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Earth Day 2016 – April 22nd!

Join us for Earth Day at work!

Come out to 20 Bay Street, WaterPark Place Atrium and Food Court for some Earth Day education and fun! Hope to see you there!

earth day oxford

The movement continues. http://www.earthday.org/

We are now entering the 46th year of a movement that continues to inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion, and motivate people to action.

In 1970, the year of our first Earth Day, the movement gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channeling human energy toward environmental issues. Forty-six years later, we continue to lead with groundbreaking ideas and by the power of our example.

And so it begins. Today. Right here and right now. Earth Day is more than just a single day — April 22, 2016. It’s bigger than attending a rally and taking a stand.

This Earth Day and beyond, let’s make big stuff happen. Let’s plant 7.8 billion trees for the Earth. Let’s divest from fossil fuels and make cities 100% renewable. Let’s take the momentum from the Paris Climate Summit and build on it.

Let’s start now. And let’s not stop.

 

Quick Facts about Green Retrofitting

Contributor: Mahtot GebresselassieICL Project Management Solutions

Green retrofits are becoming more popular than new green construction. They are a less risky investment because there is no cost to build the main components of the building. Green retrofits are also more efficient in that they use minimal to no new natural resources to construct the components of the building.

green-retrofit-graphic

Weather Beacon at Canada Life, at 330 University Avenue, Toronto. The green upgrade from incandescent light to LED (light emitting diode) is to reduce energy consumption.  Click here for photo credit:  LeftRight 

This article explores quick facts that will help you better acquaint yourself with green retrofitting. We recommend that you review the table below to appreciate fully the benefits of green retrofitting by understanding buildings, their consumption of resources, and their effects on humans and their surroundings.

 Table

Click here for source.

What are some of the green aspects of buildings? Physical building components, design of the buildings, systems of operation, and interior spaces.

What are some specific examples of green-ness? Proximity to transit infrastructure; building materials that have good insulation and low emission of harmful substances; alternative energy sources; double plumbing to use rain water or grey water; roof gardens; and interior garden walls.   Architects' Office

Retrofitted interior of Adamson Associates Architects Toronto Office, 401 Wellington Street East. LEED EB: O& M certified. Click here for photo credit.

What is green retrofitting? Remodeling or upgrading partially or fully occupied building interiors and exteriors with green elements and systems without interrupting the daily routines of the occupants. Green retrofitting can be done piecemeal, i.e. small-size green update at a time. However, comprehensive retrofits, though more expensive initially, are more effective over the long term as the coordination of green elements and systems results in their increased combined benefits.

What are the benefits of green retrofitting? Lower cost of operating buildings; improved quality of spaces, for example, through natural lighting; gain in floor area (in some instances) due to the replacement of bulky mechanical equipment and building materials with thin variety; improved corporate image in social responsibility; tax credits and government incentives; lessened impact on infrastructure; efficient use of natural resources; and lessened ecological impact.

Are new buildings greener than retrofitted? No. In fact, using existing buildings is more resource-efficient than new green construction; it doesn’t use new resources for the building components and the construction process. In addition, green retrofits are a safer investment than new green construction as there is no cost for the construction of the main components of buildings.

First Canadian Place                                               Before retrofitting                        After retrofitting

First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5X 1A9, Retrofitted building, LEED-EB: O&M. The marble cladding was replaced with green cladding. Click here for photo credit. LeftRight 

What are the disadvantages/challenges of green retrofitting? The initial cost of green retrofitting or building a new green building maybe high; there is an uncertainty factor in terms of what you might encounter inside an existing building (inside walls, roofs); there is no guarantee that building retrofits increase property value; industry professionals are not very well versed in greet retrofitting; the benefit of retrofitted buildings is in reducing operating costs once the relatively expensive retrofitting is done; developers need proof and there doesn’t seem to be a data a lot of data to support the benefits of green retrofits/construction; and potential liability issues could arise in a case of green retrofits not saving on operating costs.

Can retrofitted buildings Certified? There is a specific certification system, LEED EB: O&M, which means LEED for Existing Buildings: Operation and Maintenance.

McMichael

McMichael Canadian Art Centre, 10365 Islington Ave, Kleinburg, Ontario. LEED EB: O&M certified. Click here for photo credit.

 

This article was published originally on ICL Project Management Solutions blog.” 

Sources      

http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom

UnitedStates/Local%20Assets/Documents/us_re_Dollars_Sense_Retrofits_190608_.pdf

http://www.westerninvestor.com/index.php/news/55-features/918-deep-green-retrofits

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/realestate/commercial/02deutsche.html?_r=0

https://www.esbnyc.com/documents/sustainability/uli_building_retro_fits.pdf

http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id48227/–expansion-of-ldquogreenrdquo-retrofits-expected

http://www.cagbc.org/leed/projectprofile_EN.aspx

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/basics.htm

http://greenliving.about.com/od/architecturedesign/tp/green_buildings.htm

http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/faqs.htm#1

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1208381/iconic-canada-life-weather-beacon-goes-green