Design Focus – Building Overheating
Building overheating can pose a significant health risk for vulnerable populations619 fatalities were reported during the 2021 B.C. heat dome event[1]At risk groups include children, the elderly, and those with medical conditionsMechanical cooling is a vital component in providing relief
PH Series, Part II
The Future of Passive House DesignPassive house design strategies play a key role in reducing building heating & cooling demand, while offering improved occupant comfort.Passive house design strategies can be tested during the design process, and optimized using a blend
BC Electrification Roadmap – Low Carbon Future
Buildings account for 11% of total Greenhouse Gas emissions in British ColumbiaBuilding Electrification roadmap has been developed by the Province of BC, BC Hydro, zebx and the City of Vancouver.Goal of significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributable to BC's
Existing Building Decarbonization: It is feasible!
Fuel switching (electrification) of existing buildings can be challenging. Heat pump technology is not readily transferable in many cases.Typical challenges include space requirements of new equipment, electrical capacity requirements and increased capital costs over like for like replacements.With the evolution
Systems Commissioning: Design is the Easy Part
The commissioning (Cx) process is critical to ensuring that building systems operate as intendedIt often requires multiple project stakeholders to be present, with each bringing their own specialty focusA commissioning authority or prime consultant should set the Cx objectives and
Low Carbon Technology: Thermal Gradient Header (TGH)
TGH facilitates the capture and reuse of waste heat in buildingsTypically installed with a heat recovery chillerHeating/cooling loads are connected to one distribution header to allow multiple supply temperatures, and optimal efficiencyFunding available from FortisBC & CleanBCOur team has recently
HVAC Design & COVID-19
HVAC systems provide fresh air, humidification, and thermal comfort to buildingsSARS-CoV-2 transmission is found to spread from person to person, through respiratory droplets and aerosolsEffective HVAC design strategies can help mitigate potential tranmission risks in buildingsThe Canadian Government has made
Building Information Modeling (BIM); Driving Collaboration and Efficiency
BIM enhances early stage design coordination using preconstruction visualizationThis allows for better collaboration & coordination, during the design processResults in reduced schedule, costs, and errors during constructionWhat is BIM?Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process for creating and managing information
Domestic Hot Water Metering; Data Driven Design
Domestic Hot Water metering is a powerful tool when right sizing heat pump plant for retrofit projectsThis will result in reduced project capital costs and improved business caseRetrofit projects offer an excellent method of validating equipment sizing methodologies, by using “real-world”