Green Features RVCA Takes the LEED and Builds High-Performance Green Headquarters
What is LEED? LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is
considered the worldwide standard in the construction of sustainable buildings. LEED is all about reducing or eliminating the negative impacts of building
materials and the construction process on the occupants of the building.
showcase handling of storm water and wastewater to far exceed minimum standards
natural materials
local materials
EnerCan's C-2000 Program focuses on energy performance and water conservation. Additional criteria was developed for maintenance of site ecology and improved levels of indoor environmental quality.
Building Green Means . . .
Designing for the Site — Sustainable site planning means we’ve developed and integrated the design of our building with the ecological and environmental aspects of Beryl Gaffney Park. We minimized tree removal and have planted more trees than we’ve removed. Our two-story building minimizes the footprint on the site and will also act as the gateway to the public park. The landscaping integrates the building within the setting of Beryl Gaffney Park. A water feature meanders around the entire building perimeter connected to shallow swales and a stormwater pond. The building and landscape fit into this mini-watershed. It is a fitting and welcome home to the conservation authority. The RVCA also encourages alternative transportation such as car pooling and bicycling to work.
Integrating Water Efficiency — Reducing water use in the building immediately impacts the environment and results in both water and money savings. Rainwater is collected and used to top-up a pond at the front entrance as well as irrigate an indoor garden. Landscaping uses only hardy native species. Greywater is collected, treated and used to flush toilets. Water conserving fixtures are used throughout the building including waterless urinals and dual flush toilets.
Using Less Energy — Our new headquarters consumes 42 percent less energy than a typical similar office building. The building is situated to make use of wonderful natural lighting. Energy efficient windows and sunscreens allow for passive heating and cooling — maximum heat gain in the winter and minimal heat gain in the summer. Energy efficient lighting is used throughout the building. Hydronic heating, heat exchange systems and zone controlling thermostats all contribute to energy efficiency.
Choosing the Right Materials — Recycling building materials recovered during construction keeps them out of landfills and leads to less destruction of natural habitats and resources. We were able to divert 75 percent of our construction waste away from landfill. Where possible, we used building materials that were manufactured within the local region to support the use of indigenous resources and reduce the environmental impacts from transportation. The use of reused/recycled materials, products and furnishing was also a consideration.
Improving Indoor Environmental Quality — Concern for indoor air quality ensured the comfort and well being of installers during construction. Low emitting materials in paints, carpet and adhesives were used to minimize volatile organic compound emissions. The ventilation system also ran for two weeks to “flush out” the building prior to moving in. There’s also a strong connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors through the introduction of daylight and views into the regularly occupied areas of the building.
Investing in New and Innovative Technology — The RVCA strived to achieve exceptional performance for the stormwater and wastewater management systems. The objective was to deal with stormwater and wastewater on site. We also wanted to practice water conservation. Our sewage system are “tertiary treatment units” meaning they provide superior treatment to that of a conventional system. Greywater is treated for reuse. Black water is treated using a septic tank followed by various treatment units and a constructed wetland.
