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Published in the Journal of Green Building, Fall 2011, Volume 6, Issue 4, this paper was written by Dayle Laing and Walter F. Kean (MD (Glas), FRCP (Edin, Glas, & C), Clinical Professor in Medicine (Rheumatology), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

The_Greening_of_Healthcare_Fabrics_Abstract_Link

“There is no separation between environmental issues and health issues” (Smith and Lourie, 2010 a). Researchers from Environment Canada (Muir and Zegarac, 2001) estimate that North American healthcare costs and lost productivity linked to environmental factors total between $568 billion and $793 billion per year ($46 billion and $52 billion for Canada alone). These are staggering numbers and could be easily overlooked when various government budgets are examined as “silos” and the interconnectivity of the environment and health care costs are not considered. They are costs borne both financially and in terms of quality of life.

The greening of healthcare textiles is a topic of great importance for the overall greening of healthcare spaces due to the large number of chemicals used in the production of fabrics. Both patients and healthcare workers are exposed to these chemicals through dermal contact, inhalation, and ingestion. Hospital “green” teams and purchasing agents need to be aware of how to best select textiles for their facilities.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a comprehensive internationally recognized standard for certification and construction of green buildings (Canada Green Building Council, 2004a). The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) started this program in 1993, and there are currently non-profit green building councils in 77 countries around the world (World Green Building Council, 2010). LEED standards are set for energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, stewardship of resources, and sustainable locations. Innovation and education are also rewarded in the certification process. Verifiable third-party standards are set for practical and measurable design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings. Programs are available for commercial and residential buildings and neighbourhoods. The USGBC is currently developing a program specifically for healthcare (US Green Building Council, 2010).

The general principles from LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) (Canada Green Building Council, 2004a) provide the analytical framework for the five criteria for selecting textiles for healthcare use presented in Table 1.

Are electricity costs going through the roof? (David_Laing) wondered, so he analyzed 5 years of his home utility invoices.

If your electricity bill is anything like ours you’ll understand why this was a non-trivial task. Multiple lines of confusing and inconsistent charges make it difficult to compare and imply there might be something hidden or manipulated.

David said, "I duly entered each line item into an Excel spreadsheet, comparing the annualized numbers ending in September 2011 to the same period ending September 2006". Pleasant surprise – our average monthly bill actually dropped 26% from $152 in 2006 to $112 in 2011! Was this due to lower prices or reduced consumption? 

In an earlier article, Big_Impact_Energy_Decision Dayle described how the replacement of our aging chest freezer with a newer, smaller one plus a second fridge was projected to save us over $200/year. In addition, 4 years ago, we upgraded to a high efficiency furnace with a direct drive fan, and 2 years ago, we installed Energy Star efficient appliances when we remodelled the kitchen. Of course there was also the systematic replacement of incandescent light bulbs with LEDs and compact fluorescents. What was the impact of these changes to our electricity consumption?

I am David Laing. My friends call me DonX, short for Don Quixote. That’s because they say I exhibit characteristics similar to this mythical figure.

Like Don Quixote I am tall, relatively slim, no longer young and have spent much time recently reading information that has disturbed me. As a result I believe that humanity is facing its greatest challenge and I feel it is my duty, nay it is my privilege to fight what some believe to be the unbeatable foe. 

Distinctive from the real Don Quixote, rather than tilting at windmills, I instead tilt in support of them, as well as any other activities and programs that will help move our society towards living sustainably!  The unbeatable foe I have chosen to take on and thump is Climate Change. Yet I take on this challenge willingly, enthusiastically and with the help of many others!

I have chosen this path because, for 35 years I worked in the corporate world, rising to Senior Vice President, eventually becoming a Management Consultant. Much of my career was spent helping organizations become more efficient and effective. I became pretty experienced at designing and implementing change management programs that dramatically affected the daily working lives of employees and altered the organizations’ relationships with their customers and suppliers. 

Through this experience

How to build or renovate homes to be green, save energy and money and reduce our carbon footprint. This is my 3rd article on information presented at the annual conference of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) in Vancouver, in June, 2010.

(Check this blog, if you missed the 1st two articles and want to catch up.)

Derek Hikson from Minto_Homes and Allan Dobie from Canada Mortgage and Housing, presented “Incorporating LEED for Homes in Sustainable Communities”.  CMHC is currently assisting 13 housing projects across Canada with their EQuilbrium™ Housing Initiative, which “offers builders and developers across the country a unique opportunity to stand out as market leaders by building healthier homes and sustainable communities”.

