SUSTAINABLE LIVING: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL. ISBN-978-3-659-56120-7
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Transcript of SUSTAINABLE LIVING: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL. ISBN-978-3-659-56120-7
Abstract
Sustainable development is a holistic movement towards improving our societal quality.
There are fundamental links between the economic, social and environmental aspects
of life with the well-being of the society at large. Changes in any one sphere will have an
impact upon the other two dimensions. From a societal perspective in particular, human
well-being cannot be sustained without a healthy environment and is similarly not likely
to be without a vibrant financial system. Sustainable development is a process rather
than a state of affairs: we must strive continuously for radical change. (Thorbjorn
Berntsen, Minister of Environment, Norway, 1994)
The global reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) is dependent on the adoption of
energy conservation technologies, efficient energy system managements at an
industrial level as well as the development of clean energy generation. This includes
using unleaded gasoline, solar, wind energy production, alternative fuel vehicles (EV
for an example), and implementing sustainable public transportation system with
(also called environmental
design), is the philosophy of designing physical objects, the built environment, and
services to comply with the principles of social, economic, and ecological
(Wikipedia: Sustainable design)
The intention of sustainable community design in this report is to eliminate negative
ecological impacts within a specified region of downtown Dundas through a skillful,
realistic, and an environment-friendly design approach. Demonstration of sustainable
urban design with city beautification concepts will require the application of renewable
resources that would have a lower environmental impact, and inter-relate the life-style of
the local people with the natural environment in terms of having a healthier physical and
emotional well-being. Issues such as various low-impact developments (storm-water
maintaining a transportation system to encourage a healthy life-style for the city
residents, lowering carbon foot-print, while maintaining a good biodiversity for all
species are all focal points of this report, while maintaining a collaborative participation
with various stakeholders at different levels. (Wikipedia- Sustainable Design)
Beyond the "elimination of negative environmental impacts", the sustainable design
project will also place an emphasis on areas that are significantly important in their
innovations serving the opportunities of the local people for sustainable growth. A
dynamic balance between environment and society is maintained to generate long-term
relationships between user and object/service and finally be considerate and dutiful
towards the ecological and overall societal differentiation.
Keeping in mind the above mentioned facts, new design lay-outs are provided in
APPENDIX IV and APPENDIX V at the end of the Report.
Acknowledgements
This research would not have been possible without the guidance and the help of several individuals who in one way or another contributed and extended their valuableassistance in the preparation and completion of this study.
First and foremost, my utmost gratitude to Dr. Mahalec, Director, GMC Centre forEngineering Design, McMaster University, who has provided keen sincerity andencouragement in directing me with developing an idea for a sustainable communitythat I will never forget.
Dr. Brian Baetz, Chair: Civil Engineering, McMaster University and the Principal Advisorof my research who has provided me with useful and helpful information about the studyarea in Dundas, in particular. I am also very grateful to him for also directing me with theproject brief.
Dr. Cam Churchill for helping me proofread the whole research paper and for providingme valuable suggestions and improvements wherever necessary.
Dr. Chi Tang, Professor: B.Tech, McMaster University, for his utmost support andpersistent help while doing calculations regarding the solar panel rooftop installations onbuilding retrofits.
Communications Director of HARE (Hamilton Association of Renewable Energy), whohas shown significant interest in providing valuable information about sustainableinfrastructure projects. GECO (Green Energy Co-operative Ontario) for providing very
communities and stakeholders can come up with sustainable projects hand in handsthrough collaborative engagements.
Dr. Karen, Senior Ethics Advisor, for helping me thoroughly for getting me the MREBClearance for the questionnaire survey involving human participation.
Last but not the least, my family and the one above all, God Almighty, for answering myprayers and for giving me the intense strength to push through the study for a longtenure and finally getting it completed, thank you so much Dear Lord.
Table of Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................................ii
List of Figures..................................................................................................................xi
List of Tables................................................................................................................. xiii
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Research Hypothesis ........................................................................................................2
1.1.1 Stak ..................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Research Objective ...........................................................................................................4
1.3 Goals.................................................................................................................................4
1.4 Research Methodology .....................................................................................................5
1.5 Study Results from Street Survey......................................................................................6
1.6 Research Limitations.........................................................................................................7
2.0 Background ............................................................................................................... 7
3.0 Scope ........................................................................................................................ 9
3.1 Urban Renewal Definition..................................................................................................9
3.2 Opportunities for City Re-embellishments .........................................................................9
3.3 Geographical Scope........................................................................................................10
3.4 Technological Scope .......................................................................................................10
3.5 Social Aspects.................................................................................................................11
3.5.1 Physical and Mental Health Aspects ..................................................................................... 12
3.6 Environmental Parameters ..............................................................................................12
3.7 Economic Features .........................................................................................................13
3.8 Data Validation................................................................................................................13
4.0. Sustainable Design ................................................................................................ 14
4.1 City Street Planning.........................................................................................................15
4.2 Impact Assessment .........................................................................................................18
4.3 Bicycle Lanes ..................................................................................................................19
4.3.1 Cycling Facilities & Amenities ............................................................................................... 19
4.3.2 Current Goals....................................................................................................................... 22
4.3.3 Solution................................................................................................................................ 22
4.4 Street Furniture ...............................................................................................................23
4.5 Why Walk?......................................................................................................................24
4.5.1 Walking benefits: .................................................................................................................. 24
4.5.2 Enhancing Walk-ability ......................................................................................................... 24
4.6 Sidewalks........................................................................................................................25
4.6.1 Risks of narrow sidewalks..................................................................................................... 26
4.6.2 Goals ................................................................................................................................... 26
4.6.3 Objective .............................................................................................................................. 27
4.7 Dated Street lights...........................................................................................................27
4.7.1 Sky Glow Problems .............................................................................................................. 28
4.7.2 Simple Solutions................................................................................................................... 29
4.7.3 Comparison of Sodium with LED lights ................................................................................. 29
4.7.4 Other benefits of LED Signals............................................................................................... 33
4.7.5 Drawback of LED Signals ..................................................................................................... 33
4.7.6 Typical LED traffic light panel Features................................................................................. 34
4.7.7 Solar LED Street Lights ........................................................................................................ 35
4.7.8 LED cost cutting Technology ............................................................................................... 35
4.7.9 Core-Competency ................................................................................................................ 36
5. 0 Low-Impact Developments ..................................................................................... 36
5.1 Principles of LID ..............................................................................................................37
5.2 Benefits of LID.................................................................................................................38
5.3 City Landscape ...............................................................................................................40
5.3.1 Polluted Rain-water .............................................................................................................. 41
5.3.2 Pervious Pavements............................................................................................................. 42
5.3.3 Permecocrete Eco- Pavements.......................................................................................... 43
5.3.4 Basic benefits....................................................................................................................... 44
5.3.5 Limitations of permeable Paving ........................................................................................... 45
5.4 Bioretention management ...............................................................................................46
5.4.1 Bioretention management types............................................................................................ 46
5.5 Rain Gardens ..................................................................................................................49
5.5.1 Principles ............................................................................................................................. 49
5.5.2 Storm-water Planter.............................................................................................................. 50
5.5.3 Street Plants for Rain Gardens/ Planter Boxes...................................................................... 51
5.5.4 Storm-water Planter in Public Space..................................................................................... 54
5.5.5 Planter Features................................................................................................................... 55
5.5.6 Proposed Planter Box Design............................................................................................... 56
5.5.7 Maintenance......................................................................................................................... 57
5.5.8 General Advantages with Collectors/ Planter-boxes: ............................................................. 59
5.5.9 Specific Advantages with the Collector/Planter Boxes: .......................................................... 60
6.0 Building retrofits:...................................................................................................... 60
6.1 Sustainable building benefits: ..........................................................................................61
6.2 Skylight System: ..............................................................................................................63
6.2.1 Advantages with Skylights: ................................................................................................... 64
6.3 Green Roof:.....................................................................................................................64
6.3.1 Type of Green Roof: ............................................................................................................. 66
6.3.2 Extensive Green roof plants: ................................................................................................. 66
6.3.3 Environmental Benefits: ........................................................................................................ 67
6.3.4 Social Benefits: ..................................................................................................................... 67
6.3.5 Financial Benefits: ................................................................................................................ 68
6.4 Rain-water Harvesting System: .......................................................................................69
6.4.1 Objectives: ........................................................................................................................... 69
6.4.2 Typical Water usage: ............................................................................................................ 70
6.4.3 The Rain-water Tank: ........................................................................................................... 71
6.4.4 Environmental Benefits: ........................................................................................................ 72
6.4.5 Financial Benefits: ................................................................................................................ 73
6.5 Roof Downspout Disconnection:......................................................................................73
6.6 Solar Dwelling Design (Pilot-Projects) .............................................................................75
7.0 Conclusions............................................................................................................. 86
References.....................................................................................................................xv
APPENDIX II Ret-Screen Analysis for the FIT Program.................................................xx
APPENDIX III Bioretention Medium Criteria................................................................. xxii
APPENDIX IV Rain Gardens/Planter-boxes installations ............................................ xxiii
APPENDIX V New Site Lay-outs................................................................................. xxiv
List of Figures
Figure 1: Research Methodology .................................................................................... 5
Figure 2: Responses about emotional needs .................................................................. 6
Figure 3: Responses about activities............................................................................... 7
Figure 4: Perceived dimensions of people ...................................................................... 8
Figure 5: York at King Intersection ................................................................................ 15
Figure 6: Street view at York at King............................................................................. 16
Figure 7: Responses from Participants about commuting ............................................. 17
Figure 8: Fuel emission and cost................................................................................... 18
Figure 9: Bicycle Track.................................................................................................. 19
Figure 10: Bike signage................................................................................................. 19
Figure 11: Pavement Marking ....................................................................................... 20
Figure 12: Intersection Loop Detector ........................................................................... 20
Figure 13: Bike stand (above) Bike theft (below)........................................................... 20
Figure 14: Bike sharing ................................................................................................. 21
Figure 15: Street benches ............................................................................................. 23
Figure 16: Existing Pavement ....................................................................................... 24
Figure 17: Wider pavement ........................................................................................... 27
Figure 18: Old street lamp............................................................................................. 27
Figure 19: Sky-glow problem......................................................................................... 28
Figure 20: Sodium vs LED Light .................................................................................... 28
Figure 21: Green Solution ............................................................................................ 30
Figure 22: LED Traffic Signal ........................................................................................ 32
Figure 23: Power consumption by different bulbs ......................................................... 34
Figure 24: Project Figures ............................................................................................. 34
Figure 25: Big LED Wafer ............................................................................................. 35
Figure 26: Low-Impact Development............................................................................. 36
Figure 27: Key elements of LID..................................................................................... 37
Figure 28: Impervious pavements, and parking lot. ....................................................... 40
Figure 29 : Storm-water pollution .................................................................................. 41
Figure 30: Impervious side-walks.................................................................................. 41
Figure 31: Pervious Pavement ...................................................................................... 42
Figure 32: How permecocrete works............................................................................. 45
Figure 33: Unpleasant street intersection...................................................................... 49
Figure 34: Rain-garden design...................................................................................... 49
Figure 35: Storm-water Planter design.......................................................................... 50
Figure 36: a. Impervious Footpath without plantations; b. Pervious foot path withplantation....................................................................................................................... 53
Figure 37: Impervious parking lot with no LID ............................................................... 53
Figure 38: Unattractive view for Dairy Queen............................................................... 55
Figure 39: Place allocated for rain-collector .................................................................. 56
Figure 40: Rain-collector/Planters ................................................................................. 57
Figure 41: Bioretention at Yorkdale Property ................................................................ 58
Figure 42: Places where planters could be installed ..................................................... 58
Figure 43: Space for Rain garden ................................................................................. 59
Figure 44: A sustainable building model........................................................................ 62
Figure 45: Responses about building retrofits ............................................................... 63
Figure 46: Skylight provision ......................................................................................... 63
Figure 47: Green Roof Design ...................................................................................... 64
Figure 48: Responses regarding Green Roof ................................................................ 65
Figure 49: Water absorption by Extensive green roof ................................................... 66
Figure 50: Rain-water harvesting System ..................................................................... 69
Figure 51: Rain-water harvesting solutions ................................................................... 70
Figure 52: Water usage by a typical conserving/non-conserving units in North America...................................................................................................................................... 70
Figure 53: Downspout disconnection ............................................................................ 73
Figure 54: a. Rain barrels; b. disconnection with rain-gardens...................................... 73
Figure 55: Passive Solar Water-heating System, .......................................................... 76
Figure 56: Average electricity bills by province ............................................................. 78
Figure 57: Ontario Power Authority FIT Prices Schedule .............................................. 81
Figure 58: a. Innovative Cadmium Telluride Technology b. CdTe Thin-film Module ..... 82
Figure 59: OPA- Solar PV Quick Facts Table ............................................................... 83
Figure 60: Empty, derelict space................................................................................... 85
Figure 61: Prospective business plan............................................................................ 85
List of Tables
Table 1: Comparison of Sodium (HPS) and LED Lights............................................... 32
Table 2: Cost Analysis for an extensive Green-roof. ..................................................... 69
Table 3: Drainage co-efficient for different roofs ........................................................... 72
Table 4: Tank size calculation. Source-www.environment-agency.gov.uk .................... 72
Table 5 Cost Comparison.............................................................................................. 78
Table 6: Ontario Power Authority- FIT Price Schedule.................................................. 80
1.0 Introduction
There is a great need for a clear illustration of sustainable development in terms of eating, living, travelling and working. (Canadian Choices for Transitions to Sustainability. Ottawa- SustainableNetherlands, 1993)
In this 21st century of futuristic science and technology, people have mechanized and
centralized themselves into living within a very materialistic and industrially equipped
world. The true essence of foliage and greenery substantially has been seen to become
unquestionably invisible. People from any class, status, race, tribe, or cast and from any
part of the world desire to live within a calm and peaceful environment, and want to be
close to Mother Nature. Because a beautiful, natural environment refreshes the human
mind and increases the working capacity of the people; it gives them some time out of
their mechanized world, and helps them to reduce their stress and anxiety. For this
reason, every city or area should be best developed with implementation of architectural
styles which will reflect green urban design features, one that will provide a sole identity
and unique characteristics to the city. The substantial and social value of a city depends
on the city formation, arrangement and aesthetic view of the town. In considering these
issues the city beautification concept is taking a new birth.
