Building Systems

windows

A net zero future for windows

What will new codes and a net zero future mean for glazing and window products? Two speakers share insights at the 2022 FGIA conference.
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.

A smart business case for GHG reduction

Smart buildings offer the best hope to reduce carbon effectively, reduce energy costs and provide good return on investment.
net positive

Plans for first net positive energy office building

An office building in Markham, Ontario's technology hub plans to be the first net positive energy office building in Canada.
indoor air quality

Forest fires pose indoor air quality challenge

Indoor air quality specialists concur that larger commercial buildings are among the better places to be when outdoor conditions are compromised since HVAC systems typically incorporate air filtration.
BC code building

Breakthrough technology eases risk management

Energy storage, phase-change materials and carbon dioxide refrigerant exemplify the diversity of products that can have bearing on how buildings use resources, discharge waste and function in both normal and adverse conditions.
Energy benchmarking in Canada

Energy code compliance

Energy standards in North America have been around for a very long time, but the new switched receptacle control requirement is stirring up controversy.

Energy-efficient glass in the “battle for the wall”

Since the introduction of legislation, like the Ontario Building Code’s SB-10 supplementary standard for large buildings and the B.C. Clean Energy Act, what once was

Improving energy efficiency in B.C.

While early building codes were focused on basic home structure and standardizing building practices, more recent code adaptations in B.C. are focusing on energy efficiency and occupant accessibility.
rent repayment

Outlining Vancouver’s Greenest City 2020 plan

Vancouver's Greenest City 2020 Action Plan aims to reduce solid waste going to the landfill and require new building to be carbon neutral from 2020 onward.

District energy a proven technology

Technological solutions such as district energy are proving effective in reducing the carbon footprint ...

A task of Olympic proportions

Millennium Water is the largest green development project in British Columbia, covering nine city blocks in Southeast False Creek.
REMI

Raise the roof

A roof that lasts longer is usually more sustainable since less waste is generated through the removal of an additional roof.

Horticultural practices for green roofs

When designing a green roof, three elements have to be optimized: drainage, growing media and plants.