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LOCAL GREEN BUILDINGS
GREEN SYSTEMS + POWER GENERATION + HEAT GENERATION & CONSERVATION + AIR & WATER PURIFICATION
PRODUCT, SERVICE & PROGRAM RESOURCES
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & ADVISORSDr. David WittyDean, Faculty of ArchitectureUniversity of Manitoba
Dr. Lesley KingDean, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of EnvironmentEarth and Resources, University of Manitoba
Richard KulaSustainable Solutions
Wins BridgmanBridgman Collaborative Architecture
Gerry HumphreysMilestone Project Management
Dom RutiglianoEco ElementsThe Healthy Home Store
Tom MolinskiSection Head, Emerging Energy SystemsPower Planning & Development Division, Manitoba Hydro
Tom AckermanEnergy Advisor, Manitoba Hydro Downtown Office Project
A COOPERATIVE PROJECT PROMOTING GREEN BUILDING OPTIONS FOR MANITOBA HOMEOWNERS
2006
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REEN GUIDE
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12006GREEN GUIDE
FEATURESLOCAL GREEN BUILDINGS6 A STRAWBALE HOME
THE ECONOMICS OF BUILDING GREEN Jessica Roder
7 GOOD PLACES TO START! Laura Rempel
19 M.O.D.E.L. HOUSEMARK OF DESIGNED ECOLOGICAL LIVING HOUSEAnna Weier & Dean Syverson
21 PROPOSED LAYOUTChris Roszell
28 DESIGN-BUILDZOO EDUCATION BUILDING Dean Syverson & Clarice Kramer
GREEN SYSTEMS8 OLD TECHNIQUES OR NEW TECHNOLOGY
Jessica Roder
9 AIR LOCKTHE SPACE BETWEEN 2 DOORS Sherry Yong
10 RESIDENTIAL SOLAR WATER HEATING Greg Porth
12 ENERGY CYCLES Aynslee Hurdal & Jessica Roder
14 MICRO-HYDRO ENERGY AT THE RESIDENTIAL SCALE Ben Thompson
16 WASTE = WATER Crystal Arnold
17 LIVING GREY WATER Eric Lucasson
22 RAINWATER SAUNA Candace Wiersema & Stephanie Yeung
24 MASONRY HEATING Tom Alston
25 SOLAR SYSTEMS INTEGRATION Tyson Liebrecht
26 A BREATH OF FRESH AIRTHE LIVING WALL FOR HOMES Andrew Lewthwaite
31 GREEN GLAZING Chris Roszell
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Check out the information in the
green boxes for external resources!
2 2006 GREEN GUIDE
CONTENTS3 HELLO
Clarice Kramer-Wolfart
3 PROJECT TEAM
2 CONTACT
BACKCOVER
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND ADVISORS
GREEN PRODUCT AND SERVICE RESOURCES4 GO LOCAL
MAPS Aynslee Hurdal & Jessica Roder
30 GO LOCALMATERIALS DIRECTORY Aynslee Hurdal & Jessica Roder
GREEN PROGRAM RESOURCES32 INCENTIVES FOR BUILDING GREEN
Jessica Roder
CONTACTGREEN GUIDE PROJECTc/o Professor Clarice Kramer-WolfartUniversity of ManitobaFaculty of Architecture201 J.A. Russell Building
Winnipeg MB. R3T 2N2
WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE SHARE YOUR:
+Comments or Questions+Ideas for Future Issues+Design Dilemas+Unique Examples of Green Building
NameNeighbourhood
Keep me informed about the Green Guide Project!Mailing Address
Mail this card to
or send us an e-mail !
32006GREEN GUIDE
HELLOPrepared by - Clarice Kramer-Wolfart
PROJECT TEAMleft to right, back to front-
[Eric Lucasson] Chris Belisle, Chris Roszell, Tyson Liebrecht, Jessica Roder, Greg Porth, Tom Alston, Andrew Lewthwaite, Ben Thompson, Laura Rempel, Stephanie Yeung, Lindsay Neal, Sherry Yong, Aynslee Hurdal, Crystal Arnold, Candace Wiersema
Prof. Clarice Kramer-Wolfart Mandy AldcornProject Director Publication Director
I have worked in architectural practice for many years and have come to value and (usually) enjoy the daily conversations with clients, contractors, tradesmen and consultants. I rely on the broad base of experience and knowledge that this group collectively represents. I also recognize that the strength of my own profession lies in an aware-ness of the complex and comprehensive nature of cultural production (in this case, making buildings) and in recognizing that this is fundamentally a collective effort. One very important task of the architect is to bring together the right group of people, clarify shared objectives and initiate a focused discussion.
A new term is being used these days which refers to this discussion; Integrated Design Process. This implies that the design and construction process is an on-going, group effort and suggests that the job of each participant includes communicating and cooperating from day one to completion of the project. Most AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) professionals do this automatically during construction but incorporating this approach into the start of a project and design develop-ment is certainly a change of strategy. A linear approach to design has long been accepted as the most efficient and cost-effective way to produce buildings. Each professional completes his or her task independently and then ‘throws the draw-ings over the wall’ to the next guy. In reality what happens here is often not efficient in the sense that none of the ‘experts’ involved are given the opportunity to think through the project compre-hensively. Each is solving problems, within their scope of work, that have been created residually by all those ahead in the line. More communica-tion up-front can avoid redundancy and result in a truly innovative solution to a problem that has been carefully crafted by a team of experts. This is the strength of Integrated Design. It does take more effort and time up front but in most cases, it’s worth the investment. This approach to design is also characteristic of the design and execution of ‘green’ buildings. Each building requires a unique solution and an integrated approach to systems and materials. Sustainable design and ‘green’ building practices are certainly not new ideas. But, this example from the AEC industry is symptomatic of a gradual change in attitude, or awareness, that is occurring in the Canadian public. In December of 1997 the Government of Canada signed the Kyoto Protocol. This past year the Manitoba Chap-
ter of the Canada Green Building Council was of-ficially recognized. Reference to “Green Building” and “Sustainable Design” has become a common marketing strategy and these terms are familiar to every elementary school student.
Green Guide Project started as a thought experi-ment with a broad range of objectives. All of these objectives in some way seek to promote and support sustainable design and ‘green’ building in Manitoba. In my current role as an educator, I am constantly looking for new ways to challenge my students and to build on my own knowledge and experience. This project presents a new opportu-nity to learn, to discover and to exchange ideas. It is part research, part practical problem solving and part creative exercise. The students were asked to consider the spectrum of sustainable design and identify one area of personal interest. Their projects were largely self-directed but each project required the input and advice of an industry professional -outside of architecture. In addition, a number of local consultants from business and in-dustry were invited to speak to the class on issues related to green building and sustainable design. Others provided financial and institutional support. The input from these individuals was invaluable
and I cannot thank them enough for their participa-tion. They are acknowledged on the back cover.
The final phase of the project is the publication of the Green Guide magazine that presents selected student projects and exciting, local examples of green building. My graduate student assistant, Mandy Aldcorn, did the graphic ID, the cover de-sign, and the publication layout. Her personal con-tribution to the project and her creative abilities are exceptional. The magazine format was selected in an attempt to inform and involve the public. We have distributed copies of the magazine to homes across the city. Some of the projects and articles are very simple, some quite complex. Some are practical and others esoteric. Our hope is that the projects shown here will present a wide range of examples of sustainable design and provide interesting, informative, and perhaps inspirational reading for local residents. We would love to receive comments or questions from you, on the magazine, its contents or ideas you may have about green building and sustainable design. We hope you enjoy it.
Clarice Kramer-WolfartOn behalf of the Green Guide Project Team
4 2006 GREEN GUIDE
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2400 KM RADIUSThe area inside the light green circle indicates the 2400 km radius around Winnipeg that is considered to be in the local range when shipping materials by water or rail.
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The embodied energy of a material increases with its distance travelled, both from its extraction point
to the processing plant, and from the processing plant to the construction site. Under LEED (Leader-
ship in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, materials extracted, processed and manu-
factured within 800 km of the construction site qualify as regional. The mode of transportation for a
material can also significantly add to its embodied energy. Truck transportation uses 9 times more fuel
per tonne, per mile, than trains. LEED increases the distance allowed for regional materials to 2400
km if the materials are shipped by rail or water. Supporting local businesses is not only good for the
environment; it builds a strong local economy and can increase pride in our communities.
GO LOCAL MAPS*Prepared by - Aynslee Hardal & Jessica Roder
This list of local materials focuses on Canadian manufacturers. North Dakota and Minnesota have been included because of their proximity to Winnipeg. Detailed contact information provided on page 30.
52006GREEN GUIDE
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Manitoba1. Yarrow Sash & Door Ltd. 2. Salvage Supermarket3. Habitat ReStore4. XPotential Products Inc. 5. Loewen Windows6. Paramount Windows, Inc.7. Buckwold Western8. I-XL Brick Supplies Ltd.9. Imrie Demolition Ltd. 10. Springfield Salvage Co Ltd. 11. Primco Ltd.12. Jeld-wen Windows and Doors13. Duxton Windows & Doors14. Accurate Dorwin15. Flatland Construction16. Building Alternatives Inc. 17. Keystone Masonry Ltd.18. Solar Solutions19. Canadian Solar20. Gillis Quarries Ltd.21. EcoElements Healthy Home Store
Saskatchewan22. Wirsbo Co. (Uponor Canada Inc.)