Derek said that Minto believes it has a corporate responsibility, that there is a market for green building and that they can make a profit. They offer homes at different levels of certification with different price points. Most interesting is their calculation that shows mortgage + utility costs per month with expected pay back time for each option. (This is one area consumers and designers often overlook, in my opinion: the total lifecycle operating cost for a purchase decision.)

In the Minto projects, they claim the largest effect is achieved with a tight building envelope. They are orienting the homes and using overhanging roofs for solar gain, constructing double-studded walls with cellulose blown insulation totaling R-60, and using triple paned windows with low-E and argon fill. They focus on

Several people have asked what I learned about LEED for Homes at the annual conference of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) in Vancouver, in June, 2010. What are the latest green building standards in residential housing?

There were several excellent presentations made on this program that has just celebrated its first anniversary in Canada and boasts of more than 500 homes registered. Commercial projects have had a head-start in building green. Since homes use relatively less power, we might conclude that our little efforts do not matter much. According to Stats Canada, we have a population of 34 million, so the volume of homes is significant, as it is in every developed country in the world. As the cost of fossil fuels mount in the future, those positioned with these new home building technologies will be the ones smiling.

In Canada, there have been several green building programs available over the last 20 years: EnerGuide, Energy Star, R2000, Built Green, and LEED® for Homes.

 

Have you ever wondered what you would have to give up to live off the grid?

Are you willing to live without some of your daily pleasures? Does this have to be ‘all’ or ‘nothing’, and can technology solve it all, so we don’t have to choose?

Freshly returned from my 7th annual sea kayaking adventure with my two sisters, I am pondering our experience of staying at an off-grid lodge on Read Island near the coast of British Columbia.

Nestled at the top of Evans Bay, surrounded by rugged coastline and rich sea life, and located several kilometers from the nearest post office at Surge Narrows, Coast_Mountain_Expeditions consists of a main lodge, several guest cabins and a family home. We were hosted graciously by Ralph and Lannie Keller and their grown son Albert, celebrating 24 years of sharing their wilderness adventure lifestyle.

Albert and Ralph provided expert guiding and instruction for our daily kayak trips. Emphasizing safety skills, they refined our techniques to make the paddling experience more efficient and enjoyable. We were blessed with perfect weather (nearby Campbell River on Vancouver Island logs almost 5 feet of precipitation per year). Ralph commented “you don’t appreciate sunshine until you’ve gone camping in the rain”.

Almost immediately, the wildlife sightings began.

What is the latest in green buildings for the future?

What was the focus of the presentations made at the annual conference of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) in Vancouver, June 2010?

I had the pleasure of attending the 2010 National Conference as a member of CaGBC and as a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Applied Professional). From my 30 pages of notes taken over 2½ days, here is a summary of the most interesting points made about the future for building green.

It was impressive to be in the company of 1300 motivated, passionate delegates. These people are not moaning that the sky is falling; they are making it their business to do something about it and make a difference with their actions. They are generously sharing what they have learned, making it easier for the next interior designer, architect, engineer, developer and contractor. There is a spirit of cooperation and mentorship that is gratifying and encourages me that each of us can make an important contribution as the momentum for green building and design increases.

To kick off the theme, Performance Matters: the next generation of buildings and communities, the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson, said that by 2020, 176 municipal BC governments will participate in the ‘Climate Action Charter’ resulting in new buildings being carbon neutral. 20% of all existing buildings will be retrofitted to be green. All rezoning must be done to LEED® certification standards. There will be 20,000 new green jobs created in Vancouver. The 2010 Winter Olympics showcased green building in the city, including the new LEED Platinum conference centre, which has a living roof the size of 15 hockey rinks. He cited the New York example where all buildings greater than 50,000 square feet must not only be renovated green but also show a payback within 5 years (including the LEED Platinum Bank of America building). The city of Vancouver

You might wonder what is the ‘Coolest Shade of Green’ for toilets going into a LEED Platinum certified building.

Maybe you have had an experience similar to mine, when I was designing a bathroom for a client a decade ago, who proclaimed loudly that he must have a “big flush” toilet. He claimed the newer lower-flush toilets just didn’t perform well and he was not impressed with having to flush twice. We have come a long way in toilet-technology in the last 10 years and even more since Thomas Crapper applied for patents to improve water closets in mid 19th century Britain.

