RAIC Report
RAIC CENTRE FOR ARCHITECTURE AT ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY
By David Craddock, MRAIC
RAIC Second Vice-President and Regional Director for Ottawa Southwest
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The renewal of the RAIC Syllabus Program is a significant priority for the RAIC Board of Directors. This valuable Program provides access to Architectural education, to Canadians who, for reasons of geography or personal circumstances, are unable to attend one of the ten accredited Canadian University Schools of Architecture, as well as to International Architecture Graduates [IAGs], who come to Canada and require upgrading of skills through additional courses.
Since 1978, the Syllabus has been an English-language, self-paced program of academic studies, design studios, and practical experience leading to an RAIC Professional Diploma in Architecture. In 2004 the RAIC committed to both enhancing and expanding the program and sought a partner to help develop and deliver the new program throughout Canada in both official languages.
After extensive review and research, the RAIC joined forces in 2009 with Athabasca University [AU], which is an Alberta-based “Open University”. Since its founding in 1970, AU has evolved into Canada’s largest online and distance education provider. Of particular relevance is that the University’s 38,000 students share a similar age and work profile with the current Syllabus program students. The typical undergraduate student is 29 years old; the average graduate student is 37. More than 81% continue working while studying and 63% study year round while balancing studies and other work and community experiences.
The RAIC and AU are in the final stages of developing both an undergraduate program in Architectural studies which will be composed of on-line courses in design and technical aspects of Architecture as well as providing a well rounded program of the Arts and Humanities. This undergraduate degree, [B.Sc. Arch.] will be available to a wide community seeking both an undergraduate degree for their professional development as well as those with a general interest in the topic of Architecture. The RAIC believes the expansion of interest in Architecture and design to the general public will increase its appreciation in our culture.
This fall, the RAIC Centre of Architecture at Athabasca University will officially commence its Graduate Diploma in Architecture which is designed to meet the educational requirements leading to professional licensure. It will be a unique program blending both academic study at AU by distance education and the continuation of its practice-based approach of learning obtained in the office of a licensed Architect. The program will involve the studio format currently being used in the Syllabus program, as well as exploiting the ability to offer virtual on-line studios and events. Over time the current Syllabus program will evolve into the new format. The Centre‘s program will also be equipped to provide courses and professional practice training which will be available for foreign-trained Architects to learn about practice in Canada. This will enable them to integrate into the Canadian community and be able to bring their skills to bear in an efficient manner. The RAIC realizes that while the traditional stream of University-based education will continue to provide the bulk of new members to the profession, there is indeed a continuing need to provide an alternate stream to enter the field.
The RAIC Centre has been pleased to see the interest the program has sparked within the construction industry. In 2009 the Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association [CCMPA] signed an M.O.U to become the lead sponsor of the Chair in Architecture, Technology and Building Strength. This commitment began in 2010 and will run for an initial term of five years. To date more than $600,000 in funding has been raised, and the RAIC gratefully acknowledges the CCMPA’s support and financial commitment.
The RAIC would like to encourage others within the construction industry to join this unique program as it will enable the profession to expand and grow with the Canadian construction industry. Education is a life-long experience and the RAIC believes the Centre will become a focus for life-long Continuing Education that specializes on northern climate design, sustainability, and regional building traditions.
For more information: info@raic.org or www.athabascau.ca
LEED for Neighbourhood Development launches in US
The LEED for Neighbourhood Development rating system, just launched in the US, encourages development within or near existing communities and/or public infrastructure in order to reduce the environmental impacts of sprawl. By promoting communities that are physically connected, LEED for Neighborhood Development conserves land and promotes transportation efficiency and walkability. A 2008 US study entitled “The Economic Value of Walkability” found that households in automobile-dependent communities devote 50% more money – more than $8,500 annually – to transportation.
LEED for Neighbourhood Development projects are intended to be strategically located in or near surrounding metropolitan areas – often times revitalizing brownfields, infills or other underutilized spaces, opening new revenue streams, creating job opportunities and helping to drive local economies.
The scope of LEED for Neighbourhood Development projects can range from small projects to whole communities and encompasses a broader set of stakeholders in the process. Because of the scale of neighbourhood development, projects are measured on acreage – the first LEED rating system to use a meas-urement other than square footage.
This new LEED rating system is the first comprehensive bench-mark for green neighbourhood design. Projects certifying under LEED for Neighbourhood Development must achieve points in three major environmental categories: Smart Location & Linkage, Neighbourhood Pattern & Design, and Green Infrastructure & Buildings across a 110-point scale.
