Green Build Bulletin | August, 2008
Project Profile: Manitoba Hydro Highlights Innovations
In May, Jerry Yudelson had a chance to tour the new Manitoba Hydro headquarters in Winnipeg, (still under construction, occupancy expected in the fall of 2008), and he was impressed. This 22-story, 700,000-sq.ft. building, located in one of the most extreme climates of North America, looks poised to redefine what’s possible in large office buildings.
Designed by KPMB Architects of Toronto, with Smith Carter Architects (Toronto/Winnipeg), the building expects to reduce energy use by 60 percent compared with Canada’s Model National Energy Code, using a variety of innovative energy-efficiency strategies, including a 22-story “thermal chimney” (to promote natural ventilation) and an innovative strategy for humidifying the building in winter and dehumidifying it in summer. Transsolar of Stuttgart, Germany, provided the climate engineering design.
To regulate humidity, there are nearly 300 flat Mylar® cables that hang six stories, from ceiling to floor, with water running along them. In winter, the water vapor from the cables humidifies the air. Through cooling the water in summer to about 15C, the water vapor in the air condenses on the cables, removing humidity from the structure. Plus, the cables become an art feature for the building. A great example of integrated design!
With an annual temperature variation of 70C (126F) between winter and summer, coupled with a very high average annual wind speed, Winnipeg presents special issues for sustainable design, one that this design team has tackled with imagination and flair.
New Book Helps Make Home Sweet Home Green
Green building consultant and author, Jerry Yudelson adds "Choosing Green: The Home Buyer's Guide to Good Green Homes" to his series of green building books.
According to Yudelson, "'Choosing Green' is the first book aimed at the new home buyer, showing how to buy a green home, who's building them, what the rating systems mean, and what questions to ask at the model home. My hope is that by arming the home buyer with more information about green homes that they will show up demanding that builders produce them. An informed and active consumer is the fastest and best way to energize market transformation."
Click here to learn about “Choosing Green”
Click here to order now from Amazon.com
Who's New? More Associates Join Our Team
Yudelson Associates added four new employees since March, including Eileen Fagan, LEED AP, Senior Associate; Jaimie Galayda, PhD, Research Director; Emily Buttrick, LEED AP, Associate AIA, Project Manager; and Cyrus Khosh-Chashm, JD, Researcher. We’re looking to add more, especially people experienced with LEED project management. These new associates are experienced, talented people who provide exceptional service to our clients, and we’re really happy to have them.
Click here to “meet” our new staff memebers
Green Building Insights On Tour
Jerry Yudelson continues to ramp up his green building keynote speaking schedule, with recent talks in London, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego, St. Louis, Nashville, Calgary and Edmonton. Upcoming talks from July through October include Frankfurt, Munich/München, Los Angeles, Maui, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis and Portland/Salem. Now if Jerry could only figure out how to win an Academy Award with his PowerPoint™ presentation!
Click here for more info about Jerry’s keynotes
The Yudelson Associates Blog
What's Lacking from the New California “Green Building Code”?
California Adopts “Green Building Code,” but Requirements are Modest and Voluntary
Understanding the Risks as Green Building Grows Up.
Green Building Grows Up, Raises Mainstream Design and Construction Issues
Click here to check out these postings and more on The Yudelson Associates Blog
