Burnaby’s SFU UniverCity Childcare Centre and the Vancouver VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitors Centre [pictured above] are Canada’s first Living Building Challenge (LBC) Petal Certified projects.
The two award winning projects, constructed by the Ledcor Group, are the first commercial buildings in Canada to achieve this certification, as well as the first-ever projects in Canada to achieve the Materials Petal.
“This recognition from the International Living Future Institute places these buildings alongside some of the most innovative in the world. I think I speak for everyone involved in these projects when I say we’re very proud,” said Peter Hrdlitschka, president of Ledcor Construction.
Opened in October of 2011, the $19 million VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre is LEED-NC Platinum certified and was the first building in Canada to apply for the LBC Challenge. Designed by Perkins + Will, it features a number of energy efficient and sustainable design elements such as a green-roof, geothermal heating, solar panels, water capture system, and organic water purification system.
The SFU UniverCity Childcare Centre, designed by HCMA Architecture + Design is the first childcare centre in the world to integrate the LBC. Opened in 2012, it has a net-zero environmental footprint, built and operated using non-toxic materials, sourced as locally as possible.
The Living Building Challenge is regarded as the most stringent and innovative green building certification in the world, promoting living, regenerative buildings that produce more energy than they consume, avoid toxic chemicals, and incorporate natural, closed loop water systems.
Categories in the Living Building Challenge are known as Petals, which are achieved by meeting all criteria within each category. Petal Certification is granted by satisfying the requirements of at least three of these seven Petals. Ledcor’s awarded projects received certification for the Site, Materials, Health, and Beauty Petals.
Full Living Building status may yet be achieved for both of these projects as they continue to work towards demonstrating net zero energy and water consumption.
