sustainable design fundamentals for buildings

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SDCB 101

SustainableDesign for

CanadianBuildings

Sustainable Design

forBuildings

Sustainable Design

Fundamentals forBuildings

Architectural Institute of British Columbia

Alberta Association of Architects

Saskatchewan Association of Architects

Manitoba Association of Architects

Ontario Association of Architects

Ordre des architectes du Qubec

Architects Association of New Brunswick Association des architectes du Nouveau-Brunswick

Nova Scotia Association of Architects

Architects Association of Prince Edward Island

Newfoundland Association of Architects

In partnership with:

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada


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Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings2001 Edition

The National Practice Program(NPP) is an alliance of the ten provincial associations of architects andthe Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). This manual has been developed by the NPP onbehalf of the architectural profession in Canada, represented by these member associations:

Architectural Institute of British ColumbiaAlberta Association of ArchitectsSaskatchewan Association of ArchitectsManitoba Association of ArchitectsOntario Association of ArchitectsOrdre des architectes du QubecArchitects Association of New Brunswick Association des architectes du Nouveau-BrunswickNova Scotia Association of ArchitectsNewfoundland Association of ArchitectsandThe Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

EditorPeter Busby, FRAIC

Assistant EditorMichel Labrie

Editorial ReviewVeronica de Pencier, MRAIC

Jon Hobbs, MRAIC

ContributorsRaymond J. Cole, PhDMartine DesboisPierre Gallant, MRAIC

Vivian Manasc, FRAICJoanne McCallumMRAICLyse M. Tremblay

ProofreadingIsabelle Boss

Graphic DesignAerographics Creative Services Inc.

PrintingBeauregard Printers

2001 The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada on behalf of all the members of the National Practice Program.This manual may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the Royal ArchitecturalInstitute of Canada.

DisclaimerBusby +Associates has compiled the information in the manual Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buil dings.The National Practice Program(NPP) supports the development and dissemination of Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings;however, neither the NPP, nor the Contributors, nor the Editors take responsibility for the accuracy or completenessof any information or its fitness for any particular purpose.

Printed on Rolland Evolution using vegetable inks and made of 100% post-consumer fibre.


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The members of the National Practice Programgratefully acknowledge the financial assistance fromthe following department of the federal government in the development of the Sustainable DesignFundamentals for Buildings:

Public Works and

Government ServicesCanada

Travaux publics et

Services gouvernementauxCanada

Sustainable Design



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Acknowledgements

Preface

Introduction

1.0 Building an Environmental Ethic

2.0 Green Building Design Methodology

3.0 Sustainable Site Design

4.0 Water Efficiency

5.0 Energy and Atmosphere

6.0 Materials and Resources

7.0 Indoor Environmental Quality

8.0 LEEDin the Canadian Context

9.0 Regional Perspective

10.0 A View to the Future

Glossary

Bibliography

Tabl e ofContents

Sustainable Design



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The members of the National Practice Programgratefully acknowledge the support of thefollowing committee in the development of theSustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings:

The Sustainable Building Canada Committee(SBCC)

and the following architects and firms whoseprojects are featured in the manual:

difica

ArchitecturaArthur Erickson Architectural CorporationBourrassa et Gaudreau ArchitectesBusby +Associates ArchitectsChristopher Simmonds ArchitectColborne Architectural GroupDaniel Pearl and Mark Poddubiuk ArchitectesECO-TEK Wastewater TreatmentGenetron Systems Inc.Hotson Bakker Architects

Julia Bourke ArchitecteKuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg ArchitectsLinda Chapman Architect

Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd.Matsuzaki Wright Architects Inc.Musson Cattell Mackey PartnershipPatkau Architects Inc.Phillip Sharp Architect Ltd.Phillips Farevaag SmallenbergR. Monnier ArchitecteRoger Hughes +Partners ArchitectsStone Kohn McQuire Vogt ArchitectsVan Nostrand diCastri Architects

The National Practice Programwould also liketo thank the many individuals who providedinformation, advice and assistance.

Blair McCarry, P.Eng., Keen EngineeringChristine Strauss, Busby +Associates ArchitectsDoug Pollard, CMHC National OfficeKevin Hydes, P.Eng., Keen EngineeringMark Swain, Keen EngineeringMichael McColl, Busby +Associates ArchitectsNathan Webster, Busby +Associates ArchitectsRobin Glover, Busby +Associates Architects

Rosamund Hyde, Keen EngineeringSusan Gushe, Busby +Associates ArchitectsVince Catalli, by dEsign Consultants

Acknowledgements

SDCB 101 Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings

forBuildings

Sustainable Design



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The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)and the ten provincial associations of architects,through the National Practice Program (NPP),intend to provide a series of Continuing Educationcourses on sustainable design to the architecturalprofession in Canada. SDCB 101 is the first inthis series.

The NPP plans to offer two other entry levelmodules in the year 2002:

SDCB 102 National Assessment Tool 103 Canadian Case Studies

A second level of more specific courses (withSDCB 101 as a prerequisite) will be offered in thefuture. Some of these include:

SDCB 201 Simulation Software and SkillsDevelopment

202 Advanced Daylighting Strategies 203 Concrete, Flyash and Other Additives 204 Selecting Sensible Materials for

Interiors 205 Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells 206 Deconstruction and Demolition 207 Onsite Wastewater Strategies 208 Sustainability Issues in Urban

Planning and Design 209 Greening Your Specifications 210 Sustainable Design of Structures 211 Sustainable Design of Landscapes

More advanced courses which are being consideredin the future (prerequisites will also be required)include:

SDCB 301 Advanced Simulation, Dynamic

Thermal Modeling 302 Living Machine Design and Use

Sustainable Building CanadaCommittee (SBCC) -Background and Organization

The concept for SDCB 101 and the entire programis a creation of SBCC - Sustainable BuildingCanada Committee. This committee was formedby the RAIC in J anuary 2001 with four keyobjectives:

Advancing, within a context ofinterdisciplinary exchange, theimplementation of sustainable buildingpractices in the construction industry.

Providing leadership and overseeing thedesign and development of various programsincluding but not limited to:- a Website,- recommendation and promotion of a

Canadian Assessment Tool,- a national education program, and- a systemfor recommending and

promoting green products and standards.

Generating and updating the resourcesnecessary for the effective communicationof knowledge and research pertaining tosustainable building.

Establishing and maintaining relationshipswith appropriate regulatory bodies as well aswith government and industry on a nationallevel.

The purpose of the SBCC is to create a nationalforum of interdisciplinary groups within theConstruction Industry to coordinate effortsin developing and promoting environmentally

responsible construction industry practices.

This Committee is absolutely critical for Canada.As a nation we have committed to the KyotoAccord. The buildings we construct and operateconstitute almost 40% of the total greenhousegas emissions in Canada; hence, the work of the

Preface


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SBCC may be the single largest contributor toCanadas solutions for compliance with the KyotoAccord.

The Sustainable Building CanadaCommittee will develop a coherentplatform for the design, construction,

operation, management, regulation andevaluation of built green environmentsin Canada, and the education ofprofessionals involved in the industry,leading to progressively improved levelsof sustainability.

The Executive Committee includes representativesof the RAIC; the Federation of CanadianMunicipalities (FCM); the British Columbia BuildingsCorporation (BCBC); Public Works and GovernmentServices Canada (PWGSC); the Association ofConsulting Engineers of Canada (ACEC); BuildingOwners and Managers Association (BOMA); andthe Canadian Construction Association (CCA).In addition to the Executive Committee, thereare six Technical Advisory Committees (TAC):Assessment Tool; Website Design; Educationand Promotion; Products and Standards; GreenBuilding Challenge; and Fundraising.

Currently, the SBCC is operated in a mannersimilar to all other committees within the RAIC.Its funding and expenses are controlled by theRAIC and are subject to the normal policies

of the RAIC. The RAIC presently contractswith the Ottawa-based consulting firm,by dEsign Consultants, to provide secretariatand coordination services for the SBCC.

