LEED Spotlight: LEED Gold certified Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market

The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is the oldest continually operating farmers’ market in North America. Since its inception in 1750, the Market has operated at several locations throughout Halifax. In 2010, the Market moved to its current location at the Halifax Seaport where it is now known as the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. A cargo shed along the Halifax waterfront was extensively renovated and purpose built to accommodate the Market as it exists today.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this LEED Gold Certification,” said Julie Chaisson, Executive Director, Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. “Sustainability is very important all of us here at the Market, our staff, our vendors and of course our customers.”

Factors considered in LEED Canada Gold Certification of the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market

• Reuse of existing warehouse with high performance building systems/part of a larger revitalization of downtown waterfront.
• Eighteen geothermal wells provide heat to the in-floor radiant system.
• Solar thermal panels pre-heat hot water and supplement the geothermal system.
• Rainwater harvesting reduces potable water consumption and storm water runoff.
• Green roof that reduces the heat island effect by keeping temperatures cool. It also provides thermal insulation.
• ‘Smart lighting’ software regulates lighting usage based on daylight levels in the building.
• Wind turbines generate 2.5 kwh of electricity.
• Constructed with 30 per cent recycled and regional materials and 90 per cent diversion of waste materials during construction.