Product Profile by Andrea Pelland and Stephani Carter, of EcoAmmo & Green Alberta

 

High density expanding polyurethane foam is being used in many ways in the building industry, from spray insulation, to concrete raising, soil stabilization, rigid paving repair, foundations, piles and even load bearing elements.

But how ‘green’ is it? It’s a chemical resin, right? Polyurethane foam is lightweight so it won’t overburden soil or foundations, yet it is extremely strong and durable. Most installation methods are quick, efficient, and require very little construction activity.

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Some polyurethane foams can also aid in achieving LEED^® credits and prerequisites such as minimum and optimum energy performance (products can have high thermal characteristics of R5.5 to R6 per inch of thickness), management of construction waste (the waste, if any, generated from installation can be recycled), indoor environmental quality – specifically due to its typically low to zero VOC lab tests, and, depending on where your project site is located, regional materials.

For those looking to use high density polyurethane foam, Alberta has a few local manufacturers. Uretek in particular formulates their product on site, reducing the carbon footprint associated with plant manufacturing and transportation. For more information, see www.uretek.ca or www.greenalberta.ca.

by Stephani Carter of EcoAmmo and Green Alberta

Permeable pavers have had mixed reviews in Alberta in recent years.  However, more and more project teams are deciding to add permeable surfaces to their projects. Permeable pavers, available in many different varieties, allow rainwater to flow through to the soil beneath, aiding storm water management and pollutant removal, among many other environmental benefits.

I was recently part of an Alberta Government delegation visiting China's green building industry. There is still much to be done to reduce environmental impacts there, but in some cases the Chinese have been quick to implement green strategies. For example, sun shades, operable windows, grey water treatment and reuse and the use of permeable pavers appear to be standard practice.

This photo, taken in Shenzhen, illustrates how permeable pavers are used in parking stalls, while the driveway portions of the parking lot remain concrete or asphalt. This same mixed composition of surfaces is a growing trend in Alberta.

For those looking to use permeable pavers on their local LEED® projects, Alberta has a local manufacturer who includes recycled content in their products, which can aid in achieving both regional materials and recycled content credits.