Engineering for Climate Change: an Overview Presented by Zeina Elali, B.Arch.Sci, LEED AP May 30,...

Engineering for Climate Change:

an Overview

Presented by Zeina Elali, B.Arch.Sci, LEED AP

May 30, 2008

Presented at: OACETT AGM

R.V. Anderson Associates Limited

Civil engineering consulting for:• Water/wastewater treatment• Transportation• Urban development• Municipal servicing• Architecture

My Role

• Educate myself, co-workers, clients• Find ways to do existing projects ‘better’• Track new technologies• Track new/changing environmental

legislation• Coordinating sustainability aspects of

projects: ensuring planning starts at the beginning

“ Sustainability Practice Leader ”

1. What is Sustainability

2. Designing Towards

Sustainable Development

3. What Professionals can do

4. Useful Tools & Incentives

What is Sustainability ?

– the Brundtland Report, 1987

World Commission on Environment and Development

Sustainability is…

“development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”


• Releases billions of pounds of toxic waste into air, water and soil every year

• Creates materials that cause concern by future generations to their quality of life

• Produces large amounts of waste

• Requires endless regulations to simply regulate the rates of damage of points above

Industrial Revolution:


Economic Model of the Industrial Revolution:

Economic

Social

Environmental


A Sustainable System:

Cyclical


The Green Shift Economic

Social Environmental

• Development of ‘Agenda 21’ at the World Summit – June 13 of 1992

• representatives stood for 90% of Earth’s population.

• comprised single largest gathering of heads of state in history of international diplomacy


Agenda 21 is best grouped in 6 topic categories:

1. The quality of life on earth

2. Efficient Use of the Earth’s Materials

3. The Protection of our Global Commons

4. The Management of Human Settlements

5. Chemicals and Management of Waste

6. Sustainable Economic Growth


‘Agenda 21… + 10’

“There were many fine achievements on paper at Rio but what has happened on the ground since Rio is all too little"

-Dr Norman Myers independent conservation scientist


‘Agenda 21… + 10’• 1.2 billion people lack access to clean drinking

water• 35% of world's fisheries suffer from declining

yields• EU nations have yet to achieve waste and

materials reduction targets

WWF, 2003


How do we get there from here?

Sustainability Drivers

• Informed public demand • Positive recognition for leaders• Best long-term solution • Environmental legislation• Increasing prices for resources

(i.e. energy, water, fuel, wood etc.)

Significant converging activities…in the past 7 years

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 20102000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Best Practice Guides

The Safe Drinking

Water Act 2002

Regulations

Reg170/03

Reg188/07

Sustainability Act 2002

PSAB

http://www.pir.gov.on.ca/english/aboutpir/minister.htm

Tax, Codes, Regulations, Funding

Reward climate friendly choices Discourage emission intensive

optionsi.e. Public Transit tax credit – July 2006

• Codes and Regulations: ie. OBC strengthened to support energy

efficiency

• Funding:To encourage sustainable infrastructure and

programs

Tax, Codes, Regulations, Funding

Canadian Government:

2008 EcoACTION budget highlights - to ensure cleaner, healthier environment:

• $66 million over 2 years to set up regulatory framework for industrial air emissions

• $10 million over two years for research and analysis on biofuels

• Extending GST/HST relief to land leased to situate wind/solar-power equipment for electricity production

Market for Sustainability

continued…

• $21 million over two years to make environmental law enforcement more effective

• $12 million over two years to enhance law enforcement within Canada’s National Parks

• $250 million for full-scale commercial demonstration of carbon capture and storage in the electricity sector


In Ontario:

• Government provided budget to help provinces, territories, municipalities

• 2007 $962 million • in new and existing infrastructure• Upgrade Ontario’s highway system (Hwy 407,

Hwy 404, and Hwy 7 specifically) • Alternatives to driving (i.e. public transit)


Defining Traditional Engineering

In Traditional Engineering…

• required to solve problems they are presented with to the best of their knowledge• within constraints of approval authorities• within schedule and financial constraints

• Engineers search for methods that maximize function, and minimize cost to clients

What changed?