The current Sustainable Building Canada Committeeorganization is as follows:

Chair:Peter Busby, FRAIC, Busby +AssociatesArchitects ([email protected])Vice Chair:Bruce Lorimer, FRAIC, Director General, PWGSC,A&ES ([email protected])Secretariat:

Jon Hobbs, Executive Director, RAIC([email protected])Vince Catalli, MRAIC, President, by dEsignConsultants ([email protected])

Technical Advisor to ExecutiveCommittee:Nils Larsson, NRCan,([email protected])

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC):

Products & StandardsChair:Craig Applegath, FRAIC, Dunlop Architects([email protected])

Web Site DesignChair:Vivian Manasc, FRAIC, Manasc Isaac Architects([email protected])

Assessment Tool

Chair:Kevin Hydes, P.Eng., Keen Engineering([email protected])

Education & PromotionChair:Sandra Marshall, MRAIC, Sr. Researcher, CMHC([email protected])

Green Building Challenge 2002Chair:Alex Zimmerman, British Columbia BuildingCorporation ([email protected])

FundingChair:Glen Wither, MRAIC, McGraw-Hill ConstructionInformation Group([email protected])

Volunteers are encouraged to join subcommitteesby contacting the chairs directly via e-mail. Thereis a lot of work to be done to green this finecountry.



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Project : Mountain Equipment Co-op Store,Toronto

Archit ect : Stone Kohn McQuire VogtArchitects

Image Credit : Peter Carr-Locke

Project : Revenue Canada Office BuildingArchit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsImage Credit : Martin Tessler

Project : York University Computer ScienceFacility

Archit ect : Busby +Associates Architects inassociation with Van NostranddiCastri Architects

Image Credit : Busby +Associates Architects

Project : City of Vancouver MaterialsTesting FacilityArchit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsImage Credit : Martin Tessler

Project : CK Choi, Institute for AsianResearch

Archit ect : Matsuzaki Wright Architects Inc.Image Credit : Matsuzaki Wright Architects Inc.

Project : Mountain Equipment Co-op Store,Ottawa

Archit ect : Linda Chapman Architect andChristopher Simmonds Architect,in joint venture

Image Credit : Ewald Richter



Project : City of Vancouver MaterialsTesting Facility

Archit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsImage Credit : Martin Tessler

Project : Liu Centre for the Study of GlobalIssues

Archit ect : Architectura, in collaborationwith Arthur Erickson

Image Credit : Richard Klopp, MAIBC

Project : Banff Town Hall

Archit ect : Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd.Image Credit : Robert Lemermeyer

Project : South East False Creek,Vancouver, BC

Image Credit : City of Vancouver

Project : Locoshop AngusArchit ect : dificaImage Credit : Patrick Dionne

Image: Busby +Associates' officefoldable bicycle for "too far towalk" local meetings.

Image Credit : Busby +Associates Architects


The following photographs of buildings have been used throughout this manual.

Photo Credits


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Project : BC Gas Operation CentreArchit ect : Musson Cattell Mackey

PartnershipImage Credit : Nick Lehoux Photography

Project : Strawberry Vale Elementary

SchoolArchit ect : Patkau Architects Inc.Image Credit : James Dow


Archit ect : Architectura, in collaborationwith Arthur Erickson

Image Credit : Kori Chan, MAIBC

Project : Hinton Government CentreArchit ect : Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd.Image Credit : Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd.

Project : Rocky Mountain InstituteImage Credit : Rocky Mountain Institute

Project : Sun Life Insurance Head Office,Toronto

Image Credit : Genetron Systems Inc.

Project : Hastings Park Restoration PlanLandscape

Archit ect : Phillips Farevaag SmallenbergImage Credit : Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg

Project : Nicola Valley Institute ofTechnology

Archit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsImage Credit : James Teit

Project : Citadel of QuebecImage Credit : Royal 22eRgiment

Project : Mountain Equipment Co-op Store,Toronto

Archit ect : Stone Kohn McQuire VogtArchitects

Image Credit : Dan Cowling


Archit ect : Architectura, in colaborationwith Arthur Erickson

Image Credit : Richard Klopp, MAIBC

Project : Beausoleil Solar AquaticsFirm: ECO-TEK Wastewater TreatmentImage Credit : ECO-TEK Wastewater Treatment

Project : BC Gas Operation CentreArchit ect : Musson Cattell Mackey

PartnershipImage Credit : Nick Lehoux Photography








Archit ect : Matsuzaki Wright Architects Inc.Image Credit : Mike Sherman

Project : Body Shop (Canada)Headquarters

Archit ect : Colborne Architectural GroupLiving Machine: John ToddImage Credit : Strategic Assertive Public

Relations

Project : Advanced house comparable toR-2000 'La maison des marais'

Archit ect : R. Monnier, ArchitecteImage Credit : R. Monnier, Architecte



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Project : York University Computer ScienceFacility

Archit ect : Busby +Associates Architects inassociation with Van NostranddiCastri Architects

Image Credit : Michael McColl of Busby +

Associates Architects

Project : Revenue Canada Office BuildingArchit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsImage Credit : Busby +Associates Architects

Project : 440 Cambie StreetArchit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsCode Consultant :Pioneer Consultants Ltd.

Image Credit : Martin Tessler

Project : EcoResidenceArchit ect : Daniel Pearl and Mark Poddubiuk

ArchitectesImage Credit : Daniel Pearl and Mark Poddubiuk

Architectes

Project : APEGBC Head OfficesArchit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsImage Credit : Martin Tessler

Image: Pincher Creek wind turbine farmImage Credit : Busby +Associates Architects

Project : Telus Office BuildingArchit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsImage Credit : Busby +Associates Architects

Image: Pincher Creek wind turbine farmImage Credit : Busby +Associates Architects

Project : 2211 West FourthArchit ect : Hotson Bakker ArchitectsImage Credit : Bruce Haden and Rob Melnychuk

respectively

Project : Walnut Grove Aquatic CentreArchit ect : Roger Hughes +Partners

ArchitectsImage Credit : Gary Otte

Project : Richmond City HallArchit ect : Hotson Bakker Architects and

Kuwabara Payne McKennaBlumberg Associated Architects

Image Credit : Peter Aaron/Esto

Project : La Petite Maison du WeekendArchit ect : Patkau Architects Inc.Image Credit : Richard K. Loesch

Project : 1220 Homer StreetArchit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsImage Credit : Sue Ockwell of Busby +

Associates Architects

Project : Angus LocoshopArchit ect : dificaImage Credit : Michel Tremblay

Project : Strawberry Vale ElementarySchool

Archit ect : Patkau Architects Inc.Image Credit : James Dow

Project : Richmond City HallArchit ect : Hotson Bakker Architects and

Kuwabara Payne McKennaBlumberg Associated Architects

Image Credit : Peter Aaron/Esto

Project : Mountain Equipment Co-op Store,Ottawa

Archit ect : Linda Chapman Architect andChristopher Simmonds Architect,in joint venture

Image Credit : Ewald Richter

Project : Concord Sales PavilionArchit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsImage Credit : Rod Mass of Busby +Associates

Architects

Project : The City of Vancouver MaterialsTesting Facility

Archit ect : Busby +Associates ArchitectsImage Credit : Martin Tessler and Busby +

Associates Architects respectively



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IntroductionIntroduction

Of all t he changes t hat

wi ll come to Canada in t he

next generat ion, we must

prevent any of a sort t hat

wil l dimini sh the essent ial

beauty of t his country.

For if t hat beauty i s lost ,

or if t hat wil derness

escapes, t he very nat ure

and charact er of t his

land wi ll have passed

beyond our grasp.

Pierre Elliott Trude


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SDCB 101 Course Objectivesand Content

This course is designed to be a primer ongreen building design in Canada. The materialfocuses on residential, commercial, institutionaland light industrial buildings, pertaining to newconstruction and renovations. Agricultural andindustrial buildings are not specifically addressedin this primer. Part of this course material is alsorelevant to programming, interior design, and

landscape design.

The course objectives are:

to propose a green building methodology; to introduce issues of sustainable design for

Canadian buildings; to provide environmental strategies

applicable in day to day practice; and to discuss a National Assessment Tool for

Canada.

The content of this manual is intended for the

Canadian architect who is working towards theachievement of more sustainable design. Canada-wide strategies are presented as an introductionto the concepts of green buildings. The authorsacknowledge the significant climatic variationswithin Canada, ranging from southern desertand Mediterranean zones to Northern Arcticconditions. Recognizing this, a supplementarysection providing a regional perspective isincluded. Future courses will provide greaterdetail including specific design solutions withineach region.

