Greetings!

Notice of Meeting

Notice of Meeting

We ask that you pre-register for the technical tour and dinner at your earliest convenience online at www.torontoashrae.com, select "Meeting Registration and Calendar" from the left tab and then "Register" button for the ASHRAE Toronto - January 2012 Dinner Meeting.  You may also still register through the ASHRAE chapter office (Sabrina Tai - 905 602 4714 or stai@hrai.ca). Please indicate at time of registration if you have any specific meal requirements. There will always be a vegetarian option, simply notify us at time of registration. No walk-in registrations will be permitted for this event.  

Seneca College Newnham Campus - New KIP Building (Building A)

Theme: Career Promotion Night

KIP Building - Seneca College

ASHRAE Toronto Chapter's first dinner meeting of the year 2012 will be held at Seneca College's Newnham Campus to showcase the their new Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) Facility "Building A". This 160,000 ft2 facility opened on September 6th to create an additional 1,000 student seats at Seneca College's Newnham campus. 

The Newnham Campus Expansion was designed by architects at Dialog (formerly Cohos Evamy Integrated Design), which has worked on projects at many leading post-secondary institutions as well as the International Arrivals Hall at the Calgary International Airport and the national headquarters of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Dialog has been engaged as the prime consultant and is providing architecture, engineering, sustainable design, and interior design services. 

The building program includes classrooms, computer labs, common areas, circulation and an information commons. The new building will provide Seneca with an engaging new gateway to the campus.

The construction manager for the building was Ellis Don, one of the largest building contractors in Canada. Ellis Don has previously worked on Seneca projects including the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Building at our Seneca@York Campus. 

Each decision in the planning and construction process of the campus expansion was made with energy efficiency and environmental sustainability as a goal, contributing to Seneca's application for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold status.

KIP Building - Career Fair Exhibit Hall  

Key environmental features include:

• Demolition of the Annex building now eliminates up to $10 million in deferred maintenance
• Additional green space has been added outside of the expansion, including 700 new plantings
• Showers on Level 1 for those who want to ride their bike to work
• Ninety bicycle racks outside of the entryway
• Permeable pavers and water efficient landscaping that allows rainwater to gather in a pond and be absorbed into the ground
• Windows on the west side to allow natural light and minimal heat loss during the winter months
• Durable materials used to increase longevity and sustainability of new building, including concrete floors
• Low-emission materials used during construction
• Use of recycled materials in construction  

Student-focused expansion features, include:

• 3 80-seat classrooms
• 23 40-seat classrooms
• 14 40-seat computer labs
• Multi-purpose auditorium for 240 students that can be turned into a conference room or two 120-seat lecture halls
• An increase in computing commons and library space
• Several new areas of collaborative student work and study space
• New "front door" for the campus
• Improved campus access for people with disabilities

Guests will be provided with a guided technical tour of Seneca's KIP building by Tony Dingman and Seneca Facilities personnel. The tour will commence at 4:15 PM and last approximately one hour. If you are interested in attending, please meet in conference room A1532 at 4:00 PM (after checking out the 2012 Career Fair!). The tour will be limited to 40 participants on a first come, first serve basis.

Special Notice: Attention Student Members

Need Assistance?

Feel free to contact the following members for further details:

Christine Choi
ASHRAE Toronto CTTC Member
(christine@ashraeseneca.org)

Marco Ottavino
ASHRAE Toronto Programs Chair
(marco.ottavino@honeywell.com, 416-771-3824)

Sharon Godlewski
ASHRAE Toronto CTTC Member
(SGodlewski@ehpricesales.com)

December Dinner Meeting Summary 

Energy Codes Today and Tomorrow

Summary of Presentation by Lyle Scott, P. Eng., LEED AP BD+C

Footprint (Smith & Andersen)

December's Technical Breakfast session featured a presentation by Lyle Scott, P.Eng. LEED AP BD+C. Mr. Scott is principal of Footprint, Smith & Andersen's sustainability firm.   Footprint's mandate is to develop the best sustainability strategy for a project. Mr. Scott has extensive knowledge of energy codes and sustainable design, gained from over 15 years in facility management, development and consulting.

Lyle Scott's presentation covered the most recent changes in energy codes and changes that are likely to occur in the near future. Ontario's energy code now requires 5% better energy efficiency than ASHRAE 90.1- 2010. With this new Code requirement, Ontario will have the most energy efficient Code in Canada. Mr. Scott discussed how the latest update to the Ontario Building Code SB-10 will affect the design process. He also discussed ASHAE 90.1 - 2010; the Model National Energy Code for Buildings 2011, USGBC LEED 2012; ASHRAE 189 High-Performance Green Building Design Standard; building energy labeling; and energy intensity metrics.

