Sustainable Architectural Strategies
Project Phases
Discovery
• Exploration to define scope and goals
• Initial concept
• Feasibility studies, budget, timeline
• Existing site analysis, documentation, applicable by-laws
• Coordination of additional site studies (survey, geotechnical report, sun studies, traffic, etc.)
• Design research
Schematic Design
• Development of Discovery/
Pre-Design information into drawings
• Preliminary energy model and performance strategy
• Costing exercise to align the project to budget goals
• Selection of builder
• Approved SD drawings submitted for municipal review
Design Development
• Development of SD drawings into further detail
• Preliminary selection of materials
• Preliminary detail selection and development
• Energy Modelling Report
• Detailed costing/budget review
• Approved DD drawings submitted for building permit
Construction Documents
• Development of DD drawings into further detail
• Project specifications
• Final material selections
• Details suitable for construction, reviewed with
the builder
• Final costing/budget to approve for building
Construction
• Contract Administration
• Regular review and documentation of construction progress
• Interpretation of details with the builder
• Review of requested alterations or substitutions
• Blower door testing
Passive House Design
Passive House Design is a set of design principles to attain a high level of energy efficiency while also creating very comfortable indoor spaces. These principles can be applied to all buildings, including backyard and single-family homes, multi-unit apartment buildings, community housing, offices, and more.
5 main principles are required to achieve the Passive House standard:
1 – High performance insulation.
2 – High performance windows.
3 – Airtight construction.
4 – Heat or energy recovery ventilation.
5 – Thermal bridge-free design.
Adaptive Re-Use
Adaptive Re-Use is changing the use of something which we no longer need to something new, which we now need. By changing the function of an existing building we are making the most of that which we already have, rather than sending the old stuff to landfill and manufacturing more new stuff.
To the optimal extent possible, we are avoiding unnecessary Upfront (embodied) Carbon.
Universal Design
Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. An environment (or any building, space, or service in that environment) should be designed to meet the needs of all people who wish to use it. This is not a special requirement, for the benefit of only a minority of the population. It is a fundamental condition of good design.
If an environment is accessible, usable, convenient and a pleasure to use, everyone benefits. By considering the diverse needs and abilities of all people throughout the design process, universal design creates built environments that meet peoples' needs.
Simply put, universal design is good design.
Sustainable Building Materials
Sustainable Building Materials reduce your carbon footprint - both Upfront (embodied) Carbon and Operational Carbon throughout the life of your building. Upfront Carbon is emitted during the extraction, manufacture, transportation, and installation of a building material.
Materials that are closer to nature-made than to human-made emit less carbon upfront, create healthier environments in which to thrive, and reduce the emitting of carbon during building operations.
Even at the end of their lifecycle, nature-made materials will be taken back by Mother Nature. The same can not be said of most human-made materials.
Community
Engagement
In essence, Community Engagement focuses on enhancing community involvement for sustainable outcomes, involving various processes, relationships, and discussions, to enable decision-making and implementation. Success hinges on adapting strategies to suit the specific community context.
Rather than following a fixed model, engagement follows a framework guided by principles, strategies, and approaches that honour the community's right to information, consultation, involvement, and empowerment. Utilizing a variety of tools and tactics, community engagement prioritizes building trust as a key factor for enduring, effective collaboration.
Durability and Resilience
The more Durable a building is - the longer it lasts – and the less it negatively affects the environment.
The longer it lasts, the more Resilient it is - as it withstands different types of environmental stresses – wind, rain, snow, fire, heat, cold, etc.
Passive Sustainable Design
Passive design strategies utilize what nature provides for free to keep buildings comfortable without the need for purchased energy. Passive strategies are integrated strategically into the design of a building to work with natural elements on a building site (including sun and wind patterns) to provide free heating and cooling of spaces through different seasons.
Adaptive Re-use
Adaptive Re-Use is changing the use of something which we no longer need to something new, which we now need. By changing the function of an existing building we are making the most of that which we already have, rather than sending the old stuff to landfill and manufacturing more new stuff.
To the optimal extent possible, we are avoiding unnecessary Upfront (embodied) Carbon.
Thermal Mass
Thermal Mass is a material's capacity to absorb, store, and release heat. Concrete and other thermally-massive materials can absorb and retain excess heat from the sun, releasing it into the space as ambient temperatures decrease. They also absorb humidity, acting as natural temperature and humidity regulators, reducing fluctuations without using energy.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are essential for sustainable construction. By salvaging from previous projects, they lessen waste and the demand for new resources. This practice is crucial for environmentally friendly and cost-effective building. It plays a vital role in promoting responsible resource management in construction processes.
Air Tightness
Air-Tightness resists inward/outward air leakage through the building envelope, reducing heating/cooling demands. Airtight buildings, with ventilation, prevent mold/rot, creating comfortable indoor spaces with fewer drafts. Measured in Air Changes per Hour (ACH) with a Blower-Door Test at 50 Pascals.
