The SLCan PD Committee is accepting abstracts from anyone interested in presenting a webinar. The PD Committee is also interested to know if there are any special topics that members are interested to learn more about. Please send your input and abstracts to info@slcan.ca. Thanks very much in advance.
The SLCan webinars are free for members only. Log in to the members only section of the site to view the recordings.
Not an SLCan member? Click here to renew/join.
Target 2030: Establishing Utility-Performance Targets for Carbon Reduction at the University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (U of T) is increasing its commitment to reducing its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The updated goal is to be at least 37% below the university’s 1990 level of 116,959 tonnes eCO2 by 2030. This will keep U of T on track to becoming a net-zero GHG institution by 2050. A key element to achieve this goal will be to reduce the carbon footprint of all buildings, both existing and new construction.
To support this goal, RWDI’s services were engaged to develop an updated utility-performance standard for all buildings across three U of T campuses in downtown Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga. After conducting an iterative energy-modelling approach, RWDI and U of T established performance-based metrics for six archetypal buildings, including wet and dry laboratories, that represent most of the buildings across the three campuses. This collaborative process involved selecting representative archetypal buildings, confirming key inputs and assumptions. Performance targets were developed for new buildings that will balance technology, costs, and current infrastructure (e.g., U of T’s district energy system). Staging-improved indices, to keep in tune with codes, were also established, as were tiered improvements that can be applied to existing buildings, which represents a large portion of
U of T’s total emissions.
This session provides an overview of RWDI and U of T’s overall approach, including details about the key considerations mentioned above. It will also highlight key findings and limitations related to both wet and dry laboratory building types. The session will close with a discussion of next steps for the University of Toronto, with key learning lessons and considerations for other academic and research facilities seeking to improve utility performance through a similar framework.
Speaker
Joel Good, RWDI
Date and Time
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Using IoT and Smart Lab Technologies to Safely Maximize Productivity in the Changing Life Science Workplace
Managing and minimizing risks of occupant exposure to hazards is a key part of operating a Life Science facility. Whether the hazards are the chemical or biological agents used in the spaces, or the exhaled droplets from potentially infected co-workers, IoT and Smart Lab technologies can be applied with existing building and lab systems to deliver safer and more efficient buildings. In this presentation, attendees will hear about an aerosolized pathogen response plan that combines analytical methods and tools with Smart Building technologies to make these buildings safer to occupy.
Design and implementation of these new systems start with a systems-based risk assessment, sorting spaces based on usage, occupancy profiles, the type and quantity of hazards present and the effectiveness of ventilation. The results of this assessment are used to support decisions on technology selection, investment and execution phasing that prioritize safety and compliance with revenue impact.
Based on the hazards identified, the new system utilizes Intelligent IoT endpoint sensors and Indoor Environmental Quality systems to monitor motion, lighting, particulates, VOCs and CO2 along with occupant location and hazardous activities (e.g., fume hood use). This information is used within the building systems to manage air change rates, pressurization, and environmental set points in response to changes in the measured hazards.
Messaging and user experience applications are used to interact with occupants and managers, informing them of changes in hazard levels and allowing them to provide feedback to identify causes and develop corrective actions.
Speaker:
Paul Fuson, Siemens
Date and Time
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Navigating Exhaust Stack Design Codes/Standards/Guidelines While Achieving Exhaust Fan Energy Savings
Laboratory Buildings discharge various types of hazardous and odourous emissions through their exhaust systems. For many years, it has been well understood that these exhausts need to be dispersed away from the building and the neighbours to maintain a safe environment. It is now paramount to ensure that in addition to maintaining safety, that the long-term sustainability of these facilities is addressed by implementing energy savings techniques; one of which is to reduce the speed of the rooftop exhaust fans.
One of the increasing challenges with balancing safety and energy savings techniques for laboratory exhaust design is the confusion that can arise from the number of guidelines and standards that exist for the design of these exhaust stacks (and new ones that continue to emerge). These guidelines and standards are intended to aid designers in their quest to balance safety and energy for laboratories but can often be misinterpreted and misapplied in practice.
This session will review several of the commonly referenced standards, guidelines and codes (including U.S. EPA, ASHRAE, ANSI/AIHA Z9.5, California Title 24, NFPA, and in the United Kingdom, BS EN 14175) to demonstrate the challenges with interpretation and application of these guidelines. In addition, many institutions have their own guidelines which must be followed. These are often driven through the real estate office in the form of design standards, or by the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) departments. This creates another layer of expectations that must be managed. How can designers meet these expectations while still driving to reduce the energy impact of the HVAC systems? Will the steps required to satisfy all the requirements result in overly complex designs and/or operating systems? The good news is that there are methods that can be applied that can address the expectations without overly complicated solutions.
