the official publication of the mechanical contractors association of British columbia
Plumbing & Mechanical
PM 40063056
Trotter & Morton upgrades Iona Island WWTP Core Mechanical Ltd. | HVAC
SPRING 2018 Vol.8 No.1
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Contents
SPRING 2018 Vol. 8 No.1 PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca Managing Editor Cheryl Mah Graphic Design Jody Sparkes CONTRIBUTING WRITERS James Kohl Dan Lee B.C./ALBERTA SALES Dan Gnocato 604.549.4521 ext. 223
PUBLISHED BY
PRESIDENT Kevin Brown
Features over Story 06 C
vancouver office
2221 Hartley Ave. Coquitlam, BC V3K 6W9 Tel: 604.549.4521 Fax: 604.549.4522
Toronto office
1000-5255 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M2N 6P4 Tel: 416.512.8186 Fax: 416.512.8344
Working in a challenging environment, Trotter & Morton Building Technologies Inc. upgraded the Iona Island WWTP to extend the plant’s operational capacity.
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10 Profile
PRINTED IN CANADA
Return all undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Suite 1000 – 5255 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6P4
At 28 years old, Ryan Harrison is young and ambitious. His company is finding success in the Lower Mainland with plans to expand.
MCABC Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine is published two times a year by MediaEDGE Communications Inc.
13 Trends
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Residential Building Trends
14 HVAC
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Wireless Technology for Smarter Buildings Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Departments
04 Executive Vice President’s Message 05 President’s Message 17 Association Corner 21 Safety Scene
Marijuana in the Workplace
22 Industry News ON THE COVER: Iona Island WWTP
Dana Taylor Executive Vice President Jane Andrew Director of Membership Development Services and Event Planning Vicky Noble COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING COORDINATOR Berry Lam Administrative Assistant Mechanical Contractors Association of BC (MCABC) 223 - 3989 Henning Drive, Burnaby BC V5C 6N5 Ph: 604.205.5058 Fax: 604.205.5075 Email: staff@mcabc.org Visit us Online: www.mcabc.org
Plumbing & Mechanical magazine is the official magazine of the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC published two times a year by MediaEdge Communications Inc. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily endorsed by the MCABC or MediaEdge Communications. Editorial inquiries should be sent to the editor at cherylm@mediaedge.ca.
executive vice president's message
Disruption, Opportunity, Leadership of this edict. However, they remain committed to support MCABC through 2018. IMIRA’s retreat has prompted MCABC’s board to re-examine the purpose of the association, its mandate on behalf of industry, and begin to activate a plan to support and grow the membership on terms very different from the past 50 years. Also to be considered will be the succession of senior staff leadership, because my current role with MCABC will end by mid-2019. In one sense, the mandate of the association will not change: MCABC represents mechanical contractors. In at least one respect, it is now free to truly represent all mechanical contractors without the albatross of seeming to favour only the unionized sector. It’s true that change comes to everyone. But how do you deal with it? To my mind, these changes represent an opportunity to create a new vision for what the mechanical sector is, to restate where we think it is going, and who we represent. I would suggest that mechanical contractors are punching way below their weight level among industry groups. I would also argue that technology in construction favours both the mechanical and electrical components of the built structure. How might we use this advantage better in advancing our interests at all levels? And who is pushing us to do so? Another suggestion: the push is or ought to be coming from our current and prospective members. Leadership is about taking initiative, and actionable leadership is about assembling the personnel and resources to help those initiatives take off. If this were not so, instead of being on the threshold of having Prompt Payment legislation introduced in the B.C. Legislature, the construction industry would still be trying organize a meeting of associations and arguing about who would take the lead to raise the matter with government. In typical fashion, the government would have been
E
replaced while industry associations were still arguing over who is to sit where at the meeting table. ach year throws a few obstacles and opportunities at the
Instead, your MCABC’s board endorsed and supported immediate
association. All are urgent in their own way and many have
action in July 2017, when the current government was sworn into office.
long-term impacts. In 2017, MCABC staff and board members
This support enabled MCABC to mobilize the Council of Construction
became increasingly aware of the need to provide new services to improve
Trades Associations (COCTA) to get in front of government at the earliest
the value of membership, while staying within our means.
opportunity. Presentations and meetings in November and December
The past 18 months has been a period of considerable disruption. The
last year caught the government’s attention.
most impactful and enduring occurrence was the retreat of our unionized
MCABC, on behalf of COCTA, has approached the new NDP Premier
contractor affiliate, Island MIRA and the Mechanical Trade Promotion
and his government with a proposal to introduce Prompt Payment
Fund (MTPF). The retreat may impact the cohesion of this trade sector.
legislation here in B.C. The campaign continues in earnest with the
Our Vancouver Island affiliates’ decision to withdraw from a Joint
growing involvement of sister associations and interested parties across
Services Agreement with MCABC and co-affiliates MIRA and JTIP, has
the province, with the commitment of the Attorney General’s ministry
forced the association to re-think its operational model.
to craft and introduce this legislation soon on the government’s agenda.
For 52 years, IMIRA and MTPF have been full partners operating under
While the buy-in from industry has been underwhelming, we continue
the administrative umbrella of MCABC. Their board ultimately decided,
to march slowly forward. The passage of similar legislation in Ontario
because they are contractors located in a distinct geographical region
and progress at the federal level have begun to push other Canadian
(Vancouver Island) and uniquely signatory to a regionally based local
jurisdictions, including B.C., to move this economic accelerator further
union, they could better serve their constituents from a locally based office.
up the provincial legislative agendas with multi-party support.
