Quayside Village Cohousing, North Vancouver. Photo: Vancouver Observer.
Our projects embrace sustainability at both the social/community level as well environmental.
Sustainable technology and construction does not have to cost more. In fact, when fully integrated into the design and planning process environmental sustainability has a very compelling economic business case. Combine this with state-of-the-art technology and innovation, then Going Green has never made more sense.
We also “stand on the shoulders” of many other supporting organizations who help us integrate sustainable technologies into projects including:
- Canada Green Building Council www.cagbc.org
- Built Green Canada www.builtgreencanada.ca
- Canadian Passive House Institute www.passivehouse.ca
Examples of some simple “wins” that are easily integrated into projects when contemplated in the design stages:
- Tighter envelopes to reduce air leakage (cost is very low, but training of those installing the air barrier is required)
- Reducing north facing glazing (windows)
- Superinsulation using high R-value blown-in cellulose and much higher levels of insulation and air tightness than usual
- Low flow bathroom fixtures, dual flush toilets
- Drain water heat recovery and recycling (drip systems)
- Compact design (reducing the surface area has instant payback due to lower construction costs, lower heating costs, and increased durability)
- CFL and in some cases LED lighting
Petaluma Avenue Homes, an affordable cohousing community in Sebastopol, Calif. by McCamant & Durrett Architects (Photo by Schemata Workshop.)
- Locate projects near existing amenities (within walking distance) to reduce dependence on cars.
- Locate projects near transit routes to reduce use of cars.
- Make car sharing programs easily available to residents.
- Using sustainable lumber and flooring materials
- Advanced framing techniques (using about 25% less wood than typical framing)
- Passive heating and cooling
- Radiant floor heating systems
- Fly ash in concrete (more durable, requires less concrete)
- Pervious paving to increase water absorption
- Low toxicity and low-volatile organic compounds (VOC) adhesives, sealants, carpet pads and paints
- Waste stream management by residents
- High-grade erosion control
- High-quality energy-efficient windows (triple glazing)
- Extra-thick gypsum
- Low impact social livability and quiet (quiet plumbing, enhanced caulking and gasketing, and cast iron piping)