Traditional Engineering:Maximizing utility while minimizing

the cost to the

Maximize social benefit while minimizing ecological impact

Shift in Engineering Mindset:

client

But…How do We Track Progress?

• SOCIAL EFFECT:

Community activities, employment rates, immigration...

• ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES: Business growth, employment rates, inflation…

• ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: - Beach closures, smog warnings, environmental contaminations, endangered wildlife…

- Birth defects, death rates, severe asthma attacks…

How do we track changes to these factors?

As Keyplayers, what can we do?

• Be aware of issues and impactsInherently includes well-being of environment

• Comply and go beyond minimum requirement• Involve public and communities in decision-

making• Set our mindset to doing what is right• Even when appears to be a more difficult

process - it is a step in the right direction

Must change the way people think about sustainability!

Designing Towards Sustainable Development

• Step back from “business as usual”

• Find ways to work with nature

• Lessen environmental impact

• Save energy, resources

• Build on Small Successes – piloting

• Spread the word - Market your capabilities to both existing and new clients

Designing Towards Sustainable Development

The Challenge… goes beyond just the money!

Design project to: • Reduce material and energy use• Use renewable energy resources• Maximize lifespan of structure• Reduce construction waste generated• Reduce/eliminate hazardous waste

generation• Minimize maintenance and services

required

What Professionals Can Do

Most importantly…

Design project to either reduce or eliminate:

•greenhouse gas emission•Use of ozone depleting substances•Key air pollutants•Indoor air pollutants


Consider all costs beyond $$$, including:• Energy• Water/sewage• Chemical/materials• Maintenance and operation• Life span and replacement cost


Sewage Treatment Plant • Digester gas for energy• Heat exchanger on sewage effluent• Heat recirculation from transformers,

blowers• Irrigation using plant effluent

… some examplesWhat Professionals Can Do … in projects

Urban Development: • Redevelopment of brownfield sites• Pervious pavement in parking lots• Residential cisterns• Constructed wetlands and ponds

What Professionals Can Do … in projects… some examples

Transportation: • Public transit emphasis• Pedestrian, bicycle friendly• Animal/bird crossing culverts• Reuse of materials


Architectural and Building Systems: • Consider sun, wind and daylight• Maximize reuse of structures & materials• Use natural ventilation• Consider low flow toilets and urinals• Consider solar systems to power outdoor

lighting, i.e. parking lots, walkways• Use automatic lighting controls that respond to

available daylight


• Research and learn about new products and technologies

• Learn from past project experiences• Stay up-to-date through:

• Conferences & Events• Media

Keep yourself up-to-date:

What Professionals Can Do… to upgrade their skills

Implementation Tools and Drivers:

• Research Government funding and incentive programs

• Utility incentive programs• Green Globes or Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design Credit System (‘LEED’)

Useful Tools and Incentives

LEED MISSION:

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

• Promote and accelerate adaptation of green awareness

• To create better buildings and communities: healthy places to live, work and play

LEED Canada-NC Version 1.0 Reference Package

LEED Certification Process

Certification Level Points Required

LEED Certified 26 to 32

LEED Silver Certified 33 to 38

LEED Gold Certified 39 to 51

LEED Platinum Certified 52 or more

Possible 70 points total

LEED MISSION:

Credits are divided in 6 categories:

•Energy and Atmosphere

•Water Efficiency

•Sustainable Sites

•Materials and Resources

•Indoor Environmental Qualities

•Innovation and Design Process

LEED MISSION: INNOVATION & DESIGN

PROCESS (5 POINTS)

INDOORENVIRONMENTAL

QUALITY(15 POINTS)

MATERIALS & RESOURCES(13 POINTS)

ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE(17 POINTS)