Enermodal Toronto OFFICE gets Platinum
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Practicing what it preaches as a LEED consultant, Enermodal Engineering's Toronto office recently received LEED Platinum certification from the Canada Green Building Council. This is only the second Platinum certification in Toronto and the 61st LEED Canada certification for Enermodal.
"We've enjoyed working in a LEED-CI Platinum office for the past year-and-a-half and seeing first hand the benefits of LEED - such as increased daylighting and less off-gassing from furniture and finishes," says Michael Pires, manager of Enermodal Toronto. "Just like many offices in Toronto, we are not the owner of the building, just a tenant, but we have made substantial improvements to the space from an occupant and environmental perspective that can be duplicated by our clients."
Located on the ninth floor of the historic Balfour Building on the corner of Spadina and Adelaide, Enermodal Toronto's office features salvaged furniture, décor elements, and flooring. The office also negotiated with the landlord to split the cost of upgrading communal bathroom fixtures to low-flow options to help the office achieve a predicted 53% indoor water savings.
Other green features include the following:
• purchase of 100% green power
• all employees have views to the outdoors
• 98% of construction waste diverted from landfills to recycling facilities
• three-quarters of all materials were supplied locally
• office equipment is Energy Star certified
• high efficiency lighting ballasts with integrated daylighting sensors to decrease the lighting power density by 37%
• bamboo millwork and
• blinds controlled by daylighting sensors.
Info: ccarpenter@enermodal.com
New LEED AP credential maintenance arrives
Credential maintenance is the continuing education completed by LEED Professionals to maintain current knowledge of green building practices and LEED. Credential maintenance requirements ensure the LEED Prof-essional Credentials maintain their relevance and significance in a constantly evolving industry.
The Credential Maintenance Program [CMP] is designed to help LEED Professionals grow their knowledge base, stay current with best practices, and show clients and employers that their expertise is meaningful in a rapidly transforming and ever-demanding marketplace. CMP will keep LEED Green Associate and LEED AP credentials current with the evolving body of knowledge and practice of green building. Under CMP, all LEED Professional Credentials must be maintained on a two-year cycle through the accumulation of continuing education [CE] hours.
Info: www.gbci.org
BOMA BESt to certify 2000th building
By Nada Sudic
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Think again. Canada’s commercial real estate industry continues to demonstrate their commitment to improving their environmental practices and are using BOMA Canada’s national BOMA BESt program to achieve this goal.
Now in its 5th year, BOMA BESt has certified over 1600 Canadian buildings which have achieved various levels of certification, improving their energy efficiency, reducing their waste output and generally reducing their environmental footprint. BOMA CANADA anticipates certifying the 2000th BOMA BESt building before its National Conference and Exhibition [BOMEX] this September. The officers of the lucky 2000th building will be offered a complimentary invitation to BOMEX and will be singled out for special recognition at the National Awards ceremony on September 16th .
BOMA Canada and the 11 local BOMA associations across Canada continue to be impressed by the commercial real estate industry’s enthusiasm for achieving BOMA BESt across entire portfolios and aiming for BOMA BESt Level 4, the highest level of certification. When BOMA BESt first became a national program, premier owners and managers in Canada took on the challenge. In 2005, about 40 buildings achieved a BOMA BESt certification. In 2006 that number grew to 160, and by 2007 that number exploded to nearly 400. That growth in BOMA BESt certifications has stayed high and BOMA has also responded to new demands in the diverse portfolios of its members.
BOMA BESt certification includes assessments for four types of existing buildings: office, enclosed shopping centres, open air retail and light industrial. Last year’s expansion beyond assessing office buildings made BOMA BESt available to more buildings, resulting an increase in applications. Retail and light industrial property managers developed a familiarity with the new BOMA BESt assessments last year, and budgeted for many of their properties to apply for BOMA BESt certification in 2010. The 2000th BOMA BESt certified building could be a shopping centre, an open air retail plaza or even a light industrial property.
Far from resting on past successes, the BOMA BESt program is continuing to develop new ways of greening the skyline of our cities and suburbs. BOMA Canada is also developing a BOMA BESt assessment for multi-unit residential buildings, such as condominiums. As Canadian cities continue to increase urban density, the demand and the need for a consistent and replicable method of building assessment is growing. The BOMA BESt assessment for multi-unit residential buildings will be available in the fall of 2010.
