The greenest building is the one that already exists
No matter what materials you use, no matter how carbon neutral you attempt to be, you can never surpass the savings in carbon emissions generated by re-using and repurposing an existing building.
In our latest project, through our wholly owned subsidiary 501 Alliance Investments Inc., the former Cooper Canada sporting goods factory, near Weston Road and Black Creek, is undergoing renovation and targeting LEED Platinum Certification. The building was built in two stages, a one storey section in 1965 and a four storey section with full underground parking in 1975. Changes included in the renovation include but are not limited to;
- 20 year high SRI reflective roof
- 298 KW solar farm
- Insulated roof and walls
- Storm water harvesting
- Geothermal HVAC throughout
- High efficiency plumbing fixtures
- High efficiency LED lighting and controls
- Geothermal heated parking lots
- Parking for bicycles and electric cars
- Fibre-optic connectivity
Dr. Strashin talks about targeting LEED Platinum certification at 501 Alliance office space.