GB & SS Magazine Spring 2013

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� Green Building & Sustainable Strategies SPRING �013 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies 3SPRING �013

3 FromthePublisher-laboratoryforVisionaryArchitecture[lAVA]

4 mAsdArPlAzAWorld’sfirstzerocarbon,zerowastecitypowered entirelybyrenewableenergysources

8 FeAturestorY-Whentimingiseverything For20years,theAironGroupofCompanieshasformedpartnerships todefyconventionalwaysofthinking

16 WalkingtheWalkandtalkingthetalk innovationfromuniversityofWaterlooshowcasedinschool’snew environment3leedPlatinumbuilding

19 oNYXsolAr buildingintegratedPhotovoltaic

22 FeAturestorY-Win-winsituation theFerraribrothersateliteClimateservicesincdoubleup toprovidehVACqualityfor‘innovativecomfortsolutions’

26 KnowingWhatCounts

28 uptotheChallenge QuantumGeothermalgoestheextramiletoProvideQuality geothermalsolutionsforhomes

30 lAVA snowflaketowerAbudhabi,uAe

32 lAVA bioNiCtoWerAbudhabi

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36 ontarioGreenPolicyhub Anonlinepolicyresourcetodevelopandpromotegreen builtenvironmentsforontariomunicipalities

38 FeAturestorY-onwardsandupwards Frommodestbeginningsin1956,Airheatsuppliescontinues togrowasthewholesalerofchoicefortoday’scontractor

44 boostingtheenergyefficiencyofCanadianhomesusing heatPumps

46 iVANPAh theworldlargestsolarthermalplant

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BuildinGVolume �, Number 1 • Spring �013

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PUBLISHER: Giulio Marinescu416-�50-0664

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Contributors:Greg McMillan • Dave de Silva • Dan Stone

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Spring 2013

LAVALaboratoryfor Visionary Architecture

GreenGreen& Su

BuildinBUILDINGGreen& SuStainable StrategieS

BuildinG

Airon HVAC & Control

8

Elite Climate Services

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Air Heat Supplies

38

The Green Method

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Green ChallenGes For hVaC

On the cover: LAVA

CONTENTSspring 2013

4619

30

26

16

Chris bosse, tobias Wallisserand Alexander rieck foundedmultinational firm, labora-tory for Visionary Architecture[lAVA],in2007asanetworkof

creativemindswitharesearchanddesignfocusandwithofficesinsydney,shanghai,stuttgartandAbudhabi.

lAVA explores frontiers that mergefuture technologies with the patterns oforganisationfoundinnatureandbelievesthiswillresultinasmarter,friendlier,moresocially and environmentally responsiblefuture.

thepotentialfornaturallyevolvingsys-temssuchassnowflakes,spiderwebsandsoapbubbles fornewbuilding typologiesand structureshas continued to fascinatelAVA–thegeometriesinnaturecreatebothef-ficiencyandbeauty.butaboveall thehuman isthecentreoftheirinvestigations.

structure,materialandbuildingskinarethreeareas lAVAbelieves that architecture can learnsomuchfromnature.Projectsincorporateintelli-gentsystemsandskinsthatcanreacttoexternalinfluences such as air pressure, temperature,humidity,solar‐radiationandpollution.

lAVA has designed everything from pop upinstallationstomasterplansandurbancentres,fromhomesmadeoutofPetbottlestoretrofittingaging60sicons,fromfurnituretohotels,housesandairportsofthefuture.

lAVA’s latest project isthe:sQuAre3, threetowersof gold, silver, andbronzeand threedi-

agonallyshapedcityblocksinspiredbysportthatrevitalisesanuniqueurbanquarterinberlin.

thethemeislife,Nature,sport.the:sQuAre3 isoneof fourprojectsshort-

listed in theprestigious2013miPimrealestateawardsintheFuturacategory.

LAVA Vision“Green is the new black”Architecture alwayswasandalwayswill be

a mirror of society. every architectural projectcontributes to thewider culture of architecture,is a reflection of contemporary technology and,therefore, carries a greater responsibility to itspublicandtotheenvironment.

lAVAunderstandsthecorrelationbetweenthearchitecturalsynergyoficonicbuildingsandthe

balanceofathrivingeco-systemandaimatacompletecongruityinallitscomponents.usingthelatestadvancesincomputingandbuildingtechnologytheywanttorepositiontheroleofmaninthenaturalenvironment.

lAVA takes its cues from technol-ogy, nature and mankind to provide anenhancedrealityandbringnewintensitytotheartificialenvironment.

they strive to challenge the commonperception of architecture as the produc-tion of square meters. their projects willunifytheconceptsofstructure,spaceandarchitecturalexpressiontocreateaunique,limitlessexperience.

thelaboratoryforVisionaryArchitectureseekstocontinuallydefinenewboundariesin thecreationofarchitectural visionsand

cityspace.lAVA’s research and design focus allows

the evolution of architectural and urban designoutcomesinaccessiblethroughtraditionalmeth-odologies.

theirprocesscontinuallyevolves;respondingtoglobalandmarketforcestodeliverhighqua-lity, technologically advanced and sustainableprojectsthatinspireanewgeneration.

lAVA sydney and stuttgart already havebecomehotspotsandbreedinggroundsforanewgenerationofarchitecturaltalent.

lAVA is always ready for the next break-through.

Giulio Marinescu Publisher

LAVA Team: Tobias Wallisser, Alexander Rieck and Chris Bosse

From the Publisher’s Desk

laboratoryforVisionaryArchitecture[lAVA]

4 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies SPRING �013 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies 5SPRING �013

the future wellbeing of cities around the globe depends onmankind’sabilitytodevelopandintegratesustainabletechno-logy.

masdar City is the city of the future positioned at theforefront of integrating sustainable technology into modern

architecturaldesign.rome,Athens,Florence,mostgreathistoricalcitieshavehadtheplaza,forum,orsquareattheirepicenter-wherethelife,values,ideals,andvisionofthepopulationevolved.equally,thecentreof masdar must be an iconic beacon that attracts global attention tosustainabletechnology.

lAVA sees masdar Plaza as “the oasis of the Future”: a living,breathing,active,adaptiveenviron;stimulatedbythesocialinteractionofpeople,andspotlightingtheuseandbenefitsofsustainabletechnology.

Hence, their design proposal focuses on the delivery of three key issues:1. Performance – to demonstrate the use and benefits of sustainable

technologyinamodern,dynamic,iconicarchitecturalenvironment.2.Activation–toactivateoroperatethesustainabletechnologyinac-

cordancewith the functionalneedsof thisenvironment,24hoursaday,365daysoftheyear.

3.interaction–toencourageandstimulateasocialdynamicwherethelife,values,ideals,andvisionofthepopulationofmasdarevolve.

the‘sunflowerumbrellas’areoneaspectofthewinningdesignbytheinternationalpracticelaboratoryforVisionaryArchitecture(lAVA)forthecitycentreformasdarintheuAe,theworld’sfirstzerocarbon,zerowastecitypoweredentirelybyrenewableenergysources.

thesolarpowered‘sunflower’umbrellascapturethesun’sraysdur-ingtheday,foldatnightreleasingthestoredheat,andopenagainthenext day.they follow the projection of the sun to provide continuousshadeduringtheday.

laboratoryforVisionaryArchitecture(lAVA)

Masdar PlazaWorld’sfirstzerocarbon,zerowastecitypoweredentirelybyrenewableenergysources

Masdar City is the world’s most prestigious project focusing on sustainable energy design. It is the city of the future and a global benchmark for sustainable urban development. LAVA believes in the MASDAR slogan “One day all cities will be like this”.

Masdar Initiative is a long-term strategic commit-ment by the government of Abu Dhabi to accelerate the development and deployment of future energy solutions.The highest standards of sustainable development will include zero emissions; zero waste; 100% power generation through renewable energy sources, water and wastewater efficiency, indoor environmental quality, zero carbon emission and carbon footprint reduction.

ARCHITECTLAVA - Laboratory for Visionar y ArchitectureChris Bosse, Tobias Wallisser, Alexander Rieckwww.l-a-v-a.netSydney – Stuttgart – Abu Dhabi – ShanghaiNAME OF PROJECTMasdar City CentreLOCATIONMasdar, UAECLIENTAbu Dhabi Future Energy Company

COSTIn excess of US $20 BillionSTATUSSchematic design. International design competition - winner.SIZE96,000 m2 total.Public Plaza 31.200 m2

5-Star Hotel 23.265 m2

Convention 19.766 m2

Retail 15.500 m2

Cinema 6.500 m2

6 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies SPRING �013 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies �SPRING �013

the sunflower principle is eco‐friendly andcan be adapted to anywhere in the world – itopensopportunitiesforoutsideliving,eveninthedesert.

‘the entire city is car‐free with a magneticpublictransportsystemincludesindividualpodsthat drive you to your destination using solarpower.

some other key innovations of the winningplaninclude:•buildingfaçadeanglesthatcanbealteredto

offsetoroptimizesolarglare.•materialsonwallsurfacesrespondtochanging

temperaturesandcontainminimalembeddedenergy.

•Waterfeaturescanbestoredundergrounddur-ingthedayandatnighttrickleorflowstrongly,triggeredbypassersby.

• interactive light poles, inspired by the oasisfire, transformtheplaza intoa3‐dimensionalinteractivemediainstallation.

•interactive,heatsensitivetechnologyactivateslighting in response to pedestrian traffic andmobilephoneusage.

•roofgardensintegratefoodproduction,energygeneration,waterefficiencyand thereuseoforganicfoodwaste.

the idea behind lAVA’s concept is the use,inspiration, and adaptation of nature and theirplans combine innovative design and sustain-ability.

eastandwestarefusedintheplazadesigninspired by both the oasis, as the epicentre ofArabic nomadic life, and the iconic piazza ofhistoricaleuropeancities.the“oasisoftheFu-ture”isconceivedasanopenspatialexperience,wherebyallfeatures,whetherhotel,conference,shopping, or leisure, offer the highest qualityof indoor and outdoor comfort and interaction.buildings surrounding the plaza form gorges,evoking mystical comparisons with the GrandCanyonandtheentrancetoPetra.

the“oasisoftheFuture”demonstratessus-tainable technology in a user-friendly architec-turalenvironment–flexibleuseofspace,outdoorandindoorcomfort,andoptimumperformance.

thefollowingenvironmentalandengineeringdesignconceptswillminimizeenergyconsump-tion:

-radiantsurfaces-Airmovementthatsupplementsnaturalwindpatterns-evaporatingcoolingmist-thermalmassandPCm-slabcoolingandlunaPanels-shadingofexternalfacadessurroundingthePlazalAVA’s sustainable design and engineering

philosophy balances the ‘vision of the future’with‘scientific factandavailability’.theaim istoprovide the lowestpossiblecarbon footprint,whilstmaintainingthehighestlevelofuserexpe-riencewithinthepracticalviabilityofaffordablearchitecture.

engineering specialists have analyzed eachcomponentofpotentialenergyexpenditureandinvestigatedindividualefficienciesinordertore-ducethecarbonfootprint.eventhefaçadeofthebuildingssurroundingthePlazawill incorporatelong-life, loose-fit structural design to enableflexible futureplanningand reconfigurationop-portunities.

switching and sensors will activate anddeactivate featuresand functions incorrelationwithusageandpedestrianflow.