Minnesota23. Barrier Technology USA24. Bedford Industries25. Duluth Timber Co.26. AFM Corp.27. Sisal Rugs Direct28. Pentstar, Corp. 29. Marvin Windows and Door Co 30. Master Mark Division of Avon Plastics, Inc.31. Honeywell, Inc.32. Environ Biocomposites, LLC 33. Arden Architectural Specialties, Inc.34. Equaris Corporation
North Dakota 35. Prime Board, Inc.
Ontario36. Better Wall System
British Columbia37. Trus Joist MacMillan Paralam Div. 38. Monoglass, Inc.39. Dinoflex Manufacturing Ltd.40. BioGreen System (Pacific) Ltd.
41. Bismart Distributors Inc.42. Deanwood Forest Products Co. Ltd.
Alberta43. Jager Industries, Inc.44. CAN-CELL Industries, Inc.45. Nascor, Inc.46. Resources Conservation Structures, Inc.47. Panel Source International Inc.48. Visionwall Corporation49. Valhalla Wood Preservatives, Ltd.
Ontario50. Tembec, Inc. Huntsville Division51. Amati Bambu Ltd.52. Camino Modular Systems, Inc.53. Thermapan Structural Insulated Panels, Inc.54. Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve, Ltd. 55. Roxul, Inc.56. Climatizer Insulation, Ltd.57. Cosella Dorken Products, Inc.58. Icynene, Inc.59. Ottawa Fibre, Inc.60. Crowe Building Products Ltd.61. Durisol, Inc.62. Nutech Energy Systems, Inc.63. Temp-Cast Enviroheat Ltd.64. Thermo-Cell Industries, Ltd.65. Zenon Environmental Inc. 66. Solar Converters Inc.67. Wiggers Custom Furniture68. Sancor Industries Ltd.69. Sun-Mar Corp. 70. Air Quality Solutions71. Waterloo Biofilter Systems Inc.
Quebec72. Benolec, Ltd.73. Cascades Re-Plast, Inc.74. Materiaux Cascades, Inc.75. Igloo Cellulose, Inc.76. EMCO Building Products, Ltd.77. Bedard Cascades, Inc.78. Plastipro Canada, Inc.79. Dura Undercushions, Inc.80. Polycrete Industries
Nova Scotia81. Thermo-Dynamics Ltd.
New Brunswick82. ABC Certified Forest Products
800 KM RADIUSThe area inside the dark green circle is the 800 km radius around Winnipeg that is considered to be in the local range when shipping by motor vehicle.
CITY OF WINNIPEG
*This list is a work in progress, let us know ([email protected]) if you have or know of a
product or service that should be included.
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GO LOCAL MAPS*Prepared by - Aynslee Hardal & Jessica Roder
6 2006 GREEN GUIDE
A STRAWBALE HOME THE ECONOMICS OF BUILDING GREENPrepared by - Jessica Roder
“In this climate, it doesn’t make sense not to.” is Bruno Rosenberg’s comment about his new strawbale home in St. Germain, on the southwest edge of Winnipeg. Bruno, Denise Tenkula, and baby Mika love the healthy feel of their home. The large south-facing windows with wide windowsills, the cherry wood floors, and the soft natural texture of the plastered bale walls make their home instantly inviting.
The R-50 insulation value of their walls will keep out the cold Manitoba winters and help keep the house cool in summer. A typical new home has an R-20 rating. When asked about their reasons for build-ing with strawbale Bruno says, “some of it was ecological, some of it was because we’re cheapskates.” The house did not cost any more than a conventional home to build yet will save them money in the long term with lower energy costs.
Straw bale building is an old technique
This is the second article in the series “Building Green”, a project supported by the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund, Manitoba Conservation. The next article in the series examines the health benefits of building green. To view previous articles in the series and access more information please visit: www.arch.umanitoba.ca/buildinggreen
72006GREEN GUIDE
Prepared by - Laura Rempel
Building Alternatives Inc.P.O. Box 22Anola, Manitoba R0E 0A0Phone- 204 612 8383www.buildalt.com
Sustainable Solutions Inc.6-502 Rue St. Jean BaptisteWinnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2X9Phone- 204 775 6886Fax- 204 775 6886www.sustainable-solutions.ca
Prairie Architects200-141 Bannatyne AvenueWinnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0R3Phone- 204 956 0938Fax- 204 943 5597www.prairiearchitects.ca
Road Architecture Inc.204 Main StreetWinkler, ManitobaPhone- 204 331 1562
Flatland ConstructionP.O. Box 2525Altona, Manitoba R0G 0B0Phone- 204 346 2267, 204 326 7502, 204 324 [email protected]
Building With StrawDesign and Technology of a Sustainable ArchitectureBirkhauser Berlin, 2005
G. Minke, F. Mahlke
More Straw Bale BuildingNew Society Publishers BC, 2005C. Magwood, P. Mack, T. Therrien
Straw Bale BuildingHow To Plan, Design & Build With StrawNew Society Publishers BC, 2000C. Magwood, P. Mack
Load Bearing Straw Bale ConstructionEcological Building Network (EBNet), 2003B. King
www.glenhunter.ca
that has recently been growing in popular-ity. In Ontario there is a waiting list of up to 2 years to hire a straw bale homebuilder. There are not enough trained builders to meet the demand. As Bruno said, it makes sense for the Canadian climate. Straw is a waste product that is often burned in the fields or left to rot. It is also locally avail-able across much of the southern region of the country and is an annually renewable resource. A bale house is very fire resis-tant as well. It surpasses the fire rating of most new homes. Denise describes herself as pretty con-ventional, but after they started looking into other green aspects to incorporate into their home, she was the one who pushed for having composting toilets. It makes economic sense for their location since they get their water from a well, and would otherwise have to pay for a larger sewage disposal system. The style of composting toilet they chose uses a very small amount of water, which flows into the
septic bed, while the solid waste becomes rich compost that can be applied as soil supplement to plants and trees. The toilet emits no smell and requires very basic maintenance – turning a crank every so of-ten keeps the composting process moving along quickly.
There were other green building elements Bruno and Denise considered adding to their home but decided they were not cost effective at the time of building. For now, a high end forced air ventilation system heats their home with electric heat. To allow future upgrades, the basement foun-dation has been built to support a 2300 lb masonry stove in their living room.
Green building does not need to cost any more than conventional building. If green elements are incorporated into the design process from the very start, the total cost may actually decrease. Adding green ele-ments at the end, as an afterthought, can increase the cost of building considerably.
GOOD PLACES TO START!
5 KEYS TO COST EFFECTIVE GREEN BUILDING
1 Decide to build green, and seek out those who can help you with the process.
2 Establish a clear vision and define goals: Have a clear picture of what you want.
3 Integrate the design process: Discuss everything early with everyone. Inte-grated design brings all parties together to work as a team - from the architect to the builder to the homeowner.
4 Balance the long-term savings against any initial costs (life cycle costing). Spending more on one thing, like better insulation, means you can spend less on another, like a smaller furnace.
5 Follow the money trail: Look into programs, such as MB Hydro Power Smart, that offer incentives for energy efficiency. The federal government has several EnerGuide grant programs for green home retrofits, low-income housing, and new homes.
A STRAWBALE HOME THE ECONOMICS OF BUILDING GREENPrepared by - Jessica Roder
8 2006 GREEN GUIDE
New technologies have made many improve-ments in our lives, adding to the comfort of our homes. In the past our ancestors used simple and ingenious methods to make their living spaces comfortable. These traditions are still used in many countries today. The Western world has come a long way with regard to building insulation, ventilation, and materials in the last 20 years. However, there are many low-tech options that can also reduce the cost of our buildings, make them healthier, and reduce their environmental impact. Mentioned below are several simple tried and true techniques for enhancing building performance.
The way a building is oriented to the sun is very important for heat gain and loss. In northern climates like the Canadian prairies, a long south-facing wall that includes large windows is best for maximizing heat gain in the winter. This is called passive solar heating. You do not need expensive photovoltaic panels to harness the sun’s energy (active solar energy collec-tion). You should have relatively high thermal
OLD TECHNIQUES OR NEW TECHNOLOGY?Prepared by - Jessica Roder
mass in your home so that the heat coming in through the windows can accumulate in the floor or walls and slowly be released into the house over night. During the summer, trees can shade those same windows, helping to keep the building cool.
In the prairies, many of the first settlers built their homes out of sod and straw. They were planned as temporary shelters until wood and other construction materials could be pur-chased. Many families, however, found them very good at retaining heat in the winter and keeping the howling winds out. Some opted to stay in these houses rather than build anew with wood. Straw bale homes have seen a revival in recent years. People are rediscov-ering their wonderful insulating properties, beauty, and cost effectiveness. The material is locally available and is an annually renewable resource.
