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Infrastructure Ontario ramps up conservation efforts
Infrastructure Ontario ramps up conservation efforts
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) have struck a strategic, five-year partnership to test innovative processes, technologies and program delivery models to accelerate the adoption of conservation and demand management (CDM) solutions by Ontario’s broader public sector. IO’s portfolio features approximately 4,000 buildings.
Cost, education barriers to Net Zero building
A new report from Navigant Research analyzes the global market for net zero energy (ZNE) buildings in the residential and commercial sectors, examining major market changes, as well as drivers and barriers, key technology and design trends, and related regulation and outreach programs.
Call for projects for new zero carbon building standard
The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is looking for Canadian projects to participate in a two-year immersion program for developers and designers undertaking near-net zero developments in new or existing buildings across Canada. Chosen projects will play a leadership role as the first-to-market for certification under CaGBC’s new Zero Carbon Building Standard.
Designing for wellness brings big benefits
Designing for wellness impacts the bottom line: 92% of a building portfolio’s costs are for personnel. Site design features targeting wellness can improve employee efficiency; reduce medical costs and insurance premiums; and attract and retain better talent.
Building Design + Construction
EcoDistricts Protocol next big building trend?
The EcoDistricts Protocol revolves around three imperatives—equity, climate protection, and resilience—and six priorities—resource regeneration, living infrastructure, health and well-being, connectivity, place, and prosperity.
Building Design + Construction
Montreal’s Le 1500 earns LEED EB:O&M certification
Ivanhoé Cambridge’s Le 1500 has cemented its place as one of the most energy-efficient office buildings in Montreal with a LEED Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (EB:O&M) certification from the Canada Green Building Council to join its BOMA BEST Platinum certification.
LEED® registered projects in Canada surpass 1 billion square feet
Green building in Canada has reached a significant milestone, with the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) announcing that there are now over 1 billion square feet of LEED® registered projects in Canada. Representing nearly 7,000 LEED buildings, homes and communities since 2004.
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BIPVCo sells the ‘little black dress’ of solar |
| Paul Bates, chief operating officer at BIPVCo believes the “Coco Chanel” of solar roofing comes in the form of BIPVCo’s technology, which uses thin film PV technology to create an all-in-one solar roofing solution. | |
| Green Biz, January 24, 2017 |
Building-integrated photovoltaic on the upswing
The push to boost energy efficiency in buildings has helped drive the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) global market, a new study says. BCC Research reveals in a new report that BIPV has limitless market potential because buildings account for more than 40 per cent of all energy consumption.
Application helps untangle the economics of solar in Alberta
Adding solar power in Alberta isn’t as simple as mounting some panels on the side of a building and then tapping into the grid. A number of other factors come into play, enough of them that they can discourage prospective solar power customers.
New Alberta energy efficiency agency open for business
For months, the board of Energy Efficiency Alberta has been working on a report to guide the province’s new energy efficiency programs. Here’s the direction in which Alberta will head as a result. Energy Efficiency Alberta, a new, not-for-profit Crown agency, will support energy efficiency programs for homes and businesses.
B.C. hemlock paired with bamboo a laminate material
A researcher with B.C. ties is looking to open more doors for Canadian western hemlock in China’s construction sector by introducing a hybrid laminate material that combines the timber with bamboo. Brad Jianhe Wang, a UBC graduate who now heads Sino-Canada Low-Carbon in Ningbo, China, said his group is looking at the potential of a hemlock-bamboo CLT (cross-laminate timber) as a building material.
Lufa Farms opens third rooftop greenhouse farm
In 2011 Mo Hage and his wife Lauren Rathmell opened what was reputed to be the world’s first commercial rooftop greenhouse, atop an industrial building in Ahuntsic. A rooftop greenhouse uses no land. And because it absorbs heat from the building below, it uses 50 per cent less energy than one on the ground – and reduces energy costs for building owners.
HGTV’s Mike Holmes endorses net zero homes
Building for the future means building homes that are sustainable and rely on renewable sources of energy. For many homeowners, the dream home includes the finishing touches like stainless steel appliances and open concept kitchens. We’re starting to see a shift and notice that homeowners are also asking about energy efficiency.
Vancouver hires well-known environmentalist to guide green policy
The City of Vancouver has hired a well-known environmental advocate to help guide its quest to become the greenest city on the planet. Matt Horne, the former associate director of environmental think-tank the Pembina Institute and a member of B.C.’s climate leadership team, is the city’s new climate change policy manager.
Philadelphia, San Diego make smart District 2030 moves
Cities increasingly are looking to reduce energy and water use and limit emissions. 2030 Energy Districts, which are voluntary standards upon which municipalities and building owners agree, are one structure under which these efforts are moving forward. Yesterday, The San Diego Union Tribune reported that the city is on the way to becoming a 2030 District.
Energy Manager Today – San Diego Tribune
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NYC to slash 80% of GHG by 2050 |
| New York City understands the very real threat presented by climate change. This drives city officials to work diligently toward a more sustainable, resilient city and encouraged them to establish an ambitious goal to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. | |
| BDC Network, January 19, 2017 |
Products, Technology and Design
An open letter to engineers
Infrastructure engineers design projects that last. Energy projects designed now will be in place for the next 50 years, and likely will lock us into a specific fuel source for longer than that. Whether you are installing a replacement chiller or designing a high capacity hydroelectric dam, approach each design as if it could fundamentally change the way our world operates.
