Better Builder Magazine, Winter 2012

IN THIS ISSUE• Ani Bogovic Walks What She Talks• Choosing the right HRV/ERV Part 2• The Importance of Air Barrier Detailing• PAPER: Property Assessed Payments for Energy Retrofits • The Better Half; Women in Building

ISSUE 04 | WINTER 2012WWW.BETTER BUILDER.CA

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COVER STORY14 Ani Bogovic Walks What She Talks

BY TRACY HANES

FEATURES02 Publisher's Note - Girls Go Green BY JOHN GODDEN

03 Women in the Industry BY BRYAN TUCKEY

04 Choosing the Right HRV / ERV - Part 2 BY GORD COOKE

06 Q&A with Amy Lazar and Kristy Shortall: Planning For A Sustainable Future BY AMY LAZAR & KRISTY SHORTALL

08 Susan Clinesmith: A Lifetime of Achievement BY ALEX NEWMAN

10 Shannon is Saving Energy at Work and at Home BY JOHN GODDEN

12 Nancy Sherman: Dean Centre For Construction and Engineering Technologies, George Brown College BY NANCY SHERMAN

18 Trudy Puls: Can’t Pull The Wool Over Her Eyes BY TRACY HANES

19 Yasmin Goodman: Not Just Another Décor Centre BY TRACY HANES

20 Trick #2: The importance of Air Barrier Detailing BY GREG LABBE

21 Lori Ann Tilley: The Big Smile of Building Products of Canada

23 Laura Bonise: She’s Direct About Energy

25 Dawn Nigro President Henry Co. Canada Inc BY TRACY HANES

26 Sonya Persram: PAPER, Property Assessed Payments For Energy Retrofits

28 Stacey Featherstone: Panasonic’s #1 Fan BY STACEY FEATHERSTONE

30 Angela Bustamante: Building Knowledge Through Energy Rating BY ANGELA BUSTAMANTE

31 Margaret Ward: Channel Consultant Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. BY MARGARET WARD

32 Tracey Hanes: Writing Green and Living Green BY ALEX NEWMAN

34 Karen Woodward: Decades of Dedication BY KAREN WOODWARD

34 Elem Rinomato: President Torino Drywall Inc.

35 Agnes Haak: With Sustainable Homes We All Win BY AGNES HAAK

36 The Better Half: Women in Home Building BY DOUG TARRY

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GIRLS GO GREEN

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

The Girls Go GreenHere at Better Builder we have had quite a bit of feedback about the cartoon that accompanied The Plane View in the last issue. The pie charts depict how men and women think and act differently. Men are preoccupied with sports and sex and women focus on relationships. It’s interesting to note how those differences affect work and relationships in the residential construction industry.

This month we are focusing on dynamic women in the industry. Among them is Ani Bogovic. She has forged many relationships in creating WINC, Women In Construction. WINC is an industry association that has made contributions to organizations such as Habitat for humanity.

I have known Ani for years; we worked on a project together where she was the driving force in selling 140 large custom production houses with energy efficient upgrades. Many of these houses achieved a HERS 50 or less and thus bolstered the Cross Border Challenge. This month we are featuring her current building project, a custom infill house that gives Ani a platform to demonstrate that she does “walk what she talks.” The house will exceed current EnergyStar levels and achieve a HERS 49. This HERS score is 18% better than building code.

I have enjoyed putting this issue together tremendously. I had the privilege to be included in the Girls Go Green photo shoot and luncheon event that was held at the Muddy Duck Restaurant in November. During the luncheon event, surrounded by inspiring women, I was reminded of someone that played a key part in my professional development.

In 1982 after finishing university, I attended an Owner Builder School called Cornerstones in Bath, Maine. At 23, I learned how to cut a set of stairs and frame a house from a female carpenter. I remember, as if yesterday, watching, listening and learning from her; she was a person that was living her passion, following her path. That experience inspired me to follow my own path toward building sustainable houses "step by step".

On a different note, I want to take the time to address a point that was made in the article Green Rater: The New Kid On The LEED Block, published in the last issue. The article included a comparison chart of various green rating labels. EnerQuality's GreenHouse was reported as difficult to use. I recently took a GreenHouse course in EnerQuality’s second version. I'm glad to say that it has been greatly improved since its pilot and is much easier to navigate.

Lastly, please note that though they are men, we have included a few of our valued regular contributers in this issue. Bryan Tuckey celebrates women in the industry, the second part of Greg Labbe’s article on air barrier detailing is included and Doug Tarry contributes The Better Half: Women in Homebuilding, completing the issue.

I wish you all a healthy and happy holiday season. We are looking forward to bringing you the spring 2013 issue of Better Builder: Future Proofing. Enjoy! J O H N G O D D E N

BUILDER NEWS

Since this edition is about women in the industry who are innovative, educated and knowledgeable in sustainable building practices, it is no surprise that you’ll find BILD member Kristy Shortall, of MMM Group being interviewed by BILD Manager of Communications Amy Lazar in the pages to come.

Kristy is active in our Association, sitting on numerous committees, including the Green Leadership Committee and Amy is the BILD staff liaison for the committee. Both work with Chair Craig Marshall and a committee of about 20 members to bring the latest information on green technology, sustainability policies and initiatives back to the Association and its membership.

They join a long line of influential women in BILD’s history. We have six women on our Board of Directors and we have two female vice presidents at BILD, Helen Batista and Paula Tenuta. The Association has had two female presidents, Mary Lawson of Dalerose Homes and Julie Di Lorenzo of Diamante Urban Corporation. Mary has also served as president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – a first for them too—and she was the first woman inducted into BILD’s Hall of Fame. In 2006, when two associations merged to become what is now BILD, one of them was the Urban Development Institute and Lucy Stocco of Tribute Communities was the Institute’s Chair from 1994 to 1996.

In 2010, BILD and the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) established a partnership, due in large part to BILD member and CAWIC President Tammy Evans, who is a development lawyer with Blaney McMurtry LLP.

Tammy recognized that the two Associations had a lot in common: both support the future leaders of the industry with targeted student bursaries; both provide career and networking opportunities; and both encourage their members to fundraise for Habitat for Humanity Toronto.

In addition to the Green Leadership Committee, BILD has a Green Policy Statement, we work with EnerQuality to deliver training to our members and we support local and international sustainability conferences. We also recognize our greenest builders every year at our awards ceremony and have included a section on environmental stewardship in our strategic plan.

This magazine edition will highlight more of the good work women in our industry are accomplishing in the area of environmental stewardship and sustainability—and as you’ll learn from Kristy and Amy, BILD and its complement of female leaders are no exception.

B RYA N T U C K E Y

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BRYAN TUCKEY IS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE BUILDING INDUSTRY AND LAND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (BILD) AND CAN BE FOUND ON TWITTER (TWITTER.COM/

BILDGTA), FACEBOOK (FACEBOOK.COM/BILDGTA), YOUTUBE (YOUTUBE.COM/BILDGTA) AND BILD’S OFFICIAL ONLINE BLOG (BILDBLOGS.CA).

Women in the Construction Industry

AMY LAZAR & KRISTY SHORTALL


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BUILDER NEWS

Choosing the Right HRV / ERVPART 2In the last issue I reviewed two factors for choosing the correct HRV/ERV: the right ventilation capacity and the energy effectiveness you need.

Ventilation is an important element for the prevention and resolution of indoor air quality problems in both new and existing homes. All homes need the capacity for delivery of fresh air. We used to rely on operable windows for this capacity but since 1990 in Ontario, the building code has recognized that windows are unlikely to be opened often enough to ensure a reliable supply of fresh air. For this reason they added the requirement for builders to provide a mechanical ventilation solution in all homes. While there are simple options like continuously operating bathroom fans, more and more builders, HVAC contractors and even homeowners, are recognizing that a more sustainable approach to providing the capacity for continuous ventilation is a packaged heat or energy recovery ventilation device (HRV or ERV).

Of course the obvious question might be how does one choose a unit from the over 250 HRV and ERV models currently listed on the Home Ventilating Institute product directory site (www.hvi.org). Now let's proceed with the last three criteria for choosing the proper equipment.

3. Choose the Right Recovery Core Technology for Your Application

The difference between HRVs and ERVs is in how they handle the water vapour in the exhaust and supply airstreams. HRVs are made of impermeable plastics or aluminum and therefore there is no moisture exchange between the two airstreams. This is ideal if you are trying to get rid of large amounts of moisture in winter (say in small homes with high occupancy) and where there is limited air conditioning being done in summer. ERV cores are made of permeable membranes that can exchange or recover about half of the moisture difference between the supply and exhaust air. Thus in winter, some of the moisture that would have been exhausted outside is returned to the house and in summer some of the humidity in the outside air will be returned back to the outside through the exhaust airstream. ERVs are very useful in larger homes with smaller occupancies that tend to be too dry in winter or in southern Ontario locations where the summer humidity load of ventilation is taxing to the air conditioning system. Both technologies can work in Ontario as long as the units are listed in the HVI directory for cold weather performance, -25°C for example.

4. Choose the Most Appropriate Duct Configuration for Your Application

Manufacturers often offer units with similar air flow and energy performance that have different ducting or size configurations. Units with ducts off the top or ducts off the side, vertical units or horizontal ceiling mounted units are widely available. Choose a unit that best suits the space constraints for your application. This can be particularly important in existing houses with restricted mechanical room size or in multi-family buildings. In some cases the ducting configuration may trump other decisions such as the core technology choice, if ERVs are not offered in all configurations. Look for a manufacturer that offers a wide range of ENERGY STAR labeled units in different shapes and duct configurations, so you are not having to switch brands for different styles of homes.

