Manitoba Hydro today announced the selection of a design concept for the Corporation’s new downtown head office building. “We have chosen to develop the detailed design for our new world-class, energy-efficient head office on the basis of Design Concept ‘C’, unveiled for public review and comment last October,” said Bob Brennan, Manitoba Hydro President and CEO. “We are targeting a 60 per cent reduction in energy use compared to a conventional office building, and as a result we expect our new headquarters will be one of the most energy efficient Power Smart office buildings in the world, while providing a top quality office environment for our employees.”

Design Concept ‘C’ features a tower and podium. Fundamental to this design is the extensive use of passive energy systems unlike a standard office building which utilizes energy driven mechanical systems. Key energy efficiency elements include atriums to provide conditioned fresh air, optimization of natural lighting, a solar chimney to enhance fresh air ventilation, a geothermal heat pump system, energy efficient lighting, pumps and drives, and a double external wall.

Manitoba Hydro’s design team will now move forward into the detailed design phase to finalize building size and costing. The finalized design is expected to be unveiled this summer.

“Hydro’s new building will join the MTS Centre, the new Millenium Library, the Red River Campus and the new Waterfront Drive developments in revitalizing Winnipeg’s downtown,” added Brennan.

Salvage of reusable material and deconstruction of on-site structures is underway. Existing materials such as sinks, doors, counters, glass blocks, etc. will be salvaged for reuse. Materials that are not reused, such as steel, concrete and glass, will be recycled. with the goal being to eliminate materials going to landfill for disposal. Construction will begin this summer with commissioning and occupancy scheduled for 2007.

The new head office building is to be constructed in downtown Winnipeg on a site that encompasses a city block on the south side of Portage Avenue between Edmonton and Carlton Streets extending south to Graham Avenue. Up to 2000 Manitoba Hydro employees will work in the building.