Water at the forefront of research and design
A watershed study and ecological mapping identified potential synergies with building systems, and led to the inclusion of rain and greywater reuse, and consistent use of regional limestone to aid in improving the pH balance of site water, and leading to improved water quality and increased biodiversity, and a reduction in the use of potable water by 80%.
The project also combined a mandate to maximize energy efficiency and minimize operating costs. The geothermal hearting system with ground source heat pumps, high performance thermal envelope, solar domestic water heating, permeable paving, green roofs with local blueberry cover, natural daylighting, efficient appliances and lighting with daylight sensors, locally sourced and non-toxic materials and wind farm will reduce energy use by 77%.
The project aimed
to design a building so energy efficient and with relatively low
operating costs that the savings could be put back into the research
efforts of the Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit. Over the next 25
years, the predicted energy savings amount to more than USD 1 million. At Living with Lakes – where environmental restoration and research in sustainability are at the forefront – researchers will have access to laboratories, classrooms, offices for researches and technicians, environmental bays and a waterway restoration centre. The centre examines the long-term effectiveness of pollution reduction, and how the damaged lake ecosystem is able to dynamically heal itself over time.
Holcim Awards provide boost to project
The selection of the project by the Holcim Awards regional jury was a tremendous boost to the project’s implementation – both through the financial support of the prize money, but also through media and professional recognition of the value of the project. “The recognition that the Holcim Awards brought to this project was a major turning point in our fundraising effort to complete the construction”, says project leader and scientist at Laurentian University, John Gunn. “I truly believe we would not have succeeded without it, especially in this difficult financial time.”