Using specific examples, the session will demonstrate an approach that can be used to ensure a design that satisfies even the most complex set of expectations, while balancing this with reduced energy use of the laboratory exhaust system.
Speaker
John Alberico, RWDI
Date and Time
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Value Design vs. Value Engineering: Making a Case for Integrated Lab Planning
As someone who has been involved in designing more than a few lab buildings, you would know there is typically a balancing act between space and budget. The initial design often trends over budget; therefore, the entire team needs to go over a painful exercise of value engineering to align the program with the original budget. This process is the most difficult for the end-users and owners at the table since they should give up not just part of their spatial needs but also architectural features that contribute to wellness and a productive work environment. This outcome is against the recent trend in marketing the lab buildings as incubators for innovation and science exchange that help hire and retain top researchers and technicians Is the linear solution of area reduction the only way to respond to a budget problem? Based on the budget structure analysis we did on our recent lab projects, the combined envelope and fit-out cost (i.e., the architectural scope) is responsible for, on average, 30% of the total cost. While space-saving can solve part of the problem, it would be unfair to expect it to remediate all of it.We will present a case study of a current HDR’s lab project. It demonstrates how we took a target value design path vs. the common value engineering approach to solve the budget issue. Based on this successful experience, we have adopted value design as a methodology in every lab project. With this, we can design the buildings more efficiently and maximize the budget value for our clients.Central to the value design process is a close collaboration between the mechanical and electrical disciplines and architects in the project’s planning and conception. Our budget analysis shows that the mechanical and electrical scope has a more significant construction cost share than the architectural. Dismissing the integration of a mechanical design concept in the planning process leads to substantial inefficiencies that adversely affect the totality of the project. In the target value design approach, heating, cooling, and ventilation are not an afterthought. They proactively contribute to the planning, shaping, and massing of the building, which results in a smart design that doesn’t compromise users’ needs and owners’ ambitions.
Speaker:
Somayeh Mousazadeh, HDR
Date and Time
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
A Data Driven Approach to Healthy and Safe Lab Management
Air quality in labs continuously fluctuates with drastic changes that occur hour to hour, day to day and week to week, influenced by both occupant activity and unplanned environmental factors. Taking a data-driven approach to operating labs allows for careful management of energy savings, a healthier environment for researchers, and faster identification and resolution of issues with mechanical equipment. Real-life examples of indoor environmental quality data captured from multi-parameter demand control ventilation systems will be shared with attendees, along with best practices for using the data.
Speaker:
Pete Hmelyar, Aircuity Inc.
Date and Time
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Commissioning for Labs & the Owner’s Perspective
In this presentation the laboratory commissioning process will be explored, from the perspective of both the commissioning provider and the owner.
The importance of a commissioning plan and performance testing for any lab cannot be understated. However, we should not be satisfied with the traditional approach. As building systems become more complicated and integrated, there is greater importance on establishing a clear Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and a modernized commissioning program in the pre-design phase. This presentation will share real world lessons learned and insight on delivering a high performance, fully functioning lab space.
Speaker:
John Bell, RWDI
Gordon Robins, University of Toronto
Date and Time
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Designing a Laboratory Community: How to design Labs Without Stakeholders
McMaster Innovation Park began the journey of master planning its Hamilton campus with a strong vision – creating a community. Unlike other innovative districts, where this growth has happened organically, MIP set out to build its campus from the ground up. It meant charting a path of very intentional development.
Making use of its existing building infrastructure, heritage buildings, new acquisitions and green field locations, the plan had three objectives:
- Change the current tenant population to create a mix of laboratory and programmed environments to enhance collision between leaders in business, academia, finance, marketing and investment
- Animate the park by increasing the size of companies at MIP with a new destination
- Communicate, promote and share MIP as a dynamic leader in the field
The master plan is already attracting a wide range of tenants, funding, investment and garnered national attention. While the results have been exciting, our panel will dive deeper into how the journey became just as innovative as the outcome – especially as we set out to pre-design specialized laboratory spaces before the tenants/end users became involved. This process demanded new forms of engagement, creativity and a strong mission statement. We will expand on how we engaged the City of Hamilton, Economic Development, existing and potential tenants, researchers in data and medical sciences, university leadership, financial services, legal services and local entrepreneurs to envision what success would look short and long term. Our panel of speakers will expand on the process from the perspective of the tenant, ownership group and designers, showing how we were able to environ meaningful, sustainable spaces that have resonated with its target markets, and sparked the imagination of the whole community.