5. Choose from the Great New Control Strategies Available

One of the best advances in HRV/ERV technology over the last few years is a much greater choice of useful, understandable

G O R D C O O K E

BUILDER NEWS

controls. Much like thermostats, ventilation controls are responding to homeowner desires for easier to understand operation. The typical dial dehumidistat that no one knew how to set is being replaced with digital smart controllers that make seasonal adjustments to ventilation rates based on outside temperatures and inside humidity levels. Some controls are programmable to daily lifestyles, to allow for continuous fresh air when occupants are at home and intermittent flush out of stale air while they are away. Others offer simpler versions of this idea – continuous and intermittent buttons with indicator lights showing the operation mode. Often the lower cost basic models will not accept the higher class of controls. It is still the case that HRV/ERV manufacturers use proprietary, custom controls – you can’t mix and match controls from one manufacturer with units from another. There are a few types of traditional branded thermostats that have limited ability to control some HRV/ERVs, but typically you only get full functionality when using the appliance manufacturers’ control options.

In summary, after following the 5 steps to choosing an appropriate HRV/ERV for your home, choose a trained, professional HVAC contractor who will commit to installing and balancing the unit in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. The number one deficiency in the ENERGY STAR for New Homes program remains improperly installed / balanced / interlocked HRVs. Be sure to write it in your scopes of work that these important steps are taken.

Now that you have narrowed down the appliance choices and the right installing contractor, you can start to negotiate a fair price but not before this basic work is done. Make it easier on yourself by choosing ENERGY STAR labeled products only. This eliminates about 60% of the lower end units that often don’t meet code or program requirements and ask the manufacturer if they have a certification program for qualified installers.

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BUILDER NEWS

Amy’s question: Tell the readers a little about yourself, your training, what you do at MMM Group in the area of sustainability?

Kristy’s answer: I am a senior planner in the Planning and Environmental Design Department and an Associate at the firm. I did my undergraduate degree in geography with an urban option at Laurier University and a Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning at Queen’s University, where I specialized in real estate and urban development.

Since starting at MMM Group, I have had the pleasure to work on a variety of different projects for private and public sector clients from developing secondary plans, market trend assessments to site plans and draft plans of subdivisions.

At MMM, we integrate sustainable design approaches into every project, tailoring the application of sustainability to the local conditions and our client’s needs. It is truly an inherent part of the custom solutions we develop for our clients in order to meet specific project goals and overcome challenges.

Amy’s question: Why is this area of planning and development interesting to you?

Kristy’s answer: Sustainability is about meeting the needs of both the present and the future through clear thinking and sound planning. As a professional land use planner, sustainable development must not be a catch phrase, but

something that is inherent is all aspects of our work. For this reason, I don’t really see sustainability as a specific aspect of planning that is of interest to me, but rather something that is important in my work in order to develop strategies for long-term success.

Amy’s question: You are a member of BILD and you sit on its Green Leadership Committee. What are some of the benefits of your involvement with BILD and the Green Leadership Committee?

Kristy’s answer: I think the biggest benefit is the reality check it provides me. As a planner, we think at a macro level and we are responsible for developing and creating sustainable concepts, goals, objectives and policies that eventually impact how development is built within a community. Sitting on the Green Leadership Committee, you realize that developers have the same interests as you—to build a great community—but they think at a micro scale, lot by lot, project by project. This Committee bridges the gap and helps individuals in all aspects of the development business to understand each other’s needs as it relates to building sustainable neighbourhoods.

Amy’s question: Since this magazine edition is about women in the construction industry who are working toward sustainable building practices, what do you find is the most challenging part of being a woman in the industry?

Kristy’s answer: To be honest, that has never been an issue for me. I tend to speak my mind regardless of the company I am in. I don’t really see the issue of sustainable building practices affecting men or women differently. It is more an issue of developing a clear vision and objectives, as well as a consistent and understandable language to communicate that vision.

A M Y L A Z A R & K R I S T Y S H O R TA L L

Q&A with Amy Lazar and Kristy ShortallPLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTUREBILD’s Manager of Communications Amy Lazar sat down with Green Leadership Committee member and MMM Group’s Kristy Shortall to talk about sustainable building practices and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry right now.

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Amy’s question: What do you find challenging about encouraging sustainability best practices right now?

Kristy’s answer: I think the most challenging aspect of encouraging sustainability is the language that is being used. A lot of people ask, “what is sustainability” and “what is sustainable development?” There are a lot of

different answers to those questions. There is the common reply of the Brundtland Commission, which defines sustainable development as “development which meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” But the term “sustainable development” can mean all things to all people.

I am not sure how to overcome this challenge per se, but as a first step, I believe it is important to have consistency in sustainable approaches and to ensure that sustainable practices are flexible, not just imposition of regulations for the sake of regulating.

Amy’s question: What advice would you give to someone just entering the field?

Kristy’s answer: Urban planners, regardless of those just starting out or those getting more involved in sustainable development, must consider a variety of different design principles and techniques. From smart growth to new

urbanism, from infill to the rapid pace of Greenfield development, from energy efficient buildings to infrastructure, these and more should be considered in all aspects of their work. It’s a complicated puzzle that hopefully ends up with a neighbourhood design and land use planning approach that reduces overall environmental impacts, while still making a neighbourhood liveable. I guess my best piece of advice is to believe in what you do as it does make a difference, regardless if it is big or small.

Amy’s question: Any final thoughts?

Kristy’s answer: There is a lot of great material out there for those interested in sustainable development and I would encourage anyone interested to take the time to read them and become informed. Through education

we will achieve sustainability.

BUILDER NEWS

AMY LAZAR IS THE MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AT BILD. KRISTY SHORTALL IS WITH THE

MMM GROUP, IS A BILD MEMBER AND IS A GREEN LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBER

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BUILDER NEWS

Reading the list of accomplishments of someone like Susan Clinesmith, who recently received a lifetime achievement award, is enough to make your head spin. Most of us get by on bucket lists. Not Clinesmith - even a partial list of her green achievements is long.

In the past, she has chaired the Board of Directors for the Energy Solutions Center in Washington D.C., managed OHBA’s Project Management Office that focused on energy efficiency in residential new construction, managed the R-2000 Homes Program for OHBA and NRCan, was a board member of EnerQuality Corp., which focuses on new home energy efficiency and was a member of the Building Industry and Land Development Association's Green Committee.

At present, in addition to managing the OPA’s High Performance New Construction Program that’s delivered by Enbridge, she sits on the Building Code Conservation Advisory Council.

The award, presented at the Sustainable Buildings Canada green building festival this past fall, honors that work and more, which Clinesmith sums up as “finding ways to take care of what we have, naturally, and still provide a quality of life that we want.”

She has always been interested in how things work: “How you start with mud and twigs and end up with a house, or start with machinery and concrete and end up with a bridge, and since I’m neither extraordinarily technical nor an engineer, my approach is to figure how to make things work better.”

Joining Tridel in the mid-1980s, she learned how homes and condos were designed and built. That paved the way for her next move – managing the R2000 program for the OHBA, where she learned how buildings are systems from experts in the green movement’s early days. Leaving there for Enbridge, Clinesmith was soon involved with green initiatives in both new construction and retrofit. Once the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) was formed, it contracted Enbridge in 2007 to deliver its HPNC program that would grant rewards to businesses incorporating energy efficiency into their new commercial construction plans.

While it’s rewarding to make a difference, there are challenges too. “Cost is a huge issue,” Clinesmith says. “New products are expensive – a case of supply and demand - and builders wonder if it’s going to work consistently, or if it will require after-market service calls, and if there’s an available repair service.”

Enbridge’s role is to help builders and their design teams see the long term benefits, which go beyond the initial bottom line – things such as fewer health issues, happier workers with less absenteeism and being able to command a higher rent for lease space. “And to provide incentives that will help with the payback criteria and make it more viable for a builder,” she adds.

Being an integral part of a sea change in energy efficiency isn’t the only thing Clinesmith can be proud of. She’s also the mother of two accomplished young women. Both hold degrees in geography from Wilfred Laurier University, and both have ended up being, like their mom, “conduits for people to come together to do something,” Clinesmith says.

Jessica Clinesmith, VP of sales and marketing for Mattamy Homes, was involved in the company’s 2006 residential project at Hawthorne Village, which took “green” to the outer limits. Fashioned after an “eco-tech village” model done by Ryerson University’s urban planning department, the project demonstrated ecologically responsible, high-performance green buildings.

Susan Clinesmith: A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT

A L E X N E W M A N

...“finding ways to take care of what we have, naturally, and still provide a quality of life that we want.”][

Jessica believes the project was more than good marketing – “it was the responsible thing to do for Canada’s largest residential builder,” she says.

Mattamy used Hawthorne Village as a test site, providing a cost benefit analysis to people who came through the model home and then asking what components they’d be willing to pay for.

“What we found was that people are definitely interested,” Jessica recalls. “But the bigger ticket items – geothermal for example – were a harder sell because most buyers have a finite amount of money and the return on investment is too long. And efficient HVAC systems aren’t as pretty as hardwood floors or granite.”

In navigating the greening of low-rise developments, there’s geographic context too. “A local municipality may require a certain level of green, but the market in that area may not be able to afford it. The developer, then, has two options - not build, or educate both buyers and municipalities of what’s possible.”

The other Clinesmith, Jennifer, is the manager of planning and development services for the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority. With an undergraduate degree in geography, like her sister, a Masters in rural planning, and an interest in ecosystem restoration, she finds herself in a sensitive spot between potential land developers, the provincial environmental guidelines, and local municipalities.

When someone calls and says they’re thinking of buying a property, Jennifer can check the conservation authorities mapping. “I can tell them if there’s a floodplain, or wetland, or whatever on the property that they will need to work around.”

The aim is to protect wetlands, fish habitat, woodlands and valley lands, and direct development away from them. Developers, hire consultants to help them figure out what they can and can’t do but individuals, especially those who’ve lived there for years, have “strong emotional connections to the land, especially since this is cottage country.”

