[ En Français ]

Masonry and Building Green

As environmental considerations become increasingly important to the design process for buildings in Canada, so does the need for Local Union leaders and signatory contractors to stay informed about the attributes of sustainable materials and the latest construction methods. 

One of the most widely used measurement systems to evaluate a building’s environmental performance and sustainability is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System. It was developed in the United States and has been chosen for adoption in Canada. LEED® promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

In early November, the Masonry Industry Association of Atlantic Canada, Inc. (MIAAC) conducted LEED® masonry-related seminars in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick. The seminars were sponsored by Local 1 Nova Scotia’s promotion fund and the International Masonry Institute.

Entitled “Achieving LEED® Durable Building Envelopes Everywhere — Preventing Leaks and Lawsuits,” presenter Bob Marshall, a civil engineer with the firm of Jacques Whitford Limited and Chair of the Canada Green Building Council’s Durable Building Task Force, outlined the LEED® Rating System, credit categories, and identified how masonry products can contribute to LEED® credits.

Marshall pointed out that an additional credit of one point is now allowed for a durable building envelope. “Moisture and structural deterioration that cause the collapse of building envelopes must be prevented,” he said. He recommended choosing mold and corrosion resistant materials such as concrete, masonry or curtain wall. He noted many cases of non-masonry wall systems that had experienced poor results.

Both sessions were well attended. Participating from BAC were Business Manager Wyman Jordan and President Jeff Preeper of Local 1 Nova Scotia, Local 1 Newfoundland Business Manager John Leonard, and IU Canada Regional Director Fred Vautour.