Workplace rates as the Largest LEED-CI Gold Certified Project In Canada

Vancouver, B.C. - The Vancouver Port Authoritys (VPA) office at Canada Place has achieved LEED-CI (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Commercial Interiors) Gold. This marks the VPAs latest achievement in its pursuit to lead environmental responsibility in the Port of Vancouver.

In 2004, the VPA moved into its own building at the north end of Vancouvers flagship cruise terminal in Canada Place. The move brought the VPA employees together in one location after previously being spread out among a patchwork of offices in a downtown building. As part of the move, the VPA set out to construct a healthy, environmentally sound office and contracted the services of leading architectural firm Bunting Coady Architects and local interior design firm Group 5, who, together, were able to couple innovative sustainable design with a modernist interior.

"In pursuing LEED certification for our new office, the Vancouver Port Authority wanted to create a high-profile example of sustainable building practices. As we work with the marine community in operating a sustainable port, it is important that we look for all opportunities to make a difference," said Lori Lindahl, Vice-President, Corporate Services, Vancouver Port Authority.

Environmental initiatives underway at the port include the use and testing of fuel catalysts to reduce emissions from shore-based equipment and ships, testing hydrogen-injection systems in container trucks, cleanup of contaminated sites, creating new marine habitats in and around port terminals, supporting the establishment of a North American low-sulphur fuel zone for ships, and reducing air emissions from trucks as a component of the port's container truck licensing system.

The $8 million investment in a green office has earned the VPA national recognition. It was a key factor in achieving "Top 100 Employer" status and has now earned the distinction of being the largest LEED-CI certified project in Canada, awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). In addition, this significant project has highlighted the importance of creating environmentally sustainable interiors.

"When the VPA approached us to design their new premises, they made it clear that they wanted to show leadership in environmental stewardship," said Teresa Coady, Founding Partner of Bunting Coady Architects. "With large spatial volumes and a lot of exposed glass, a sustainable design for the interior was a challenge. LEED-CI Gold certification means that the Vancouver Port Authority now has an international calibre showcase facility in a landmark building."

"The decision to pursue LEED certification made sense," said Lindahl. "The building improves the quality of life for VPA employees and for our community. It also makes great business sense, operation costs are improved as is the value of the building."

LEED certification is awarded by the USGBC to leading edge building that incorporate environmentally sustainable design, construction and operational features that reduce environmental impact. Features that helped the VPA achieve LEED-CI Gold certification include:

• Re-cycling 70 per cent of construction waste from the project was diverted from landfill sites.
  
• Efficiency Energy savings over conventional buildings of 20 per cent for lighting and 36 per cent for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
  
• Water Efficiency The VPA project uses 39 per cent less fresh water than comparable buildings.
  
• Sustainability Elimination of fossil fuels for heating.

The project team for the construction of the new VPA offices also included the following companies: Dominion Fairmile Construction, Stantec Consulting Inc., Schenke/Bawol Engineering Ltd., Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd., Enersys Analytics and Western Mechanical Services.

About Bunting Coady Architects:
Bunting Coady Architects (www.buntingcoady.com) is an innovative, full service, architectural practice based in Vancouver, British Columbia. With a reputation for creating high performance buildings and sustainable architecture, our avowed design philosophy is to create places and spaces in which people can live and work successfully. Ranked the 7th largest Architectural Firm in BC by Business in Vancouver, Bunting Coady Architects has won over 50 Awards for design quality and building performance since the company was established in 1994. We are the only practice to have won the BOMA Earth Award four times and have more square footage of LEED Gold certified projects than any other architectural firm in Canada.

About the Port of Vancouver:
The Port of Vancouver is Canada's largest and most diversified port, trading more than $43 billion in goods with more than 90 trading economies annually. Port activities generate 69,200 jobs in total with $4 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $8.9 billion in economic output. For more information about environmental initiatives at the port, visit www.portvancouver.com/the_port/environment.html.
Photo Opportunity: Media are invited to see Canadas largest LEED-CI Gold certified building and to join a celebration for this achievement. The LEED-CI gold plaque will be unveiled.

Date: Wednesday, April 12
Time: 11:00am
Location: 100 The Pointe, 999 Canada Place

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For more information, please contact:

Anne McMullin,
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Vancouver Port Authority
(604) 665-9069 (office)
(604) 665-9073 (fax)
(778) 231-6978 (cellular)
anne.mcmullin@portvancouver.com

Teresa Coady
Founding Partner, Bunting Coady Architects
Tel 604. 685.9913
tcoady@buntingcoady.com

For more information:
For more information on any of these stories, call 1-888 PORTVAN.
Or, send an email to:
public_affairs@portvancouver.com