All frontandbackofhousefunctionswithinthe hotel and Convention Centre will capturesustainability ofwater,waste,materials, indoorandoutdoorenvironmentalquality.

theproposal strives toexceed thoseof themasterplan and is, in addition, benchmarkedagainstestidama*andleed(Platinum).Adaptivecoolingprovidesall facilitieswithextendedus-abilityduringpeakheatloads.

solaranalysisprovidesinsightintothetuningof facades in order to incorporate an ability torespondtovaryingsunanglesandlevelsofsolarintensity.

theoasisoftheFutureisaliving,breathing

habitat.theability tocontrolambient tempera-tureatalltimesofthedayisthekeytomakingthePlazaacompulsivedestination.thegorgespull inhabitants into the loop. the ‘Petals fromheaven’ open and close; protect pedestriansfrom the sun; capture, store, and releaseheat;adjusttheangleofshadebasedonthepositionof thesun.theheatsensitive lampsadjust theleveloflightingtotheproximityofpedestrians.

the water features ebb and flow based ontheintensityofgroundtemperatures.

‘masdar Plaza, the oasis of the Future’incorporatesthehighestlevelofknowledgeandexpertise in science, technology, and construc-tion methodology, globally. it is a balance be-tween iconicarchitectural identity,cuttingedge

sustainabledesignandtechnology.* Estidama is a building design methodology

for constructing and operating buildings and communities more sustainably. The program is a key aspect of the “Plan Abu Dhabi 2030” drive to build the city of Abu Dhabi according to innovative green standards. “Eastidama” is the Arabic word for sustainability. The program is not itself a green building rating system like LEED or BREEAM, but rather a collection of ide-als that are imposed in an elective building code type of format.

Within Estidama, however is a green building rating system called the Pearl Rating System that is utilized to evaluate sustainable building devel-opment practices in Abu Dhabi. (Wilkipedia)


By Greg McMillan

by daring to be different, the Airon Group of Companies hasforgedimportantpartnershipsandmadeanameforitselfasabuildingindustryinnovationleader.

theburlington,ontario-basedfirm,whichprovidesservicesto engage facility managers, builders and consultants in the

building Automation systems (bAs) process, embraces technologicaladvancesandthechallengestheybringwiththem–ensuringthatAironmaintainsanadvantageoveritscompetitors.

“timing isvery important,”saysAironPresidentrichardGorka.“Wedon’twanttobetoofaraheadofourindustry’sadoptionoffuturetechno-logicaladvancements,butworse,wedon’twanttofallbehind.”

to thatend,Aironconsistsofunconventional thinkerswhoassist itspartnerswithdifficultproblemsandinvigoratetheirorganizationsbygoingbeyondconventionalrolesanddefyingtraditionalwaysofthinking.

“themajorityofconstructionandrelatedserviceswork inCanada isprocuredthroughthe‘bidandspec’pricingmodel,”Gorkasays.“thistype

of procurement model ensures that the lowest bid most often wins theproject. in this business environment the emphasis on achieving lowestcostsisoftenplacedaheadofhighestquality.

For20years,theAironGroupofCompanieshasformedpartnershipstodefyconventionalwaysofthinking

When timing is everything

FEATURE STORY ARC Condo by Daniels, Toronto

Rick Gorka President of Airon HVAC and Control Ltd

“however, as an industry innovation leader, Aironcanonlydeliveron thehighestquality,and tocompetewe must work towards executing in the most efficientmanner.sinceconstruction requires thecollaborateef-fortsofmanydifferentexperttrades,wemustseekoutpartnershipswithothertradeswholooktoexecuteonahighquality,highefficiencymodel.

“Asthisbusinessmodelisoneofourfoundingprin-cipals, we have many examples of projects executedthroughhighqualitytradepartnerships.”

inthatvein,GorkacitedseveralrecentAironprojects:•torontoregentParkrevitalizationProject;•torontoCommunityhousingCorporation,energymanagementupgrades;•CityofWindsor,energymanagementupgrades;•townshipofessex,energymanagementupgrades;•Niagararegion,energymanagementupgrades;•NiagaraParks,tablerocktouristCentre;•NiagaraCollegeAppliedhealthbuilding.

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“WedevelopedanextremelytalentedteamofhVACtechnicians,allwellexperiencedand trainedonboth theexistingandemerging technologiesthatexistinourindustry.”

Additionally, he said, Airon assembled an expert team of licensedelectrical technicians with advanced electronics’ skills to efficiently andaccuratelyinstallincreasinglysophisticatedbuildingautomationsystems.

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Learn more at: distech-controls.com/SMARTVUE

Distech Controls and the Distech Controls Logo are trademarks of Distech Controls.All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©, Distech Controls Inc., 2012. All rights reserved.

Four-in-One for Energy EfficiencyIntroducing Distech Controls’ Allure™ EC-Smart-Vue Series now with four integrated sensors:

temperature, humidity, CO2 and motion. A single device to be mounted, wired and commissioned saves time and costs.The integrated sensors support demand-controlled ventilation and occupancy-based control for additional energy savings.

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Toronto

Airon believes that in an environment of continu-ous change, it’s never business as usual; that an or-ganization needs to be nimble because technologicaladvances continue to define its business. so Airon’sservices engage builders and consultants in the bAsprocess.bypartneringwithfacilitymanagers,builders,consultantsandproductsuppliers,Airondiscovershowtodevelopinnovativesolutionsforbuildingchallengesandgenerateinnovativestrategiesforlong-termposi-tiveresults.

“since founding our company 20 years ago, ourindustryevolvedenormously,basedmostlyontechno-logicaladvancements,”saysGorka.“Notoneelementofourbusinessisthewayitwas.Wehavegonefromtypewriters to tablets, from relays to integrated func-tionaldevices,fromCbradiostoiPhones.”

Alongtheway,hesays,thecompanycontinuedtogrow,andneededstrongerleadershipwithdistinctskillsets.

“As as a result, i developed twominority partner-ships–onewithreidhutchinsoninourhVACservicecompany and one with Gezim berisha in our hVACcontrolcompany,”heexplains.

TIFF Bell Lightbox, Toronto

Airon head office, Burlington

1� Green Building & Sustainable Strategies SPRING �013 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies 13SPRING �013

“Andwedevelopedanexpertteamofdesignersandprogrammersthataremadeupofmechanicalandcomputersciencetechnologistsandengi-neers.”hesays.“thisteamiscontinuallytesting,adoptingandimplement-ingthelatestadvancedtechnologicalapplicationsinourindustry.

“Andperhaps leastrecognized,wedevelopedanexpert teamofsalesprofessionals,managersandadministrators that,withoutadoubt,are thegluethatholdstheoperationtogether.”

therearemanywide-rangingtestimonialstoAiron’sprofessionalexper-tise.

“ourcurrentclientsarethrilledwithouradvancedservices,”saysGorka.“theyhaveobservedanalmostinstantreductioninbothenergyandfacil-itymanagementcosts.“throughongoingmini-seminars,tradeshowsandface-to-face interactionswiththegeneral industrypublic, the interesthasbeenverypositive.Wearenegotiatingmoreworkbasedonenergymanage-mentandassociatedsustainabilitythaneverbefore.”

Ange bruni, former manager, Facilities management services at theWellandCampusofNiagaraCollege,echoedthosewords.

“Airon’sflexibilityandcreativity isahighlydesirablefeature intoday’schallenging world of technology and, from my experience, this has beenamissingelementinrelationtothelargercorporations,”brunisays.“it isthoseverycharacteristicsthatallowedAirontosuccessfullycreateasys-tematicapproachtoachievetherequestedinnovatedresults.”

lookingahead,GorkaforeseesabrightfutureforAiron.“ourtechnologicalmanagementisbetterthanever,ourteamsarework-

ingwell togetherandwearewellaheadofourcompetitors,”hesays,“indeliveringthenextmajorchangetoaffectthemechanicalservicesindustry:AshiftfromreactiveservicetoProactiveservice.”

heexplainedthat,inthereactiveservicemodel,aproblemorequipmentfailureremainsunnoticeduntilitisdiscoveredviahumanintervention,suchasanuncomfortabletenantoranobservantservicetechnicianonaroutinepreventativemaintenancecheck.

Amica Mature Lifestyles

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Provensolutionsarethen licensedbytridium™andsharedwithother integratorsformingthetechnologicalbuildingblocksofthefu-ture,today.

Airon has established a research and development partnershipwithbrockuniversity,andisworkingwithateamofcomputerscienceengineers to advance energy analytics and fault detection solutions

thatwillcontinuallymonitorenergyuse in facilitiesand immediatelydiagnoseenvironmentalandenergy-wastingproblemsinfacilitiesandforwardreportsastheyoccur.

AironhasalsopartneredwithhumberCollegeincreatingaspecial-izedlabandteachingcoursestoarmthestudentswiththebAsbasicsneededtoentertheindustry.

Board Room meeting

“inthismodelseriousenergy-wasting problems can go unno-ticedformanyweeks,andinsomecases the problem may never bediscoveredatall,”Gorkasays.“inthe Proactive model, technologycontinuallymonitorsall themajorbuilding systems and reports aproblem immediatelyas itoccursinrealtimeviaemailtoconcernedparties.”

“Wehavebeenworkingonaneffective Proactive service modelfor several years, and throughAiron’s exclusive ANt technolo-gies™wehaveahighlyadvancedrealtimeProactivereportingsuiteofsoftwaretools.

“many of our clients are cur-rently using ANt technologies™and,aswerolloutthenextphaseof software tools we expect thatANt technologies™ will provideus a major differentiator in themarket.”

AnotherstrikingexampleofhowAirondarestobedifferent–againandagainandagain.

Web:www.airongroup.caAsanAuthorizedtridium™developer,Aironhaspartneredwithtridi-

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By Greg McMillan

AnyconstructionprojectearningPlatinumstatusforleadershipinenergyandenvironmentaldesign(leed)deservesattentionandrecognitioninCanada.

And,withthenewestbuildingattheuniversityofWaterloo’sFacultyofenvironmentachievingsuchadistinction,thekudos

havebeenquicklyaccumulating.but, according to dr. Paul Parker, Professor, Geography and environ-

mentalmanagement,attheuniversity,therehasbeenmuchmoreaccom-plishedthancertificationby theCanadaGreenbuildingCouncil (CaGbC),the internationally acceptedbenchmark for the design, construction andoperationofhighperformancebuildings.

“the highlight of the project is the enthusiasm of all the groups in-volved,”dr.Parkersaysofthebuilding,dubbedenvironment3(eV3).“thestartingpointisthestudents,wholoveabuildingwheretheyseethattheuniversity is‘walking the talk’asweconvert lecturesand lessonsabout

improvedperformanceandlowcarbonstrategiesintoourpractice.”torecap,aPlatinumdesignationisthehighestleedcertificationpos-

sible,recognizingperformanceinfivekeyareas,includingwaterandenergyefficiency,sustainablesitedevelopment,indoorenvironmentalqualityandmaterialsselection.

