Sherman Kriener and Bill Balan, Silver LEED plaques for McFeetors Hall and UWSA Daycare.
WINNIPEG, MB – McFeetors Hall: Great-West Life Student Residence and The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association Daycare Centre today joined an elite group of eco-friendly buildings in Manitoba. Following an in-depth LEED certification process by the Canada Green Building Council, both buildings have achieved Silver LEED status, with plaques unveiled today by Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg and Lisa MacDonell, Executive Director, Manitoba Chapter, Canadian Green Building Council.
“In 2006, we introduced a set of environmental sustainability policies at UWinnipeg that are among the most progressive and comprehensive in Canada,” said Axworthy. “A core commitment is to meet a minimum Silver LEED standard as we consolidate and enhance our campus with new construction. We are proud to be among Manitoba’s eco-leaders in achieving this stringent certification today.”
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a third-party certification program and an internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health. The UWSA Daycare Centre and McFeetors Hall: Great-West Life Student Residence, located on the Furby/Langside campus, attained Silver LEED certification as a result of:
- sustainable site development – constructed on a previously developed site, close to bus routes, incorporating green space for daycare children
- water efficiency – use of aerator faucets and dual flush toilets cutting water use in half (46% to 55% reductions)
- energy efficiency – well insulated, energy recovery ventilators, occupancy sensors, energy efficient light fixtures means energy cost savings 38% to 44% better than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. In addition, the fire suppression system contains no halons and all systems are chlorofluorocarbon(CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) free. Also of note is the use of geothermal to heat and cool common areas within McFeetors Hall
- materials selection – 80% of construction wastes were recycled or salvaged and 25% to 32% of building materials used were extracted or manufactured within an 800 km radius
- indoor environmental quality – optimal ventilation, carbon dioxide sensors, and more than 90% of occupied spaces have line of site to outdoors and 75% of regularly occupied areas receive daylight
“LEED Certification at any level is a great accomplishment and The University of Winnipeg’s LEED Silver achievement is an outstanding example of how public institutions can be leaders in energy efficiency and environmental design. The CaGBC LEED rating system sets the bar very high as one of the most sophisticated and rigorous green building rating systems with third party verification in the world and that places UWinnipeg in a world class group,” said Lisa MacDonell, Executive Director, Manitoba Chapter, Canada Green Building Council. “The Manitoba Chapter, CaGBC is committed to sustainably in Manitoba and UWinnipeg clearly shares our commitment and has taken LEED and the process very seriously.”
Left to Right: Jennifer Webber, Prairie Architects; Richard Nakoneczny, Chief Operating Officer, UWinnipeg; Crystal Bornais, Prairie Architects Inc; Justin Bova, ManShield Construction; Lloyd Axworthy, President and vice-chancellor, UWinnipeg; Dudley Thompson, Prairie Architects; Gisele MacDonald, Chartier Property Management Inc.; Bill Balan, VP Finance and Administration, UWinnipeg; Blaine Repko, Prairie Architects; Sherman Kreiner, Director UWinnipeg’s Community Renewal Corporation.
LEED Silver was accomplished as a result of the hard work by the design and development teams on these projects, including Prairie Architects, LTD, Manshield, Integrated Designs and the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation.
There are currently ten LEED certified buildings in Manitoba – one platinum, five gold, four silver and one certified. Find out more about LEED certification at Canada Green Building Council’s website: http://www.cagbc.org
BACKGROUND:
McFeetors Hall: Great-West Life Student Residence
In 2009, Raymond L. McFeetors, a Collegiate and University of Winnipeg graduate and Chairman of the Board of Great-West Lifeco Inc., personally gifted $1.67 million to launch development of an innovative student residence for The University of Winnipeg and surrounding community.
Twenty-five townhouses offer one, two and three bedroom apartments with kitchens, living and dining areas to accommodate students with families, a unique concept among universities in Canada and 176 dorm-style beds accommodate students in single and double bedroom suites. Two lounge areas offer 29-foot windows with spectacular urban views and wireless internet.
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association Daycare Centre
Construction of the new daycare was a joint partnership between The University of Winnipeg and UWSA. The daycare accommodates 112 children of students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community, making it one of the largest inner-city daycares. It includes a natural, fenced outdoor play area for children. Low-income students are eligible for subsidy through the Manitoba Child Care program. The daycare is managed by The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
