Corner Brook City Hall, Newfoundland Labrador
Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
January 10, 2013
- Rating System/Standard
- LEED v1
- Certification Level
- Silver
- Building Type
- Mixed-use
Tell me about the project and its unique features, particularly those that led to it certifying LEED Silver.
Corner Brook City Hall was completed and opened in August 2011. The project features a green roof, which reduces the heat island effect of the building and mitigates storm water runoff. There is also a geothermal heating system, which saves approximately 496 metric tons of greenhouse gas annually, low flow plumbing fixtures and a rainwater collection system, which contribute to water conservation. Additionally the building has low “E” glazed windows, which maximize the amount of natural light within the building and increase insulation, resulting in reduced energy consumption.
Why did you choose LEED certification (and not a less rigorous form of green standard or just building to code)
The City of Corner Brook has made a commitment to be a leader in sustainability, and achieving the LEED Silver standard was seen as a way to set an example for others in our community and across the province. We also recognized the opportunity to achieve significant operational cost savings through energy efficiency and sustainable practices required to meet the standards.
What value does LEED certification bring to your building?
LEED Certification provides an opportunity for the City of Corner Brook to promote sustainability and demonstrate that we support efforts to build a sustainable future, not just for our city but for our province. It is also an opportunity for us to educate the public about sustainability and establishes us as a leader in sustainability planning.
What was the biggest lesson learned from building a LEED project that you think would be valuable to others building LEED?
We learned a couple of valuable lessons. From concept, to design, to construction and ultimately the operation of the building, you should choose partners who are committed to helping you achieve your LEED goals, and have some degree of expertise in sustainable design and construction. The second lesson is to apply for more LEED points than you expect to achieve, in case there are some expectations that cannot be met. This will still allow you to achieve your target certification level.