AndFeridunhamdullahpur,PresidentandVice-ChancelloratWaterloo,hasgoneonrecordassaying“thiscommitmenttoreal-worldimpactandtransformativechangeservesustodayandwillguideourfuture.

“itisonlyfittingthatabuildingonthecuttingedgeofgreendesignbeapartofourcampus.”

Andtherearemanyexamplestosupportthatassessment.WorkingwithAkittswanson&PearceArchitectsandWalterFedydesign

firm,CooperConstructionoversawthedesignandbuildofthefirstleedCanadaPlatinumstructureatanontariouniversity.thecallforideasalsowentouttostudents,andtheyrespondedwithsuggestionsforthedesign,useandmanagementofoutsideareas,greenroofandtheinteriorgardencourts.

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innovationfromuniversityofWaterlooshowcasedinschool’snewenvironment3leedPlatinumbuilding

thebuildingalsohostsWaterloo’sschoolofPlanningandtheschoolof environment, enterprise and development (seed), thus making ithometoCanada’sonlyleedCanadaPlatinumprofessionalschool.

someoftheprojecthighlightsinclude:•A two-storey, plant-covered living wall, connected to the ventila-

tionsystem,whichactsasalivingfilterfortheentirebuildingandremovesvolatileorganiccompounds;

•useofsustainablewoodproductscertifiedbytheForeststeward-shipCounciland88percentrecycledsteel;

•Constructionusingacutting-edgestructuralsystem,allowingittositontopoftheexistingenvironmental2building,thusminimizingthestructure’sphysicalfootprintonthecampus;

•Waterefficiencythroughautomatic,low-flowfaucets,andlow-flushtoiletsandurinalsthatuserainwatercollectedfromtheroofandfilteredthroughthewetlandsoutsidereducingthebuilding’swaterconsumption by 87 per cent compared to a standard plumbingsystem;

• the careful placement of the windows maximizing daylight inworkingspaceswithautomaticsensors,controllingartificiallightduringdark hours. (thepanes are glazedusing a leading-edgehoneycomb techniquedevelopedatWaterloo’ssolar labmakingthem five times more insulating.)these modifications help en-vironment3consume45per cent lessenergy thana standardbuildingofitssize.muchofthisenergyissuppliedbyanarrayofrooftopsolarpanelsprovidingup to67,000kWh/yearofpower,roughly equivalent to the annual consumption of seven single-familyhomes.dr.Parkersaystheprojectcandefinitelyhelpdevelopeconomicdevel-

opmentstrategiesacrossCanada.

EV3 was constructed using a cutting-edge structural system allowing it to sit on top of the existing Environment 2 building, thus minimizing

the structure’s physical footprint on the Waterloo campus.

An array of solar panels on the roof of EV3 provides up to 67,000 kWh/year of power, roughly equivalent to the annual

consumption of seven single-family homes.


“theperfectexampleof this is thehoneycombglazingtechnology.”hesays.“theglazingwasdeveloped ina labhereatWaterlooandthenadoctoralstudentgraduatedandset up a firm to go into production and now they have agrowingmarket,includingeV3.

“similarly,thelivingwallandgreenroofareproductsoflocalfirms.inadditiontoparticulartechnologies,thewholeproject reflects our growing emphasis on the knowledgeeconomyasthedesign,productionand installationall re-quirenewskillsthatareindemandasnewmarketsgrowforhighperformancebuildings.

“eV3 also reflects the sustainable choice of buildingsthat have lower operating costs and generate economicbenefitsfordecadesintothefuture.

“in terms of highlights in the building itself, i amimpressedby the things that youdonot see, likehigherlevelsofinsulationandattentiontodetailinairsealing.ofcourse,generatingon-siteenergywiththesolarpanelsisavisibleexampleofwhereweseeallbuildingsgoing.”

theaccountteamfromsiemens,ledbyJackrendulic,wasintimatelyinvolvedinthedesignprocesstoensurethatthebuildingautomationsys-temswereoptimized for thiskeyproject,saysJosephCaranci,siemensAreamanager forCentralCanada.thisprojectalso represented thefirstdeployment of siemens emC software for the university of Waterloo.siemensemCisaflexibleremotehostedmonitoringservicethatprovidescomprehensive,easy-to-usereportsonthebuilding’senergyperformance

—allowinguofWtoeasilymeasureandverifytheenergyperformance,and to make informed energy decisions for the building.Caranci sayssiemensis“proudofourlong-standingpartnershipwiththeuniversityofWaterloo,andweareveryhappytorecognizetheirachievementwiththissustainablenewbuilding.”

EV3’s living wall removes volatile organic compounds, and acts as a living air filter for the entire building.

University of Waterloo’s Environment 3 building hosts The School of Environment, Enterprise and Development and The School of Planning

buildingsareresponsiblefor40%ofglobalenergyconsumptionandthesolutions proposed by this company are heading towards a significantreductionof theenergybill.thesolutionsdevelopedbyonyxsolar re-place conventional building materials for smart photovoltaic materialsinventilatedfaçadesandroofs,curtainwalls,skylights,walkablefloors,

etc.theideaistocreatebuildingenvelopeswithphotovoltaicpropertiesmakingitpossibletogeneratecleanandfreeenergyfromthesunandbeingalsoanaestheticandviablesolution.

About Onyx Solaronyx solar is a global company developing smart solar solutions for building

integratedPhotovoltaics(biPV).thesolutionsdevelopedbyonyxsolarcombineac-tiveandpassiveelements.Amongthefirstones,thein-situelectricitygenerationisthemostimportantbecauseitcanbeusedforself-consumptionorsoldtothegridatapreviouslyestablishedpricegeneratingsignificantrevenues.Passiveelementsarerelatedtothedesignofthebuildingtoimproveenergyefficiency,increasingtheinsulationandreducingtheenergyneedsoftheconstruction.

thecheapestenergyistheenergythatisnotconsumed,thereforeiswhyonyxoffersmultifunctional photovoltaic constructive solutionswhich can be integratedperfectlyintoanytypeofbuilding,providegreaterbothacousticandthermalinsula-tionandatthesametimeproduceclean,freeenergyinsitu,allthankstothepowerofthesun.

thosesolutionsmakethephotovoltaicconstructivematerialdevelopedbyonyxtheonlyoneallowingthecustomertorecoverthemoneyinvestedonitsacquisitionand installation after a certain period of time, providing an outstanding pay-backtime. moreover, integrating photovoltaic into the building you guarantee yourselfthattheenergypricewillremainunchangedforthenext30years,somethingvitalconsideringthecurrenttrendofincreasingprices.

ONYX SOLARbuildingintegratedPhotovoltaic

Solar architecture is not about fashion, it’s about survival

Sir Norman Foster

�0 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies SPRING �013 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies �1SPRING �013

CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONSonyxsolarisabusinesscommittedtothedevelopmentofintelligent,

multifunctional constructive solutions for the sustainable integration ofsolarenergyphotovoltaicinbuildings.

Photovoltaic ventilated FacadeContemporaryarchitectureisshowinganincreasinginterestinthedif-

ferentmaterialsavailableforuseinventilatedfaçadesandroofs.inspiredbythisriseininterest,onyxsolarhasdesignedaphotovoltaic

ventilated façade and roof system, a product with undeniable aestheticvalueandunbeatableintermsofheatinsulationthatgeneratesfreeelec-tricityfromthesun.

thegeneratedelectricitycanbetranslateddirectlytothemainsupplysystem,thusbeingmarketedtothelargesuppliers,orbeusedforpersonalconsumption(isolatedsystem).

thethermalsurroundingmethodscanresultina25-40%reductionoftheenergyconsumedbyabuilding.

dependingupontheorientationofthefaçade,buildinglocation,andthephotovoltaic technology implemented, theelectricity producedbyonyx’ssysteminjustonesquaremetrecanvarybetween20-40kW/hperannum;sufficientenergytosupplyupto10,000hoursof light from20Wenergysavinglightbulbs.

inadditiontotheobviousenvironmentalbenefits,incountrieswherethesaleofelectricityisregulatedandincentivebased,throughanobligatorysubsidy from the electrical companies, one metre squared of ventilatedroofcangenerateanetbenefitinitslifetime(25years)ofmorethan1000euros.

Fromafinancialpointofview,dependinguponthetypeofbuildingandits location,ventilated façades and roofs can achieve an internal returnrate(irr)greaterthan25%andanoutstandingpaybacktime.

tenKeyAdvantagesoftheVentilatedPhotovoltaicFacade1.electricityproduction2.energysavingduetoinsulationproperties(upto40%)3.Greaterinsulationperformance4.eliminationofthermalbridges5.thermalinnercomfort6.reductionofacousticpollution7.Wallandroofprotection8.Greaterenergyyieldunderlowirradiationconditions9.Greaterenergyyieldunderhightemperatureconditions10.Attractiveandinnovativedesign

Photovoltaic Second Skin Center for Genomic and Oncologic Research (GENyO) Granada (Spain)

A photovoltaic canopy constitutes a constructive solution whichcombinesenergygeneration,solarandadverseclimatologicconditionsprotection.

theenergygeneratedbythesystemcaneitherfeedanybuildingwithin its surroundings or get connected to the grid, leading in anycasetoanimportanteconomicprofit.

thetopofthephotovoltaiccanopyiscustomizedforeachprojectaccordingtothepreferredaestheticvalueappearanceandtoitsinte-grationwithintheurbancharacteristics.

orientation,slopeoptions,sizesorwindloadsaresomekeyvari-ables that should be measured accurately in order to get a correctdesignforthemainstructure.

Photovoltaic Canopy

onyx solar develops multifunctional solutions that combine aes-theticandphotovoltaictechnologyappliedinhistoricalbuildings,beingacuttingedgetechnologyforbuildingsretrofits.

Photovoltaic technology improvesenergyconditionsof thebuild-ings, making more efficient all those who were not designed undermodernpatternsofsustainabilityandenergyefficiency.

thiscontributionrespectsbuilding’soriginalaestheticconceptbyusing“lowvisualimpactsolutions”onallthesebuildingsthatrepre-senttheartisticandculturalheritageofacity.

retrofitprojectsofhistoricalbuildingsthatincorporatephotovoltaicskylights,benefitfrommultifunctionalsolutionsthatnotonlygenerateelectricityonsite,butalsocontrolvisiblelightentrance,reachingther-malinnercomfortandharvestinguVandirradiation.

Building Retrofit Using BIPV

Nowadaysarchitectureandphotovoltaicsolarenergycanbecom-binedtocreateanewformofconstruction.