In her capacity as manager of planning and development services for the conservation authority, Jennifer also helps municipalities update their planning documents, so that they’re in accordance with the provincial requirements. “The province sets the bar – sometimes the municipality will raise it, but they can never lower it,” she says.

Such a formidable family of “green” women begs the question of nature or nurture. Susan Clinesmith says it’s probably a bit of both. “When the girls were growing up, the economy was at the forefront, there was the oil crisis, and the steady depletion of natural resources.”

At the same time, the family spent summers with relatives on Florida’s west coast, near the Everglades. Audubon and National Geographic graced the coffee table, and there were always relatives involved in land and conservation.

But Susan insists that most of what got passed on “is common sense – just be good stewards of what we have.”

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BUILDER NEWS

SUSAN CLINESMITH RECEIVING A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT

THE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS CANADA GREEN BUILDING FESTIVAL

ALEX NEWMAN IS A WRITER, EDITOR AND RESEARCHER AT WWW.INTEGRITYCOMMUNICATIONS.CA


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BUILDER NEWS

Shannon Bertuzzi has more than 5 years of experience in the housing industry. She has over 15 years of experience in the marketing industry and has received awards through the Canadian Marketing Association for CRM campaigns. As the Portfolio Manager of the New Construction Markets team within Enbridge Gas Distribution, Shannon is responsible for developing and managing marketing programs that promote the innovative use of natural gas during the construction process, as well as promoting energy efficient programs to builders and home-owners in Ontario. Most recently Shannon and her team have been delivering new innovative programs like Savings by Design, Community Energy Retrofit and Home Labeling to the residential marketplace. Shannon also works with the builder community on the provincial level. She is actively involved at all levels.

She has been an active volunteer for BILD events such as the golf committee and membership drives. She is involved with Women Build for Habitat for Humanity, WINC, OHBA and various other volunteer organizations.

On August 2nd, 2012, Enbridge Gas Distribution launched the Community Energy Conservation Project in partnership with the City of Markham. While the hazy days of summer seemed like a strange time to talk about home heating, it is the

perfect time to consider an energy retrofit.

Offered to Enbridge customers who own a home in the L3P postal area, The Community Energy Conservation Project works in tandem with Markham's Greenprint Community Sustainability Plan, to make it easy and affordable for customers to understand and improve the energy efficient of their home, lower their energy bills and reduce their home's impact on the environment.

Shannon, a mother of two, lives in the project area. A new resident, she was very selective about buying her home. With her background in energy conservation, she hunted carefully for the "right buy." The final choice was a good one: a well built late

J O H N G O D D E N

Shannon is Saving Energy at Work and at Home

SHANNON BERTUZZI'S HERS CERTIFICATE

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BUILDER NEWS

80's home with energy upgrades like new windows, R40 cellulose attic insulation and a finished and insulated basement.

On a limited budget and anxious to see if any further energy improvements made sense, she called in Antony Zanini from Clearsphere to do a comprehensive energy audit and mechanical assessment. The recommendations were to replace an oversized 100,000 BTU mid efficiency furnace that was cycling and a natural draft hot water heater. A rental Polaris condensing hot water tank now works in combination with an Air Max air handler with an ECM motor. This system provides space and hot water at 90 plus percent efficiency. A 5ft long Power-Pipe recovers 60% of the heat energy from shower water to preheat the hot water tank. A blower door test revealed an air change rate of just over 3.0 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals. With the new "direct vent" combination heating system there is no more induced ventilation from the flue effect. At the time the home was built, there were only operable windows to provide natural ventilation in bathrooms.

As Shannon has two young children and is concerned for their health, she elected to install a Lifebreath "energy recovery ventilation" (ERV) with a central control to improve indoor air quality. An ERV allows for maximized ventilation while maintaining indoor winter humidity levels.

New 2012 building code houses sit at an EnerGuide 80 or HERS 60. Shannon's 25 year old house with past improvements and current retrofits, performs as well as a Newly Built "Package J" home. Next summer when she changes her air conditioner from 10 seer to 14 seer (made easier by the ECM motor in her Airmax Air Handler) she can increase the performance even more. Her ERV also reduces electricity use by keeping humidity outside and reducing the work the A/C system has to do. This mechanical system was installed by Alpha Comfort Control.

Shannon Bertuzzi truly is a "Girl Going Green" because she and her Home have an excellent score on the "HERS" scale.

JOHN GODDEN IS THE PRESIDENT OF CLEARSPHERE AND PUBLISHING EDITOR OF BETTER BUILDER

MAGAZINE.


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The Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies (CCET) has almost 4,700 full time students in programs that include apprenticeship, certificate, graduate certificate, diploma and a Construction Science and Management degree that was the first in Canada and is still the only one in Ontario. Approximately 1,000 students annually graduate in program areas such as Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technologies, Renovations, Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Computer and Game programming, Computer systems, Architectural Studies, and nine construction trades.

Since 2007, with the Vice President of Corporate Services, I co-chair the College’s “Green Team.” The Green Team ensures alignment of college-wide Green. I am very proud to have helped ensure that sustainability became an explicit part of the college’s business planning.

As the Dean for CCET I am most proud of the way I’ve been able to support the increasing integration of sustainability into the learning environment of CCET programs and working through the Green Team to increase this content in many college programs.

With a $6.6 million investment from the Government of Canada, George Brown College is creating a new Green Buildings Centre to support the growing Canadian green and smart building market. This is aligned to the Federal government’s priority of creating high-value jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians.

Since 2007, GBC has focused building capacity for applied research and technology development across key strategic priority areas, helping over 180 industry partners, attracting $4.4M in external funding, and receiving additional matching industry partner cash and in-kind contributions. The majority of the 178 applied research projects have been through the

Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies and involved 143 faculty members and over 800 students.

The Green Building Centre will conduct applied research in partnership with local businesses while training students in advanced construction systems, green energy and computer-enabled, efficient buildings. The centre will focus on construction practices that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.

We will offer a range of services to the building industry from the college’s Casa Loma campus, including business development, intellectual property management, venture creation and product development and testing through its Business Accelerator and Entrepreneurship Centre, Advanced Prototyping Lab, Building Science Lab and International Business Office.

We will also facilitate the direct and indirect participation of students in this type of research to ensure that more job-ready graduates enter the market and advance the building sector’s adoption of new approaches, methods, standards and technologies.

Joining George Brown College in 1995, Nancy Sherman has previously held the positions of Director of International Education and Registrar.

BUILDER NEWS

Nancy Sherman:

DEAN CENTRE FOR CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES, GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE

N A N C Y S H E R M A N

13

BUILDER NEWS

Three reasons why you should hire a Construction Science and Management Degree Co-op student.1. Access to skilled employees, as co-op students are

trained to:

• Perform quantity takeoffs from working drawings and specifications; prepare material schedules and participate in the bidding process.

• Monitor progress and compile time and cost field reports, track and update change order logs.

• Assist in the implementation of quality control measures, material management, construction documentation control, project management/coordination duties.

2. Meet seasonal or project demands by adding a highly motivated co-op student to the team.

3. Reduce costs associated with:

• Recruitment - our program was developed by and for the industry to provide candidates that are trained specifically for the construction industry.

• Taxes - by hiring a co-op student you may qualify for an Ontario Tax Credit. Contact us to learn more.

For more information please contact: The Industry Liaison Office and Krisztina Arany at [email protected] or 416-415-5000 x4356.

NANCY SHERMAN IS THE DEAN AT THE CENTRE FOR CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES, GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE

Nancy has worked in more than 15 countries in a diverse range of sectors including sustainable development, agriculture, business, early childhood education and high tech. She has been inspired by the people she works with and developed an appreciation for, and skills in, leading interdisciplinary teams which is increasingly the hallmark of “environmental management.” This holistic approach to management recognizes the interrelation of economic, social, cultural, environmental and political variables.

Nancy holds a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University, a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Toronto and a Certificate in Instructing Adults from George Brown College.


FEATURE STORYANI BOGOVIC WALKS WHAT SHE TALKSThe House That Ani BuiltBY TRACY HANES

After gaining a wealth of experience working with production and custom home builders, it seemed like a natural progression for Ani Bogovic to bring her skills together to build a house of her own. So in January 2012, Bogovic started her own company, Dekla Developments – “dekla” is the Slovanian word for ‘girl’ and Dekla is also the Lithuanian goddess of fate and destiny. Bogovic believes building is her destiny and is currently putting the finishing touches on an energy efficient two-storey brick house in Etobicoke on Beta St., in a neighbourhood of small older homes and large new executive residences.

FEATURE STORY

15ISSUE 04 | WINTER 2012

Though her father worked in the building industry as a mason (his picture is on Dekla’s business cards), the gregarious Bogovic figured her personality would be a good fit for public relations and she studied marketing and advertising at George Brown College. When she graduated, she went to work for an advertising agency and gained a major builder as a client. She learned a lot about design through her involvement in building sales centres and model homes.

She worked in sales and marketing for another large builder but seven years later, seized the opportunity to work for a small custom builder, who didn’t have a place for her in marketing so she went on site and took over the general contractor's role.

“I was on site for two years and not only had to do new construction but fix all the problems created by the previous general contractor,” she says. “That’s when I actually got to love it because there’s nothing like going in and fixing something that’s broken.”

She got involved on the land development side, dealing with permits, severances and land acquisition and went on to work for several builders as a project manager. But she wanted to be in a smaller environment where she could offer more customization and a high level of quality.

“I had a taste of the bigger picture because after my father passed away, I knocked down my parents’ home, which had been our family home, and built a new home for my sister,” she says.

Bogovic decided to buy a lot to build another house and, without question, knew she was going the energy efficient route after project managing the construction of 140 Energy Star homes for a previous employer.