While there may have been a financial case to contradict that viewpoint, at the end of the day none of that mattered and they chose to depart. This led the MCABC board of directors to decide in September last
This is what disruption, opportunity and leadership look like and MCABC will always represent the kind of contractor who prepares for each contingency.
year to give notice to all affiliate members to separate their operations
4
from MCABC by December 31, 2019. MIRA and its industry fund JTIP
Dana Taylor
are contemplating their future administrative requirements in light
Executive Vice President, MCABC
Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017
president's message
Supporting Apprentices the CEC’s well-regarded and popular instructor, Kevin Dougherty. If you missed these the first time around, we hope to run them in our Burnaby classroom again next year. B.C. has found itself in the middle of a political controversy that impacts our industry and trade, namely the building of the Kinder Morgan TransMountain
pipeline.
Clearly
there
continues to be substantial support across the province and country to see that this project is built, and this is particularly true among the many mechanical contractors who
board of directors 2018-2020 EXECUTIVE President Dale Miller Division 15 Mechanical Ltd. Secretary Treasurer / Past President Wayne Davidson Davidson Bros. Mechanical Contractors Executive Vice President Dana Taylor
will benefit from the investment in both jobs and infrastructure. MCABC members should ensure that their voices are heard on this issue. This year’s annual conference, A Whistler Wildlife Encounter, was a fantastic opportunity as always to catch up with fellow members, network, meet new folks in the
W
industry and new to MCABC, and have a good time. e managed to work our way through
As well, it has been an election year for
the chilly, snowy and damp winter
the MCABC board of directors. Thank you to
with sunnier thoughts on our mind.
those of you who attended the Annual General
The only cloud that lingers is the memory of the
Meeting in early May and cast your vote. We
Humbolt Broncos tragedy that took so many
had the good fortune to re-elect some veteran
young lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out
directors and welcome some fresh legs as well.
to all those affected by that terrible accident. #HumboldtBroncos As the construction industry ramps up for the spring and summer months, manpower continues to be an issue. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find trade schools such as PVC and BCIT that have enough classroom space to accommodate apprentices through all levels of their training in the fouryear program set out by the ITA. We hope classroom capacity increases soon as those desks would be easily filled and would help contractors get the skilled workers they need. When you manage to get a new hire, my advice
MCABC’s education program remains a key focus of its services....
is to mentor those young workers well and give them a reason to stick around! They have lots of options for employment these days and are a scarce resource. MCABC’s education program remains a key
You can see a listing of the new board on this
focus of its services for members. New on the
page. I’m happy to be continuing as president
course roster this past May were two career
for another year and hope to accomplish some
courses aimed at middle management. One is
goals I have set for myself and our new board.
Advanced Supervisors: Turning Supervisors into Better Leaders and the other is How to be
Dale Miller
a More Effective Foreman. Both were taught by
President, MCABC
DIRECTORS Associates Chairman John Fu Noble BC Associates Vice-Chairman Jeff Newmarch Hy-Line Sales Ltd. (2018) Director Brian Bradshaw Altac Services Inc. Director Kyle Wisniewski Black & Mcdonald Ltd. Director Henry DeJong, ESC Automation Inc Director Chad Kinsley R.H Jones and Son Mechanical Director Stuart Morrison Northland Mechanical Director Piero Lamartino Fred Welsh Ltd. Director Len Voon Aarc West Mechanical Insulation (2013) Inc. Director John Weisgerber Johnson Controls Ltd. Director Trevor Hildebrand Phase Mechanical Systems Ltd. Director Robert Marchiori Ram Mechanical
FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical
5
cover story
Improving Wastewater
Treatment By Cheryl mah
Wastewater treatment plants are important
wastewater treatment and to meet the demands
treated at the plant. The Iona Island WWTP solids
municipal infrastructure assets for safeguarding
of a growing population. To comply with federal
handling upgrade involved the construction of a
public health and keeping waterways clean. For
regulations, the plant is scheduled to undergo a
new solids handling facility with screening and
more than 50 years, the Iona Island Wastewater
major upgrade to secondary treatment by 2030.
de-gritting equipment to better remove more of
Treatment
provided
For the plant to continue providing effective and
the sand and debris from the liquid waste stream.
primary wastewater treatment to Vancouver,
reliable service until then, an upgrade to the solids
When wastewater comes into the plant, it is
the University Endowment Lands, and parts of
handling processes was required.
Plant
(WWTP)
has
6
treated to reduce solids and organic matter content.
Because the area serviced by the plant has a
The new screening and degrit processes remove
The plant has undergone a number of
large number of combined sewers, a significant
the inorganic solids (rags, debris, grit) and leaves
expansions and upgrades over the years to improve
amount of storm water from road drainage is
behind the organic solids of the primary sludge
Burnaby and Richmond.
Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017
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cover story
to be digested. This provides for better treatment
a scaffolding system to install the new pipe,” he
Lee, estimating value of equipment installed at
efficacy in the digesters, increases hydraulic and
says, explaining the scaffolding was moved along
$2 million.
solids capacity and reduces maintenance of the
with the use of a 120 tonne Leibherr crane with a
The successful completion of the $8.6 million
digesters and associated pumps.
swing-out-jib as the new pipes were installed. “We
project earned Trotter & Morton a 2017 VRCA
had to run pipe in the existing plant to tie into the
Silver Award of Excellence in the mechanical
new facilities.”
contractor category. Kenaidan Construction was
Trotter & Morton Building Technologies Inc. installed and supplied all the mechanical equipment for the project, which included grit
Limited site access to existing buildings
separators, screens, new pipelines and a multitude
required pipe to be fabricated offsite (using
“It’s always nice to be recognized by
of pumps. The project consisted of upgrades to the
CADMakers) before they were shipped to site for
your peers,” says Lee, who is proud of the
existing plant and new construction of a gravity
installation. The hazardous plant environment
workmanship on the project. “This project wasn’t
thickener, main pump house and grit separation
with potential exposure to biological dangers
our usual HVAC and plumbing work so the crews
building. The project required more than 21,000
also meant careful health and safety coordination
enjoyed that.”
manhours with an average crew size of 12. Trotter
for workers.