Ontario Building Code SB-10 Energy Efficiency Supplement

July 1, 2011

The SB-10 Energy Efficiency Supplement is an update to the existing SB-10 that was released in 2006. Mr. Scott cautioned to pay close attention to the organizational hierarchy of the document. The requirements in Division 2 section of the document applied to permit applications up to December 31, 2011.   Division 3 section of the document, applies to permit applications on or after January 1^st, 2012. Hence, when accessing the document, it is important to ensure that you are reading the right section! Also, it is important to ascertain the correct climate zone. For example, Mississauga and Chatham are in Zone 5; whereas, Toronto and Waterloo are in Zone 6.

As of January 1st, 2012, designs have to meet one of the following requirements:

• Meet ASHRAE 90.1-2010 as modified by SB-10 Chapter 2

• Or exceed ASHRAE 90.1-2010 by at least 5%

• Or exceed MNECB 1997 by at least 25%

Some types of buildings are exempt, such asPart 9 residential buildings, heritage buildings, and industrial buildings where process governs environmental conditions. Mr. Scott says that energy modelling is the most cost effective way to meet code, and is difficult to avoid for many projects. The non-energy modeling/prescriptive paths have higher building envelope requirements, such as higher R-values, for example.

ASHRAE 90.1 - 2010

Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

ASHRAE 90.1-2010 offers different compliance options or paths such as the Prescriptive, Energy Cost Budget, Trade-off, or Simplified options. A few of the mandatory requirements are: minimum HVAC equipment efficiency; automatic light shutoff; 100%, 30-70% step, and off lighting control for enclosed rooms; and automatic shutoff control for 50% of power receptacles in an office or computer lab, (based on time-of-day or occupancy). To follow the Building Envelope Trade Off option, the envelope performance factor (EPF) of the proposed building must be less than the EPF of the budget building. ENVSTD or COMcheck should not be used as SB-10 requires the Building Envelope Compliance option to consider the SB-10 modified building envelope requirements and the currently available software only utlilizes the ASHRAE 90.1 default requirements. The Simplified Approach option for HVAC systems is limited to a building with fewer than two stories, a gross floor area of less than 25,000 sq. ft. and single-zone systems (unitary or split).

ASHRAE 189 - Jan 2010

Standard for the Design of High Performance Green Buildings

This standard is essentially LEED in code enforceable language. It requires a 30% energy cost reduction over ASHRAE 90.1-2007. ASHRAE 189 has been adopted for several Durham Region projects and several US municipalities.

Building Energy Labelling

Building energy labelling is likely to be required in the future. In 2009, ASHRAE released the Building Energy Quotient (eQ)pilot project. This is a label showing the building's energy efficiency from "unsatisfactory", "poor", "fair", "good", "very good", to "high performance" and "Net Zero". This program encourages government policy to require all new buildings to obtain an asset rating before issuing building permits; disclosure of past operational energy use and/or asset rating upon sale or lease of existing buildings; and existing buildings to report operational energy use with a schedule for implementation based on square footage. Nine states and cities have mandatory building energy disclosure policies: California; Massachusetts; Washington; Austin; New York City; Portland; San Francisco; Seattle; and Washington, DC.

Conclusion

Lyle Scott sees a progression toward increased energy efficiency requirements and labelling of buildings. As of January 1st, 2012, Ontario now has the most stringent energy code in Canada. Sustainability is becoming more embedded into the design process from the beginning of the project. The building sector could save billions of dollars with lower energy consumption. Sustainability is the next business megatrend.

Anne-Marie Bundgard

Website & Gazette Committee Member

Job Postings    

Below is a summary of all current job postings available on the job postings board on the Toronto Chapter website.  For more information go to torontoashrae.com.

• Naylor Group Inc.
• Manager of Mechanical Estimating
• Wes-Mech Technical Sales Inc.
• Technical Service Representative
• CN Tower
• Manager, Engineering Services

  December Breakfast Meeting

Mr. Lyle Scott P.Eng. LEED AP reviewing the progression of energy codes over the last several decades, culminating withe the release of ASHRAE 90.1-2010.

Micheal Khaw Chapter President welcoming everyone and wishing them Happy Holidays

"HAPPY NEW YEAR & GOOD LUCK IN 2012"

Viewpoint

Whether you work as a leader in contracting, building ownership/operation, consulting engineering, manufacturing or sales and service provision, you likely devote a lot of time and effort to ensure adequate staff are recruited, developed and retained to sustain and grow your business.

During several decades working in the Toronto HVAC+R market, I found the quest to attract and retain qualified individuals has been a regular challenge and a top priority in my business life.There always seems to be a shortfall in the number of qualified candidates versus the number of open positions.

The major source of new entrants to our industry is the Ontario educational system. Trade schools, apprenticeship training centres, colleges and universities all fulfill a role in providing newly trained personnel for employers. It is desirable  to continually create HVAC+R industry awareness within the student bodies of these institutions by maintaining communication with their placement offices and Student ASHRAE Chapters as well as participating in events such as campus recruiting fairs and technical seminars. Toronto ASHRAE Chapter has concentrated on growing our industry's visibility at the educational system level with increased emphasis on student membership and participation.This effort leads to more students looking at our industry as a potential career path and gives you more applicants to choose from for your open positions.

