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
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2023
ASHRAE releases guide on grid interactivity in the decarbonization process
A guide focusing on the critical role of grid interactivity in building decarbonization was recently published by ASHRAE. The Grid-Interactive Buildings for Decarbonization: Design and Operation Resource Guide provides information on maximizing carbon reduction through buildings’ interaction with the electric power grid.
75 Top Building Products | Dec 13, 2023
75 top building products for 2023
From a bladeless rooftop wind energy system, to a troffer light fixture with built-in continuous visible light disinfection, innovation is plentiful in Building Design+Construction's annual 75 Top Products report.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2023
Washington state tries new approach to phase out fossil fuels in new construction
After pausing a heat pump mandate earlier this year after a federal court overturned Berkeley, Calif.’s ban on gas appliances in new buildings, Washington state enacted a new code provision that seems poised to achieve the same goal.
Green | Dec 11, 2023
U.S. has tools to meet commercial building sector decarbonization goals early
The U.S. has the tools to reduce commercial building-related emissions to reach target goals in 2029, earlier than what it committed to when it signed the Paris Agreement, according to a report by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Industry Research | Dec 9, 2023
Two new reports provide guidance for choosing healthier building products
The authors, Perkins&Will and the Healthy Building Network, home in on drywall, flooring, and insulation.The authors, Perkins&Will and the Healthy Building Network, home in on drywall, flooring, and insulation.
University Buildings | Dec 8, 2023
Yale University breaks ground on nation's largest Living Building student housing complex
A groundbreaking on Oct. 11 kicked off a project aiming to construct the largest Living Building Challenge-certified residence on a university campus. The Living Village, a 45,000 sf home for Yale University Divinity School graduate students, “will make an ecological statement about the need to build in harmony with the natural world while training students to become ‘apostles of the environment’,” according to Bruner/Cott, which is leading the design team that includes Höweler + Yoon Architecture and Andropogon Associates.
Industrial Facilities | Nov 14, 2023
Some AEC firms are plugging into EV charging market
Decentralized electrical distribution is broadening recharger installation to several building types.
Sustainability | Nov 1, 2023
Researchers create building air leakage detection system using a camera in real time
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a system that uses a camera to detect air leakage from buildings in real time.
Sustainability | Nov 1, 2023
Tool identifies financial incentives for decarbonizing heavy industry, transportation projects
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has released a tool to identify financial incentives to help developers, industrial companies, and investors find financial incentives for heavy industry and transport projects.
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2023
Green Seal will not certify any paints, coatings, floor care products containing PFAS
Green Seal will no longer certify any paints and coatings, floor care products, adhesives, and degreasers containing any per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called “forever chemicals.”