The main purpose of the report is to redevelop, or refurbish an area in Dundas
(Hamilton) with sustainable features (applications of renewable energy technology) and
city embellishments in order to promote a harmonious social order that would enhance
the quality of life. The project site is specifically located in the community of Dundas
within the region specified between York Road and Cross on King Street . The project-
site was visited on the 22nd of May 2012 for the first time then on the 30th of June 2012
and lastly on October 12th 2012 for an overall plan review.
From my overall observations a few locations within the vicinity looked somewhat
unsustainable, fairly unattractive, and uneconomically structured and planned in
numerous ways, being the atrium of the Dundas. There were quite a reasonable
number of difficulties faced by the surrounding neighborhood as evident from few local
respondents. Many even complained about the lack of amenities or lack of installation of
new facilities in the area sited. The surrounding areas were mostly low-income and
residents had a very limited, confined or restricted access to any sort of recreation
around the neighborhood. Some of the negative aspects from the present situation that
were noted and which need immediate attention are:
Side-walks were far too narrow for pedestrians to walk-by;
Even the road itself was too narrow, being the atrium of the Dundas Street;
There were no bicycle lanes;
No signage for cyclists on the city main streets;
Unattractive and limited parking lots;
Street lamps were too old and not in sufficient number or in equal spacing;
Sodium lamps were still being used (which are inefficient);
Apartments were too old and had worn-out look, needing repair;
No storm/rain water management systems were seen around the streets;
No greenery around at all;
1.1 Research Hypothesis
It is a recognized piece of information that making the right kind of planning with correct
tools and framework is obligatory to proposing a sustainable landscape concept based
on an integrated perspective. The integrated perspective will keep in mind few
questions as such: why, where, how and which ecological metrics should be applied for
improved urban planning.
This study also postulates that achieving a sustainable and high performance city is a
consolidated approach that would need to start gradually from a single building; a small
piece of land in urban areas till it encompasses the entire metropolis. Accordingly, it is
essential also to investigate and take into consideration the limitations and driving
factors, potential renewable energy resource availability, investment opportunities,
returns on investments etc. Due to the lack of local awareness of the applications of
certain aspects of sustainability like; Low-Impact Developments, Sustainable buildings,
etc, data taken from local residents were compared to those living in other cities around
the world.
Currently the Hamilton Association of Renewable Energy (HARE) is enabling co-
operative and other forms of community-owned renewable energy in Hamilton to reduce
the overall environmental footprint and attain greater sustainability. Their m o
promote renewable energy in the City of Hamilton . GECO (Green Energy Co-operative
of Ontario) and HARE has recently signed an agreement to participate in renewable
energy co-operatives. It is believed that GECO and HARE would take substantial
interests in creating opportunities for the local residents in Hamilton to invest in green
energy projects within the local community. This would in return create, local, clean
energy, while providing citizens with the chance to earn a good ROI from sustainable
projects like FIT 2.0 (e.g. HARE acts as a volunteer with board of directors and
members to benefit from this opportunity to learn and grow while GECO is solely
managed by SPARK-Solar for retrofits and FIT Programs). (Source: Public Meetings:1.a.
Hamilton, Westdale Library, 955 King Street West, 16th October 2012, 1.b.Hamilton Central Library,55 York Blvd, 23rd October 2012
Sunday, November 25th).
It is assumed that non-profit making organizations like Environment Hamilton,
Sustainable Hamilton, The Hamilton Group who all strive to make the best of ecological
balance by maintaining a sustainable ecological system would all come forward for
developing the knowledge and skills required for Hamiltonians. This would include
protecting and enhancing the existing environment with beautification features, thus
creating an opportunity for such a concept to come into existence in near future.
This study, argues that the importance of strengthening the role of stakeholders within
the local community in enhancing the understanding for long-term benefits of a
sustainable city is indispensible. Participation from the grass-roots level, and public
education or awareness programs being evolved through volunteer supports from the
local residents would also lead to an eco-concept model being implemented then
smoothly roll into the process of commencement. (Researcher)
1.2 Research Objective
Taking into consideration the drawbacks mentioned earlier in the report, an initiative is
taken here to modernize the area, keeping in mind the comfortability and adaptability of
the people dwelling within that region and make attempts to generate the idea of a
visionary ecocity.
other important infrastructure. These works will primarily target on: shrubs/tree
plantings, landscape enhancements, and street improvement measures (in terms of
water management, bicycle lanes, lighting, and establishing green-building concepts.
The main focus will be to redevelop the area keeping in mind the acceptance of the
issues incorporated in terms of collective, economic and health benefit factors and to
also create a better social order in terms of public recreational activities.
1.3 Goals
Increase local, public and government recognition, and imply practicality of the
ecocity concept for future, cost-effective/economic advantages;
Improve and incorporate local mainstream architectural understanding and use of
the ecocity concept for public acceptance in the near future;
Increase media awareness of and support for the ecocity/ green city perception for
acknowledging and generating the main outlook behind the whole design;
Make an attempt to create the eco-city concept without jeopardizing the natural
balance of nature or coercing any physical damage within the local environment;
Application of renewable energy technology as a means of meeting the energy in
terms of both public and social demands in a clean and green manner with a lower
carbon footprint;
ovations of other cities
around;
Help local residents feel the improved differences in their lifestyles;
Create prospects for volunteer/ sustainable organizations to work through the ideas.
1.4 Research Methodology
The research methodology is based on three main parts: A. Theoretical Part, B.
Analytical part, C. Questionnaire Parts in two phases. See Fig 1 below.
A. Theoretical Part
Verifying the sustainable urban planning trends of the 21st century through two main
approaches: 1.Providing definition of the terms sustainability, sustainable urban renewal
system, Low-Impact Developments, Green Building concepts. 2. Underlying principles
for the above mentioned factors.
B. Analytical Part
This concerns the investigation of a number of features which are core to the different
aspects of sustainable implementation. Some potential calculations have been done to
focus ideas behind the design thinking and raw data taken are part of assumptions
made from the specified area. These will reflect the emission reduction, the payback
years, and so on for
pilot projects like FIT.
C. Questionnaire Parts
The Methods used in
this two-phase study on
designing a sustainable
urban community in
Dundas, included
local residents and tourists from other cities or localities. Thus, trees/forests and green
their tourism experiences.
The Community of Dundas is in a position to promote its services and facilities to more
distant communities and localities and nurture strong relationships with them. From Fig4 it is obvious that the major challenge to build and sustain those changes will be to
gather public responses in favor of the newly-built structures, while retaining the
lifestyles and enhancing environmental qualities which are highly valued by its
residents. The key philosophies so far that are identified, which should guide the
development of the region, are:
a. Access to address regional infrastructure and service deficits through growth and
redevelopment opportunities reinforced through local government and provincial
support.
b. Balance - to support expanded diversity, address social and economic polarisation
within the region as well as initiating a more balanced management towards a
sustainable, long-term growth.
c. Equity - creating greater equity in
the distribution of economic and social
opportunities across Dundas and
allowing full access to them for all the
region's residents including minorities.
d. Health and well-being - to enhance
the population aptitude in order to lead
healthy lifestyles through improved
urban design and create access to amenities and conveniences while reducing the
overall community stress to a much lower level. Through the survey of the
Questionnaire Survey it was possible to come up with diverse open answers showing
emotional dimensions of various age groups which helped to do some decision-making
as seen from Fig 4.
e. Sustainable decision making - to ensure that cost-effectiveness, environmental
friendliness and social factors are all equally playing a part in considering the needs of
existing and future generations.
3.0 Scope
The main purpose of sustainable design is to eradicate depressing environmental
impacts through skillful, responsive design to meet the energy demand of the local
community in an energy-efficient manner. The following are some of the technical and
social parameters that were taken into considerations while developing the concept of
eco-city urbanization.
3.1 Urban Renewal Definition
The concept of city refurbishments through Urban renewal dates back as early as the
19th century. Urban renewal is a program of land redevelopment in areas of moderate
to high density urban land use. Urban renewal may involve relocation of businesses, the
demolition of structures, the relocation of people, and the use of eminent domain
(government purchase of property for public purpose) as a legal instrument to take
private property for city-initiated development projects. (Sustainable Design- Wikipedia,).
Urban renewal has been seen by proponents as a financially profitable engine and a
reform mechanism and by critics as a mechanism for control. It may improve existing
communities, and in some cases result in the demolition of present neighborhoods for
betterment of livelihoods in the long-run.
3.2 Opportunities for City Re-embellishments
All contemporary, modern cities in the world at present are the burning result of
tremendous usage of fossil fuel technology. Could they have survived and flourished,
without the routine use of oil, gas and coal? What can be done to minimize their
environmental impacts through human endeavour and to maximize their use of
renewable energy so that a cleaner, greener environment, with lower carbon-footprint
can be achieved?
The usage of renewable energy system in the city developments may incorporate many
diverse types: solar PV installation (ground/roof-mounted), Energy-efficient
building/green building concept, solar thermal and geothermal sources, waste/storm-
water management/ retention system, waste disposal managements and many more; all
of these can support not only an improved and healthier livelihood, but also a more
thriving and realistic urban civilization with many new jobs eventually springing up!
3.3 Geographical Scope
For this study, an area between Cross and York Road, on King Street at Dundas,
Hamilton has been taken for investigation. The York Road site is specifically located at
the junction of King Street East and Cootes Dr which then ends at Cross Street at the
junction between King Street East and Regional Road 8. The city structures around the
specified vicinity will be taken under consideration for future modification and for the
setting up of new infrastructures/ establishments.
3.4 Technological Scope
As mentioned earlier also, in general the city beautification concept is considered to be
the centre- the same time
incorporation of sustainable energy system/infrastructures within that region has also
been a focal point of the study concerned.