Indoor Materials
Interior materials are meticulously selected for minimal emissions, prioritizing low- to no-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and non-off-gassing attributes. This promotes superior indoor air quality. Moreover, the consideration of recycled content and end-of-life recyclability aims to mitigate waste to landfills and reduce the depletion of virgin natural resources.
Heritage Conservation
Heritage Conservation enhances sustainable development by boosting job growth, increasing property values, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating tourism opportunities. It fosters cultural awareness and growth, respecting the traditions and stories of the area. Additionally, it encourages the reuse of building materials, extending a building's life and reducing environmental impact.
Off-Grid
An Off-Grid building operates independently from municipal utilities, sourcing water on-site from wells or rainwater and treating it with septic systems or composting toilets. Electricity is produced on-site via solar or wind power. It utilizes passive strategies for heating, cooling, and ventilation, such as thermal insulation and natural/nigh ventilation.
Exterior Materials
Select durable, natural exterior cladding and treatments to endure weathering and prolong a building’s life. After their use, these materials should ideally return to the biosphere with a positive impact. Prioritize sustainability and longevity to minimize adverse effects on the environment.
High-Efficiency Windows
High-efficiency windows feature proper installation, air sealing, and strong thermal performance. Often double or triple-glazed with insulating gas and a low-E coating, they prevent radiant heat transfer, suitable year-round. Frames primarily use fibreglass and wood to minimize thermal energy transmission.
Permeable Paving
Permeable paving facilitates stormwater movement, curbing runoff and filtering contaminants as it infiltrates groundwater. This eco-friendly solution aids in addressing water management challenges, mitigating environmental impact, and promoting sustainable urban development.
Site Optimization
When choosing a building site, maximize existing resources like schools, jobs, and public transit. Select a location that minimizes land disturbance, preserves vegetation, and maximizes natural light, solar heat gain, and ventilation. This reduces the need for new infrastructure and promotes sustainability integrating with the existing community environment.
Deep Overhangs
Balancing solar heat with proper window shading is vital for building energy efficiency year-round. A well-sized roof overhang effectively manages sunlight to fully shade a window at solar noon on June 21st, optimizing heat gain in winter and minimizing it in summer. This approach significantly impacts the building's thermal performance and energy consumption.
Green Roof
Green Roofs, or Living Roofs, cover buildings with vegetation on a suitable growing medium over root barriers, drainage, and waterproofing layers. Integrated irrigation systems aid maintenance. They reduce urban heat, retain storm water, filter rainwater, protect roof membranes, and cool buildings through evapotranspiration.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
ICF uses Durisol blocks for superior insulation and structural support. The blocks are stacked, concrete poured inside, providing excellent insulation and air seal. Durisol's exterior insulation allows concrete to act as effective thermal and humidity mass with low embodied energy and no petroleum-based compounds.
Rainwater Collection
Rainwater Collection efficiently harvests runoff from roofs and surfaces for on-site reuse. This resourceful system conserves water for outdoor irrigation and potential toilet flushing, contingent on local regulations.
Passive Solar
Passive Solar design uses the sun's energy to heat and cool living spaces. The building or its elements harness natural properties of materials and air through sun exposure. Examples include operable windows for winter heat gain, shading devices for summer, and solar chimneys for air movement. Solar chimneys amplify hot air rising to draw in cooler air for cooling.
Natural Cross-Ventilation
Natural cross-ventilation minimizes energy use and promotes eco-friendly architecture. It leverages air pressure and temperature variations to move fresh air, enhancing circulation and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. This sustainable approach fosters a healthier built environment, aligning with eco-conscious principles.
Above-Code Insulation
Many energy consultants now advise cold-climate buildings to use high R-value insulation: R-60 in ceilings, R-40 in above-grade walls, R-20 in basement walls, and R-10 around basement slabs. We prioritize fire-resistant, non-toxic, mineral wool insulation over styrofoam and other poly-based products, exceeding minimum building code standards.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is crucial for occupant health and comfort. Attaining superior IAQ involves thoughtful material selection and an effective ventilation strategy. By minimizing contaminants and ensuring proper air circulation, a space can provide a healthy and comfortable environment for its occupants.
Active Sustainable Design
Active design strategies use purchased energy, including electricity and (unfortunately) natural gas, to keep buildings comfortable. These strategies include mechanical system components such as furnaces, boilers, air-conditioning, heat pumps, radiant heating, heat or energy recovery ventilators, and electric lighting.
In Ontario, with our almost carbon-free hydro grid, it is better to use electricity rather than natural gas.
Active strategies also include systems that generate energy such as solar electric and solar thermal panels, and wind turbines.