The manual is divided into ten sections, withopening and closing sections written by Raymond

J . Cole, PhD, professor at the School of Architectureof the University of British Columbia. Eachsection provides an overview on key green design

considerations and design strategies, followedby a discussion on regulatory issues, linkagesand tradeoffs. Canadian case studies and webresources are merged within the document foreasy reference. The order of subjects parallelsthe organization of LEEDto develop familiarityfor readers. A glossary explaining key concepts,a bibliography of written publications, and acopy of the LEED Green Bui lding Rat ing SystemVersion 2.0 complete the manual. The sections ofthe manual are:

1.0 Building an EnvironmentalEthic

Introduction by Raymond J . Cole, PhD.

2.0 Green Building DesignMethodology

This introductory section provides informationabout design and implementation processesfundamental to green building design. Greenbuilding design methodology must include thefollowing:

Implementation Strategies: requiringthe following key processes: life cycleassessment; Integrated Design Approach(IDA), which includes clients and governingbodies; the establishment of sustainablegoals; and sharing knowledge and promotinggreen buildings.

Verification and measurement: ensuringthat the environmental strategies of thebuilding are designed, installed and operated

to their optimum. It includes performancestandards, simulation software and programs,assessment tools and commissioning.


Introduction


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3.0 Sustainable Site Design

Proper site selection can significantly reducethe typical negative impacts of a building on itssurrounding ecosystems and watershed. Two keyconsiderations are introduced:

Sustainable site location, which includes theconsideration of a sustainable site selectionprocess, urban redevelopment, brownfieldredevelopment and transportation issues.

Reduction of the negative site impacts ofa building which can have far-reachingeffects on the health of ecosystems. Somefactors to consider include: reducing sitedisturbance, erosion and sediment control,landscape and exterior design, water systemmanagement, reducing heat islands andlight pollution.

4.0 Water Efficiency

This section addresses three key issues andstrategies regarding water conservation:

Conservation measures for reducinglandscaping irrigation. Sustainablelandscaping techniques or water efficientirrigation systems can be use to reducewater use.

Water use reduction strategies. Water usereduction is achieved through education and

awareness and the use of water-efficientplumbing fixtures and appliances. Innovative wastewater treatment. These

techniques provide significant environmentaladvantages in protecting water resources byreducing the demand for freshwater and theamount of wastewater.

5.0 Energy and Atmosphere

The greatest environmental impact of a buildingis usually its intensive energy consumption.Approximately 40% of worldwide energy useis for cooling, heating and providing power tobuildings. This section introduces four key issuesto consider related to energy and atmosphere:

Understanding the relationship betweenpollution and energy use. The processesof resource extraction, energy production,transportation and manufacturing generatesignificant pollution.

Reducing initial construction anddeconstruction energy through thedesign process.

Reducing operational energy consumption.The energy used to operate a building is themost significant source of negative impact

of a building on the ecosphere. Thereare several strategies to minimize energyconsumption to operate a building, includingpassive systems and energy efficientproducts.

Selecting energy sources. The selection oflow impact energy sources is fundamentalto reducing the negative impacts fromabuilding's energy consumption.

6.0 Materials and Resources

Conserving materials and resources is veryimportant, considering that as much as 40% ofthe worlds raw materials are used in buildings.

The section on materials and resources efficiencycovers two key issues:

The concept of material efficiency involvesreducing the demand for materials andresources. It addresses building reuse andrenovation, material reduction and efficiency,designing for flexibility, constructionwaste management and designing fordemountability.



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1.0 Building an

Environmental Ethic

1.0 Building an

Environmental Ethic


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Building an Environmental Ethic Chapter 1.0

SDCB 101 Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings 1

Introduction

The recorded scale and rate of globalenvironmental degradation represents thedefining characteristics of the 20th century.Notwithstanding the importance of social andeconomic needs and constraints, the health of

the biosphere will remain the limiting factor forsustainability. A prerequisite for sustainabilityis the maintenance of the functional integrityof the ecosphere so that it can remain resilientto human-induced stresses and continue to bebiologically productive. The ecological footprintprovides probably the most graphic portrayal ofthe mismatch between biological productivityand current human-imposed demands. Canada hasan ecological footprint of over 7 hectares/person far in excess of an equable world averageallocation of 1.9 hectares/person.

Green Buildings

Buildings represent significant capital invest-ments, both financial and ecological. Almost everyattempt to bring a new approach or emphasis tobuilding design is subject to the litmus test ofcost and, most typically, this is the capital orinitial cost. Not only do costs seldom accountfor the benefits that may accrue over a buildingslife as a result of higher initial investment, butalso the broader societal costs of poor qualitybuilding or poor environmental standards are notacknowledged within current accounting methods.Environmental issues and associated costs willdirectly and indirectly shape this century andtherefore increasingly underpin almost all aspectsof human settlement and building design.

Green building design is assumed to be incrementalimprovements in the environmental performanceof buildings beyond typical practice. Thereis an implicit assumption that by continuallyimproving the environmental performance ofindividual buildings, the collective reductionin resource use and ecological loading by thebuilding industry will be sufficient to fully address

the environmental agenda.

Climate Change

Climate change will be the most significantenvironmental issue this century. Already,traditional weather patterns are changing, makingsome areas warmer and wetter, others cooleror drier. These altered patterns will lead to anincrease in the frequency and severity of extremeweather events, such as droughts, floods, and

storms. Other anticipated effects include risingsea levels, increased air pollution and health carecosts, decreased fish stocks and reduced cropyields.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) reaffirms the need for concerted internationalcommitment and action to reduce greenhouse gasemissions. IPCC has provided a series of scenariosregarding the burning of fossil fuels, how theywill translate into greenhouse gas emissions,how that will translate into global warming, andhow that will translate subsequently into climate

change. There is widespread agreement thatcurrent rates of greenhouse gas emissions will becatastrophic if unabated. This is transforming ourunderstanding of environmental problems basedprimarily on the availability of resources to anunderstanding based on the ecological impactsassociated with their acquisition and disposal.

Building an Environmental EthicRaymond J. Cole, PhDSchool of Architecture, University of British Columbia


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Canada is currently the highest per capitaconsumer of energy and second highestper capita producer of greenhouse gasesin the world.

Canadas green house gas emissions continueto increase by 1.5 per cent annually.

It is difficult to imagine that a sustainablesystem of production and consumption willemerge by simply tweaking the current practice.IPCC is calling for much more significant leaps inperformance than those currently declared withinthe Kyoto Accord. Discussion about Factor 4 andFactor 10 provides some sense of the urgency andthe order of magnitude needed to address climatechange and other environmental issues. It is alsodifficult to imagine an easy transition to a low-carbon economy by requiring industrial countriesto break their dependency on fossil fuels, while

simultaneously encouraging developing countriesaspiring to a similar wealth to leapfrog overthe current polluting and resource-intensetechnological base. This is the challenge to whichwe must rise - individually and collectively.

Performance Through Time

Lifecycle performance has emerged as the frameof reference for discussing environmental issues.

This has particular importance for buildingsbecause of the time-dependency of environmentalimpacts and building life:

Irrespective of current efforts to curbenvironmental degradation, the time-scale ofecological loadings, such as greenhouse gasemissions and subsequent stabilization oftolerable CO2 levels within the atmosphere,means that the consequences of past andcurrent actions will persist for decades tocome.

The climatic conditions that buildings willimpact will be different in the future thanwhen the building is initially constructed.By 2050 it is estimated that globaltemperatures may have risen by 2C andby 2100 perhaps by as much as 4C

with considerable regional variations. Oncetriggered, the rate in rise in temperaturewill increase and the effects will profoundlyaffect the frequency and intensity of storms,winds and rainfall. Such changes will havepotentially serious implications for buildingswith passive systems.

Buildings last a long time. The buildingsdesigned today, if they last 50, 75, 100years, may well exist in a post-petroleumeraor certainly at its tail end. Design decisionsmade today clearly influence future socialand environmental agendas.

Buildings take a long time to reveal theirtrue merits. The measure of successful greenbuilding strategies can therefore only beassessed in the long term.