An attempt is made here to redevelop the piece of area in the most befitting manner so
that overall energy that is consumed and utilised by the local community, is done so in
the most efficient manner, with little/no pollution and through effective resources
- thus needs to be defined so
that self-supporting community would be a realistic and ideal future prospect.
3.5 Social AspectsSustainable Design conveys direct benefits to the Consumers and the Environment
surrounding them through:
1. Healthy Buildings: be it industrial, commercial or residential all ensure a healthy and
fit populace, leading to greater personal welfare (and where appropriate- less sick days,
improved productivity in work or more productive activities & better retention of staff).
2. Use of Environmental & Green Materials specification in all construction products &
processes which exhibit responsible and cautious sourcing with acknowledgement by
national environmental accreditation from organizations like: Canadian Environmental
Certification Approvals Board (CECAB).
3. Computation & verification of (reduced) Carbon Emissions & Carbon Foot-printing.
4. Direct exercise of Renewable Energy Technologies leading to clear decisions on fuel
source, Consumption, Heating, Ventilation, Hot-Water and Lighting strategies.
The social benefits of sustainable design are related to improvements in the quality of
life, health, and well-being. These benefits can be comprehended at different levels
buildings, the community, and society in general. At a building level, research on the
human benefits from sustainable urban design concept has centered on three primary
matters which are: health, comfort, and satisfaction respectively. Although these results
are clearly defined and interrelated, they have different investigating techniques and
make use of diverse methodologies. Health issues are the sphere of influence
dominated by: expert epidemiologists and public health professionals. Comfort is
investigated by researchers with knowledge in building science, technology and
functioning, while well-being, psychological and psychosocial make-up/ ability are
studied by environmental and experimental psychologists.
3.5.1 Physical and Mental Health Aspects
Studies of the health benefits of sustainable design in buildings focus principally on
indoor air quality. Health effects result from environmental stimuli interacting with the
physical systems, especially respiratory, skin, neural, and visual pathways.
Illness may become predominant because of the environmental agents (such as
especially in people with weak immune system. On the other hand surrounding green-
street designing can help greatly in improving the natural mind-set towards working and
other physical activities for all age groups. Views of the nature and the greenery around
and also being involved with green-city maintenance are especially beneficial and
reduce stress to a great extent, provide mental relief, improve perceived quality of life,
and develop emotional functioning.
3.6 Environmental Parameters
One of the most important environmental benefits from green-buildings that can be fairly
easily estimated is lower air pollutant and the reduced CO2 emissions. Emissions are
reduced by cutting back energy usage through energy-efficient design system, use of
renewable energy technologies, and building commissioning. Reducing fuel and
electricity consumption both in the streets for transportation and also inside the building
also lowers CO2 emissions: the main source of green-house effect.
Considering what buildings are made of in general steel, concrete, and other energy-
intensive materials buildings have a high level of "embodied" energy. Based on
lifecycle assessments, the structural and envelope material of a typical North-American
office building has 2-4 GJ per square meter of embodied energy. Producing these
materials not only depletes non-renewable resources but also has adverse
environmental effects; thus impacts keep on intensifying as long as these structures
remain which require these inefficiently designed buildings to be demolished and
replaced immediately.
3.7 Economic Features
Sustainable buildings specifically have lower annual energy costs in terms of: water,
maintenance/repair, and other operating expenses. These reduced costs not
necessarily always come at the expense of higher initial costs. Through integrated
system design approach and with efficient, innovative use of sustainable resources and
tools, the primary cost of a sustainable building can be the same as, or in some cases
lower than, that of a conventional building. However some sustainable design features
have higher first costs, but the payback period for the incremental investment often is
short and the lifecycle cost is usually much lower than the cost of more traditional
buildings. This thus compensates for the initial high expenses when also taking into
considerations the economic, social, and environmental benefits achieved from it in the
long run. The FIT program can be a very good example of earning revenue in the future
while being able to generate electricity on a stand-along situation and being self-
sufficient for the owners/consumers.
In addition to straight price-savings aspect, sustainable buildings and green streets with
rain water harvesting, storm-water management techniques etc also could provide for
indirect financial benefits to both the building owner and society.
However a detailed financial analysis for the whole proposed design model is beyond
the scope of this project.
3.8 Data Validation
a. Data collection is done from different sources and review of relevant journals and
documents.
b. Data validation has been done through cross checking at the root level.
c. Feedback from a wide spectrum of key stakeholders is taken through responses from
related officials and attending public meetings, seminars and discussions.
d. Human Participation for Questionnaire Surveys has been cleared by the McMaster
Research Ethics Board.
4.0. Sustainable Design
According to a report on Sustainable Design (Wikipedia), the practical application of these
technologies varies among disciplines, but some common principles follow which are:
1. Low-impact materials: choose non-toxic, sustainably produced or recycled materials
which require little energy to process.
2. Energy efficiency: use manufacturing processes and produce products which require
less energy.
3. Quality and durability: longer-lasting and better-functioning products will have to be
replaced less frequently, reducing the impacts of producing replacements.
4. Design for reuse and recycling.
5. Design Impact Measures for total carbon footprint and life-cycle assessment for any
resource used are increasingly required and available. Many are complex, but some
give quick and accurate whole-earth estimates of impacts. One measure estimates
any spending as consuming an average economic share of global energy use of
8,000 BTU (8,400 kJ) per dollar and producing CO2 at the average rate of 0.57 kg of
CO2 per dollar (1995 dollars US) from DOE figures.
6. Sustainable Design Standards and project design guides are also increasingly
available and are vigorously being developed by a wide array of private
organizations and individuals. There is also a large body of new methods emerging
from the rapid development of what has become known as 'sustainability science'
promoted by a wide variety of educational and governmental institutions.
7. Service substitution: shifting the mode of consumption from personal ownership of
products to provision of services which provide similar functions, e.g., from a private
automobile to a car sharing service. Such a system promotes minimal resource use
per unit of consumption (e.g., per trip driven).
8. Robust eco-design: robust design principles are applied to the design of a pollution
sources).
4.1 City Street Planning
These are some of the
pictures from the site-
specific that give a much
clearer idea about current
facilities being provided to
local citizens. As evident
from Fig 5 and Fig 6
themselves: there is
currently no facility for
bicyclists: no bicycle lanes/sign/signal-posts for bicyclists what-so-ever. The majority of
the people have to depend on either their own automobiles (source of a huge wastage
of fuels) or on the HSR (Hamilton Street Railway) services or choose the option for
walking as buses also arrive an hour intervals during the weekends. Also the sidewalks
are quite narrow so that barely any senior citizen will opt for taking a walk during the
evening or late afternoon. Minimal trees, plants were seen on the surroundings
pavements and there were no facility for taking some rest on sidewalk furniture which
are a must for the senior citizens. The absence of trees/ greenery around make the
place look all more mechanized and industrialized giving the essence of a place, not
attractive or pleasant for living.
Responses from Participants
The responses from the participants have generated the following results that show that
there is a keen interest from the local people in having a sustainable transportation or
commuting system.
15 out of 18 people in general think that the area needs special consideration in terms
of city beautifications as the street is the atrium of Dundas resident. Many people who
are not regular bicycle riders or who do not bike at all showed strong feelings for biking
if there were proper bike lanes and proper bike signage. More Lighting and having wider
paths were two essential components that they mentioned were necessary for safe
walking facilities.
4.2 Impact Assessment
As shown in Fig 8 an assessment has been done from Smart Commute Hamilton which
gives predictable and an average estimate of fuel consumption and GHG emission from
a typical mid-sized car that travels 5 km/day. The GHG emission would be around
750kg/yr from a single vehicle if used daily! This reflects the fact that gasoline-based
transportation usage contributes to a large extent in raising the global carbon footprint.
This result would also act as a driving force for enhancing bicycling to be the best
means for short-term commuting.
4.3 Bicycle Lanes
Bikes can get us far and keep us also in good
physical shape. They use muscle power instead of
the costly fuel that powers the cars and cause
pollution to the environment. When going out for a
long ride for fun, one can use the scenic bike paths
if that facility is available within the locality where
they are dwelling. Also they will be far from the cars
and at a safer distance from the street! Keeping this
in mind the roads therefore not only between York
and Cross but also across the side streets nearby need immediate attention for getting
redesigned in such a way so that they are used for both public transportation and for
street bicycling simultaneously in an accessible, easy and trouble-free manner. It could
be built either on both sides of the road as in the scope of the study here with proper
signalling system or can be built on the side of the pathways also as shown in Fig 9.
Plans need to be developed for planning to identify cycling commuters and improve
end-of-trip facilities. Strategies should include the annual commuter survey, active
transportation design guidelines taking into account proper bike signalling system on all
streets, a bike rack management on street or storage
facility in a public space, bike facilities in new
buildings, managerial measures taken in hand, and
new mechanism standards for bike racks.
4.3.1 Cycling Facilities & Amenities
1. Proper Signage
When riding around the street and taking city rides,
the proper signage facilities should be demonstrated
(Fig 10) that would help a cycler get around the destinations more quickly and
efficiently.
2. Pavement Marking
There should also be accurate and clear Pavement
Markings to reduce the chances of the commuters from
falling into confusions about the accessibility of that
road. Shared-use markings as shown in Fig 11, known
as "sharrows", should be used where motorbike-riders
and cyclists share the street as there is not enough distance
across for separate motor vehicle and bike lanes. (Richmond
City Hall)
3. Intersection Loop Detectors
Traffic signals at all intersections in the city of Richmond
are activated by square or rectangular shaped detector
loops that detect a metal mass as shown in Fig 12. When
a metal mass: like a bicycle overtakes loop, it agitate the
surrounding magnetic field that is detected by electronic equipment at the intersections
controller cabinet. These loops can sense the bicycles,
when they are aligned along the most sensitive area of the
loop - directly over a cut line. (Richmond City Hall)
4. Bicycle Parking
Bicycling parking service is a must in all employment
centers, buildings, and in food-courts which are usually
crowded with customers and clients most of the time. The
facility will promote new dimensions to city dwellers as a
means of encouragement for cycling for a healthier living
pattern in a secure manner. Currently there are not a great
number of safe/secure bicycling racks existing within the
city of Hamilton in general, which itself can be a big
discussion itself. Theft being a major issue has disheartened
taking their bikes whenever they are moving somewhere nearby. (Fig 13) (Richmond City Hall)
5. School Bike Racks
Cycling Infrastructure is a primary factor for active and sustainable transportation
system. Initiatives can be taken also by the City like Smart Commute Hamilton which is
currently just beginning a funding program to encourage cycling as a possible form of
school transportation for children and school staff. A one time contribution of $100 to
$300 is provided for each school that applies for school bicycle racks. This program
would allow schools to provide a protected place to staff and students to park their
bicycles safely.
The following will be the key factors in the plan for
accommodating bicycles within b the existing road structure
around the proposed station.
Mobility: it is necessary to improve bicycle mobility in
terms of suitability, dependability, conveniences and
expenses.
Choice: the bicycle network needs to provide multiple paths between destinations
so that pedestrians and cyclists can choose different paths depending on the
purpose of a particular trip.
Safety: it is a high priority to ensure the safety and security of pedestrians and
cyclists.
Connectivity: people should be able to use multiple modes of transportation (e.g.,
cycle, car, bus, train) seamlessly.
Efficiency: time and cost for development, maintenance and usage need to be
conserved.
Information
One more element that could be added to the above mentioned ones could be: safe and
secure bicycling parking facility within the locale community. (Researcher)
Keeping these in minds and the comfortability of the bike-riders initial goals are
established to make bike-riding a healthier and daily habit so that people would feel
more motivated to ride to schools and work-places in a cheerful and safe manner. In-
depth study and greater analysis is needed to make sure of safe and secure bike
parking which is beyond the scope of this research.
4.3.2 Current Goals
Create bicycle safe environments;
Give bicycles greater priority in planning and transport infrastructure;
Better represent bicycle transport interests in policy making;
Promote bicycling as a preferred and sustainably healthy mode of travelling.
4.3.3 Solution
Bicycle Actuated Signals;
Exempting Bicycles from Unnecessary Traffic Regulations meant for car users;
Provide Wide Curb Lanes on both side of the roads;
Ensure Street Cleaning Practices for ;
Review Practices for Cyclist Safety during Road Construction;
Make intersection where possible more ride-able and still maintain a high level of
service to other road users.
