Green Buildings
According to the Canada Green Buildings Council, buildings have significant environmental impacts: They are responsible for up to 35% of all greenhouse gas emissions. 35% of landfill waste comes from construction and demolition activities. They account for 80 per cent of all water consumed. Recognizing the need to minimize these negative impacts, green building standards and practices have been integrated into the planning and design of a number of new buildings and renovations on campus.
Over their lifetime, these projects will use less energy and water, generate less pollutants and greenhouse gases, produce less waste and cost less to operate than comparable projects.
More information on these projects can be found below.
The two additions to the Health Sciences Building were constructed with sustainability in mind.
The D-Wing addition includes such green features as:
- Salvaged stone incorporated into the new building veneer
- A high quality and durable building envelope
- Reflective roof coverings
- A surface-level living roof
- A high percentage of local and regional materials
- A high degree of daylight and views, in contrast to most laboratory buildings
- Heat reclamation to conserve energy on exhaust air
Health Science D-Wing has officially received its LEED Bronze certification.
The E-Wing addition includes:
- A prairie pond to collect and manage stormwater runoff
- Low and ultra-low flow plumbing fixtures
- Solar collectors to supply up to 80% of the building's domestic hot water
- Occupancy sensors to automatically reduce ventilation in unoccupied areas
- Occupancy sensors to turn off lighting when spaces are unoccupied
- Daylight sensors in the atrium and library to reduce lighting when natural lighting is sufficient
The university hopes this project will receive LEED Gold certification.
Construction of the College of Law Addition was completed in 2008 and awarded LEED Gold certification.
Among the many green building practices that contributed to that certification were the two living roofs that cover more than have of the addition. The living roof provides insulation for the building and extends the lifespan of the roof. Rainwater falling on the roof is absorbed by the soil which reduces the rate of runoff to stormwater sewers and filters the water, decreasing pollution.
The addition also features the use of displacement ventilation, radiant heating and cooling, and 100% outdoor air to help conserve energy while maximizing indoor air quality.
The addition was designed for energy- and water-efficiency. Careful management and recycling during the construction reduced the waste going to landfill by 85% of what would normally be generated by a project of this size and nature.
The renovation of the Murray building was undertaken on the ground, first and sixth floors. The project is seeking a Silver certification under the LEED Commerical Interiors rating system. The green features in the University Learning Commons include:
- The existing concrete floor was hardened and polished, eliminating the need for new floor materials and finishes.
- Light quality was improved and energy requirements reduced with daylight sensors and dimmable fluorescent ballasts that adjust lighting levels according to the amount of natural light present.
- Demountable wall partitions were used in place of drywall and steel studs in office areas, to eliminate the waste associated with future office reconfigurations and allow for flexibility in office layouts.
- 75% of construction waste was diverted from the landfill. For example, 300 light fixtures were reused in campus retro-fitting programs.
- Water-saving flush valves on flush toilets and water efficient urinals were installed to reduce water consumption.
More on the Learning Commons project
The Place Riel four-storey expansion project was awarded LEED Silver certification for its design and construction practices.
The University of Saskatchewan Students' Union asked the design team to make the project as environmentally sustainable as possible. Some of the green building initiatives used in the design include: an energy efficient mechanical system, building envelope, and lighting; low or zero VOC emitting interior finishes; and renewable and recycled building materials. At least 75% of construction waste was diverted from the landfill. LEED innovation credits were awarded for exemplary performance in water use reduction, recycled content of materials used and sourcing local/regional materials.
Student residences typically use large quantities of energy and water per resident. With this in mind Graduate House design focused on minimizing the use of both energy and water. It was built with materials which minimize environmental impacts and ensure a healthy indoor environment. A retention pond slows water runoff and limits pollution from stormwater. Spaces were designed to foster a culture and community that supports sustainability.
Optimizing Energy Efficiency at USask
The Government of Canada is investing up to $1.5 million to help the University of Saskatchewan reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing electricity and natural gas consumption through improved heating, ventilation, and cooling systems in campus buildings. The project will analyze 26 buildings to identify systems and low-cost measures that will be implemented immediately to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency.
The funding comes from the Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund—an important part of Canada's climate plan. The Fund invests in projects that reduce carbon pollution, save money, and create good jobs in a clean economy.
The project aims to improve energy efficiency using a proven, systematic process of energy management, retro-commissioning, controls upgrades, and other possible measures such as adding variable speed drives to slow down fans and installing energy recovery equipment.
Upon completion of the project, the university is projected to realize an annual emissions reduction of over 4,300 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), saving over 70,000 gigajoules of energy each year. This is the equivalent to the annual energy consumption of about 500 homes in Saskatchewan, and reducing annual GHG emissions by an equivalent amount as removing about 1,000 vehicles from our roadways.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Green Cleaning
Green cleaning products and practices are used in campus buildings to ensure healthy working conditions for custodial staff, healthy air quality for building occupants and to minimize environmental impacts. All products used to clean the 43 campus buildings maintained by Facilities Management are EcoLogo certified. The cleaning products are non-toxic and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds). In addition to this, all chemicals used by custodial staff are metered. By measuring these chemicals carefully, staff will ensure they are only using the correct ratios. The residence cleaning staff have also switched to green cleaning in nine buildings including the four high-rise residences in McEown Park.