In hot climates the perennial problem is how to stay cool. Ancient Iranian architecture used
solar chimneys to draw hot air from their homes. Solar chimneys are now being adapted into modern buildings like the new Manitoba Hydro building under construction in Winnipeg, and the Gladstone recreational complex in Gladstone. Combining this old technology with new materials and techniques is a cost-sav-ing, energy efficient way of maintaining indoor temperature. These are only three examples of remarkable low-tech building solutions.
The Alberta Sustainable Home was built as a demonstration project in suburban northwest Calgary. It has been inhabited as a home and office for over 10 years. The house was designed with the goal of using no net energy. It is largely self-sufficient, with no gas, water, or sewer lines. Heat and hot water are provided through passive solar devices and there is a masonry fireplace in the center of the building as a back up. The chart outlines the techniques, both old and new, that this Calgary home employs to ensure the comfort of its occupants and minimize its impact on the environment.
The Alberta Sustainable House was about the same cost to build as a conventional house yet the owners only pay $200 a year in energy bills. It is much healthier, and has a significantly smaller impact on the environment than most homes. It also has the advantage of being virtually self-sufficient – reducing the potential effects on your life of rising energy costs, unreli-able supply, and natural disasters such as ice storms or floods.
New technologies are impor-tant and useful to have in your home but remember that there are often low-tech, cost-sav-ing, effective solutions.
This is the tenth article in the series “Building Green”, a project supported by the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund, Manitoba Conservation. The next article in the series will discuss different sources of funding and certification for your green home. To view previous articles in the series and access more information, please visit: www.arch.umanitoba.ca/buildinggreen
OLD TECHNIQUES NEW TECHNOLOGIES+capture passive solar energy by facing the windows in the house to the sun
+actively capture solar energy with photovol-taic panels
+use a composting toilet +use an air tight design
+collect rainwater for all household needs +preheat water with greywater heat exchange system
+use straw insulation in parts of home +use ultra energy efficient appliances
+use masonry fireplace for back up heat +use high performance windows
+use natural lighting from skylights and win-dows
+pipe natural light into darker rooms with sun pipes
+grow food and medicine in the garden and greenhouse
+heat with ground source heat pump (geother-mal)
+recycle greywater +use LED lights
+use a cold closet (cellar) that serves as refrig-erator 6 months of the year
+heated through radiant floors
92006GREEN GUIDE
BASICair lock
ADDITIONcoat storage
ADDITIONbench & hangar
In Canada, approximately 2/3 of the annual energy consump-tion in a typical household is used for heating and cooling.
Residential Energy Use [2003] acquired from Offi ce of Energy Effi ciencyoee.nrcan.gc.ca.
The Good House BookA common-Sense Guide to Alternative Home BuildingNew York, Lark Books, 2004
Clarck Snell
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The air lock, vestibule or mud room is es-sential in Winnipeg. It provides a transitional space that prevents convection: warm indoor air escaping when the outside door is opened. With Winnipeg’s gust winds travelling as fast as 129km/h [1965] and wind chills as low as -57.1°C [1996], the air lock is a simple solution that prevents those cold winds from entering your home. It is a simple environmentally re-sponsive design that can be traced back to the igloo and up to the space age.
53% Space Heating19% Water Heating
1% Space Cooling4% Lighting4% Other Appliances
7% Major Appliances11% Appliances
AIR LOCK THE SPACE BETWEEN 2 DOORSPrepared by - Sherry Yong
Clarke Snell is a builder with experience using a wide variety of materials and techniques, both conventional and alternative. His fi rst construction job was at The Center for Maximum Potential in Austin, Texas, where he helped create the Green Builder Demonstration Home, a state funded showcase of alterna-tive building techniques. Since then, Clarke has been involved in a number of building projects, including the construction of his own partially bermed, passive solar house in the mountains of western North Carolina.
KEEPINGPETS
LEAVING COATS AND MUDDY SHOES
ENTERING WAITING MEETING
10 2006 GREEN GUIDE
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR WATER HEATINGPrepared by - Greg Porth
Heat from the sun is captured by water filled tubes mounted in a glazed solar
collector.
The warm water is pumped into a heat exchanger.
Incoming water is warmed before being transferred to the boiler or hot
water tank.
Less energy is required to heat the warm water to a useable temperature.
Return air and fresh supply air are drawn into a conventional forced air
furnace.
Hot water is then pumped into either a radiant floor (shown), or into a heating
coil in a standard furnace.
112006GREEN GUIDE
Residential solar heating is a real possibility for todays homeowner. The ever increasing cost of energy required to heat a typical residence has made the idea of solar water heating a very
desireable option. This “low tech” solution is based on the simple concept that prewarmed water
Solar Solutions 6-130 Midland StreetWinnipeg Manitoba 800 285 SOLAR
Canadian Solar Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 475 9911
takes much less energy to bring to a suitable heating temperature.
APPLICATIONSSolar water heating systems can be retrofit easily into homes with hot water radiant heating systems as well as
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR WATER HEATINGPrepared by - Greg Porth
residences with standard forced air furnaces.
RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMSA radiant heating systems allow a heat transfer from the solar collector to boiler water via a heat exchanger. Solar heated water is then brought up to a useable temperature and cycled throughout the house.
FORCED AIR FURNACE SYSTEMSA forced air furnace can be retrofit with a heating coil through which hot water can be cycled. This coil pre-warms the air entering the furnace before it is heated to a useable temperature for distribution into each zone of the residence.
STANDARD HOT WATER TANKSFurther, solar water heating can lower the cost of operating a standard hot water tank. Warmer water that enters the tank is heated faster and more efficiently than water entering from the outside source.
See M.O.D.E.L. House page 20.
12 2006 GREEN GUIDE
ENERGY CYCLESPrepared by - Aynslee Hardal & Jessica Roder
EMBODIED ENERGYA term used to describe the amount of energy expended to produce an object. While an exact figure is difficult to calculate, every stage of an object’s life must be considered.
The greater the number of processes a material goes through, the higher its embodied energy. Materials close to their natural state are generally preferred. The distance travelled by an object can add greatly to its embodied energy. The object’s weight will affect the amount of energy required to move it, as will the mode of transportation used for bringing it from point A to point B.
The durability of a product will affect the amount of energy needed to maintain, repair, and replace it, thus impacting its embodied energy. When examining the embodied energy of an entire house it is important to consider the contribution that a particular material will make to the energy use of the house during its operation. A material with a slightly higher embodied energy may be preferred over one with less if it increases the energy efficiency or durability of a home.
Buildings account for 40% of energy use in Canada. This includes the energy used for constructing buildings, the energy consumed by them
every day during operation, and the energy used to dispose of them. Green Buildings that are constructed with the goal of reducing their energy consumption are less expensive to run, less expensive to maintain, better for the environment, healthier for their occupants.
Homes accounted for 17% of energy use and 16% of green house gases in Canada in 2000. Water heating, space heating, and space cooling are responsible for the largest share of energy use in a home. Reducing energy use for these functions is a primary goal of green building. Choosing building materials or products with low embodied energies will also affect the homes environmental impact.
+
EXTRACTION OF RAW MATERIALSTRANSPORT TO PROCESSING PLANTMANUFACTURINGTRANSPORT TO SITEINSTALLING PRODUCTDURABILITY
= EMBODIED ENERGY (IN THESE MATERIALS)
STEEL
STAINLESS STEEL
ALUMINIUM
COPPER
TIMBER
PLASTIC
CONCRETE
MASONRY
GLASS
FABRIC
PLASTER
STONE
CERAMICS
0 50 100 150 200 250
(GJ)
www.cmit.csiro.au/brochures/tech/embodied/
132006GREEN GUIDE
RESTORATIVE CYCLESImagine a building so integrated with its environment that it produces no waste. Instead it acts like a living organism that is in harmony with the ecosystem; an organism that contributes to its surroundings by giving nutrients back to the soil, by cleaning the water and the air that it uses, and by providing habitat for wildlife as well as people.
Imagine a paradigm that sees humans as one part of the system. Like other species we must take from, but also give back to the earth. In a building following these principles, all of the waste will be transformed back into food for a new stage in a continuous cycle that creates new materials without any loss of value.
This diagram illustrates the four cycles involved in every building. The ideal green building would restore each input to its natural state before allowing it to leave the building. For example; water used for washing dishes would be filtered through a plant system and cleaned for reuse. The arrows indicate potential sources of sustainable energy for a home.
HOW MUCH ENERGY WAS USED TO MANUFACTURE THE MATERIALS IN YOUR HOME?HOW MUCH ENERGY WAS USED TO SHIP THEM TO YOU?HOW LONG WILL THE MATERIALS IN YOUR HOME LAST?
ENERGY CYCLESPrepared by - Aynslee Hardal & Jessica Roder
14 2006 GREEN GUIDE
MICRO-HYDRO ENERGY AT THE RESIDENTIAL SCALEPrepared by - Ben Thompson
Hydroelectric energy is arguably the most valuable source of energy for the province of Manitoba, the nation, and the entire global community. The ability to generate consistent power through-out a 24 hour cycle has made water the premiere renewable energy source for our planet.