Canadians are finding new ways every day to reduce waste and become more energy efficient in all kinds of buildings across the country, but they still wonder: are individual changes on a small scale making a difference? When BOMA Canada asked itself the same question, it came up with BOMA Canada’s Building Environmental Standards Program [BOMA BESt to fulfill a very simple purpose: take all the little things people do every day to save energy and live cleaner, greener lives and apply these choices to the urban ecology on a scale as large as the skyscrapers that define the skylines of our cities.]
BOMA BESt signals a paradigm shift by greening portfolios of buildings through the active participation of BOMA Canada’s membership, and BOMA is looking forward to certifying the 2000th building before September.
Our mistake
We regret that the Mechanical and Electrical Engineers of the Charles Dickens School published in the March/April SABMag was not correctly noted as the MMM Group in Burnaby, BC; www.mmm.ca.
New CaGBC LEED Rating Systems open in June
Registration for LEED Canada for New Construction and Major Renovations [N] 2009 and LEED Canada Core and Shell Development [CS] 2009 will open June 21, 2010. These new rating systems will offer many advantages, including:
• Consolidation of documentation: all the Application Guides and relevant CIRs have been incorporated,
• New and updated pathways: several alternative credit compliance pathways have been introduced,
• Re-weighted credits: the number of points that may be earned for each credit has been re-evaluated using a more scientific approach, and
• Faster certification: the audit round of the certification process has been eliminated.
Details are found at www.cagbc.org
Canadian forest certification map published
The Forest Products Association of Canada has published an interactive map of all forests in Canada certified by the CSA, SFI and FSC forest management certification systems. Viewers can see versions of the map differentiated by certification standard and by province. The minimum size of certification area mapped is 5,000ha.
The map, available at www.certificationcanada.org, will be updated twice a year.
Italy first EU nation to adopt LEED
A memorandum of understanding between the Green Building Council Italia [GBC Italia] and US Green Building Council [USGBC] will see an Italian version of the building rating system implemented in Italy. The GBC Italia version of LEED will reference local standards and codes, include Italian-specific units, and outline alternative compliance paths appropriate to the region. The agreement will also see the two building councils share tools, research and information about green building. Mario Zoccatelli, president of GBC Italia, says that the organisation chose to adopt LEED because of USGBC’s “history of innovation and its flexible approach”.
Info: www.usgbc.org, www.gbcitalia.org
Mission Design group to bring together design and economic development
in Quebec
The professional orders and associations of design in Quebec, along with MDEIE [Quebec Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade] and MAMROT [Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy], have jointly announc-ed the official launch of Mission Design, the first organization to highlight the design professions and be a true voice for this industry in Quebec. During the launch event, the organization's mission and objectives were presented, and the new president, Mr. Jean-Paul L'Allier, and the board of trustees were introduced.
Info: cgermain@volume2.ca
World’s smallest sustainable house aims to solve housing shortage
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Nano, the world’s smallest house developed in Switzerland, has big hopes to solve the world’s rapidly increasing global housing problems. The Nano house measures 25 sq.m and can comfortably accommodate a family of four. With its creative design, the house has the ability to transform itself from a livable workplace during the day to providing two private comfortable bedrooms during the night. The Nano uses passive solar energy, which is completely free, non-polluting, and renewable. The Nano house can be assembled in a few hours, thereby making it perfect to use after a catastrophe. Bridge Development has a mission to solve the housing problem around the world.
Info: nathalie@spika.ch
2010 SAB awards recognize “game changer” buildings
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Eight leading-edge green buildings from Ontario, Manitoba and BC received 2010 SAB Awards - the Canadian Green Building Awards offered through Sustainable Architecture & Building magazine [SABMag]. The seven commercial/institutional buildings, and one new infill home, were chosen by a jury of three distinguished architects based on criteria of sustainable design, architectural excellence and technical innovation.
The jury described several of the projects as “game-changers” and “transformational” in the influence they will have in changing buildings in Canada to use less energy, conserve water, have healthier interiors for occupants, and be architecturally beautiful to live and work in.
The jurors were:
• Martin Neilsen, MAIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP, Principal at Busby, Perkins+Will, Vancouver;
• Lyse Tremblay, MRAIC, LEED AP, President of Lyse Tremblay Architecture, Montreal; and
• David Sisam B.Arch., OAA, FRAIC, LEED AP, Principal at Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.,Toronto.
Special thanks to our SAB Awards Sponsors: Autodesk Canada, the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, Canam, and Lafarge. The SAB Awards is an annual program intended to advance knowledge and practice of sustainable non-residential and residential building design in Canada.
