Page 43 - Occupational Health & Safety, April 2017

A net zero building needs to produce as much energy as it consumes. This requires some outside-of-the-box thinking and the integration of a variety of solutions that seamlessly work together for a healthier environment.
Jack Laken is an engineer (P.Eng, B.Sc) spe- cializing in solid-state thermal mass and en- ergy storage. He brings more than 30 years of Canadian and International experience consulting for corporate, institutional, and private residential clients. His company, Termobuild, embodies the mantra of “doing more with less” and has found a system that contributes to our planet’s zero net emissions through healthier buildings – while meeting sustainability goals. For more information, visit www.termobuild.com.
of resources used. The key is to minimize the overall impact on the environment. Once the site is determined, architects and builders need to look at how the structure of the building can insulate (keep energy in), while also integrating solutions that will store any excess heat in the winter and that will pre-cool the structure in summer during the night.
A net zero building needs to produce as much energy as it consumes. This requires some outside-of-the-box thinking and the integration of a variety of solutions that seamlessly work together for a healthier environment. Because heating and cooling are two of the main sources of carbon, it makes sense to begin by looking at systems that will reduce the use of HVAC systems.
One project that did exactly this was the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation at the University of Wind- sor campus. With a desire for cleaner air, this project included the installation of a bio wall. This wall, which includes 1,500 plants, naturally filters the carbon dioxide in the air and then transfers its freshness to the entire building. This building also boasts glass and solar systems, a green roof that collects and filters rain water, and hollow core slabs to both harness and store energy and in turn decrease the use of traditional HVAC systems.
Green buildings are not about imple- menting one solution alone; instead, the ar- chitects and engineers need to work in col- laboration to find solutions that will lessen the carbon footprint. Each aspect of the building needs to be considered, from the insulation to how energy will be harnessed, stored, and released.
Developing a Foundation
for Net Positive
Increased awareness of not only the value, but the necessity, of adopting green build- ing initiatives in new builds and retrofits is critical. All those involved in the green building industry, including builders, en- gineers, and architects, play a vital role in
helping to shift thinking at both the indus- try and consumer levels. This includes edu- cating and advocating for the adoption of solutions that will have a positive impact: green solutions that will pave the way to a net positive tomorrow.
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