Enviro-Stewards of Elmira, Ontario just completed a 2,500 square foot renovation to double their office space on the third floor of a 100-year old furniture factory. Having outgrown their existing space, the environmental consulting firm found opportunity for expansion into the adjacent space. President Bruce Taylor set out to preserve as many historical features as possible, including an exposed brick wall and structural steel beams; he also repurposed the 100-year old windows into interior office walls. Energy efficient windows and a bank of standing desks bring the space into the 21st century.
In terms of providing improved air quality and energy conservation, Enviro-Stewards installed a Nedlaw Living Wall Biofilter. During renovations, the team integrated the biofilter into the new HVAC system to provide clean air directly to the offices. The 5' x 6' biofilter not only provides virtual outside air to the space, it will also reduce energy costs by reducing fresh air intake requirements. A rain barrel will collect rooftop rainwater and serve to feed the hydroponic wall.
Plus, the living wall is a great visual focal point and symbol of this firm's mission.
Regardless of their size, all Nedlaw Living Wall Biofilters perform at the same level in terms of removing pollutants from the air. According to Dr. Alan Darlington, a small biofilter is equally effective in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air; watch him present research on Nedlaw Living Wall performance in the field:
http://www.nedlawlivingwalls.com/wp-content/uploads/Air-Quality-Impact-Research-Findings.mp4
Founded in 2000, Enviro-Stewards is an engineering company and Certified B Corporation working internationally to help clients conserve resources and address environmental liabilities.
ABOUT NEDLAW LIVING WALL BIOFILTERS
INFORMATION VIDEOS
Installation Options and Requirements
http://www.nedlawlivingwalls.com/wp-content/uploads/Installation-Options-and-Requirements.mp4
Energy Benefits of a Living Wall Biofilter
Related Stories
Green | Apr 8, 2024
LEED v5 released for public comment
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has opened the first public comment period for the first draft of LEED v5. The new version of the LEED green building rating system will drive deep decarbonization, quality of life improvements, and ecological conservation and restoration, USGBC says.
Codes and Standards | Apr 8, 2024
Boston’s plans to hold back rising seawater stall amid real estate slowdown
Boston has placed significant aspects of its plan to protect the city from rising sea levels on the actions of private developers. Amid a post-Covid commercial development slump, though, efforts to build protective infrastructure have stalled.
Green | Mar 25, 2024
Zero-carbon multifamily development designed for transactive energy
Living EmPower House, which is set to be the first zero-carbon, replicable, and equitable multifamily development designed for transactive energy, recently was awarded a $9 million Next EPIC Grant Construction Loan from the State of California.
Sustainability | Mar 21, 2024
World’s first TRUE-certified building project completed in California
GENESIS Marina, an expansive laboratory and office campus in Brisbane, Calif., is the world’s first Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE)-certified construction endeavor. The certification recognizes projects that achieve outstanding levels of resource efficiency through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling practices.
Green | Mar 5, 2024
New York City’s Green Economy Action Plan aims for building decarbonization
New York City’s recently revealed Green Economy Action Plan includes the goals of the decarbonization of buildings and developing a renewable energy system. The ambitious plan includes enabling low-carbon alternatives in the transportation sector and boosting green industries, aiming to create more than 12,000 green economy apprenticeships by 2040.
MFPRO+ News | Feb 15, 2024
Nine states pledge to transition to heat pumps for residential HVAC and water heating
Nine states have signed a joint agreement to accelerate the transition to residential building electrification by significantly expanding heat pump sales to meet heating, cooling, and water heating demand. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by directors of environmental agencies from California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island.
Green | Feb 15, 2024
FEMA issues guidance on funding for net zero buildings
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently unveiled new guidance on additional assistance funding for net zero buildings. The funding is available for implementing net-zero energy projects with a tie to disaster recovery or mitigation.
Green | Jan 8, 2024
DOE releases RFI on developing national definition for a Zero Emissions Building
The Department of Energy released a Request for Information (RFI) for feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on a draft national definition for a Zero Emissions Building.
Sustainability | Dec 22, 2023
WSP unveils scenario-planning online game
WSP has released a scenario-planning online game to help organizations achieve sustainable development goals while expanding awareness about climate change.
Green | Dec 18, 2023
Class B commercial properties gain more from LEED certification than Class A buildings
Class B office properties that are LEED certified command a greater relative benefit than LEED-certified Class A buildings, according to analysis from CBRE. The Class B LEED rent advantage over non-LEED is about three times larger than the premium earned by Class A LEED buildings.