The LEED Canada Gold Certified Library/Classroom Building features a unique energy-efficient design. It has captured national and international attention for its environmentally progressive features and is a landmark on campus and in the community. For information on the Library's vision, annual reports and strategic plan, see About the Library.
Construction start date: June 2005
Move in date: August 2007
Open for business: September 2007
Architects
Teeple Architects Inc. (Toronto) and IBI/HB Architects (Vancouver)
Total Area
Building: 80 000 square feet
Library: 51 000 square feet
Certification and Awards
- LEED Gold designation (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification based on the Canada Green Building Council's performance standards for environmental responsibility and energy efficiency
- SAB Award, May 2008, awarded by the Sustainable Architecture & Building magazine
- Canadian Architecture Award of Excellence 2005 awarded by the magazine Canadian Architecture
- Holcim Foundation Award 2005 awarded by the Switzerland-based foundation that recognizes sustainable construction projects around the world
Environmental Sustainability Features
Natural Ventilation:
- Four wind towers pull air upward through the building
- Undulating concrete roof increases pulling power of wind towers by increasing wind velocity
- Sensor-controlled windows bring air into the building's heating and cooling
Heating and Cooling:
- Overall design is based on heat sink principles and features a geothermal loop formed by 78 bore holes drilled to a depth of 250 feet
- Waste heat is captured from exhaust air
- Exposed cast-in-place concrete and high-performance glass aid in energy transfer and storage
Energy Efficiency:
- Natural ventilation and heating/cooling design eliminate the need for conventional air conditioning
- Expected to be 71% more energy-efficient than the baseline established in Canada's National Energy Code for Buildings Water efficiency.
Water Efficiency:
- Low-flow washroom fixtures
- Rainwater harvesting landscaping
Landscaping:
- Greening of the campus