Calgary Water Centre

I went to an event at this building last night for the "Calgary Architecture & Design Week Gala" which was disappointing....

but the building is very cool. very eco-friendly and follows this sustainable building policy called LEEDS-Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Its good to see Calgary starting to adopt some green building policies. Even the office furniture is made of recycled materials and they use non-toxic cleaners, improved air quality and you can actually open the windows for fresh air!!

Here are some of the facts:

Private buildings are responsible for 40 per cent of the world's total energy use. By taking advantage of natural sunlight and installing the latest technologies for heating and cooling, the Water Centre will use 58 per cent less energy than a conventional building, saving taxpayers $108,000 per year.

*The Water Centre's thin shape and southern exposure lets the sun help warm the building during the winter, while the roof overhang keeps out the heat of summer. Employee work stations are placed away from direct sunlight along the north side of the building, allowing temperatures to be maintained at a lower operating cost.

The three-colour glass curtain wall balances the amount of visible light and heat entering the building.

Under-floor heating and radiant ceiling slab cooling will save energy and provide a more comfortable work environment.

Bright ideas

Abundant windows and an open plan mean all employees have access to natural light, reducing the need for electric lighting. Daylight and occupancy sensors ensure lights are only on when they are needed. The Water Centre will save an estimated 1,250,000kWh per year on lighting – or over 1,100 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Green roof

In 1875, Fort Calgary used prairie sod to keep out the rain, making it Calgary’s first office with a green roof. The modern version incorporates a high-tech rubber membrane topped with a layer of soil. Native flowers and grasses help cool the summer air by releasing moisture as they grow. The soil and roots insulate against winter frost.

Water-wise landscaping

The garden uses drought-tolerant native plants in groupings that evoke different prairie habitats around Calgary. Saskatoons and other shrubs act as wind breaks, retaining moisture for the grasses and wildflowers. Plants in the constructed wetlands help filter water from the roof and parking lot.

The Water Centre is located on 25^th Avenue S.E. and Spiller Road, the Water Centre is home for The City of Calgary’s Water Resources and Water Services’ professional (460) and field (314) staff.