Typical large scale hydroelectric projects have a major weakness in terms of the fl ood damage they tend to cause to the surrounding environment. In fact, of all renewable energy sources, they have the largest environmental impact, thus questioning hydro’s status as a “green” energy source.
A micro-hydro system, on the other
hand, is designed to work with exist-
ing environmental conditions and, if the system is designed well, it should blend with its surroundings, having minimal negative environmental impact.
The micro-hydro system captures the energy in fl owing (as opposed to stored) water and converts it to electricity. The feasibility of a micro-hydro system is, therefore, fully dependent upon the availability of an adequate water fl ow. The presence of this resource yields the potential to generate cheap, clean, renewable electricity.
Micro hydroelectric projects are classifi ed as those that gener-ate less than one megawatt of power per hour. This seems like
AQUAIR UW Propeller Turbine
Micro-HydroClean Power from WaterNew Society Publishers, 2003Scott Davis
Micro-Hydro Design ManualA Guide to Small Scale Water Power SchemesITDG Publishing, 1993Adam Harvey
More Other Homes and GarbageDesigns for Self-Suffi cient LivingSierra Club Books, 1981Jim Leckie
www.hydro.mb.cawww.bchydro.comwww.british-hydro.orgwww.otherpower.comwww.solutionsforpowercomwww.energyalternatives.cawww.solarsolutions.ca
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Micro-hydro is the most cost-effective and most reliable energy technology available.
Micro-hydro systems have an extremely long life-cycle, capable of lasting over 50 years.
Hydro power can generate up to 100 times more energy than solar or wind power systems for a similar investment cost.
Systems generally have a capacity factor of greater than 50%, compared with solar energy (10%) and wind energy (30%).
Systems tend to run at effi ciency levels of 70 - 90%, which is by far greater than all other energy technologies.
Output levels are affected by an extremely low rate of change and are therefore extremely predictable, generally varying only with seasonal change and annual precipitation patterns.
152006GREEN GUIDE
MICRO-HYDRO ENERGY AT THE RESIDENTIAL SCALEPrepared by - Ben Thompson
INITIAL QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN DESIGNING A MICRO-HYDRO SYSTEM
Is there an available source of fl owing water in proximity to the residence?
Ideal Proximity = Variable
What change in vertical dis-tance does the water undergo? (called the “Head”)
Can the Head be increased?
Ideal Head = 3 ft
What is the volumetric capacity of the water source? (called the “Flow”)
Can the Flow be increased?
Ideal Flow = 20 gallons/minute
The design of a micro-hydro system should be a site responsive process and as such each site should yield a unique solution. Therefore a prescribed solution is not appropriate. The resources listed on the proceeding page provide the technical data required for execution, initial concepts and potential design solutions only.
an insignifi cant amount, however, when one considers that the aver-age North American household requires 2.5 kilowatt hours (KwH) of energy throughout the course of a day (10 KwH during peak pe-riods), micro-hydro becomes an extremely viable option for resi-dential use.
In Manitoba the notion of micro-hydro as a viable source of power is often met with a certain level of skepticism. In a province where public hydro rates are among the lowest in the nation, there is little incentive for the homeowner to establish their own means of electrical output.
As well, the fact that the province has little geographic relief, in relation to a province like British Columbia, tends to provoke the question of whether or not there are enough locations that pos-sess the fl ow levels required to sustain a micro-hydro generator.
The reality is that a stream with only a few square feet of cross-sectional area, fl owing at only a few feet per second, has the po-tential to generate enough power to sustain the daily functions of an individual household.
This certainly suggests that micro-hydro systems have potential for use in Mani-
toba and perhaps may best be used in rural locations where fl owing water sys-tems occupy much of the land. Areas such as the Whiteshell or the Interlake, for instance, may fi nd micro-hydro to be an enormous asset.
Through the implementation of micro-hydro systems as the primary source of power for these remote regions, self-suf-fi cient communities can be designed, functioning independently from the main power grid. As a result, these systems may begin to eliminate the need for detrimental large-scale hydroelectric infrastructure, thus providing an environ-mentally responsible solution to power generation that will greatly benefi t the global environment.
1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
16 2006 GREEN GUIDE
Blackwater Treament Systems for Single Family Residences: Does the Technology Exist?
The truth is our lakes, streams and rivers are in trouble because our current waste-water treatment infrastructure is negligent. Our health is at risk when we swim in our lakes because pathogens are leaching into its waters.
WASTE Prepared by - Crystal Arnold
DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
BLACKWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMWITH THE WATERLOO BIOFILTER®
POLYETHYLENE TANKwatertight, houses the fi lter system
2” AIR SPACE maintains aeration & prevents
system short-circuiting
BIOFILTER® MODULEpvc coated wire cage
synthetic medium fi lters out nutri-ents & pathogens
GRADED GRAVEL FILTERpvc coated wire cage
fi lters sediment
SLOW SAND FILTERremoves fi ne particulates
OZONE CONTACT CHAMBERair forced into module oxidizes
harmful trace minerals
FILTER CLOTHprotects carbon fi lter from clogging
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTERdisinfects, deodorizes, decolours
STAINLESS STEEL CATCHMENT diverts treated water to pond/stor-
age tank
Waterloo Biofi lter Systems Inc.P.O. Box 400143 Dennis StreetRockwood, Ontario N0B 2K0Phone- 519 856 0757Fax- 519 856 0759wbs@waterloo-biofi lter.comwww.waterloo-biofi lter.com
Waterloo Biofi lter®‘The Waterloo Biofi lter® system is a robust aerobic trickling fi lter that duplicates the single-pass sand fi lter in treatment but in one-tenth the area. Septic tank effl uent is sprayed onto the absorbent Biofi lter me-dium and percolates slowly down through the medium as benefi cial microbes living inside the media renovate the wastewater.’ (www.waterloo-biofi lter.com)
Bex® Spray NozzleFull cone spray for even distribution to prevent short circuiting
Monarch® submersible pumpDiverts effl uent from your wastetank into the biowall
172006GREEN GUIDE
Wastepipe to septic tank
Water from tank to fi lter
Filtered effl uent to pond or storage tank
PLUMBING WALL
NATIVE AQUATIC PLANTS
PEAT MOSS & SANDPERFORATED PVC PIPEdistributes effl uentPIPE BACK TO HOUSE-HOLD STORAGE
FLAGSTONE ‘SPLASH PAD’ keeps pond aerated without use of pump
DUCKWEEDnaturallly removes ammonia
BACKYARD TREATMENT POND (OPTIONAL)-inexpensive and aesthetic alternative to the ‘leach fi eld’
Waste effl uent through fi lter and treatment pond
Treated water back into house production
EFFLUENT PASSAGE
Industries are beginning to take the intitiative to treat their wastewater before releasing it into the ecosystem, using
constructed wetlands and their principles.
Can homeowners apply the same principles to their wastewater with commercially manufactured products?
LIVING GREY WATER Prepared by - Eric Lucassen
A grey water fi ltration system that has been designed for easy integration into
a typical residential home. This fi ltra-tion system requires minimal maintenance, takes up only 20 square feet of fl oor space, and can save you up to 55% off you water bill.
WHAT IS GREY WATER?Water that has been generated through showering, washing of dishes, laundry, and cleaning is considered grey water. Essentially any used water other than toilet waste is grey water. A typical resi-dential homes indoor water usage con-sists of 55% grey water and 45% toilet or black water. This means that through the recycling of grey water one can half the amount of water used in their home. The grey water recycling system shown here is based on a slow sand fi ltration system. This fi ltration system uses very fi ne sand to remove particles out of the grey water. After fi ltration, the treated water is then held in a storage tank until redistributed back into the home or land-scape via a small pump.
www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/index.htmwww.greywater.comwww.weblife.org/humanure/chapter9.html
over
WASTE Prepared by - Crystal Arnold
18 2006 GREEN GUIDE
GREY WATER DRAIN PIPEpvc
SAND CARTRIDGE
GRAVEL CARTRIDGE
WATER PUMPVALVE
COPPER PIPE
WATER STORAGE CONTAINERplastic
VENTED LID
GREY WATER OVERFLOW
GREY WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
FLOW DIAGRAM
continued...
192006GREEN GUIDE
M.O.D.E.L. HOUSE Prepared by - Anna Weier & Dean Syverson
M.O.D.E.L. (Mark of Designed Eco-logical Living) House is an ongoing experiment in sustainable renovation in Winnipeg. The intention behind the project is to renovate a home to be as environmentally sustainable as pos-sible while documenting the process in order to determine what the current barriers are to sustainable renovation so that they can be overcome in future projects and developments.
Original Exterior Original Staircase
Original Front Bedroom
20 2006 GREEN GUIDE
MARK OF DESIGNED ECOLOGICAL LIVING HOUSEcontinued...
An area that is of much concern in sustainable renovation is energy use throughout the life of the house. The house that is being renovated was built in 1905 and the original balloon framed walls that stood empty of insulation for one hundred years are now filled with dense pack cellulose and covered with rigid insulation. The attic has been insu-lated with cellulose. The house is heated by a radiant floor heating system that in the future will be connected to solar ther-mal panels on the south face of the roof. (see page 11) The house has a separate ventilation system bringing fresh air into the house and warming it with a heat recovery ventilator.
