Your One Stop Tenant Improvement Shop
There are signs that we be may begin to see the early signs of what is now commonly referred to as the effect of climate change on new and existing buildings, and most engineers agree that any significant change in weather patterns will almost certainly require a modification to the manner in which we design, construct, manage and maintain buildings. Some professionals are suggesting these apparent changes will represent a huge long-term challenge ... »»»
Upgrade your fire alarms to the new standard with IP communications and watch analog telephone lines become a thing of the past. As traditional phone lines fall by the wayside, digital systems such as Voice over IP (VoIP), GSM cellular networks, and fiber optics are taking their place. But if your fire alarm communications still depend on outdated phone lines, your system’s reliability is being sacrificed ... »»»
A building material that absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night promises to save building owners a bundle of cash when it's time to pay the monthly electricity bill. They’re called phase-change materials, or PCMs, and scientists have been experimenting with them for decades. Although there have been some efforts to introduce them to construction markets in North America and Europe, they remain largely unknown or ignored ... »»»
A 12-storey tower in St. John's, N.L. stands to be the first building in that Atlantic Canada province to use seawater for heating and cooling. The building, under construction at 351 Water St., will bear the same name and will overlook St. John’s picturesque harbour. What makes the project stand out, however, is a geothermal system that will use seawater from the harbour to heat and cool the building ... »»»
Update aging restrooms and boost occupant satisfaction by exploring renovation options. Are your building’s washrooms losing their luster? The washroom’s appearance can negatively impact how users view your business, so if you notice signs of age, it’s time for an update. Office washrooms may not be renovated until the facilities start showing their age. But deterioration won’t wait for a planned project, so keep an eye on common trouble areas before they become permanent eyesores ... »»»
Avoid project pitfalls by understanding LED limitations. The directional properties of LEDs and their affinity for cool climates have allowed the technology to expand into a wide spectrum of applications, from parking lots to indoor uses. Not all applications are completely LED-ready, but there are several instances where you can reap considerable energy and cost savings from the reduced maintenance requirements and energy-efficient function ... »»»
Lighting creates more secure building environments inside and out, day and night. Security starts with lighting. Don’t believe it? Think about this: A security concept called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) teaches that appropriate lighting makes people who belong in a space feel comfortable and safe and trespassers uncomfortable. Combine visible cameras and appropriate CPTED lighting to send potential malefactors packing ... »»»
Integrating biometrics with cards and/or smart cards is quickly becoming a more common solution. There’s a very good reason. With traditional card access, once a badge is lost, the time from when the badge is misplaced to the time that it is subsequently reported, that badge is still alive and active in the access control system. By adding a biometric to the access control system, a badge alone cannot be used to gain access. ... »»»
Restrooms are getting retrofits. In today’s economic climate, existing buildings are often the target for new restroom technology and design, especially larger facilities such as shopping centers, offices, airports, and hotels. What restroom developments should building owners and facility managers expect on the horizon? Klaus Reichardt, president of Waterless Co., Inc, takes a look at some of the developments that the industry will be seeing more of as development and evolution occur ... »»»
Operable windows can be an efficient tool to cut utility costs. Relying on your building’s HVAC system may guarantee the conditions in your building remain constant, but introducing high-performance operable windows can provide the same benefit – and more. Newer models have made great advances that place them on par with other high-performance options. ... »»»