UVic Building Nets Gold: Administrative Services Building Achieves LEED Sustainability Standard
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The University of Victoria’s Administrative Services Building is the fourth campus facility to achieve the gold-level standard in environmental design and sustainability. Earlier this month, the Canada Green Building Council officially recognized the building, opened in late 2008, with gold-level certification in its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program. UVic’s Medical Sciences, Engineering/Computer Science and Social Sciences and Mathematics buildings previously achieved LEED gold status.
“This building is a model of both sustainability and innovative design, incorporating creative use of wood and other materials,” says Neil Connelly, director of campus planning and sustainability. “We are very pleased to be recognized with LEED gold certification. UVic’s green building and renovation program is an important part of the university’s broader commitment to sustainability.”
The 3,900 square-metre $16.3 million building accommodates the university's executive team as well as services such as accounting, research, pension and payroll, and institutional planning and analysis.
“The goal was to support the university’s sustainability policy, and to create a building that provides a healthy work environment,” says Michael McNaught, director of post-secondary projects for CEI Architecture and the project’s design architect. “It is also an example of how a truly collaborative process with the university led to highly rewarding outcome for all involved,” adds Jim Aalders, CEI partner in charge of the project.
The building incorporates a number of innovative and sustainable design features, including:
- A glass atrium between two wings that is flooded with natural light;
- Natural ventilation, and overhangs and sunshades on south and west facades, eliminating the need for air conditioning;
- An aggressive waste management plan that diverted 96 per cent of construction waste from the landfill;
- Toilet fixtures that use recycled water from the university’s aquatic research facility.
All new University of Victoria building and renovation projects incorporate sustainability initiatives, including efficient energy and water management measures, locally sourced materials, natural landscaping, storm water management systems and enhanced indoor air quality.
Contact/Organizer name: S. Geisreiter
Contact/Organizer e-mail: sgeisrei@uvic.ca