The $20-million Vale Living with Lakes Centre, opened in Sudbury on August 25, has been deemed one of the most environmentally friendly-advanced buildings in Canada.
With its geothermal heating system, grey-water pond and blueberry roof, the 28,000-square-foot structure is expected to be 70 per cent more energy-efficient than conventional buildings, according to a news release, and was constructed to meet LEED platinum standards.
The building was designed for the climate of 2050, and is adaptable to shorter winters and hotter summers, using the sun, trees and grey-water recycling to reduce its footprint.
“We are very proud of this cutting-edge centre of excellence,” said John Gunn, Laurentian University's Canada research chair in stressed aquatic system and a chief drive of the project, in the release. “As scientists and educators, we are proud to be able to pursue our work in a building that embodies stewardship and sustainability in every way.”
Eighty faculty, staff members and students will work at the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, where research will be conducted into the protection, remediation and restoration of freshwater lakes and ecosystems. The centre will also host Laurentian's science communication graduate program.
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