Another aim in renovating the house was to reduce the amount of water that will be used by the house’s residents. The composting toilet drastically reduces the amount of water used and the plumbing is routed to allow for future grey water re-use. (see page 17-18)
The majority of the dimensional lumber that was used in the house was either reclaimed from the original house or from other salvage projects. The back-yard has a large three-season room made of salvaged lumber that will also serve as a greenhouse that can be used for food production.
The windows and exterior doors in the house strike a balance between perfor-
For more information that may help with your sustainable renovations or for more information about this project please contact Anna Weier at 952-5453 or visit the website www.modelhouse.org
mance and material use. Some of them were donated to the project, but most of the windows are from The Window and Door Warehouse and are high perform-ing windows that were commissioned for other projects and then rejected. The design for size and placement of windows was based on the windows that were available and what would work best for passive ventilation in the hot summer months as the house is not artificially cooled.
The millwork in the house is made out of strawboard, a local product that is made of waste straw. Unfortuantely, the plant in Eli, MB. that used to manufacture the strawboard closed in December.
The siding on the house is a combina-tion of old asphalt shingle siding and new Hardi-siding, a composite concrete material. This combination was used in order to maintain some of the old siding that was still functioning properly and to replace damaged areas with a green product. The new roof replaces a layer of shakes and a layer of shingles. The roof is now metal, a very durable roofing material.
This house is a demonstration of some of the things that can currently be done in sustain-able residential renovation.
Radiant Floor Heating Tubes
Cellulose Insulation
Home Exterior -Work Still In Progress
212006GREEN GUIDE
PROPOSED LAYOUT Prepared by - Chris Roszell
MARK OF DESIGNED ECOLOGICAL LIVING HOUSEcontinued...
22 2006 GREEN GUIDE
RAINWATER SAUNA Prepared by - Candace Wiersema & Stephanie Yeung
ROOF GUTTER collecting rain
ENVIREAU FILTERcleanses waterThe Pump Shop
VALVE restricts flow to interior pipe or eavestrough
EAVESTROUGH
INTERIOR PVC PIPE
STORAGE TANK
Water is collected from the rooftop gutters and enters an interior insulated PVC pipe. This connection can be closed in the winter via a valve which then shunts the water down an exterior eaves trough. Once inside, the water passes through the Envireau filter and enters a small holding tank required for the sauna. Overflow passes into the storage tank typically located underground and is connected to a submersive pump. This pump directs water to the sauna, toilets and washing machine.
Winnipeg has an annual rainfall of 500 mm that, when collected over a typical household roof area, can provide for a family’s non-potable water needs; this means that a typical rainwater catchment system can be connected to toilets, sprinkler systems and washing machines. In a typical day, these activities use a large amount of treated water unnecessarily. For instance, chemically treated water can degrade clothing at a faster rate than untreated water.
Using clean and filtered rainwater is an environmentally sustainable solution that has many benefits. These include:
Long Term Savings in Public Utilities Costs + decreased need to expand water supply sources + reduced volumes for sewage treatment plants + reduction in storm water infrastructure requirements
Environmental Sustainability + stewardship of limited water resources
+ reduced storm water runoff + improved water tables in residential backyards
Happy, Empowered People + a means of relating to the natural world + an opportunity to take responsible action
An Emergency Preparedness Resource + low power needs + easily made potable
Given Winnipeg’s winter climate, the system is inactive from December until March; however, enough water can be collected and stored to provide for these months. The proposed water system can be installed with minor renovations. The homeowner must also ensure that the system is properly maintained and cleaned at least once a year. Roof gutters must also be kept clear, and debris must be removed periodically.
The non-potable water provided by the system can have a multitude of uses beyond the rainwater sauna.
ENVIREAU 3 STAGE FILTER SYSTEMThe Leaf Filter
The leaf filter takes out the leaves and grit to ensure that clean water enters the underground holding tank. The filters vary in size according to roof areas being collected. The domestic leaf filters for roof areas up to 500m² are housed in their own polyethylene chamber and are available with extension pieces. The filter itself is made from stainless steel and is washable.
The Pump FilterThe pump filter is made from a stainless steel mesh of 220 micron gauge and should be removed annually for cleaning.
The “In line” FilterThis filter has a stainless steel cartridge of 130 micron gauge and should be washed at 3 monthly intervals. The filter should have an isolating valve on either side to facilitate removal of the cartridge.
www.envireau.co.uk
The Pump Shop1760 Ellice AvenueWinnipeg Manitoba204 789 0007
Northern Lights Saunas4122 Henderson HighwayWinnipeg Manitoba
204 228 5867
RAINWATER COLLECTION
232006GREEN GUIDE
INTERIOR PVC PIPEW OPTIONAL SMOKE FLUE
MASONRY WALL
DRIP TROUGH SYSTEM
DRIP PAN
WATER TANK
VALVE AND PVC PIPING
BATHING TUB
SAUNA HEATING UNITNorthern Lights Saunas
RAINWATER SAUNA Prepared by - Candace Wiersema & Stephanie Yeung
Short on water, by 2025 at least 3.5 billion people will live in areas without enough water for agriculture, industry, and human needs... Worldwide, water quality
conditions appear to have degraded in almost all regions with intensive agriculture
and in large urban and industrial areas.World Resources Institute, October 2000
SAUNA BENIFITSCleanses and rejuvenates skin by clearing pores and removing toxins
Sore muscles are relaxed and help in relieving stress and relaxation
Increases number of white blood cells, metabolic rate, and circulation, improving the immune system
Increases the supply of oxygen to cells and tissues
Kills viruses and bacteria
Cardiovascular workout benefi ts heart rate
Provides comfort for arthritis patients; natural chemicals (Norepinephrines and Beta Endorphins) are released to relieve pain during a sauna bath
Burns a sizable amount of calories (approximately 400-600 calories per session)
Promotes sweating which removes body waste and regulates body temperature
Water from the small holding tank is directed to the sauna when desired via a high effi ciency electrically operated pump. The water then pours down a drip-trough system until it reaches the heated drip pan containing the sauna stones. These stones have been kept warm by the heating unit. The generated steam can be enjoyed while relaxing in the bath.
SAUNA BATHINGThe sauna can be specially constructed in a typical household bathroom so that a steam bath can be enjoyed. Temperatures are often more than 80°C. Saunas are used in both hot and cold climates, and are ideal for Winnipeg. Taking a sauna is a relaxing experience that has many health benefi ts. Sweating releases toxins from the body that have been accumulated and the heat promotes white blood cell generation, improving the immune system. In America, the sauna industry is expected to grow as health awareness increases.
Saunas are very good for patients suffering from bronchial asthma, bronchitis, cough, upper respiratory ailments, and joint pains. Saunas have numerous benefi ts; however, there are health risks of using saunas for some individuals, such as those with high blood pressure or are pregnant, so caution must be exercised.
Combining the sauna with the rainwater collection system is a practical and healthy solution. A healthy environment can be created within the household while still being sustainable and economically viable.
24 2006 GREEN GUIDE
It gets cold here in Manitoba in the winter! Despite the best insulation, ad-ditional heating is needed. “Masonry heaters are often the heating sys-tem of choice in alternative con-struction…” (Carl Oehme, Keystone Ma-
sonry), and rightfully so; masonry heaters are clean, healthy, efficient, and adaptable.
Aside from these attributes, plus the fact that masonry heaters are a major LEED point contributor, there is also the immeasurable aspect of a warm hearth
aesthetic. There is something unexplainably inviting, attrac-tive, and comforting about a fire place; a masonry heater provides all of that and more.
CLEANBy the nature of their design, masonry heaters are able to burn at incredibly high temperatures with controlled air intake, resulting in near total combustion of a given fuel. This means that there is rela-tively no smoke, pollution, or creosote.
HEALTHYWith no smoke and producing radiant heat, as opposed to conventional forced-
air systems, masonry heaters greatly increase indoor air quality and are much healthier, for both the natural environ-ment and building users.
EFFICIENTBecause masonry heaters burn so hot and retain most of that heat they are highly efficient. Masonry construction produces a large thermal mass and dissipates the heat slowly, providing a
comfortable, long-lasting heat source. They also help regulate temperature throughout the year by absorbing heat on hot summer days and releasing it at night. Masonry heaters use renewable fuels and can be made from recycled materials. Wood is often the fuel of choice, but there is potential for other alternative fuels to be used in masonry heaters as well.
MASONRY HEATING Prepared by - Tom Alston
252006GREEN GUIDE
ADAPTABLEMasonry heating is an age old tech-nology, but in recent years it has been used in conjunction with other systems such as radiant floors, hot water coils, and even back ovens. Hybrid units can also be developed to burn natural or other gasses.
The Masonry Heater Association of North America
mha-net.org
SOLAR SYSTEMS INTEGRATION Prepared by - Tyson Liebrecht
SOLARWALLA solar wall is easily added to an existing structure or integrated into a new building design. A solar wall utilizes fresh, pre-warmed air for heating and natural cooling.
