Did you know that Calgary’s University District was Alberta’s first LEED-ND Platinum certified community?
If you have an interest in sustainable development, you’ve likely heard of LEED certifications. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and in Canada it is the premier, voluntary green building rating system administered by the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC). According to the Council, “buildings generate nearly 30% of all greenhouse gases, and 35% of landfill waste, while consuming up to 70% of municipal water”, creating a need for both awareness of the impact of construction in growing cities, as well as the importance of offsetting these impacts. The LEED ND (Neighbourhood Development) certification takes this one step further, assessing the neighbourhood as a whole in its development as a socially, financially, and environmentally sustainable community.
The University District was awarded the LEED ND Platinum certification in 2015 thanks to innovative design and construction by the University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG). Here are some of the features that led to this accomplishment:
Natural Enhancements
Part of the aesthetic appeal of this community is the North Pond - a stormwater pond that captures runoff, naturally filters the water, and creates a natural habitat for local wildlife. Tree planting was purposefully planned to provide shade along walkways in the summer, and shelter to buildings during the winter months (leading to reduced utility costs). Within the 200 acre footprint, 40 acres are dedicated greenspaces which include ponds, parks, and dog off-leash areas.
Walkable Community
Thoughtful planning went into the overall neighborhood layout, prioritizing walkability, access to transit, and overall accessibility. There was a focus on aging in place, allowing residents to feel grounded in a community that would continue to be practical as its population ages. The neighborhood boasts 12 km of connected pathways and dedicated multi-use routes for cyclists and foot traffic. Walkability was highlighted as a main consideration for residents and the layout allows locals to easily walk from residences, to shops, to employment hubs, eliminating the need to drive.
Building Design
The infrastructure on site includes rooftop solar panel installations that allow residents and businesses to capture clean, renewable energy and reduce the cost of living. Building designs include higher energy efficiency, use of recycled building materials, increased water efficiency including those used for landscaping, and reduction of light pollution.
Nearby on the University of Calgary campus, there are 15 LEED certified buildings, notable among those are:
MacKimmie Complex and Redevelopment Project
It was certified as Alberta’s first Zero Carbon Building and at the time of construction (2020) it was Canada’s largest. It was awarded LEED Platinum certification, boasting an 85% reduction in annual energy use thanks to its unique combination of automated windows and blinds to facilitate natural ventilation, passive heating and cooling. Architecturally it has an eye catching design and although it can be hard to tell from the exterior, the original concrete tower structure was preserved, eliminating the waste of perfectly good construction materials, in addition to saving time and energy.
Energy Environment Experiential Learning Building
A modern build that was awarded LEED Platinum in 2013, this building utilizes louvres (horizontal shades) to provide passive temperature control year round. It was designed with natural light in mind, as evidenced by the numerous windows and massive clerestory which focuses light to more central spaces. In the interest of promoting active commuting, there are bike racks accessible beside the entrances and changerooms with showers accessible to faculty.
Child Development Centre
Notable as Alberta’s first LEED Platinum certified building, within the 15,500 square metre space is a child care centre and research facilities for childhood development. The south side of the building is covered in solar panels, producing 65,000 kWh of electricity annually. The grounds features native Alberta vegetation, reducing the need for watering and additional landscape maintenance. The interior temperatures are regulated by displacement ventilation, a form of under-floor ventilation that replaces warm, stale air effectively.
To see a full list of LEED certified buildings at the University campus, visit: https://www.ucalgary.ca/sustainability/our-sustainable-campus/buildings/ucalgary-leed-buildings