Selected projects are:
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1. West Vancouver Community Center, Architect: Hughes Condon Marler: Architects, Vancouver
2. Vancouver Convention Centre West, Architect: DA/MCM + LMN Architects
3. 60 Richmond East Housing Development, Architect: Teeple Architects Inc, Toronto
4. Manitoba Hydro Place, Design Architect: Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg [KPMB], Toronto; Executive Architect: Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Incorporated
5. Gastown Buildings Rehab, Architect: Acton Ostry Architects Inc, Vancouver
6. Sauder School of Business, Architect: Acton Ostry Architects Inc, Vancouver
7. Southbrook Vineyards, Architect: Diamond Schmitt Architects, Toronto
8. Cascade House, Architect: Paul Raff Studio, Toronto
Green Building Initiative Establishes American National Standard for Commercial Green Building
The not-for-profit Green Building Initiative [GBI] has completed the first commercial building rating system to become an American National Standard, as approved by the American National Standards Institute [ANSI]. The standard, officially named ANSI/GBI 01-2010: Green Building Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings, was derived from the Green Globes environmental design and assessment rating system for New Construction.
According to the GBI, the standard represents the most scientifically advanced and robust green building rating system for the new construction or major renovation of commercial buildings in the U.S. The new standard takes a holistic approach to green building with seven areas of assessment: Project Management, Site, Water, Energy, Emissions, Indoor Environment and Resources. The energy section includes minimum achievement levels and introduces carbon equivalency measures that are used in combination with energy performance goals.
Other areas of innovation are the addition of a water consumption calculator, a materials/resources section that fully incorporates Life Cycle Assessment [LCA], and an emphasis on building integrity issues. The standard also contains minimum point requirements in each of the seven areas of assessment, ensuring the building has a minimum level of sustainability while still giving the project teams the flexibility to choose what works best for each unique building.
Info: www.thegbi.org
Bluewater Power opens PV test centre
Sarnia-based Bluewater Power has opened a solar photovoltaic [PV] test facility at its corporate headquarters to evaluate and compare the performance of different types of solar power systems over the different seasons in order to optimize future system design for local climate factors.
As a first step, Bluewater Power Generation Corporation plans to install five different 10 kW systems on the rooftop of its headquarters. Each system will have a distinct mounting structure, with some mounted closer to the roof and some raised above it. At least one system will utilize a tracker, following the sun as it moves across the sky. Each system will be connected to its own DC-AC power inverter, and each will be monitored separately in real time. They have partnered with CarbonFree Technology, an Ontario-based solar power project developer.
Info: www.bluewaterpower.com
Flynn makes Best Managed list
Flynn Canada Ltd., Canada’s only national building envelope contractor, has been named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies, the 11th consecutive year Flynn Canada has won the award, placing it in the exclusive Platinum Club which honours companies that have qualified as a 50 Best Managed Company for at least the past six consecutive years. Flynn has worked on num-erous sustainable design projects, one of the most recent being the green roof of the Vancouver Convention Centre published in the Jan/Feb 2010 SABMag.
Info: www.canadas50best.com
SFI launches a petition to influence USGBC
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative [SFI], the largest sustainable forest management system in the world, has launched an online petition urging the USGBC to recognize all forest certification standards used in North America, including the Canadian Standards Association [CSA], American Tree Farm System [ATFS], the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification [PEFC] and SFI.
The petition is based on the following reasons:
- Canada has the largest amount of third-party certified forest in the world, but not recognized by the USGBC
- Canada has the oldest national standard for sustainably-managed forests in the world [CSA], but not recognized by
the USGBC
- recognition of all forest certification standards will increase demand for certified wood in USGBC-certified buildings, and
- every other green building rating system in the world, every sustainable/green building code, and every national government wood and paper procurement scheme in the world recognizes all of the above named certification schemes.
Info: jason.metnick@sfiprogram.org
Ontario’s Feed-In Tariff [FIT] Program to stimulate new energy sources
Ontario’s Green Energy Act and its renewable energy plan attempts to address rising electrical demand through use of biomass, solar PV, wind and water power. The program is divided into two streams: FIT for large commercial projects greater than 10 kW, and MicroFIT for residential projects less than 10kW. Thus all flat roofs have the potential of becoming part of the solution as do poor quality agricultural lands in classes 4 to 7. At present, the solarPV part of the program, with its 20 year contract, is getting the most attention. Its 44.3.to 80.2 cents per kW payout is a strong motivator, with paybacks of 6 to 10 years. The overall payback period increases if maintenance is included. Corporations also benefit from depreciation tax deductions that can be applied to other sources of business profits.