“I couldn’t see building the same kind of house everybody else was building in the neighbourhood. I wanted a point of differentiation,” says Bogovic.

She called on longtime associate John Godden of

Clearsphere to advise her on how to achieve the type of quality and efficiency she wanted.

“I have always been a “products” person, wanting to use the better products and ultimately, providing a better new home through the delivery of better components,” she says.

Though she was familiar with many of the products she planned to incorporate – Blueskin, BP sheathing, Roxul insulation, Polaris dual-purpose hot water heater, Airmax air handler with ECM motor, Panasonic bathroom fans, Van EE HRV, Drain Water Heat Recovery Pipe – she got hands-on in working with them.

“If I learn something every day, it makes me a better person,” Bogovic says. “I installed the Blueskin, I worked with the foam insulation in the basement …. I did that because I wanted to learn it and I wanted to do that, as it allows me to theoretically know how it all goes together and understand why it doesn’t work in some situations and now I get it.”

She had previously learned that more is not better and products need to be right-sized in consideration of the whole home system. She has a Polaris condensing hot water heater heating her entire house.

ANI BOGOVIC, TRUDY PULS AND JOHN GODDEN

THE GREEN GIRLS

FEATURE STORY

16

FEATURE

STORY

Ani has found that not everyone she was working with was as far along the efficiency curve as she was. She had to educate some of her trades.

“Working as a team is awesome. I want people to point out the bad stuff and I want to make sure it works,” she says. “I’m using all these products and I want to make sure they pass the test and then some. I have a great group of people around me and everything has come together in such a lovely way that I couldn’t be happier.”

The education has extended to other builders in the neighbourhood who are curious about what she’s doing and “every day they are questioning me, saying things like ‘Why are you doing the BP? It costs more money!’ or asking me what the drain water heat recovery pipe is. They don’t see the bigger picture.

“This is the right thing to do and I believe in it, and there are programs to encourage you to do this and to build a better home. My heart is in bit of this house.”

The Dekla-built home will be durable, efficient and better built, saving its owners money and providing them with a comfortable atmosphere to live in.

City building officials and inspectors are another stumbling block as most of them don’t know about many of the technologies and techniques she is using, which can be frustrating for a builder wanting to be innovative.

“There needs to be education and the city is learning. For example, because the house I’m building is close to others, I have to use fire-rated 5/8-inch drywall even though I’m using Roxul which has a far superior fire rating. Do I really need fire-rated drywall and Roxul? But the city inspectors say ‘we don’t know anything about it, so just do it.’”

She will often invite Godden to the site so he can explain why the methods and products used are actually superior to Code requirements.

The house Ani is building will be tested and given a HERS rating (Home Energy Rating System). She opted to go with this rating system because of its stability. The rating on her house will not change over time as the building code raises the bar on performance.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project has been working with several of her colleagues in Women in Construction (WINC), a non-profit organization of professional women that Bogovic helped found. Many of them are suppliers of the products and materials she is using.

Originally, she says, the group met for social outings but the women took on a greater purpose when Bogovic was asked to help with the first Habitat for Humanity Women Build. She recruited a team of 30 women to participate in the inaugural event in 2008 and led crews during the five-day build.

For the next Women Build, 50 women participated. WINC has raised more than $80,000 for Habitat for Humanity and continues to support their fundraising efforts.

WINC’s purpose is to use the experience, skills and networks of its members to mentor women and enrich the communities in which they live. Its vision is to become a leader in community outreach, enriching the lives of those people they touch.

In 2011, WINC worked to renovate the Second Base Youth Shelter’s communal space, incorporating an efficient kitchen/dining room, recreational and education areas. The 56-bed shelter is the second largest youth shelter in the City of Toronto, serving youths between 16 and 21 years old.

Many of her WINC colleagues joined her recently to tour the house she is building and at a Green Girls' luncheon.

“Every opportunity has led me to where I am today and it is with the support of all of you joining in this journey that collectively makes us the better builder,” she said.

TRACY HANES IS A FREELANCE FEATURE WRITER FOR THE LARGEST DAILY NEWSPAPER IN

CANADA AND SEVERAL MAGAZINES. WWW.TRACYHANES.CA

GIRLS GO GREEN LUNCHEION EVENT

ANI BOGOVIC IS THE OWNER OF DEKLA DEVELOPMENTS.

CONTACT ANI AT [email protected] OR VISIT DEKLADEVELOPMENTS.COM

FEATURE STORY

www.roxul.com

Why choice renovators stand behind Roxul Insulation.Better fi t. Fewer call-backs. More satisfi ed customers.When your customers demand quality, start with the better quality insulation. Fire-resistant and water repellant, Roxul insulation is easy to work with, cuts with a serrated knife and fi ts snug without sagging. Choose Roxul ComfortBatt™ for thermal insulation of exterior walls and attics, and Roxul Safe‘n’Sound™ for soundproofi ng interior walls and ceilings to make your next renovation professional grade.

ROXUL® INSULATION

RO

X-2

355_

0612

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Trudy Puls: CAN’T PULL THE WOOL OVER HER EYES Trudy Puls got quite the surprise when she walked into a job interview 22 years ago.

Trudy, who had been supply teaching in Hamilton, saw a help wanted ad for a demonstration representative for mineral wool. She was into arts and crafts and figured the job would be to visit craft studios and stores to promote wools and yarns.

But when she arrived at Roxul Inc.’s headquarters in Milton, she discovered the mineral wool was actually an insulation made from natural stone and recycled products that provided superior energy efficiency. After reading about the product, she was impressed by what it offered and took the job.

Two months later, she was promoted to sales representative. There was only one other woman sales rep in the building industry at the time; she sold tools and later, garage doors.

“Now, more and more women are getting involved in the building industry which is great,” Trudy says. “Women can really see how products can positively impact the environment and people.”

As Senior Sales Representative, Trudy, the mother of two teenage sons, spends her days on the road promoting Roxul products to builders and lumber yards.

“I think awareness at the lumber yard level is lacking a bit. Owners have so many products to sell and lack some understanding of how it all goes together. But more people are becoming aware that there is a better way to do things and are making more of an effort to investigate,” she notes. “More TV shows are promoting better ways to do things. I work with dedicated people like John Godden and Gord Cooke who are bringing building science to the forefront. In fact, some builders are stepping outside their comfort zone to experiment and learn new things.”

“They recognize they can improve their build and what they offer to the consumer. That’s exciting to me. The

amount of builders willing to take a leap of faith is really starting to snowball.”

“It’s always a passion for me to help the customer and provide a good quality product, whether it’s to a Do-It-Yourselfer or a builder. Every day’s different.” One of the builders she is currently working with is Ani Bogovic, who is constructing a 3,000-square-foot energy efficient home in Etobicoke that will use Roxul.

After more than two decades selling Roxul products, Trudy still loves her job. “Every day a great effort is made to get our high performance products out into the market. Our parent company, Rockwool International, is based in Denmark. We have plants in Canada and are now expanding to the U.S. The company is moving onward and upward.”

Yasmine Goodwin: NOT JUST ANOTHER DÉCOR CENTRE

A dozen years ago, independent décor consultant Yasmine Goodwin was hired by a builder to put together a catalogue of upgraded products he could offer home buyers.

The builder was so impressed by the wealth of knowledge Goodwin had about the products, he suggested she come work

for him. Soon she was generating 10 times more in upgrade sales than the builder’s other reps had been.

“They even had to reorganize their construction team” to be able to accommodate all the upgrades buyers were purchasing from Goodwin.

The same builder suggested Goodwin open her own décor facility. “He said that way, you could have the buyers come to you and that’s what we did.”

My Design Studio operates from a 2,500-square-foot space on Weston Rd. in Toronto. Goodwin and her staff of six work with 11 builders who send home buyers to My Design Studio to choose finishes for their new homes, whether it’s a condo, loft, townhouse, subdivision or custom detached home.

BUILDER NEWS

T R A C Y H A N E S

TRUDY PULS OF ROXUL INC.

YASMINE GOODWIN, MY DESIGN STUDIO

ISSUE 04 | WINTER 2012 19

As well as offering a comprehensive selection for home buyers, My Design Studio provides a cost-effective solution for builders, as it eliminates the need for them to build their own décor centre and hire consultants. Goodwin and her staff handle all paperwork involved in buyer choices and coordinate the necessary trades.

“We’ve been able to evolve the process of choosing options and we do an analysis for each market and that particular demographic and providing the best products for that demographic,” says Goodwin. “We do everything from compiling the data to completing final work orders to promoting new products and philosophies.”

Her approach is not cookie cutter: the choices for each builder are tailored to them and their customers.

“She’s always so positive and says ‘we can do that’ which is important to a builder,” says Ani Bogovic who has worked with Goodwin on big builder projects and now on the 3,000-square-foot custom home Bogovic is constructing in Etobicoke.

“Yasmine supports the builder 150 per cent,” says Bogovic.

Goodwin’s expertise extends beyond the aesthetics such as countertops, flooring and cabinetry.

For a large builder Bogovic used to work for, Goodwin put together a package of energy efficient upgrades that they were able to successfully upsell to buyers. The two women organized a night for buyers where they brought in suppliers and building scientist John Godden to explain the benefits of the upgrades. About 25 per cent of those who attended opted for the energy package.

“We can sell the energy efficient fans, furnaces and insulation but we need the support of the builder,” Goodwin says. It’s a concept many are still struggling with, but she says sustainable features are a long term investment that homeowners will buy if they are educated and are given the sense they are getting a better house if they invest in them.

