Environmental Challenges and Opportunities in North America’s Built Environment Martin Adelaar Marbek Resource Consultants Canada North America 2030-Commission for Environmental Cooperation June 25, 2008

About this Presentation  Environmental Impact of the Built Environment  Deep Green Scenario for Energy Performance and GHG Reduction  Public Policy Implications: Challenges and Solutions

Acknowledgements  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation  Odon de Buen  Stephen Selkowitz and LBL  Athena Sustainable Materials Institute  Jane Thompson-architect  Marbek staff

Elements of the Built Environment DwellingsNeighbourhood Infrastructure Neighbourhoods Residential Transportation Inner city Inner suburbs Outer suburbs

5 Resource Use + Emissions & Pollutants = Environmental Impacts Extraction & Manufacturing On-site Construction Operating (Direct & Indirect) Maintenance & Replacement End-of-Life Life-cycle of the Built Environment

Snapshot of the North American Buildings Sector  North America buildings sector: 36% of total CO 2 emissions and 9% of global emissions.  Bldgs account for 25% to 40% of energy use and roughly similar range for GHG emissions.

Impact of the Built Environment  It’s about: Where we locate (live, work) What we live and work in How we live and work.

Operating stage dominates most categories of environmental impacts.

Outer suburb dwelling = x impacts

Going Deep Green  The AIA-RAIC 2030 Challenge as the target  Established a schedule leading to a carbon neutral end-state for newly constructed buildings in 2030 substantial carbon reductions in existing buildings  Target would be met by a combination of energy performance improvements in buildings and the supply of zero carbon energy to address remaining demand.

Total GHG Emissions by Milestone Year (North America)

Total GHG Reductions by Milestone Year and Scenario

Residential Example Location: Toronto, ON Upgraded insulation, windows and Energy Star® appliances More efficient hot water and wastewater heat recovery Renewable solar PV power Focus on reuse and conservation of existing resources Reduction of almost 6 tonnes of GHG emissions a year, with estimated annual energy savings of $989.87

Residential Example Location: Red Deer, AB Tailored to the local climate Efficient and water-resistant building envelope Improved indoor air quality Advanced HRV system Responsible use and recycling of resources Highly adaptable design accommodates full life cycle of the home

Commercial Building Example  Water-conserving fixtures and controls  Re-use of existing structures and materials, use of local and recycled materials  Operable windows used throughout to promote natural ventilation  Low toxicity interior materials  Passive solar design  Adaptive and flexible design  Modular HVAC and Lighting systems  Occupancy and daylight sensors control ventilation and lighting.

Low-rise Apartment Example: Net-Zero Energy Triplex Name: Abondance Montréal Type: Triplex Location: Verdun, QC, Canada Features: Produces more energy than it consumes annually GeoExchange heat pump, solar thermal vacuum tubes, greywater heat recovery and 84 solar PV panels Climate- and site-specific layout and design Improved indoor air quality and moisture control Cutting-edge features and amenities

Energy Management Source: Natural Resources Canada – Dollars to $ense Workshop

Looking Ahead-Can We Get There? “Without goal setting and clear accountability, progress is left to serendipity” So, establish strategic objectives to be assessed on five year cycles.

Strategic Policy Objectives  Create the conditions from which significant performance improvement and behaviour change will occur and be sustained.  Meet the AIA-REIC Target

Tactical Attribute Objectives  No Lost Opportunities  Aggressive Efficiency and Renewables  Resilient-flexible- modular systems  Closed loop  Low impact material choice & sourcing, design & construction

Navigate Across Zones of Potential

Ultimately A One-System Approach

Challenges and Solutions  Valuation: Green is undervalued; brown is over-valued Support the Valuation Accord Assess and document energy and non-energy benefits Fiscal incentives & disincentives.

Challenges and Solutions  Governance and Accountability Regulations: “performance floors”; boundaries for Livable/Sustainable Communities; renewable portfolio stnds Address local government inertia and governance barriers Lead by Example (e.g., green procurement; full-cost accounting).

Challenges and Solutions  Transactional Infrastructure Valuation tools/techniques Standardize measurement and verification Standard language for RFPs, green leases etc Standard energy/environment assessment (audit) methods

Challenges and Solutions  Skilled labour Develop/advance/standardize curricula Incent mentoring and hiring Training standards/certification for building operators