Property owners apparently will not see increased property taxes since the equipment is removable. The overall cost of installation is estimated roughly at $10/watt or less. Materials and labour are to have 50% Ontario content until 2011, and 60% afterwards.The program will continue indefinitely and could eventually reduce the need for replacing Ontario’s aging nuclear plants. Time will tell on that.
Info: www. fit.powerauthority.on.ca – Hugh Perry, Associate editor
The Earth Awards 2010: A Global Search for Sustainable Innovations
The Earth Awards provides a platform for transformational ideas for the way we think about design and the way we live on Planet Earth. The Earth Awards invites design submissions from all corners of the globe in six categories: Built Environment, Fashion, Products, Systems, Future and Social Justice. Ideas, great or small, realized or prototypes, will be considered but must distinguish themselves in six criteria: Achievable, Scalable, Measurable, Useful, Original and Ecological. The grand prizewinner will receive $50,000 while category winners receive $10,000 each.
Info: www.theearthawards.org
BOMA Canada initiates technical
and content review of BOMA BESt
NADIA STUTIC, MANAGER ENVIRONMENTAL INIITIATIVES, BOMA CANADA
By Nada Sutic , Manager, Environmental Initiatives,
BOMA Canada
BOMA BESt is a national environmental certification program for commercial buildings, managed by the Building Owners and Managers Association [BOMA] of Canada and delivered through 11 local BOMA associations across the country. In February, BOMA Canada initiated a national review of the program by inviting BOMA members and other interested parties to submit recommendations on how to improve BOMA BESt.
BOMA BESt was created by the industry and for the industry, and the 2010 BOMA BESt Review continues to reinforce that. The technical and content review of BOMA BESt will build on the lessons learned by third-party verifiers, thousands of applicants and other associated stakeholders who are familiar with the program.
The multi-faceted approach to the Review includes an opportunity for direct input from BOMA communities across Canada. BOMA local associations across Canada will be engaging their local environmental committees and members to provide recommendations for improving the program. In addition, a third-party consultant review will also be conducted to further inform the process, before a national committee makes final recommendations on changes to be implemented in 2011.
Over five successful years, BOMA BESt has evolved from its roots as Go Green and Go Green Plus to a four-level certification program with specific evaluations for office buildings, light industrial properties, enclosed shopping centres, and open air retail centres. Since 2005, 1,400 buildings have achieved BOMA BESt certification which is valid for three years, and over 1,100 buildings in Canada currently hold the certification.
Building on the experience of all those buildings and their partners during the 2010 BOMA BESt Review, BOMA Canada and the regional BOMA associations across the country will continue to provide a strong BOMA BESt certification program for real estate in Canada.
Complete details, including a list of all certified buildings, are available at www.bomabest.com
Cement and concrete industries join forces on sustainability activities
The Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute and the Cement Association of Canada have signed a joint declaration to cooperate on technical information exchange, codes and standards development, industry education and training, publications of common interest, marketing and other related activities pertaining to sustainable development.
Both organizations will commit their individual strengths, resources as appropriate and guidance towards ensuring that the use of cement and concrete is positioned for a sustainable future.
Info: www.sustainableprecast.ca and www.cement.ca
Canadian Passive House website now online
The new Canadian Passive House Institute website: www.passivehouse.ca, is now online.
With the support of the Passivhaus Institut in Darmstadt, Germany, Malcolm Isaacs, P.Eng. of the Canadian Institute offers project certification and training to Canadian building professionals and their clients. The web site covers the Passive House concept and technical papers; FAQs; construction photos, assemblies and components; Canadian projects and others from overseas; upcoming training courses; and design software.
The Passive House concept, which allows designers and builders to reduce energy demand in new or existing buildings by around 90%, is fast becoming recognized worldwide as the basis for any kind of truly sustainable house construction.
Company partnership diverts mercury from landfill
Two Toronto-based companies, Lighting Solutions and Full Circle, provide programs to increase recovery rates of mercury found in fluorescent lights from below 50% to 100%.
Lighting Solutions offers audits and energy-saving upgrades, and removes existing lighting from the work site for recycling by Full Circle. Products collected include fluorescent tubes, CFL, CCFL, PL tube and metal halide bulbs. After performing an audit, Lighting Solutions will design a hazardous waste recycling system that best suits the needs of the building owner.
