Eco-restoration is a term that supports those activites that replace, rejuvenate or rebuild the natural ecology that may have existed before a building expropriated the natural elements. Hence, when we add green elements like vertical gardens, green roofs, biowalls, green parking lots, among others....we are adding elements that are eco-restorative.
In July of 2003 we delighted roof top visitors with a unique showing of ‘vertical gardens’ or perpendicular hydroponic planting systems. These hand shaped, vertically styled, vertical planters provided a visually stimulating experience for visitors and guests during an open-house hosted by chief designer, Brad Peterson , of Environmental Management and Landscape Architecture, Guelph , Ontario . Guests included landscape architects, horticulturalists, sustainable building designers and other interested persons wishing to buy, build or learn more about vertical garden systems. Several models were designed for the open house, many of which that suited condominium dwellers as these styles were already positioned in rectangular picture frames that could promote naturally decorative features on any balcony – offering both shade and colour value to the occupants. Vertical garden systems are especially captivating as they can support typical summer garden edibles including Romaine lettuce, kale, cabbage and cherry tomatoes to name but a few. The vegetables can be interspersed between species of flowering plants including ferns, spider plants, lilies, palms, ficus, nicotiana, or even strawberries.
The vertical gardens became permanent installation on the 401 roof garden over the summer of 2003. Beth Anne Currie, the environment, health and safety coordinator ensured that Brad’s vertical gardens were taken care of and well represented to the many inquiring guests on the roof. One of the vertical gardens now resides in the Management Office at 401 Richmond - where 4 white rows of tubular shaped PVC hang on a wooden frame to feature spiraled rows of colourful tropical plants. The plants themselves are supported in small cavities drilled into the PVC tubes filled with a synthetic pebbled medium that offers no nutrients, merely a rooting medium. The plants are fed a steady supply of circulating water from a submersible pump located in a water reservoir below. The system is therefore hydroponic and organic - and offers tenants, staff and visitors a pleasant green and natural backdrop to office visits.
Vertical gardens are not new to urban phenomena, in fact, 401 Richmond , like many historic urban buildings, is surrounded by ancient, turn of the century vertical gardens. Vertical gardens in the form of lush climbing vines cover walls and foundations of the building. 401 Richmond is essentially wrapped in a bounty of “living” aesthetic charm that complements the exterior of the building and provides energy benefits to the building in both summer and winter. Vine leaves provide a natural plant layer for summer shading of the bricks beneath and act to reduce the solar gain or high temperatures that normally flow through the wall into a tenant space. Conversely, in winter, remaining stems and twigs after autumn leaf fall serve to break direct wind patterns and redistribute cold air away from small cracks in the brick’s mortar.
Vines are not only environmentally beneficial, but also provide a unique interface for tenants/visitor interaction with the natural world. E.O. Wilson, suggests that ‘biophillia’ – or proximity to nature - is part of our human need for natural affiliation and proximity to the natural world. Antique windows, often open during summer days, are surrounded by vines that beckon curious visitors to touch shiny leaves and stems from several locations throughout the building. Biophillia is another unique feature is offered at 401 Richmond .
For more information on vertical gardens: www.sentex.net/~edc or email edc@sentex.net
At 401 Richmond we make every effort to apply eco-restorative principles to any renovations or that are made to the building and constantly try to find ways to incorporate green elements into all spaces. We also have an extensive recylcling program for our tenants, which includes the opportunity to compost, and are committed to using green products for the cleaning and maintenance of the building.
At 401 Richmond we are dedicated to making the building as "green" as possible, this includes providing the opportunity for our tenants to recycle as many materials as possible. We have provided some information below to give an idea of what our recycling program looks like and to act as a resource for our tenants.
Plastics, remember that all acceptable items must have a recycling symbol (three curved arrows forming a rough triangle) and one of the following classification numbers:
1- PET
2 - HDPE
3 - V
4 - LDPE
5 - PP
6 - PS
7 - Other
Paper, we accept virtually everything:
Cardboard, any item is fine so long as it is not waxed.
NOTE: TETRA Paks are waxed and therefore NOT eligible
Aluminum, tin and glass bottles may be co-mingled with the plastics.
Electronic equipment contains metals and other materials that can be hazardous to human health and the environment if they are not properly managed.
Cadmium - found in chip resistors, infrared detectors, and semiconductors
Cadmium is a persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic chemical. Cadmium can accumulate in our tissues and negatively impact kidneys and other organs. The principal exposure pathway is through respiration of cadmium via off-gassing of electronic materials and through our food.
Lead - found in glass panels in computer monitors and in lead soldering of printed circuit boards
Lead can cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood systems, and kidneys in humans. Lead has also been shown to have negative effects on the development of childrens' brains. Lead can accumulate in the environment and have a detrimental effect on plants, animals, and humans. Consumer electronics may be responsible for 40% of the lead found in landfills. The principal pathway of concern is lead leaching from landfills and contaminating drinking water supplies.
Mercury - found in thermostats, position sensors, relays and switches (e.g., on printed circuit boards), discharge lamps, and batteries. It is also used in medical equipment, data transmission, telecommunications, and mobile phones.
When mercury make sits way into waterways, it is transformed into methylated mercury in the sediments. Methylated mercury accumulates in living organisms and travels up the food chain. Methylated mercury can cause brain damage. The principal exposure pathway is through our food.
Hexavalent Chromium or Chromium VI - can be used to protect against corrosion of untreated and galvanized steel plates
Chromium VI can damage DNA and has been linked to asthmatic bronchitis. The major environmental pathways are through landfill leachate or from fly ash generated when materials containing Chromium VI are incinerated.
Brominated Flame Retardants - found on printed circuit boards, components such as plastic covers and cables as well as plastic covers of televisions, toasters, microwaves,carpeting, bedding materials, and many other substances.
Although less is known BFRs research has shown that one of these flame retardants, Polybrominated Diphenylethers (PDBE) might act as an endocrine disrupter. Flame retardant (Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) may increase cancer risk to the of the digestive and lymph systems. Once released into the environment through landfill leachate and incineration they are concentrated in the food chain.
Plastic - Because manufacturers use many different types of plastic in electronic equipment, it is the most challenging substance to recycle. These plastics often include contaminants such as metal screws and inserts, coatings and paints, foams, and labels. Currently, plastics from electronic equipment are both difficult and costly to sort for single resin feedstock markets and there are only limited markets for the mixed plastics stream. Also, plastics can be treated with brominated flame retardants, making them harder to recycle and possibly dangerous to those exposed to them.
Additionally, electronics are made with valuable resources such as precious metals, engineered plastics, glass, and other materials—all of which require energy to manufacture. When equipment is thrown away, these resources cannot be recovered and additional pollution will be generated to manufacture new products out of virgin materials.