Curtainwallsofferarchitectsamultitudeofpossibilitiesforthein-tegrationofphotovoltaicsolarenergyintobuildingsinanefficientandecologicalmanner.Photovoltaiccurtainwallprovidesamultifunctionalsolutionwherenotonlycleanandfreeenergyisbeinggeneratedin-situ,butalsonaturalilluminationisbeingprovidedimplementingsolarcontrolbyfilteringeffect,avoiding infraredanduV irradiation to theinterior(enhancingthermalcomfortandavoidinginterioraging).

thelargevarietyinform,structureandcolouroftransparentpho-tovoltaicglass,combinedwiththealuminumframes,providesafreereignofcreativityforarchitectssotheycancreatedesignswhichuniteelegance,efficiencyandenergysaving.

Photovoltaic Curtain Wall

theWalkablePhotovoltaicroof,whichisstillinresearchandde-velopmentstagebyonyxsolarandbutechengineers,ismadeusingasolarPVglasslaminatedoverelevatedceramicrooftiles,resultinginacompletelywalkablesurface.

thisPVpavementisareallyappealingproductforarchitectsasitcanbeintegratedinanyprojectandenvironmentwithoutrenouncingdesignandaestheticism.

What’smore, itcombinespassiveelements(avoidedCo2emis-sions)withactiveelements(powergeneration),greatlyreducingthebuilding’senvironmentalimpact.

Currently,abacklitwalkablephotovoltaicroof isunderdevelop-ment.

Walkable Photovoltaic Roof

theskylightsystemensureanoptimizedPVelectricalgenerationaddingmultifunctionalpassivebioclimaticpropertiesofthermalinnercomfort since most of the uV and infrared radiation from the sunwill be harvested by the silicon-based material (solar filter effect).moreover, the air chamber of the insulating glass guarantees bestthermalperformanceintermsofuandgvalues.

Photovoltaic Skylight

Photovoltaic Skylight Bejar Market Retrofit Salamanca (Spain)

Courtesyofonyxsolar.www.onyxsolar.com

�� Green Building & Sustainable Strategies SPRING �013 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies �3SPRING �013

By Greg McMillan

WhenAttilioandsantinoFerrari joined forcesback in2006andfoundedeliteClimateservicesinc,theyinstantlybeganchartingacourseofexcellencethathasturnedheadseversince.

Andtheyhavemaintainedtheiroriginalmandatesinceday one – to build a company that would focus on innovation, honesty,integrityandqualityworkmanshipintheheating,coolingandradiantfloorheatingindustry.

“Wecombinedourprinciples,knowledgeandhands-onexperiencetoformthecompany,”saidAttilio.“Wehadacombined35yearsofexperienceand we pride ourselves in offering clients the highest level of customer

serviceandqualityworkmanship.”oneof themain factors for theesteemedstandingeliteClimateser-

vicesincholdsintheindustry,saysAttilio,isthein-housequalitycontrolexhibited.

Andsantinoalsostressedthatelitedoesnotneedtooutsourcelabourorlogistics.

“Weareabletodesign, install,serviceandmaintainwithallourownpeopleandgrowingcommercialfleet,”hesays.“AndbetweenAttilioandi,wehavethehands-onexperienceandareabletorelateto,andtrain,ourtechs.

“becauseweunderstandthefunctionofbothforcedairandhydronicradiantheating,weareableto integratethesystemtoworktogetherasopposedtothetwosystemsfightingeachother.”

Win-win situationtheFerraribrothersateliteClimateservicesincdoubleuptoprovidehVACqualityfor‘innovativecomfortsolutions’

Attilio and Santino Ferrari

FEATURE STORY

hepointedout,aswell, thatelitehas the facility to fabricate itsowncustomhydronicmanifolds,makingtheinstallationprocessmoreefficient,accurateandprofessional.

“Wealsohaveasheetmetalshopwherewemakeallourowncustomsheetmetal,”santinocontinued.“bydoingthis,weareabletoselecthigherqualitiesofmetal,makingqualityourfirstpriority.”

it’sbeenaseamlesstransitionsincethetwobrothersdecidedtoputalltheireggsintoonebasket.

Vanguard is a manufacturer of innovative and Eco friendly In-floor heating PEX,

Potable PEX and HDPE pipe

www.vanguard.ca

Fully operational showroom controls Elite Climate Services workplace’s indoor climate


they are managing projects alongside us, so that, as we grow, ourstandardsgoalongwithit.”

testimonialsfromsatisfiedclientscertainlybackthatup.“eliteClimateservices’workmanship is outstandingand their atten-

tiontofinedetailisappreciatedbybothourcompanyandtheclientswerepresent.”saysFrankCampoli,PresidentofJtFhomesltd.

Farfrombeingsatisfiedwiththestatusquo,santinobelievesthefutureforeliteClimateservicesincisinanonward-and-upwardmode.

“Wehaveformedaservicedivisionforbothresidentialandcommercialclients,”hesays.“thiswillnotonlyserviceandmaintainprojectswehavecompletedbutalsomaintainclientswithsystemsnotinstalledbyus.

“Andwearedealingwithin-floorheatingandsnowmelttechnologieswhich,upuntilnow,hadreallybeenfocusedonthehigh-endcustomhomemarket.

“Weareintheprocessofdevelopingasimplifiedsystemforboththeproductionhomebuilderandcommercialmarkets.”

Web:www.eliteclimateservices.caElite Climate Services Inc. strives for excellence for its clients. The

company attains professional and courteous interaction that ensures clients have the best services possible by being innovative, professional, experienced and reliable. For residential clients, Elite Climate Services Inc. provides installation and service to all properties. Services include: Fur-naces, boilers, fireplaces, air conditioning, indoor air quality, radiant floor heating, snow melt systems, hot water tanks, tankless water heaters and infrared heaters.

Elite specializes in custom homes, ranging from 3,000-square-foot to larger areas. A typical residential installation includes design, air handler, air conditioning, steam humidifier, air cleaner, HRV, radiant floor heating and snow melt system, interconnected with a high efficiency boiler. In the commercial area, services include: rooftops, unit heaters, infrared heaters, exhaust fans and maintenance plans.

Elite Climate Services has been a Lochinvar VIP Contractor since 2008www.Lochinvar.com

905.669.7070www.EliteClimateServices.ca

Knight Wall-Mount55,000 to 399,000 Btu/hr.

Knight XL Commercial399,000 to 800,000 Btu/hr.

Armor Commercial Water Heaters150,000 to 800,000 Btu/hr.

Knight Residential80,000 to 285,000 Btu/hr.

The new SMART SYSTEMis now standard on our KNIGHT® and KNIGHT XL® Boilers and ARMOR® Water Heaters. Its real brilliance comes from listening to our customers' practical ideas, and using innovative technology to meet them.

Smart Just Got Smarter.

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is the most advanced boiler and water heater integrated control on the market today.

Elite Climate Services’ auto fleet

before they teamed up, the Ferraris were making names for them-selvesindividuallyintheindustry;andearningcredibilityalongtheway.

santinostartedoutin1996asagasandsheetmetalapprentice,thenwentontocompleteseveraltradelicencesinthefollowingsixyearswhilegainingexperience inthecustomhomeandcommercialhVACindustry.hehassincetakenseveralmoremanufacturingtrainingcourses,gainingknowledgeabouttheinstallationandserviceofproducts.

on theotherhand,Attiliogothisstart in the industryback in1988,workingasagasandhydronicapprentice.hespentthenexteightyearssuccessfullycompletinghistradelicences,aswellasalsostockpilingin-dustryexperience.heattendedhrAitrainingcoursesandattainedvariousdesigncertificatesatthesametime.

Fast forward to 2006, and the fruits of their early labours began tomesh.

“ForthefirstsixmonthsofeliteClimateservicesincitwasjustsantinoandi,”recallsAttilio.“butourqualityworkmanshipwassoonrecognizedbyoursmallclientbase,andwestartedreceivingalotofreferralsfromthem.

“Wehiredafewtechnicianstoworkhandinhandwithus,thentrainedthemtoourhighstandardsofquality,andknowledge.”

thebrothersfoundthattheirclientbasekeptgrowing,soby2007theyhad acquired a 3,000-square-foot facility intoronto where they beganrunningtheirdailyoperation.

“duetoourrapidgrowthweoutgrewthatplacequickly,soin2010weacquiredamuchlargerlocationinConcord,”Attiliosays.“Where,weareabletohaveafullyoperationalshowroomthatcontrolourindoorclimate,andaddatrainingfacility,sheetmetalshop,recyclingareaforcardboardandferrousmetals,andafabricationareaforourcustommanifolds.”

Andtheiroriginalemployeescontinuedalongfortheride.“Yes,theyarestillwithus,”saysAttilio.“theyhavebeengroomedwith

ourhighstandardsofcustomerserviceandqualityworkmanship.

Snow melt

www.northwestsystems.com

Quality systems to enhance the luxury and efficiency

of in-floor radiant heating

[email protected]

systems ®northwest

Quality SyStemS you Can Count on

�6 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies SPRING �013 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies ��SPRING �013

bydavedesylva

everydayanarticleiswrittenwhichwemayread;anews item reportedanddelivered toourelectronicgadgets,oratelevisionprogramwatchedthatright-fully drawsour attention to the problemsof globalclimate change and our inevitable need to think

moresustainably.Whetherthismovement’soriginisacademic,socialorgovernmentdriven,thebasisforitcanbetracedbacktoearlyscientificmeasurementsofourclimate,fromanalysesofourlivingpatternsandhabitstotheearth’smovement.sincetheverybeginningofaninteractionbetweenscienceandmea-surement,wehavegrownincreasinglyawareofourcollectivefootprint.

this measurement based research continues to demon-strategrowingproblemswithweather,energydemand, foodproduction,oceandeteriorationandsurvivabilityofourecosys-temasawhole.Atthebasisoftheseproblemsisenergyitself,its’consumption,andourrelianceonallthatisproducedfrom

yesterday’sresourcesusingyesterday’stechnology.Fromasociety thatconsiders itself forward,weuse less

than 1% of 1% of what energy falls upon this earth everyyear, and yet what we use is almost exclusively sourced byantiquatedtechnologiesandmeans,inspiteofmanyadvance-mentswecontinuetodevelop.

oldplantsandanimalsdeadforhundredsofthousandsofyearstrappedinsomeofthemostdifficultplacesremainthebeaconsofinterest, subject toherculeanefforts tobring their fruits intoourlives,asweburnthemthencasttheirremnantsandrefuseaside,theconsequencesof theseactionswhichwecontinueto ignore,relyingondistantoptimismalmostasthoughwewillfindanotheratmosphere,abettertechnology,acleanerocean,anotherworld.

thenwehavetheadvocates,thoseuponwhomwerelytoguideusforward,theinstitutorsofchange,thepromulgatorsofhope.

these may be the pioneers who craft clever buildings thatreachtallintoourskies,towersdecoratedwithelaboratefurnish-ings.thesearethearchitectsandengineerswhohaveadvancedintricatesystemsfeaturingnewideasforoldobjectives.

