Passive Solutions for Public Schools

June 1, 2012 - PRLog -- General Gordon Elementary, considered a high seismic risk and a “priority for renewal”, is just 1 of fifty-two schools that need upgrading in the Vancouver School District.  In October 2011, a VSB Committee forwarded the recommendation to proceed with a full replacement school on the northern side of the property in Kitsilano to the Ministry of Education.  A refined concept was prepared and parents of students attending General Gordon, as well as other stakeholders, are still eagerly waiting for a response.   Especially since the original plan to seismically upgrade BC schools had been launched in 2005.

It is no secret that dozens of schools in Metro Vancouver and beyond are at serious risk of damage in an earthquake, while the environment is at serious risk because of urban growth and development.  BC Hydro is forecasting that BC’s electricity needs are going to increase by approximately 50% in the next twenty year’s.  Extended Producer Responsibility laws may come into place regarding construction & demolition waste by 2017.  Also, even though there are public consultation sessions, it seems that school communities accept a “formula” school, or their project doesn’t go through.  When examining these facts in light of the seismic upgrading process, the ideal vision for the future is to choose building standards and strategies that will allow schools remain sustainable for the foreseeable future.

When constructing a new school in Vancouver, there are 2 building standards to consider.  The first is the LEED Gold standard, which can mean things like high efficiency windows, rainwater retention, geothermal heating and cooling, as well as dual flush toilets.  There is also a second, lesser known building standard that is being used more often in German-speaking countries in Europe, but slowly migrating to North America.  The Passive House (or “Passivhaus”) standard requires a building to use no more than 1.4 kilowatt hours [KWH] per square foot of energy per year for space heating and cooling.  To achieve this level of performance, the building form must be simple and compact, the windows sized and oriented for maximum solar gain, and the entire building be super-insulated and tightly sealed against heat loss.

“If you design a building to use dramatically less heating and cooling energy, this will make the most significant reduction on overall environmental impact.” Says Dr. Guido Wimmers, “Passive House owner will also enjoy higher indoor air quality and comfort, and will have security against rising fuel prices in the future.”

A parents of two students has organized a presentation for the local school board in the library at General Gordon Elementary on Tuesday, June 5th, 2012 at 7 pm.  Architects, builders, designers, local government & members of the general public are invited to attend.  Dr. Guido Wimmers, a specialist in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly architecture, and Robert Malczyk, a Structural Consultant & Engineer involved in building passive houses in Canada, are both presenting.  Anyone interested should RSVP by Monday, June 4th, 2012 at 604 828 8788.