BUILDER NEWS

TRACY HANES IS A FREELANCE FEATURE WRITER FOR THE LARGEST DAILY NEWSPAPER IN CANADA AND SEVERAL MAGAZINES. WWW.TRACYHANES.CA

20

BUILDER NEWS

Trick #2: THE IMPORTANCE OF AIR BARRIER DETAILING OR SAFE PROTECTION FOR THE HOME.Your client needs protection and the leaks in a home are bad news. Air leakage causes unwanted drafts and the growth of mould. Resulting in great discomfort for you and your client. Best to protect with a form-fitting barrier that is durable and allows you and your client maximum comfort without health concerns. As high performance homes always include good third party air tightness testing, we want to ensure success at testing time and that means keeping it simple and making sure everyone respects the air barrier and knows where it is in the envelope.

KEEP THE AIR BARRIER OUTSIDEConfusion abounds in the residential sector on which barrier needs to be air tight; the poly, or exterior panel type/flexible barrier? It’s confusing because cold to warm side cross-overs where say Tyvek® gives way to a 6 mil poly are common as in the wall to attic transition. Where the air and the vapour barriers are THE SAME BARRIER, everyone on the job site needs to know where the air barrier is to keep it airtight. Everyone who punches a hole in it from the brick-layers, to the HVAC to plumbers; all need to know if they penetrate the air barrier, they have to seal around their pipe, wire or wood to the air barrier which in a ceiling is usually always a poly, but in a wall more often than not isn’t poly.

JUST SAY NO TO POLY AIR BARRIERS!A common sense trend with air barriers is to place them on the exterior of the building envelope. Most agree that it’s easier to produce an airtight house if the exterior sheathing is taped at joints and becomes the air barrier. Otherwise if we use the poly as an air barrier in a wall assembly it has to stay warm and it has to be sealed really well; there are more holes to seal on the inside. Most builders use panel-type exterior sheathing and some add a flexible sheet material like house wrap or building paper. It goes without saying that sheet goods covered with roll membranes are redundant as there are great tapes/primers that can be applied to panels if they meet the specs in Tables A-9.25.1.2.A&B. These exterior cold-side air barrier systems should be the focus for an air tight “Air Barrier System” which in the end contribute most to the airtightness of new Ontario homes. Both Owens Corning and Building Products of Canada offer exterior panel type systems that include air and weather barriers. Blueskin VP is an exterior self stick air barrier that covers any sheathing to yield an air tight, water tight and weather tight shield.

PROPHYLACTICS 101The building code’s pretty concise when it comes to air and vapour barriers. Vapour barriers need “to prevent condensation” and “be installed to protect the entire surfaces”. Whereas the Air Barrier “will provide a continuous barrier to air leakage…from the interior… and from the exterior… where… a panel type material, all joints shall be sealed to prevent air leakage… where… a flexible sheet material, all joints shall be sealed or lapped…100mm and clamped…” So when we do an air-tightness test on your house we’re usually testing the air barrier system, not the drywall, trim and poly.

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER, PERFORMANCE DOESWith the recent changes to the OBC, a significantly greater portion of homes are being airtightness tested prior to occupancy permit. This is a good move as it will lead to both a change in building practices and greater comfort and saving for the homeowner. In my capacity as a professional airtightness tester, I see two main causes of weakness in the building of airtight homes, other than the speed at which they are built. The first being the size and shape of most new homes, the second is a need to educate trades on how to keep things tight. Any good education program informs trades of the why and the how, not just the what.

The trend today is to build large houses with complex shapes and it goes without saying that the bigger the skin surface

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

G R E G L A B B E


area, the more seams you’ll have to seal and the more complex the shape, the more difficult it gets to keep the seal con-tinuous without tears or cuts under flashing, brick, siding and at each opening like a window or door.

However educating the trades on identifying the air barrier and respecting its integrity is key to keeping the air barrier effective. I show them by using the following analogy: If you picked up the home, turned it upside down and poured water into it like a bowl, the house should be able to hold water. If it does not, the water (moisture) will permeate the structure and cause damage. The key is someone taking ownership and directing the work with the air barrier. Some issues arise out of trades either cutting the ends of a flexible air barrier too short or not leaving enough to join the next piece. The trick in making a home airtight is a lot like making a movie. Each actor (trade) needs to know his or her lines in order to reduce the big holes. The big challenges with new homes are transitions where exposed floors or ceilings meet interior partition walls such as coffered ceilings. With town houses, party wall details require the script writing. The energy rater testing your home is a valuable resource to help identify common leaks and creates a process to ensure a more efficient air tight and durable home.

BUILDER NEWS

21

GREG LABBE IS A VETERAN ENERGY RATER AND A PRINCIPAL AT BLUEGREEN GROUP.

Lori-Ann Tilley: THE BIG SMILE OF BUILDING PRODUCTS OF CANADALori-Ann is the Builder Architect Representative for Building Products of Canada, a wood fibre and shingles manufacturer based out of Montreal. Her role is to act as the company’s liaison across the Province of Ontario, working closely with builders and architects to help them build better, greener homes.

With a background in sales and management, Lori-Ann is very active in the building and development industry by constantly attending events and volunteering for various committees. She feels at home in this industry and is very proud to be associated with sustainability and green building products.

Lori-Ann credits her passion for the industry to Ani Bogovic, who first took her under her wing as president of WINC (Women IN Construction). Working with WINC proved to be a very rewarding experience, as well as a confidence booster for Lori-Ann, who was extremely excited to work with Ani on her current house.

The home, which is located in Etobicoke and is nearing completion, features one of Lori-Ann’s most sustainable products – the Excel.

Excel is a structural sheathing with a house wrap laminated on top. It is made from 98 per cent recycled materials and is and is VOC and formadehyde-free. It also contributes to quality for green building certification programs.

Lori-Ann is currently working towards her Building Science Certificate at the University of Toronto and is always looking for new educational opportunities to further enhance her knowledge of building quality, affordable homes that satisfy both the homeowner and the environment.

You can catch her at an upcoming industry event. Just look for the girl with the big, bright smile!

LORI-ANN TILLEY IS THE BUILDER ARCHITECT REPRESENTATIVE FOR BUILDING PRODUCTS OF CANADA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

LORI-ANN TILLEY

BP Excel breaks new ground

in structural insulation

thanks to a membrane that

combines air barrier protec-

tion, moisture-evacuating

breathability, and strength

like no other product.

And it’s green — made from

98% recycled materials, free

of VOCs and ozone-depleting

CFCs or HCFCs, and glued

together with wheat starch.

For homebuilders looking

for innovation and value

on an exponential scale:

Excel is innovative green

design, exceptional thermal

insulation and structural

strength all in one breathable

sheathing that delivers

outstanding performance

with unparalleled strength.

www.bpcan.com

WELCOME TO STRUCTURAL INSULATION REINVENTED FOR TODAY’S WORLD — AND A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW.

MADE HERE PREFERRED EVERYWHERE

NEW!

Excel_Ad_BetterBuilder_v2.indd 1 12-12-12 16:02


BUILDER NEWS

Laura Bonise:

SHE’S DIRECT ABOUT ENERGYThe New Home Industry is always changing so it is critical to keep up with new technologies and building code amendments. Laura Bonise is a 33 year veteran with Direct Energy and has experienced many of these changes firsthand. Bonise is an Account Manager for the builder market, assisting her clients with water heating and HVAC product selection, training and technical support and brings a great deal of knowledge to the table.

“The industry has gone through tremendous changes and homebuyers are becoming more informed and engaged in the products that are being selected for their new home. They are looking for energy efficient

products to lower their utility bills and at the same time want to make an impact on their green footprint.”

“The builders look to us for advice and suggestions to suit their project. We consider the size of the home, the plumbing fixtures and the lifestyle of the homeowners to determine the product.” Ani Bogovic, the owner of Dekla Developments, made the decision to use a more energy efficient HVAC system in this project. She is installing an air handler in combination with a 96% thermally efficient Polaris condensing water heater. This combo system provides many benefits such as fewer wall penetrations, less gas piping and venting and higher efficiencies.

Direct Energy is North America’s largest competitive energy solutions provider. They are constantly looking for new, innovative products and rely on the support and feedback from builders, account managers and industry professionals to bring new programs and products forward. Laura explains, “My builders encourage me to be the best in the business, to be most informed and knowledgeable about the industry.”

It’s all good news for the environment. As an industry we are paying more attention to the quality of the products, their efficiency and their long term impact on our world. Laura adds, “As I look around my own home I can see that our habits have changed for the better. We recycle as much as possible, we consider more energy efficient products and think about how our way of living will affect the next generation.” It’s the way of the future.

23

LAURA BONISE

“My builders encourage me to be the best in the business, to be most informed and knowledgeable about the industry” ][

BP Excel breaks new ground

in structural insulation

thanks to a membrane that

combines air barrier protec-

tion, moisture-evacuating

breathability, and strength

like no other product.

And it’s green — made from

98% recycled materials, free

of VOCs and ozone-depleting

CFCs or HCFCs, and glued

together with wheat starch.

For homebuilders looking

for innovation and value

on an exponential scale:

Excel is innovative green

design, exceptional thermal

insulation and structural

strength all in one breathable

sheathing that delivers

outstanding performance

with unparalleled strength.

www.bpcan.com

WELCOME TO STRUCTURAL INSULATION REINVENTED FOR TODAY’S WORLD — AND A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW.

MADE HERE PREFERRED EVERYWHERE

NEW!

Excel_Ad_BetterBuilder_v2.indd 1 12-12-12 16:02

LAURA BONISE IS AN ACCOUNT MANAGER WITH DIRECT ENERGY

LAURA BONISE AND ANI BOGIVIC

Next generation technology for wood frame construction Drawing on decades of commercial air barrier experience, Henry Company has created BlueskinVP™ – a fully-adhered Building Envelope System® that functions not only as a water resistant barrier and rain barrier, but stops uncontrolled air leakage to improve building comfort, safety and energy efficiency.

• Provides superior moisture and water protection

• Eliminates drafts to improve comfort

• Reduces energy costs

• Improves insulation performance

• Simple to install

Fully adhered means:Air Tight

Water TightWeather Tight

Picks up where traditional house wraps leave off!

