ARET 2220 O'HEARN

STEP ONE IN THE REDUCTION OF THE 'ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT'

THESIS QUESTION

THESIS QUESTION.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Can a Net-Zero food production be accomplished by creating an indoor growing environment and maximizing productivity within the site for a location in Kamloops?

4/03/2011

LED Grow Room.

Video link to a LED grow room.

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About Me

Shawn O'Hearn: 2ND YEAR ARET STUDENT AT THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY. INTERESTED IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGNS AND CREATING SOLUTIONS FOR OUR FUTURE.

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Trish O'Sullivan

Margarete Gardens

Design by Build it Green

Relevant web links

Science Article
Gardeners.com
Alstonvale Equilibrium Home CMHC

Fellow Student Blogs

http://EDDT231.blogspot.com

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ORIGINAL PROPOSAL

The Next Step in the Evolution of the Home.

Summary Statement:

A new age of building technology is upon us. The movement towards a sustainable future is imperative, and current building practices atone for 28% of Green houses gases produced annually [1]. The welfare of our planet is in a deteriorating state as we continue to abuse its resources. The technology to reduce the impact that buildings have on our environment is available. Net Zero energy houses are currently being constructed and people are slowly realizing that there is an alternative to some of these global concerns.

This research intends to design a one hectare site that will reduce our ecological footprint. It will use net zero energy buildings, and harvest rainwater to take advantage of natural resources. The landscape will consist of fruit and vegetable yielding plants and a solar powered greenhouse for all year produce. Amenities will be provide to accommodate harvesting, preparation, and storage of goods. The area will be designed to accommodate operating a business as well as residential space. The intent is maximizing the use of the property to reduce the need for daily transportation and to have the land produce as much plantation as possible. The effects of transportation and lack of producing green spaces are large factors in weighing our ecological footprint.

Purpose:

The purpose of this research is to determine what kind of impact can be made on our ecological footprint using new building technology and an idea to increase to the uses of the house. The building and systems would provide energy, food, water, transportation and a means for everyday business and living. It is the intent to determine a calculated value of the ecological footprint applying these principles and ideals and compare it the Nation average of 7.01 Gha/ person [2].

It is an interesting era as a student to be learning about building technology. With an obvious need for drastic change it is inspiring to be a part of movement that is actually ‘for the good of mankind’. T.R.U has already supported the construction of a Net Zero Energy home. Further research and support into ideas like this will prove TRU is taking an active roll in resolving large global issues and standing at the forefront of the new age of building technology. The results of this research will benefit the general public by showing how much change one can actually do with today’s building technology.

Goals & Objectives:

To design a 1 ha site that utilizes natural resources to help sustain itself and to maximize the use and functionality of the property to reduce ones ecological footprint.

Two small net zero energy buildings will be constructed to accommodate the needs of the family and the business. A large greenhouse will provide year round produce. The research will determine the feasibility and special requirements to produce enough food to support a family over the span of a year. Solar energy will be the primary powers source to operate the buildings and systems. The design will include a garage capable of charging an electric vehicle and will incorporate a rain harvesting system to reduce water consumption and support the needs for the greenhouse and landscaping. The objective is to combine these newer technologies and evaluate what kind of environmental impact they could have, and the feasibility of implementing them.

Methodology & Analytical Approach

Net Zero Energy homes are already being built. Data will be collected from the 12 equilibrium homes supported by the Government of Canada in 2008 to design these buildings to be Net Zero. TRU professors have already been involved in the construction of such a design, and a great deal of knowledge and direction is readily available. Research in the agricultural industry will be needed to determine spacial requirements, water consumption needs, and systems needed for handling the production and storage of the food. Original data is currently being collected to evaluate the fruit and vegetable intake of a family with 3 children over the span of a year. It is intended to try and meet these requirments with the design.

ABSTRACT

A Means to Grow the Greens.

