GREEN DESIGN

Solar Energy

Natural Ventilation

European Beech Wood
European Beech wood was used throughout the building. Wood from beech trees (as well as pine, oak, and birch) cause lower environmental risk than wood from tropical or subtropical trees like mahogany or teak. The ceiling in the atrium is also European beech – openings in some of the panels are for acoustic properties
Geothermal system for heating and cooling

Water Conservation
Lighting Features
VCSEE’s lighting is tied to daylight and occupancy sensors: entering a room triggers lights on if natural light is not sufficient, exiting the room eventually triggers lights-off. Nova Scotia is a world leader in LED lighting use, and VCSEE uses LED in all exterior lighting. All offices, labs, and meeting rooms in the VCSEE benefit from natural light sources. Even areas along the interior walls have windows, which allow natural light to filter into the space.
Other Green Features
Other building features include: local and regional materials, materials with high recycled content, materials free from “off-gassing” content, FSC certified wood products, high performance glazing products (for improved thermal and day-lighting efficiency), high emissivity roof membrane, and permeable outdoor pavements. During the construction, VCSEE builders practiced construction waste separation and management (for landfill diversion), stringent erosion and sedimentation control, rigorous indoor air quality management, and conscientious building systems commissioning.

Ventilation System
Greywater System

Living Wall
Located on the mezzanine level in the heart of the building, the living wall is a vertical hydroponic garden of tropical plants, overlooking the atrium, directly beneath a central skylight that washes the vegetation with daylight, sunlight, and shadow through the day. Research suggests that in “biophilic” spaces – where humans and organic life interact – patients recover more quickly, students learn better, workplace productivity goes up, and absenteeism goes down. Even if VCSEE visitors simply stare at its beauty, the living wall contributes significantly to indoor air quality.