A message from Triovest, a Colliers Company:
When ATCO Centre Edmonton was built in 1982, the prevailing wisdom on climate change was not what it is now. But retrofitting and a good building envelope have made this tower more energy-efficient than the vast majority of its younger counterparts, earning it building of the year honours from ENERGY STAR Canada.
Greening up the big red tower started with the boilers, lights, windows, and faucets, as well as careful programming of temperature controls, but those aren't the only tricks up the sleeve of those seeking continuous improvement since Triovest started managing the building.
"That is kudos to our management," said building operator Ashwin Iyer. "Especially our energy management team, as well as our property management team." Iyer's team will come up with an idea and propose it to management, then strategize to determine the most efficient and cost-effective manner to implement it.
The water filtration system, for example, uses sphagnum moss, a green solution that uses less water, improves heat transfer, and involves no use of hazardous chemicals.
Iyer also highlighted the building's air filtration system, which uses charcoal carbon filters that are particularly effective at filtering out smoke particles. With summer in Alberta increasingly being wildfire season, charcoal carbon filtration removes not only the smell of the smoke, but also the harmful particulates, he said. Inside the building, the air remains fresh and, more importantly, free of any kind of microscopic debris.
And there are more improvements to come. Right now, Triovest is going through the process of upgrading the building management system, variable air volume (VAV) boxes, and the diesel emergency generator, as it is original to the building. The new one will run on natural gas.
The generator project is logistically challenging as it is housed in the parking garage. Triovest has engaged engineers and consultants to plan for the new exterior installation and decommissioning of the existing interior unit.
Triovest has a proactive asset management and capital improvements approach, Iyer said. "They don't wait for things to fail."
Watch this space next week for more on how Triovest has worked with its chief tenant to facilitate increased energy efficiency.