After the recent meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Harper, it became clear that the environment is now a high priority for the governments of Canada and the United States. This probably means that all of a sudden everyone has to start thinking “green” both in the office and at home. Energy conservation, renewable energy, recycling and many other environmental issues will be front and center in the very near future.
However, for the past decade, a company in Calgary, Kanas Corporation, has been developing smart and energy-efficient technology for green buildings while providing affordable housing. His experiences to date, plus his research into new technologies, ensure that we have a leader in greening our lifestyles right here in our own backyard.
Kanas Corporation began in 1997 with the concept of developing buildings with Insulated Concrete Formwork Construction (ICFC) and locally produced recycled steel beams and interior wall studs to create a superior building envelope into which intelligent technology could easily be incorporated. “We were passionate about developing a better building with a green emphasis, but really focusing on efficiency with affordability,” says Robert Sipka, president of Kanas Corporation. “Our pilot project, now completed, was Parkhill Manor with nine rental apartments and our prototype Lomond apartment building with fifteen rental units is currently under construction. This fall we will begin construction and begin construction of our main performance project, the Lumino, with 318 units in the Manchester community. “
Defining a green project encompasses the construction of the building, the energy efficiency of the structure, the use of smart technology for energy conservation and the surrounding neighborhood in terms of proximity to public transportation and services to include a reduction in the carbon footprint of the resident. A typical Kanas building meets R-2000 criteria and a platinum rating from Enervision’s Built Green program that evaluates “green” construction techniques that reduce the environmental impact of buildings. Kanas achieves these prestigious qualifications through the ICFC construction method, the use of recycled steel, acrylic stucco exterior, hot water solar panel heating systems, triple glazed low-e windows, low-VOC paints, concrete countertops, flow fixtures and toilets, plus smart technology applications.
“Our buildings are more than 50% more efficient compared to traditional construction methods. In addition, the triple-glazed windows ensure that there are no cold drafts or heat losses in winter and a reduction in noise throughout the year. for a remarkably improved comfort level for residents, “says Sipka. .
The new Lomond development is located at Center Street and 32nd Avenue NW and the two-bedroom apartments are anticipated to be ready for occupancy by the end of this year or early 2010. Lomond is located close to public transportation routes, which providing residents with a practical alternative to driving that results in cost savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These homes will encompass some of the latest smart technologies recently discovered and tested by Kanas. Whenever possible, Kanas chooses Canadian-made products and materials to reduce shipping costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, and support the Canadian economy.
Kanas has worked in conjunction with Alberta Government Affordable Housing Grants and the Lumino development is associated with the City of Calgary’s Affordable Housing Program. This is an important part of the company’s philosophy of offering green help, but not handout.
“Our buildings are affordable by design and efficiency, but the core is a really good building envelope to start with,” says Sipka. “While cost savings may not materialize until several years after tenants first move in, as homeowners we can afford to wait for these cost efficiencies to materialize.”
With Kanas Corporation as the building developer and eventual owner, it would seem to indicate that they are fully prepared to support their materials and construction methods for a truly superior building with a focus on environmental efficiency.