Latest news with #greenbuilding
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Conservation Authority's new headquarters leads by example
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's new building at 5 Shoreham Dr. passes the smell test. Not only does it possess the delicious aroma of a spruce forest, it has an ideology, a purpose and an ethos hewn into the reality of bricks-and-mortar – no, scratch that – into mass timber, advanced energy efficiency, and so many green building certifications. It is the Vantablack of green; the poster child of sustainability, the Muhammad Ali of the environment. Then again, if the TRCA doesn't lead by example, who will? 'We've taken almost every single sustainable technology you can imagine [and] we've put it into one space and showcased how it can be done,' says TRCA senior project manager Chris Ellis, who watched the 86,000-square-foot, four-storey headquarters grow from a hole in the ground in 2022. 'But not just so we can do it for ourselves … it's to demonstrate to developers, the private sector, [or local] residents who might say: 'I've heard about all of these different things, but …'' My only advice to any visitor to the building is this: unless you count yourself in the top five per cent of thinkers on sustainability, ask your guide to go slow. There's a lot to take in. Thankfully, Tisha Tan, TRCA program manager of community outreach and education, did just that during Doors Open last month. She asked everyone, 'to look up and tell me what they noticed. We've had a lot of really great discussions about the wood already, because the first thing people say [is], 'Wow there's a lot of wood in here.'' While the floor is concrete, pretty much everything above it is wood, whether walls, stairs, ceilings, or even the elevator core – something that's usually done in concrete. And save for flame-retardant coatings in some key areas, it's all been left untreated, says Mr. Ellis. 'A major motivator of this building was keeping things as raw and naturalized as possible.' One can almost feel the building breathe, its structure expanding and contracting with humidity or dryness. Actually, that's not entirely true. RJC Engineers built traction panels in between the mass timber beams, which can 'deflect upwards of an inch,' says Mr. Ellis. The BAS, or Building Automation System, is so finely tuned, so tentacled into every nook and cranny, it can sense tiny changes and correct them well before the humans inside notice. 'I started calling it the BOSS because it essentially runs the building,' says Ms. Tan with a laugh as she walks over to what looks like a plain ol' thermostat on the wall. 'These are sensors that are collecting localized data … and all of the sensors talk to each other. We have a weather station up on the roof as well, and that all feeds together so the building can figure out how to be as energy efficient as possible.' That means each light fixture is individually controlled to allow the BAS to decrease lumens on fixtures near windows filled with natural light and increase lumen output in the shadier parts. Exterior venetian blinds will spring into action if too much natural light is at risk of overheating the building. Heating and cooling are achieved via an open-loop geothermal system (water is pumped in from an aquifer, and then expelled back to the same area), which is cheaper to build and 15- to 20-per-cent more efficient than the more common closed-loop type. And, other than on the top floor, all mechanicals are housed under the floor. 'When that thermostat detects elevated carbon dioxide levels, the machines under the floor turn on, pressurize the plenum … and will actually distribute to that space fresh air. There are return grills that will draw air back in through the space, through the ERV (energy recovery ventilator). The ERV extracts any waste energy and then discharges the air through the tops of the solar chimneys.' Solar chimneys? They do more than expel hot air, so hold onto your hat. 'These are unique to us, in the entire world,' says Ms. Tan. She is standing beside what looks to be a glass elevator shaft, except inside are rows of perforated sheets of metal. When the BAS commands it, these sheets become a 'water wall' that is part of the HVAC system. So, other than ejecting hot air up and out, the air inside the columns (there are four in total) can be cooled by the water and used for air conditioning. 'When it's wintertime and that air is dry and cold, that water adds humidity back into that air, and in the summer when the air is really hot, that water is nice and cold, so it evaporates into that air,' finishes Ms. Tan. Impressive, but also huge. This author wonders if, perhaps, the TRCA are pioneering a technology that, one day, can be miniaturized and used in residential applications? 'I think you will absolutely see this technology be further refined,' Mr. Ellis says enthusiastically. 'We've found that it is very effective.' And, should the day come that it's no longer effective, TRCA employees can open a window. Overall, what the TRCA has done – with their team of ZAS Architects (with Dublin-based Bucholz McEvoy) and RJC Engineers – is put their money, tens of millions of it, where their mouth is with this spectacular building: it's LEED v4 Platinum (the highest certification), it's Zero Carbon-certified, it's situated beside the Black Creek Ravine (an ecosystem they protect), the energy-efficiency is off the charts, and it looks sexy. 'The warmth of a mass timber space is more than beautiful,' corrects Andrew Bayne of RJC Engineers. 'It's a bold, low-carbon solution that helps us actualize TRCA's commitment to an ultraefficient future.' An efficient future that, I must say, smells terrific.
