Presentation at the OAA’s 2030 Course – Ottawa

Coolearth Principal Sheena Sharp speaking at the final session of the OAA 2030 Courses in Ottawa.   The 2030 courses are designed to help Ontario Architects create buildings that meet the energy efficiency goals of the 2030 Challenge and offer strategies to reach 60% reduction in fossil fuel greenhouse gas emissions.  Sheena spoke at the …

Coolearth achieves LEED Silver for Commercial Interiors for Private Client

After extensive internal renovations our clients Toronto headquarters has achieved LEED Silver Certification for Commercial Interiors.     Located in a heritage building in Toronto, the cbuilding underwent a major overhaul of their existing 4 storey  facility. As part of their corporate commitment to sustainability, it was determined from the outset of the project that LEED …

OAA Perspectives – Sheena on Energy Models

  . This fall’s OAA Perspectives, a magazine published by OAA for its members features an  article by Principal Sheena Sharp on Energy Models. In it, Sheena highlight the power of using energy modeling as a tool to drive design and decision making. She also discusses questions about the accuracy of energy modeling and outlines how to choose the …

Net-Zero Eco-Cabins

  We challenged ourselves to design off-grid cabins that function well and are comfortable throughout the year.   Cabins located in the secluded wilderness are great for resting, recovering, and enjoying nature, but servicing the site can be expensive. Our approach is to super-insulate the walls, minimize air leakage, optimize for solar gain, use a …

Solar Energy in Urban Planning: Planning, Design + Implementation

  This Monday September 29th, the Architcture Department at Ryerson University is hosting a symposium on “Solar Energy in the Urban Context” From the International Energy Associations site: A large portion of the potential for energy efficiency in existing buildings and potential to utilize solar energy still remains unused. Globally, goals and specific targets are …

People’s Climate March

  Canada, along with many other nations, has signed on to the goal of  keeping global warming below an average of 2 degrees.  It is generally recognized that above this level, we will start to experience irreversible feedback loops that will lead to a planet uninhabitable for humans.  However, our politicians, of all stripes, are not taking the …