Buildings must be capable of being upgradedover time because environmental issues aregoing to become more important, not less.

A combination of sustained user commitmentto environmental technologies is absolutelycritical for successful environmentalperformance.

It is important to differentiate betweentechnologies and strategies that require

active engagement frombuilding users fromthose that do not. Any such incrementsin those that do need to be weighed veryseriously against some long-held and time-honoured expectations of users.

2 SDCB 101 Sustainable Design Fundamentals for Buildings

Chapter 1.0 Building an Environmental Ethic


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Leadership

Any transition to sustainability will requireprofound shifts in human values andexpectations. Nurturing an environmental ethicmust precede or at least parallel technological

advance. As the realities of resource depletionand global environmental degradation becomemore evident, we can anticipate a maturingand strengthening of the publics concern andknowledge on environmental issues. This willtranslate into an expectation and demand forgreater environmental responsibility and, aswith other sectors, the building industry will beincreasingly scrutinized for its environmentalactions.

Environmental issues present both a challengeand an opportunity for building design

professionals. The challenges are to developapproaches and practices that address immediateenvironmental concerns and those that adhereto the emerging principles and dictates ofsustainability. The opportunities are for boththe reinstatement of meaningful and enduringdesign principles that respond to the ecologiesof climate, resources and culture, and for designprofessionals to provide the visible and creativeleadership that will be necessary to createchange. Although environmental responsibilityhas always been implicit in the ethical codesthat govern design professionals, this must nowbecome an explicit and demonstrated part ofpractice. The key message in this course is fordesign professionals to:

Commit to environmentally responsiblebuilding design and to accept and remaincollectively focused on sustaining acommitment to the environmental agenda.

Commit to educational programs to attainthe necessary skills and remain current asthe field matures.

Become proactive in aspiring to anddelivering buildings with higher performance

levels.

Building an Environmental Ethic Chapter 1.0



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2.0 Green Building

Design Methodology

2.0 Green Building

Design Methodology


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Green Building Design Methodology Chapter 2.0


Overall Objectives

to modify conventional design processes toachieve greener buildings.

to include methods to measure and verifyenvironmental performance.

This section of the Sustainable DesignFundamentals for Buildings manual providesinformation about the conception, design,

construction, measurement and verification ofgreen buildings.

In order to achieve greener buildings, existingdesign processes require fundamental shiftsin attitude and approach. This shift should bereviewed with the design teamand adopted priorto project initiation.

Measurement and verification are two importantstages in achieving greener buildings, by ensuringthat the environmental strategies of the building

are designed, installed and operated at optimumsettings.

Green Building Design Methodology


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Chapter 2.0 - Green Building Design MethodologyChapter 2.0 - Green Building Design Methodology

2.1 Implementation

Strategies

2.1 Implementation

Strategies


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Life Cycle Assessment

Integrated Design Approach

Clients and Authorities Having Jurisdiction

Sustainable Goals

Sharing Knowledge and Promoting Green Buildings


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Objective

to modify the conventional design process tomake buildings greener.

New approaches to building design must includeconsideration of the life cycle and long termimpacts of buildings which may affect futuregenerations. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) takesinto account the direct and indirect detrimental

effects of buildings on the environment and onthe community.

Some of the fundamentals to achieve greenerbuildings include: The initial selection of a multidisciplinary

green design team called the IntegratedDesign Approach;

The establishment of sustainable goals earlyin a projects development;

The involvement of clients, authoritieshaving jurisdiction, and the community in

the early stages of the project; Education to promote sustainable design andthe continuous improvement of buildings.

Life Cycle Assessment

Objective:

to consider impacts of the entire life cycle ofa building in all design decisions.

The life cycle assessment (LCA) addresses allstages of a building (or product), fromresourceextraction, assembly and construction, to thedisposal, recycling or reuse of building productsduring deconstruction. In general terms, theconcept of life cycle assessment expands theassessment process from immediate, short term,

narrow criteria, to long term, comprehensivecriteria.

Life cycle costing is usually considered to bea financial analysis, with capital investmentdecisions weighed against operational savings(i.e. return on investment). More thorough LCAstudies, may examine factors such as GreenhouseGas Emissions (GHGs) of materials within

buildings for their complete life cycle.

Analysing materials and resources using thislife cycle concept, can establish more realisticenvironmental and social costs associated with abuilding or product. However, this comprehensiveassessment is more difficult to quantify; theanalysis of building products can be costly,and data is not available for all materials. LCArequires an understanding of how the differentstages of a buildings life cycle affect the overallobjective of sustainability. The principal stagesof a buildings life cycle include:

- initial design,- prefabrication,- construction,- operation and maintenance,- demolition, anddisposal.

Thorough LCA studies usually indicate thatthe financial benefits of operational savings,considered over a buildings entire life,significantly outweigh any additional initialcapital investments to achieve these operationalsavings.

Implementation Strategies Chapter 2.1


2.1 Implementation Strategies


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These comparisons however, are very sensitive toenergy cost projections. Even in their simplerapplications, LCA can support green decisions.Relamping offices with T8s or T5s fluorescentlamps can result in a 3-4 year payback. ManyCanadian clients have established payback

thresholds (6-10 years are benchmarks usedby the some clients such as BCBC, AlbertaInfrastructure, and City of Calgary). The currentpayback for most photovoltaic installationsexceeds 100 years; however, energy costs andmanufacturing costs are always changing. AsCanadian energy costs move to market valuethrough more deregulation, the LCA shouldbecome more effective.

A long termview is fundamental to the designof any sustainable project. The financing of aproject is usually done only in considerationof the short term, whereas the effects of abuilding or development on social, economic andenvironmental systems, both local and global,are long term. By taking a life cycle approach,the full costs and benefits of various designapproaches and technologies can be appraisedand the best, or most sustainable, solutionidentified.

Summary of Strategies for Useacross Canada

Incorporate an analysis of life cycle in alldesign decisions.

Use other LCA data when available. Request life cycle data for building products

in order to develop a more accurate andcomplete life cycle assessment.

Case Study

York University Computer Science BuildingBusby +Associates Architects, in association withVan Nostrand diCastri Architects, Toronto, ON

Resources

Life Cycle Assessment Links

www.life-cycle.org

NIST Building Life-Cycle Cost (BLCC) Program www.eren.doe.gov/femp

US DOE Building Life Cycle CostAssessment Programs www.energydesignresources.com

Integrated Design Approach

Objective

to achieve holistic solutions through anIntegrated Design Approach.

Not only does the green building design processrequire a vision and a commitment to sustain-ability; but also the application of an IntegratedDesign Approach (IDA). Greener building designbegins with a multidisciplinary team of designprofessionals such as environmental designexperts, architects, engineers, planners andlandscape architects. It also includes the client asa core teammember.

The IDA ensures all building systems and

components, such as site design, structure, orient-ation, envelope, lighting, and ventilation areviewed as interdependent. Professionals involved

in such a teammust overcome a narrow point-of-view related to their discipline and be open-mindedto consider global solutions encompassing all

disciplines. This approach is achieved by respect-ing each consultant or teammember as a colleague

rather than as a competitor for a portion of thebuildings budget.


Chapter 2.1 Implementation Strategies

I n the York Universit y project , a 75 year li fe spanLCA study was done to assess capital and operat ionalcosts. As compared to a reference MNECB bui lding, thisbuildings operational costs are estimated to be tensof mill ions of dollars less than the reference buildingand other buildings wit h the same capit al cost.


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An example of such teamwork is the trade-off between high-performance windows and abuildings mechanical systems. Typically, whena building in Canada is designed to perform30-50% better than the Model National EnergyCode (MNEC) by incorporating high-performance

windows, the costs for mechanical equipment,such as chillers and ducts, decreases dramatically.In other words, these construction costs shiftfrom mechanical engineering to architecturalcomponents (in this case, insulating operablewindows). Such a solution takes teamwork, in theformof the IDA, to achieve.

One useful technique is to establish fixed designfees for mechanical and electrical engineers atconventional cost projections, which meansthat the engineering consultants must work hardto find design solutions, often resulting in fewer

drawings and less documentation. It is a win-winsolution for both the client and the environment.