The Herald
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Unpacking the keys to infrastructure development
There is no doubt that the country's infrastructure has deteriorated significantly over the past decade, mostly due to consistent underinvestment, mismanagement and a lack of state capacity. Nonetheless, there are various infrastructure development scenarios for South Africa that, if applied correctly, could ensure a robust, sustainable and smart country by 2050. In this issue we consider what is required in to obtain _nance for an infrastructure project and the role that green building principles play in this. In a similar vein, we look at how National Treasury's recently revised regulations for public-private partnerships will help unlock private-sector expertise. A key initiative underway is a partnership to spearhead our rail sector revival, offering hope for revitalising logistics and the overall economy. We also examine road maintenance, spatial planning, water and we take a look at where wind and hydropower lie in SA's energy mix. While South Africa has its share of challenges, a lot of positive efforts are underway to _x broken systems, drive green infrastructure innovation, _nance better projects, and tweak the laws to enable greater private-sector expertise and funding for infrastructure. Rodney Weidemann , Editor
CBC
25-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Here's how people are making buildings more climate resilient
It's time to build for the future, according to Penny Martyn. "[It's] really important that our buildings become more climate-friendly," said Martyn, a green building manager for University of British Columbia Campus and Community Planning. "Our buildings need to be able to adapt to climate change, so we need to design them differently." UBC is just one of the many organizations across Canada that are looking for ways to better adapt to the changing climate, as forest fires, heat, and extreme weather become more prevalent, whether that's while designing new buildings, or retrofitting old ones. According to a report released by Natural Resources Canada in January, buildings make up 13 per cent of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. And some of the solutions may seem boring, but it's the boring changes that can have a long-term positive impact. More than just going solar Martyn says UBC is committed to making sure all its new buildings meet LEED gold standard, which is an internationally recognized certification that looks at carbon emissions, the conservation of resources, and operating costs. And more developers are looking at ways to start off on the right foot. In Calgary, the planning and construction of the new Central Library cost $245 million. In addition to more than 30 free meeting rooms, a 330-seat performance hall, and of course, books, it boasts a long list of climate-friendly features. Kate Thompson, CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, which served as the development manager for the project, said it started with location. The library is right along Calgary's light rail transit, making it easy for people to get there. Plus, there are plenty of places to lock up a bike. A large cistern on the outside of the library captures rainwater, and inside there is low-flow plumbing. The building has lots of natural light, but is also equipped with solar shades and windows with ceramic dots that prevent the building from overheating on a sunny day. And those are just some of the features added to the building to make it sustainable over the long term. "You have to say collectively, what are we aspiring to do here?" said Thompson. "Sustainability was foundational." Community first Serena Mendizabal, managing director at Sacred Earth, says the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Ontario decided to make clean energy a full community effort. "I think that's what makes it so unique and so different because we did things outside of the box and we did things very Haudenosaunee," said Mendizabal, using a term that means people of the longhouse. In November 2022, the community started a sustainable restoration of its Sour Springs Longhouse, which included energy-efficient retrofits and a solar panel project. Mendizabal says a year before even starting the design process, they were able to engage with the community about how solar energy works, its impacts, and the benefits it creates. The design allows the longhouse to use the power it generates, without having to send it to the grid. Then, community members were trained in solar design, installation, operations and maintenance. Mendizabal says this community focus was important because so often developers come from outside with ideas. Here the power was generated from within. "This was a project that from inception came from the needs of the longhouse and the needs of our people, and we implemented [it] ourselves because we knew what we needed and we knew we wanted," said Mendizabal. "That's something to really be proud of." Mendizabal says other communities among the Haudenosaunee Confederacy are looking at replicating it. Using what you have Matt Henderson says sustainable changes to public buildings aren't always flashy. He's the superintendent of the Winnipeg School Division, where he's had to tackle boring but necessary changes at Gordon Bell High School. It's an older building