In addition to considering the needs of pedestrians and by-cyclists accessing the
proposed location, it is essential to think about the needs of those at adjacent residential
and employment centres around the station. The accommodation for pedestrians and
cyclists would be prompt and simple in that the travel from any one point of the location
to the other will have unrestrained and easy access with multiple route potentials. This
will ensure that the requirements of pedestrians as well as of the cyclists in adjacent
residential and employment centers will both be addressed at the same time.
6. Lane clearing
The City Authority must clean the main roads, which includes those with bike lanes,
about once a month with more frequent cleaning of bike lanes during the summer
months (i.e., April to September) when there would be comparatively larger number of
cyclists. During these months, the bike lanes should be flushed around every 3 weeks
depending on city traffic and cyclists volume. City also would clean roads and bike
lanes on an emergency basis (e.g., to get rid of construction debris or to clean away
broken glass from a traffic accident).
4.4 Street Furniture
Ideally there needs to be some street chairs at an equal
distance of approximately 100m within the street vicinity
(Fig 15). No such facility was seen on the given area which
reduces the interest of the local pedestrians especially
senior citizens to go out just for a walk in their leisure time. Many senior citizens were
seen to walk across the narrow footpaths under the scorching summer heat and many
of them desired to have a service like this available. Thus proper measures should be
deployed so that city dwellers especially senior citizens can have more access to
commuting and can take part in their everyday activities with a sense of freedom and
convenience.
4.5 Why Walk?
Walking is the easiest and most pleasant form of exercise around the city. It is also a
relaxing and the most cost-efficient way to get to the office, the school, or the grocery
store if it is at walking distance.
4.5.1 Walking benefits:
Helps to keep bones, muscles, and joints healthy
Reduces anxiety and depression, boosting the mood
Helps one to handle stress
Helps one to feel more active
Helps to reduce insomnia
Gives you an opportunity to socialize actively with friends and family and be with
nature
4.5.2 Enhancing Walk-ability
A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center,
whether it's a main street or a public space.
People: Enough people for businesses to flourish
and for public transit to run frequently.
Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing
located near businesses.
Parks and public space: Plenty of public places
to gather and play.
Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are relegated to
the back.
Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their
homes.
4.5.3 Limitations to walkability at present
During the questionnaire survey people have addressed that walk-ability is a major
issue to walk along the street at night in general as they feel there is not enough lighting
in the surrounding area as seen from Fig 16. Also the pedestrian walk-ways could be
made to look more attractive and pleasant so that residents would feel an urge to go out
and make use of some of their leisure time having a nice walk. Some even said that it
would uphold their community pride if the area is made more accessible to walking as
the place is a hub for senior citizens who are living near-by.
4.6 Sidewalks
Even the sidewalks within the specified location looked so narrow and constricted that it
makes very difficult for two persons to walk across freely.
adequate space for everyone to enjoy them securely and freely. Accommodating the
needs of pedestrians is fundamentally important in the successful development of the
workstation since most of the people are middle/average income group with their main
means of commuting (to and from the offices and homes) being walking. As a result, the
pedestrian planning must provide a continuous (end-to-end) framework so that
pedestrians can access the footpaths without any obstruction along their way. (Molloy &
. Also Bike riding is becoming a well accepted and growing habit, so
paths need to be made wide enough to cater for this rising demand for both present and
future generations..
-
paths. Paths need to be built wide enough to cater for the current and future number of
users. The accepted minimum width for shared paths is 2.5m, with paths expecting
commuter traffic at least 3.0m wide. Paths with heavy commuter and recreational traffic
should be at least 3.5m wide or provide separate paths for cycling and walking., Feb 2012)
4.6.1 Risks of narrow sidewalks
If a sidewalk is too narrow, path users could:
Be forced to travel too close to one another and crash into them, potentially head on.
Two bike riders approaching each other at 20 km/h have a combined collision speed
of 40km/h. Even if they do not hit each other directly they may hurdle their bike
handlebars onto one another and crash, ending up having injuries.
Turn sharply to avoid other path users colliding.
Path width is only one dimension to path designing. Path width for the street should also
take into account some other limitations and drawbacks noted, in the path design to
facilitate the level of safety. These include:
curves and bends on the pavements
obstacles in the path
Inadequate clearance on the side of the path (which further constricts the usable
path width).
4.6.2 Goals
Taking the current scenario into considerations it is assumed that the following
recommendations will improve the sense of walkability for the current residents or
visitors to Dundas:
Redesign wider path.
Replace old sodium lights with new solar LED street lights which would serve stand
alone power generation and some wind lights for beautification proposes.
Some rain garden system and potted flowering plants placed along the streets.
Fountains at the intersection between Cross at King and York at King Street.
sodium lights).
Due to sky glow, people who live in or near urban areas see thousands fewer stars than
in an unpolluted sky without the artificial lighting from sodium lamps, and commonly
cannot see the Milky Way Galaxy. Dimmer lights from the zodiac signs and Andromeda
Galaxy are nearly impossible to distinguish even with powerful telescopes.
4.7.2 Simple Solutions
Utilizing light sources of minimal intensity indispensable to achieve the light's
purpose on the streets.
Lights operating with light-sensing features from the surrounding environment.
Improving lighting fixtures, so that they direct their light more accurately towards
where it is needed, and with less side effects and not at the surrounding where it is
not needed.
Evaluating existing lighting plans, and re-designing some or all of the plans
depending on whether existing light is actually needed.
4.7.3 Comparison of Sodium with LED lights
To do some basic comparison between Conventional Sodium and LED lights we can
look at Fig 20.
From an illumination view-point
On right side in the above picture, you can see the performance of the LED street
lighting on the right hand side with that of the Sodium Light on the left for the same
place and keeping the same environment. With LED lights it shows the real color of the
objects and with much better illumination and without color distortion. The authorities at
many places have thus agreed that illumination with LED lights is much safer for drivers
and pedestrians and also better for law enforcement agencies. (Steve Oster)
From Economic and Ecological stand-point
i) LED bulbs have high light output: LED lamps have a
better glowing efficiency (expressed in lumens per watt)
than high-pressure sodium lamp (HPS) which are
traditionally used in street lighting systems.
ii) Significantly reduce life cycle cost: High power LED light
sources are extremely affordable returning a 50 to 80%
saving over conventional sodium (and mercury) lamps, and 10 to 20% with respect to
energy saving lamps. Also due to their long life span, LED lamps avoid constant
maintenance and repairs, replacements thus contributing to outstanding overhead and
maintenance savings.
iii) ion: As LED lamps generate a minimal heat, and do not emit
ultraviolet or infrared rays, they are the most perfect choice for illuminating historical
buildings and vegetation without the risk of causing damage ecologically and
structurally. LED lamps are recyclable and do not pollute the surroundings. The
fluorescent energy saving and sodium lamps contain mercury; in addition to which,
fluorescent (desktop or headboard) lamps emit electromagnetic waves which can
iv)Cool to touch reducing burning hazards: LED lamps operate on a low voltage (< 32v)
and produce a minimum of amount of heat, providing safety for users during its
installation and operation.
v) Long life > 50,000 hours: this means that a lamp can operate for an average of 8
hours per day with a life span of 17 years.
vi)Intelligent lighting system: LED technology is way more technologically advanced to
all the other types of lamps when it comes to the design of intelligent lighting systems
C)
Lampshade Turn Dark Easy (Absorb Dust) No (Static Proof)
Lamp Aging Turn Yellow In A short Time No
Shockproof Performance Bad (Fragile) Good (No Filament Nor
Glass)
Environment Pollution Contains Lead Element Etc. No
Maintenance Cost High Quite Low
Product Cubage Big Small (Slim Appearance)
Product Weight Heavy Light
Cost-Effective Low High
Integrated Performance Bad Excellent
Table 1: Comparison of Sodium (HPS) and LED Lights
Enhancing Traffic signage system
Light Emitting Diode (LED) Traffic Signals have turned out to be a successfully
competent and quite an efficient substitute to traditional incandescent traffic signals. Fig22 shows one of these.
Main Advantages with LED signals
The three main advantages of LED signals are:
a. Very low power consumption: (10 W to 22 W
compared to conventional ones-135 Watts)
b. Longer life-span: the typical LED will last from
five to ten years, where the incandescent light bulb
burns out a least once a year, and
c. Improved visibility: Incandescent bulbs were often covered by color filters, reflectors
and glass lenses, which could affect how much light the could
apprehend. LED traffic lights use an array of bright LEDs, which do not necessitate the
added filters or amplification.
When compared with the typical energy needs of an incandescent bulb, which is 135
Watts, the savings resulting from the low energy usage of LED signals can be as high
as 93%. In addition to the low energy usage, the longer life-span of LED signals means
low maintenance costs, which makes LED signals a valuable investment and also an
environment- friendly approach to public transportation services.
4.7.4 Other benefits of LED Signals
1. Elimination of catastrophic failures. Unlike an incandescent bulb which has only one
filament, an LED signal is manufactured from a matrix of several dozen LEDs. The
signal continues to fulfill the purpose of lighting even if several of these miniature diodes
become damaged. On the other hand, when the filament of an incandescent bulb fails,
the display instantly becomes dark calling for an urgent replacement.
2. LED signals are brighter. Compared to incandescent traffic signals, the LED signals
are much colorful and thus visually more reachable which enhances intersection safety.
3. Elimination of phantom effect. Incandescent traffic signals often make use of
reflectors behind the bulbs. For signals on east-west approaches during the late noon
hours, all colors seem to light up when the sunrays fall directly on these signals. This
problem is completely absent with LED signals as there are no reflectors in LED signals.(InterLED Light Company)
4.7.5 Drawback of LED Signals
The main disadvantage of the LEDs is their preliminary high cost which can range from
$57.00 for a red display to $127.00 for a pedestrian display. An incandescent bulb used
for traffic signals typically has a price as low as approximately $2.75 per bulb.
4.7.6 Typical LED traffic light panel Features
According to Vivalux Co., Ltd. a leading Chinese LED Manufacturer, a typical LED
traffic light panel normally consists of the following features:
LED shape: cylinder bulb, bullet-head bulb
Hyper-bright LED source with clear visibility option
Cold lamp with long life-span
diameter:8"(200mm),12"(300mm),16"(400mm) (Vivalux Co., Ltd)
Typical Wattages
As mentioned earlier, LED signals have
low power demand. The typical power
requirements range from 6 to 22 watts.
The following chart will demonstrate the
power demands necessary for
operating incandescent bulbs compared to LED
in Traffic signals.
A Realistic Example
As an example for bringing energy-efficient LED Traffic
-profit group of electric utilities, state
governments, public interest groups and industry
representatives in USA, which carried on a successful
project for the City of Portland, in Oregon. The figures
shown are the data taken as references from their own
inspection. Due to the many advantages in terms of
operation and energy consumption, the benefits of
LED signals outweigh the initial costly investment.
4.7.7 Solar LED Street Lights
The conventional street lamps will be replaced by self-sustaining LED street lamps. This
would mean that solar powered lamps would be installed along the streets on both
sides.
Solar Street Lamp Pilot Project
If an area of 1000m along the street starting from York intersection at King, is
considered then it would be feasible to place 1 Solar LED Street Lamp after every 40m.
This would require 25 lamps in total for a space of 1km. using 65-W equivalent LED
bulbs, the total energy generated from the project would be 25x 65 = 1625 W or 1.625
kW in total.
4.7.8 LED cost cutting Technology
Cost has been the most important obstacle in
keeping people away from buying energy-efficient
LED light-bulbs. Though they do last much longer
than $1 incandescent or $4 compact fluorescents
bulbs, but still a 60W equivalent LED bulb would
cost from $15 to $20.