& Morton completed the 18-month project in April 2017.
concurrently
with
other
contractors,
good project team, “We had a good working relationship
with
CH2M
Hill
and
Metro
Working within an operational wastewater
multiple shutdowns to coordinate tie-ins to the
Vancouver. The job was difficult but everyone
treatment plant was the main challenge, according
existing system, meeting stringent specifications and
worked well together.”
to Mike Lee, the project manager for Trotter &
procurement of equipment with American suppliers.
The latest upgrade to the second largest
“Right after we got the job, the Canadian dollar
wastewater treatment plant in Metro Vancouver
“Working at height over the tanks in the existing
plummeted so we had to really negotiate with
will help to extend the operational capacity of the
building was quite dangerous so we had to create
the suppliers on the cost of the equipment,” says
plant to the year 2030. PM
Morton Building Technologies.
8
Lee credits the success of the project to a
Other challenges included multiple projects running
general contractor.
Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017
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profile
Ambitious
Growth by CHERYL MAH
10
Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017
profile Ryan Harrison’s serendipitous career path began when a hand injury to a neighbour, who owned a plumbing company, prompted him to help out one summer. He was 15-years-old, learned on the job and hasn’t looked back since. By the time Harrison was 17, he was taking service calls on weekends by himself for the small residential plumbing company. “It was a bit scary at first but it was important in my growth,” he recalls. He then moved on to work for a larger company downtown that focused on commercial plumbing and tenant improvements. After several years there, he founded his own mechanical contracting company — Core Mechanical — in 2013. “I didn’t see much upward mobility available at the company I was working for and I was ambitious,” says Harrison about why he struck out on his own. He also got some good advice. “Even though I was making good money compared to my friends, I always thought I would do something else. But I remember talking to some successful people who said there was
“We do commercial, new construction, tenant
outs for WeWork’s new downtown offices. One
nothing wrong with being a plumber and owning
build-outs, labs and a bit of industrial work for
of the company’s largest and notable projects is
your own company.”
Metro Vancouver. We also have a small service
Silliker Labs.
Young and determined, the 28-year-old has
division,” says Harrison. Metro Vancouver was an
“Labs are always challenging — weird and
steadily grown the company over the past five
early and ongoing client of Core Mechanical, which
wonderful with lots of interesting systems and
years. Today the Vancouver-based company
has completed jobs such as repiping of chlorine
you have to be careful,” he says.
has a staff of about 40 and focuses primarily
injection stations for the regional district.
on commercial and industrial jobs across the Lower Mainland.
Core Mechanical takes safety seriously and is
Current projects include boiler retrofits for BC
currently on the way to obtaining its Certificate of
Hydro, Cineplex Odeon at Park Royal and build-
Recognition (COR). COR certification is becoming
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FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical
11
profile
Harrison believes training of apprentices is a problem (compounding the skilled labour shortage issue) and wants the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to make changes. “I wish they would split up commercial and residential plumbing — that’s a big one,” says Harrison, who obtained his plumbing ticket from the Pacific Vocational College. “I have guys coming here saying that all they do is wood frame — and we don’t do wood frame — so I wish there was more of a segregation.” He adds the union (Local 170) is introducing a foreman course soon which he thinks will be beneficial, “People don’t quite understand what a foreman actually does. It’s not just being in charge of a job — lots of paperwork, tracking increasingly important not only to safeguard the
staying up-to-date, and treating people well
health and safety of workers but because it is also
because finding skilled people in the marketplace
A MCABC member since 2015, the company
a pre-requisite to bid on many projects.
is difficult and will only get worse with the
believes strongly in ongoing education and
pending wave of retirements.
encourages and pays for staff to attend courses
“There is a lack of (safety) standardization
to “make a difference in their confidence
from job site to job site, so it’s important that
“We unionized about 10 months ago. Best
we have a high standard of safety as a company,”
thing we ever did,” he says, who has moved
says Harrison, noting safety is especially
out of the field and into the office, focusing on
Harrison is optimistic about the future and
important to public clients like BC Hydro and
estimating and management. “We were growing
says the focus moving forward is to continue
Metro Vancouver.
too fast. We couldn’t staff the jobs and the people
growing with larger and larger projects, “At end
we were obtaining weren’t cutting it. So we
of the day, we’re highly ambitious but won’t be
decided to unionize and it’s been worth it.”
reckless in our growth.” PM
Asked about his success so far, Harrison credits it to not being afraid of technology and
12
hours, quoting extras on jobs.”
Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017
and knowledge.”
trends
Residential Building Trends By Dan Lee
I
n the greater Vancouver area and the Lower
amenities, service and retail spaces are located
Germany, and targets reduction of energy
Mainland,
directly
buildings,
density to about one-fifth of the current
opportunity and the increased focus on
reducing the need for travel and attracting more
standards. Cities are promoting the adoption
energy efficiency among various stakeholders
buyers. These types of multi-family buildings
of
are the strongest factors driving trends in the
provide a great opportunity for everyone
offering reduction in development time or
multi-residential market.
involved, including the developer, building
other incentives. Many cities are promoting and
owner and both the retail and residential tenants.
developing district energy utilities, trying to
To accommodate the increased demand
take advantage of waste heat facilities, as well as
Baby boomers are reaching retirement age
for multi-family and mixed-use buildings,
the current low cost of natural gas. Connection
and are downsizing from a single-family home
developers are partnering with owners of
to the district energy is being mandated by
as part of their retirement plan. Although this
large parking lots that are underutilized, such
the cities if the property falls within their
demographic of people is ready to down size,
as shopping malls and churches. This type
development zones.