Grid Connected
A Grid-Connected building generates and uses its own electricity. Excess power is sent to the grid, and when needed, electricity is drawn from the grid. This system aims for a net-zero or net-positive energy balance. Through the Hydro One Net Metering program, generated electricity can earn credits toward electricity costs.
Geothermal Heat Exchange
Geothermal Heat Exchange harnesses the Earth's constant temperature to efficiently control a building's climate throughout the year. This technology provides affordable heating and cooling options, appealing to eco-conscious individuals seeking sustainable solutions for their homes or businesses.
In-Floor Radiant Heating
In-Floor Radiant Heating utilizes conduction and convection to transfer heat from heated fluid flowing through tubes in the floor to the living space. Its advantages encompass reduced energy usage in contrast to forced-air systems, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced comfort. This system offers a compelling solution for efficient and comfortable heating.
Electro-Mobility
Electro-Mobility entails utilizing electrically-powered vehicles and mechanical equipment. Emphasizing electrical energy from renewable sources over traditional petroleum-based fuels is a cornerstone of each initiative. The aim is to seamlessly integrate sustainable practices during the design phase, further promoting a greener and more efficient transportation ecosystem.
Net-Positive Cost of Energy
We recommend employing solar PV modules in locations amenable to solar energy. These ventures can participate in the Hydro One Net Metering initiative, accruing credits to offset electricity expenses. A Net-Positive Cost of Energy endeavor produces surplus energy annually, yielding revenue from the solar PV system.
Wind Power
Wind power, harnessed by turbines or windmills, is a sustainable energy source transforming wind into electricity. This renewable resource reduces reliance on non-renewable energy, lessening environmental impact. Its proliferation signifies a pivotal shift towards sustainable energy production, marking a positive and crucial step for our planet's future.
Building Automation
Building Automation refers to the computer networking of electronic devices designed to monitor and control the HVAC, security, fire & safety, lighting, humidity and audio-visual control systems within a building. Automated Buildings are often referred to as “intelligent buildings”, “smart buildings”, or (if residential) as “smart homes”.
Heat Pump Water Heater
Heat pump water heaters are the most energy-efficient water heaters on the market - up to three times more energy efficient compared to a traditional electric water heater.
All-electric heat pump water heaters have a reduced carbon footprint because they do not use fossil fuels to work. Instead, heat pump water heaters run on minimal electricity to simply transfer heat from outside the tank to the water inside.
Solar-Electrical Power
Solar power is harnessed through photovoltaic (PV) modules, converting sunlight into electricity. These modules can be incorporated into building designs, acting as cladding, sun-shades, or roof-mounted panels, or placed on adjacent land. Tracking devices are used to maximize sun exposure, making solar power a versatile and efficient energy solution.
High Efficiency HVAC
An HVAC system maintains desired environmental conditions in a space. Different systems are available, tuned to a building’s needs. Passive strategies and low-energy systems are utilized to reduce energy demand. For summer, reflective roof surfaces and thermal insulation are used. For winter, thermal blankets at windows and thermal mass are employed.
High-Efficiency Appliances
High-Efficiency Appliances are held to strict energy consumption standards, set below typical usage. Energy Star serves as a benchmark for high energy-efficiency standards in North America. Adhering to regulated targets ensures these appliances consume less energy while delivering optimal performance, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability.
Greywater Re-use
Greywater refers to used water from various sources like showers, baths, and sinks. It can also include wastewater from kitchen sinks and laundry in some areas. Greywater Reuse collects and treats this water for non-drinking purposes like flushing toilets and outdoor irrigation. Coupled with Drain Water Heat Recovery, it efficiently conserves energy and resources.
Solar Thermal Energy
Solar Thermal Energy is produced by rooftop solar collectors that absorb heat from the sun. Flat-plate collectors, the most common type, circulate fluid through tubing to transfer heat to an insulated water tank. This method can pre-heat water from the municipal main or well, reducing energy needs for an on-demand water heater.
HRV/ERV
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems efficiently deliver fresh air while conserving energy. By transferring heat or both heat and humidity from stagnant air, these systems enhance indoor air quality and effectively cut down on energy costs. Ideal for sustainable and cost-effective ventilation solutions in residential and commercial settings.
Drain Water Heat Recovery
Drain Water Heat Recovery (DWHR) is the process of reclaiming heat lost down the drain, especially during showers. As hot water is costly to produce and contains substantial energy, DWHR systems recover 80-90% of the heat from draining water. This captured energy then preheats incoming cold water, enhancing water heater efficiency.
Reversible Ceiling Fans
Reversible Ceiling Fans are used to circulate indoor air and can be used in both heating and cooling seasons. In the winter, cool air is drawn from the floor up toward the ceiling, pushing warm air from the ceiling down into the occupied space. In the summer, air is directed down toward the occupied space to promote evaporative cooling.