This document discusses green mechanical systems for sustainable homes, focusing on radiant heating and cooling. It describes increasingly stringent green building standards and how reducing cooling loads through high-performance envelopes allows for more efficient mechanical designs. Radiant ceiling panels are highlighted as an efficient way to provide both heating and cooling using moderate temperature water and avoiding issues with air distribution systems. Case studies demonstrate radiant ceiling installations and their benefits in achieving comfort, air quality, and low energy use.

1. Green Mechanical Systems for a
New Sustainable Reality Green Water
The New Way To Heat and Cool Homes
Mario Kani , P. Eng.
Mario Kani, P.Eng
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 1

2. Oil discoveries form a “bell curve” over
time. The curve is biased to the left
because larger oil fields are easier to find.
discoveries production
Since 1982 the world has been
consuming more oil than it has
been discovering.
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 2

3. International Green Building Advancement
 LEED
 European Factor 10 codes
 US 2030 Challenge
 Net zero energy building
 Living Building Challenge
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 3

4. The Move to Low Load Envelopes
Reducing Loads
High R-value assemblies
High performance glazing
Airtight construction
Ventilation with heat recovery
 Affords opportunity for green mechanical design
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 4

5. Efficient Heating and Cooling
Inefficient
Using fans to move air for thermal reasons
More Efficient
Pumping water for heating and cooling
Most Effcient
Convective thermal and ventilation transport
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 5

6. Radiant Heat
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 6

7. Recirculated Air Systems
Pro
Low cost
Ease of cooling delivery
Con
High local airflow – comfortable?
Compromises indoor air quality
Noisy
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 7

8. Floor Radiant Heating
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 8

9. But how do you do air conditioning?
But how do you do air
conditioning
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 9

10. Ceiling Radiant Projects
Aurora Institute Caledon Residence
York University Residence
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 10

11. A Technology Set
Prerequisite
Controlled cooling loads through high performance envelope
System Design
100% outdoor air ventilation – no recirculation
Dehumidification of outdoor air – drier than room temperature
Non-condensing ceiling radiant cooling
 Typically single-family and multi-unit residential
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 11

12. Radiant In-Ceiling Heating and Cooling
 Compatible with solar or geothermal energy
 Lowest life cycle cost
 Least maintenance
 Energy efficient
 Comfortable
 Healthy air
 Low noise
 Invisibility
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 12

13. RAUpanel and Warmboard
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 13

14. Ceiling RAUpanel and Warmboard
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 14

15. Ceiling Radiant Installation
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 15

16. What about summer humidity?
In an airtight envelope a central cold water coil
on ventilation takes out outdoor humidity
AT SOURCE
Air is supplied to house DRIER than building air
for take-up of indoor moisture
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 16

17. Benefits of Moderate Temperature
Water-Based Heat/Cool Systems
Complements low energy envelopes
Comfortable
Promotes healthy indoor air
Minimal duct work
Flexibility of thermal supply source
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 17

18. Displacement Ventilation
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 18

19. Laurentian School of Education
Features
Non-recirculation displacement ventilation
Ventilation air quantities controlled by occupancy
100% outdoor air cooling system
Innovative run-around fluid loop connected to ground
source
Exhaust fancoils with indirect evaporative cooling act
as cooling towers
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 19

20. Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 20

21. Living Building Challenge
Cambrian Sustainable Design Centre
Architect s:
Castellan James Partners
Jason McLennan, Cascadia
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 21

22. Living Building Challenge
Prerequisites (No points)
100% renewable energy supply
Healthy indoor air quality
Local, low embodied energy & recyclable materials
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 22

23. Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 23

24. Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 24

25. System Summary
Low intensity, largely passive, low delivery energy
Convective displacement ventilation - solar enhanced in summer.
Active ventilation cooling and radiant heating & cooling available
Ground heat exchanger for passive cooling and heat pump operation
Heat pump coupled to the ground source, operates only as needed.
Solar hot water for:
- domestic hot water,
- some winter heating and
- enhanced summer stack effect
Grid-connected solar electricity provides 110% of the modest annual
electrical load
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 25

26. Green Mechanical Systems for a
New Sustainable Reality Green Water
The New Way To Heat and Cool Homes
Mario Kani , P. Eng.
Mario Kani, P.Eng
Sustainable EDGE Ltd. 26