These systems are most efficient (and produced the greatest energy savings) when used in conjunction with one another.
A solar wall consists of a transpired solar collector - a dark collector surface with perforated metal plates. These collectors are mounted on south facing exterior walls, leaving space between the collector and the wall. Fans pull fresh air in through the holes in the collector, the air is heated by absorbing solar radiation, and then it is circulated throughout the building. The most ef-fective solar wall application would be to an existing masonry wall, enabling the masonry to act as thermal storage and insulation.
MASONRY WALL
HEATED AIR
AMBIENT AIR
PERFORATED COLLECTOR
SOLAR WALL
Simple, cost effective renew-able energy resource.
On average, 72% of the wall’s incident solar radia-tion energy is converted into useful heat.
Provides increased ventila-tion, resulting in improved indoor air quality.
Reduced emissions from combustion created by con-ventional units.
MASONRY HEATING Prepared by - Tom Alston
26 2006 GREEN GUIDE
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR THE LIVING WALL FOR HOMESPrepared by - Andrew Lewthwaite
SOLARCHIMNEYTaking advantage of natural convection currents, this system uses a central ven-tilation shaft to control the fl ow of warm and cool air throughout the home.
Used in combination with the solar wall ventilation system, a solar chimney as-sists in absorbing solar radiation and circulating warm and cool air via natural convection. Comprised mainly of a central updraft chamber which draws pre-warmed air from the solar wall through the use of high-effi ciency fans, the chimney distrib-utes warm air to adjoining rooms while drawing cool air back into the shaft where it can be recirculated and either vented or warmed. Venting the warm air out the chimney creates a natural cooling ef-fect inside the building. Utilizing natural ventilation systems reduces the buildings dependence on conventional furnaces and air conditioners, thus reducing the overall energy consumption.
GREENROOFA green roof is effectively a roof garden partially or fully covered with plants which can mediate internal temperatures.
Green roofs are designed to be virtually self-sustaining and should only require a minimum of maintenance. They can be established on a very thin foundation (usually a specially formulated compost), and house hardy, succulent sedum plants which help to store water. Most effectively used as a passive solar heat reservoir, it counters the effect of heat gain through evaporative cooling, adding to the insu-lation value of the roofi ng system and thereby reducing energy consumption. In addition, the green roof also collects and utilizes storm water run off (reducing the load on storm sewers). Perhaps the most desirable function of a green roof is the amenity space it provides for building us-ers - a roof garden that can produce food and fi lter pollutants out of the air.
continued...
The Living Wall for Homes is a proposal to redefi ne the familiar aesthetic features of the home using a particularly innovative “green” technology: the living wall.
WALL CONSTRUCTIONThe structure of the wall or frame con-sists of a thin steel frame supporting two thin weaves made from synthetic hemp embedded with the plant roots. The weaves support the vertical plant growth and also provide a water chan-nel for the water circulation system that consists of a base container at the bottom of the wall, a small pump
and piping that returns the water to the top of the wall.
The living wall may be tied into exist-ing HVAC systems by direct venting in overhead ducting, or it may purify air in a source room which then redistributes the clean air throughout the home.
The inherent advantage of a living wall system is that it
SOLAR CHIMNEY
272006GREEN GUIDE
HEADERcontaining existing HVAC duct
EXHAUST FANpulls dirty air through the wall
1” SYNTHETIC HEMP WEAVE
STEAL SUPPORT FRAME
TROPICAL PLANTSroots are embedded in hemp weave
CATCHMENT BASIN
WATER CIRCULATION SYSTEM
SMALL WATER PUMP
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR THE LIVING WALL FOR HOMESPrepared by - Andrew Lewthwaite
Air Quality Solutions Ltd.55 Callander DriveGuelph, Ontario519 820 [email protected]
The NaturaireTM Personal System is a resi-dential scale bio-fi ltration system produced by Guelph, Ontario based Air Quality Solu-tions, Ltd. This stand alone air cleansing unit uses benefi cial microbes and green plants to break down harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) present in indoor en-vironments. Using processes of biofi ltration and phyto-remediation, this product purifi es the air without contaminant buildup or high maintenance as it involves a completely natural process. As the company website states, “Natureaire Personal Standard is designed to be maintained with the same diligence as your house plants or your indoor aquarium”, thus providing a reason-able balance between a complicated system and its demands on the homeowner.
PersonalNaturaire
Potential Living wall applications - replace a TV, or painting. Create a partition wall or false window.
can provide all the air cleans-ing needs of a spaces as large as 2500 ft2 with a plant surface area of only 12 ft2.
BENEFITSThe Living Wall system uses entirely natural processes in breaking down harmful indoor pollutants, as microbes that live on the roots and leaves of the
plants literally eat contaminants, leaving nothing but CO2 and water. Therefore, the only requirements are adequate lighting and water.
With the elimination of intake air and its heating and cooling, the Living Wall sys-tem translates into substantial energy savings. It also moderates tempera-tures in seasons of extremes and raises overall humidity levels.
28 2006 GREEN GUIDE
DESIGN-BUILD ZOO EDUCATION BUILDINGPrepared by - Dean Syverson & Clarice Kramer
From September to December of 2004 a group of twenty architecture students worked together to design and build an addition to the Education Building at As-siniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg. The stu-dents were part of a university exchange program and came from the USA, Mexico and Canada. Many had no construction experience and a few had never seen snow. Dean Syverson of Syverson-Mon-teyne Architects, and a professor at the University of Manitoba coordinated the project. Limited funds and a tight sched-ule required innovation and resourceful-ness. Much of the material was salvaged, sorted and re-used from on-site demoli-tion and the main 9 1/2”x14”structural beams under the new building were purchased from a local salvage yard.
The education programs based in this building are primarily focused on children and school groups. They often host sleepovers and workshops that allow kids to get up-close and personal with Zoo animals and the natural environment. The new building is attached to an existing modular classroom and provides three-season shelter for classes, coat and boot storage and multi-pur-pose use. A ramp system and a large boulder built into the landscaping provide opportunities for exploration. An ‘entomology deck’ extends over a small creek behind the building and provides a place for instruction and observation of water creatures and a wetland habitat. During construction, great care was taken to minimize disruption to the surrounding green space, including an extensive prairie dog hill only feet away from the building entrance.
292006GREEN GUIDE
DESIGN-BUILD ZOO EDUCATION BUILDINGPrepared by - Dean Syverson & Clarice Kramer
30 2006 GREEN GUIDE
GO LOCAL MATERIALS DIRECTORY*Prepared by - Aynslee Hardal & Jessica Roder
MANITOBAYarrow Sash & Door Ltd. 969 Fife Street Winnipeg, MB R2X 2T9ph: 204 586 2794 or 877 237 8650 [email protected]
Manufacture wood windows, doors and shutters. Also offer custom designs and sizes in any species of wood.
Salvage Supermarket1042 Oxford West Winnipeg, MB R0A 1Z0Ph: 204 222 [email protected]
New and used building materials.
Habitat ReStore60 Archibald St. Winnipeg, MB R2J 0V8Ph: 204 233 [email protected]
Recycled building materials
XPotential Products Inc. St. Boniface Postal Station, Box 126 Winnipeg, MB R2H 3B4Ph: 800 863 6619 or 204 224 3933www.xpotentialproducts.com
Plastic curbstones manufactured from a plastic composite which is extremely durable, environmentally friendly and has a life expectancy of 75-100 years. Outlast and outperform concrete and pressure treated lumber. Manufactured from 100% recycled plastic. Impact-PostsTM, Impact-CurbsTM and landscape ties. Distributed by Rona, Windsor Plywood and Star Builders.
Loewen Windows77 PTH 52 West Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0Ph: 800 563 9367 or 204 326 6446www.loewen.com
Prehung steel door with a polyurethane core, with optional fibreglass veneer. Heat-Smart extruded aluminium-clad wood windows.
Paramount Windows, Inc.105 Panet Rd. Winnipeg, MB R2J 0S1Ph: 800 519 0508 or 204 233 4966www.paramountwindows.com
High-performance wood windows and doors custom built or selected from several styles.
Buckwold Western70 Plymouth St. Winnipeg, MB R2X 2V7Ph: 204 633 7572
Flexco flooring and EnviroFlex line of rubber, vinyl, and static control flooring products. Up to 90% recycled content and low VOC adhesives.
I-XL Brick Supplies Ltd.717 Lagimodiere Blvd. Winnipeg, MB R2J 3X2Ph: 204 284 1773www.ixlbrick.com
Clay brick and masonry supplies.
Imrie Demolition Ltd. 363 William Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3A 0H8Ph: 204 943 8000
Asbestos removal and salvage of some materials from demolitions.
Springfield Salvage Co Ltd. 1640 Springfield Rd. Winnipeg, MB R2H 3B4Ph: 204 224 4184
Mostly sell new and used steel or metal.
Primco Ltd.486 Sheppard St. Winnipeg, MB R2X 2P8Ph: 204 633 7256www.primco.ca
Distributor servicing all sizes of retail floorcovering stores.