The IDA team of consultants can be structuredwith core and peripheral teammembers. The coreteam members (including the client, architect,mechanical, electrical and structural engineers)provide continuity in addressing a projectssustainable goals. The peripheral members(such as materials experts, quantity surveyors,the clients operations team, maintenancesupervisors, etc.) can be consulted for theirspecific expertise during the course of the

project. It is important to include all consultantsin the communication loop so that they canabsorb and assimilate information and contributeto the sustainable vision of the project.

IDAs can start with design charrettes or workshopswhich set goals and strategies. They may alsobe a vehicle to obtain a clients buy-in to theprocess. Teammeetings for the Integrated DesignApproach must be held frequently during theschematic design and design development phaseof a project. Periodic full table reviewsare important for sign-offs. The clientsmaintenance and operations staff should alsobe included because they must understand thefinished building during the critical period aftertakeover.


Use an Integrated Design Approach for allbuilding projects.

Document and distribute the sustainablevision for the project.

Include green design experts on thedesign team.

Include experts or peripheral consultantsfor advice on a wide range of sustainableissues.

Case Study

York University - Computer Science BuildingBusby +Associates Architects, in association withVan Nostrand diCastri Architects, Toronto, ON

Resources

Green Building BC Guide to Value Analysisand Integrated Design Process

www.greenbuildingsbc.com/new_buildings/resources.html

Clients and Authorities HavingJurisdiction

Objective

to reduce any real or perceived obstacles to

achieving greener buildings.

Green buildings provide many advantages toclients and the community at large. They canbe built with no cost premium, they are cheaperto operate, they can result in cost savingsfor infrastructure, they have low environmentalimpacts, and they have high-quality indoorenvironments for users. Consequently, greenbuildings are more marketable than conventionalbuildings.

However, in order to design and construct green

buildings, some impediments need to be overcome,including: the fear of innovation, such as a reluctance

to adopt new tools and processes the perception of additional costs.




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By involving clients and authorities havingjurisdiction from the outset, perceived or realobstacles can often be overcome. The IDA is animportant tool in overcoming such obstacles. Itis very important to involve decision-makers atall levels, as well as building maintenance and

operations staff.

By including the wider community, the IntegratedDesign Approach for sustainable design providesan opportunity to educate the public, therebyincreasing expectations and the demand for andacceptance of sustainable technologies.

Authorities having jurisdiction, through variousregulations, can control the extent of allowableinnovation for incorporated sustainable featuresand technologies in buildings. Certain existingregulations impede sustainable buildings and

developments because they were imposed inresponse to practices and values that predate ourawareness of sustainability issues.

Typical regulatory challenges include electricaland plumbing codes that require all installedequipment to be new. Buildings designed for largemunicipal clients often demonstrate the potentialfor change. For example, the Materials TestingLaboratory for the City of Vancouver EngineeringDepartment was constructed out of 80% salvagedmaterial with client agreement all the way.Often authorities will permit an application if

they have been advised and informed early in theprocess and have agreed with the sustainabilitygoals for the project.

At the CK Choi Building at University of BritishColumbia (UBC) the approving authority agreedto allow composting toilets in the building. Thiswould have come to nothing if UBC operationsstaff had not agreed to maintain the composters,including handling the red wriggler worms

which assist in decomposition. Green roofs posesimilar maintenance challenges because they mayneed occasional weeding.

No one jurisdiction can possibly regulate allsustainable issues. Architects with new innovativesolutions should approach regulators respectfullyto make progress toward greener buildings anddevelopments.


Include clients and authorities havingjurisdiction early in the design process;

Challenge conflicting regulations and seekmutually beneficial solutions;

Identify clearly the relative risks and impactsof conventional systems as well as thoseassociated with any innovation, in order tofacilitate further discussion;

Enlist the help of credible professionals

to negotiate with regulatory agencies andauthorities having jurisdiction to build arelationship of trust between the applicantand the regulator;

Cultivate relationships with champions withinthe regulatory agencies for any proposedinnovations.



The Materials Testing Laboratory for the Cit y ofVancouver Engineering Department was constructedout of 80% salvaged material .

At the CK Choi Building at UBC, t he authori t ies agreedto allow composti ng toilets in the building.


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Case Studies

CK Choi, Institute for Asian ResearchMatsuzaki Wright Architects Inc., Vancouver, BC

City of Vancouver Material Testing FacilityBusby +Associates Architects, Vancouver, BC

Resources



Sustainable Goals

Objective

to establish quantifiable goals in order tomotivate the design teamand to measure

success.

Establishing sustainability goals at the outsethelps define the environmental scope of a givenproject. Clients, stakeholder representatives, andteammembers should participate in defining theprojects sustainability goals; this strengthensevery teammembers commitment to those goals.

Goals and priorities should also reflect the localcontext, issues and values. For example, aregion or community that regularly experiences ashortage of water may emphasize water efficiencyfeatures within its environmental goals. Thereit would still be important to consider othervariables that contribute to sustainability, suchas operational energy reduction, but the teamwould recognize that those variables would havea lower priority than water conservation. Clearlyestablished goals and priorities will guide theteamduring the design process.

Quantifiable goals can be set to meet energyperformance standards or to increase energysavings. Typically in Canada, targets are compared

to the Model National Energy Code (MNEC)and are often expressed as, for example 30%better than the applicable standard set in thecode. Similar goals use ASHRAE 90.1 (1999)as a standard. Less specific qualitative goalsmake the measurement of success more difficult.Whenever possible, the design teamshould avoidqualitative goals such as increase indoor airquality or improve resource efficiency.

Finally, the design teamshould consider defininggoals with multiple objectives. Multipleobjectives lead to potential synergies in greendesign.

Some examples of quantifiable goals are:

the number of tons of greenhouse gasemissions saved in construction(compared to a benchmark);

savings in operational costs(such as annual figures showing savingsin energy consumption);

the amount of preservation or restorationof native vegetation;

the percentage of modal mix in adevelopments transportation system.

An example of an organization that establishesclear goals and objectives is the MountainEquipment Co-op, an enlightened company witha Green Building Mandate that all design teamsmust meet. Eighty (80%) of the materials usedin the new Mountain Equipment Co-op store inOttawa, travelled no more than 500 km to thesite. Thats a clear and commendable goal.


Define goals with multiple objectives; Define specific quantifiable targets

for diverse green design strategies; Expend exceptional effort to meet

the stated goals; Consider the widest range of goals.



I n the MEC store in Ottawa, 80% of the materialstravelled no more than 500 km.


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Case Studies

Mountain Equipment Coop (Ottawa)Linda Chapman Architect and ChristopherSimmonds Architect in joint venture, Ottawa, ON

Mountain Equipment Coop (Toronto)

Stone Kohn McQuire Vogt Architects, Toronto, ONCK Choi, Institute for Asian ResearchMatsuzaki Wright Architects Inc., Vancouver, BC

Liu Centre for the Study of Global IssuesArchitectura, in collaboration withArthur Erickson, Vancouver, BC

York University - Computer Science BuildingBusby +Associates Architects, in association withVan Nostrand diCastri Architects, Toronto, ON

Resources

Green Building BC Guide to Value Analysisand Integrated Design Process www.greenbuildingsbc.com/

new_buildings/resources.html

Centre for Excellence for SustainableDevelopment www.sustainable.doe.gov

Sharing Knowledge andPromoting Green Buildings

Objective

to share knowledge and to promote greenbuilding successes.

Green buildings provide exciting and challengingopportunities in the design, construction andmanagement of the built environment. Showingleadership and commitment, researching newsolutions, and sharing knowledge of sustainabilityare required roles for architects to lead themovement towards the continuous improvementof green buildings and the ultimate objective of

achieving a sustainable human society on thisplanet.

Architectural practices interested in greenbuildings should demonstrate leadership andcommitment to the concept of sustainability by: adopting sustainable business practices, leading by example, researching new solutions,

educating staff and colleagues, sharing information about green design, and marketing the firms successful green

buildings.

The dissemination of green design strategies iscritically important to ensure a greater positiveimpact on the Canadian environment.


Educate, update, and consolidate knowledgeof current and future trends to achievesustainability;

Market successful green design strategies; Make sustainable design knowledge a criteria

when hiring teammembers.

