Canada's First LEED Certified Library (Silver)
(Information taken from CaGBC website www.cagbc.ca)
The Semiahmoo Library & RCMP District Office was designed to combine cost effectiveness, green building objectives, and functional efficiency for two very different community services.
At completion, it was estimated that the Semiahmoo Library & RCMP District Office would consume about 49% less energy than a similar building constructed to the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. The main factors responsible for the savings are the overall building design, the design of the mechanical and electrical systems, and the building envelope system, including the reflective roofing material and high performance glazing system.
The project diverted 88% of materials from the landfill by implementing a construction waste management plan. In order to support the regional economy, the project used 41% locally manufactured materials. To help further the closure of energy and waste loops, 54% of the buildings materials contain recycled content.
To create a more comfortable interior environment for employees and patrons, temperature, humidity, lighting and CO2 monitoring control equipment were installed. Through the use of low-emitting materials, including paint, carpet, and composite wood, the well-being of occupants is also improved.
The project makes use of standard steel framing details, in an elegant manner that gives a lightness to the library space. The library stacks and reading spaces are largely daylit via clerestory windows, with some supplemental task lighting as well as wall windows on the north side of the building. The roof overhangs (in general) provide protection from direct sunlight through the clerestory windows. The framing for the second floor and roof uses a lightweight OWSJ structural steel system. |