As the population on our planet continues to grow at a rapid pace, natural resources and producing green spaces are becoming limited. The balance between consumption and production of our vital resources is in a diminishing state. Experts have created a method of calculating the human demand on the Earth’s ecosystem. This method, known as ecological footprint, compares the planets biologically productive land and sea areas needed to regenerate the resources people consume. As of data processed in 2006, humanity is consuming its resources 1.4 times faster than the ecosystem can reproduce them. (source)The premise behind this research is an attempt to reduce the ecological footprint. It will focus on using innovative technologies in grow lights and hydroponics to design and maximize space within a residential site to produce food. Can a net-zero food production be accomplished by creating an indoor growing environment and maximizing productivity within the site for a location in Kamloops? This idea addresses several issues involved in calculating the ecological footprint, as well; it has many health benefits attached.

It is important to the scope of the research to be able to apply this idea into a building design. It is intended that these ideas become a part of the building and provide a balance for the space it occupies and the hosts it serves. Within the building will be a controlled envelope for food production. The space will be constructed like a greenhouse with curtain walls to allow for maximum sunlight. Planting beds, hydroponic growth chambers, LED grow lights, and living walls are being researched to determine the feasibility and space requirements for this application. The concept is to create a continuous cycle of the common vegetables we use in daily cooking and eating. It is possible with the use of grow lights to produce food all year (source). The research will not be limited to just indoor production. Maximum productivity through economy of means within the site will also be implemented. Outdoor garden space a detached greenhouse, and an abundance of fruit trees, operating at regular seasonal periods, will also be considered when trying to establish the net-zero target. The design will incorporate additional areas to handle food preparation, canning, dehydration and storage of the produce. The site chosen to accommodate this design is located at 1992 Arnica St, Kamloops, BC.

An independent study is being conducted to determine the food consumption for a family of five that currently reside in Kamloops. Data collected from this study will be used in determining how much of each type of vegetation will be required. It is important to indicate that cultural influences and dietary needs are different amongst people. With this in mind, data provided by Statistics Canada for average family consumptions to accommodate these needs will also be considered. The average Canadian consumes 79.5 Kg of raw and processed vegetables, with 27% of that represented by carrots, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce (source).

The concepts behind this research offer several health benefits with its application. Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables will be grown which are more flavourful and generally larger. Food will be free of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. The need to drive two or three times a week to the local market will be diminished, causing fewer pollutants in the environment from vehicles. The abundance of plant life will create higher levels of oxygen while removing carbon dioxide and some volatile organic compounds from the air.

The research so far has been positive. It is capable of growing food all year and there are several options available to do so. The environment in Kamloops provides nearly six months of great outdoor growth. This and the ability to create an indoor environment provide for promising results. It is expected that the design will accomplish a net-zero food production. However the feasibility of the project is likely to be compromised by cost. Saturating water with the necessary minerals for hydroponics can be an expense overhead operating cost after the initial setup. It should also be said that the upkeep and tending to the produce would be time consuming and an everyday chore.

REVAMPED RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The Next Step in the Evolution of the Home.

Summary Statement:

A new age of building technology is upon us. The movement towards a sustainable future is imperative, and current building practices atone for 30% of greenhouse gases produced annually (Peter Busby 2001). The welfare of our planet is at risk as we continue to use resources at a far greater rate than that at which they can be replenished. The technology to reduce the impact that buildings have on our environment is available. Net-zero energy houses are currently being constructed. People are slowly realizing that there are alternatives to traditional building practices that can help to alleviate some of these global concerns.

The intention is to design a site that will reduce our ecological footprint. It will use a net-zero energy building, and harvest rainwater to take advantage of natural resources. The landscaping will consist of edible or otherwise useful trees or plants, and there will be an indoor growing environment for year-round production of food. Amenities will be provided for harvesting, preparing, and storing crops. The effects of transportation and lack of producing green spaces are large factors in measuring our ecological footprints. This is a healthy home for a healthier planet

Purpose:

The purpose of this research is to determine what kind of impact can be made on our ecological footprint by using innovative technologies to maximize areas capable of food production. It will be determined how much of each fruit and vegetable is needed to accommodate a family of five. These results will be compared with average crop and yields sizes to determine the space required to meet such a demand.