Knowing What CountsAerial view of GreenLife Centre in Markham, a net-zero energy office building by DelRidge Homes

isayoldobjectives,aswereallydon’twishtolivethousandsoffeetupintheairnorunderground.traditional yet antiquated needs which may con-tinue to increase if for no other reason than thetraditionofaoncesustainablelifestyle,regardlessofaworldpopulation,whichnowstretchesbeyond7billionpeople.

itisthecontinuedpracticeofthesebillionsofpeople which guarantees the need for change.imperatively so, the solution for the world as awholerequiresandinsiststhatalternatebuildingsystemsmustbeachievableonthisscale.

Asanexample,acloselyrelatedproblemfacingtheworldisaninabilitytoproducesufficientfoodforits’masses,yetwillnotbesolvedbynewerandbetter recipes for lobster or beef wellington. mosteatcornandwheat.refining thestandardsof theupperechelonsdoesnothingtoaddressthegrowingandgapingholethatourburgeoningpopulationwillinflictonournaturalresources.

similarlythepressingneedforsustainablebuild-ing will not be satiated by elaborate architecturefestooned with floating gardens and tagged withbilliondollarbudgets.theobviousconclusiontoourimmediatedilemma,mustbethatsustainablemustalsomeanattainable.Afterall,whatgoodisasolu-tionifithasnorealapplicationotherthantoprovetheacademicveracityofaconcept?Whatpurposeis there served by highlighting new systems thathavenochanceofimplementationbyanyoneotherthangovernments?

equallyso,isthedissuadingaffectsuchintricatedesigns have on the building community. (do youmeantosaythedistractions?)theyservetoensurethan building green means building in the red.little review is necessary by the average buildertoseethat“inthesky” ideasshouldbe ignored ifsurvivalisatstake.(thisreallydoesn’treadclearly)Conversely, thedevelopment industry,uponwhomtherealsolutionsrely,would(should?)taketheleadif thenew technologywerecosteffectiveandac-ceptedbythemarket.Asanexample,anewsystembuildingunitthatsellsforthesameastheold,butcostslesstooperateistherecipeforthefuture.mak-ingtheaveragepersonthetargetofyourmarketisnotonlynoteworthy,butgoodbusiness.toadvanceideaswhichcanonlybeaffordedby1%of1%ofthepopulationmeansthatyouareonlythatfractionsuccessful,butbuildingarealsolutionforall,solvesthe largerproblem.Noweveryone ison thesamepage. i think thisparagraph is trying to speak to-wardstheintentionsofthedevelopmentcommunity

andhowthey’remalignedforthepurposeofturningoverquickrevenue.Andithinkyoumeantosaythattheendresultshouldbeaestheticallypleasingandsustainablehousingthatcanbeaffordable.beyondthat,you’velostme.

At theday’sconclusion, thedecision to imple-ment sustainable practices is rewarded not justthrough acceptance, but upon the realization thatthe problem is solved or being solved. No matterhowmanyadjectivesandshadesofgreenapropo-nentuses,thetestofsuccessisasimportantastheideasthemselves.themeasureofsuccessbecomesassignificantastheissueitself.

Dave de Sylva is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario, a graduate of the University of Toronto in Civil Engineering - 1973, and an owner of DelRidge Homes Limited, GreenLife Energy Inc., Kenborough Contracting and Leed Wall Building Sys-tems. GreenLife Energy owns and operates on site solar and remote wind energy systems and research facilities in articulated solar and concentrated wind energy. Together with DelRidge they implement these ideas in the construction of net zero energy residential and office condominiums in the 4-6 sto-rey category from 30,000 sf. to 225,000 sf. in size and trademarked as “GreenLife” buildings.

owser echnical Inc.

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Bowser Technical is independent & is not associated with product sales or representation.

Entirely sufficient Lilypad by Vincent Callebaut Architectures. A floating ecopolis for climate refugees. Submarine view of acquaculture fields and biologic farms.

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By Greg McMillan

brianbatesofQuantumGeothermalhasneverbeenonetowalkaway from challenges – in fact, he embraces them.As ownerandfounderofasouthernontariocompanythatprovidesqualitygeothermalsolutions forhomes,he takespride inmakingsureeachsystem isdesigned to thespecificneedsofcustomers to

insurethebestvalueandperformance.“iparticularlyenjoyworkingoncustom-designednewbuild residential

projects,whereuniquearchitecturemayrequireamoresophisticatedheatingandcoolingsolution,”saysbates,P.eng.,whograduatedfromtheuniversityofWaterloowithab.A.sc.inmechanicalengineering.“thesemorechalleng-ingprojectsareverysatisfying.Youhaveachancetoestablisharelationshipwiththearchitect,builderandclients.ittakesmonthstocompleteaprojectbutwecanreallybringvaluetotheoutcome.”

QuantumGeothermal,foundedin2009,hasaman-datetobeafull-serviceoperation,workinginallareasofgeothermal.byfocusingexclusivelyonresidentialgeo-thermalprojects–bothretrofitandnewbuildprojects–thecompanyhasdevelopedacompetitiveskillsetandhighlyefficientbusinessmodel.

“i reach out to architects and builders,” batesexplains.“i host information seminars and visit archi-tecturalfirmstomeetanddiscusswaystooptimizetheintegrationofgeothermalheatingandcoolingsystemsintotheprojectatanearlystageinthedesignprocess.

”this initiative has allowed Quantum to developsome degree of repeat business with participatingfirms.residualincomeorgeneratingrepeatbusinessisa problem with our geothermal business model sincethelifecycleisverylong.Withresidentialinstallations,particularly,thereisvirtuallynomaintenance(orspareparts)required.

”bydevelopingrelationshipswithotherstakehold-ers,however,ithelpstoaddressthisbusinessissue.”

Fromdayone,Quantumhasgonethatextramile.“A friend of mine who is a custom home builder

waslookingtoexpandhisuseofgeothermalheatingandcoolingsystemsforsomeofhisprojectsinthewestGtAbuthadbecomediscouragedbythelackofprofessionalismandqualityofservicefromsomeofthegeothermalcontractors he had approached,” recalls bates.“From there, a process ofinvestigationandduediligencefollowed,leadingtotheconclusionthattherewasaneedandanopportunity.hehelpedmeassembleateamofexperi-encedandwell-respectedpartners.

”Nextispoketoallthereputableequipmentsuppliersinontariotodeter-

minewhichbrandofheatpumpsQuantumwouldrepresent.“hesays this led toQuantum’sdesignationasanauthorizeddealer for

Nextenergy from elmira, ontario. bates noted that Nextenergy representsthe Climatemaster product line manufactured in the united states and isalsoexpandingitscommercialpresencebyofferingbothClimatemasterandViessmannheatpumps.

Withhundredsofsuccessfulprojectscompletedandanimpressivelistofsatisfiedcustomers,Quantum’sreputationforcostcompetitive,qualityinstal-lationscontinuestogrow.infact,QuantumhasrecentlyreceivedaNational

Awardandhasbeenrecognizedforitsgrowthandprofessionalcommitment.batessays thecompany takesan intelligent,honestandpersonalizedap-proachasitcontinuestogrowthebusinessandexpandtheuseofgeothermalheatingandcoolingsystemsinsouthernontario.

“the retrofitmarkethasalwayscontributed toourbottom linebut thepaceisdifferent,”batesexplains.“Wegetthecrewonsitetoexcavateforadayortwo(ordrillverticallyforafewdays)andthenspendadaydowninthebasementreplacingtheoldfurnacewithanewheatpump.done…thenmoveon.”

thepublic,batessays,hasbeenextremelyreceptivetoQuantum’sprod-uct,whichhasacost-competitivemodelandoffersaqualitysolutiontoavarietyofclientrequirements.

“butthereisstillanurgentneedtocontinuetoadvocateforthistechnol-ogy,”batessays.

“often thefirst question i getwhenwe receiveanew inquiry is‘howmuchwillitcost?’

“iunderstandthat,butitmissesthemarkintermsofthoughtprocess.thatislikephoningupacardealershipandasking‘whatdoesacarcost?’

“that is why we developed our own energy evaluation survey on ourwebsite.Peopleneedtounderstandthatthereisaprocessinvolvedthatisessential toconstructinganenergy-efficientandcost-effectivegeothermalheatingandcoolingsystem.thereisscienceandguidelinesandregulationsandknowledgeandclient-specificinformationrequired.

tothatend,Quantumcanprovidebuilderswithacomprehensivereportdescribingitsscopeofwork,sotheyknowexactlywhatskillsandservicesareinthemix.

lookingahead,batesseesmorechallengesforQuantumand,again,herelishestheopportunitytoconfrontthemheadon.

“Generatingsalesisanongoingchallengeformostsmallbusinessesand

Quantum is no different,” he says.“marketing, advocating for geothermalandcontinuingtoreachouttoarchitectsandbuilderswillbecriticaltoourcontinuedsuccess.

“butparticularlyintheconstructionofnewhomes,iseegeothermalbe-ingspecifiedrightfromtheconceptanddesignphasewithever-increasingregularity.thisisveryencouragingandsustainsourbeliefthatoureffortsarebeingrecognized.”

Web: www.quantumgeothermal.com

A key part of Quantum Geothermal marketing is done through the com-pany website where there are links to associated government and industry sources. Visitors can also complete Quantum Thermal’s Energy Evaluation survey, or watch a three-minute video for a quick company overview. Geo-thermal is well-established and will continue to grow as a viable, renewable energy alternative to fossil fuels. Advocacy and education are keys to ac-celerating the curve.

Up to the ChallengeQuantumGeothermalgoestheextramiletoProvideQualityGeothermalsolutionsforhomes

Directional boring is used when access to the utility room is difficult

Excavating a trench for a horizontal ground loop installation

A typical NextEnergy heat pump for heating and cooling

Drilling of the boreholes for a vertical ground loop installation


Formula1legendmichaelschumacherpresentedthedesignforthemichaelschumacherWorldChampiontower,thefirstinaseriesofseventowersplannedworldwide,atdubaiCityscapein2008.

inspiredbythegeometricalorderofasnowflakeand theaerodynamicsof aFormula1 racingcar, the towerencapsulates speed, fluid dynamics, future technology andnaturalpatternsoforganization.ratherthanpurelymimick-ingshapes innature for theireleganceandunpredictability,thearchitectslearnedfromnature’sowngeometricalorderscreatinghighlyefficientstructuresandintriguingspaces.

lAVA let the design unfold as a result of the project’sneeds: optimal natural light and air distribution, maximumviews, minimal structure, user comfort and an unrivalledwaterexperience.

theprojectbringstogetherlAVA’spreviousexperiences,themercedes-benzmuseum,abrand-ownedmuseumwithan extraordinary spatial concept exploring the latest digitaldesign and fabrication technologies with the Watercubebeijing, anexampleof thehighestperformanceof both thebuildingandtheathletes,creatingbyastunningatmospheredevelopedthroughthedeliberatemorphingofmolecularsci-ence,architectureandphenomenology.

theorganisationalprincipleofaminimalsurfaceallowedtheoptimisation the facade/floor area ratio and each apart-ment in the59storey luxury towerhasunobstructedoceanviews.

thelowerlevelsofthetower,traditionallythemostdifficultand least attractive area, were reinterpreted as a series ofprestigiouswharfapartments,terracedsimilartothatofcruiseshipdecks.bywideningthebase,thetowerisanchoredintoitssurroundingwaterbasinsimilartothesurroundingman-grovesandnearbycanals.thetopskyvillasoffer270-degreeviewsoppositethenewculturaldistrictonsaadyiatisland.

thebuildingfeaturesaniconicsilhouetteandafacadecharacterisedbyverticalslotswithprivatebalconies.Aseriesofreflectivefinsgener-

ates vertical dynamic and gives the building a constantly changing ap-pearance.thefinstrackthesun,controlthesolarshadinganddissolvetherationalityoftheplanintoacontinuouslyevolvingbuildingvolume.

thefacade’scontinuoussurfaceenablescurvaturewithalotofrepetitionandthepotentialforstandardizationinthebuildingprocess.state-of-the-artengineeringandinnovativematerialswillbeusedtoachieveafullysustain-ableperformance.

