Sustainable Design at Number TEN
Number TEN led the way in sustainable design in Manitoba with its award winning work on the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre and Ducks Unlimited Canada Head Office Complex in 1993. Through our years of experience, we understand that sustainable design begins with a change in mindset; and a commitment to environmental stewardship. We believe that sustainable design begins with every project's specific ecological, economic and social circumstance. We follow a process that incorporates sustainable thinking from the very beginning.

At Number TEN, we believe it is our responsibility to take positive action on global issues such as global warming, environmental stewardship and energy conservation. The US Energy Information Administration states that buildings are responsible for 48% of all energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions annually. Sustainable buildings provide tangible benefits for the planet as a whole, for human beings and their quality of life; and direct economic benefits for building owners and operators.

We assess each building opportunity according to our measures of sustainable design which include:

• Community and Region:
  Each place has its own cultural milieu with an appropriate architectural response. Our goal is to create a building that "fits", that "feels right", and "belongs" to its place and its people.
• Land Use and Ecology:
  Each site has its own potential for conservation and restoration of the earth, water and natural habitat; thereby reducing stress on natural systems.
• Site Design:
  Place-based design responds to earth, sun, wind and water through the use of the building's orientation, section and form.
• Light and Air:
  Each comfortable and healthy indoor environment is created through the provision of ample daylighting, quality lighting design, fresh air, views and a connection to nature.
• Water Conservation:
  The management of water use on site and in the building for conservation and re-use.
• Energy Conservation and Generation:
  The design of energy systems that integrate architectural form, orientation and planning with mechanical and electrical engineering, that reduce or eliminate reliance on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from non-renewable sources.
• Building Materials and Construction:
  The selection of building systems based on thermal performance, ease of maintenance and durability. Selection of building materials based on factors such as sustainable harvesting, manufacturing and transporting, life cycle costing and lower toxic emissions.
• Durability and Adaptability:
  Design that considers the building's ecological, social and economic value over time. The optimization of the building's versatility and future re-use potential by appropriate sizing and future strategic planning.
• Quality Control and Operation:
  Proper construction techniques, final commissioning and operation ensure optimal performance and longevity.

  Benefit Analysis
  Number TEN utilizes several leading edge software packages to give you valuable information in order to make the best decisions on the various approaches to sustainability.

  We can evaluate your building's future energy production and savings, life-cycle costs, operational expenses, and emission reductions. We can also estimate the value of various types of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies. We can do complete building design and environmental analysis that covers the broad range of simulation and analysis functions required to truly understand how a building design will operate and perform.

  We evaluate related government subsidy and funding opportunities for sustainable initiatives and performance available for your project.

  Appropriate Solutions
  Number TEN coordinates the design team's efforts to align the sustainable design goals of the project with your expectations of capital costs, operating costs and return on investment. We regularly collaborate with project managers, cost consultants and construction managers to bring the project into alignment with the interests of all stakeholders.

  True Collaboration
  At Number TEN, we listen.
  We have developed a reputation as architects who work collaboratively with our clients. We focus on open communication and dialogue with the building's users, owners and operators. Early involvement by all stakeholders in the design process ensures that the architects and engineers get as much input as possible, from a wide range of sources, so that the smartest decisions can be made. This approach has been recently labeled "The Integrated Design Process" and has been a part of Number TEN's design process for decades.

  LEED™ Certification
  Number TEN will evaluate your project's potential for LEED™ certification. We will discuss with you all of the costs and benefits of LEED™ as they apply to your specific project.

  We currently have several projects registered with the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) to be LEED certified, along with others on the way. Number TEN's LEED™ Accredited Professionals are continually refining their approach to stream-line the certification process.