Recently, I attended a seminar about the certification of Chapelview in Brampton, Canada. Martinway Contracting Ltd. is attempting 54 points, slating this to likely become the first LEED Platinum certified affordable housing project in the world. Green toilets are one of the products they considered to achieve this remarkable goal.

Are these familiar words to you?

Do you know how to apply them to your interiors to save money and make a meaningful contribution to lower the environmental footprint?

“Reduce Reuse Recycle” was a popular refrain begun the 1970’s (which coincidently is the decorating style of the currently revived decade too). It is no accident that this mantra is commonly expressed in the circular form of the Mobius loop, consistent with the circular nature of ecology. 

At the November 1969 Stanford University “Conference on Man and His Environment: a View Toward Survival”, Barry Commoner said, “Because they are fundamentally circular processes and subject to numerous feedback effects, ecosystems exhibit nonlinear responses to changes in the intensity of any single factor.” [1] What simpler way is there than to choose basics that avoid complicated consequences?

While studying for my LEED AP exam, ...

In challenging economic times, Interior Designers and Interior Decorators take stock of their use of contracts to protect themselves and to successfully communicate with their clients.

On February 10, 2010, Dayle presented her “Joy of Contracts” IDCEC accredited seminar to an enthusiastic group of design professionals in the showroom of Brentwood Classics, in Vaughan Ontario. Fashion Director Diana Sisto and Showroom Manager Lynne Wainberg, along with Brentwood owner Guy Sisto feel strongly about the importance of using their showroom for continuing education and for the benefit of the design trade.

Experienced and new professionals alike were unanimous in their appreciation of the 2 hour presentation, and peppered Dayle with thoughtful questions.

This was well worth every penny!”

Sheryl Jones, Milton, ON

Dayle, you’re amazing! I wish this seminar was available 10 years ago. Lots of questions answered. I would love to attend your other seminars.”

Susan Quattrociocchi, Thornhill, ON

Other seminar participants commented:

What is LEED and how could it benefit me? LEED is a comprehensive standard for certifying and constructing green buildings.

Points are assigned for all different aspects of the building interior, exterior, and even landscaping.

Whether you are designing, building, or purchasing, these criteria benefit us all by raising the bar so that all construction standards will go up over time. LEED is meant to be a standard that rewards excellent performance and continues to evolve. When that excellent performance becomes the norm, LEED will raise its standard to be that much higher again. The program started with mainly commercial buildings and has expanded to certify homes and existing buildings. Run by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) in my area, the program is adapted for different climates in 16 countries around the world, including the United States (which began the program with the UsGBC), Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

The results are...

Interior design professionals have a challenge to not only keep up to date with a broad range of topics, they must do so to maintain their professional status. 

They want to make sure that their valuable time and money is well spent on seminars that provide important and practical information that they can use with their clients.

The 4 major interior design associations in North America (IDC, ASID, IDEC, IIDA), are served under the central entity of IDCEC (Interior Design Continuing Education Council) to “promote lifelong learning and professional development”. They set rigorous criteria for accrediting continuing education courses, which can be delivered anywhere in North America.

Dayle has accreditation for 3 of her seminars: Rugs 101 #IDC 30086 for 0.2 CEU 

- technical & practical aspects of using beautiful rugs & carpeting for sustainable design

Fabrics 101 #IDC 30085 for 0.2 CEU

- technical & practical aspects of selecting beautiful sustainable fabrics

Joy of Contracts #IDC 30087 for 0.2 CEU 

- How to make the experience ‘win-win’ for you & your clients

Here are what seminar attendees have said:

On November 11th it is Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in the US,

a time when we contemplate the many blessings we have. While researching a trade seminar I presented recently, I had the privilege of interviewing several local furniture manufacturers, who reminded me about the innovative people who live and work nearby.

What a fabulous story they told of successfully surviving our economic climate by manufacturing top quality products that are in demand throughout North America.  They have made their operations more efficient by reducing waste, lowering the amount of raw materials, energy and water consumed, cutting excess packaging and streamlining administration. This is not only great for business, but great for the environment as well. We all benefit from having wonderful and locally produced furniture and accessories.