For more on how BlueskinVP™ contributes to an effective Building Envelope System®, watch our new movie at www.ca.henry.com/blueskinvpmovie

Project by Build Urban (buildurban.com)

ISSUE 04 | WINTER 2012 25

Dawn Nigro:

PRESIDENT HENRY CO. CANADA INC.As a young girl, Dawn Nigro was always fascinated in how things worked, and in school, excelled in math and science and thrived on solving problems.

Even though it wasn’t a career path many girls were choosing at the time, Nigro studied engineering at the University of Waterloo and graduated in 1993. During her co-op placements, she gained experience in the natural gas, mining and plastics industries. After school she went to work for General Electric in plastics in Canada and the U.S.

Today, Nigro is president of the Henry Co. Canada maker of air and vapor barriers, roofing and other products that help to create energy efficient buildings. Nigro worked with building insulation company John Manville and for Royal Technologies in their window and door division before she came to Henry four years ago.

“As an engineer, you want to see a product that has technical components and you want to believe in what you sell and believe it is advantageous to society,” she says.

“You like to know that what we’re making adds value, saves energy and makes buildings more sustainable.”

Nigro enjoys working in the building industry and likes that Henry doesn’t just make a single product, “but a whole building envelope system, and for me, that’s exciting.”

Since she has been with Henry, the company has grown in terms of integrating its products, focused more on research and development efforts and while “Henry has a good market presence, we’ve definitely increased that.”

Nigro has noted a natural push to energy efficiency, whether it’s through Ontario Building Code changes or programs like Energy Star and LEED, “and consumers are getting more cognizant of energy costs.”

The Code “will go only one way” – and that’s up – and that will benefit companies like hers that are producing products geared to energy efficiency and creating a better building envelope. While Henry’s Blueskin family of products are the dominant air and vapour barrier systems in Canada, on the commercial side, Nigro says Henry is making inroads on the residential construction side and while the stick-on house wrap does cost more, she says builders are usually convinced when they see how it performs in blower door tests against typical wraps.

“It’s a very intuitive product that sticks to the wall, providing a continuous plane versus stapling a bunch of holes in it,” she says.

Though Nigro says she still doesn’t see a lot of female engineers, she is noting more women in the construction field. “For example, I am seeing a lot of female architects. I find it exciting to see that many women in the building industry.”

BUILDER NEWS

T R A C Y H A N E S

DAWN NIGRO: PRESIDENT HENRY CO. CANADA INC.

Next generation technology for wood frame construction Drawing on decades of commercial air barrier experience, Henry Company has created BlueskinVP™ – a fully-adhered Building Envelope System® that functions not only as a water resistant barrier and rain barrier, but stops uncontrolled air leakage to improve building comfort, safety and energy efficiency.

• Provides superior moisture and water protection

• Eliminates drafts to improve comfort

• Reduces energy costs

• Improves insulation performance

• Simple to install

Fully adhered means:Air Tight

Water TightWeather Tight

Picks up where traditional house wraps leave off!

For more on how BlueskinVP™ contributes to an effective Building Envelope System®, watch our new movie at www.ca.henry.com/blueskinvpmovie

Project by Build Urban (buildurban.com)

ANI BOGOVIC WELCOMES DAWN NIGRO (PRESIDENT HENRY CO. CANADA INC.) TO HER DEKLA DEVELOPMENT SITE

TRACY HANES IS A FREELANCE FEATURE WRITER FOR THE LARGEST DAILY NEWSPAPER IN CANADA AND SEVERAL MAGAZINES. WWW.TRACYHANES.CA

26

BUILDER NEWS

PAPER: PROPERTY ASSESSED PAYMENTS FOR ENERGY RETROFITSSonja Persram, BSc, MBA, LEED® Accredited Professional and President of Sustainable Alternatives Consulting Inc., led a broad spectrum of stakeholders to achieve regulatory change in Ontario, enabling stewardship financing for energy efficiency, renewables and water efficiency retrofits on private properties.

Inspired by the work of Roger Peters et al. for the Pembina Institute, which described the possibilities of using the Local Improvement Charges (LICs) municipal financing mechanism1 for new, energy retrofit purposes (initially applied in Yukon Territory), Sonja had been writing about this concept for years when the David Suzuki Foundation engaged her to research taking this forward in Ontario. During this two-year project Sonja wrote three reports2 for the foundation on this evolving concept which came to be known as “Property Assessed Payments for Energy Retrofits,” or “PAPER”.

This mechanism addresses several major barriers to energy retrofits, namely that it:

• provides upfront financing needed for deeper retrofits

• enables this type of investment no matter how long people own their property because on sale any balance continues to be repaid by the new owner

• allows owners to invest in retrofits for a net savings on energy bills because of the following aspects

• passes on the lower interest rates available to the municipality

• has a significant security feature which additionally lowers interest rates

• focuses on cost-effective measures

• finances at longer terms than the typical 5-years

Many of these are social equity features since they enable access to affordable energy and the associated savings potential, and also result in enhanced home comfort and occupant health.3

During the David Suzuki Foundation contract and since, Sonja has been engaging stakeholders among government (all levels), finance, investment, legal, real estate, energy retrofits, green building sectors, and utilities. Representatives

of approximately 23 municipalities of all tiers have been active participants in the PAPER collaboration. Several Council Resolutions and letters of support were issued in favour of the PAPER concept and a letter of support was also sent to the MMAH Minister by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. The number of municipalities interested in the concept has been continually growing and active and interested municipalities now total over 50.

Early in 2012, two formal documents were launched – a request for review of the Environmental Bill of Rights to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, and a federal petition to the Auditor General of Canada – by a collaboration of multi-sectoral PAPER stakeholders4 led by Sonja. These applications requested specific changes which together would enable using LICs on private properties for these energy retrofit purposes.

Also beginning in early 2012, Sonja assisted City of Toronto Councillor Mike Layton with developing a group of broadscale and bipartisan PAPER supporters and implementation specialists; and provided rationales to underpin the PAPER concept for key stakeholders who became signatories to Councillor Layton’s subsequent motion to the Economic Development Committee of Council. This motion authorized City staff to provide a report to Council on developing a pilot program and collaboration among other municipalities. It was passed (with some amendments) unanimously by City Council.

The PAPER collaboration is seen as a critical success factor to lowering the costs for all municipalities: by working together on the pilot projects, municipalities can develop key features and consider solutions to common issues, while obtaining the benefits from central funding development support; some of which would be provided by higher level

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governments – whose own budgets would benefit from a scaled-up PAPER program.

Subsequently the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing posted a notification regarding their pending regulatory LIC change, which was replied to by Fogler, Rubinoff lawyer Stan Makuch and Sonja (among others).

Minister Joe Oliver of Natural Resources Canada later responded to the federal petition with a letter indicating support for the PAPER concept, and which also noted the significant public benefits provided by energy efficiency retrofits – including domestic job creation, increased energy security, and reduced greenhouse gases.

On October 23, 2012, days before resigning her portfolio, former Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Kathleen Wynne signed Ontario Regulations 322/12 and 323/12 which authorized the needed changes to the Local Improvement Charges mechanism.

1. LICs were formerly used for (for example) sidewalks, buried utilities, and public parks.

2. The three reports by Sonja Persram, published by the David Suzuki Foundation are: Property Assessed Payments for Energy Retrofits: Recommendations for Regulatory Change and Optimal Program Features (March, 2011); Property As-sessed Payments for Energy Retrofits and Other Financing Options (May, 2011); and Strategic Recommendations for an Optimal “PAPER” Program (August, 2011).

3. Sonja was one of two Canadians who served on the US Green Building Council’s Social Equity Task Force.

4. This group comprised Bill Johnston (past president of the Toronto Real Estate Board – which formally supported the concept), Peter Love (President of Love Energy Con-sultants, and former Ontario Chief Energy Conservation Officer), David McRobert (legal advisor who recommended these steps be taken), Janet Gasparini (former Councillor with the City of Greater Sudbury).

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SONJA PERSRAM, BSC, MBA, LEED® ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL AND PRESIDENT OF SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES CONSULTING INC.

BUILDER NEWS

28

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BUILDER NEWS

Stacey Featherstone:

PANASONIC'S #1 FANMy title is Ontario Regional Sales Manager, Ventilation Products, Panasonic Canada Inc. I am responsible for promoting and selling Panasonic Advanced Ventilation Systems through the Electrical and HVAC/Plumbing Wholesale market.

I am very grateful to Digby Campbell, National Business Development Manager, HVAC. It was his invaluable knowledge and insight to the Ventilation market that made me a fan …..he taught me everything I know.

I was given the opportunity to sell an unbelievable product that can provide consumers a healthier lifestyle. After ten years of product demonstrations, I still enjoy watching the consumer’s reaction when they realize the fan has been running the entire time…….yes, they are that quiet!

I am currently working with Home Builders and contractors to install our most Eco friendly “WhisperGreen” fan products for new construction homes. I can offer a variety of different products that can provide solutions for different applications or meet specified “green” building code requirements.

We have a series of DC motor fans that are capable of variable speed and include time delay. The smart flow feature allows the fan to perform under pressure. Install an 80 cfm fan and receive 80 cfm output (this is virtually unheard of). Their energy efficiency ratings are among the highest in the industry and some models come with a motion sensor. All this in one fan…… it’s true!

I don’t think of myself as an innovator but as one who enjoys educating consumers the importance of proper ventilation in the home environment.

I came to the realization that the air we breathe in our home can be the most contaminated and proper ventilation is the key for a healthier lifestyle. Healthy air can be achieved with a Panasonic fan; it is a very cost effective solution.

