, but one that’s made primarily out of a renewable, carbon-sequestering natural fibre. The foundation of the building is made of reusable steel piles. The team also chose light wood framing rather than engineered wood for the majority of the building’s structure. The latter is manufactured using glues derived from fossil fuels, which makes it more carbon intensive.

The bright and airy 2,400-square-foot wood frame building will serve as a collaborative work space and living laboratory for students, industry partners and researchers to investigate zero emission, regenerative and climateresilient design.

Third Quadrant Design, a 60-member student team, managed the project from conception through to completion.

“Typical emissions estimates in the construction industry consider only about 40-60 per cent of a building’s total materials due to a lack of established standards for measuring the rest,” says Dr. Adam Rysanek, an assistant professor of architecture and landscape architecture who advises the team. “The Third Quadrant Design team opted to painstakingly account for nearly every material that found its way into the project, including its electrical, heating and ventilation systems.”

Commercial

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FOCUS ON OFFICE SEATING

TAKE A SEAT New designs bring a unique and thoughtful twist to conventional seating, from an accordion-like bench to an ergonomic chair inspired by wheelchair users. They’re a fit for both private and collaborative spaces, from comfy nooks to grand waiting areas.

The Anthros chair, from new company Anthros, is a sciencebacked ergonomic office chair conceived by a group of medical professionals. They have decades of experience working with wheelchair users, so they created a design to maximize comfort, posture and productivity, and prevent pain. It features a two-part back system that adapts to an individual’s body shape, a seat with pressure-relief cutouts for cloud-like sitting comfort and a tilt to reduce fatigue.

Hollman, Inc. debuted its Workspace Team Locker at this year’s NeoCon. With adaptability in mind, it’s designed with storage features built to hold heavy equipment, store multiple uniforms, and protect personal belongings. It offers secure locked areas, LED lighting, and a personal charging station. Materials include marine-grade vinyl cushion seating, stainless steel grill detailing, and antimicrobial linen interiors.

Union, a collaboration between A. Rudin and Gensler, is a modular seating system ideal for corporate, hospitality, and public spaces.

Adaptable components allow for curating office meeting spots or lobby focal points.

The Karina Armless Guest Chair from HBF features a Scandinavian design, made from premium joinery and solid wood. It comes in 16 wood finishes and a variety of textiles and leathers including denim wash and plaid.

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Poltrona Frau and Foster + Partners collaborated on Bay System to suit a range of waiting spaces. Two seating ranges—Bay Gate and Bay Lounge – were designed to offer different levels of ergonomic support and privacy, while catering to both rapid turnover and customized layouts. The entire system is fully demountable, comes in a broad palette of materials, and integrates various technologies.

Limbo is a new lounge chair from Heller that is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The sculptural form holds the body in a comfortable position and comes in a variety of warm, muted colours.

The 18-pound chair is 27.5-inches high and fully recyclable.

Mizetto debuted Lumber. The soft beam offers comfort in spaces where conventional seating won’t fit. The design is upholstered with flame retardant wool and features removable, repairable, and exchangeable covers.

KFI Studios designed Dotti, a rounded upholstered lounge collection for relaxation privacy and interaction. The chair provides comfort. The addition of swivel bases, ottomans, and poufs enhances movement and flexibility for spontaneous gatherings.

Attune, a new intuitive task seating series from Allseating, combines the characteristics of high-performance elastomers and flexible plastics. Connective strands within the chair open up to release tension. The design features vertical and horizontal cutouts that reduce pressure and increase seated breathability. The chair is BIFMA Level 3 certified.

Hedge by Schiavello is made for sitting, relaxing, working and napping. The material is made of structural foam, which is engineered to support both individuals and groups in a number of different positions. The wool knit finish comes in four colours with an optional aluminum side table.

HAT Collective launched Fiellø in collaboration with Gensler.

The height-adjustable desk can be electrically adjusted via a digital switch. Worksurfaces come in two size options, with an accessible drawer. The all-steel PVC-free frame is available in three different powder coat options and can be matched with five different worksurface colours. Both the PET and wood divider are fully recyclable.

