June 23, 2006—The Government of Canada Building in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, has attained the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System’s Silver level for its high sustainable standards.
The building contains a 34-kwatt building-integrated solar photovoltaic system integrated with an efficient building envelope, including multi-pane high performance glazing with fiberglass frames for the punched window sections, and clear 4-element Vision Wall framing for the south face of the atrium.
The building’s novel triangular shape maximizes daylighting, and shallow floorplates maximize daylight penetration. It uses high-output T5 lighting, and continuously dimming daylight control.
Opaque wall and roof insulation values are optimized for economic return relative to overall building performance and cost as well as occupant comfort. Effective R20 walls and R35 roof were installed.
The facility also contains a compartmentalized four-pipe and two-pipe fan coil system with underfloor delivery, controlled by occupancy sensors; solar domestic hot water heating; high-efficiency condensing boilers; variable speed drives and high-efficiency motors; and other energy-saving features.
Storm water runoff and treatment are reportedly reduced at the site through the use of pervious pavements, landscaping, and a green roof.
