91原创鈥檚 Institute for Sustainable Horticulture lab at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has been awarded LEED Gold status, an internationally recognized achievement of excellent Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
The plaque 鈥� which joins the KPU Surrey library and KPU Tech LEED Gold certifications 鈥� was unveiled Friday by B.C. Minister of Environment Mary Polak.
鈥淲e are very proud of the team in facilities, along with their consultants, and the on-going dedication of our ISH scientists. This certification is well-deserved and fitting for this research building,鈥� said KPU president and vice-chancellor Dr. Alan Davis.
The Canadian Green Building Council鈥檚 LEED rating system quantifies environmentally beneficial building attributes, reviewing a site鈥檚 water and energy efficiency, material selection and innovation in design, among other topics.
鈥淎s part of its Climate Action Plan, B.C. has required all new provincially owned or leased government buildings to be built to a minimum of LEED Gold or equivalent standard since 2008,鈥� said Polak.
鈥淐ongratulations to Kwantlen for achieving LEED Gold certification for the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture lab. It鈥檚 particularly challenging to obtain the standard on laboratory facilities, so this is quite an accomplishment for all involved.鈥�
While building KPU鈥檚 state-of-the-art lab, more than 75 per cent of construction waste was diverted from landfills and landscape water usage was cut in half. For the first two years, the building was also designed to acquire 50 per cent of its energy from renewable sources.
鈥淭he achievement of LEED Gold for a small research lab was only possible through the design team鈥檚 expertise, persistence with exploring creative alternatives and commitment to creating a highly sustainable building,鈥� said Karen Hearn, executive director of KPU鈥檚 facilities.
The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture works to advance sustainable horticulture development through collaborative research and innovation.
ISH鈥檚 research includes eco-friendly pest management, food sovereignty through urban agriculture and energy-efficient greenhouse construction methods.
Part of the lab鈥檚 new research facility includes Canada鈥檚 first microbial insect pathogens incubator, where the university鈥檚 bio-controls research group explores environmentally friendly pest management systems.