For example, many of our furniture and flooring manufacturers ensure the hardwood they use comes from managed forests. Some use wood that is FSC certified. The Forestry Stewardship Council is an international certification program which tracks the tree from forest right to the consumer. Other manufacturers have programs to plant two trees for every one cut, or plant a tree for every piece of furniture purchased. These responsible activities help make our North American forests the continued envy of the world and an important part of the global ecosystem.

So, ask questions of your manufacturers and suppliers to determine how ‘green’ their products are. By purchasing from local industries when it works within the context of your design, you are subscribing to one of the key areas of sustainable design initiatives -- buying locally saves transportation energy!

I shot these photographs at...

Dayle Laing regaled a professional design audience of over 100 with her “De-Greying the Green” seminar on October 8, 2009 at SOFA, Source of Furniture + Accessories, in Mississauga, Canada. 

She explained the value of independent certification to assess the merits of green products, and used examples from over 30 of the SOFA showrooms and suppliers to illustrate her 7 green criteria for sustainability.

One of these criteron is 'Source Locally' which made so much sense, given excellent furniture manufacturing located regionally "in the backyard" of this group of showrooms.

Dayle really takes some dry facts and makes them interesting. I now have some openings for client and supplier conversations. She is upbeat and very easy to listen to. She is a leader in this field.”

 Joanne Watson, Oakville, ON

  Other attendees expressed their comments:

This alphabetical listing of sustainable interior design definitions

contains most of the important terms you will want to access for your resource library.  Look up the major seals and logos you see on products to find out if they are independent third party certified, if they are an industry association or if they are simply a logo made up for 'greenwashing' claims.

Dayle has spent over one hundred hours compiling this list for your simple pdf download, which you will find in the resources section of this website. http://www.daylelaing.com/environmental-green-resources.html

You might well wonder what a world-famous German chemist and professor has to say about the sustainability of interior design products and the state of our environment. Is this more doom and gloom, or is this a refreshing message of hope?

Thankfully, it is the latter. Dayle had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Michael Braungart speak to designers about ‘Cradle to Cradle’ at IIDEX, (International Interior Design Exposition) held in Toronto, Sept. 2008 where his message was, “We see a world of abundance, not limits.”

Co-author of “Cradle to Cradle”, and co-founder of MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry), Dr. Braungart regaled us with uplifting stories and amid some dire warnings. Most encouraging is his premise that simply going after zero growth, zero emissions and stopping all consumption is the most efficient, but not the most efficacious answer.  He cited the example of bringing flowers to your sweetheart not being efficient, but certainly it is effective!

Dr. Braungart said...

Do you feel like you are alone in your efforts to choose green interior design? 

Actually you are in good company and you are not a round peg in a square hole!

It is estimated that 1/3 of the population of North America  is a ‘conscious consumer’ and wants to select the most sustainable products and to make their carbon footprint more beneficial.

Fortunately, there are an increasing number of beautiful alternatives for sustainable design, many of which do not cost more, and some of which are a small premium. As we demand more sustainable, recycled and organic products, manufacturers will be inspired to fill the demand.  Innovations on the possibilities are endless!

To learn how you can make a difference by booking a one-hour seminar, a day or a half-day workshop, please contact the office to reserve your date. info@daylelaing.com

Many design professionals are either not using interior design contracts or are unhappy with the ones they are using. Dayle received numerous questions from colleagues about using contracts. Some had expressed concern after situations with clients had soured when there was discord over verbal agreements. After 15 years teaching Business Practices for Interior Designers at college, Dayle was excited to prepare a seminar to share her experiences and expertise.

Dayle presented “The Joy of Residential Contracts – How to Make the Experience Win-Win for you & your Clients” at the annual CDECA Professional Development Day in Toronto, Canada on October 29, 2007 to a packed audience of over 100 enthusiastic members.

Professional interior design and interior decoration require...

"There is a symbiosis between individuals and the earth. The better we feel about ourselves, the more we are able to help the environment. The healthier the environment, the better we feel."

When our corporate logo was being designed, I chose symbols to represent this philosophy...

In November 2007, Mark Victor Hansen, the co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul”, organized a MEGA Speaking Empire conference in Los Angeles, California. 

My friend and fellow Canadian Decorators Association colleague, Irene Turnbull and I attended the 3 day event.  This was an amazing opportunity for professional development and to network with some of the foremost professional speakers in North America.

The range and quality of seminars were...