Resources



Green Building Information Council

www.greenbuilding.ca/




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2.2 Measurements

and Verification

2.2 Measurements

and Verification


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Performance Standards

Simulation Software and Programs

Assessment Tools

Commissioning


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Objective

to measure and verify the operation ofbuilding systems over their life cycle toensure optimal performance.

Measurement of the projects goals at all phasesof design, construction and operation is crucial;this provides quantitative results and ensuresoptimumperformance.

Measurement and verification practices canoften instill the sponsor the confidence neededto secure project funding. By demonstratingthat investments in energy efficiency havea feasible payback period may be critical tofunding. Measurement and verification practicesallow project performance risks to be clarified,managed, and allocated among the parties.

Measurement and verification will also optimizesystems efficiency. Assessing energy savings

strategies at the design stage is sometimesdifficult. I t is during a buildings actual operationthat energy consumption, material and systemsperformance and water savings can be measured,documented, and properly assessed.

There are several methods available to Canadianarchitects for assessing designs and constructedbuildings. Performance standards, simulationsoftware and assessment methods are three typesof useful tools to ensure the achievement ofenvironmental goals.

Measurement and verification occur at twoimportant stages: During the design phase, simulation

software and assessment methods facilitatemeasuring the design teams proposedenvironmental targets;

During construction and operation, acomprehensive and ongoing commissioning,measurement and verification programoptimizes and documents performance.

These programs may also provide feedbackconcerning issues of adaptability, such asa change in use or the introduction of newsustainable technologies.

Performance Standards

Objective

to monitor and increase the environmentalperformance of buildings.

Performance standards such as theModel NationalEnergy Codes, the C-2000 Program, and theASHRAE/ IESNA 90.1-1999 Energy Standard offerbenchmark objectives for minimumenvironmentalperformance. Use of these performance standardsmay help reduce the number of buildings thatare claimed to significantly reduce detrimentalenvironmental impacts, but really demonstratelittle environmental merit (sometimes referred to

as green wash).

Model National Energy CodesThe National Research Council of Canada hasproduced the Model National Energy Code ofCanada for Buildings (MNECB) and the ModelNational Energy Code for Houses(MNECH). Theirpurpose is to help practitioners to design energy-efficient buildings. By considering local climate,fuel sources and costs, and construction costs,these codes establish minimum standards thatcan be adopted as regulations by the appropriateprovincial or territorial authorities. Alternatively,

they may be used simply as a guide to low impactenvironmental energy conservation practice forbuildings. These model codes apply to newconstruction or additions, but not to alterationsor renovations of existing buildings.

Measurement and Verification Chapter 2.2


2.2 Measurement and Verification


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ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999ASHRAE/ IESNA 90.1-1999is an energy benchmarkfor US buildings (except for low- rise residentialbuildings). This well-known benchmark targetscommercial buildings and focuses on two areas:

the building envelope, and

the buildings systems and equipment.

This energy benchmark dictates mandatoryprovisions required in order to meet thestandard. Two paths are offered to design teams:a prescriptive path, and a performance path.Mechanical calculations must be done in order toprove compliance.

C-2000 ProgramThe C-2000 Program for Advanced CommercialBuildings is a demonstration program for high-

performance office buildings, developed andsponsored by CANMET and the Canadian EnergyTechnology Centre (CETC), Natural ResourcesCanada. This program focuses on the energyand environmental performance of buildings.Additional criteria have been developed for awide range of other parameters, such as occupanthealth and comfort. The programdemonstratesthe feasibility of achieving energy efficiencyand minimum negative environmental impactsthrough the application of innovative greenbuilding technologies. The program providesincremental financial support and technical

assistance to development teams for designwhich conforms to the programs whole-buildingperformance requirements. The C-2000 overallstrategy is to assist in the completion ofprojects that meet the performance criteria,to monitor their actual performance, and, toinform the industry of the results. Programgoals are achieved by the application of explicitperformance targets, careful selection of qualifiedteams and the development of close workingrelationships with experts in the field. A varietyof simulation software programs such as HOT 2000are available to aid the design teams.


Use performance standards for settingsustainable goals.

Resources

C-2000 Program

buildingsgroup.nrcan.gc.ca

Model National Energy Codes

www.nrc.ca/irc

ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999

www.ashrae.org

Simulation Software andPrograms

Objectives

to identify incentive programs whichencourage the design and construction ofmore green buildings.

to list software which assesses theenvironmental merit of various strategiesduring the design stage.

Simulation software programs are available toCanadian design teams to increase environmentalperformance of buildings during the designstage. These software programs are sometimes

associated with a performance standard.Examples of software and programs available toCanadian design teams are: CBIP Screening Tool,ATHENATM software, CMHCs Watersave, DOE-2,

Energy-10, and RETScreenTool.

This is not a comprehensive list, but a surveyof the more commonly used software available.Simulation software is a rapidly growing andchanging source of sustainable design strategies.

CBIP Screening ToolNatural Resources Canadas Commercial BuildingIncentive Program (CBIP) is a program whichfacilitates the incorporation of energy efficientstrategies by offering financial incentives forapplying energy efficiency features in newcommercial and institutional buildings.


Chapter 2.2 Measurement and Verification


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In order to qualify, the applicant must useEE4.CBIP energy performance simulation softwarein order to demonstrate that 25 percent moreenergy efficiency than theModel National EnergyCodes will be achieved for larger buildings. Ascreening tool is available to quickly verify if the

building will qualify. The CBIP Screening Toolestimates annual energy costs for the building asdesigned, and for the same building constructedto meet theModel National Energy Codes.

To encourage builders of small commercialbuildings to participate in CBIP, and facilitatethe achievement of CBIPs energy target, theCBIP Technical Guide includes regulatory energyefficiency strategies for specific building types.

ATHENASoftwareThe ATHENATM Sustainable Materials Institute is

a Canadian non-profit organization created tocontinue the work started in 1991 by ForintekCanada Corporation, with the support of NaturalResources Canada. The Institute has successfullyinitiated and managed an extensive seriesof studies and it has developed one of themost highly regarded databases of Life CycleInventories (LCI) for building products in theworld. The project was originally known asBuilding Materials in the Context of SustainableDevelopment Project. The Institute has Life CycleAssessment (LCA) software that analyzes:

production processes for different buildingproducts, the use of those products in building and

construction, and broader environmental issues associated with

resource extraction, building demolition anddisposal.

Design teams can use the ATHENATM Software tocarry out assessments of the structural systems ofa building. Additionally, the ATHENATM Institutecan assist design teams by providing consultingservices regarding LCA and LCI in the early design

stage. A more in-depth assessment of detaileddrawings can also be done.

RETScreenToolFew design professionals consider renewableenergy technology (such as, solar photovoltaicpower and wind generators) to be a feasibleoption, and presently discount such applications.

TheRETScreenRenewable Energy Project Analysis

Softwarecan assist in breaking down this barrier.RETScreen International is a tool for renewableenergy awareness, decision support and capacitybuilding. It has been developed by the CANMETEnergy Diversification Research Laboratory(CEDRL) with the contribution of numerousindustry experts, government and academia. Thetool consists of standardized and integratedrenewable energy project analysis software thatevaluates the energy production, life cycle costsand greenhouse gas emission reductions forvarious types of renewable energy technologies(RETs).

The RETScreentool can be used for a variety ofpurposes, including:

preliminary feasibility studies, project lender due diligence, market studies, policy analysis, information dissemination, training, sales of products and/or services, project development and management, product development, and

research and development.

The software also facilitates project imple-mentation by providing a common evaluationplatformfor the various stakeholders involved inthe project.

WATERSAVE SoftwareThe Canadian Mortgage and Housing Commission(CMHC) suppliesWATERSAVE, a computer programintended for the design and analysis of waterflows, water quality, and energy use in housingprojects. The software can be applied to single-

family detached houses or multi-unit residentialprojects. The programwas developed as an aid todesign teams for designing innovative householdwater systems, including wastewater recyclingor reuse, water conservation, use of rainwateras a supplementary water source, and on-sitewastewater disposal. The programcan simulate




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water and wastewater flows for residential watersystems, calculate concentrations of a givenparameter throughout the system, and determinethe distribution of heat and water temperaturesin the system. The software can also assistin determining the capacity and efficiency of

a rainwater cistern system as an alternativewater source. The program does not designsystemcomponents and depends on user-providedinformation to define the configuration of thesystem, water use, raw and treated water qualityand treatment efficiencies, and energy inputs andrecovery options.