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Sustainable Biz advertising opportunity! |
| Sustainable Biz Canada (SBC) launched in 2016 and already has thousands of page views available for advertisers. Website exposure on RENX.ca, ads in the Green Real Estate Newsletter, writing services and more. | |
| Email sales@SustainableBiz.ca or call 1-855-569-6300 |
Green Building Rating Systems
USGBC introduces Greenbuild scholarship recipients
Every year, US Green Building Council offers scholarships to make Greenbuild accessible to people who would otherwise not be able to attend. Eighty-eight individuals received a scholarship to attend Greenbuild 2016 in Los Angeles. Scholarship recipients represent a diverse group of people from around the world who share a passion for USGBC’s vision.
Market Trends and Research
Skyscraper farms could represent the future of food
According to Rick Byrd, the future of farming is tall, dirtless and local. Byrd’s vision of skyscraper farms to feed city dwellers begins with a much different kind of crop: marijuana. Byrd is chief executive officer and founder of Pure Agrobusiness Inc., a company that sells equipment to grow legal cannabis, a market worth $6 billion in 2016 and expected to reach $50 billion by 2026.
Harvesting trees for carbon credits in New Brunswick
On a country back road near Penobsquis, an experiment is underway that its supporters hope will point the way to a market-driven, low-carbon economic boom for New Brunswick. A non-profit organization called Community Forests International bought more than 285 hectares of forest from a private landowner and is now harvesting it using low-impact, sustainable methods.
Green building awards
Two Canadian buildings honoured for sustainability
Two Canadian facilities are 2017 winners of ASHRAE Technology Awards for innovative building design that enables sustainable and energy-efficient operations. Toronto’s Humber River Hospital is recognized for excellence in the health care sector, while Montreal’s Centre de transport Stinson receives the honour for industry facilities/processes.
Market trends and research
Why organic farming matters more than ever before
Organically managed farms have been shown to produce higher yields than their conventional counterparts during droughts, according to one of the biggest studies ever done on organic farming and published in the journal Nature Plants in 2016.
Municipal Policy and Urban Issues
Urban density increases in Fredericton
With fewer single-family homes and more apartment buildings constructed in 2016, Fredericton’s urban makeup is shifting in a way that mirrors lifestyle changes across North America. People want to live closer to where they work and play, and the city’s most recent development report reflects that, said Coun. John MacDermid, chair of the city’s development committee.
This California city is leading the zero-carbon charge
Menlo Park’s updated zoning requires new developments to use 100 per cent renewable energy, not only for electricity but for all energy, including natural gas (based on energy use with conversion between kWh and BTU), gently guiding a transition to electric, fossil-fuel-free buildings.
Commercial real estate
From an industrial park to an eco-neighborhood in Brussels, Belgium
A former industrial park constructed in 1907 and originally used as a shipping and customs complex is set to undergo a transformation into a sustainable eco-neighborhood covering 135,000-sm. A little less than one-third of this space consists of the 40,000-sm Gare Maritime (Marine Terminal).
Renewable Energy
Alberta homeowners to receive new free, energy upgrades
Free LED lights, new appliance rebates and business incentives are among the programs coming to Alberta in 2017 to help homes and businesses save energy and money, said Environment Minister Shannon Phillips in late January. The programs are based on the recommendations of a seven-person advisory panel chaired by energy conservation expert David Wheeler.
Commercial Green Buildings
“Plyscrapers” gaining in popularity
Big timber is sprouting up in cities in North America and abroad. After years of feasibility studies and design proposals, buildings six stories or taller constructed primarily from pre-engineered wood products are being considered in cities around the world.
Building Design + Construction
Government Programs and Incentives
Banning asbestos a first step toward a healthy environment
Banning asbestos is an important step towards fulfilling the fundamental right of all Canadians to live in a healthy environment. It also demonstrates that we finally have a federal government willing to make decisions based on scientific evidence.
Municipal Policy and Urban Issues
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Sustainable Biz followers on Twitter |
| Follower The Buildings Performance Institute EU is a Brussels based think-tank delivering policy analysis, advice and implementation support for buildings energy performance. | |
| Follow BizSustainably, the most comprehensive news feed on Twitter for Canadian business concerned about sustainability. |
Cities and Towns
Winnipeg likely to face challenge over new growth fee
The Manitoba Home Builders Association is expected to file its legal challenge against the City of Winnipeg’s new growth fees in late January. In October, city council voted 10-6 in favour of charging $500 for every 100 square feet of new residential space in selected areas at the fringes of the city, to pay for growth-related infrastructure.
Transit, bikes and transportation
City mayors call for improved public transit
In a substantive meeting in late January, Canada’s big-city mayors urged the Prime Minister to use his government’s next budget to launch a new era of public transit and to tackle Canada’s housing affordability crisis head-on.
Water Management
New advisory board members join International Wastewater Systems
International Wastewater Systems Inc. announced that Mr. Steve Moddemeyer, Mr. Qu Yuxiu and Mr. Alfred Ng, have joined as members of the IWS Advisory Board. IWS’s Advisory Board was established to formally leverage the company’s network of renewable energy experts and industry leaders already supporting the adoption of IWS technology around the world.
Waste Management
Smart waste solutions are helping cut down on garbage
Smart waste collection solutions on the market track waste levels and provide route optimization and operational analytics. Municipalities and waste service managers are realizing that these solutions can help them meet sustainability goals (such as zero waste), improve services for residents and reduce operational costs.
Industry Events
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Greenbuild 2024: Built to Scale
Nov 12 2024
to Nov 15 2024
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
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Sustainable Finance Forum 2024
Nov 28 2024
to Nov 29 2024
Shaw Centre, Ottawa
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