Taking price factor into considerations and to make
the LEDs more available to home-owners, one of
the largest LED makers in the world, Osram Opto
Semiconductors, now has declared that they have
ideally invented a technique that could significantly cut down the production cost of
LEDs, thus lowering the overall costs. (MIT Technology Review, 2012)
4.7.9 Core-Competency
White LEDs are usually made by coating blue gallium-nitride LEDs with yellow
phosphorus to make the bulb glow; manufacturers in general grow the gallium-nitride in
thin layers on top of expensive sapphire substrates. Osram however has used silicon
substrates as a substitute which is cheaper than sapphire. If made on larger silicon
wafers the cost can be cut down even to much lower level. They have also predicted
that its process could bring the cost of a 75-W equivalent LED light-bulb, which now
costs $40, down to under $5!
5. 0 Low-ImpactDevelopments
Low-impact development (LID) is a
term used to portray the engineering
design approach to land-planning for
controlling and administering
(polluted) storm-water runoff. Also LID
is an ecologically-based storm-water
management technique to manage
rainfall on a site through a system of
vegetated management network.
LID as seen from Fig 26 emphasizes
conservation and use of on-site natural features to look after and safe-guard the water
quality. This approach implements engineered small-scale hydrologic controls to
replicate the pre-development hydrologic regime of watersheds through infiltrating,
filtering, storing, evaporating, and detaining runoff close to its source. (Wikipedia- Low-
impact development.)
Non-structural, Innovative Design
Preserve important natural areas; Lay out site design to minimize environmental
impacts; Reduce impervious area; Use natural drainage systems.
Structural LID Practices for the Site
There are quite a various number of LID practices that allow efficient storm-water
management and among those few which are considered to be most important and
effectively applicable have been
chosen for the site in our hand.
Fig 27 shows some of them.
a. Permeable pavement
b. Rainwater harvesting;
c. Storm-water Tree Trench
d. Roof downspout disconnection;
e. Rain garden/ Storm-water
Collector/ Planter;
f. Green roofs;
5.1 Principles of LID
Since impervious pavement is the primary basis for the build-up of storm-water runoff,
strong and sustainable Low Impact Development strategies should be mandated for
both parking areas and other hard surfaces. Permeable paving allows rainwater to
penetrate through the paving and into the ground before it gets run-off. Techniques are
based on the premise that storm-water management should not be seen as storm-water
disposal. Instead of conveying and managing / treating storm-water in large, costly end-
of-pipe facilities located at the bottom of drainage areas, LID addresses storm-water
through small, cost-effective landscape features located at the lot level. (Duck River)
The LID strategy would incorporate impervious service reduction and also avoid costly
design and implementation of paver-surfaces. In addition to that Grass pavers can
improve site appearance by providing vegetation where there would otherwise be only
bare and hard pavement. Preserving lawns across the foot-path can be extremely costly
and troublesome due to the regular maintenance and clearing of spaces around.
Instead trees can be preserved I the naturally open spaces which needs no/less
maintenance. (American Institute of Architects, 2012)
Trees intercept storm-water and have proven to increase the property values. Trees
planted along the main streets can act as mini water-reservoirs, controlling run-off,
reducing soil-erosion, decreasing atmosphere temperature, absorbing GHG: CO2,
providing natural habitat for urban wild-life and improving street view. This means
providing a natural scenic beauty with different ranges of colour, and visual interest,
making a more livable city. Thus the local vegetations will also increase natural bio-
diversity and help to maintain species from getting lost or extinct! However it needs to
be remembered that we cannot grow or plant weeds or aggressive wild-plants causing
an economic drawback to the planning, and harm to human health. (Low-impact
development Center, 2012)
5.2 Benefits of LID
1. Permeable pavements offer groundwater recharge and lessen storm-water runoff
volume. Depending on design, paving material, engineered soil type, and rainfall
rate/volume, porous paving can infiltrate as much as 70% - 80% of rainfall annually!
2. This system reduces storm-water runoff volumes and minimizes the pollutants
introduced into storm-water runoff from parking areas, thus also dropping the extent of
water pollution.
3. Porous paving enhances the successful development area for a site since portions of
the storm-water management system are positioned below the pavements, and the
penetration offered by permeable paving can significantly reduce the need for large
storm-water management structures on a small site like the area under investigation.
4. Increased planted areas/ Reduced lawn area: Instead of lawning the side streets, if
replaced with native vegetation like: various shrubs, flowering plants, wild-
plants/flowers, trees like-caliper oak/maple trees these vegetations can reduce storm-
water, filter the pollutant from the run-off volume. Also if designed properly and
accurately with pre-determined engineered soil they require less maintenance and
monitoring.
5. Development, government cost reduced through smart landscaping. Experience has
shown that LID still saves money over conventional approaches through reduced
infrastructure and site preparation work.
Case studies and pilot programs show at least a 25 to 30% reduction in costs
associated with site development, storm-water fees, and maintenance for residential
developments that use LID techniques. This savings is achieved by reductions in
clearing, grading, pipes, ponds, inlets, curbs and paving.
6. Environmentally, ecologically gives an enhanced aesthetic and pleasing view with
bare open spaces being covered with greenery.
7. Money invested is clearly visible that adds value to the area as grading, piping,
creating inlets underneath the pavements is no longer needed.
8. Real Estate value Improved due to increased visual effects, and site development
utilizing natural resources.
5.3 City Landscape
From time immemorial the
ground which had always
acted as a natural bio-filter,
has redirected rainwater as
quickly as possible to the
water-sources like: lakes,
rivers, and the seas to prevent
flooding and water-logging. But
now due to global water
shortages, salinity problem, water-pollution, excess volume and rate of runoff flow we
need to change our practices so as to take care of the way the way nature works by
using pervious pavement.
Roads and streets today not only provide surfaces for vehicles to travel, but they take
also waste away from the land, sewers and provide us with important services like
natural gas, electricity and water. In the past civil engineers who built roads have
considered water to be a huge cause of trouble that increases the traffic problem and
they have designed oversized drains so that surface-runoffs can clear away as quickly
as possible.
Millions of litres of water are blocked into the roads when it rains very hard and are
eventually forwarded to drains, rivers, lakes and finally into the seas with all the debris
and litters that collects on our roads. The affect is serious coastal pollution:
storm-water = rain-water + pollution.
5.3.1 Polluted Rain-water
In order to know the importance of storm-water
management it is imperative to also know the
causes and effects of storm- water getting
polluted.
The most common cause of pollution of streams,
rivers and oceans is caused by surface water
running off from the industrial area, city streets,
pavements, and farmlands. The word storm-water
implies that it is the water generated from an
extreme weather or storm events. However,
storm-water is actually just a term for all rain
water that reaches the ground. Fig 29 will give
a simple idea about how rain water could get
polluted even from a simple neighborhood area. It
also shows how the situation could become all
more complicated and complex with the presence of an industrialized area within the
vicinity of an agricultural area. (People For Puget Sound)
Fertilizers,
pesticides,
herbicides, soaps,
detergents, oil,
grease, fuel,
antifreeze, copper,
mercury, animal
manure, and a
countless number of
other substances get washed away into our water-ways through rainfall. These
substances when accumulate from all different household and all the industries and
unban infrastructure their concentrations increase to an outrageously injurious level to
harm aquatic lives and ultimately human health as part of the biological food-chain. So
this polluted water need to be addressed immediately in order to make use of the
excessive rain-water from getting washed away and to utilizing them in a sustainable
and cleaner manner to avoid the contamination and prevent rain water-wastages.
From the site area (Fig 30) there were hardly any provisions or Low-impact
developments noticed due to the urbanization from the surrounding vicinity.
The pavements and all the side-walks were all seen to be imperviously built many years
ago which significantly amplify the chances of storm-water accumulation on the road
and also on the pathways causing serious problems for commuters. There was also no
rain-garden or bioretention mechanism along the side-streets which would allow storm-
water to drain through them and thus end up making commuting more uncomfortable
during the monsoon season. In such an area the possibility of having polluted surface
run-off from the city streets and buildings around with minimal or no LID increases to an
alarming extent creating a very water-logged condition during events of heavy storm.
Also the pollution of the contaminated storm-water is a danger to the human health and
natural habitat. Other than reducing the chances of creating a water-logged condition on
a rainy day a green-street designing with LID and bioretention mechanisms will also
decrease water pollution and also
enhance the scenic beauty of the
urban landscape giving it a
look.
5.3.2 Pervious Pavements
All permeable footpaths and
parking spaces consist of a long-
lasting, pervious plane overlying
a crushed stone base that stores rainwater temporarily before it gets infiltrated into the
underlying sub-soil. Permeable paving methods consist of porous asphalt, pervious
or plastic.
Permeable pavements may be used for walkways, plazas, drive-ways, parking stalls,
and overflow parking areas.
Each of these techniques is constructed over a base course that doubles as a reservoir
for the storm-water before it gets infiltrated into the subsoil. The reservoir must comprise
of evenly-sized crushed stone, with a depth to accommodate all the rainfall run-off. The
stone reservoir base should be entirely flat so that infiltrated runoff can penetrate
through the surface fully. Some designs also include an "overflow edge," which is a
channel adjacent to the edge of the pavement. The drainage is connected to the stone
reservoir below the surface of the pavement which acts as a backup in case the surface
gets clogged during extreme weather conditions. It is shown in Fig 31.
Permeable paving is the best or the most appropriate sustainable urban design
technique for pedestrian-only areas and for very low-volume, low-speed areas like:
residential driveways, alleys, and parking stalls as in our investigating site: Dundas.
The site has a lower traffic volume than city-central areas and many local people prefer
side-walking the streets from their homes to their nearby employments centers. So this
allows the pervious paving system to be the most suitable choice for pedestrian
designing.
The figure here shows a schematic cross section of a permeable paving. In some
applications, the crushed stone reservoir below the paving is designed to store and
infiltrate rooftop runoff as well.
5.3.3 Permecocrete Eco- Pavements
Permecocrete -cement for building permeable
pavement surface with a stone reservoir underneath which mimic nature. They are
pavements with lots of holes in them and with subsurface drainage and generally have
the capacity to store water underneath or in a reservoir before they are being infiltrated
into the subsoil or sub-drainage, thus improving the water quality, overall. Before
infiltrating into the subsoil or sub-surface drainage the water quality is improved by
providing surface area and aerobic conditions for cleansing. (TecEco Pty. Ltd)
Porous pavements allow the earth to take in the run-off water. The stone and soil under
them acts as a reservoir cleaning the water like the filter. They are and safer to drive on
as they do not develop "puddles", have a good surface to grip and importantly, in
Australia, and in some states in the US and many other places in the world came to the
conclusions that permecocrete pavements having street trees which get several
degrees cooler than surrounding suburbs without those pavements. TecEco pervious
pavements also absorb CO2.
Permecocrete is made with a collection of recycled substances and have the potential
to grab hold of significant carbon emitted in the atmosphere. Permecocrete in the urban
areas will result in water to be restored and cleansed as well. Other benefits include a
reduction in hot-city syndrome during the summer, subsoil movement and coastal
pollution.(TecEco Pty. Ltd)
5.3.4 Basic benefits
1. Permecocrete is made with Eco-cement that is set by absorbing harmful C02. It also
use all recycled aggregates to make it. So the material is economically affordable,
green, and sustainable! Fig 32 shows a view of how it works.
5.4 Bioretention management
A green or sustainable infrastructure approach to storm-water management means
-down, filter, and absorbs rainfall as
much as possible near to source where it hits the ground. These methods would
decrease the rate of recurrence and amount of overflows from combined sewers. It also
would reduce the possibility of flooding, contaminated and polluted runoff, and erosion
to stream channels caused by a high runoff volume.
Bioretention is that kind of a green and low impact development (LID) feature that slow-
downs, takes care of, preserves and infiltrates storm-water runoff, imitating the natural,
pre-development hydrology of a site by the uses of green landscapes. is
the process in which contaminants and sedimentation are removed from storm-
water runoff. Storm-water is collected into the treatment area which consists of a grass
buffer strip, sand bed, ponding area, organic layer or mulch layer, planting soil, and
(Bioretention -Wikipedia)
5.4.1 Bioretention management types
It has been already discussed about the importance of Low-impact developments and
also the importance of LID in storm-water managements. This portion of the site-design
will explore opportunities for applying the rain-water management strategies in street,
parking lot, and buildings found in our investigating area. The example plans, diagrams
shown in the following section will reveal a range of ways the tactics could be applied.