Speaker:
Ty Shattuck, McMaster Innovation Park
Drew Hauser, mcCallumSather
Christina Karney, mcCallumSather
Liam Brown, mcCallumSather
Date and Time
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
How Laboratory Design Trends in a Post COVID era Impact Laboratory Work Surface Choice
Split into four distinct sections, this Continuing Education (AIA) approved course, prepared by FunderMax is designed to ensure attendees are able to:
- Summarize the needs that are driving current trends in laboratory design with emphasis on safety and collaboration;
- Describe the criteria of laboratory design required to meet these trends in a post covid 19 world;
- List the performance characteristics that should be considered to enable safe working practices in the lab and explain some of the tests work surfaces are subjected to, and;
- Compare laboratory work surfaces and be able to specify the appropriate surface based on performance characteristics, cost, and sustainability
Speaker:
Dawn Jacobs, FunderMax
Date and Time
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Low Carbon and Resilient Design Strategies for Laboratory Building Enclosures
With the climate changing, laboratory buildings are forced to not only mitigate against more intense weather events, but also adapt to our changed and changing climate reality. It is imperative that building construction and operations reduce, and ideally eliminate, carbon emissions through lower energy consumption and more durable and lasting construction. Incorporating resiliency measures can help ensure buildings maintain their functional use and prevent losses during utility outages. This session explores these synergies between mitigation and adaptation measures by discussing recent sustainability and restoration initiatives taken for academic and research facilities and campuses.
The discussion will focus on the implementation of specific construction approaches from schematic design through construction and integration. Each approach will be considered with respect to reducing operational energy use through strategies such as increased insulation, increased air tightness, and optimal daylight design. Consideration for ongoing maintenance and adaptation of the existing building stock is also crucial for a comprehensive campus plan.
Finally, enclosure design strategies must consider the ability to maintain comfortable or operable interior conditions during utility outages. This session includes several case studies with key considerations for academic and research laboratory facilities and campuses that are looking to improve sustainability, resiliency, and durability to achieve lower carbon emissions.
Speaker:
Jillian Burgess, RWDI
Date and Time
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Designing Low Energy Labs for Developers and Investors
Peter will share his experience in designing low energy and decarbonized laboratories for developers and investors. This group is unique among building clients since they do not know who the final occupant of the building will be. We are asked to design low cost and highly flexible systems. While these labs have high energy bills, the developers are typically not interested in low energy strategies. Finding affordable ways to lower energy use and use electricity for heating needs is a challenge. Peter will share his lessons learned in designing several low energy labs for these clients. Developer driven laboratory construction is a growing market as the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors take off after the success of developing COVID-19 vaccines and several other recent breakthroughs.
Speaker
Peter Rumsey, Point Energy Innovations, Inc.
Date and Time
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
CSA Z316.5-2020 Edition – A Canadian Fume Hood Standard
Fume hoods are a key laboratory safety device for users yet they are also, much to the chagrin of building owners, a key source of energy loss in buildings. This “expensive” characteristic of fume hoods has drawn much attention over the past two decades. We have seen an abundance of newer, more energy efficient designs and increased awareness of energy saving practices which is not surprising since most of us are fully aware that “money flows where attention goes!”
Unfortunately, the importance of safety has often become obscured and arguably, taken a back seat to the economics of energy savings. The lack of attention to key factors that dictate user safety is even more apparent in the fact that fume hoods are not subjected to any legislated or regulatory performance requirements except in a very few jurisdictions. When we consider that reality together with the fact that many who design, install, use, maintain and service fume hoods have a limited understanding of the factors which may compromise the safety of these devices, then reality we are left with is extremely concerning.
CSA standard z316.5 titled Fume Hoods and Associated Exhaust Systems has been written to bring awareness to the safety aspect of fume hoods. The standard addresses key elements of fume hood safety ranging from proper selection of a hood, guidance on locating a hood within a lab, effective performance testing and safe user practices.
The content of z316.5 has been developed to address all types of fume hoods whether they are traditional chemical hoods or energy efficient low flow hoods or the newer ductless fume hoods.
This presentation, by three members of the committee that wrote the CSA z316.5 standard, will provide an overview of the key elements of the 2020 edition.
Speaker
Andrew Sinnamon, Mott Manufacturing
Kenneth Crooks, Green Fume Hood Technology at Erlab
Rob Chopowick, Containment Control Inc. (Con-Test.)
Date and Time
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST