Straw Bale and Pre-Fabricated Straw Bale Walls

The north wall is constructed using the traditional site baled method of dropping straw bales in place one at a time. Once all the bales are sized and installed, the exposed sides are plastered. This wall uses a plaster mix of local clay and sand. Pre-fabricated straw bale wall technology reduces labour costs, shortens construction time and is financially comparable to conventional stick-frame construction. The Centre features load-bearing prefabricated straw bale wall technology in its east and west walls.

Hempcrete and Slip-straw Insulation

Hempcrete and slip-straw insulation are featured in the Environment Centre’s south wall. Hempcrete is a mixture of lime, water and hemp shives. (core of the stem) Hemp is a fast-growing plant that requires little to no pesticides. Mixed with lime and water, it becomes as hard as concrete, but offers excellent insulation and breathability.

Straw is an abundant product in Ontario. Slip-straw is a combination of clay and straw that is used to insulate wall cavities. The straw is hand-tossed with slip, which is watered clay, and then packed into the walls that have temporary forms up. Not all the seeds are removed from the straw before it gets bailed, so seeds start sprouting from the walls days later; their dying is a sign that the slip-straw is dry inside and ready for lime plaster.

Grid-Tied Solar Panels

Using the latest in photovoltaic technology and energy metering, the Environment Centre PV system generates enough electricity to power the Centre, including a small surplus that will be sold back into the electrical grid at a rate of $0.80 per KW-hour. The PV system is hooked up to an energy metering system that demonstrates the benefits of solar power systems.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

The Centre uses low-wattage LED (low-emitting diode) light bulbs in order to reduce energy consumption. LEDs use one-tenth of the power of incandescent light bulbs. LED lighting also reduces waste, lasting 40 times longer than incandescent light bulbs and six times longer than compact florescent light bulbs, requiring less frequent changing.

Composting Toilets

Our two toilets require no water. They use small solar heaters that speed up the composting process, producing compost that can be used for plant growth. Completely automatic, the toilet breaks down paper with a mixing mechanism and adds moisture into the compost material. A fan speeds up decomposition and evaporation.

Geothermal Radiant Floors

Geothermal systems use the ambient temperature in the ground below the frost line to create and absorb heat energy that heats the building through pipes running through a 50% recycled steel mill slag concrete floor. The concrete’s thermal mass absorbs the heat from the pipes and radiates heat up into the air.

A Living Green Roof

A portion of the Centre’s roof is covered in vegetation. It acts as additional insulation for the building and demonstrates how naturalized areas can be enhanced in urban settings. It is planted with local plants and provides habitat for migrating and possibly endangered butterflies.

Rainwater Collection System with a Wetland Water Treatment System

The Centre collects rainwater and filters it using sophisticated technologies. After being filtered, this water is potable and the only source of water for the building. Grey water from hand washing passes through our unique wetland water treatment system. The aquatic plants strain and purify the grey water before it is released into the environment.

Solar Heated Water

The Environment Centre heats its water primarily through a solar hot water system, using power harnessed from the sun rather than electricity.