b'CONSTRUCTION TRENDSETTERSworkspaces, advanced HVAC systemsBy having these absolute goals, itheat exchanger that transfers energy and generous use of natural light. means as we remove or improvebetween the field and the building. First and foremost, the design of thebuildings from our network, we canDepending on the season, the system centre is focused on the quality of spacecompare and drive down to an absoluteeither absorbs or releases heat to were providing for our employees,number, relative to a 2009 goal, regulate indoor temperatures, with says Pauls. If were going to spendPauls explains. backup systems in place for reliability.the resources, the energy and theDUAL PRIORITIES Designed for a low-profile, heating-greenhouse gases to pour the concrete,Balancing occupant comfort with highdominated building, the horizontal field its got to work. Its got to have a reallysustainability standards is especiallydelivers cost-effective performance good purpose, and its got to let ourchallenging in a facility of this nature.by drawing on solar energy stored teams work efficiently. And yet, many of the sustainablein the upper ground layer. We really Equally important is meeting hightechnologies implemented in the newbenefitted from an energy modeller energy standards to align with thefacility directly support both goals. Awho understood the low profile of the provinces increasingly sustainableprime example is the facilitys horizontalbuilding, says Pauls. Through that building portfolio. Led by Bockstaelgeothermal loop system, whichcollaborative design process, we came Construction, the project is targetingenergizes the radiant in-floor heatingup with an optimized, cost-effective LEED Gold certification. At last measure,system for both the garage and solution that collects free heat from solar the build was tracking 44-per-centoffice areas. energy in the ground to feed the heat less energy usewell below thepumps and radiant floor slab.25-per-cent reduction standard set byThe inclusion of the radiant floor slabThe geothermal field is one of many the Manitoba Energy Code. It also meetsis more than a mechanical sustainabilitysustainability features that also enhance LEED Gold criteria for potable watermeasure; it enhances occupant comfortthe user experience. Another is the and significantly reduces greenhouseby making the garage feel warmer andstrategic use of 25 skylights, constructed gas emissions. Manitoba Hydro ismore comfortable than a conventionallywith a triple-pane, thermally broken aiming for an annual energy intensityheated space, notes Matt Baker,aluminum glazing system and placed to of 100 kilowatt-hours per square metre,architect with BLDG. consider sun angles to ensure optimal supporting its broader goal of reducingThe 350-by-195-ft. geothermal field usesdaylighting throughout the year. These total energy use across its 150 buildingsfour glycol-filled supply lines, connectedskylights improve comfort in interior by one-third compared to 2009 levels. through a common header trench to aworkspaces that are typically cut off HIGH PROJECT COSTS HOLDING YOU BACK?Our Customer Bonus should help andyou can receive a $250 Supplier Bonus!Learn more at efficiencyMB.ca/building-envelope.Issue 4 | Winter Edition | 2025 BUILD MANITOBA 39'