The SFU Community Trust, builders of UniverCity, launched the UniverCity Childcare Centre a few weeks ago – the first major building in the country to meet the Living Building Challenge, characterized as the most advanced green-building rating system in the world.
I find it amazing that the building will generate more energy annually than it uses – not to mention recycling or harvesting from rainwater more water than it uses. As well, to meet the challenge, it has to be free of toxic materials and obtain the majority of its materials from within a 400-kilometre radius
To top it off, this building will be completed at a cost that is significantly less than the cost of other conventional childcare facilities being built in the region.
The centre is designed by Hughes Condon Marler Architects – specifically Karen Marler and Kathleen Robinson – and landscape architects space2place design, and constructed by Ledcor Special Projects. More information here.
At the opening, left to right, Allison Maddaugh (Space2Place), Jeff Cutler (Space2Place), Dale Mikkelsen (SFU Community Trust), Jean-Sebastien Tessier (Cobalt), mechanical engineer.
For more on the Living Building Challenge – and Portland’s attempt to create one for its Sustainability Center highrise – go here.
Hi Gordon,
The community is excited about the new developments at SFU. The new childcare center and the opening of the Highlands Elementary School makes UniverCity a draw for young families, which is what is needed in this area.