Forallthegiantleapsintechnologyinrecentyears,outdatedmodernisthigh-risetowerscontinuetodominateourcities.thebrandedtowerwillbetheirsuccessorredressingtheecologicalbalance.Withintelligentsystemsand skins, it can react to the external influences such as air-pressure,temperature, humidity, solar-radiation and pollution. New materials andtechnologywillbeusedtocreaterobust,lightweightstructurethatadaptstoandharmonizeswithitssurroundings.

developed as a prototypical building translating brand values intoan iconicarchitecture, theseriesofbranded towerswillbe locatedatstrategicallychosenlocationsaroundtheworld.

thebasicdevelopmentprinciplewillbeadjustedtoeveryspecificlocationgeneratingamixoflocalandglobalvalues.Collaborations

with renowned furniture manufacturers will contribute to a uniqueluxuriousenvironmentcreatinganewtypeofbrandexperience.

the unique collaboration with michael schumacher gave lAVAnew insights. technology, precision, speed, elegance are pairedwithhumanintuitionandextraordinaryperformance.similar tothe

Formula1operation, construction is a teamsportwitha lot ofhighly skilled experts. in this sense the architects take the

driverseatintheprocess,takingtheprojecttothephysi-callimitsofpossibility.

thetowermarksadeparturefromtraditionalarchitecturalthinking.

LAVAsNoWFlAKetoWerAbudhabi,uAe


by parametric modelling of the ‘be-haviourallogic’thesystemhasbeencon-stantly optimized throughout the designprocesstocreatea‘whole’thatisgreaterthan the sum of its parts. instead of anarray of individual elements the buildingbehaveslikeanorganismorecosystem.

Justasnatureenvisionsorganicregen-eration, so the design proposes a naturalsystemoforganicstructureandorganiza-tion.

the design proposes a naturally oc-curring system of structural organizationthat generates a building embodying ef-ficiencies found within natural structuresand architectures. the building acts as a

system,withaskin thatcontrolsairpres-sure, temperature, humidity, air pollutionandsolarradiation.

the proposed facade is an intelligentautomationofsurfacetoaddresspragmaticissuessuchasventilation,solaraccessandwatercollection.

Nobuildingskin todayapproaches theperformance of the biological world. thetraditional curtain wall facade is passive,lackingtheabilitytoadjusttothefluctuat-ingexternalenvironment.

the tower’s systems and skin departfrom this tradition and are controlled andresponsive to external influences like airpressure, temperature,humidity, airpollu-

tionandsolarradiation.Newmaterialsandtechnologiesenable

an adaptability, responsiveness, environ-mentalawarenessandstrengthnotseeninconventionalarchitecturaldesign.

Justasnatureorganicallyregenerates,so thebuildingproposesanaturalsystemoforganicrestructuringandreorganization.thereisaunityinthestructure,spaceandarchitectural expression, similar to cathe-drals,andanynaturalsystem.

Architecturehastoperformasaneco-systemwithintheorganictissueofthecity.

Architecture of the future is not abouttheshapebutabouttheintelligenceofthesystem.

the bionic tower embodies tomorrow’sarchitecture.

the bionic tower design moves be-yond the superseded modernist conceptofextruded footprintandappliedcurtain

wall to create a fully integrated intelligent façadethatharvestsitssurroundingenvironmenttocreatemaximumenergyefficiencyandusercomfort.thebionic tower unifies structure, space and archi-tectural expression similar to naturally occurringsystemsoforganization.

learningfromnatureandadvancedcomputingtechnologyenabledlAVAtoconceivestructuresofincredible lightness, efficiency and elegance. theintelligenceofthesmallestunitresultsintheintel-ligenceoftheoverallsystem.

LAVAbioNiCtoWerAbudhabi


byGregmcmillan

Gastonminettimakesnobonesaboutit–hefeelshe’sagamechangerinthehVACindustry.

“iknow itscliché,butwewantto make a difference,” says the

president oftheGreenmethod™ (hVACsolu-tions).

theGreenmethod™,hesays,isdeliveringaproduct focusedprimarilyonsustainablehVACtechnologies.

“i want to break the mould where hVACinstallations contribute very negatively on theenvironment with inefficient technologies,” hesays. “the Green method™ is just one com-

pany, but our installations are environmentallyresponsible.

“ialsowanttomotivatemystafftomakeadifference;iwantmychildrentounderstandtheimportanceofourenvironment,leadbyexampleandenjoyacleanerearthtomorrow.”

minetti calls his hVAC installations ‘energysystems,’sincethefocusisonmanaging,trans-forminganddisplacementofenergyinbuildingstoachievethegoalofmaintainingtemperaturesettingsandensuringthebestindoorairqualitybythemostefficientmeans.

What setstheGreenmethod™apart fromothers,hesays,isitsabilityanddesiretoimple-mentnewtechnologiesandtoleadandadapttoongoingchangesintheindustry.

“Weconstantlyfindnewwaystoimproveourprojects,andourgoalistosetnewparametersintermsofenergyefficiencyineverynewproject.”

one of the challenges he faces on a dailybasisisdealingwithcontinualgovernmentpolicychangesandlackoflong-termprograms.

“but i do see the recent changes in thebuilding code with regards to new minimumstandards in terms of efficiency to be a gamechanger,” he says, adding that the move hasclosedthegapbetweenmoreefficientsystemsandothertechnologies.

his company’s market is primarily greentechnologies, he says, with a focus on groundsource heat pump installations for commercialproducts.

“Wehavesuccessfullyimplementedgeother-malsystemsforcondominiums,officebuildingsandmausoleums.someoftheproductsweofferaresolardhW(domestichotwater)and infloorheating, solarPV (photovoltaics) andmulti-splitairsourceheatpumps.

“Wehavereallynoticedanincreaseinpopu-larityofgeothermalandhybridFlexinverter(hFi)air source multi-split systems for commercialbuildings,”headded.

“in fact,weenvisiona futurewheregroundsource heat pumps, hFi air source multi-splitsystems and VFd (variable-frequency drive)pumpingsystemswillbethestandardforcom-mercialbuildings.”

Past projects from the Green method™includetonyWong Place and Greenlife Centre

in markham, Gate of heaven mausoleum inburlington, Greenlife business Centre andbronte Professional Place in milton, plus royalVistaGardensandladyofhopemausoleum inhamilton.

Projects in the works include the dundasdistrict high school condo redevelopment – aheritage building being converted into condoswithmulti-splitductlessunitswithhFi;andtheGreenlifeWestsidecondosinmilton–boasting

some of the world’s most technologically-ad-vancedbuildingsystemsincorporatinggeother-mal, plus solar and wind systems with othertechnologies.

Asforthefuture?“Fullsteamahead,”minettisays.“Weareaggressivelymarketingandreach-ingnewcustomers.ourplanforthefutureistopositiontheGreenmethod™as“thecompany”ofchoiceandleaderinthegreenhVACspace.“Formoreinformationvisitwww.thegreenmethod.ca

GreenLife Downtown Milton project by Del Ridge Homes is first ‘net zero’ building in Canada

Breaking with tradition

Wilo Canada [email protected]

Stratos

Stratos D

Wilo Stratos

theGreenmethod™–hVACwithmaximumindoorcomfortandleastamountofenvironmentalimpact

Comfort the Efficient Way


Dan Stone, MCIP, RPP – Manager of Economic Development & Sustainability, Town of East Gwillimbury

the Greater toronto Chapter (GtC) of the CanadaGreen building Council (CaGbC) is a non-profitorganization committed to promote the knowledgeandadvancementofgreenbuildingtechnologiesandsustainablecommunitydesign.

theGtCrecognizesthatthemostsignificantadvancementsin the area of promoting market transformation to a moresustainablebuildenvironmenthaveoccurredatthegrassrootsmunicipal level. in2009, theGtCestablished themunicipalleadersForum(mlF)asacollectionofmunicipalprofession-alsworkingintheplanning,engineering,buildingandfacilitiesareas of municipal government engaged in varying degreesofadvancingsustainabledevelopmentintheirmunicipalities.themlFprovidesacriticalforumandoutletformunicipalities

tosharesbestpractices,lessonslearnedandeducationinthegeneral area of greenbuilding and sustainable developmentpolicydevelopment.themlFcomprisesrepresentativesfromacross the Greater toronto Area (GtA) and beyond meetingquarterly to network and hear from guest speakers in boththepublicandprivatesectoronmattersrelatingtomunicipalpolicy and sustainable development. Additional informationregarding the mlF and its activities can be found at www.cagbctoronto.org.

the ontario Green Policy hub (oGPh), a dynamic freeonlineresourceconsistingofemergingandinnovativeontariomunicipal policies, was launched by the GtC in 2012. thehub,foundatwww.ogph.ca,providesauserfriendlyplatformfor municipalities to submit policy initiatives which not onlyinclude the actual policy (by-law, official plan, regulation orCouncilresolution)butalsocorrespondinginformationinclud-ingsupportingbackgroundstudiesandstaffreports.

thehubremainsrelevanttocurrentactivities,includesinnovationsandnewtechnologiestoaddresschangesinthemarketplaceaswellassomeofthesustainabledevelopmentadvancementsbeingleadbythedevelop-mentindustry.

thehubisdesignedtocapturemunicipalpolicywithinseveralkeyareasofsustainabledevelopmentincludingcommunityplanning,transportation,greeninfrastructure,waterconservation,energy,wastereductionandpub-licbuildings.inmanycases,amunicipalinitiativemaycutacrossseveralareas of sustainable development and address a multitude of municipalobjectives.Forexample,theCityoftoronto’storontoGreen standard (tGs) and the town of eastGwillimbury’s “thinking Green develop-mentstandards”bothinfluencebetterperformance in energy efficiency,stormwater management, activetransportation,andofferfinancialincentives for exceeding mini-mumrequirementssetout.

in addition, the hub willinclude policy work focused onparticular areas suchas theCity ofKitchener’s stormwater managementPolicyortheCityofottawa’sdevelopmentCharge by-law which provides an incentive fordevelopment which promotes “smartgrowth” principles of redevelopmentandintensification.