Panasonic is a leader in the advanced ventilation market and Green Innovation is their specialty. We will continue to design and create superior products that are very quiet, energy efficient and durable. They are all specifically deigned to properly clear moisture from a washroom and moisture is the number one cause of mould and mildew. It’s like buying “insurance” for your bathroom …..Protect your Investment.

With our product awareness becoming more familiar and common in the marketplace, I am satisfied knowing that Panasonic Advanced Ventilation systems can make a difference in our day-to-day environment. It’s because of this I am able to contribute on a personal level as well.

S TA C E Y F E AT H E R S T O N E


FRONT ROW: NANCY SHERMAN, STACEY FEATHERSTONE AND KRISTY SHORTALL BACK ROW: MARGARET WARD,

ANGELA BUSTAMANTE AND LYNN DA PRA AT ANI BOGOVIC'S SITE BEFORE THE GIRLS GO GREEN LUNCHEON

STACEY FEATHERSTONE IS THE ONTARIO REGIONAL SALES

MANAGER, VENTILATION PRODUCTS, PANASONIC CANADA INC.

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BUILDER NEWS

A N G E L A B U S TA M A N T E

Angela Bustamante: BUILDING KNOWLEDGE THROUGH ENERGY RATING As an energy evaluator I can honestly say that it’s been an interesting year with the implementation of SB12. Since being involved in the green building industry for the past six years for new homes it was a definite eye-opener for me.

Building Knowledge has proudly been working with great “green” builders over the past several years. There was no way I could have prepared myself for this. I never realized that there was an industry that didn’t know what the heck all this green stuff was about. Working with early adopting builders and being fortunate enough to be surrounded by great mentors like Gord Cooke left me kind of naive. I never expected that there would be builders out there that SB12 would be a shock to or a building department that would say “What’s a blower door test?”, “What’s ENERGY STAR®”, and “Have you heard of an EnerGuide 80 or a HERS rating?”. I can say I wasn’t surprised by the architect calls

wondering how they were going to build over 22% glass to keep their clients happy.

I’m calling 2012 the year of green knowledge. As an energy evaluator I felt I was better equipped to provide more in- depth knowledge to individuals regarding green programs and ratings being implemented across Ontario. I felt I was able to settle a few plans examiners' questioning minds at the municipal level as well as giving building inspectors more confidence in determining what to look for at occupancy stage, and the avoidance of a label. Assisting the builder’s permit departments and designer plan reviews I think we accomplished a lot together this year and look forward to a new year when I can start it all over again with explaining the differences of ENERGY STAR® Version 12.1 (released November 2012).

On that note, here’s a bit of education. There are all sorts of green programs and ratings out there. Some are software reliant, some are administrative geared, and some are heavily performance verified. Several popular ones are created by Natural Resources Canada, some by manufacturers, and some by organizations such as CRESNET or utilities. Many have labels and or incentives and some don’t. All in all they have the same intentions to better the environment and save energy while building better homes. Remember that some may work for one builder while others may work for another. You can rely on your energy evaluator/rater to help determine which one carries more benefit to your company.

ANGELA BUSTAMANTE IS THE C.E.T., LEED AP BD+C, NRCAN ENERGY EVALUATOR FOR NEW HOMES AND MURBS

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ANGELA RUSTAMANTE AND YASMINE GOODWIN AT ANI BOGIVIC'S SITE


Margaret Ward:

CHANNEL CONSULTANT ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION INC.I have worked for Enbridge for many years and have held numerous positions, from Litigation to Construction. In the in the last 10 years, I have worked mostly in Sales, working with Builders and HVAC contractors promoting our Energy Efficiency Programs.

I have been very fortunate to work with some strong leaders that have encouraged me along the way telling me “You can do it Margaret!!” Back in the early 1990s, our company encouraged women and gave us an opportunity to work in “nontraditional” roles and I was hesitant at first but then realized that it was time to do something different and take on a challenge of working in construction.

As I mentioned above, back in the early 1990s, Enbridge introduced an opportunity for women to work as Pipeline Inspectors. At that time, it meant giving up taking your holidays throughout the summer and working in the field as a Pipeline Inspector. I worked with men that had been working in construction installing new gas mains and services for over 20 years or more and now to have a woman as their Pipeline Inspector was not only an adjustment for them but also for me. As a pipeline inspector, us women were under the spotlight and had to perform duties above and beyond what was expected so we could prove we actually COULD do the job.

I did this temporarily for the summer and was then offered a full time position, which I obviously took. I worked in this field for 4 years (even had two babies throughout that time, which was a first for Enbridge “a pregnant pipeline inspector??!!”) And I might add, I was treated with the utmost respect and sometimes even spoiled!

Since that position, the knowledge I gained by working in the field has enabled me to move up to other positions at Enbridge and to get me where I am today, a Channel Consultant. Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. is not only a gas utility BUT we have many energy efficient programs for both our residential and commercial customers to take advantage of.

As a Channel Consultant at Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. a very important part of my job is to represent our company in both the Builder and HVAC community.

We currently have two Energy Efficient Programs available for low rise new construction builders.

The Drain Water Heat Recovery Program – this unit reclaims water heat that is lost down the drain – reducing energy use and saving the builders and homeowners money. These units retail for $600 and builders can get one FREE (until December 31, 2012) per house. We will also be running this program in 2013 where Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. will pick up 75% of the cost of the unit and the builder 25%. The Drain Water Heat Recovery Unit not only reduces water heating costs by up to 40% BUT also reuses heat energy which is good for the environment AND it is easy to install and maintenance free.

Our other program is “Savings by Design” It helps maximize the energy efficiency of builders’ new homes and the objective for the builder is to achieve 25% greater energy savings than current Ontario Building Code standards through an Integrated Design Process. This process involves the builders, owners and their design team working together at the outset of the building’s design phase to identify the optimal mix of design elements and technologies to maximize environmental performance. Enbridge will enlist energy modeling experts to estimate the potential natural gas and electricity savings.

I am proud to work for Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. and thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity to work with the building industry, especially if our programs can help builders to build better homes.

BUILDER NEWS

M A R G A R E T WA R D

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MARGARET WARD: CHANNEL CONSULTANT ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION INC.

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BUILDER NEWS

Tracy Hanes: WRITING GREEN, LIVING GREEN

Journalist Tracy Hanes, who writes for major dailies as well as this magazine, knows her way around green building and sustainable practices. But when sustainable building expert John Godden (www.clearsphere.ca) asked her if she’d like to be a “green guinea pig” and undergo a retrofit on her own 1950s side split, she initially balked. “Yes, the air conditioning unit was 30 years old,” Hanes says. “But

the furnace was pretty new, and so were high-end low-e argon windows. And naturally I didn’t want to spend a huge amount of money.”

Two facts influenced her decision to go for it - that relatively new furnace was only mid-efficiency and the heat distribution in the home was terrible.

The two rooms over the garage – including the home office where she writes about building, development, and land use – were like an icebox in winter and an inferno in summer.

“I couldn’t work up there half the year,” Hanes says.

Given Hanes’ familiarity with building, she knew that installing a more efficient heating and cooling system didn’t make any sense on its own without improving the building envelope. Hanes’s partner, who

works with infrared thermography in his day job, used his work camera to show them where the leaks were. But they also had an energy audit, complete with blower door test, done by green building consultant/certified energy auditor Peter Reynolds. The results were sobering – their home got an overall EnerGuide rating of 63 with an air leakage rate of 8.53.

Reynolds suggested sealing leaks around electrical boxes, window frames, plumbing and baseboards. But the house still needed more. So with Godden’s help, Hanes’s partner demolished the garage ceiling, removing the old insulation which had bunched up in spots and was nonexistent in others. They sprayed Icynene foam, which both insulates and seals air leaks. They insulated the floors in the two

bedrooms from below, and then re-drywalled the garage ceiling. The attic, accessible from the rooms above the garage, was beefed up with Roxul laid down over the existing batting. Those upper rooms are now R33.

Once the envelope was taken care of, they replaced the heating and cooling systems with a combination system. A Lifebreath Clean Air furnace uses hot water as the heat source to warm the air before circulating it. This furnace combines space heating, ventilation and air conditioning – a 16 SEER (seasonal energy efficient rating). Heating the hot water in Hanes’s home is a 98.4 efficiency FlowMax 120 condensing hot water heater. And with an extra storage tank added to the FlowMax, the system was able to provide radiant heat flooring as well.

Although Hanes sees these latest components regularly in the LEED construction she writes about, they hadn’t at that point – a year and a half ago - made it on the government’s EcoEnergy grants list so she was unable to pursue funds.

No matter – it’s been worthwhile for the long term savings. Their gas consumption is down by 40% - and that measured against a mild winter – and their average monthly heat and hydro bill is less than $200/month, even with recent rate increases which will only continue to climb. What’s more, this was exactly the pre-retrofit savings predicted by Godden and Reynolds.

Given what was being done to the house, Hanes expected to save money. What she didn’t expect was the improvement in comfort and air quality. With even heat throughout her home, she can work from her home office year round.

And the air quality is so improved that allergies no longer plague her. Even her mother, a fellow allergy sufferer, noticed the difference when she visited for a few days. “She told me she had the best sleep in a very long time because the air quality was so good,” Hanes says.

Although Hanes is familiar with the enticing array of available designer products, she’d rather put her money into comfort. “We still have laminate counters and old hardwood, but the house is such a pleasure to be in we don’t care and we know we made good decisions.”

A L E X N E W M A N

TRACY HANES, JOURNALIST

THE HANES GARAGE, BEFORE AND AFTER

INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY SHOT SHOWING LEAKS


BUILDER NEWS

Karen Woodard:

DECADES OF DEDICATIONI have been with Martino Contractors since November 11, 1991; originally hired for accounts payable, but in the 21 years since, I have done accounts receivable, service, retail and residential new home construction. For a few years while we were owned by Lennox International, I was the office manager. I am currently doing all aspects of residential new home construction and accounts receivable as well as being the executive assistant to Mike Martino.

