Green Electricity and Upstream Sustainability

Analyses reveals that the vast majority of buildings which are currently built will still be standing in 20-30 years. Though we can expect some to be renovated, the performance and operational demands (heating, cooling, lighting) will remain the same. Initiatives and legislation which focuses on making new buildings more sustainable, such as Energy Disclosure and …

Net Zero & Good Design in Lighting @ IIDEX

  Join us at Toronto’s IIDEX Canada, where Sheena Sharp will be presenting a seminar on Thursday, December 4, 2014, 10:00-12:00 entitled: “Can Net Zero Meet Good Design in Lighting?” with Deborah Gottesman and Harold Murray. “This seminar demystifies what it means to target net zero: what it is, where to start, and how to …

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 …

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 …