Building Systems

innovation

Building the Toronto of tomorrow

Toronto has long been a city open to innovation and change, whether it be culturally or technologically. It’s no surprise then that the city was chosen to take part in the Urban Pilot Program, or UPPlift, which aims to bridge the gap between emergent smart technologies and property managers to enhance a city’s liveability.
cogeneration

GTA-based condo building demos cogeneration

One GTA-based condo building won’t face the dilemma of when to switch over its HVAC system from heating to cooling this spring thanks to cogeneration.
small businesses

Energizing mixed retail space

Increased urbanization and the demand for convenience has made it more common for retailers, restaurants and office spaces to operate under one roof.
apartment

HVAC switch over snared by hot spell

Tensions boiled over last week at Toronto apartment buildings without air conditioning as temperatures soared into heat wave territory in late September.
elevators

Required upgrades to single-speed elevators lifted

The TSSA recently lifted the requirement to undertake certain upgrades to the controls of single-speed elevators, but it doesn’t mean building owners should abandon modernization.
zero emissions

Inside the Zero Carbon Building Standard

The CaGBC is working to spearhead the next evolution of green building with the launch of its Zero Carbon Building Standard.
organizational productivity

Buildings factor in organizational productivity

A recent comprehensive review and synthesis of existing research from around the world bolsters the supposition that building technologies and enhanced operational practices can have a positive impact on occupants' performance and well-being.
dehumidifier

The pros and cons of different humidifiers

The type of humidification system chosen will directly affect the amount of time, effort, and expense that must be invested to keep the equipment running at peak performance.
commercial buildings

Beating the heat in commercial buildings

With summer just around the corner, here are some tips for facilities managers to consider when preparing their commercial buildings to beat the heat.
drone

Drone use comes with flight risks for condos

A drone can capture data about the building structure as it scales the envelope, but consider too the images or video it could unintentionally capture.
net positive energy office

Net positive energy office set to rise in Waterloo

In Waterloo, Ontario, workers are installing wells for a geo-exchange system that will heat and cool a new net positive energy office development.
roof inspections

A property manager’s guide to roof inspections

At least twice per year, property managers should conduct roof inspections and maintenance on their roofs.
WELL

Pursuing WELL at CBRE’s new office in North York

CBRE now has four out of the ten WELL-registered projects in Canada: one in Vancouver and three in the GTA, including the Toronto North office.
video security surveillance

Property managers downplay cybersecurity threats

Buildings are becoming more connected and functional as information and operational technology converge, heightening the risk of cybersecurity attacks.
property managers

Changing market challenges property managers

A recent PM Expo seminar elaborated on changing market conditions and how they will affect future property managers in an increasingly technical field.
technology trends

Eight technology trends that could impact CRE

Eight technology trends have recently been flagged in a new global report, spanning various regions and industries, including real estate.
earth tubes

Lab facility demos energy-saving ‘earth tubes’

Energy-saving 'earth tubes' were among the features expected to help earn UTSC's new Environmental Sciences and Chemistry building LEED Gold status.