DOE-2 and Energy PlusThe Simulation Research Group of the LawrenceBerkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley,California produces building energy simulationsoftware such asDOE 2and Energy Plus. The lab

is managed by the University of California for theU.S. Department of Energy (DOE); although thesesoftware programs are American, they are oftenused in Canada.

DOE-2 Softwareprogrampredicts the hourly energyusage and the energy cost of a building basedupon hourly weather information, a descriptionof the building and its HVAC equipment, and theutility rate structure. Using DOE-2, designerscan assess design decisions regarding buildingparameters that improve energy efficiency,while still maintaining thermal comfort and cost

effectiveness. A simple or detailed descriptionof building designs, an accurate estimate of theproposed buildings energy consumption, interiorenvironmental conditions and energy operationcost are the base fromwhichDOE-2analyzes energyusage in buildings. DOE-2is to be considered anaid; it does not provide a holistic assessment ofthe buildings overall environmental performance.

Therefore, like most tools used in the designprocess, it must be used in conjunction with otherassessment methods.

EnergyPlus is a new generation building energysimulation program designed for modelingbuildings with associated heating, cooling,lighting, ventilating, and other energy flows.EnergyPlus builds on the earlier DOE-2 softwarebut includes many new simulation capabilities

including time steps of less than an hour, andsystems simulation modules that are integratedwith zone simulation based on heat balance-based. Other planned simulation capabilitiesinclude solar thermal, multizone airflow, andelectric power simulation including photovoltaic

systems and fuel cells. EnergyPlusis a simulationengine, which reads input and writes outputas text files, thus facilitating the involvementof clients and governing bodies in the designprocess.

Energy-10ENERGY-10 is another software tool developedby the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratorywith the Sustainable Building Industry Council,the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, andthe Berkeley Solar Group with support from theU.S. Department of Energy. Energy-10is design

software that analyzes and illustrates the energyand cost savings achievable through more than adozen sustainable design strategies. Hourly energysimulations can help quantify, assess, and clearlydepict the benefits of green building strategiessuch as daylighting, passive solar heating, naturalventilation, well-insulated building envelopes,better windows, lighting systems, and mechanicalequipment. Using climate data that is site specific,the software shows how different combinationsof materials, systems, and siting yield lesser orgreater results in terms of energy use, comparativecosts, and reduced emissions. The software offers

the possibility of customizing weather files,converting file formats, and illustrating resultsin a variety of ways. This software can becustomized for a Canadian context.


Use simulation software to assess designdecisions.

Include simulation personnel in the designteam.

Work with Mechanical and Electrical

engineers who know and use simulationsoftware as a matter of good practice.




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Resources

CBIP Screening Tool cbip.nrcan.gc.ca/cbip.htm

ATHENATM Software www.athenasmi.ca

RETScreenTool www.retscreen.gc.ca

WATERSAVE Software

www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/hoin

DOE-2 and EnergyPlus

gundog.lbl.gov/

Energy-10

www.sbicouncil.org/enTen

Assessment Tools

Objective

to identify platforms for the comparison ofenvironmental strategies for buildings.

Comprehensive assessment methods can beused to rate buildings for overall environmentalperformance, something which goes beyond thepurpose of simulation software. Examples ofavailable assessment systems: Green BuildingChallenge (GBC) GB Tool, BREEAM Green Leafrating system, and US Green Building Council

(USGBC) LEEDrating system.

GBTool Software

The Green Building Challenge (GBC) is aninternational collaborative effort that has grownto include over 25 countries. Its purpose is tocreate a forum for the international exchangeof green building strategies. As part of theinternational GBC process, Green Building ToolSoftware ( GBTool) was designed to be theoperational software for the GBC assessmentframework. Nils Larsson of NRCAN and Ray Cole

of UBC were the authors of the GBTool. It is asophisticated and subtle spreadsheet that allowsparticipating countries to selectively incorporateideas or modify their own building assessmenttools. The GBC andGBToolprocesses are valuableresearch and development initiatives whichinfluence many nationally recognized systems inparticipating countries.

GBTool assesses potential environmental meritsof proposed buildings but it has no mechanismto evaluate constructed projects. The tool canbe applied to offices, multi-unit residential andeducational buildings. It is possible to simulateperformance in areas such as energy consumption,

estimate embodied energy and emissions, andpredict thermal comfort and air quality. The toolcompares a proposed design to the benchmarkvalues defined by national teams. The strategiesof the proposed design are weighed and scored toproduce a final score. The weighing and scoringmust be properly coordinated with the nationalteams for proper assessment of the proposedbuilding.

The software has been implemented on anExcel spreadsheet and may be downloaded forevaluation and educational purposes. It is time

intensive and therefore costly to create acomplete assessment ($20,000-$30,000). Thesoftware has been developed by Natural ResourcesCanada (NRCan) on behalf of the GBC group ofcountries. It should be noted that this tool isnot meant for commercial purposes. However,agreements may be worked out between potentialusers, the relevant national teamand NRCan.

BREEAMGREEN LEAF Rating System

BREEAM/Green Leaf was created in 1998. Itssimple approach addresses a broad scope of

issues but nevertheless maintains the principlesof credibility, affordability and efficiency. Theprogram is based on the international BREEAMenvironmental criteria as developed by theBuilding Research Establishment in the U.K. Theassessment procedure was modeled on the GreenLeaf Eco-Rating Programfor the Canadian HotelIndustry. ECD Energy, Environment Canada and

Terra Choice produce the program.

This Canadian rating system was developed asassessment tool to be used by building owners andmanagers. It is appropriate for office buildings

and multi-residential buildings which requirea comprehensive assessment of environmentalperformance. In addition to global, local andindoor environmental issues, BREEAM/GreenLeaf covers a several important tenant concernsselected fromtheBOMA Tenant Sat isfact ion Survey1998. These selected issues are often associatedwith tenant satisfaction and include thermalcomfort, security and office layout.




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The systemresults in a comprehensive report withrecommendations for improvements in operationalsavings and occupant health and comfort. It is atool produced for the private sector, and a fee ischarged to use it.

LEEDRating System V2.0The LEED Green Building Rating System is amajor programof the US Green Building Council(USGBC). The USGBC enjoys wide representationfrom the construction industry including productmanufacturers, building owners, environmentalleaders, design professionals, contractors, builders,utilities, governments agencies, building controlscontractors, research institutions and the financialindustry. The LEED program is a voluntary,consensus-based, and market-driven buildingrating system based on proven technology. Itevaluates environmental performance of a series of

criteria over a buildings life cycle. LEEDis basedon accepted energy and environmental principlesand aims at striking a balance between acceptedpractices and new sustainable technologies.

LEED is a self-assessing system designed forrating new and existing commercial, institutional,and high-rise residential buildings. It is afeature-oriented system where credits areearned for satisfying criteria. Different levels ofgreen building certification are awarded basedon the total credits earned. Section 8 of thismanual describes the LEED tool in more detail, as

it is likely to become the standard tool in NorthAmerican for Building Assessment.


Use assessment tools to rate buildings. Increase marketability of a building by

promoting its environmental rating.

Resources

GBTool Software

www.greenbuilding.ca/gbc2k/gbc-start.htm

BREEAM GREEN LEAF Rating System www.breeamcanada.ca

LEEDTM Rating System www.usgbc.org

Commissioning

Objective

to provide the optimal settings for allbuilding systems.

Commissioning procedures should be in place toensure that a completed building is performingas designed and that the construction adheresto the drawings and documented design intent.Commissioning should occur during constructionas well as during occupancy.

A commissioning agent should be presentduring the construction phase to ensure thecalibration of various systems. This is more costeffective prior to occupancy of the building. Thecommissioning of green buildings includes all

systems, such as mechanical, lighting, water,controls, thermal performance, the buildingenvelope and natural systems. Natural systemswhich may need commissioning include theproper functioning of operational windows fornatural ventilation, passive solar systems suchas louvers, or daylighting features such as lightshelves.

