Building Systems

Canadian vehicle market

The changing Canadian vehicle market

The Canadian vehicle market is changing at a rapid pace, with the projected sales for electric vehicles (EVs) forecast to rise dramatically to align with Canada's goals.
heat pumps

Retrofitting with heat pumps  

Since 2019, retrofitting with heat pumps has been rising in popularity among Canadian REITs and large residential landlords looking to invest in cleantech.
tax incentives

Tax incentives key to driving housing innovation

As commercial finance conditions tighten, government tax incentives like SR&ED are becoming more important to the multifamily construction sector.
water damage

5 ways to mitigate losses from water damage

While climate change has increased the prevalence of weather-related floods, water damage due to plumbing and appliance failures happen daily—and sadly, they are often preventable.
risk worksafebc

The rising cost of multi-residential construction

Multi-residential construction costs are rising in Canada due to the pandemic’s impact on everything from labour and material costs to shifting supply and demand dynamics.
New flat rates for Ontario elevators licenses

New fee model for Ontario elevator licenses

The flat license rate will penalize mid-rise and high-rise owners with extra costs if an elevator passes the periodic inspection and does not require a follow-up. It will be a bargain if just one follow-up inspection is required.
aging residential towers

Investing in Canada’s aging residential towers

Aging residential towers are in dire need of investment, something the pandemic has underscored given the scores of frontline workers who’ve been disproportionately affected.
ventilation

Air ventilation in multi-residential buildings

Achieving a healthy indoor environment begins with proper air ventilation, especially as buildings become more airtight. Kevin Smith explains the various systems available today.
energy demand load

Energy demand load shifts to residential base

The energy demand load has shifted in sync with much of Ontario’s workforce from commercial to home offices, prompting calls for suspension of time-of-use pricing during the current COVID-19 related upheaval
energy management

AI-driven energy management platforms

The apartment rental landscape is changing. Utility costs are rising, creating the need for improved energy management.
outdoor air

IAQ standards dissect freshness of outdoor air

Guidance related to natural ventilation, particulate filtration and compartmentalization of multi-residential HVAC systems are prominent in the list of identified "significant changes" compared to the incumbent 2016 version of the standards.
toilet leaks

Don’t flush money down the toilet

It is estimated that 20 to 25 per cent of all toilets in North America are experiencing leaks at any given time, making toilet leaks the number one cause of water loss in multi-unit residential buildings.
electrical work

Keeping up with Ontario’s Electrical Safety Code

Insights from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) on the new Ontario Electrical Safety Code and how it affects residential property owners.
Enbridge

Success in property management energy savings

It was a mix of energy insights, incentives, and advanced controls that helped Briarlane Rental Property Management Inc. optimize its natural gas consumption and increase occupant comfort across selected buildings in its portfolio.
Toronto community housing

A new dawn for Toronto Community Housing

Toronto’s crumbling community housing stock is receiving some much-needed financial support to the tune of 1.3 billion, making it the largest federal housing investment in the city's history.
ENGIE Services

Plugging in to the benefits of energy storage

A sharp rise in energy costs and strict sustainability mandates have been spurring business owners to explore alternative solutions for decades. Could on-site energy storage be the next green ticket?
zero carbon zcb

Moving toward a zero carbon economy

In a changing world where “zero carbon” is the ultimate goal in building design, can retrofits alone make Canada’s aging apartment stock sustainable?