Mike Martino has influenced my work. He made sure that I learned every aspect of this company. Cross training in all departments has given me a wide knowledge of this industry.

In the early days, my work consisted of doing everything manually for residential new home construction. I had big accounting binders to track the heating systems, air conditioning systems and fireplaces. New technology has changed the way I work, I now track everything on a computer program. I am able to see everything for each project at my fingertips now. In the office we have widely promoted recycling.

With one of our builders we have gone ahead and promoted upgrades to the homeowners to promote energy efficient HVAC equipment in their homes like high efficiency furnaces and air conditioners.

Recently, we have gotten back into the custom home portion of the business and are trying to build that side of the business as well as the existing residential side.

33

K A R E N W O O D A R D

KAREN WOODARD IS THE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

TO MIKE MARTINO OF MARTINO CONTRACTORS

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BUILDER NEWS`

Lynn Da Pra: PRESIDENT, CADORIN HOMESLynn Da Pra is President of Cadorin Homes and Treasurer, Director of The Sustainable Housing Foundation. Recently celebrating her successful completion of the Building Science Specialist of Ontario course requirements, she is geared to make a difference.

"My views and goals of the day are formed in part by all the wonderful blessings I've had in my life: hard-working, conscientious parents, successful business mentors, passionate instructors, and the support of like-minded colleagues." Sustainable building has been an interesting world of discovery from many different perspectives, whether it be the science, the business or the moral aspect. "Having turned this sustainable cube around in my hands this past while and exploring the various aspects one needs to consider for a viable business, I can safely say that sustainable building makes sense from every side."

Future work with the Sustainable Housing Foundation to increase sustainable possibilities to as many people as possible is definitely an exciting venture. "I am convinced we have the best of the best involved in this initiative, which is a very powerful motivator." The Sustainable Housing Foundation has had significant involvement with builders, renovators, manufacturers, academia, and corporate sponsors to forge ahead with real traction in the advance of sustainability. Construction projects this winter and spring of a couple of custom homes will serve not only to benefit the homeowners but also in providing some tangibility for lessons learned.

"Probably the best advice I can provide regarding sustainable building is to consider the building as a whole rather than individual materials and components. Clearly, modeling prior to construction is necessary to ensure your choices are effective." It is encouraging to note there are choices and options for better building practices.

Hold your glass up to more learning and teaching and constructing good buildings and solid businesses!

Elem Rinomato:

PRESIDENT, TORINO DRYWALLAs president of Torino Drywall Inc., Elem Rinomato is right where she wants to be. “I absolutely love what I do, because my passion lies with the drywall business,” she says. “If you are driven and passionate, you will succeed, and your happiness will lead to further successes.”

Established in 1964 by Elem’s father, Tony Rinomato, Torino Drywall quickly became one of Toronto’s largest drywall contracting firms in the residential marketplace. Elem joined the company in 1985, after earning a degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo and graduating at the top of her class.

Thinking “Green” was always easy for Elem because that’s what she believes in. She ensures that most of the products that she uses are environmentally friendly such as recycled drywall and metal studs. “When the job is ready for cleanup, the ‘scrap’ is taken to a recycling depot where it is further recycled into other products. I wish the entire construction industry would think more green!” When Canada’s first “All Green” project was being built in Toronto several years ago, Elem knew that she had to do it. With her knowledge and experience in the drywall trade, she knew that Torino would be a large contributor to ensuring that the project remained “green” in every aspect.

Over the years, Torino has expanded services to the high-rise residential, commercial and industrial market. With three dozen projects on the go at any given time, and 300 tradespeople working for the company, Torino Drywall is a key supplier to builders throughout the GTA and surrounding areas.

LYNN DA PRA AND ELEM RINOMATO AT THE GIRLS GO GREEN LUNCHEON

LYNN DA PRA IS PRESIDENT OF CADORIN HOMES AND TREASURER, DIRECTOR OF THE SUSTAINABLE HOUSING FOUNDATION; ELEM RINOMATO IS PRESIDENT OF TORINO DRYWALL INC

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BUILDER NEWS

Agnes Haak:

WITH SUSTAINABLE HOMES WE ALL WINI recycle, turn my lights off, walk instead of drive, and reuse food containers. But sustainability was a bit of a mystery to me. My home is the poster child for how not to live. My front door has a gap underneath letting in fresh air in the winter and hot air in the summer, my attic is insulated with sawdust, which apparently doesn’t have an R-value, and my water heater is a giant energy waster that heats more hot water than we ever use. With my busy life as a single working mom with two active kids, I didn’t give it too much thought.

When I met John Godden, I was working as a management consultant, advising corporations on how to articulate and implement corporate strategy, how to set up an effective organization structure, and how to manage change. As I focused more on small and medium-sized businesses, I met the passion, drive, and stubbornness of business owners which was very inspiring. John’s passion for the environment, his drive to improve homes, and his passion for sustainability opened my eyes.

In 2011, John and I started to work together to define Clearsphere’s role in improving the energy efficiency of Canadian homes, providing project support to builders and building a team of dedicated people that are the driving force behind Clearsphere.

In my work with builders on LEED for Homes projects, I learned about their challenges to meet building code requirements, fire safety requirements, and energy requirements, while at the same time meeting the high expectations of home buyers.

More recently, I started working with The Sustainable Housing Foundation to support our vision to increase the number of sustainable homes in Canada. Our work is very exciting, as we are bringing manufacturers, builders, renovators, home buyers and home owners together to provide insight into how to make sustainability a priority for everyone. Our economic forecast shows that we will need to build sustainable homes in order to reduce the impact on our environment as well as reduce the impact on our financial stability.

I have been very fortunate to be asked to become part of two organizations that are making a difference in Canada. I am learning about sustainable homes and what we can do to live better, live healthier, and use our resources wisely.

As we are gaining more support for our cause, we have the opportunity to make change happen. As for now, it is time to clean up my attic and replace my water heater. If everyone does their part, we all win.

A G N E S H A A K

AGNES HAAK, AMY LAZAR AND STACEY FEATHERSTONE AT ANI BOGOVIC'S SITE BEFORE THE

GIRLS GO GREEN LUNCHEON

AGNES HAAK CONTACT INFORMATION: 416 371 4225

[email protected]

WWW.SUSTAINABLEHOUSINGFOUNDATION.COM

WWW.SPARKIT.CA


36

The Better Half: WOMEN IN HOME BUILDINGIn my last article, I suggested that “fellas, you may have to share the man cave.” Well there is another male bastion that needs to change. We’re going to need to get a whole lot better at sharing our job sites with the ladies.

I think that most of us in the construction industry understand that we will face a significant labour shortage over the next 20 years. I believe that we as an industry need to address and/or advocate for three critical areas in the labour market to address this issue.

Firstly, we have to work with the government to address our immigration policies to encourage skilled trades to come to Canada. Second, we must continue to work on getting apprenticeship ratios down to 1:1 and then continue to educate our youth about the benefits of a career in the skilled trades. And third, we must do everything we can to encourage women to enter the trades. Over 50% of our population is female, yet on our jobsites it is nowhere near this. In the near future, having a female electrician, plumber, or insulator may be what keeps your business in business.

Given that this edition is a celebration of women in the building industry, I would like to take the opportunity to thank a few of them that have been such a tremendous help over the last few years, particularly during my year as OHBA President.

My friend Shellie Chowns is the Past President of the London Home Builders Association. Shellie was a great leader for LHBA, and as a true friend, always told me the truth, not what I wanted to hear. Shellie’s background in construction management meant that she was able to provide me with solid insights into the challenges facing larger production builders. I think that Union Gas is very lucky to have her on their team.

I also must say thanks to the “Little Prez” Stephanie Coleman-Dias, the Past President of the St. Thomas and Elgin Home Builders Association (she calls me the “Big Prez”). Stef, along with her husband John and son Alex, is a renovator in the St. Thomas area, as well as being an Energy Evaluator. We’ve had many conversations about the need for builder qualification and training and about advocacy work over the years.

On my own staff I have Suzie Dennis, my Marketing Assistant, and Sandy Lale, new home designer for Doug Tarry Homes. Both of these bright, talented ladies were so very helpful to me during my year as president. I simply could not have gotten through without their hard work, dedication and friendship. Between them, they had to carry much of the load while I was busy with meetings, travel and all the other time commitments that a President faces.

There are so many local association E.O.’s and board members that have also made sure I was on the right path, particularly Marie Schroeder from Greater Waterloo Region, Lois Langdon from London and Aggie Tose from Haliburton.

But most importantly I would have to recognize my wonderful wife Carolyne who’s put up with me all these years, kept the home fires burning and provided me with her opinion on everything from what shirts go with what suits, to ways to improve a home design, to why she did or did not like our most recent model home. Over the years Carolyne and I have gained many friendships with other members of our industry, and she frequently attends events with me, the most rewarding of all was for the OHBA Humanitarian Build in the Dominican Republic. There are some really great videos of this trip available online.

These women all show compassion, care, dedication, talent and hard work. They are all excellent ambassadors for our industry and I am honoured to be a part of an industry that includes them. They are role models that young women should be encouraged to aspire to.

BUILDER NEWS

D O U G TA R RY

DOUG TARRY JR., IS THE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AT DOUG TARRY HOMES IN ST. THOMAS , ONTARIO.

39ISSUE 04 | WINTER 2012

PAGE TITLE

Features

ISSUE 03 | FALL 2012

PAGE TITLE

Features

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Install a Drain Water Heat Recovery system in your new homes. It’s an energy-efficient measure your customers can see and feel.

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When Direct Energy customers call by 5pm with a water heater repair, we promise to do our best to be there the very same day.*

Access to over 700 licensed, highly-trained technicians.

THE TEAM YOU CAN TRUST.