One of the most important stages of com-missioning occurs in post-occupancy. Post-occupancy commissioning is valuable becausesustainable design considers the entire life cycle

of a building, fromconstruction to deconstruction.As previously mentioned, the operation of abuilding consumes the most energy in the usefullife of a building. Changes in staffing, buildinguse, or systems failure, can result in significantchanges to the performance of a buildingssystems. They may not be functioning as designed.

Ongoing measurements and verification through-out the life of a building optimize performanceand permit adaptation of building systems tochanges. For example, the slightest improvementin the performance of a building with respect to

water consumption or energy use, when calculatedover a 50 or 75 year period, will account forenormous savings.




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Additionally, commissioning should include thetraining of building users for ultimate buildingoperation. Post-occupancy commissioning addsadditional cost to professional fees; however,these costs can be justified and recoveredthrough increased energy efficiency, increased

occupant well-being and improved tenantsatisfaction. Ensuring the proper functioningof all systems also reduces maintenance andrepair costs. Post-occupancy measurementand evaluation is not typically included inconventional design teamservices.

The intent of a well developed commissioningstrategy is aligned with long term sustainablegoals and targets. Commissioning subconsultantsor specialist firms can be retained by the client tocarry out this task, however, the IDA teamshouldensure that commissioning agents understand and

share the sustainability goals of the project.


Include a commissioning agent in thedesign team.

Document and review the design intentof all systems.

Develop a commissioning plan as earlyas possible.

Provide an operation and maintenancemanual.

Prepare a commissioning report. Provide the means for continualenvironmental monitoring.

Resources

International Performance Measurementand Verification Protocol

www.ipmvp.org

ASHRAE (1996) Guideline 1:The HVAC Commissioning Process www.ashrae.org




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2.3 Regulations,

Linkages andTradeoffs

2.3 Regulations,

Linkages andTradeoffs


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One of the biggest obstacles to achieving moresustainable buildings is the implementation ofnew and different processes for development,financing, design, construction and operations.Incorporating green building technologiesrequires a fundamental shift in the attitudes ofall participants including a deep respect for theenvironment.

Building industry professionals can play a partin influencing public opinion and, ultimately, allrelated regulations by promoting successful greenbuilding technologies to the public, clients andfellow professionals.

Regulations, Linkages and Tradeoffs Chapter 2.3


2.3 Regulations, Linkagesand Tradeoffs


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3.0 Sustainable

Site Design

3.0 Sustainable

Site Design


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Sustainable Site Design Chapter 3.0


Overall Objectives

to reduce and minimize negative impacts asa result of site selection.

to reduce and minimize negative site impactsas a result of the site development and itsbuildings.

Over the course of history, human activity hasaffected the earth incrementally. Now, thisactivity has reached unprecedented levels and hasbecome very visible. The green design teammustreinforce the notion that buildings are connectedto their surroundings; the construction, operationand deconstruction of buildings have negativeeffects on local and regional ecosystems andwatersheds. Conventional practices must bemodified to reverse current building processesthat degrade the environment. These practicesand processes must be transformed into processeswhich enhance the environment. Buildings cancontribute positively to their surroundings! Such

examples include generating energy and collectingrainwater. A building can be an attribute toa community by providing certain services andutilities as well as by establishing intrinsicaesthetic and urban values.

Sustainable site design involves two primaryissues: site location and site impacts.

Sustainable Site Design


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Chapter 3.0 - Sustainable Site DesignChapter 3.0 - Sustainable Site Design

3.1 Site Selection3.1 Site Selection


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Site Selection Process

Urban Redevelopment

Brownfield Redevelopment

Transportation Issues


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Objective

to select the most appropriate site for agiven project.

The four main factors to consider for site locationare:

the process for site selection; opportunities for urban redevelopment;

opportunities for brownfield redevelopment;and

transportation.

As previously stated, proper site locationcan significantly reduce the harmful impactsof buildings on surrounding ecosystems andwatersheds. However, in many cases, site selectionis not part of the design teams mandate.

Site Selection Process

Objective

to ensure sustainable design principles areincorporated in the site selection process.

During site selection, it is important to expandthe criteria normally considered, providing acomprehensive approach to:

the potential to reduce negativeenvironmental impacts;

the sites contribution to increased economicprosperity; and

the incorporation of community land usestrategies.

Successful integration of these criteria canbe achieved by including authorities having

jurisdiction, the community at large, and allother stakeholders early in the design process.

Techniques such as design charrettes, open housesfor the public, and organized public commentaryare successful in addressing and understandingall the issues.

Sustainable site selection considers impacts ofdevelopment on the local environment by anassessment of geological information, watershedsand groundwater aquifers, sun and wind patterns,natural ecosystems and habitats, sensitive areassuch as floodplains and wetlands, and the historyof the site. The impact of the surroundingson future users of the building is anotherconsideration. For example, a site located nearhigh traffic areas or a site polluted froma nearbyindustry will have a detrimental influence onindoor environmental quality.

The fundamental vision of any sustainable landuse is that of the complete community, whichsupports a range of lifestyles, incomes and ages.

The design teammust aimto provide a diversityof activities for the community. Sustainablecommunities must include the following land useconsiderations:

planning for community energy; transportation; and ecological factors.

Design teams should consider the flow of energy,

resources and wastes produced within thecommunity to increase efficiency and synergies.It is important to avoid incompatible land usessuch as heavy industry adjacent to daycares.Employment and housing opportunities must bebalanced. Comfortable walking distances shouldformthe basis for locating retail facilities, schoolsand amenities within a community. Density levels

Site Selection Chapter 3.1


3.1 Site Selection


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should be as high as possible, in order to reduceinfrastructure costs and preserve land. Transitand alternative transportation methods shouldbe the backbone of the community. Thesecomplex, interconnected issues can be addressedby ensuring community planners are included as

part of the Integrated Design Approach (IDA)teammembers.

Issues and considerations for selectingeconomically viable building sites include:

short and long termprofitability andeconomic diversity;

industrial ecology; and the proximity of the supply of key goods and

services.

The South East False Creek neighbourhoodin Vancouver is an interesting example of acontaminated site which the City of Vancouveris investigating the feasibility of transforminginto a model of sustainable development. Thisbrownfield redevelopment promises to be animportant Canadian precedent for a sustainableurban community.


Include all stakeholders in the site selectionprocess.

Encourage the development of an eco-industrial network that takes waste productsfromone business and supplies themasresources for another, thereby increasingresource efficiency and reducing waste.

Performa site survey to identify all features,such as trees, ecologically sensitive areas,climatic data and slopes, etc.

Engage consultants, such as landscapearchitects, geologists, ecologists andenvironmental engineers, to performa

comprehensive site analysis. Select a site which supports a wide rangeof uses, and which can produce a densitycapable of supporting a viable transit systemand commercial activity.

Select a site which contributes to a diversityof activities, both social and economic, andwhich offers a range of stable employmentopportunities for the community.

Select a site which contributes to thehealth and education and recreation of thecommunity.

ResourcesSmart Growth Network www.smartgrowth.org

Global Environment Options www.geonetwork.org

Urban Redevelopment

Objective

to ensure that sites within existing urbanized

areas are favoured.

All sustainable urban redevelopment should ensurethat new projects are located within existingurban areas. The environmental benefits of suchredevelopment are:

an increased efficiency of energy andinfrastructure;

the protection of existing ecosystems andgreenfield sites;

the strengthening of existing commercial,social and cultural communities; and

the reduction of urban/suburban sprawl.

Significant financial and environmental costsare attributed to municipal and regional infra-structure. By connecting to existing systems,the need to expand existing infrastructure (watersupply, sewers and wastewater treatment, powerdistribution, and roads) is minimized.


Chapter 3.1 Site Selection

The City of Vancouver is currently reviewing ways tot ransform thi s contaminated site int o a model ofsustainable development .


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Additionally, urban redevelopment providesan opportunity to reuse and renovate existingbuildings. Such a strategy helps to conservecapital, energy and materials which would benecessary for new construction. Instead ofconstructing new buildings, the renovation of

existing buildings can save thousands of tonnesof landfill and greenhouse gas emissions. Bydeveloping sites in dense urban areas, otherefficiencies can result (such as sharing partywalls,heat and materials exchange, etc.).

Urban redevelopment can also preserve greenfieldsites. The advantages of pres

sustainable design fundamentals for buildings

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