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[ last word ]

BY JENNIFER NUCKLES

THE WORKPLACE GUIDE TO ASHRAE 241 What You Need to Know

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ffices have had to manage their own indoor air quality standards until recently. In the absence of guidelines and uniform benchmarks, providing a definitive answer to “is my indoor air quality good?” has been, at best, subjective and, at worst, impossible. Pre-COVID, unless it was an industry requirement, few people were likely asking how healthy the air was.

With ASHRAE’s July issuance of Standard 241, “Control of Infectious Aerosols,” facility managers and building operators now have some guidance on this front.

Here’s ASHRAE’s introduction and high-level definition of Standard 241: “ASHRAE Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols, establishes minimum requirements to reduce the risk of disease transmission by exposure to infectious aerosols in new buildings, existing buildings, and major renovations. Use of this standard would reduce exposure to SARS-COV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, influenza viruses and other pathogens that cause major personal and economic damage every year.

Standard 241 provides requirements for many aspects of air system design, installation, operation, and maintenance.”

For those less familiar with the guidelines, here is the standard broken down.

First, let’s take a brief look at how indoor air quality has been managed up until now.

“JUST TURN UP THE HVAC”

Before ASHRAE Standard 241, there was a lack of specific guidelines regarding the management of infectious aerosols within indoor environments.This lack of standards includes various public health settings, such as corporate offices, schools, hospitals, and government facilities.

Over the years, building owners and operators have faced the ongoing

challenge of finding efficient ways to monitor and regulate air quality while reducing the potential for disease transmission. This has required a continuous pursuit of solutions that can consistently and reliably address these concerns.

Prior to the introduction of ASHRAE Standard 241, the most common methods for improving indoor air quality included ventilation, air filtration, surface disinfection, and upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) technology. However, due to the absence of a consensus on implementing these methods, there has been a lack of reliable ways to compare or establish benchmarks for their effectiveness.

Despite their noble intentions, many of these air quality approaches are not without their limitations. Natural ventilation isn’t always an option and mechanical ventilation isn’t designed for infection control; room air cleaners aren’t sufficiently robust as they are flow limited; and surface disinfection is dependent upon cleaning and disinfection procedures, and staff, both of which may not exist.

Which brings us to now. With ASHRAE’s official recognition that past clean air practices were not acceptable, Standard 241 provides a much-needed framework for the control of infectious aerosols in indoor environments.

This standard represents a breakthrough in public health and has the potential to drastically reduce the spread of infectious diseases in places where it’s needed most. We expect to hear more about Standard 241 in the coming months and year, but for now, know that this is the first step to improving indoor air quality.

MEETING ASHRAE STANDARD 241

The new ASHRAE Standard 241 Jennifer Nuckles is the CEO of R-Zero.

30 CFM&D | Part of the REMI network | www.REMInetwork.com

presents a new formula for calculating equivalent outdoor air. This represents a change in both the target CFM per occupant and the math to achieve that target.

For example, in the old standard (62.1), only true outdoor air brought in by the HVAC system could achieve the target.

In the new 241 standard, equivalent clean airflow accounts for true outdoor air plus clean air delivery from filtration both induct and in-room, UV-C, and other mitigations.

So, how can facilities meet the new ASHRAE Standard 241? Among the most common mitigation methods, U-VC technology has proven to be the most effective way to disinfect air. Running an HVAC system at 100 per cent or even 70 to 80 per cent capacity won’t achieve the necessary limit set forth in the new standard. Typical filters don’t provide enough eACH, and most portable air filters found in HVAC systems are inadequately sized for the volume of air they clean.

In contrast, UVGI disinfects large volumes of air by emitting ultraviolet light that kills pathogens. This process does not require moving, filtering, or otherwise treating the air — or interfering with the people inside the room. As a result, UVGI can efficiently add more than 10 eACH per hour to a space — the equivalent of changing the air in a room every six minutes with a single device. Upper-room systems can be easily added to plans for a new building or retrofitted into an existing building as seen in some public schools across North America.

As humans, we spend 90 per cent of our time indoors. Keeping the air we breathe clean is critical for our collective well-being. ASHRAE Standard 241 is a step in the right direction. | CFM&D

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