Polynerd

This is renewable energy/sustainability blog post 8 of 200

Manasc Isaac is an Edmonton based architectural firm that is doing some pretty awesome stuff in regards to energy efficient retrofits of office buildings. Heating and powering these office buildings is an expensive proposition and one that isn't getting any cheaper given their age.

Their retrofit of the old Dell call centre into the headquarters for Servus Credit Union is an example of the basic things that can be done in order to save money and work in a better building. They recladded the building and reglazed the windows.With the cladding the building went from R10-R12 (which is pretty putrescent in a place like Edmonton) to R30 and the windows went from R1 to R8. While those are self-reported numbers by Manasc from their website that's decent stuff. They also added in a light well, a retrofit I'm quite fond of where sunlight is brought into an area that might otherwise never receive it.

A local manufacturer exists for these light pipes. Called Sunscope, they definitely have a neat little product.

If you don't understand what I'm talking about with this R value stuff it refers to the insulation value. Basically the higher the R-value is on the insulation you are putting the warmer you will be.

Building envelopes in Alberta need to significantly improve. Our leaky, crappy old building and house stock is, as my dad would yell, "LETTING THE HEAT OUT". This is not a climate change issue. This is a money issue. When you can get payback on a retrofit in five years like Manasc did with their Servus retrofit it just makes sense.

reimagine is a Manasc Isaac initiative. Here's a little copy from their website.

Reimagine was developed in response to aging and failing exterior building envelope systems. The aim is to preserve and renew existing building stock, protect the investments and assets of building owners, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, while enhancing the environment for occupants.

This is an initative I can firmly get behind. I recommend you check out their website, they have some interesting facts, case studies and other information handy.