many are still not quite ready for condo living.
of partnership benefits both parties, as the
It is likely that current residential building
This is one of a few reasons why we have seen
developer finds the land to develop and the
trends that we are seeing in Vancouver
a recent increase in the townhome market.
shopping malls or churches are financed and
and the Lower Mainland will continue to
Besides rising construction and development
redeveloped
residential
dominate in the future. Rental and residential
costs, there is simply not enough single-family
properties surrounding them, giving them a
mixed-used condos will remain popular to
housing in Vancouver to make the market
fresh start.
accommodate the market demand. Lack of
demographics,
affordability,
Demographics & Affordability
competitive, thus decreasing their affordability and driving first-time buyers into the condo market or to renting.
below
multi-residential
with
high-density
these
high-performance
standards
by
affordability will still be an obstacle with
Energy Efficiency & Regulatory Standards
higher costs of land, materials, labour and increased construction standards. This will
are
New regulations and building codes are
continue to reduce the size of apartments
continuously reducing the size of new condo
being introduced that are continually pushing
or cause buyers to find alternate methods of
units, many down to less than 500 square
increased
reduce
financing. Federal, provincial or municipal
feet in area. In addition, more owners are
residential and commercial buildings carbon
regulations and building codes will continue
addressing rising costs by adopting secondary
footprint. In British Columbia, the Step Code
to pursue energy efficiency and sustainability.
suites or ‘mortgage helpers’. As a result, rental
that came into effect in late 2017 provides a
However, some very specific energy efficiency
apartment developments are increasingly active
performance-based
to
building trends may wain due to climatic
in response to the high demand, with many
building energy management — with an eventual
impracticalities in many locations, as the cost
targeting high-end renters. Luxury rental units
target of being “net zero ready” by 2032.
to build may not see a realistic payback in
Pressures
concerning
affordability
with full air conditioning and luxurious finishes are becoming common.
Opportunities Mixed-use, multi-family buildings are the most prevalent trend in new construction. More
energy
efficiencies
compliance
to
method
A growing construction standard being used
some climates. PM
in lieu of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is called
Dan Lee, AScT, LEED AP, is mechanical team
Passive House, which focuses strictly on energy
lead with Williams Engineering. He has more
density
than 30 years’ experience as a mechanical
rather
than
overall
sustainability.
Passive House is a standard originating from
design technologist.
FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical
13
hvac
Leveraging Wireless Technology to Enable Smarter Buildings Remote access to building systems offers many benefits By James Kohl
A
s technology in everyday life becomes more integrated, with more devices offering
improved
connectivity
and
visibility, building owners expect the same capabilities from their building systems. Using wireless technology for a building automation system (BAS) can help engineers create a building design that meets customer expectations and sets them apart from the competition. When designing building systems — whether for new buildings or retrofit projects — using wireless technology to install automated building controls provides benefits, both on day one and over the life of the building. Affordable first costs and simplified installation for a smoother construction process are key benefits that make wireless technology for building controls and
Disrupted signals automatically and immediately
(HVAC) and lighting. Solutions that provide
devices a good option.
reroute around obstacles. This can eliminate the
an easy-to-use, single point of control for these
It’s important to also consider the benefits
risks of traditional wired systems, which simply
systems make it easier to optimize energy efficiency
beyond installation. Implementing wireless as part
fail when wires are cut or damaged. With self-
while balancing the energy consumption of a
of a BAS allows building owners to access a wealth
repairing mesh, there is no longer concern about
building with the comfort and control of the space.
of building data, monitor building performance
a single point of failure for the entire network. Improved reliability can result in reduced
to these building control capabilities. Web-enabled
service and maintenance needs over the life of
solutions provide access to building systems from
In addition, technology advancements make
the system. Because wireless systems extend
virtually anywhere using a tablet or smartphone,
today’s wireless systems more reliable than
wire-free communication throughout the entire
resulting in more responsive building control.
wireless technology of the past — and in some cases
building and network, they also offer reduced
Easy access to building data — whether on-site or
more reliable than traditional wired solutions.
troubleshooting and maintenance compared to
remotely — is critical to keeping a building and its
wired systems.
systems running as they were designed.
Benefits beyond day one
utilization of energy management solutions,
and adjust systems remotely, and ensure the building continues to run as it was designed.
Reliable wireless technology A growing number of building projects
Some
BAS
technology
also
enables
the
utilize wireless technology. Wireless can be
Enabling building automation via wireless
providing features such as real-time monitoring
used in building automation systems for many
technology can provide capabilities such as remote
of all energy-related data gathered in a building,
applications,
equipment,
access to building systems, unified control of
energy analytics and automated fault detection.
system communications, remote access and
multiple building systems and multiple buildings
This provides a link to additional intelligent
service tools.
from one interface for easier management, and
services that make it easier to monitor data and
improved performance and efficiency.
gain insights into building performance and usage
including
sensing,
Wireless technology has evolved, making it
to help drive efficiency-improvement efforts.
more reliable and cost effective. Today’s solutions
Building automation that utilizes wireless
offer reliable and secure performance by taking
technology makes it easier to manage all types and
In addition wireless provides flexibility to easily
advantage of new wireless standards, such as
sizes of buildings more intelligently and efficiently,
add or move devices, change building spaces and
ZigBee Certified Building Automation, which
resulting in a high-performance facility. Using the
expand their capabilities in the future as building
offers a global standard for interoperable products
data-driven solutions that are available through
needs evolve.
enabling secure and reliable monitoring and
some automation systems can provide insights
control of commercial building systems. These
into building performance and help owners
technology advancements offer better outcomes,
uncover opportunities for improvement that help
including extended signal range, longer battery
transform their building into an asset.
life and improved reliability through a selfrepairing mesh network.
