Canadian venue leads field in sustainability

The Vancouver Convention Centre’s iconic West building, opened in April 2009, has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification for new construction by the Canada Green Building Council. Platinum is the highest level of LEED certification.

“The Vancouver Convention Centre is the only convention centre in the world to receive the highest level of LEED certification,” said Kevin Krueger, Canada’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. “Not only is the expanded Vancouver Convention Centre bringing economic benefits to the province and the tourism industry, but it’s a model of sustainability that will set a new standard.

While the venue’s West building was to have been designed to a LEED Gold standard, the resulting quality of its design, construction and operations warranted a Platinum designation, making the Vancouver Convention Centre a global leader in environmental sustainability.

“This designation is a reflection of years of hard work and thorough planning by Vancouver Convention Centre staff and our outstanding project team,” said Ken Cretney, the venue’s general manager.

“From the very beginning of the expansion project, our goal was to create a building that is not only functional and beautiful, but also environmentally sustainable in every way, bringing urban ecology into the downtown core.

“We are committed to doing our part in reducing the facility’s carbon footprint and to create a healthy environment for both our staff and guests.” 

Vancouver Convention Centre’s sustainable design features and practices include:
– A six acre ‘living’ roof, the largest in Canada and the largest non-industrial version in North America

– A sophisticated drainage and water recovery system, which has successfully reduced potable water use by 72.6%

– The diversion of 83% of construction waste from landfill

– An extensive facility-wide recycling programme that recycles an average of 180,000 kilograms of materials annually, nearly half of the total volume of waste generated.

– The purchase of ‘green power’ electricity generated from low-impact renewable sources.

– A restored marine habitat built into the foundation of the building

– A seawater heating and cooling system that takes advantage of the adjacent seawater to produce cooling for the building during warmer months and heating in cooler months

– Natural light and ventilation maximized throughout the building

– Local BC wood products used throughout the building

LEED is a third-party certification program and an internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.