Jeld-wen Windows and Doors550 Munroe Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2K 4H3Ph: 204 668 8230www.jeld-wen.com
Window and door manufacturing.
Duxton Windows & Doors10 Higgins Ave. Winnipeg. MB R3B 0A2Ph: 204 339 6456www.duxtonwindows.com
High-performance windows and doors with pultruded fiberglass frames. Glazing options include multiple low-E coatings, suspended Heat Mirror films, and a 90:10 mixture of krypton and argon gas-fill.
Accurate Dorwin1535 Seel Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3T 1C6Ph: 888 982 4640 or 204 982 8370www.accuratedorwin.com
Pultruded fiberglass windows. Double or triple glazed with one or two low-E coatings.
Flatland ConstructionBox 2525 Altona, MB R0G 0B0Ph: 204 346 2267 or 204 326 7502 or 204 324 [email protected]
Straw bale residential construction, renovations and creative projects.
Building Alternatives Inc.P.O. Box 22 Anola, MB R0E 0A0Ph: 204 612 8383www.buildalt.com
Engineering design and plan services for roundwood, strawbale, timber frame and post-frame structures.
Keystone Masonry Ltd.P.O. Box 3861, Redwood Post Office Winnipeg, MB R2W 5H9Ph: 204 781 0517www.keystonemasonry.ca
Various masonry services. Three styles of masonry stoves/heaters installed.
Solar Solutions6-130 Midland St. Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R3Ph: 800 285 7652 or 204 632 [email protected]
Specializing in solar and renewable energy systems.
Canadian Solar254 Baltimore Rd. Winnipeg, MB R3L 1H8Ph: 204 475 9511
Solar energy equipment and supplies.
Gillis Quarries Ltd.2895 Wenzel St. Winnipeg, MB R2E 1H4Ph: 800 540 0988 or 204 222 2242www.tyndallstone.com
Quarrier and fabricator of Tyndall limestone.
EcoElements, The Healthy Home Storewww.ecoelements.caPh: 204 255 3779
Various green building supplies for home construction, renovation and decoration.
SaskatchewanWirsbo Co. (Uponor Canada Inc.)655 Park St. Regina, SK S4N 5N1Ph: 888 994 7726www.wirsbo.ca
Radiant floor hot-water systems with unlimited zones. Available floor tubings are HEPEX , a cross-linked polyethylene tubing for hot water floor systems with an oxygen diffusion barrier, and PEX, which is the same as HEPEX without the oxygen barrier.
AlbertaJager Industries, Inc.8835 McLeod Trail S. W. Calgary, AB T2H 0M3Ph: 800 663 7172 or 403 259 0700www.jagerind.com
Gang-LamTM is laminated-veneer lumber for floor and roof structures. Wood used in joists is southern pine for flanges and aspen or southern pine for OSB web. Gang-Lam uses phenol formaldehyde, and GNI joists use phenol resorcinol adhesives.
CAN-CELL Industries, Inc.14715 114 Ave. Edmonton, AB T5M 2Y8Ph: 800 325 5320 or 403 447 1255www.cellpark.com
WeathershieldTM is a cellulose insulation manufactured from 100% recycled newsprint, impregnated with borate to resist mould and decay and to act as a fire retardant. R-value of R-3.81/in.
Nascor, Inc.1212 34th Ave. S.E. Calgary, AB T2G 1V7Ph: 403 243 8919www.nascor.com
A patented framing system of wood I-joists, studs, and EPS panels on 24 in. o.c. for walls or roofs.
Resources Conservation Structures, Inc.530 8th Ave. S.W. Suite 1000 Calgary, AB T2P 3S8Ph: 403 264 4928Fx: 403 266 6365
Structural Insulated Panel is a sandwich panel of OSB and EPS in 8x24 ft. sizes.
Panel Source International Inc.Suite #101, 18 Rayborn Crescent St. Albert, AB T8N 5C1Ph: 780 458 [email protected]
Manufacture a straw-based formaldehyde free particle board and products made of FSC certified wood.
Visionwall Corporation17915-118 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5S 1L6Ph: 800 400 8633 or 780 451 4000www.visionwall.com
Thermally broken aluminium casement windows with two panes of Cardinal Low-E2 film (PET) between two layers of clear glass. Air spaces are filled with air (no argon) and has an R-value around R-6.3.
Valhalla Wood Preservatives, Ltd.1931 12th Ave. S.W. Calgary, AB T3C 0R9Ph: 403 228 5193www.valhalco.com
LifeTime non-toxic wood treatment penetrates the wood fibres, permanently modifying the wood structure. Creates no harmful residue in soils and water. Mix powder concentrate with water and apply to bare, untreated or pressure treated wood using normal application methods.
British ColumbiaTrus Joist MacMillan Paralam Div. 10277 154th St. Surrey, BC V3R 4J7Ph: 604 588 7878Fx: 604 589 9330
Glu-Lam Construction. Parallam parallel-strand lumber (PSL) from Douglas fir veneer.
Monoglass, Inc.430 North Tower, 650 West 41st Ave. Vancouver, BC V52 2M9Ph: 888 777 2966 or 604 261 7712www.monoglass.com
Monoglass is a spray applied, non-combustible thermal and acoustic glass fiber insulation material. It can be applied to concrete, steel, wood, glass, gypsum, fireproofing or other insulation materials.A depth of 5 in. (125mm) on almost any surface will achieve an R-20 without need for mechanical support. Monoglass is non-toxic and contains post-consumer re-cycled glass. It will not support mold or bacterial growth.
RECYLED WINDOWS. CALL-
Window & Door Clearance Centre 289 King St, Winnipeg 956-4075
* This list is a work in progress, let us know ([email protected]) if you have or know of a product or service that should be included.
312006GREEN GUIDE
Dinoflex Manufacturing Ltd.PO Box 3309 Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4S1Ph: 877 713 1899 or 250 832 7780www.dinoflex.com
CushionWalk Pavers are made from 93% recycled tire rubber. They can be used for covering patios, rooftop decks and walkways. Sport Mat are rubber floor mats manufactured from 60% to 93% recycled granulated tires bound with polyurethane to create a perforated tile for drainage that is self-cleaning with a nonskid surface. DinoFlex Playtiles are 3in. thick for playground surfacing.
BioGreen System (Pacific) Ltd.#4 11443 Kingston St. Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0Y6Ph: 604 460 0203www.suiman.com
Biological wastewater treatment system for use in rural and suburban areas and in recreational facilities without a central sewage system.
Bismart Distributors Inc.8584 145 A St. Surrey, BC V3S 2Z2Ph: 888 663 4950 or 604 596 5894www.envirosink.com
Envirosink is a secondary kitchen sink that drains to an approved greywater system instead of a sewage or septic system.
Deanwood Forest Products Co. Ltd.8280 Manitoba Street Vancouver, BC V5X 3A2Ph: 604 322 8858Fx: 604 322 9088
Chain of Custody company that sells FSC-certified wood products: wooden toilet seats, small cabinets, chairs.
OntarioTembec, Inc. Huntsville Division46 King William St. Huntsville, ON P1H 1G3Ph: 800 461 5386 or 705 789 2371www.tembec.com
Certified (FSC) wood flooring.
Amati Bambu Ltd.160 Bullock Dr. Markham, ON L3P 1W2Ph: 905 477 8822www.amatibambu.com
Bamboo flooring
Better Wall SystemBox 567 Kenora, ON P9N 3X5Ph: 800 461 2130 or 807 548 2130
Walhouser is a thick wallpaper that is made to be painted. Made from recycled paper with a woodchip texture.
Camino Modular Systems, Inc.89 Carlingview Dr. Etobicoke, ON M9W 5E4Ph: 800 370 0226 or 416 675 2400
Salvaged and refurbished access flooring systems.
Thermapan Structural Insulated Panels, Inc.1380 Commerce Pkwy., Box 310 Fort Erie, ON L0S 1E0Ph: 877 443 9255www.thermapan.com
A Structural Insulated Panel composed of expanded polyurethane insulation (EPS) board laminated between two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB).
Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve, Ltd.R.R. 1 Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0Ph: 705 754 2198www.haliburtonforest.com
EcoLog Homes are built from certified hemlock logs from the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve.
Roxul, Inc.551 Warrop Dr. Milton, ON L9T 3H3Ph: 800 265 6878 or 905 878 8474www.rockwool.com
DrainBoard is a rigid mineral wool board that insulates and drains groundwater away from foundations.
Climatizer Insulation, Ltd.120 Claireville Dr. Etobicoke, ON M9W 5Y3Ph: 416 798 1235www.climatizer.com
Climatizer Plus insulation is suited for both residential and commercial construction. Hydro-seeding mulch is designed for roadside and general landscaping seeding. Both products are composed of 100% cellulose fibre from selected organic fibres, are environmentally friendly and are not harmful to humans.
Cosella Dorken Products, Inc.4655 Delta Way Beamsville, ON L0R 1B4Ph: 888 433 5824 or 905 563 3255www.deltams.com
Delta-MS is made of a special high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin. The membrane is impermeable to water and water vapor and unaffected by acidic or alkaline environments. Equipped with highly efficient additive packages, the HDPE is stabilized against oxidation and provides outstanding compressive strength, impact resistance, chemical and environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR).