Info: www.lightingsolutions.ca, www.fullcirclesolution.ca
Ottawa Eco-Logical Competition Winners announced
56 students, one weekend, seven sustainable designs for a new museum, and $7000 in prizes.
On March 5-7, dozens of post-secondary students from Ontario and Quebec took part in the first Ottawa Eco-Logical Competition, organized by the Ottawa Region Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council. Their challenge: to design a new green building for the Canada Science and Technology Museum on a site west of the Canada War Museum and near the terminus of a commuter train. The students worked all day Saturday at Carleton University and presented their designs to judges on Sunday. The winning team members, announced at a Sunday night gala, were:
- Andrew McClellan, Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa
- Carmen Lee, Architecture, Carleton University
- Christopher Boerger, Environmental Studies, Carleton University
- Shannon Martin, Architecture, Carleton University
- Jenna Senecal, Bioresource Engineering, McGill University
- Jorge Sosa, Green Architecture Program, Algonquin College
- Myra Alexander, Interior Design, Algonquin College
- Kasia Blaszak, Building Science, Ryerson University
The judges were impressed with the team’s theme of Flow, which they incorporated into several design elements:
• Energy flow generated from on-site energy sources, including a geothermal system, augmented by biomass and a demonstration exhibit on renewable energy technologies.
• Food flow, including a community garden for local residents to grow their own organic foods, and food waste and other garden elements to feed the biomass system
• The flow of information from exhibits, organic food production and museum energy workshops that showcase the science and tech-nology used by the museum, and
• The organic flow of the building and how people move through it.
Presented in its inaugural year by Carleton University, the Ottawa Region Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Ottawa Eco-Logical competition helps prepare students for a career in the fast-growing green building industry. Winners from the competition will present at Retrofit: Sustainability for the Future, the inaugural Green Building Ottawa conference at Carleton University from May 12 to 14, 2010.
Info: www.greenbuildingottawa.ca, beth_gorham@carleton.ca
CaGBC calls for editorial review members
The CaGBC is working on the development of a new “technical” newsletter, an online tool that will provide members with access to credible, sound green building information specific to the needs of the Canadian market. The call is out for individuals from all regions, and representing a cross-section of industry and academia, to participate on the editorial board.
The editorial review body will:
• Include 8 individuals representing the various sectors within the green building industry,
• Meet quarterly by conference call.
• Support the development of 12 themes/topic lines for a calendar year.
• Review all submissions for the newsletter.
The CaGBC will distribute the “Green Tech” newsletter to over 17,000 green building professionals in an electronic format. Info: rlemaire@cagbc.org
New eco-roof program to boost local economy
Partners in Project Green has launched Cool Rexdale, a program to help improve the economic, social and environmental vitality of Rexdale, one of Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods. The eco-roof program encourages local businesses to save energy and green their bottom line by installing green or cool roofs. In turn, the program will create the opportunity for local youth to start a career in the eco-roof industry.
Cool Rexdale provides full-service support including access to superior roofing systems, financial assistance through the City of Toronto’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program and discounted eco-building materials through the Clinton Climate Initiative Purchasing Alliance. Cool Rexdale is a partnership between Toronto and Region Conservation, Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Woodbine Entertainment Group, City of Toronto, Semple Gooder Inc., and Sheet Metal Workers’ and Roofers’ Local Union 30.
The program builds upon the City of Toronto’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program designed to promote the use of above-grade green and cool roofs on Toronto’s commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.
Eligible projects include:
- Any green or cool roof on an existing industrial, commercial or institutional building.
- Any green roof on a new industrial building with a gross floor area [GFA] of 10,000 m2
or greater.
- Any green roof on a new institutional or commercial building with a GFA of less than 2,000 m2.
Owners who install a green roof supporting vegetation can apply for a grant of $50/m2 up to $100,000. Cool roofs, which feature a membrane or coating to reflect the sun's rays, are eligible for $2-$5/m2 up to $50,000.
Info: www.toronto.ca/livegreen/bus_eco-roof; www.partnersinprojectgreen.com
RAIC REPORT
Taking stock in the year
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| Randy Dhar, FRAIC, RAIC President |
By Randy Dhar, FRAIC
RAIC President
I am the 70th president to serve at the helm of our Institute since RAIC was formed now 103 years ago. That is a lot of history to follow and as the Institute
prepares its Annual Report I am happy to look back on the year and see how much has been done. As I quoted Gropius in Montreal when I took office, my becoming President is “a point of fresh departure– not arrival”. And the year so far has been quite a journey. To start I learned I would stay on for a little longer than expected as President, as the Board decided to change the Terms of Office for Directors to align them with the fiscal year which will avoid summer elections and allow coordination with the management and operations of the RAIC and participation in international architectural associations.