Bioretention systems usually look the same as the standard landscapes, but are
designed or to more correctly say are engineered to deal with storm-water runoff from
urban areas consisting of commercial structures, industrializations and households. It is
extremely crucial, critical and important to find out the suitable plants and soil-mix type
for a typical bioretention system for its accurate and expected functioning during storm-
events. The most common and basic bioretention management systems are:
bioretention swales, storm-water street planters, rain gardens, retention basins (pond
areas), rain-water harvesting systems (rain-barrels) etc among other diverse concepts.
Plant selection for these bioretention systems vary according to the bioretention
techniques that apply.
Although the available bio-retention designs can be practiced either on commercial or
private properties a distinction between private and public installations can be made
based on how they are generally employed across the world. Bio-retention systems can
be divided into two parts: one that are mandated by government policies and
regulations, such as bio-retention basins and bio-
properties, and a rain garden or green-roof designing that a small/private property
owner would like to set up!
The different bioretention mechanisms that would be used in our design area are
defined below to have a quick grasp on the concepts:
1. a. Rain-garden: A rain garden is a planted depression that allows rainwater runoff
from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and
compacted lawn areas to be absorbed in a sufficient amount. This reduces rain-water
runoff in the vicinity by letting storm-water to get soaked into the ground (as opposed to
flowing into storm drains and surface waters which later causes erosion, water pollution,
flooding, etc). They can be designed for specific soil types and for different climates.
The purpose of a rain garden is to not only to improve water quality in nearby bodies of
water but to also cut down the amount of polluted water from reaching creeks and
streams by up to 30%. (Wikipedia- Rain garden)
b. Storm-water Planters/Collectors: Planter Boxes are, well-defined and
constructed planters, which receive runoff usually from rooftop areas. Planter Boxes are
usually positioned quite close to downspouts or structures generating storm-water
runoff. The costs associated with developing planter boxes are reasonably modest and
other than that it adds up to the pleasant view of the are where it is installed. When
designed properly, installed well and if maintained regularly, planter boxes can be
extremely attractive to look at. In fact, an indispensable and important purpose in
developing planter Boxes is to enhance the overall landscape aesthetics. Box sizes are
ideally chosen according to the areas where they will be installed. They are best suited
to places around city structures, next to walkways, patios, terraces, drive-ways, and
courtyards.
2. Rain-water harvesting: Rainwater harvesting is the accumulation and storing of
rainwater for reuse before it reaches the aquifer. It is an essential technique which helps
the environment by reusing natural resources where water availability is limited. The
harvested water can be used as drinking water, water for livestock, irrigation water,
watering lawns, washing cars, flushing the toilet as well as other typical household uses.
Rainwater collected from the roofs of houses and local institutions can make a
significant contribution to the accessibility of drinking water. Rainwater harvesting can
be used for groundwater recharge also, where the runoff water on the ground is
gathered and absorbed, adding up to the volume of the groundwater. (Wikipedia-
Rainwater harvesting)
3. Roof downspout disconnection: Downspout disconnection (sometimes also called
roof leader disconnection) is a very cost-effective on-site option for reducing the run-off
volume of storm-water that does not requires much of public management. It is one of
the most significant and easiest ways to protect and preserve the water quality within
the city area. Downspouts have eaves troughs which are fixed adjacent to the roofline
from where runoff from residential rooftops is collected slowly until it gets full. Water
collected in the trough is then passed on to the ground level by one or more
downspouts depending on the size of the house. Downspouts may then unite with the
local sewer system or sometimes in older neighbourhoods into a combined storm and
sanitary sewer system. (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)
4. Green Roof: A green roof or living roof is an extension above the grade-roof that is
partially or completely covered with vegetation on a growing medium (which is
composed of engineered layers of soil), planted over a waterproof membrane built on
top of a human-made structures like buildings. It may also incorporate additional layers
such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems in special cases according to
Green roofs serve several purposes for a building, like: absorbing
rainwater, providing insulation during hot-summer season, creating an aesthetically
pleasant view and maintaining wildlife habitat, while helping to lower urban air
temperatures by absorbing GHG. (Wikipedia- Green roof)
5.5 Rain Gardens
From Fig 33 it is clear that there
is at present no such facility as
a Rain Garden or Planter Box.
The rain garden can be built at
the interesting point of the York
at King Street as shown in the
picture here. The impervious
bumpy divider on the middle
can be removed or be replaced
by a rain garden as shown in Fig 34.
5.5.1 Principles
A rain garden normally mimics the natural
hydrological cycle. Rain gardens can capture
clean rainwater from the roof, driveways,
footpath and sidewalks and then make way
for the polluted water into a garden, which
looks like any other usual garden where the
water can slowly infuse into the ground,
while filtering the contaminated particles,
and keeping away polluted water from going down to sewer system. The arrows on Fig34 show the way of the run-off collected from the street that would make its way
towards the rain-garden. Capturing the rainwater in a rain garden, holding it there for a
short time and then gradually releasing it into the soil reduces the precipitate of a large
The basic features of a standard storm-water planter are:
1. Depth: highest depth - 8 inches
2. Side Slopes: no slope/vertical
3. Plants: Wet-tolerant native shrubs, and plants.
4. Longitudinal Slope: Up to 6 %.
5. Maintenance: Keep entry and exit points clear of debris. (Kingston City Council, Melbourne, Australia)
A detailed description of the Cross-section of Filter bed for a rain garden with soil type is
given in APPENDIX III. (TAM, Central California Coast)
5.5.3 Street Plants for Rain Gardens/ Planter Boxes
Native plants are the most dependable way to go for rain garden plants on the streets in
areas of both curb extensions and also along the foot-paths. Periodic flooding followed
by dry periods is sometimes a stress for the plants. Native plants are easier to grow and
can adapt to local weather conditions including temperature and precipitation patterns,
thus allowing them to survive periods of droughts and downpours and adjusting to the
scorching heat of the summer and cold of the winter. Natives are tough and can
withstand harsh conditions like extreme flooding or periods of prolonged drought. An
added advantage with native plants is that they hardly ever become invasive and take
over garden/landscape in wild forms.
Once native plants are introduced they will flourish even without extra watering or
fertilizers. They are also immune to most pests and plant-diseases. Due to these
characteristics, planting natives will save money.
Many rain garden plans can be made using one of every plant. A much more effectual
approach would be to use large swaths of a small number of plants. That will make the
garden look more planned and nicely designed. Another way to go would be to use
smaller plant areas but to repeat groupings through the garden. All of these will add an
extra color to the area and bring in a pleasurable look for city dwellers.
Once the pavements are widened, there would be more room to implement rain garden
plants there according to the plans proposed. The difference that it will bring can be
determined by the dramatic changes in the landscape shown from Fig 36 given here.
There are a number of ways that plants can be grouped and can be planted. But
whatever plants are chosen, they'll have to handle the extremes of periodic flooding
followed by dry times in summer. (Rebecca Hammer, 2009)
Rain Garden in Public Parking Space
Rain garden can be squeezed into specialized planters within an enclosed concrete-
built area in urban street designing with the concept of implementing green
infrastructure. Planters take up not as much of space than swales do and thus are a far
better choice for urban parking lots where less room is available. Planters are in general
used to retrofit urban streets because they can take care of a lot of run-off in a relatively
small area, and can easily fit into places where traditional rain gardens with a big area
fit. Rain garden can also be used in both private and public parking lot where
the water is absorbed into the soil gradually, while good drainage is still ensured around
the parking space. From the Fig 37 taken from the area of investigation it is clearly
visible that the water will drain from the parking space and will eventually run on the
road which can later cause serious problems for side-walkers or pedestrians. And the
plantations on the parking space looks very unsustainable designed with no inlet for
run-off to flow into the vegetative garden. The end result is that water will flow down to
the road where there is little drainage system, thus causing problems related to water-
logging. As a means of improvements rain garden can be built on the parking space
facing York Road at King street so that rain water can collect from both sides: from the
parking areas and also from the street on the opposite end. The end result will look
somewhat like the picture above here showing runoff region from the parking space and
also from the street on the other side. (Nevue Ngan Associates, et-a,l 2009)
Drainage system on the parking space can collect the water from the runoff smoothly
making its way through the street gutters and into the rain garden. Polluted water and
coarse sediments in the rain garden will be absorbed by the plants leaving clear and
uncontaminated water to be flown into the streams and bay through the underground
pipes.
5.5.4 Storm-water Planter in Public Space
In public places where people would often come at the end of their days work or for
leisure to spend some time with family and friends they would always look out for a
space which they will find cozy, comfortable and the area will give them a fresh
-planned and
moderately sized reasonable numbers of planter Boxes with different native flowers.
As seen from Fig 38 taken above a vast space of land is left unused barren which gives
a very plain and unadorned look to the bistro. The spot is an exact location where family
members, friends unite to spend time quite often. There are however some surrounding
trees around the food-yard. But that does not fully give a stunningly pleasant and
refreshing view to the spot.
5.5.5 Planter Features
Material and size: A planter box can be prefabricated or constructed in the specified
place in different shapes and sizes, from materials ranging from stone, concrete,
brick, plastic lumber or wood. Excess water collects in a perforated pipe at the
bottom of the planter and drains to a destination point or conveyance system. Size
must be balanced with runoff being directed into the main water-drainage system.
5.5.7 Maintenance
Planter boxes practically need quality maintenance, as with any containerized garden.
The vegetation also needs maintenance of itself, which will vary depending upon the
plants chosen. It becomes almost impossible and difficult for plants to thrive in extreme
cold or dry climates. So in these cases,
boxes must be designed, dimensioned
and good species of native plants need
to be chosen so that when planted they
are highly tolerable to such conditions
and are not dried out due to extreme
weather conditions. In many cases,
boxes may need additional watering
during extremely dry periods and weeds
cleared out whenever they flourish.
Private Rain-Planter/Collector box:
A rain garden can also be built on the
yard in front of a house, on the yard of a huge apartment or on the parking lot near the
house to act as the most inexpensive way of managing storm-water runoff. (Planter box)
Fig 40 above shows the proposed planter boxes that could be placed nearby the new or
existing food-courts.
The parking space as shown on the picture would allow planters to be used as the best
choice for making a rain-garden as space is limited due to creating space for parking.
We can already see a planter, which is not however sustainably designed.
This would create a lovely look transforming a wet, soggy area into a wetland garden.
Additionally, a mushy, green site in the garden can enhance the biodiversity and can be
a true, valuable habitat for wildlife such as dragonflies, frogs and toads, and butterflies
thus bringing a color to your home! (Get Creative, LLC 2007-2012)
Because they reduce the amount of surface water on land, rain gardens are also an
affordable and useful way to help control erosion and flooding on commercial and
residential properties.
Fig 43 shows another spot on the same area opposite to the Food Court: Dairy Queen
at King Street East. It shows some small strips of land on both sides of the structure
which can be grown into perfectly shaped rain-gardens or Planter Boxes. Planter boxes
as mentioned earlier also are very ideal for small pieces of land where space is limited,
but which can be quickly turned to have a better aesthetic view.
5.5.8 General Advantages with Collectors/ Planter-boxes:
strain pollution from runoff
boost up local under-ground water
safeguard water from getting wasted away
recover water quality
enhance recreational aspects
look after rivers and streams from getting contaminated
eliminate water-logged condition in our yard and streets
reduce mosquito- based diseases
raise the number of advantageous insects that remove pests
reduce potential flooding
create local habitat for birds, butterflies etc
survive and withstand times of drought
Decrease garden maintenance and associated costs. (Rain Garden Network)
5.5.9 Specific Advantages with the Collector/Planter Boxes:
Storm-water benefits include reduction in runoff volumes and some decrease in
peak runoff rates; boxes which overflow effectively reduce peak rates of runoff.
Increase aesthetic view to a greater extent in a neat and well-organized manner.
Boxes are the best options for inclusion in patio or walkway design and they
integrate quite effortlessly with roof downspouts disconnections also.
They can be built in many shapes and sized according to various materials available
and suitable depending on the locality and vicinity.
