Programs supporting the sustainability of buildings
There are many programs supporting the renovation and retrofit of buildings, the construction of new buildings, and the improved sustainability for a city or district as a whole. EIFS have many features that can contribute to the success and goals of these programs.
EIFS can contribute to a well-insulated building, thereby improving energy efficiency. Additionally, the assemblies are durable, contribute toward resource conservation, and are made of reusable, chemically inert materials. Each program may have a different focus for sustainability, but in each case EIFS can contribute to the improved performance of the buildings. A brief description of a few of these programs highlights the impact EIFS can have on these goals.
Toronto 2030 District
Sponsored by Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Toronto, the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), and Sustainable Buildings Canada (SBC), the Toronto 2030 District aims to support key stakeholders with the goal of improving the performance of all buildings, both new and existing, as related to energy performance and sustainability.
Toronto 2030 District endorses the principles of the 2030 Challenge—an international endeavour endorsed by Architecture Canada—proposing targets for energy consumption of new buildings reducing fossil fuel consumption by 100 per cent by 2030, and interim goals of 80 per cent reduction by 2020 and 90 per cent reduction by 2025.
The role of EIFS in this scenario could be significant, given consideration to the aforementioned “Tower Renewal Guidelines.”
LEED
According to the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), “buildings generate up to 35 per cent of all greenhouse gases (GHGs), 35 per cent of landfill waste comes from construction and demolition activities, and 70 per cent of municipal water is consumed in and around buildings.” It is clear making buildings greener can have a significant impact on larger environmental goals.
As a building rating system, LEED considers and encourages the adoption of energy-efficient construction and sustainability, along with considerations for community design, water resources, and indoor air quality (IAQ). EIFS play a vital role in energy performance and resource conservation and can help in obtaining a LEED designation or certification.
Energy Star
Energy Star Homes is another product in the portfolio of Energy Star products. The goal is for these homes to operate using approximately 20 per cent less energy than a home built to code. Homeowners who choose Energy Star homes are typically looking for “a new home that is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.”
These homes incorporate rated energy-efficient appliances, lighting, windows, doors, and mechanical equipment. The increased insulation of walls and ceilings beyond code requirements is also a key feature of Energy Star homes. EIFS with ci is an easy solution to help reach these goals.
BOMA Best
BOMA Canada’s BOMA Best program assesses and certifies existing commercial buildings with regard to their environmental performance. This program encourages the adoption of energy-efficient retrofits in part by reporting the results. As discussed, EIFS is a tool that can easily assist in achieving energy-efficiency goals as well as improve the appearance and performance of existing claddings.
Conclusion
Contemporary designers that understand the value proposition of EIFS will be successful in creating high-performance buildings, with sustainable low-carbon, and low-energy intensity materials.
As renowned building envelope expert, John Straube, states in his book, High-performance Building Enclosures:
exterior insulation finish systems, when using a drainage gap and air-water control membrane, are a practical implementation of the perfect wall. (The book was published by Building Science Press in 2012.
When considering sustainability features and esthetic versatility, exterior insulation finish systems can be a way to improve durability in our cities.
Amanda Sinnige is the Manager of Technical Services for Dryvit Systems Canada having joined the company in early 2015. She has worked in the field of building science for the past 25 years, concentrating her efforts on the energy performance of buildings, sustainable construction and renewable energy and the impact of these on the performance of the building envelope. Sinnige can be reached at ajsinnige@dryvit.ca.
Kevin Day is the director of sales and marketing for Dryvit Systems Canada, and a LEED AP. He is the vice-chair (and past-president) of the Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Council of Canada, and a past-president of the Ontario Building Envelope Council (OBEC), winning its 2014 Anthony A. Woods Award. Day is regarded as a leading expert on EIFS, and is widely recognized for his extensive cladding engineering experience. He is a past contributor to Construction Canada. Day can be reached at kcday@dryvit.ca.
