300 Water St. - LEED EBOM Platinum
- Location:
- Peterborough
- Project Type:
- Real Estate
About the Project
The Ontario Government building at 300 Water Street in Peterborough is one of more than 5,000 facilities managed by IO on behalf of the government. Known locally as “Robinson Place”, the seven-storey provincial accommodates more than 1000 government employees, representing seven ministries. It's the provincial headquarters for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
The 300 Water Street project involved upgrades and conversions of building systems. The building has been designated as LEED EBOM* Platinum by the Green Building Council of Canada. It was Canada's first existing government building to achieve this designation.
*LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and EBOM refers to its designation in the category of Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance.
Latest News
Project Status:
- Project Begins: 2010
- Project Receives LEED EBOM Platinum: Feb 15, 2015
Features
- Due to its original 1990's architecture, the facility offers plenty of natural light to reduce the requirement for electricity.
- The building is fully metered and connected to a modern Building Automation System. The system was upgraded to meet LEED standards for energy efficiency. This also ensures optimal operating efficiency and tenant comfort. Facility management is immediately notified of any unusual spikes in consumption of gas, water or electricity.
- Sophisticated and energy efficient chillers were added in the building, which provide enhanced performance during the cooling season
- The building has a rainwater collection system, allowing natural water to be used in washrooms.
- According to 2013 figures, 37% less water is consumed than the average public sector building.
- MNRF is ensuring an environmental approach to procurement by focusing on low VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials
- Ministry employees manage a rooftop community garden, which has provided organic vegetables to local organizations like the Youth Emergency Shelter and Brock Mission.
- IO has implemented a building-specific non-smoking policy
- Policies are in place to ensure a green approach to cleaning, landscaping and pest management
Community And Green Benefits
IO takes a leadership role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in each of its buildings to reduce the government's carbon footprint and create a cleaner, greener future for our province.
The pursuit of LEED Platinum for this existing facility is an innovative approach that forms the basis of a pilot project for IO. This experience will provide us with valuable information to consider opportunities for further greening of the government portfolio.