WATER EFFICIENCY(5 POINTS)

SUSTAINABLE SITES(14 POINTS)

22%

7%

7%

25%19%

20%

LEED Certification Process

• Register project at CaGBC• Submit application• Draft Review by CaGBC• Audit 6 Prerequisites and Credits by

CaGBC

LEED MISSION:

LEED MISSION:

Benefits of LEED Projects • Use less energy and water• Use materials wisely• Produce less waste• Have longer economic lives• Cost less to operate• Generate less greenhouse gases and other

pollutants• Occupants are more comfortable• Occupants are healthier and more productive

LEED MISSION:

LEED Projects require • Architects• Mechanical engineers• Electrical engineers• Structural engineers• Transportation engineers• Site servicing engineers• Stormwater Management engineers

Implementation of the LEED Design & ConstructionRequirements will have the following additional costs:

Canada NC 1 Guide

Myth is that Green costs more…

Cost of Green Revisited Davis Langdon

July 2007

Myth on Green costing more

Cost of Green Revisited Davis Langdon

July 2007

The steps for staying on track include:

• Documentation: as early as possible and

maintain it

• Update / Monitor Sustainability Checklist: have a

clear picture of progress on sustainable goals

• Energy / Cost Models: Use energy and cost

models as design tools

Eliminating the Myth- “Green costs more”

Budget Pointers:

NOT … “How much more will it cost?,”

BUT RATHER…“How will we do this?”

• Ask early in the project, and considered at

every step of design and construction• Establish team goals, expectations &

expertise• Include specific goals in the Program• Align budget with program• Stay on track with design and construction



But it’ll take a collaborative effort to get to where we need to…

Owners, planners, designers, builders, educators, decision-makers, regulators, must all find means to work together towards a common goal.

Incentives for LEED or other sustainable projects set-up by the City of Toronto:

•Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF)•Green Roof Incentive Program (GRIP)•Better Buildings Partnership - New Construction (BBP-NC)•First Industrial and Commercial Incentive Program (FICIP)

Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF):

• Finance Toronto-based initiatives that combat global climate change and improve air quality

• approximately $1.2 million available for grants • Up to $8 million for mandate-related loans

Eligibility:• By a City of Toronto department• Charitable organizations• Not-for-profit organizations in Ontario• Other public institutions (universities, schools and hospitals)

All applicant must be located within City of Toronto

Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF)

Green Roof Incentive Program

• Established to support City’s Wet Weather Flow Master Plan

• 2007 increased incentive to $50 per sq.m - up to $10,000 for single family homes and $100,000 for all other property

• Application deadline: December of every year

Green Roof Incentive Program (GRIP)

in cooperation with Toronto Hydro

•to achieve energy efficiency in new buildings

•to qualify: design process to include energy simulation modeling to comply with CBIP program from NRCan

•Application made at time of building permit

•BBNCP will pay owner $500/peak W/m2 Gross Floor Area of building reduction in energy demand compared to MNECB design

Better Buildings Program - New Construction (BBP-NC)

First Industrial and Commercial Incentive Program

• Established by Toronto's Economic Development Division

• Provides financial assistance to property owners

• Program applied to 14 designated areas across city: 320 acres total

• To explore opportunities and overcome challenges:• contaminated soils • industrial / commercial buildings requiring upgrades

First Industrial and Commercial Incentive Program (FICIP)

SUMMARY – Sustainable Development

What you can apply immediately:

• Develop a sustainability checklist on projects

• Recommend sustainable solutions to clients

• Adhere to sustainability principles

in your work

• Use Sustainability resources

“The world will not evolve past its current state of crisis by using the same thinking that created the situation.”

•Albert Einstein

Ponder this…

If not us, then who?

If not now, then when?

If not this way, then how?

Thank you!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

Engineering for Climate Change: an Overview Presented by Zeina Elali, B.Arch.Sci, LEED AP May 30,...

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