14
Available BAS solutions also allow remote access
A cost-effective option for retrofits In many existing buildings, especially those
Automation can provide the ability to easily see
where the age or historical significance restricts
what’s happening in a building — from information
the changes that can be made to the structure, a
Redundant, self-repairing mesh technology
about equipment, to alarm information, to energy
BAS may never be considered. That’s because the
found in some wireless systems helps prevent
use. Varying resources show that 60 to 70 per cent
requirements of wired building controls make
communication failures by maintaining wireless
of energy consumption in a commercial building
a BAS too costly — and perhaps even physically
communication, even when signals are obstructed.
is due to heating, ventilation and air conditioning
impossible — in those buildings.
Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017
hvac
Wireless technology is changing that by eliminating the communication wires between building controls, equipment or lighting controls, room sensors and service tools. This freedom from wires provides the option to consider automated building controls in existing and historical buildings where the technology wasn’t feasible, or was considered too costly, in the past. Choosing a BAS with wireless technology can reduce the complexity, time and cost of installation, since wireless controls eliminate the need to pull
many benefits over the life of the building.
saving strategies within reach in more buildings
or run wires in the building for humidity and
Today’s cost-effective wireless systems offer
and applications. PM
temperature
system
reliability and flexibility and enable many
communications, remote access and service tools. In
intelligent building solutions that can improve
Jim Kohl is controls senior product manager
existing buildings, wireless results in less disruption
performance and efficiency.
for Trane, a leading global provider of indoor
sensing,
equipment
and
to the facility and its occupants, and can help avoid
A wireless solution puts building automation,
disturbing the structure and reduce contact with
improved building performance and energy-
comfort solutions and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand.
potentially hazardous materials, for decreased contact with cleanup costs and risk involved with installation. These factors make wireless a cost-effective, simpler solution that puts a more sophisticated level of building control within reach, especially for older buildings and retrofit applications. The Moody County Courthouse in South Dakota is an example of an aging building where the building controls and systems were updated
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using wireless technology. The HVAC systems in the courthouse were more than 30-yearsold, failing and in need of replacement. Officials there wanted to replace the systems without compromising the integrity of the century-old building. Wireless technology allowed them to replace the HVAC system for improved reliability
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www.bccabenefits.ca info@bccabenefits.ca
604 683 7353 1 800 665 1077
When considering wireless technology for building systems, look for a wireless system built on platforms that support open standards, such as BACnet. This makes integration easier so the many diverse systems in a building (including HVAC, lighting, elevators, fire and security) can be monitored, managed and adjusted via one single interface through the BAS. When controls and HVAC equipment come from one provider partner, it can be easier to resolve any potential issues in the future. In addition, having integrated building systems also makes it easier to partner with a single provider for remote monitoring or diagnostic services. This monitoring provides visibility into what’s happening in the building so issues can be addressed in a timely manner.
Wireless is an option for many buildings Specifying wireless technology built on open standards for building systems can result in
FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical
15
hvac
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
I
n recent years the tankless hot water heater (also known as the instantaneous or on-demand water heater) has evolved
from a mid-efficient, 83-per cent efficiency range, vented type to a more modern 90-97-per cent high efficient, direct-vented condensing tankless heater. Due to this increased efficiency rate, these tankless hot water heaters have become more popular in both residential and commercial applications. Tankless hot water systems have become popular with residential home owners simply because of the advantages these gas appliances provide. For example tankless hot water heaters have a very small carbon footprint and are beneficial due to the high square footage cost of today’s construction and limited space for a mechanical room. One other benefit is the
lifespan, provided that the customer follows the
location of tankless water heaters. Unlike the
recommended manufacture servicing.
more commonly known standalone hot water
benefit
of
residential
and
tanks that take up valuable floor space, the
commercial installations of tankless hot water
installation of tankless water heaters are units
systems is the flexibility to install numerous
hung on the wall near the point of use. This wall
tankless heater units in the same location,
hung design allows the homeowner more floor
thus, providing the customer(s) with optimal
space for storage.
hot water accessibility. An example of such a
Floor space for storage is one benefit to
scenario would be for a large family supply of
tankless water heaters; another is the cost of
hot water. This supply can be endless, providing
heating the water. Tankless hot water systems
that the required flow rate matched the demand
do not have the pricey heating costs that normal
of the tankless hot water heater. The possibility
for several decades in Europe. It is not new
standalone tank type water heaters have. The
of numerous tankless systems is also known as
technology, it’s simply new to the West Coast,
customer only has to pay to heat the water that
a parallel piping arrangement.
and Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is
is used, when it is needed, rather than paying
The versatility of tankless hot water heater
to heat the stored water in a large tank. Not to
systems allows for countless possibilities. For
mention that the life expectancy of a standalone
example, from the dock at the lake house to
Recently the plumbing department at KPU
hot water tank is approximately 10 years,
road trips in an RV, their compact size and light
has received two generous donations of tankless
whereas the lifespan of a tankless hot water unit
weight allow them to be uniquely portable. A
water heaters and the plumbing instructors
is in the region of 20 years. Heating the water
tankless hot water unit can be fueled by natural
are excited to be including this technology into
on demand and the duration of 20 years before
gas (NG), propane (LP) and/ or electricity,
their curriculum. The plumbing instructors at
needing to replace the tankless system makes
making the location and flexibility of these
KPU want to instill the knowledge of tankless
economical sense to the consumer as well as a
systems endless.
hot water systems to current plumbers in the
Having
or
industry, as well as train future generations of plumbers on the benefits of this technology.
heater will use roughly 30 per cent less energy,
banked together now allows the technology
Thanks to Rinnai and AO Smith for donating the
on average, than a standard storage hot water
side
technology to help train all plumbers.
