Building Systems
Are condos prepared for climate change?
While many condos haven’t yet experienced the major effects of climate change, statistics and case studies foreshadow the impacts that could come.
When a condo board becomes interim manager
When most people run for the condo board of directors, the last thing they imagine is a situation where they’re actually running the condominium.
Tech aids condo compliance during COVID-19
ICC Property Management is using technology to digitally track its response to COVID-19 and enhance safety for residents and staff.
Energy demand load shifts to residential base
The energy demand load has shifted in sync with much of Ontario’s workforce from commercial to home offices, prompting calls for suspension of time-of-use pricing during the current COVID-19 related upheaval
Energy efficiency powers condo to LEED Platinum
Perched on the edge of the waterfront, south of the Distillery District near Sugar Beach, Toronto’s first LEED Platinum high-rise condo stands in the Bayside
IAQ standards dissect freshness of outdoor air
Guidance related to natural ventilation, particulate filtration and compartmentalization of multi-residential HVAC systems are prominent in the list of identified "significant changes" compared to the incumbent 2016 version of the standards.
Do you know the condition of your fan coil?
Fan Coil Units (FCUs) are a vital, yet often overlooked part of an apartment/condo complex. Nevertheless, they are directly responsible for the climate control within the apartment complex in the form of heating and cooling.
HVAC switch over snared by hot spell
Tensions boiled over last week at Toronto apartment buildings without air conditioning as temperatures soared into heat wave territory in late September.
Required upgrades to single-speed elevators lifted
The TSSA recently lifted the requirement to undertake certain upgrades to the controls of single-speed elevators, but it doesn’t mean building owners should abandon modernization.
Drone use comes with flight risks for condos
A drone can capture data about the building structure as it scales the envelope, but consider too the images or video it could unintentionally capture.
A property manager’s guide to roof inspections
At least twice per year, property managers should conduct roof inspections and maintenance on their roofs.
How to start a preventive maintenance program
The question of how to start a preventive maintenance program is extremely common, and for good reason. With budgets tight and workers stretched thin, preventive
Pros and cons of solar panels on apartments
Solar power generation is a green way to reduce energy costs. But there are pros and cons of solar panels when it comes to apartment buildings.
Reducing the risk of Legionella
Any water source in a building that can be aerosolized may be a Legionella risk, particularly where the water is dirty, remains still or is not exposed to a ...
Raise the roof
A roof that lasts longer is usually more sustainable since less waste is generated through the removal of an additional roof.
Building automation can save energy
Energy efficiency in highrise multi-residential buildings can be achieved through a variety of retrofits. However, one method that is often overlooked is ...
High-performance building approach to condos
In recent years, environmental regulations, new innovations and higher energy costs have raised the bar on green buildings and provided economic incentives ...