2705 Fern Lane: A Journey to Becoming Green

How the Ecology Action Centre set a new benchmark for green construction

• Location: North End, Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Year Built: 1915

• Owner: The Ecology Action Centre (EAC)

• Retrofit Status: Complete

"This building is 100 years old and through the efforts of this project we prepared it for the next century." 

– Jordan Willett, Architecture team

Outcomes at a Glance

1. Annual Energy Performance:

   • EnerGuide Rating improved from 16 pre-2005 to 75 post-deep retrofit in 2015.

   • Energy Use Index reduced from 68 kWh/m²/year to 56 kWh/m²/year.

2. Air Tightness: Reduced dramatically to 1.4 ACH (target was 3.5).

3. Annual Energy Consumption: Lowered by 22%.

4. Usable Space: Expanded from 1,634 sq. ft. to 4,300 sq. ft.—a 62% increase.

5. Sustainability Wins: Saved embodied energy equivalent to 6 years of operating energy, reused 90 tonnes of concrete and additional building materials, and significantly reduced construction waste.

This transformative deep retrofit showcases innovative approaches to sustainability, energy efficiency, and community impact. Keep reading for the details behind this journey!

"This was an ambitious project. We wanted a showcase green building renovation that actively engaged community members in the process. To quote Emma Norton, our project volunteer coordinator [at the time]: ‘We shot for the stars and landed there!'"– Maggy Burns, Executive Director, Ecology Action Centre

About the Project

• Type: Deep retrofit emphasizing salvaged materials and energy-efficient systems.

• Goal: Expand office space while creating an environmental showcase and community hub aligned with EAC's mission.

Since 2006, the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) has called 2705 Fern Lane home. After a successful retrofit in 2005 that set a benchmark for green renovations, EAC undertook a second, more extensive retrofit starting in 2015. This ambitious project aimed to expand the building while furthering their sustainability goals and enhancing the North End Halifax community.

Smart design

EAC collaborated with Solterre Designs and Tekton Design+Build for their expertise in green construction and innovative use of salvaged materials. Early co-creation of a green decision matrix ensured clarity and alignment in decision-making, prioritizing energy, indoor air quality, and material use.

Guided by principles of simplicity, passive systems, and energy reduction, the team chose to add a third storey rather than lift the building—maximizing insulation and minimizing waste, and influencing a focus on improving the building envelope to reduce heating needs and increase efficiency. This approach optimized the use of local materials and suppliers while creating ample opportunities for volunteer labour.

"Our design philosophy was to improve energy efficiency, durability, and accessibility... Ensuring the capacity of the existing century-old structure was also critical in adding a third story to the building and making the ground floor fully accessible. The energy model projected that the renovated three-storey building will use less energy than the existing two-storey structure.” – Solterre Designs

Deep Retrofit Innovations

Building Envelope

• Comprehensive insulation with Roxul Comfort Board and cellulose materials, achieving better airtightness and moisture control.

• Locally sourced materials like knotty spruce siding and repurposed denim batt insulation used throughout.

Foundation

• Upgraded using TrueFoam 300 EPS insulation and CarbonCure concrete blocks, reducing energy loss and carbon footprint.

• Innovative drainage solutions like Delta-Drainage Mat ensured water protection.

Heating Systems

• • Heat Recovery Ventilation: Installed two HRV systems to improve air quality and energy recovery.

  • Radiant Heating: Embedded hot water-based pipes in concrete floors for stable, efficient heating.

  • Solar Thermal Panels: Retrofitted panels to supply hot water using a glycol-based system powered by photovoltaic panels.

Daylighting

• • Interior and exterior windows optimized for natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Wins, Lessons, and Community Impact

Major Achievements

1. 1. Saved 527,208 MJ of embodied energy, representing nearly 6 years of operational energy.

   2. Reused 90 tonnes of concrete, along with wood, metal, and drywall, reducing construction waste.

Lessons

1. 1. Start early: Defining sustainability goals at the outset ensured better outcomes.

   2. Collaboration is key: Engaging stakeholders from the beginning streamlined execution. 

   3. Local matters: Sourcing materials locally and involving volunteers strengthened community ties.

"EAC was committed to incorporating a lot of salvaged materials and working with volunteers at all stages. This meant some very unique challenges but also an amazing result - we introduced lots of people to new techniques and ideas." – Phoebe Owen, EAC's Project Manager

Community Impact

• During Construction: Procurement of local materials and partnerships with local suppliers supported the economy. 1,800 hours of volunteer involvement provided learning opportunities for the community, contributing to the skills available within the community. 

• Post-retrofit: The completed building enriches the neighbourhood's character, increases property value, and provides a welcoming space for community engagement.

Beyond energy savings, this deep retrofit reflects a deeper commitment to sustainability, resilience, and neighborhood enrichment, contributing to its overall value and offering a space that champions environmental values while enhancing Halifax’s North End.

“It’s amazing to have a building that aligns with the programs of EAC. Visitors often remark that EAC really walks the walk on environmental issues. From energy efficiency to volunteer involvement in the renovation to re-use of materials, the building is infused with examples of how we are working to create the kind of world we want to see.” – Marla McLeod, Director of Programs

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