After attracting the talent, the graduation to work transition should be addressed. Ongoing employee development can occur. Companies need to support in-house training programs as well as take advantage of external programs such as ASHRAE Certification in areas such as High Performance Building Design, Building Energy Assessment and Operation/Performance management. Companies can further develop their employees by supporting membership in local trade organizations such as the Toronto ASHRAE Chapter, Mechanical Contractors Association and Building Owners and Managers Association. This support can help you minimize employee turnover and retain the employees you have recruited.

Toronto ASHRAE Chapter further supports you in your talent acquisition activity by offering job posting advertisements in the monthly Chapter Gazette and an annual career fair bringing together employers looking for qualified candidates and new graduates and seasoned professionals looking for placement in the industry.

I encourage you and your company to partner with ASHRAE Society and Toronto ASHRAE Chapter to build an even stronger HVAC + R industry through recruitment in the local marketplace in 2012 and beyond.

Alan J. Porter, P.Eng.

Toronto Chapter Secretary

Membership Promotion  

The ASHRAE Toronto Chapter is proud to announce the launch official launch of its mentorship program!

The objective of the YEA Mentoring Program is to create a professional partnership between a YEA member and professional member of a local chapter. As the future leaders of ASHRAE, this program offers YEA members the opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of their profession, the HVAC&R industry, and ASHRAE in general. Instead of going through the process on their own, YEA members have the ability to turn to their mentor for assistance, questions or insight. This is a beneficial way for YEA members to grow in their career and develop professional expertise.  Ways in which mentors can help include providing career guidance, helping understand HVAC&R fundamentals, introducing their mentee to ASHRAE members and guiding their involvement within their ASHRAE chapter and Society.  

How does the process work?

If you are interested in participating in the YEA Mentoring Program-as either a mentor or mentee-the process is as easy as completing the YEA Mentor Matching Survey. This survey allows our chapter to make the most beneficial matches possible by taking into consideration factors such as areas of expertise, career path/work experience and interests. Once completed, give your survey to either your chapter Membership Promotion Chair or YEA Chair and they will work with the chapter President and BOG to complete the matching process.

Once you are matched with your mentor or mentee, the two of you will select the communication method that best fits your needs, as well as determine how often you will communicate. We want you to make the most of this opportunity, so be sure to find a schedule that is convenient for everyone! After meeting with each other for one year, both the mentor and mentee will be surveyed and can elect to continue the mentoring relationship beyond that one year period.

More detailed information about the program can be found in the YEA Mentoring Program Guidelines and the Manual of Chapter of Operations, Section 15. 

Who can participate?

All local chapter members can participate as mentors and any YEA member can sign up as a mentee. If you are interested in participating, complete the YEA Mentor Matching Survey and submit it to your chapter membership or YEA committee. 

Why participate? 

If you would like to share your knowledge and experience in ASHRAE as a mentor, then this program is the perfect opportunity for you to make a positive impact on someone who may be new to ASHRAE or the industry. Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement and support to create a future ASHRAE leader!

If you are a recent graduate or already have some experience in the industry, this program allows you to form a relationship with a fellow ASHRAE member who is willing and able to provide you with support and guide you in the right direction. These members started out where you are and can be a great source of inspiration and information. 

Mentor a Student 

If you are a YEA member, you also have the opportunity to mentor a student member of ASHRAE. Just as you can turn to a fellow ASHRAE member for guidance as a mentor, you too can make a positive impact on the future leaders of the industry. Consider acting as a mentor for:

* A team working on a senior project funded by the ASHRAE Senior Undergraduate Project Grant Program
* A team participating in the ASHRAE Student Design Competition
* Your local student branch

If you are interested in participating as a YEA mentor for students, complete the Student Mentoring MatchThis month I thought it would be nice to summarize some of the benefits of ASHRAE and to give new potential members some information on how to join. 

All the documents mentioned above can be found on the ASHRAE Toronto Chapter website (www.torontoashrae.com) under "Membership". 

Imtee Baksh, P.Eng
2011 - 2012 Membership Chair

membership@torontoashrae.com

Student Activities

ASHRAE Winter Conference Chicago 2012

Every year the Toronto Chapter provides funding to student members interested in attending ASHRAE's Winter Conference. This year 9 students have been selected from four academic institutions (Ryerson University, Seneca College, Sheridan College and Humber College) to attend the conference in Chicago, Illinois from January 21^st to 25^th, 2012. Students will have the opportunity to attend technical tours, participate in committee meetings, network with student members and young engineers from all over the world and, of course, attend the annual AHR Expo 2012. 

Toronto Chapter Officers 2011-12

Executive Board

Board of Governors

Committee Chairs