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Showing posts from 2016
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#Sustainability means acting in the best interest of the coming generations! For Siemens Canada, sustainability means acting in the best interest of coming generations – with respect to the economy, the environment and society. In 2016, Siemens has again been recognized as one of the most sustainable companies in its industry. In this year’s Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), Siemens ranks among the leaders in the Industry group “Industrial Conglomerates”, which comprises more than 40 companies.  The DJSI takes into account environmental and social factors as well as economic criteria. As part of our green initiatives, we are pleased to be partnering with Bullfrog Power to provide clean electricity.  Bullfrog Power, Canada’s leading green energy provider, is providing clean, renewable electricity for the Siemens Canadian headquarters in Oakville, Ontario and the Trench Limited offices in Pickering, Ontario. Through the agreement, Bullfrog Power’s generators put 100 p

Preventing Migratory Bird Deaths

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An important environmental issue with respect to construction that does not attract a lot of notoriety is that of bird-friendly construction bylaws. An advocacy group called FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program) claims that in North America, a staggering ONE BILLION birds die each year from crashing into high-rise buildings. The group claims that an estimated 10 birds die per building per year; and with 950,000 registered buildings in the City of Toronto, there is the potential for those buildings to annually cause the death of over nine million birds. The problem with the buildings is glass reflection. Birds are unable to perceive images reflected in glass as reflections. Birds will fly into windows thinking that it is the sky, or a tree. FLAP estimates that at least one million birds die each year in Toronto alone, from window collisions. The Bird Friendly Guidelines in Toronto’s Green Standard outlines all of the rules that developers must meet to prevent the death of

Energy Reduction Recommendations

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On August 3, 2016, eleven of Canada’s leading building professionals and associations wrote to the Canadian government, advocating for recommendations that would improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The eleven organizations say that their proposed plan would reduce energy by 25-50% in 1/3 of Canadian buildings by 2030, and all new construction would be zero energy by that time. The signatories also advocated for the development of national energy codes for renovations of existing buildings, and reforming tax policy to stimulate investment in efficiency. The implementation of certain ‘energy efficient’ bylaws or updates is something that all construction industry professionals should be keeping an eye out for. The organizations claim that the energy consumption of buildings accounts for ¼ of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed recommendations align with climate change objectives and the reduction of greenhouse gasses. Naturally, if adopted, these recommen

#TCAGreenAmbassador officially launches in time for Earth Week / Earth Day!

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Today is Earth day...what are you doing for our earth? This is not a question we should ask once a year for Earth day. This is a question we should be asking every day. As caretakers of this earth, we need to leave it a better place for our children especially through our work. What is your company doing in 2016 for a sustainable Ontario? Other TCA members would like to know!  TCA's Environmental Committee has launched a "TCA Green Ambassador Program" where we will be showcasing (online) TCA members that are enjoying success and helping the environment at the same time. There many companies within our ranks that are using efficient, effective, and green products, operations, and practices that benefit their customers and the earth.  Please share your company’s best green initiative whether it is an internal practice, a product you sell, or simply the way you do business.  We will publishing stories online on our committee page - this months pr