tank. This gas appliance saves money in the long
Bluetooth communications along with hard
Beginning in the summer of 2018, KPU Tech
run. According to Energy.gov, “For homes that
line connections provide the consumer the
(Cloverdale campus) will be providing on-site
use 155 litres or less of hot water daily, demand
information at their fingertips any time of
training, two or three times a year, for service
(or tankless) water heaters can be 24-34 per cent
day. This type of information technology
and replacement contractors, and the plumbing
more energy efficient than conventional storage
allows problems to be identified quickly and
instructors will be a part of this. Once our
tank water heaters”.
the service technician can be informed prior
manufacturer training partners complete their on-
Storage water tanks can have more harmful
to the customer’s knowledge of any concerns.
site training, the tankless hot water heater technology
results on the environment too. As those tanks
Communication capability between tankless
will be integrated into our apprenticeship levels
age, large deposits of rust, scale and other
units and service technicians provides a higher
3 and 4 program. The instructors look forward to
minerals build up on the inner walls of the tank,
level of customer service and a faster response
starting this training. PM
which in turn contaminate the consumer’s water.
time for servicing the unit.
the
industry
of
to
residential
tankless systems.
commercial, single or multiple tankless units of
installations
at the forefront of providing training on these
An ENERGY STAR certified tankless hot water
small carbon footprint on the environment.
16
Another
flourish.
Wi-Fi,
However, tankless hot water heaters provide
Tankless hot water units are gaining steam in
consistently pure water for the entirety of their
North America, although they have been utilized
Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017
Contributed by the plumbing department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
association corner
1
2
1. Vancouver Chapter Meeting & Texas Hold ’Em Tournament, January 17, 2018. The tournament’s first-place winner was Terry LaJeaunesse of Viaduct Sheet Metal. 2. Corry Belcourt (centre) of Veridis Plumbing & Heating and chairman of the MCABC’s Island Golf Committee, presented representatives from Victoria Hospice with a cheque for $1,990. Funds were raised at the 2017 Island Golf Classic. The 2018 tournament, being held at Royal 3
4
Colwood Golf Course on June 21, 2018, will also raise funds for this great cause. 3. Neil Holbeche of IPEX (left) relaxes with Dennis Coutts, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Vancouver, at the charity’s ReStore in Burnaby. Neil is presenting a cheque for $851, net proceeds from last year’s MCABC & CIPH golf tournament. 4. Sabrina Ting, fund development officer for Coast Mental Health, accepts a cheque from MCABC’s EVP, Dana Taylor. A record $5,348 was raised at our 2017 Holiday Open House last December, made
5
6
possible by the generosity of our members and friends! We donated every penny raised to Coast Mental Health. 5. Robert Chalanchuk, portfolio manager & wealth adviser with Chalanchuk Wealth Management Group, spoke at a March Member Luncheon. Robert shared some insightful personal investment strategies for these tumultuous times with his fellow members. 6. Canplas’s Dillon Moulton (centre) represented the MCABC Associates Executive when he presented this cheque for $1,920 to Victoria’s Mustard Seed Street Church. The funds were raised at last year’s Associates Night at MCABC’s 2017 Conference on Vancouver Island. Mustard Seed Street Church provides food bank services to Victoria’s needy.
7
7. MCABC president Dale Miller (left) of Division 15 presents a cheque for $1,505 to Dr. Chris Lee at the Fraser Cancer Centre. The money is a donation from the 2017 Vancouver Golf Tournament to the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation of which Dr. Lee is a board member. 8. The 2017 Fraser Valley Golf Tournament helped to feed families in the Fraser Valley by donating proceeds to two area food banks. Pictured: Earl Storey, B.A. Robinson, presents a cheque to the Abbotsford Community Services Food Bank. Jesse Sanghera, Noble BC, and Mike Vesterback, National Hydronics, donate funds to the
8
8
Langley Food Bank. Net proceeds from the 2018 golf tournament are also going to these two great community service providers.
FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical
17
association corner
2018 Annual Conference and AGM
18
Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017
association corner
FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical
19
association corner
Members Corner Capri and CMW Insurance, two leading BC-
3Phase HVAC Systems is now the Western
ECCO Supply is now the exclusive supplier of
based insurance brokerages which merged in 2017,
Canada distributor of Danfoss ABQM™ Pressure
American-based Smart Frog Air Conditioners, the
have rebranded as CapriCMW. The rebranding
Independent Balancing and Control Valves PIBCV,
first hybrid residential air conditioning system.
marks the company’s next step towards integrating
actuators, hose kits, and accessories. 3Phase HVAC
Smart Frog air conditioning units are designed
its operations under one identity, with a common
System’s team of engineers, technical sales people
for residential and light commercial applications
mission and core values. The merger in 2017 brought
and factory trained service technicians provides
where low operating cost, lower carbon foot print
together the strengths of a combined 63 years of
extensive application knowledge and technical
and emergency back-up power supply is desired.
insurance and risk management experience, while
support. Despite all the innovations in the field of
ECCO Supply offers heating, ventilation and
retaining the advantages of being independent and
installation, it is still a challenge to balance and
air conditioning professionals a broad range of
employee-owned. As CapriCMW, the company now
control HVAC systems without pressure independent
materials, products and technical knowledge with
has more than 400 employees in 14 offices across
technology. If your project has fan coils, VAV, heat
locations across Canada.
B.C. and Ontario with professional expertise in a
recovery, heat pump, unit ventilators, freeze coils, the
multitude of industries, products and services.
Danfoss PIBCV is an effective solution.
