Waterproofing considerations for green roofs

Green roofs are continuing to gain recognition as a sustainable building design feature throughout North America. These vegetated assemblies contribute to many credits under the Canada Green Building Council’s (CaGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
To ensure performance of these systems, the Single-ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) association has passed two design standards and a test procedure specific for vegetative roofs in the last couple of years.

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Insulating energy-efficient homes

Design/construction professionals working on single-family residential projects are facing diametrically opposing forces––the need for energy efficiency, environmentally sensitive construction, and macroeconomic demand for lower construction costs. As specifiers aspire toward a ‘net-zero-energy’ home, with a price tag currently out of reach for most Canadians, this author discusses what can realistically be achieved at an affordable price for a typical Canadian home.

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Sheathings reach beyond the code

The Canadian government recently suggested energy efficiency is an important tool for addressing climate change, promoting economic activity, and supporting energy security. Further, it says Canada will aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020.

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Jet-grouting: A soil improvement technology

Jet-grouting is a soil improvement technique used in many parts of the world. It involves mixing in-situ soil with water-cement grout, which is then injected into the soil with the aid of special tools at high speeds of over 200 m/s (656 ft/s) and under high pressures ranging from 30 to 60 MPa (4500 to 9000 psi). Jet-grouting was introduced to British Columbia in 2004; since then, several applications for soil improvement––both temporary and permanent––have been successfully carried out in the Lower Mainland.

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Multi-use atrium focal point of research institute

An underused existing light well at the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute provided the jump-off point for an atrium that serves as a science café, auditorium, and workshop venue. Located at McMaster University in Hamilton, the atrium is part of a larger facility containing a centre where researchers and other staff work on clinical trials and epidemiological studies in understanding the impact of digestive health and nutrition on disease across the lifespan.

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