Built to meet the gold standard of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, this facility will add five to eight per cent of urgently-needed space at the university and will be linked to the main campus via a green corridor.
The new science complex, which has an estimated price tag of $30 million, will be constructed to meet or exceed the gold standard of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, said prime architecht Terry Cristall, principal of Number Ten Architectural Group.
The conceptual floor plan includes sustainable features such as a large atrium rising to the full height of the building, grey water collection for flushing toilets, the collection of wind power and solar energy to run the building, locally-produced and sourced materials to reduce energy costs in shipping and an innovative and creative design. “The university is not only constructing a science building. It’s taking a major leadership role in sustainable design,” Cristall said.
The science complex will initially house the biology, chemistry and environmental studies departments along with the Richardson College for the Environment. The complex and the college will not only significantly enhance the science and research capacity at the University of Winnipeg, but also for the province of Manitoba as whole.
With this facility, the University of Winnipeg will add to the strengths already present at the province's other universities and research institutes such as Bio-Med City, the Public Health Agency of Canada and International Institute for Sustainable Development.
With construction slated to begin in the summer of 2007, the complex will feature a central atrium that will serve as the lungs for the complex and a green roof planted with native prairie vegetation. The building will also include the most innovative technology for heating, air conditioning, lighting and renewable construction materials. This investment, combined with the University of Winnipeg's new sustainability policy, further enhances Manitoba's reputation as a leader in environmental sustainability and green building technology and innovation.
The new science complex will also become an integral part of the West End neighbourhood serving as a source of significant economic and community renewal. Working in partnership with all levels of government and community organizations, the University of Winnipeg will develop new business and employment opportunities, increased campus and community amenities, new mixed-housing options and public education programs for the local area.
The complex, along with the Richardson College for the Environment, will also provide opportunities for Aboriginal and inner-city children. For example, innovative science programming already underway at the university such as Eco-Kids explores the relationship between culture, science and the environment, and links the Aboriginal community's traditional teachings with science curriculum. A model-school component will provide hands-on opportunities and demonstration labs for high schools, as well as inner-city and Aboriginal students to learn science, relating indigenous values to traditional scientific and environmental issues.
The estimated cost of the project is $30 million including land, building, fixtures and lab equipment. An initial investment of $3.5 million was made by the Richardson Family, Firm and Foundation on Sept. 12 to establish the Richardson College for the Environment and to develop an urban environmental garden. The University of Winnipeg will continue to develop other public, private and voluntary sector partnerships to support the remainder of the funding requirements.