ASHRAE Journal - March 2023 - 38

2023 ASHRAE TECHNOLOGY AWARDS
Training facility, welding booths, variable volume, usage detection.
When exterior conditions allow, the workshops can use
natural ventilation to cool the space that is not equipped
with mechanical cooling. The large garage doors can be
opened manually, and the high windows open mechanically,
creating a comfortable draft when outside conditions
permit. The position of the opening windows was
meticulously designed to create a sweeping effect of the
workshops and to evacuate contaminants from the voluminous
spaces.
Innovation
One innovation of Local 144 lies within its industrial
area. The workshops are washed in natural light, have
underfloor heating, displacement ventilation and the
possibility for natural ventilation. It is uncommon for
training spaces for trades to have such good ventilation
and offer these levels of comfort while using minimal
energy for operation.
The extremely low water consumption is innovative
as well. When comparing water consumption to the
reference building as defined by the LEED certification,
there is an 82% reduction. This can be verified through
the water meter connected to the building management
system (BMS).
To achieve net-zero energy consumption, both buildings
were equipped with solar panels. These solar panels
produce energy for the building when possible since the
local electrical provider currently doesn't offer any program
to return energy to the grid.
Many mechanical elements are placed front and center
in this building to demonstrate proper installation
methods for many common plumbing installations. The
mechanical room can be viewed from a passageway and
38
ASHRAE JOURNAL ashrae.o rg M A R CH 2023
other elements that are usually hidden away are put on
display, such as radiant floor pipes and manifolds.
Welcoming outdoor spaces invite occupants to take
advantage of the outdoors for dining or for informal
get-togethers. Fruit trees are planted, and occupants
are encouraged to take advantage of them by picking
a healthy snack. This outdoor space is intended to be
comfortable for users with its fruit trees and its built-in
furniture, set back from the heavy vehicular traffic of the
area and sheltered from the sun and the wind.
The three workshops within the continuing education
center are where the plumbers will be able to perfect
their knowledge and techniques in welding and piping
in large, functional and versatile spaces. Large sections
of translucent insulation positioned on the south wall
allow natural lighting in these large spaces while maintaining
a high-performance envelope. Access to natural
light promotes the comfort of the occupants, creating
a link with the exterior of the building and giving rise
to its intrinsic benefits (increased productivity, energy,
reduction of stress).
Fruit trees and landscaping.
From the upper level, strategically positioned openings
provide bird's eye views of one of the workshops and
the mechanical room. The mechanical space has been
designed to allow easy movement of groups and thus
serve as an educational tool.
Maintenance & Operation
The building operation is facilitated by a BMS. Each
area in the buildings is equipped with temperature sensors,
and all densely occupied areas have humidity and
CO2 sensors. All building mechanical equipment is connected
to the BMS accessible remotely by the operator.
The BMS alerts the operator if any equipment fails or if
the comfort parameters are outside the acceptable ranges
calculated according to ASHRAE Standard 55.1-2010.
Great care was taken in both buildings to install all
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ASHRAE Journal - March 2023

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