Building an Environmentally Responsible
Clinic for our Patients and the Environment

When building the Centre for Natural Medicine we asked ourselves two important
questions. The first was how can we serve our patient’s medical needs. The second was
how do we build an environmentally responsible building. With respect to our patient’s
needs we had to be able to accommodate a space suited to those that struggle with
chemical sensitivities. In construction terms, this translates into many features including
special ecologically friendly paints and carpets with minimum off-gasing. Perfumes and
colognes are not allowed in the clinic. To minimize allergies shoes are taken off at the
front door and clean slippers are provided.

As for building an environmentally responsible building we were able to incorporate a
number of new eco-friendly technologies. One of the main features of an eco-friendly
building is its ability to minimize its energy consumption. With energy conservation in
mind, two geothermal heat pumps were installed to heat and cool the building. For those
not familiar with geothermal technology this means that the water running in an aquifer
60 feet below the CFNM is pumped to the surface, put through a heat exchanger, and
used to either heat (in the winter), or cool (in the summer) the building. Geothermal
heating and cooling means that no natural gas is needed for this building and that the
electrical power requirements can be significantly reduced. The lights in the CFNM use
“power smart” short compact fluorescent bulbs. Attention has been especially paid to
adequate natural lighting. The washer and dryer on site are energy efficient. Insulated
forms were used to pour the concrete foundation to minimize heat loss through the
basement and even the concrete slab is insulated. The attic has additional insulation
exceeding code to minimize the total energy imprint of the clinic. A glass vestibule at the
front entrance minimizes the needless air loss each time the front door is opened in the
winter. As a further energy saving mechanism, fresh air being brought into the building is
preheated in an air to air heat exchanger.

                       Centre for Natural Medicine 1218 Lorette Ave (1/2 block North of Grant and Nathaniel)