This is an interesting time to be a student of building technology. With an obvious need for drastic change it is inspiring to be part of a movement that is actually ‘for the good of mankind’. Thompson Rivers University has already supported the construction of a net-zero energy home. Further research and support into ideas like this will prove TRU is taking an active role in resolving large global issues and standing at the forefront of the new age of building technology. This home would be a great showcase for the general public to demonstrate what can be done with technology and modern innovation. It would encourage people to expect more help from their homes in the battle to reduce our reliance on greenhouse gases while providing a healthier environment.

Goals & Objectives:

The goal of this research is to design a site that produces enough food to support the hosts that live on it. It will explore indoor growing practices and integrate them into the building design to supply a continuous cycle of food. Data and research collected and applied to a residential house design that will accommodate the space needed. The design will provide a plan of the required spaces, as well, the mechanical and electrical systems needed.

Methodology & Analytical Approach

Research in the agricultural industry will be needed to determine special requirements, water consumption needs, and system requirements needed for handling the production and storage of the food. This information will be acquired through research online as well as by contacting agricultural professionals. Original data is currently being collected to evaluate the fruit and vegetable intake of a family with 3 children. With the combination of this data and the previous research, it will be possible to determine what proportion of the resident’s food consumption can be provided by the home itself.

Previous studies

A third of the energy consumed in Canada is used in building (Peter Busby 2001). The Alstonvale project, one of the 12 equilibrium homes, was designed to produce energy, transportation, and food. It has addressed many of the technical concerns and challenges of harnessing renewable resources to supply enough power to buildings for a net-zero energy consumption. By reducing consumption of resources and adding productive green space, we can impact our ecological footprint (J. Wilson and J.L. Grant, 2009). This research will build off of the success of the Equilibrium homes and implement more uses for the buildings and landscape.

Plans for dissemination of the work

The design plans, data collected, and all related research will be openly shared. A blog will be created by the 2^nd year Architectural Engineering and Design Technology students at TRU and all information will be available online. A ‘my space’ account is being developed for open sharing and design plans will be sent to the Suzuki Foundation for review.

Contribution of the Project to my Academic Goals and Objectives

As I progress through my schooling I find my interests being drawn more and more towards green building practices, especially in the residential sector. It seems ludicrous to me that people are still constructing huge energy guzzling single-use single family homes. There is an environmental need for us to change the way we live our lives, and our house is such an integral part of our lifestyle. I have often thought that, given the financial commitment we give to our home, we should get more in return than just ‘shelter’. This project stems from those thoughts, combined with my interest in a sustainable future. I wanted to design a home that would enable the occupants to support themselves as much as possible, reducing reliance on external inputs of energy, foods and fossil fuels.

As part of my education I would like to further my knowledge of innovative green technologies and building practices. This is the direction that the industry is inevitably taking, and I want to be at the forefront of this movement. I am fortunate to have professors and peers that are passionate about this, as well as the opportunity to direct research towards my own interests. This project focuses all of my areas of interest into one design. On a personal level, I aspire to one day design a home for myself and my family in which we can reside off the grid and relying on local resources.

References

Wilson, J., and Grant, J.L. (2009) Calculating ecological footprints at the municipal level: What is a reasonable approach for Canada? Local Environment. Vol 14, No 10, p 963-979
Rakesh Kumar, Shweta Salhdeva, S.C. Kaushik (2007) Dynamic earth – contact building: A
Philip Deanden (2002) Forest harvesting and landscape assessment techniques in British
Horrigan, L., Lawernece, R., Walker, P., (2002) How sustainable agriculture can address the
Fenenty, B., Mckibbon, Kharen, A. (2005) Canada post delivers energy conservation. Energy
Busby, P. (2001) Design fundamentals for buildings. Beauregard Printers, Canada.

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