If developed and installed by owners privately the cost can be quite low and
affordable. (Rain Garden Network)
6.0 Building retrofits:
Some of the existing buildings along the King street need serious attention in terms of
retrofitting/ renovating them as they look very much awkward, unhealthy in terms of
living. In terms of energy consumption the buildings look too old and unfit for saving
energy. There seems to be a lot of leakages along the anatomy of the building which
needs to be addressed. The answer would be developing green buildings or sustainable
buildings with energy-saving features. The obvious reason to consider implementing
green building is that the less we become dependent on fossil fuels, and invest in
renewable resources the less becomes our CO2 emissions which in turn would help to
itself is another huge topic for discussion itself which needs to
incorporate extensive technological challenges to drive away all areas of
unsustainability. (Brian Clark Howard. 27th March 2008)
So taking many facts into considerations and to be within the scope of this report some
general recommendations below have been generated which are primarily at the focal
point of the demands from the user sides. While conducting the questionnaire surveys
some very critical and interesting issues that need to be considered came out from the
local residents dwelling in that area. Their suggestions were mostly regarding having:
Green Rooftop with community garden/space.
A rainwater harvesting system for the building.
Rooftop Solar panel installations on top (pilot-project).
Skylight implementation.
Taking financial matters into consideration implementing the above techniques would
not cost a huge sum of money, as compared to improving their living conditions which
should be made better and thus save health costs in the long-run. Fig 44 shows a
sustainable building model with the following benefits.
6.1 Sustainable building benefits:
Have higher occupancy levels and they keep healthier
Improves Business as well as household working productivity
Have Higher Market Value
Higher Tax Benefits
Lower Utility Demands
Improved quality of life. (About.com, Marc Lallanilla, Green Living)
6.2.1 Advantages with Skylights:
Skylight system is the best way in admitting daylight and helps to distribute it
uniformly, thus saving valuable electricity and enhancing visual comfort levels.
Accurately positioned skylights could replace the need for electric lighting, during the
daytime. This can later transform into huge energy savings, even up to 20%/yr.
Skylights increase the amenity for internal spaces by adding a sense of
spaciousness. They allow an extra feature to the architectural design for buildings
that might not have enough ventilation systems. This can be especially
advantageous in smaller homes, creating an illusion of space and depth.
A skylight would let in more than three times as much light as a vertical window of
the same size. (Four Advantages to Installing Skylights in Your Home, Aug 03, 2008)
6.3 Green Roof:
A very general insight for a
conventional green roof is one that
supports plant life; one which stand up
following the triple bottom line
standards: meeting social, economical
and environmental needs as a whole.
As seen from Fig 47 a green roof can
be partly or entirely covered with
vegetation in a growing medium,
planted on a waterproof membrane. It
may also include drainage or irrigation
systems as additional layers.
(Brian Phelps, 2010)
6.3.3 Environmental Benefits:
Decrease heating (by adding mass and thermal resistance value)
Reduce heat loss and energy consumption during winter.
Reduce cooling (by evaporative cooling) loads on a building by 50%-90%, especially
if it is glassed in so as to act as a passive solar heat reservoir.
A concentration of green roofs in an urban area can even reduce the city's average
temperatures during the summer.
Reduce storm-water runoff volume.
Creates natural habitat and increase biodiversity.
Filter off pollutants and carbon dioxide which helps to lower many respiratory
diseases.
Act as a natural filter to clean off contaminants and heavy metals out of rainwater.
Help to insulate a building for sound; the soil helps to block lower frequencies and
the plants block higher frequencies of sound thus lowering sound pollution.
If installed accurately and precisely green roofs can earn LEED points.
Increase agricultural space.
With green roofs, water is stored and later then absorbed by the plants from where it
is returned back to the atmosphere by transpiration maintaining the hydrological
cycle.
Green roofs not only retain rainwater, but also moderate the temperature of the
water.
It reduces the Urban Heat Island Effect: distribution of dust and harmful particulate
matter throughout the city.
6.3.4 Social Benefits:
They provide an area for social interaction and recreation.
Green roof would provide the opportunity to enhance social health and improve
overall wellbeing of the community. (Improved mental and physical health). (L. Peter MacDonagh, RLA)
6.3.5 Financial Benefits:
They protect the roofing membrane against ultra violet radiation, severe temperature
fluctuations, and physical damage caused from roof-top activities or maintenance.
Thus the green roof extends the life expectancy of the roof up to three times longer
than any usual roof.
It Increases real estate value.
Reduces energy usage.
Federal and local tax incentives can be given to property owners who would build
the green rooftop on their houses or their apartment buildings. For example, a one-
year property tax credit is available in New York City, since 2009, for property
owners who green at least 50% of their roof area. (Philadelphia Water Department 2012)
6.3.6 Extensive Green-roof Costs:
$0.60 per square foot for green roofs and $0.10 per square foot for standard roofs is
considered. Structural costs for all green roofs are usually 0.2% of initial costs. But from
a life-cycle perspective however, green roofs reveals great economic advantages in the
later years as costs come down due to economies of scale. Some cost can also be
accredited to maintenance required in different green roof types. Within social costs,
however municipal support for a green roof program can be included as an annual
administration cost. (Kevin Songer, Feb 2011)
Costs at a glance:
Equipments Costs in $ /square footA strong root barrier/liner (2cm-6cm )cost: $0.60
Adhesive cost $0.30A woven mat or honeycomb type fabric system. $0.60
Best-Drainage Soil Mixture cost $1.00Seeds (C3,C4 and CAM native & food plants) $0.60
Labor charge $2.00Overhead, insurance, etc cost. $1.00
Total costs $6.10Table 2: Cost Analysis for an extensive Green-roof.
From table 2 here it is quite clear that a total cost $6.10 per square foot would make a
quite nice extensive system. (Extensive Green Roof Cost: Kevin Songer, February 2011)
6.4 Rain-water HarvestingSystem:
With rain water harvesting systems
being installed any building can cut
costs and be self-sufficient in
retaining water. (Fig 50)
Main goal of conserving:
Collection,
Reuse and
Recycling of rain-water.
conserving one.(Water Resource Engineering, Inc. WRE. San Francisco, California)
6.4.3 The Rain-water Tank:
As the tank is generally the most costly part of a rainwater system, expenses can be
reduced highly by cautiously calculating its actual size. The size of a tank must match
with the demand for collecting the rain-water and not be excessively large. (Environment Agency. © January 2008)
Rain Tank Location
A tank should be placed somewhere where the water temperature would be regulated
and the chances for bacterial growth in summer and frost damage in winter is lowered.
The tank should also be protected from direct sunlight, to avoid tank-overheating and
the growth of algae. Typically housing the tank underground would be the best solution.
Tank size formula:
A rule of thumb for household water use is to size the tank at 5% of the annual
rainwater supply, using the lowest figure of the two. The tank size is calculated from the
collection area, drainage coefficient, filter efficiency and rainfall. Tank Size = Effective
collection area x drainage coefficient x filter efficiency x annual rainfall x 0.05. (Environment Agency. © January 2008)
Use the tank-sizing formula:
From the proposed study area let us consider a property with an effective collection
area of 1000 m2 (foot-print area) for e.g in the case of the roof of the building apartment
next to King Street and York intersection. The roof area used in this example is a green
roof, so a drainage coefficient of 0.9 is used. The filter efficiency is assumed to be 90%,
so a filter efficiency coefficient of 0.9 is used. Annual rainfall is assumed to be 709
mm/yr, as in Ontario. (The Weather Network Statistics: Toronto, ON). The drainage co-
efficient maybe different according to the surface of drainage. As shown in table 3.
Roof type Drainage coefficient
Pitched roof tiles 0.75 0.9
Flat roof smooth tiles 0.5
Flat roof with gravellayer
0.4 0.5
Table 3: Drainage co-efficient for different roofs. Source- www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Tank sizing calculation:
Effective collection area (m2) 100
Drainage coefficient 0.9
Filter efficiency coefficient 0.9
Average rainfall (mm/yr) 709
Table 4: Tank size calculation. Source-www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Tank size = effective collection area x drainage coefficient x filter efficiency x annual
rainfall x 0.05 =1000 x 0.9 x 0.9 x 709 x 0.05 = 28714.5 litres or /1000 = 28.7 cubic
metres (29 m3 approximately)
6.4.4 Environmental Benefits:
Protects our plants, wildlife, rivers, streams, lakes and oceans from storm-water
runoff pollution.
Prevents drainage problems such as overflow.
The rainwater is soft and neutral unlike municipally treated water.
6.4.5 Financial Benefits:
Huge cost-cutting for water bills.
Installing an approved all-season rainwater harvesting system may earn attention
from the City of Hamilton as Guelph earn rebates from City as Guelph for up to
$2,000 through conserving of rain-water in their homes.
6.5 Roof Downspout Disconnection:
Many houses and buildings have downspouts that are
connected directly to sewers, or open green spaces as
shown in Fig 53. This can cause water pollution and rain-
water overflow. Direct downspouts should be attached to
the areas where storm-water can soak into the ground for
e.g inside a rain barrel, rain collector/ planter box or rain
gardens as in Fig 54b. Rain barrels are one of the easiest
and most cost effective green infrastructure concepts (Fig54a). An average rain barrel costs between $60- $100, but
one could save money by making their own. (RiverSides, ©
2005-2009)
Reduce the quantity of polluted rain water in the sewers.
Prevent basement overflow.
Reduce water-contamination to creeks, rivers and Lake Ontario.
Make pollution-free swimming in beach areas.
Keeps rainwater in the garden/planter boxes to cultivate the plants. (Reduce Runoff.)
The renovated buildings can have such an amenity to provide a nice and clean solution
of managing storm-water run-off from the rooftop of the buildings, houses as well as
from some existing stores along the streets in the study area. This would add to the
beautification of the region as well as plants will be nurtured with rain-water
continuously.
The local municipality/sewer authority should give considerations/ incentives on pilot-
basis to the recommendations mentioned above with rain-water management system so
that it would both raise public awareness and also help citizens promote sustainability in
the long-run.
The Buffalo sewer Authority has done some pilot programs on Rooftop-downspout
disconnection that has cost the home-owners absolutely nothing. It did not cost anything
and after the end of the pilot project the rain barrels became the property of the owners!
This study is called the Buffalo Sewer Authority Downspout Disconnection Pilot
Program (D2P2). (Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper)
6.6 Solar Dwelling Design (Pilot-Projects)
Today scientists are thriving to search for clean and green energy solutions for making
our current energy generations more efficient in order to meet the global demands. As
world fossil fuel demand increases and conventional fuel supply decreases, the direct
solution to meeting human needs simultaneously meeting critical environmental issues.
Among the many energy alternatives being considered, solar energy is the most
attractive and efficient one because it is a renewable source which is harmless as well
as non-polluting, In contrast to conventional fuels which is non-renewable, its use
eliminate the need for refining, recycling, transporting and conveying over long
distances which is both energy and cost-intensive.
6.6.1 Solar Design Factors
Solar building design is inevitably related to a number of critical factors which
individually and together influence the resultant architectural appearance. There are
factors which affect the realistic opportunity for the utilization of solar-heating and
cooling systems and those that challenge the physical capabilities of the dwelling
designs. Listed below are the factors in each category:
Opportunity Factor
1. Legal: Building codes etc.
2. Economic: Cost-effectiveness for solar heating and cooling;
3. Social: social and environmental attitudes
4. Psychological: individual and community expectations
Physical Factors
1. Climate: wind, temperature, humidity.
2.
3. Site Conditions: topography, vegetation etc.
4. Building Characteristics: thermal behaviour of the building.
5. Solar Design System: collection, storage and distribution component integration.
6.6.2 Solar Water-Heating System
Solar hot water system if properly designed and integrated into dwelling to use heat
efficiently can achieve 70%-80% efficiency with the current technology. The use of solar
energy for heating promises a more and rapid payoff than other energy alternatives
because the basic technology already exists and needs just small refinements.