in the heart of Winnipeg that has undergone a handful of additions. "The original feasibility study indicated that, through infrared, that there was so much leakage of air, not only going out, but coming in, that it was equivalent to having sort of a 40-square-foot hole in the building," said Henderson. The province, the federal government, and the school division came together to completely retrofit the building by increasing natural light and improving the flow of air through the building through improvements to the walls and roof. The nearly $24-million project is in its second year of construction and is expected to be done by September. He hopes it's not the last school they're able to fix up, as the Manitoba provincial government looks at the impact of the Gordon Bell High School project. "We talk about putting solar panels on top of schools and getting electric busses … to prepare us for the climate emergency that we're in right now," said Henderson. "But I think an easy step is to create really highly efficient buildings that are sealed tight." Fighting fire with design In Lytton, B.C., it's not just about reducing emissions. There's a focus on making sure the community is ready for the next natural disaster. A wildfire that ripped through the village in 2021 destroyed much of its municipal infrastructure. In the years since, the village has received federal funding to make its buildings more fire resilient. "We've definitely experienced firsthand a lot of the climate-related issues," said Lytton Mayor Denise O'Connor. "The old construction style, we've discovered, it doesn't work in a disaster. You know, we need to be thinking this way and doing what we can to support people that want to build this way." One of the ways it's doing that is by designing the new community centre to be a more resilient space. The goal is to also make the building net zero, and able to be used as an emergency shelter. And the outdoor swimming pool will double as a water reservoir, for when the next wildfire rolls through. "Not only will we have a sustainable building, but we're also going to be setting an example, I think, for others that are considering building," said O'Connor. Covering the cost For those looking for more sustainable buildings, Martyn says the best advice she has is to keep pushing. "Keep talking about your desire for sustainable community and green buildings and advocate kind of on all levels where you can," said Martyn. "If it's a strong and co-ordinated voice, it usually gets heard." Still, Martyn says, price tags can be an issue in these conversations. "In the long run, it will cost you less if you have a resilient building that can withstand certain climate hazards, but the initial cost is kind of a difficulty, I think, for lots of projects," said Martyn. She says there are ways around that. Businesses can take climate-friendly measures when they're upgrading anyway. For example, if it's time for new windows, install the climate-friendly kind, she says. There are also government grants that can help pay for some of the extra expenses. Henderson suggests people look at what they were able to do by retrofitting Gordon Bell High School instead of building something completely new. "I think sometimes there's a desire to kind of build the new and fanciest buildings," said Henderson.
Mail & Guardian
22-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Sustainable homes help build sustainable futures
Green buildings, which have features such as solar power, grey water and rainwater harvesting, are essential to reduce global warming and lower owners' costs. Photo: Supplied Across South Africa, a quiet revolution is reshaping the property market. It's not driven by buzzwords or branding exercises, but by necessity. The way we build, buy and live in our homes is being recalibrated; sustainability is no longer an optional extra. For years, 'green' features in property were seen as add-ons, marketed to high-end buyers or used to tick boxes on glossy brochures. Sustainable living has moved from the fringes to the centre of buyer demand. What was once considered a premium is now a practical baseline. In our country where power cuts, water shortages and rising utility costs have become part of daily life, a home that can stand resilient is also worth more, both financially and emotionally. For the next generation of homeowners, particularly in younger, tech-savvy markets, sustainability is not a niche interest. It's the minimum standard. Buyers now ask up front: iIs it solar-ready? Is there an inverter backup? What's the water system like? Sustainability is no longer about greenwashing or ideals. It's about running costs, stability and long-term value. Energy-efficient homes lower monthly bills, reduce reliance on unstable municipal services and tend to hold their value better in uncertain markets. Green design isn't at odds with affordability. Homes that are well-insulated, solar-equipped and water-conscious are becoming the more affordable option over time, despite a slightly higher upfront cost. The same logic applies to investors and developers. Sustainable homes attract higher-quality tenants, reduce vacancies and are more resilient to future regulation. They represent a smarter risk profile over a 10 to 20-year period. For developers, the responsibility is twofold. First, to respond to demand with meaningful design, such