GREEN MAP
Culture and Design: Green Building
- Retrofits
Retrofits:
Eco House
The Eco House is another recently completed demonstration project integrating energy efficient design, social sustainability, and environmental awareness with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. It is one of the green building projects built according to WBDC’s green indicators.
Kikinaw Apartments
Kikinaw means ‘home’ in Cree (Manitoba Legislative Assembly, March 15, 2006) and originally the Kikinaw project was established in response to gentrification of the West Broadway Neighbourhood, in order to provide housing for low-income residents. The Kikinaw apartments were renovated through a partnership between Young United Church, WBDC, and Ash Management. They have 27 units, most of which are subsidized, in two three-storey walkup apartment buildings. Currently Kikinaw has a tenant association, with one tenant representative on the board of directors for the Kikinaw project. Green building components of the project include improved insulation in the roof and walls, operable windows to allow for a cross-breeze for ventilation, wood that is refinished with a water based coating instead of an oil coating, new EnerGuide energy efficient appliances such as a stove and refrigerator, water efficient bathroom fixtures, and low volatile organic compound paints and carpeting. The only carpet is in the hallways. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in many household products and are emitted into the surrounding environment. Some studies have shown levels of VOCs to be up to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors, and they are one of the most prevalent indoor air quality contaminants (EPA, 1994). Health effects of VOCs include eyes, ear and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, liver and kidney damage, and certain forms of cancer (EPA, 2004). In addition to environmental features, the Kikinaw apartments include social sustainability factors such as a free dental program for all residents provided by the University of Manitoba Faculty of Dentistry and the Winnipeg Foundation, and each unit has a computer provided by the Thomas Stiller Foundation (Manitoba Legislative Assembly, March 15, 2006). One of the suites is dedicated for temporary residence providing people who are seeking alternate accommodations or whose permanent residence is being renovated with a place to stay
