March 30, 2006

B.C. architects win second LEED for Vancouver Port Authority building

VANCOUVER

When the Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) approached Bunting Coady Architects to design its new premises, it was made clear that exhibiting leadership in environmental stewardship was a priority.

“With large spatial volumes and lots of exposed glass, a sustainable design for the interior was a challenge,” says Teresa Coady, a founding partner in the Vancouver architectural firm.

Her practice, the seventh largest architectural firm in B.C., met that challenge, achieving gold certification for commercial interiors under the LEED green building rating system.

“LEED gold certification means that the Vancouver Port Authority now has an international calibre showcase facility in a landmark building,” Coady said.

The 55,000-square-foot offices, located at Canada Place, were designed by Bunting Coady in conjunction with interior design firm Group 5. The $8 million project coupled innovative sustainable design with a modernist interior to create a healthy, environmentally sound office.

The project team for the construction of the new VPA offices also included Dominion Fairmile Construction, Stantec Consulting Inc., Schenke/Bawol Engineering Ltd., Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd., Enersys Analytics and Western Mechanical Services.

Features that helped the Vancouver Port Authority achieve LEED gold certification include:

• Re-cycling: 70 per cent of construction waste from the project was diverted from landfill sites.

• Efficiency: Energy savings over conventional buildings of 20 per cent for lighting and 36 per cent for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

• Water efficiency: The VPA project uses 39 per cent less fresh water than comparable buildings.

• Energy: Power used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning has been reduced by 36 per cent compared to standard building requirements.

• Sustainability: Elimination of fossil fuels for heating.

Lori Lindahl, vice-president of corporate services for the port authority, said VPA wanted to create a high-profile example of sustainable building practices.

“This office improves the quality of life for VPA employees and for our community,” Lindahl said. “It also makes great business sense: operational costs are improved as is the value of the building.”

The award marks Bunting Coady’s second LEED gold accreditation this year. In January, another Bunting Coady project, the UBC Life Sciences Centre, achieved gold certification and became the largest LEED gold certified laboratory building in the world.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

“This office improves the quality of life for VPA employees ...”

Lori Lindahl - Vancouver Port Authority

Print | Email | Comment