as solar power, hybrid systems, greywater recycling and thermal insulation. Second, to push for the kind of systemic change that allows sustainable development to flourish at scale. There are still significant barriers. Regulatory bottlenecks, lack of clarity in municipal processes and a shortfall in green finance offerings hold back progress. Most homeowners have bought existing properties that need adapting. They can start small. Use solar for exterior lighting. Install LED bulbs. Fit a geyser blanket and a timer. Add a back-up water tank. Upgrade the insulation. These low-cost changes can significantly reduce the environmental footprint and bills. For those ready to invest more, the next steps are: solar panels and inverters, heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, greywater systems and smart meters. These can be added over time. But access remains unequal. Incentives and support programmes exist, but they're too often buried in red tape or poorly publicised. If the government and financial institutions offered clearer, more accessible pathways, such as rebates, tax benefits or low-interest green loans, the adoption curve would steepen dramatically. The real estate sector has a responsibility to reflect this shift with integrity. That means not just selling homes but advocating for smarter living. It means guiding buyers to see green features not as luxury upgrades, but as future-proofing. And it means urging developers and investors to treat sustainability not as a cost centre, but as a growth strategy. Developers must build green as standard. Banks must incentivise the right kinds of choices. Municipalities must streamline approvals for sustainable infrastructure. And buyers must be empowered with information to make decisions that serve both their wallets and the planet. Let's be clear: the green evolution in property is not about idealism or marketing spin. It's about meeting real needs with real solutions. Eva August is the chief executive of Century21 and Frank Haupt is a co-owner of the company.
CBS News
07-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
City Council approves Mayor Johnson's "green social housing" plan to boost affordable housing
Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan to create a city-owned nonprofit developer to help confront Chicago's affordable housing crisis was approved by the City Council on Wednesday. The council voted 30-18 to approve the mayor's so-called "green social housing plan," which would establish a nonprofit real estate development corporation under the Chicago Department of Housing. That nonprofit, known as the Residential Investment Corp., would control a $135 million fund that would be used to provide low-cost loans to developers to build environmentally friendly buildings. Projects seeking $5 million or more in loans would require approval from the City Council. Loan payments from developers would go back into the fund to finance future projects. At least 30 percent of the units built in such projects would be set aside as affordable housing, while the city would maintain majority ownership stakes in the buildings. Officials said the goal of the program is to create 400 affordable units per year. Buildings financed through the program would have to meet Green Building Standards aimed at decreasing carbon emissions, reducing utility bills, and improving indoor air quality. The nonprofit would be overseen by a board of 15 directors, mostly appointed by the mayor, including seven experts in housing and real estate development; as well as the city's Housing Commissioner, Chief Financial Officer, and Planning and Development Commissioner. Their meetings would have to be open to the public, and their records would be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. "I'm confident that Green Social Housing in Chicago will become a model for the nation," Johnson said in a statement after the ordinance was approved. The proposal faced weeks of debate in committee before the vote, and underwent at least two revisions to satisfy concerns from labor unions who feared it could privatize existing city jobs. The ordinance includes guarantees that the loan fund will use Department of Housing workers for any services similar to existing jobs within the department. Several aldermen also had raised concerns about ethics oversight of the nonprofit, but the version of the ordinance approved on Wednesday guarantees the city's Inspector General and Board of Ethics have investigative jurisdiction over the new nonprofit. Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th), who sponsored the ordinance with the mayor, said it was important to pass the ordinance at a time when the Trump administration's budget proposals threaten funding for 2,500 units of affordable housing currently in the pipeline in Chicago. "This will be another tool in our toolbox to help spur development in tough financial environments across the city, and not just for affluent communities, but this tool can help invest in neighborhoods where investors have been unwilling to," she said. "We know city government cannot do this alone, we know the private sector cannot do this alone, and we urgently need new solutions to fill the gaps in both the public and private sector." The $135 million fund will be financed from a $1.25 billion borrowing plan approved by the City Council last year.