There are two main types of systems available: active and passive. For the scope of the
project defined here Passive Solar Water Heating System would be chosen as the
method of implementation. (Harlan Bengtson 2011)
A. Passive Solar Water Heating
Passive systems use the gravitational force and
changes in temperatures for the water to circulate
through the system. They use natural convection to
force the heated water to flow through the solar
collector generally mounted on the roof to the hot
water tank. Natural convection allows less dense
heated fluid to naturally rise upwards in motion. In
this type of system, no pumps are required so it is
rather simple in terms of infrastructural view-point.
The hot water tank needs to be positioned higher than the solar collector, so that hot,
light water from the collector can flow up to the tank. The supplied hot water is at a
temperature of about 60°C (approximately) and consists of a collector, storage tank,
and connecting pipes as shown in the Fig 55. Hot water is then drawn from the hot
water tank as in a conventional hot water system. However a backup water heating
system is always needed with any solar water heating system in order to have a
smooth, consistent supply of hot water, due to night time and cloudy day effects.
There are two types of passive systems:
1. Integrated collector storage (ICS or Batch Heater)
2. Convection heat storage unit (CHS)
In convection heat storage unit (CHS) heat loss is largely avoided since (a) the storage
tank could be insulated more, and (b) solar collector panels are situated under the
storage tank, for which heat loss in the panels will not cause convection, as the cold
water will stay at the lowest part of the system.
B. Advantages
Economic
Cost efficiency is the most important factor behind designing a home with a passive
heating system. While a passive heating system may not be as efficient as an active
one but, it will dramatically save energy costs. As opposed to an active one passive
solar heating costs very little to operate. The main cost is generated during the
construction of the building or while retrofitting, but that cost is often negligible when
working with an experienced architect.
Environmental
Passive solar heating also has no negative impact on the environment. The systems do
not emit greenhouse gases as they do not depend on the use of fossil fuels. So this
type of heating is absolutely renewable and clean.
C. Cost-Benefit Analysis
glazed solar thermal collector
will harness from 1,500kWh -
3,000 kWh of energy annually
(depending on climate). At
current electricity rates of
$123.55/1000kWh, (Fig 56)that energy is worth $185 to
$370 a year (
2011). Generally in a residential
house, water heating is the
second prime energy usage
following space heating, costing from $300 to $500 (approx) annually at present. To
minimize such huge expenses a potential solar water-heater system could provide from
35% - 55% of annual water heating needs. In summer, it could meet between 75% -
90% of hot water demands and in winter it will offer 10% - 25% of the required demand.
Table 5 provides a simple cost comparison between solar and oil-based heating
generation, supporting 2000 cost estimates. As the price of fossil fuel energy, including
oil and natural gas, continues to rise, this cost differential becomes even more
considerable.
Table 5 Cost Comparison
Cost Solar Oil Initial Cost $3,500 $1,500
Operating Cost $0/yr $700/yr15-year cost $3,500 $12,000
6.6.3 Photo-voltaic Energy Generation
FIT- A debate
Power Authority under their Green Energy and Green Economy Act. Of those, 86% are
requested by homeowners, schools, churches and farmers for small rooftop solar
systems. (Suncharge.ca)
In the case of solar-systems alone, 10 manufacturers (both local and foreign) have
shown their enthusiasm to setup solar module assembly plants in Ontario to meet local
logistical needs. Quite a good number of solar inverter companies also have announced
similar plans. Developers are putting local metalwork shops to hire local electricians,
engineers across the province. Taken together, this represents at least 2000-3000 jobs
within Ontario itself. Table 6 below shows the current FIT Price schedule for different
alternative energy generation for Ontarians.
whole
according to Gord
At present, consumers are paying 80.2 cents per kWh for <10kWh projects, a rate
which often enrages general public. However such small-scale solar projects only make
up 1% of all FIT applications. It contributes to only about .08 per cent
overall system supply too small to register on the bi-monthly bill. Critics often point to
wholesale electricity prices, called the Hourly Ontario Energy Price (HOEP), as opposed
to green energy generation which they say are ripping them off.
Yet this .08 % is generating a vibrant economic activity and bringing in innovative skills
to all parts of the province allowing homeowners, and various aboriginal groups to
participate directly in the . This again
enhances the total community ownership and also develops a sense of community
pride. (Tyler Hamilton-Energy and Technology Columnist: The Star)
FIT costs are eventually forecasted to subside. As the program grows the premiums
paid for green power will have to be vigilantly ratcheted down together with the declining
cost of renewable-energy technologies. The current prices for solar FIT are shown in
Fig 57 and the first rate review will take place next year. It is hoped that rates could
drop as thousands of applications are waiting for new transmission facilities to open up.
6.6.4 FIT-Pilot Project
of the existing apartment building could be the ultimate choice for earning extra revenue
in the long run with clean and sustainable energy. CdTe (Fig 58b) has a break-through
industrial and technological benefit over the traditional solar panels. Due to a better
temperature coefficient, CdTe responds to sunlight far better than typical, crystalline,
silicon-based photo-voltaic module does and has less temperature-related losses. CdTe
also enables cost-effective production of solar modules upon large volumes of module
fabrication. CdTe systems have the least carbon footprint unlike any PV technology with
the fastest energy payback time. First Solar is a solar manufacturing firm in Sarnia,
Ontario which uses cadmium, a by-product wastage from mining operations, and they
combine it with tellurium to create the stable compound: CdTe, which is used to
manufacture the thin film solar modules.
(First Solar CDTE Technology)
Energy Pay Back Time is an important indicator for the environmental stress caused by
PV power systems. The Energy Pay Back Time is defined by EPBT = Einput/Eoutput/yr,
where Einput is the energy input during the life cycle of the module (this includes the
energy need for manufacturing, installation, operation, and for decommissioning)
whereas Eoutput/yr is the annual energy generated by the PV module. A project analysis
has been done here to show the power capacity of the installation, and the revenue
generated through the Feed-In-Tariff Program under OPA. The scheme would be to
export all the electricity generated through solar panels into the grid for OPA and buy
electricity from the Hydro at a lower cost.
At present the contract price for OPA for a 225kW power-capacity pilot project (for the
existing apartment building with commercial spaces on the ground level at King Street)
would be 71.3 cents/kWh as seen from Fig 59. So exporting all the solar-generated
energy into the grid at a rate of $0.713/kWh and buying back at a rate of approximately
$0.11/kWh from Hydro would be a smart decision to make indeed to earn some extra
revenue. The pay-back year for the project is also quite small: approximately 2 years
after which the apartment buildings could be self-sustaining which means that there is
no need for the system to be connected to the grid anymore. The ret-screen analysis for
the whole project is given in Appendix II
6.6.5 A sunny Future for Solar Projects
Diligence and devotion on the part of advocates for solar energy are necessary today to
assure more and enhanced wide-spread use tomorrow. Problems of inertial should be
overcome by present federal governments to support not just the research sector, but
also ensure practical implementation through incentive programs.
Technically it is assumed that solar energy systems will become an improved, reliable
and cost-effective resource with increased public and private support in research and
developments and it is hoped that more cut-through solar technologies would emerge
out. However without continuous support and directions by stakeholders from root to
top-levels solar energy utilization will remain just at the interest of the researchers and
scientist within the scope of the lab, not a realistic answer to the growing national
energy-demand and environmental setback.
6.7 Integrating employments with Social Business
The empty neglected space right between
Thirsty Cactus and the neighborhood building
has a very awkward and unpleasant view in
terms of city landscape. As seen from Fig 60
this unutilized space could be better used as a
community space like a coffee shop/bistro
where people of all ages can hang around.
Solution:
This place could be turned into a socially and
economically viable place for potential
investments for many retired citizens. With
little efforts in creating an area with foliage and
flowers during the summer, creating gourmet
cuisines and artful coffees, a very flourishing
business plan can be developed here in a
cost-effective manner. This would not just
create a hub of like-minded people and of-
course senior citizens living there to spend a
nice time, but also create opportunities for
many unemployed youth to join in (Fig 61). In
return this will raise the community pride and
set an example for small medium enterprises to roll into a sustainable business.
7.0 ConclusionsA sustainable community uses its resources to meet current needs while ensuring that
adequate resources are available for future generations. It seeks a better quality of life
waste, preventing pollution, promoting efficiency and developing local resources torevitalize the local economy. Decision-making in a sustainable community stems from arich civic life and shared information among community members. A sustainablecommunity resembles a living system in which human, natural and economic elements
(Centre for Sustainable CommunityDevelopment)
The Project described here is a multi-stakeholder process dedicated to planning for asustainable future for the community of Dundas using the triple bottom line standards. It has encountered various dimensions of bringing in a sound, social, clean environmentaland long-term economic development to its various stakeholders.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) recognizes that sustainable development is anopportunity to harness our knowledge and innovation to achieve societal goals andrealize both economic and environmental success. So an attempt is taken here to layout some strategies which will open new doors to sustainability without altering thepresent configuration to a larger extent. This would mean that many of the strategiesproposed could be addressed immediately for short-term outcomes to be visible.
The proposed design features provide a guideline for Transitions to Sustainability withbeautification, which is an endeavour to satisfy stakeholders in every levels concernedabout having a futurist city plan to work within the short term and those more concernedabout the procedures essential to smooth the progress for long-term transitions.
Transitions are needed to be done over years. Big, complex cities and societies cannot be changed overnight; so particular concentration should be given to make sure thatany unsustainable development that occurs will not have irreversible effects and that overall well-being of human beings are not in question. Association, collaboration withcommunities dealing with environment and ecology within the local areas, participatingin volunteer organizations in raising public awareness about sustainability will makesure that the next generations are well informed about the need of a world free frompollution, healthy and economically viable.
While no single document will be able to deal with all the complex issues in sustainable development, a(Michael Keating, 1989-
Canadian Choices for Transitions to Sustainability. Ottawa)
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APPENDIX II Ret-Screen Analysis for the FIT Program
Units Rate/kwh Units Incremental initial costs
Technology PhotovoltaicPower capacity kW 225 $1,125,000Manufacturer Abound
Model CdTe - AB1-72 3104 unit(s)Capacity factor % 13.00%
Electricity exported to grid MWh 225
Electricity export rate $/MWh 635 $/kWh 0.635
Proposed case power system
CdTe= cadmium telluride THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
RET Screen Energy Model - Power project
GHG emission T&D GHG emissionfactor
losses factor/ MWh(excl. T&D)/MWh
Country - region Canada 0.182 tCO2 % 0.182 tCO2
Fuel type All typesElectricity exported
to gridMWh 225
T&D losses% 7%
GHG emission
Base case tCO2 46.5Proposed case tCO2 3.3
44People reducingenergy use by
20%
18,597Litres of gasoline
not consumed
43.3
Emission Analysis
Net annual GHGemission reduction
tCO2 43.3is equivalent
to
Base caseelectricity system
(Baseline)Energy Saved
Gross annual GHGemission reduction
tCO2
Inflation rate % 2.00%Project life yr 20Debt ratio % 90%
Debt interest rate % 7.00%Debt term yr 20Initial costs
Power system $ 1125000 100.00%Other $ 0.00%
Total initial costs $ 11125000 100.00%Annual costs anddebt payments Cumulative cash-flows ($)
O&M (savings) costs $Fuel cost - proposed case $ 0Debt payments - 10 yrs $ 106,192
Total annual costs $ 106,192Annual savings and
income
Fuel cost - base case $ 0Electricity export income $ 182,724
$ Total annualsavings and Income $ 182,724
Financial viabilityPre-tax IRR - equity % 68.60%Pre-tax IRR - assets % 6.30%
Simple payback yr 6.8Equity payback yr 1.5
Financial parameters
APPENDIX III Bioretention Medium Criteria(i) Filter Media
(ii) Topsoil Criteria
Sand (0.05 to 2 mm) 50 to 85%Silt (0.002 to 0.05 mm) 0 to 50%Clay (< 0.002 mm) 10 to 20%
Organic matter 1.5 to 10%
(iii) Cross-section of Filter bed of a rain garden
Component Percent by WeightSand (0.05 to 2 mm) 50%
Topsoil 20 to 30%Leaf Compost 20 to 30%
APPENDIX V New Site Lay-outs
Aerial view of the Thirst Cactus, and New Bistro
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