My goals as I took office included concentrating efforts to advance recent successes in increasing the membership base through chapter development and other initiatives. Our growing membership shows those efforts are paying off as we report more than 4,200 members – and that last year only 67 chose not to renew. That is a figure unprecedented in the last decade.
I have also been preoccupied with expanding RAIC's policy of inclusiveness and encouraging more involvement of diversity
to students, interns and women. And once again I can point to another of RAIC’s successes, this time in outreach and a close working relationship with the architectural schools. Over 115 graduates and students have joined us through the year. Yes their memberships are free for the first year – but what an effective way to literally grow our future.
The draw to join RAIC is its products and programs.
Key is the work that was completed producing the Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects Second Edition –
a totally new CHOP, the original edition of which has become the bible of any architect’s office. Sales are steady and the updates it contains have been well received. A new and pan-Canadian initiative for the RAIC is the Guide for Determining Appropriate Fees for the Services of an Architect. In 2009 a task force was struck to develop this document; and following its success, a second task force was struck to create a plan to guide it into the hands of the owners and managers - the decision makers behind all new buildings. Their work continues and I am confident we will see their efforts pay off and more and more decision makers understanding the benefits of engaging architects at a reasonable and fair fee.
They are both the product of the leadership of RAIC Executive Director Jon Hobbs, FRAIC whose retirement at the end of June will leave a big void in the organization. His passion for Architecture, commitment to and understanding of the Institute supported by his untiring dedicated service, define his legacy to the Institute and the Profession in Canada. Jon has earned the universal respect and admiration of the membership, Board members, co-workers and all others that he has worked with in Canada and internationally. The process of recruiting a replacement is expected to be concluded by late spring.
The RAIC will rebrand as Architecture Canada in 2010. The year also saw efforts to rebrand the Institute as Architecture Canada, encompassing all the things RAIC does for its members and the public. As I am sure you will see, the migration to the new “look” has begun. The fruits of those labours will be rolled out throughout 2010 and I am certain next year Architecture Canada will be part of the profession’s lexicon. I encourage everyone to read the RAIC’s Annual Report online at www.raic.org for the details of its many programs, committees and task forces and their accomplishments. And then for those who have not yet joined – become a member and be a part of the leading voice of architecture in Canada. We do have a bright future, we can all be part of RAIC | Architecture Canada’s efforts to spread the word that architecture matters....
In search of sustainable architecture
REPORT: ROYAL ARCHITECTURAL INSTITUTE OF CANADA
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By Graham Murfitt, MRAIC, LEED AP, RAIC Practice Specialist |
While sceptics and environmentalists duke it out for the final word on global warming, thousands around the world are investing time and money in renewable energy and sustainable architecture. Grass roots “sustainable” organizations are forming at an increasing pace, with the positive effect of raising public awareness. Municipalities are setting new “green” building standards, construction requirements and tax incentives. Provincial governments seem to be “out-sustaining” each other. Entire countries are setting ever-higher design and building standards, some with net-zero energy policies.
Everyone, everywhere is talking about energy, global warming, pollution, carbon capture, sustainability, LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] … and everything is GREEN.
Sustainable architecture is about buildings that can produce more energy than they consume and that leave a very small and careful footprint. Also in question are the sustainability implications of harvesting, creating or transporting building materials as well as the energy consumed during the construction process – these aspects and many others are part of the life cycle assessment of sustainable buildings.
LEED has raised awareness of many important issues concerning sustainability in Canada. Unfortunately the silver, gold or platinum medallion has become more important than the original purpose of this green building evaluation system. If the objective is to reduce or eliminate the carbon footprint of our buildings, it matters little that the building has been rated silver or gold.
Although LEED-rated buildings may perform better than average, if sustainability is the long-term objective, a 25% improvement in energy performance is inadequate. In the future, the most difficult challenge may be to transform and upgrade the buildings we are building today. New buildings that are only 25% better than “standard” may require complicated and substantial thermal and building envelope upgrades in order to become carbon neutral. It is easy to realize the economic benefit of renovating and up-grading buildings that consume extraordinary amounts of energy. When only the most expensive energy upgrade measures remain outstanding, the financial incentives to implement them will be extremely low.
