Institutional
Ontario elevator strike refuses to lift
Talks between Ontario’s elevator technician union and management cannot seem to get off the ground floor.
Toronto a leader in green roof industry
Toronto’s leadership in the industry is due to the fact that green roofs are not only encouraged but mandatory.
Solar solutions
Waste heat recovery is an exciting renewable energy technology. Waste heat recovery units add to the efficiency of building energy needs ...
Round two for Toronto’s zoning bylaw
Toronto’s harmonized zoning bylaw draft is nearing completion and City staff is optimistic the rules will meet the approval of both Toronto council and property owners. But they may have reason to be wary; the City’s previous attempt at a ...
LED lighting retrofit
To get the greatest value out of a LED lighting retrofit, ask about a manufacturer’s product testing, quality control and sustainability practices.
The touch-free route to better restrooms
Touch-free systems can provide a safer, cleaner and more pleasant restroom environment, and research shows 90 per cent of patrons prefer these options.
Reducing the risk of Legionella
Any water source in a building that can be aerosolized may be a Legionella risk, particularly where the water is dirty, remains still or is not exposed to a ...
Rise up
Studies examining the effectiveness of implementing ceiling lifts have found decreases in injury rates, decreases in workers’ compensation claims, perceived decreases in the risk of injury and improved morale with a decrease in absenteeism.
The ergo impact of IT on health care
Are today’s health care professionals at greater risk for repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal problems than their predecessors? Yes, says Adam Labelle, an associate ergonomist with workplace furniture and accessories ...
Beyond the colour wheel
Effective use of colour must always be motivated by a clear design rationale that can be related aesthetically to the built form, functionally to wayfinding or branding, or psychologically to the needs of the end user.
Intellectual properties
Building automation systems enable buildings to generate limitless data and information on nearly every aspect of a building and then share it among systems to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire facility.
Legislation gets to the heart of health and safety
Manitoba is the first Canadian province to mandate automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in specific facilities.
Clean smarter with microfibre mopheads
While often more expensive than traditional cleaning cloths and mopheads, microfibre products tend to be more absorbent, use significantly less chemicals and water, and clean surfaces more effectively.
Understanding carpet warranties
Over the years, carpet warranties have changed considerably, limiting their liability. In some cases, the manufacturer will: specify what type of cleaning is appropriate to maintain the warranty; require cleaning receipts to indicate when and ...
Specifying an effective sound masking system
To ensure a sound masking system works as expected, a clear set of performance standards should be established prior to procurement. If not, the system may not provide the desired level of speech privacy or noise control.
Recommissioning finds qualitative quick fixes
Recommissioning focuses on right-sizing a building’s mechanical and electrical systems and their operation for today’s conditions.
Energy audits
An energy audit is the logical first step in helping to reduce a facility’s utility costs and carbon footprint, and justify capital expenditures. Here are 10 things every building manager should know before embarking on an energy audit.


