The environmentally responsible construction and renovation handbook, 2nd Ed
Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada
2000 Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada
Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, (2000), "The environmentally responsible construction and renovation handbook, 2nd Ed", Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada.
Abstract:
For many years, Canadians have been saying they are worried about the state of their environment. They have expressed concerns about pollution, about the management of resources, and about the effects of past and present decisions on future generations. In 1993, 76% of Canadians told pollsters they would pay at least 10% more for "green products" and 87% of Canadians said they would pay more to avoid harmful household products such as paint. Economic downturns removed some of the focus from environmental issues. However, a recent study, released in February 1998, suggests that the green pendulum is swinging back and Canadians are once again concerned about the environment. Canadians support actions to limit climate change and 73% put environmental protection ahead of economic progress. These concerns are part of a major challenge facing us as we start the twenty-first century¡ªthe need to consider human activities within an ecological framework. Recognizing the links between human and environmental health requires a fundamental change in attitude. It must also be understood that technology will not by itself solve all the problems we have created. We require a commitment to working in harmony with the ecological systems that support us. The constructed environments that Canadians inhabit are intrinsically linked to our natural environment. A significant portion of our annual resource expenditures is consumed by the construction industry, largely because of traditional material selection procedures and renovation and construction practices. Apart from structural suitability, the main criteria for selecting building materials until recently have been the up front costs and aesthetics. Environmental criteria have been all but ignored. Waste generation and disposal constitute another important environmental issue facing the construction industry. In 1995, Canada produced more solid waste per capita than most other countries. This waste puts enormous stress on the environment. It clogs landfill sites, polluting the soil around the landfill and, in some cases, contaminating water supplies. At present, construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) waste represents about one third of the 20 million tonnes of solid waste sent to landfill in Canada each year. Incineration of mixed solid waste requires a costly capital investment and substantial ongoing operation and maintenance. It often leads to the release of heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium into the environment. Incineration also leads to the creation of some dioxins. Specialized incineration of a controlled flow of pre-sorted waste can be less harmful, but only if proper burning temperatures are maintained and emissions are checked regularly. As a result, incineration is not a preferred option, even under controlled conditions. Dumping or burying waste is another growing problem. Many existing municipal landfills are expected to reach capacity within the next few years, and space for additional landfill sites is at a premium. Landfill and incinerator tipping fees have risen by about 500 per cent since the mid-1980s and will continue to increase as the problem becomes more critical. These and other indicators suggest the amount and type of waste being produced is not sustainable. Energy and water use can also create environmental impacts. Significant environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, the flooding of lands for large hydroelectric projects, and the disposal of radioactive waste are all symptoms of our energy demands. Similarly, shortages of clean water, pollution and the impacts of energy use are symptoms of our demands for water. If buildings are not designed and operated with energy and water efficiency in mind, large quantities of these resources can go to waste. Often, building occupants are not even aware of how inappropriate use of energy and water affects the environment. The problem is compounded when management concerns are about more immediate and more obvious problems. In turn, energy and water conservation is put "on the back burner". Another issue, and one less often addressed, is the challenge of creating healthier building environments. Sick Building Syndrome is the term used to describe office buildings in which employees experience fatigue and other reactions to pollutants present in the air. Products and materials traditionally used in the construction trade include a multitude of hazardous chemicals, many of which can take years to ¡®off-gas'. The good news is that recognition of these problems has resulted in numerous opportunities to reduce the negative impacts of traditional practices. These opportunities are multiplying all the time. Through education, federal building property and facility managers can help the federal government meet its environmental stewardship objectives. In recognition of these factors, PWGSC in partnership with Environment Canada has initiated a process to ensure that environmental factors are taken into consideration during all project phases in the development of office space. The Green Office Building Plan (GOBP) has been developed in response to this need. The GOBP has been written to address primarily the needs of Renovation, Recapitalization and Fit-up projects, which make up the majority of the office space projects in which PWGSC is involved. When the process has been refined and tested, it will be applied to all federal office space projects in the future.
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