GLAZINGSignificant advancements in glazing have been made over the past century. Single pane float glass has been replaced with multiple layers of glazing which
can be coated, sealed and gas filled. When shopping for windows look for:
R VALUE- The resistance to heat flow. The higher the value, the better the
insulation. An R-Value of 2.8 is considered acceptable.
U VALUE- The rate of heat loss through a window. The lower the number,
the less heat a window losses. A U-factor of 0.35 or lower is generally acceptable.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)- Solar heat gain coefficient measures the amount of solar radiation that passes through a piece of glass. The lower the SHGC, the fewer UV rays (which cause heat gain ) penetrating
through the glass. A SHGC rate of 0.4 or lower is optimal.
Low-E Insulating Glass- Low-E means low emissivity. Low-E is achieved by applying a microscopic, metallic coating to a surface of glass. This reflects and re-radiates heat energy either into or out of a home
depending on climate conditions.
Argon Filled- Sealed double or triple glass is filled with Argon for insulation purposes. Argon gas is heavier then air and is therefore less prone to convection or thermal movement. This means a higher level of insulation.
Values from: ENERGY STAR
FRAMEThe first major consideration when choosing a window frame is it’s conduc-tivity level. Heat loss through the window frame will usually have a greater environmental impact during the frame’s life cycle than the impact of the production of the frame. Conductivity is defined as the ability of a material to
transmit heat. For window frames, the lower the conductivity, the better the thermal performance of the window.
CONDUCTIVITY COMPARISON (BTU/hr-ft.sq.)
Source National Green Specification: Greenspec (UK)
WOOD 1-2
+renewable resource -requires maintenance
PVC 2-3
+low maintenance -non-biodegradable -shorter comparitive lifespan
ALUMINUM CLAD WOOD 3-4
FIBERGLASS 4-5
+low embodied energy -non-biodegradable -manufacturing process produces many emissions
ALUMINUM 1 000+
+no maintenance +recyclable
-high embodied energy
The second major consideration is embodied energy, the amount of energy consumed by all of the processes associated with the production of a product.
When selecting an appropriate green window system, choosing a local manufacturer is essential.It is essential that frames are properly sealed at the corners, and that the
glazing is properly set into the frame to prevent air leakage. Correct installation is also required for any window to perform properly.
If at all possible, do not commission the manufacture of new windows. Try to use recycled windows or factory seconds. + Reduces embodied energy used to make new windows. + Extends the lifespan of existing materials. + Lowers costs. - May add time to the design process.The minimum glazing; Double pane with Low-E coating Wood or aluminum clad wood are the ideal frame materials. Followed by Fiberglass, PVC, and Aluminum.
GREEN GLAZING Prepared by - Chris Roszell
THE GREEN APPROCH
GO LOCAL MATERIALS DIRECTORY*Prepared by - Aynslee Hardal & Jessica Roder
32 2006 GREEN GUIDE
There are many personal incentives for building a green home. Among these are the economic, health, environmental, and social benefits of living in, and building a green home. There are also several incentive programs offered by government and utilities that can directly recognize your com-mitment to green building. Incentives range from money that can help you pay for your new home to certification programs that signify your home has met a particular standard. Some programs are national, while others are locally driven.
Why would the government and utilities encourage you to build green? Some governments are aware of the multiple benefits that come from green build-ings. They want to encourage healthy citizens and reduce utility bills. They also understand how the broader community benefits from a healthy envi-ronment and increased social equity. Manitoba Hy-dro benefits from more energy efficient homes and buildings because they have to spend less money and time on expensive infrastructure upgrades and the establishment of new power sources. Energy efficiency also means there is more electricity to sell to out-of-province customers.
LEED standards (Leadership in Energy and Envi-ronmental Design) are the most widely recognized green building standards in North America. LEED was developed by the US Green Building Council and has been adapted by the Canada Green Building Council. Currently, LEED Canada only applies to commercial buildings. Buildings achieve different ratings depending on the standards they meet. The highest standard is Platinum, followed by Gold, Silver, and Certified. The US Green Building Council is in the process of designing LEED certification for homes as well as for whole neighbourhoods. The Canada Green Building Council will likely adapt these standards once they are complete.
There are many North American communities that have their own voluntary green building standards at a municipal, provincial, or state level. The Cal-gary Region Home Builders Association launched the Built Green‰ Alberta standard in 2003. The program awards three standards of achievement: bronze, silver or gold, depending on the number of points scored. Categories include Energy Ef-ficiency, Air Quality, Resource Use, and Environ-ment. Energy efficiency must be 10-30% greater than a conventional home. The builder must then meet a minimum number of ‘green’ items chosen from a menu in order to determine which level of
certification the home will achieve. This system may be adopted by Manitoba in the future.
Natural Resources Canada administers several programs for homes that address some aspect of green building: R-2000, EnerGuide for Houses (for existing homes), and EnerGuide for New Houses. Homes meeting the R-2000 standard meet particular criteria in terms of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and water efficiency. EnerGuide for Houses provides homeowners with an energy evaluation of their home and professional guid-ance toward improving its efficiency. Renovating your home to EnerGuide standards could make you eligible for an energy renovation grant from the Government of Canada. The EnerGuide for New Houses program arranges for an energy advi-sor to work with your builder to ensure that your new home will be energy efficient, cost effective, and tailored to your needs.
Natural Resources Canada recently created the High Efficiency Home Heating System Cost Relief Program and the EnerGuide for Low-Income Households program in response to rising oil prices. The intent of the first program is to encour-age homeowners to upgrade their old oil or gas furnace or boiler to a new high-efficiency model. Grants from $100 to $300 are available. Additional savings will be gained through lower utility bills. The program for low-income households, starting in January 2006, will provide significant financial assistance for energy retrofits to owners of homes, multiple-unit buildings and rooming houses.
Other financial incentive programs include the Manitoba Hydro Power Smart program. Buyers of Power Smart homes can receive up to $600 toward their electricity bill or $1000 toward a front-loading washing machine. The winner of the Fall Parade of Homes this year was a Power Smart home. Manitoba Hydro also offers grants to help with the energy efficient upgrade of an existing home. If you are considering installing geothermal heating in your new or existing home, the Residen-tial Earth Power Loan may be an option to help with financing. Repayment is convenient through your monthly hydro bills. Loans of up to $15,000 are available.
These programs may assist you to build a better, more energy efficient and healthier home.
This is the eleventh article in the series “Building Green”, a project supported by the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund, Manitoba Conservation. The next article in the series details how to decide which green materials are right for you. To view previous articles in the series and access more information please visit www.arch.umanitoba.ca/buildinggreen
INCENTIVES FOR BUILDING GREENPrepared by - Jessica Roder
Manitoba HydroP.O. Box 815 Stn Main
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2P4
Power Smart ProgramPhone- 1 888 624 9376 (Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM, Saturday 8AM-4PM)[email protected]
www.hydro.mb.ca/saving_with_ps/psmart_overview.shtml
Residential Earth Power LoanPhone- 1 888 [email protected]
www.hydro.mb.ca/earthpower/contact_us.shtml
Natural Resources CanadaEnerGuide for Houses Phone- 1 888 [email protected]
www.hydro.mb.ca/saving_with_ps/psmart_in_home.shtml
EnerGuide for New HousesPhone- 1 888 [email protected]://www.hydro.mb.ca/saving_with_ps/new_
home_program.shtml
The Canada Green Building Council330-55 Rue Murray StreetOttawa, Ontario K1N 5M3Phone- 613 241 1184Fax- 613 241 [email protected]
www.cagbc.org/index.php
The Calgary Region Home Builders Association100-7326 10th Street NECalgary, Alberta T2E 8W1Phone- 403 235 1911Fax- 403 248 [email protected]
www.crhba.com/abcalasn/doc.nsf
Built Green Albertawww.builtgreenalberta.com/o_site/home.htm
LEED V.2 is currently being developed in the USA and includes LEED-H (LEED for homes).
INCENTIVES FOR BUILDING GREENPrepared by - Jessica Roder
LOCAL GREEN BUILDINGS
GREEN SYSTEMS + POWER GENERATION + HEAT GENERATION & CONSERVATION + AIR & WATER PURIFICATION
PRODUCT, SERVICE & PROGRAM RESOURCES
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & ADVISORSDr. David WittyDean, Faculty of ArchitectureUniversity of Manitoba
Dr. Lesley KingDean, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of EnvironmentEarth and Resources, University of Manitoba
Richard KulaSustainable Solutions
Wins BridgmanBridgman Collaborative Architecture
Gerry HumphreysMilestone Project Management
Dom RutiglianoEco ElementsThe Healthy Home Store
Tom MolinskiSection Head, Emerging Energy SystemsPower Planning & Development Division, Manitoba Hydro
Tom AckermanEnergy Advisor, Manitoba Hydro Downtown Office Project
A COOPERATIVE PROJECT PROMOTING GREEN BUILDING OPTIONS FOR MANITOBA HOMEOWNERS
2006
G
REEN GUIDE
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