Dual
Mechanical, a well-respected Surrey-
based mechanical contractor with a broad scope of expertise, recently celebrated its 40th year of being in business. Staff, business partners, and friends enjoyed
Manufacturers Representative for
a relaxed get together for afternoon food and drinks to mark the occasion at Maan Farms in Abbotsford. The company was founded in 1978 by John Collett. In 1990, John’s son Jason began his plumbing apprenticeship and eventually worked his way up to
Boilers & Water Heaters
be Dual’s head estimator/vice president. John and
Manufactured in Canada, RBI has a full line of condensing and non-condensing boilers ranging from 100 MBH to 10,000 MBH.
Jason joined as partners in the business in 2009 until Jason became the sole owner and operator in 2013.
We provide technical assistance to mechanical contractors and engineers as well as post-sales support with factory trained tech’s for boiler commissioning and locally stocked parts.
www.mesales.ca
Dual employs a field crew of 30 to 40 skilled plumbers and HVAC piping installers and accommodates a full range of bid spec, design-build, design assist, custom
604-788-4024
and complex mechanical systems in commercial, institutional, and industrial projects, many of which are LEED-certified. Dual Mechanical prides itself on high quality craftsmanship and an eye for innovation, while remaining true to its humble roots.
UPCOMING EVENTS June 8 Vancouver Golf Tournament Northview Golf Club, Surrey June 13 BCEA & MCABC Golf Tournament Sunset Ranch, Kelowna
t:604.942.0012
June 21 MCABC Island Golf Classic Royal Colwood Golf Club, Victoria August 24 MCABC & ECABC Prince George Golf Tournament Prince George Golf & Curling Club, Prince George
2016 GOLD WINNER MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR
www.div15mechanical.com 604‐214‐8730
20
Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017
2016 SILVER WINNER MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR
2016 MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Advanced Mechanical Solutions
September 14 & 15 Business Management 1&2 MCABC Classroom, Burnaby September 16 Blueprint Reading MCABC Classroom, Burnaby
safety scene
Marijuana in the Workplace
Should employers be worried about drug impairment on the job? by BC Construction Safety Alliance
I
n 1973 the LeDain Commission (among
concentrate instead on what is. “If employers
among injured workers. We don’t understand
the better known of the many publicly
think people aren’t using marijuana and other
how to recognize when impairment could cause
funded examinations of illicit drug use
substances now, they need to open their eyes.
problems for the worker and others.”
in Canada over the years) was tasked to look
Those who use will continue to use, and those
into the impact of non-medicinal drugs like
who don’t, won’t,” he says.
The lack of discussion has much to do with the “hangover” culture of the industry,
marijuana. The review was spurred by what the
Earle, who previously worked with CLRA
which is alive and well, Earle says, and the
federal government called a “growing concern”
as VP Government Relations and was also
transitory nature of the workforce. “Long term
about the “sedative, stimulant, tranquilizing, or
president of the Employers Forum, doesn’t
relationships aren’t the norm so for employers
hallucinogenic properties” of such drugs and
expect much change over the short term and
it’s difficult to invest in someone’s recovery or
their effect on individuals and society overall. In the second half of 2018, the federal Cannabis Act will finally do what the LeDain commission (and others over the years) recommended: decriminalize marijuana for recreational use. As we await the date, there is speculation galore about what will be the impact of legalizing “Maryjane,” “reefer,” “doobie,” “weed,” “bong,” “bud,” or “420.” From “great for business and employment” to “will create a
even drug testing, which is $200 a test.”
...the best thing employers can do is stop worrying about what might be and concentrate instead on what is.
new generation of zombies,” there is no end of guesswork about what the impacts might be.
So what can employers do? Earle suggests among the best strategies is to provide supports for supervisors to talk to and engage their crews about impairment and what to do if they notice a potential problem. “I preach about this all the time. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, 99 per cent of the time it’s not going to be related to substance use, but you still need to have the conversation. If the supervisor has the right training, he or she will recognize that
believes it will be years before we get a handle
something is wrong and if there is concern they
Among those pondering what the future
on the full impact of legalized marijuana. In the
can take appropriate action.”
might hold are construction employers, who
meantime, he says, the focus should be on asking
Executive director Mike McKenna says BCCSA
are naturally concerned about the potential
why people feel the need to use mood-altering
will help get employers talking about the issue
impact of legalization on workplace safety. Will
substances and how to recognize and effectively
by contracting Earle to be the guest speaker at all
there be an increase in workers who toke up or
deal with impairment in the workplace.
four of this year’s regional contractor meetings,
grab an “edible” before or on the job? How will
“Impairment is impairment regardless of
which kick off in Prince George (for the full
being impaired affect their performance and
how someone gets there, and what hasn’t
schedule, visit the BCCSA website). The Alliance
the safety of those around them? What will be
changed is the need to address what is already
will also consider the possibility of endorsing a
the employer’s responsibility in all of this?
a serious problem,” says Earle. “For instance,
pre-existing course or seminar on impairment
Dave Earle, president of the BC Trucking
the number one substance showing up in tests
awareness and action strategies, says McKenna.
Association and an expert on impairment in
in construction was and is cocaine. The problem
“This is a serious problem for our industry and
the industry, says the best thing employers can
is we don’t talk about the ‘whys’ of substance
we have a role in assisting our contractors and
do is stop worrying about what might be and
use, including the impact of opiate addiction
workers overall.” PM
FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical
21
industry news Vancouver’s energy efficient heat pump To address the City of Vancouver’s target to reduce corporate carbon emissions by 33 percent below 2007 levels by 2020, the City of Vancouver is now using a zero emissions air source heat pump to provide year-round climate control at City Hall, improve energy efficiency, and improve building air quality for occupants. The city’s new air source heat pump works by using the same principle as a refrigerator; extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it to the inside to warm the building. It can also cool the inside environment by reversing this process. Electrical
pumps,
annual conference and AGM held in Whistler. From left to right: John Weisgerber, Henry
recently installed at City Hall, save energy
DeJong, Mike Vesterback, Piero Lamartino, Robert Marchiori, Brian Bradshaw, Len Voon,
and
Stuart Morrison, Dale Miller, EVP Dana Taylor, John Fu.
carbon
like
pollution
the
The new 2018-2020 MCABC board of directors was elected at the association’s 74th one
reduce
heat
NEW BOARD
by
using
renewable electricity as an energy input and are highly efficient.
