Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 49.29
Liaison Bonnie Dong
Submission Date Oct. 30, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

MacEwan University
OP-4: Building Design and Construction

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.23 / 3.00 Craig Janke
Coordinator, Maintenance
Facilities
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have any building space certified under the following green building rating systems for new construction and major renovations?:
Yes or No
LEED or another 4-tier rating system used by an Established Green Building Council (GBC) No
The DGNB system, Green Star, or another 3-tier GBC rating system No
BREEAM, CASBEE, or another 5-tier GBC rating system No
The Living Building Challenge No
Other non-GBC rating systems (e.g. BOMA BESt, Green Globes) Yes

A brief description of the green building rating system(s) used and/or a list of certified buildings and ratings:

The University Service Center building (USC) was opened in 2011 and is situated on top of the west parkade at 110 street and 104 avenue, alleviating the need to increase the physical footprint of the campus. The center was built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Standard. LEED encourages participants to incorporate green development practices throughout the planning, construction and operation of building projects.

“Water conservation measures at the USC will save up to 30 per cent of water compared to a conventional building,” said Brent Quinton, Vice-President, University Services. “Water conservation features including low flow faucets have been incorporated throughout the USC.” The USC also reduces energy consumption by up to 40%; this is achieved by optimizing energy performance of the electrical and mechanical systems.
In order to help reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect, the USC has incorporated a high albedo roof, or a “solar reflective roof.” The USC roof is painted white and transfers less heat to the building, keeping it cooler. This reduces energy needed to cool the building and also helps with building-occupant comfort and health.
The USC received BOMA Best level 3 certification with a grade of 83% and its LEED Silver certification is still pending.


Total floor area of eligible building space (design and construction):
20,588 Square meters

Floor area of building space that is certified at each level under a 4-tier rating system for new construction and major renovations used by an Established Green Building Council::
Certified Floor Area
Minimum Level (e.g. LEED Certified) ---
3rd Highest Level (e.g. LEED Silver) ---
2nd Highest Level (e.g. LEED Gold) ---
Highest Achievable Level (e.g. LEED Platinum) ---

Floor area of building space that is certified at each level under a 3-tier rating system for new construction and major renovations used by an Established Green Building Council::
Certified Floor Area
Minimum Level ---
Mid-Level ---
Highest Achievable Level ---

Floor area of building space that is certified at each level under a 5-tier rating system for new construction and major renovations used by an Established Green Building Council::
Certified Floor Area
Minimum Level ---
4th Highest Level ---
Mid-Level ---
2nd Highest Level ---
Highest Achievable Level ---

Floor area of building space certified Living under the Living Building Challenge:
---

Floor area of building space that is certified at any level under other green building rating systems for new construction and major renovations:
5,588 Square meters

Floor area of building space that was designed and constructed in accordance with green building policies or guidelines but NOT certified:
15,000 Square meters

A copy of the guidelines or policies :
The date the guidelines or policies were adopted:
May 20, 2010

A brief description of the green building guidelines or policies and/or a list or sample of buildings covered:

Policy D5070 Facilities Planning and Design states that:

"Grant MacEwan University shall plan and design facilities to meet or exceed all building codes for the optimal balance of cost, environmental, societal, and human benefits while meeting the mission, goals and function of the intended infrastructure. The University will use an integrated approach for facilities planning and design that views facilities projects holistically as contiguous elements in a sustainable facilities infrastructure."

Policy highlights include:
"2.2.2 Planning and design of the MacEwan campus should minimize both the depletion of natural resources and the degradation of the environment, reflecting MacEwan’s commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation.

2.2.3 Overall, the MacEwan campus should exemplify the University’s commitment to sustainability (recognizing the fundamental interdependence of environmental, economic and social imperatives), while being a legacy for future generations.

2.2.3.1 The campus should reflect societal ideals for a sustainable living, working and studying environment without compromise to its aesthetic appeal.

4.4 In commitment to MacEwan’s sustainability objectives, facilities projects shall address the following principles:

4.4.1 Optimize the site or existing structure potential for effects on the ecosystem: reuse or rehabilitation of existing buildings; location, orientation and landscaping; transportation methods, parking; physical security and access.

4.4.2 Optimize energy use: consider means of reducing load, increasing efficiency and using renewable resources.

4.4.3 Protect and conserve water: reduce, control and/or treat site runoff; use water efficiently; re-use or re-cycle water where feasible.

4.4.4 Use environmentally preferable products: use materials that minimize lifecycle environmental impacts, have a reduced effect on human health and the environment and that have reduced disposal costs.

4.4.5 Enhance indoor environmental quality: optimize day-lighting; use appropriate ventilation and moisture control; avoid the use of materials with high VOC emissions.

4.4.6 Optimize operational and maintenance practices: use practices that improve the working environment, increase productivity and prevent failure.

4.5 MacEwan will set tracking indicators in applicable areas of sustainability to measure performance against objectives.


A brief description of how the institution ensures compliance with green building design and construction guidelines and policies:

At this time, all MacEwan University major capital projects are designed to meet or exceed LEED Silver.

As stipulated by Policy D5070: "MacEwan will set tracking indicators in applicable areas of sustainability to measure performance against objectives.

Authority: MacEwan will comply with applicable Government legislation, municipal bylaws, zoning restrictions and Alberta Building Codes in consideration of LEED principles espoused by the Alberta Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council for sustainability in the whole life cycle of its facility and campus. This policy is guided by the principles of National Institute of Building Sciences Whole Building Design Guide, the Canada Green Building Council and the environmental beliefs expressed in the Creed of Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan."


The website URL where information about the institution’s certified buildings and/or green building design and construction guidelines or policies is available:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

University Service Center building opened in 2011 = 5,588 sq m (achieved BOMA Best Level 3, LEED Silver certification pending)
Last 5 years major renovations = 15,000 sq m (not certified but built according to green building guidelines and policy D5070)


University Service Center building opened in 2011 = 5,588 sq m (achieved BOMA Best Level 3, LEED Silver certification pending)
Last 5 years major renovations = 15,000 sq m (not certified but built according to green building guidelines and policy D5070)

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