the hub is a response to the expressed needs of the mlF group toaddresssustainabledevelopmentissuesinaprovinceofontariocontext.While there ismuchavailable in termsofnationaland internationalbestpractices,pilotprojectsandcasestudies,thehubisdesignedtoprovidepractical examples of sustainable development policies created andimplementedwithintheframeworkofthelegislativeandregulatoryregimeapplicabletoontario.

in ontario, new innovative policies are being enabled through recentchangesintheProvincialPolicystatement(PPs),thePlanningAct,thePro-vincialGrowthPlan“PlacestoGrow”,theGreenenergyandeconomyAct

andtheupdatestotheontariobuildingCodetonameafew.Whatworksinotherpartsofthecountryandjurisdictionsfurtherafieldareinterestingofcourse,butwhatthemlFhasbeenlookingforisinformationandexamplesofreal,ontario-grownpolicy.

theobjectiveofthehubistoprovideopportunitiesformunicipalitiestolearnandsharefromeachother’sexperienceinbothpolicydevelopmentand implementation. lynnrobichaud,seniorsustainabilityCo-ordinator,Corporatestrategicinitiatives-development&infrastructuredivisionfortheCity ofburlington is already a fan– aswell as contributor.“When i

drafted our Corporate sustainable building Policy, iresearchedseveralothermunicipalbuildingpoli-

ciesonline,”shesays.“ipostedourpolicyontheoGPhtohelpothermunicipalstaff

who are undertaking their own re-searchtodeveloptheirownpolicies.our Council is always interestedto hear how other municipalitiesare dealing with similar issueswhenwearereportingandmaking

recommendations on sustainabilityinitiatives.”Giventhesuccessof thehub inon-

tario, the hope is that a similar web-basedresourcewillbedevelopedinotherprovincesand

regions across the country. “We areverypleasedtoseethisnewtoolbeingofferedtomunicipalitiesinontario,as

itreflectstheCaGbC’songoingsupportforadoptinggreenbuildingatthebroadercommunityscale,”saysthomasmueller,PresidentandCeooftheCaGbC.“byequippingmunicipalitieswiththeabilitytoeasilyaccessup-to-dateinformation,wehopetoencouragetheimplementationofeffectivegreenbuildingpolicieswhichfittheparticularcommunitycontext.thisinturnwillleadtohealthierandmoresustainablecommunitiesinCanada.”

thehubwasmadepossiblethroughthesupportofthefoundingsponsoroftheGtC,thetorontoregionConservationAuthority,andfinancialsupportfromtheontarioPowerAuthority’sConservationFund.tocheckoutortosubmityourcommunity’sowninnovativepolicies,visitwww.ogph.ca.

Majestic Court (York) – LEED Gold NC Certified. Photo credit: Philip Liu

Burlington’s Fire Station #8. Targeted LEED Silver Certification

An online policy resource to develop and promote green built environments for Ontario municipalities

Ontario Green Policy Hub

Burlington Performing Arts Centre – LEED Gold Certified

38 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies SPRING 2013 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies 39SPRING 2013

By Greg McMillan

The mandate for Air Heat Supplies has always been about providing contrac-tors with one-stop shopping.

That hasn’t changed since the original family-owned parent com-

pany, G&M Heating Supplies Ltd., opened its first location in Toronto back in 1956.

And when G&M Heating Supplies acquired Air Heat Supplies 40 years later, that mandate continued – and continues today.

“We take the time to get to know our

customers, who are treated like friends, not numbers,” says Air Heat general manager Howard Mathers. “We make sure they have easy access to owners and managers if they need information or need a problem resolved.”

Always a leading single-source HVAC whole-sale distributor in Ontario, Air Heat combines one of the largest HVAC/IAQ parts and supplies inventories with exclusive distribution of Ameri-can Standard residential and light commercial heating and air conditioning systems.

“We moved from being a grille and register supply company to a company that supplies

venting, equipment, rooftop units, gas lines and a wide variety of accessories.

“Today, we have a full-time person dedi-cated to customer training and technical sup-port for dealers. And we have a large number of dedicated territory managers throughout the province maintaining that all-important face-to-face customer contact.”

In 1996, keeping its original Toronto location as a branch, Air Heat opened a new 40,000-square foot head office in Mississauga, followed by a third location in Scarborough in 2004.

A year later, Air Heat became the exclu-sive Ontario distributor of award-winning American Standard Heating and Air Condi-tioning systems and equipment. Since then, they have established a network of 170 independent American Standard dealers

across Ontario.They continued that growth and, by the

summer of 2008, had opened a distribution centre in Ottawa.

Two years later, that was followed by the opening of a 2,000 sq. ft. Home Comfort

Training Centre near the head office in Mis-sissauga. Offering a regular calendar of free technical, sales, and third party vendor train-ing courses, this cutting edge facility also provides hands-on training using fully-op-erational HVAC, IAQ and Hydronic systems.

Onwards and upwardsFrom modest beginnings in 1956, Air Heat Supplies continues to grow as the wholesaler of choice for today’s contractor “We want our family to breathe healthy air, so we decided

to contact a vänEE indoor air specialist to learn about the many benefits of heat recovery ventilators.”

Visit www.healthyairstudy.com or call us to learn how our quiet, efficient heat recovery systems are like a breath of fresh air!

Ventilation XYZAddress

Phone numberEmail

We breathe easier thanksto our vänEE® Indoor Air Expert

Air Heat Supplies1355 Fewster Drive, Mississauga, Ontario

1-800-361-4652

1-800-267-6830 www.airsolutions.ca

Air Heat Supplies1-800-361-4652

ApplewoodAIR CONDITIONING

3525 Hawkestone Rd., Mississauga, ON L5C 2V1

1-800-219-9130www.applewoodair.com

Howard Mathers, General Manager - Debbie Ruddock, Manager of Finance & Administration- Tobits Ruddock, Manager of Operations & Purchasing

From left to right: Edrees Hotaki, Rob Bogovic, Karl Dunwoody, Richard Kutzner, Ian Rasmussen, Pauline Mogan, Jennifer Burke, Anne Street

FEATURE STORY


themississaugaofficehandlesalladmin-istration,distributionandmanagesalloutsidesalesactivitiesinontario.itiscompletewithalargeshowroom,servicecounterandtechnicaltrainingroom.

bydecember2011,yetanotherdistributioncentre had opened in london to better servesouthwesternontariocontractors.

onwardsandupwards–despitetherecenttougheconomictimes.

“We’reontherightpath,”saysianrasmus-sen, director of sales and marketing for Airheat. “this year we’re looking at even morepositivegrowth.”

Now a second-generation family-ownedand operated business – howard, his sister,debbie,andherhusband,tobitsruddock,con-tinueonwiththefamilylegacystartedbytheirfather,Percy,in1956–Airheathasagrowingcustomerbaseof over1,500contractors andemploys over 40 people in their head office,branches,distributioncentres,andhomeCom-forttrainingCentre.

Airheathasalwaysprovidedaneasy-ac-cesscontractorexperience.

Following its mandate, the company pro-vides contractors with one-stop shopping,stockingfurnaces,boilers,gasandoilserviceparts, sheet metal supplies, ventilation prod-ucts,electricalandplumbingaccessories.

AirheatistrulyacompletehVACwholesaler

withlongtiestomanywell-recognizednamesin the industry. besides American standard,Air heat now sources products from over 70leadingsuppliers,includinghoneywell,Alltemp,Aprilaire, White-rodgers, trac-Pipe, Vanee,ContinentalFireplaces,Noritz,Weilmclain,andCanadianGeneralFilters,whichhasdesignedand manufactured a full line of efficient andreliable residential indoor air quality productsformorethan65years.

Andhowardsays,astheontarioeconomycontinuestobounceback,Airheatwillstrivetoexpanditspositionintheresidential,retail,newconstruction and commercial markets with a

dedication to product support and customerservice.

“Wehavealoyal,knowledgeablestaff,withmany having over 10 years service with us,”saysruddock,operationsmanager.

With a newly-launched website, Air heathighlights a number of special services, aswell.

“We have bi-weekly contractor ‘hot buy’specials, and monthly contractor buy pro-grams,” howard added. “We have ‘meet thesupplier’ summer barbecue events, a wintermini-tradeshowandfeaturejob-sitedeliveriesbyAirheattrucksanddrivers.”

Home Comfort Training Centre provides hands-on training using fully-operational HVAC, IAQ and Hydronic systems

Mississauga 40,000-square foot warehouse


lookingahead,howardforeseesmoreof thesameforAirheat–andthensome.

“Wewillstayprice-competitiveinthishighly-competitive market,” he says.“We will maintainthecorrectproductofferinginthisrapidly-chang-ing industry. We will keep up on the changingefficiency regulations and changing governmentrebatesprograms,etcetera.

“We’llcontinuetoexpandtheAmericanstan-dard brand throughout ontario, explore furtherexpansion into the hydronic market and openadditionallocationsinontario.

onwardsandupwards,indeed.

Web: www.airheat.ca

Air Heat Supplies has been working with the leading suppliers in the industry for over five decades. As the exclusive Ontario distributor for the complete residential and commercial Ameri-can Standard heating and conditioning line, the company also carries one of the largest HVAC/IAQ parts and supplies catalogues in the industry. Extensive inventory, fast order processing, and reasonable pricing keeps contractors coming back for dependable HVAC solutions and satisfied customer referrals. Air Heat’s customer service staff brings decades of HVAC product knowledge with the latest training to help contractors source just the right products for each job.

Serving the Industry for Over 50 Years with a Complete Line of Air Distribution

and Venting Products

800-665-4328www.advp-deflecto.com

1199 Fewster Drive Mississauga, ON L4W 2A9

®

Learn more at AirHeat.ca

®

Ian Rasmussen - Director of Sales & Marketing

7181 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 231Markham, Ontario, CANADA L3R 1A3

Tel: (905) 477-9332 Fax: (905) 470-9513

www.themorgangroup.ca

Proud partner of the following companies

Plumbing and heating specialists providing engineered results

Beacon/Morris®


By Tim Van Seters, Amir Safa and Dr. Alan Fung

heatpumpsareamong themostenergyefficient technologiesforheatingandcoolingbuildingsandprovidinghotwater.theyfunctionbymovingheatfromoneplacetoanother.usuallythegroundorairactsas thesourceandsink forheat,andsinceenergyfromthesesourcesisfree,theonlyenergyneededisthe

electricityrequiredtooperatetheheatpumpandforcedairorhydronicsdistributionsystems.

inrecentyears, improvements intheoperationandefficiencyofheatpumps have prompted leaders in the residential construction sector totake a second look at these technologies.the first question, of course,ishowwell theyperform incoldCanadianclimates. thiswaswhatwesetouttounderstandthroughaoneyearmonitoringprogramconductedwithresearchersfromryersonuniversity.theheatpumpsevaluatedwereinstalled in two, comprehensively monitored, semi-detached leed™platinumdemonstrationhousesownedandoperatedbytorontoandregionConservationatthelivingCityCampusinVaughan,ontario.

