1.5 ConEd Learning Hours
1.5 AIA LU

Net-zero buildings require a complex and integrated process. Community recreation projects have an even more difficult challenge in achieving these goals due to the high energy process loads inherit in their programming particularly due to aquatic ventilation and filtration and ice refrigeration operations. This session will look broadly at the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of net-zero and review lessons learned from three projects that are either completed or in process.

The body of the presentation will focus in detail on a case study project currently in development—the Western North York Community Centre for the City of Toronto, which was awarded a 2021 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence. This project is targeted to become the world’s first aquatics-based community recreation centre to achieve net-zero Energy. The presenters will unpack the strategies to achieve net-zero energy, as well as the challenges, opportunities, and pitfalls of these processes. They will review processes such as energy modelling and systems strategies, triple-bottom-line life-cycle-cost-analysis, climate studio software review, photovoltaic solar studies, and biofuel feasibility work. Learning objectives include how to successfully structure a net-zero process, develop an understanding of various design strategies, and become familiar with software applications and cost analysis tools.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to successfully structure a net-zero process to best achieve success.
2. Understand the design process as a combination of environment, financial, and social sustainability solutions.
3. Understand the various design strategies used to zero in on a net-zero target as well as other urban, social, and resiliency goals for community programs.
4. Understand lessons learned through trial and error of software applications to achieve these goals. Become familiar with Triple Bottom line Life Cycle cost analysis to inform decisions of value and help to persuade participants in the design process

Speaker:

Ted Watson, OAA, AIBC, AAA, SAA, NSAA, Int'l. Assoc. AIA, FRAIC, LEED AP (partner, MJMA Architecture & Design)

A partner at MJMA Architecture & Design Toronto, Ted Watson focuses on the design of comprehensive public space, collaboratively leading the design of many of the studio’s most challenging and ambitious projects. He brings 25 years of community recreation design to MJMA’s municipal and academic projects. Framing design solutions around social, technical, and environmental challenges, Ted strives to advance the architecture of community and campus recreation projects as critical infrastructure for collective human engagement—one that ‘elevates the civic experience’ and strives for impacts beyond their site.

Jeanne Ng, OAA, MRAIC, LEED AP (principal, MJMA Architecture & Design)

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Jeanne Ng is a principal at MJMA Architecture & Design. She has been instrumental in furthering MJMA’s architecture and community engagement goals since 1997. Jeanne has taken a leading role in many of the firm’s most notable community-focused projects that foster social cohesion, such as the Regent Park (Pam McConnell) Aquatic Centre, Ajax Audley Recreation Centre & Library, and the Wellesley Community Centre and St. James Town Library. She is currently the project principal for the Western North York Community Centre, which is on target to be Canada’s first net-zero aquatics-based community centre.