The Saskatoon Police Service’s new headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver certification by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), a higher level of sustainability than what is required by the city.

The design was submitted to the CaGBC for consideration by aodbt architecture + interior design and the City of Saskatoon. Some of the green features of the building include an open concept design to maximize the use of natural sunlight, reducing lighting loads and encouraging healthy and sustainable workspaces; heated underground parking so patrol vehicles do not need to be kept running during the winter; a multi-storey design in place of sprawled development; and water saving features resulting in a 35 per cent more water efficient building, saving five million litres of water per year.

In addition, the new headquarters is 53 per cent more energy efficient than a standard building of its size, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and savings in operational costs.

“We’re thrilled to achieve LEED certification in a category above what we had hoped for,” said Saskatoon Police Service Deputy Chief Bernie Pannell in a press release. “Throughout the entire design and construction phases, emphasis was put on employees’ wellbeing and making sure the building was welcoming to the community; it certainly hasn’t disappointed.”

“Achieving LEED certification requires an integrated, creative and sensible approach from all project team members,” said Louis Aussant, architect with aodbt architecture + interior design. “We would like to thank the entire team for their hard work and dedication throughout the design, the construction and the LEED certification process. It was a pleasure to play a role in delivering a truly state-of-the-art facility that will service the Saskatoon Police Service for years to come.”