Althoughnotidentical,thetwohouses,referredtoashouseAandhouseb,havesimilarfloorareas,internalvolumes,andlevelsofinsulation.houseAhasa10.5kW(3ton)highefficiencyvariablecapacityair-to-airsourceheatpumpmanufacturedbymitsibushi™. it includesadirectexpansioncoilairhandlingunit(Ahu)andamulti-speedfantosupplywarmandcoldairforspaceheatingandcooling.thesystemiscoupledwithamini-boiler,whichwasnotneededovertheperiodofstudybecausetheAshPalonewasabletosupplysufficientheat,evenduringcoldperiodsdownto-22°C.

themainheatingand cooling system inhouseb is a13.3 kWhighefficiency ground source heat pump (GshP) manufactured byWaterFur-nace™.itiscoupledwithtwo152m(500ft)horizontalloopsintheyard.theinstallationusesabuffertanktostorewater,whichisthendistributedto an in-floor radiant heating systemduring thewinter, and through thezonedairhandlerforcoolingthehouse.

dataforthestudywerecollectedyearroundandaenergyperformancemodel(trNsYs)wascalibratedtosimulateenergyperformanceovertheentireheating(october1tomay21)andcoolingseasons(may22tosep-tember 30) based on climate normals derived from a 30-year historicalrecordofsolarirradianceandtemperature.

resultsof theevaluationshowed theheatpumps tohaveperformedverywellwithheatingandcoolingefficienciesabovebothenerguideandmanufacturerratedperformance(table1).duringtheheatingseason,bothsystems had coefficients of performance (CoP) above 3, indicating thatthesystemsprovidedover3kWhofoutputheatforeachkWhofenergyconsumed.duringthecoolingseason,CoPswere5,andseasonalenergyefficiencyratioswerewellaboveratedperformancelevels.

theseratingsarebasedontheperformanceoftheheatpumpsystemswithout the forcedairandhydronicsdistributionsystemspecific toeachhouse.overall‘as installed’performancedeclineddramaticallywhentheelectricityconsumedbythedistributionsystemswas included intheas-sessment.Asshownintable1,coolingseasonCoPsforbothsystemsfellbymorethan30%.duringtheheatingseason,theAshPsystemsuffereda more significant decline because the air handling unit used with theAshP consumed much more electricity than the water pump used withtheGhsP.

Further investigations showed that the high electricity draw by thedistribution systemswas caused, in part, by theway inwhich theunitswerebeingoperated.simulatingtheseduringthecoolingseasontooperateonlywhentheheatpumpandcompressorswereoncausedareductioninelectricityconsumptionofbetween28and37%.thedifferencebetween‘standalone’and‘as installedperformance’highlightsthe importanceofunderstandingthevariouscomponentsthatmakeupthesystem,includinghePAfiltersandheatrecoveryventilators,andensuringtheseareoptimallyconfiguredtomaintainhighlevelsofefficiencyandenergyperformance.

itwassurprisingthattheAshPperformedalmostaswellastheGhsPgiventhatthegroundmaintainsamuchmoreconstanttemperaturethanair.the effect of source temperatures on performancewasevidentintheCoPdata.WhiletheGshPmain-tainedarelativelyconstantCoPofroughly3regard-lessofoutdoor temperatures, theCoPof theAshPdeclinedfrom4.9to1.6asoutdoortemperaturesfellfrom9tominus19˚Cduringthewinter.belowminus24̊ C,theAshPwaslessefficientthanaconventionalelectric heating system, and a supplementary heatsourcewouldberequired(Figure1).

Part of theexplanation for the impressiveAshPperformanceliesinitscapacitytovarythespeedofthecompressor.Attemperatureswarmerthanminus15˚C, the variable capacityAshPcompressor oper-ated onpart load, drawing less thanhalf the elec-tricity(2–3kW)requiredunderfullloadconditions(6 kW). only when outdoor temperatures droppedbelowminus15˚CdidtheAshPcompressorswitchto full load. heat pumps that operate on full loadonlyarelessefficientbecause,comparedtovariablecapacity systems, they cycle on and off more, andprovidelessoverallheatoutputperunitofelectricityconsumed.

We see this with the GshP, which only had thecapacitytooperateatfullload,causingthecompressortocycleonandoffmuchmoreoftenthantheAshPcompressor.duringthecoolingseasontestperiod,forinstance,thecompressoroperatedbetween1and7hoursandcycledonandoffupto25timesaday.overthesameperiod,theAshPvariablecapacitycompressoroperatedbetween3and11hoursperdayandturnedonandoffonlyonce.thiscyclingnotonlyreducesenergyef-ficiency,butalsowearsdowntheequipmentandadverselyaffectsthermalcomfort.

simulations of performance in 5 major cities - halifax, montreal,to-ronto,edmontonandVancouver-showedthatbothsystemswouldfunctionwell.Asexpected,however,performanceoftheAshPwasmoresensitivetodifferencesinairtemperature.inmontrealandedmonton,forinstance,theAshP had lower CoPs than other cities.these would be further re-ducedifsupplementaryheatatthecoldesttemperatureswasincluded.inVancouver,thewarmerandmoreevenyearroundtemperaturesresultedinhigherAshPperformance.duringthecoolingseason,theGshPsystemslightly outperformed theAshP in all cities,withCoPs rangingbetween5.8and6.1.

ultimately,theequipmentchoicewillbelargelymotivatedbycostandenergy savings. based on monitoring data collected in this assessment,theAshP was found to be more affordable overall. significant savingsare associated with not having to install a ground loop.Also, long termperformanceof theAshP isnotcontingentonensuring thatheatingandcoolingloadsareinbalance.iflifecyclecostsandbenefitsareconsidered,the price gap may narrow because the ground loop is a one time costand the GshP compressor is subject to fewer mechanical and thermalstresses(sinceitisindoors)withalongerexpectedservicelife.Naturalgasfurnacesarecurrentlymorecostcompetitiveattheresidentialscale,but

asgaspricescreepupagain,wemayseemoreheatpumpsystemsincityneighbourhoods.

timVansetersmanagestorontoandregionConservation’ssustain-abletechnologiesevaluationProgram. heoverseesa teamof researchscientistsandtechnicalexpertsengagedinscientificevaluationsofgreenenergyandcleanwatertechnologies.Formoreinformationcontacttvan-seters@trca.on.ca

Amirsafaanddr.AlanFungweretheleadresearchersfromryersonuniversity’sdepartmentofmechanicalandindustrialengineering.Contactinformation:[email protected]

TABLE 1:AshPandGshPPerformance.manufacturerandenerguideratingsapplyto‘standalone’system.the‘asinstalled’systemincludestheelectricityconsumedbytheAhuandhydronicsdistributionsystems.

Figure 1: Coefficient of performance (COP) for the variable capacity air source heat pump at varying outdoor

temperatures during the winter

Boosting the Energy Efficiency of Canadian Homes Using Heat Pumps

Manufacturer EnerGuide Stand Alone As Installed Season

Air Source Heat Pump

Seasonal Coefficient of Performance

2.75 2.05 3.2 2.1 Heating

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 16 >=14 18 12 Cooling


-- -- 5.4 3.5 Cooling

Ground Source Heat Pump


3.0 >=3.3 3.4 3.1 Heating

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 12.9 >=14.1 20 9 Cooling


-- -- 5.8 2.7 CoolingArchetype House


IVANPAHtheworldlargestsolarthermalplant

theivanpahsolarelectricGeneratingsystem(seGs)–ownedbyNrGenergy,Google,andbrightsourceenergy–willusebrightsource’sprovensolartowertechnologytoproduceclean,reliablesolarelectricitytomorethan140,000homes.uponcompletion,attheendof2013,ivan-

pahwillbethelargestsolarthermalpowertowersystemintheworld.locatedinivanpahdrylake,California,thethree-unitpowersys-

temwillbebuiltonapproximately3,500acresofpublicdesertland.electricityfromivanpahwillavoidmillionsoftonsofcarbondioxide

andotherairpollutants–theequivalentoftaking70,000carsofftheroad.the project will create more than 2,100 jobs for constructionworkersandsupportstaffand86jobsforoperationsandmaintenanceemployees inaddition tohundredsofmillionsofdollars in localandstate taxes. the $2.2 billion project represents a durable model forfar-reaching employment andeconomicbenefit both locally andna-tionally.

the 377 megawatt net solar complex using mirrors to focus thepower of the sun on solar receivers atop power towers, will reducecarbondioxide(Co2)emissionsbymorethan400,000tonsperyear.

ivanpah,whichstartedconstructioninoctober2010,isnownearcompletion and has reached a milestone by creating its“first flux”.solarfluxiswhenasignificantamountofsunlightisreflectedoffofthesolarfieldmirrors.thefluxslowlyheatedthewaterinsidetheboilertobelowthepointofsteamgeneration.Formoredetailedinformation,visitwww.ivanpahsolar.comCourtesy of BrightSource Energy

Single and 2-Stage furnaces offering up

to 96% AFUE

Top-rated in central AC reliability* with models

up to 19.5 SEER

QUALITY

MULTI-FEATURE

EASY AVAILABILITY

RELIABILITY

LOCAL SERVICE

RELIABILITY

LOCAL SERVICE

Ruud offers reliable heating & cooling for all the homes you build

including those seeking an “ENERGY STAR® for New Homes” label

and low energy bills.

Rely on Ruud™ For all your heating and cooling needs.

*Reliability claim based on recent survey of over 40,000 consumers by the nation’s leading consumer product review magazine.

Contact your local independent Ruud Contractor for a free consultation.

www.eliteclimateservices.ca (416) 744-6222

ADVERTISERS INDEXAir Solutions

39

American Standard43

Black River21

Bowser Technical27

Continental Fireplaces01

Deflecto Canada42

Distech Controls9, 11

EnbridgeOutside Back Cover

Fujitsu35

HK Sheet Metal14

Honeywell12

Kildonan Energy15

Lochinvar25

Northwest Systems24

Pro Kontrol15

RuudInside Back Cover

Siemens17

Taco CanadaInside Front Cover The Morgan Group

42

Vanguard Pipe & Fittings23

Wilo Canada34

Yorkland Controls13

The Summer issue of Green Building & Sustainable Strategies magazine will focus on Sustainable Architecture.

This is your opportunity to showcase your green projects and highlight your leadership and commitment to sustainable building by participating in this special issue.

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

For more information about advertising or having your project featured, please contact

Giulio Marinescu, Publisher at 416-250-0664 or [email protected]

GreenBuildinG


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�8 Green Building & Sustainable Strategies SPRING 2013

Helping you maximize the energy ef� ciency of your new buildings.

With our comprehensive Savings by Design program, builders participate in an Enbridge Integrated Design Process (IDP). The IDP brings together experts in energy ef� ciency and sustainability to identify ways to maximize energy performance in your new construction buildings. In addition to covering the cost of the IDP, Enbridge also provides incentives to help you implement the IDP’s recommendations to achieve 25% or more above Ontario Building Code (2012).

To qualify for the program, your project must be a minimum of 100,000 square feet.

To learn more, visit www.savingsbydesign.ca

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Documents

GB & SS Magazine Spring 2013