Missing from photo: Kyle Wisniewski, Wayne Davidson, Jeff Newmarch, Trever Hildebrand and Chad Kinsley.
By the end of 2019, the heat pump is expected to have reduced greenhouse gases by 34 per cent annually and is projected to save $20,000
and incorporated under the Applied Science
from both local and global leaders and to
each year through energy cost savings.
Technologies & Technicians Act in 1985, the
expand its mission to support zero emissions
Deep retrofits like Vancouver City Hall's
role of ASTTBC is to regulate the standards of
building across the province.
new heat pump bring a building’s energy
training and practice of and for its members,
and carbon performance up to the standards
and to protect the interests of the public.
expected of new construction as a necessary
“I am excited to join ASTTBC and work with
Goodland of Brantwood Consulting will
step to achieve the city’s overall goals of the
the technologists and technicians who are
serve as interim executive director. An
Renewable City Strategy and Greenest City
responsible for performing work that impacts
official launch of the Centre is planned for
Action Plan.
the health and safety of British Columbians
summer 2018.
“We are committed to maintaining and
daily,”
said
McCurry.
“Technology
upgrading all city-run facilities — especially
professionals are accountable for ensuring
older buildings like city hall — so they’re
public safety and their contribution greatly
clean, green, and energy-efficient,” said Mayor
impacts the economic wellbeing of B.C.”
Gregor Robertson. “Buildings produce over half of Vancouver’s total emissions and we need leadership at both the public and private
Vancouver Zero Emissions Centre set to launch
brewery’s commitment to water conservation Steam Whistle recently launched a new
City of Vancouver, Passive House Canada
program
to
conserve
as
and the Open Green Building Society has
as
possible
through
the
Theresa McCurry has been appointed
announced the launch of the Vancouver Zero
of
water-saving
by council as the new CEO of Applied
Emissions Building Centre of Excellence
new bottle washer, keg filling line and
Science Technologists & Technicians of BC
(the Centre), a collaborative platform to
shower
(ASTTBC), a professional association of
strengthen the public, private and civic
Beyond water, the brewery’s environmental
10,000-plus technologists, technicians and
capacities to deliver zero emissions buildings.
efforts
technical specialists. She began her tenure
As host of the Centre, VRCA will work
on April 9th, 2018. ASTTBC is British Columbia’s independent certifying body for engineering and applied science
technologists
heads also
much
equipment
on
the
include
water
installation like
packaging green
its line.
packaging,
using Bullfrog power, bio diesel fuels in
closely with many key partners as well as
delivery
industry stakeholders that have voiced their
Deep
support for this initiative.
control,
tapping
Cooling
energy
Enwave’s
temperature
efficient
equipment
Key designations include Applied Science
accelerate the capacity and enthusiasm of
The CIPH award program was developed to
Technologist (AScT), Certified Technician
local developers, designers and builders
recognize outstanding efforts to improve our
(CTech),
and
Professional
Technologist
to deliver cost-effective, attractive, zero
relationship with water. Past recipients of the
(PTech)
and
are
with
many
emissions new residential and commercial
CIPH Water Wise Award include WaterAid
technical specialist credentials to signal a
buildings in Vancouver. Recognizing that
Canada,
high standard of technical and professional
knowledge, inspiration, and the building
Science Centre, le Fonds Éco IGA, Fisheries
competency
throughout
industry itself is not confined to municipal
& Marine Institute of Memorial University,
Canada and globally. Established in 1958
boundaries, the Centre aspires to learn
and Co-op Refinery Complex.
in
Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017
B.C.,
lighting
into
for
The mission of the Centre is to rapidly
coupled
and
trucks,
Water
technicians.
here
and
Regional
with its National Water Wise Award for the and purification in its core operations.
New ASTTBC CEO
Vancouver
The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) presented Steam Whistle
Association (VRCA) in partnership with the
cent renewably powered city by 2050.”
The
CIPH National Water Wise Award
Construction
level to reach our target of being a 100-per
22
The Centre will be located at the Hive, 128 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver. Helen
and
Vancouver
waste
Aquarium
diversion.
Marine
2018-2020
MCABC BOARD MEMBERS President Dale Miller Division 15 Mechanical Ltd.
Executive Vice President Dana Taylor
Secretary Treasurer / Past President Wayne Davidson Davidson Bros Mechanical Contractors
Associates Vice-Chairman John Fu Noble BC
Associates Vice-Chairman Jeff Newmarch Hy-Line Sales Ltd. (2018)
Director Brian Bradshaw Altac Services Inc.
Director Kyle Wisniewski Black & Mcdonald Ltd.
Director Henry DeJong ESC Automation Inc
Director Chad Kinsley R.H. Jones and Son Mechanical
Director Stuart Morrison Northland Mechanical Contracting Ltd.
Director Piero Lamartino Fred Welsh Ltd.
Director Len Voon Aarc-West Mechanical Insulation (2013) Inc.
Director John Weisgerber Johnson Controls Ltd.
Director Trevor Hildebrand Phase Mechanical Systems Ltd.
Director Robert Marchiori Ram Mechanical
S A V E S P A C E. REDUCE EMISSIONS.
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Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-Split AC and HP AHRI Standard 1230
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