First-of-its-kind Starbucks built in just six days

A new Starbucks store is set to open in Abbotsford, B.C., that was assembled in six days with near-zero construction waste. The store was designed to reduce the energy needs for heating and cooling compared to standard construction builds.

Nexii Building Solutions, a Vancouver-based green building company, designed, manufactured, and constructed the location, which includes in-store and drive-thru options. The panels for the store’s roof and walls were designed and manufactured offsite and then assembled on-site. Nexii panels create a thermally efficient, airtight envelope, meaning the Starbucks building will require less energy to heat and cool, greatly improving energy efficiency over its building lifecycle, and lowering operating costs.

The project is meant to represent a step forward in Starbucks’ aspirations to operate more efficient stores.

Starbucks sustainable building graphic

Learn how MG2’s Sustainable Materials Evaluation System helps clients, prospects, and staff choose the most environmentally feasible materials for their building projects. Candon Murphy, LEED GA, Assoc. IIDA, Design Lab Manager and Materials & Sustainability Specialist with MG2, speaks with BD+C Executive Editor Rob Cassidy.

Design guide for parapets: Safety, continuity, and the building code

This course covers design considerations for parapets. The modern parapet must provide fire protection, serve as a fall-protective guard, transition and protect the roof/facade interface, conceal rooftop equipment, and contribute to the aesthetic character of the building.

Designing with architectural insulated metal wall panels

Insulated metal wall panels (IMPs) offer a sleek, modern, and lightweight envelope system that is highly customizable. This continuing education course explores the characteristics of insulated metal wall panels, including how they can offer a six-in-one design solution. Discussions also include design options, installation processes, code compliance, sustainability, and available warranties.

Planning for hospital campus access that works for people

This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.

Codes and Standards | May 2, 2022

Developer Hines, engineer MKA develop free embodied carbon reduction guide

Real estate management and investment firm Hines has released the Hines Embodied Carbon Reduction Guide. The free guide, produced with Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA), is the result of a two-year effort, relying on MKA’s industry-leading knowledge of carbon accounting and involvement in programs such as the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) Tool.