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Authors: Kevin Leskiw, Angie Mende, Laurie Evans McLeod, Costas Catsaros, Carla Weinberg School: University of
Waterloo
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| Abstract: This study examines the performance of The Green on the Grand, a
commercial building located in Kitchener, Ontario. It is the first building to meet the
strict energy and water consumption guidelines of the C-2000 program, initiated by Natural
Resources Canada. The student investigators considered two hypotheses: 1) Can a
significant energy reduction be achieved without affecting the attitudes of building
occupants and the quality of the work environment?; and 2) Can a comfortable working
atmosphere based on the maximization of daylighting be achieved regardless of window
positioning and without the use of exterior shading devices. The students conclude that, with some exceptions in the area of thermal comfort, the building works well and occupants are generally happy with the work environment. |
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Background: This study was awarded an Honorable Mention in the 1998 Vital Signs Student Case Study Competition. The two Honorable Mention awards were not intended as "runners-up", but were bestowed upon well executed studies that had a quality particularly deserving of recognition. This study was singled out for the way in which the team realized that all elements of a 'green' building need to be integrated. Comments from the competition jury included: "The strength and weakness of the study is its broad focus. The students realized that all of the elements need to be integrated, but because of this their hypotheses are broad and too complex." "The students have done good work and it's nicely presented. The hypotheses are broad and deep. But I think because the hypotheses were so broad the students had to rely too much on information from the designer rather than their own investigation. The thermal and lighting findings are their own, but the others come from the architect. I think they would have been better off had they focused more sharply on a few specifics while acknowledging the larger context. But the flipside is that more than most other entries, the team recognized the need for integration of all aspects of the project. This deserves recognition!" |
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All contents copyright (C) 1998. Vital Signs Project. All rights reserved. Created: 10/22/98 |
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