Green theory has emerged as an important aspect in the study of humanities and international relations. My own theoretical perspective is better described as green to green theory. Green is neither created nor destroyed; it typically transfers from your wallet to sustainability. Conser-ving resources, whether energy, water, money, health or the
environment is the balance we require to be sustainable.
Most clients will consider investments in building upgrades and energy conserving technologies that have reasonably short simple payback periods [five to ten years]. However, designers should expect periods of time in the future where energy supplies will be unavailable or unaffordable. Also, the actual value of energy savings due to conservation measures is significant when considered over the long life of a building; we should design buildings accordingly.
The current green movement seems fueled by the notion that green doesn’t cost significantly more money than conventional building. However, energy-efficient, well insulated, carefully detailed and properly oriented buildings consuming 50% less energy than so-called “standard” buildings cost 10 to 20% more to build. Carbon neutral buildings may cost up to 50% more. Almost everything better costs more money, and achieving carbon neutral energy status involves solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal systems and many other technologies.
The 2030 Challenge is simple – all new and renovated buildings that Canadian architects design should be carbon neutral by that year. Buildings that are designed in 2010 should be at least 60% more efficient than “standard” buildings.
There are architects who are passionate about sustainability as there are others who are passion-ate about function and beauty. If we are to get to the 2030 goals, design passions must combine so that our functional, beautiful and sustainable buildings are not demolished 50 years from now, partway through their intended lifespan.
CaGBC expands Green Up, supports Living Building Challenge
Green Up
The Canada Green Building Council’s [CaGBC] GREEN UP program, that has established pilot projects to establish bench-mark measurements used to improve operating performance of various public and commercial buildings, has launched a pilot project for arenas and has expanded its retail branches pilot project for banks and credit unions.
Arena pilot project participants will have the opportunity to:
• Benchmark energy, water and emissions performance for their facilities,
• Monitor actual energy, water and emissions savings of their arena facilities over time, and
• Access energy and environmental performance standards, baselines and best practices derived from top-performing facilities.
In related news, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has joined the Retail Branches pilot project for banks and credit unions to document the best energy and environmental performance for this sector.
Info: GREENUP@cagbc.org
Living Building Challenge
The CaGBC is partnering with its Cascadia Chapter in British Columbia to deliver six educational workshops across Canada on the dynamic aspects of the Living Building Challenge [LBC], the cutting-edge system in green building. The LBC, launched in November 2006, is the goal of designing all buildings to have no net impact on the environment, thus making them truly sustainable [see the LBC article in SABMag issue #18, July/August 2009].
With more than 60 projects in progress from coast to coast pursuing certification under the LBC's vigorous performance standard, and with interest continuing to rise, the workshops will explain the basics of the LBC. The CaGBC is looking to its membership for sponsorship support of the workshops.
Info: rlemaire@cagbc.org
Our mistake
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We regret that the project credits of the MacKay Lassande Pavilion published in SABMag issue 21, Nov/Dec, 2009 were not entirely accurate. The correct list is as follows:
Architects and Interior Designers: Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners
Associate Architects: Cornerstone Architects
LEED Consultant: Enermodal
Structural Engineer: Vanboxmeer & Stranges
M&E Project Manager: Chorley & Bisset
Mechanical and Electrical Engineers: Chorley & Bisset
Civil Engineer: Cummings Cockburn
Cost Consultant: Curran McCabe Ravindron Ross
Code Consultant: Randall Brown & Associates
Landscape Architect: Ron Koudys Landscape Architect
Photos: Lisa Logan
SFI releases new forest certification standard
After an 18-month public review, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® [SFI®] Inc., one of the main sustainable forest management bodies in the world, has released its new SFI 2010-2014 Standard. Main highlights include:
• Improve conservation of biodiversity in North America and offshore,
• Strengthen SFI wood fibre sourcing requirements which broaden the practice of sustainable forestry in North America,
• Complement SFI activities to avoid illegal offshore fibre sources, and illegal logging, and
• Support for certified logger programs.
The standard, intended for use by forestry companies, is based on 14 core principles that promote sustainable forest management, and protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk, and forests with exceptional conservation value. More than 73 million hectares are certified to the SFI forest management standard in North America - making it the largest standard of its type in the world.
Info: www.sfiprogram.org
Cohos Evamy’s Toronto Studio recognized
for livability by the Center for the Built Environment
