Administration and Transit Buildings Expansions

LEED Silver Certification targeted.

PROJECT TEAM
Owner: Regional District of Nanaimo
Architect: Neale Staniszkis Doll Adams Architects
Structural Engineer: Herold Engineering
Mechanical Engineer: MMM Group
Electrical Engineer: RB Engineering
Civil Engineer: Herold Engineering
Landscape Architect: Perry and Associates
General Contractor: Windley Contracting
LEED® Consultant: Blue Camas Consulting

The Regional District of Nanaimo Administration and Transit operations are located in two buildings set in a forest remnant landscape at Hammond Bay and Applecross Roads. The existing administration building is situated at the south side of the site while the Transit building is located at the NW corner by Applecross.

The Administration and Transit Operations and Maintenance buildings were both expanded and improvements were added to the general site circulation to improve bus circulation and maintenance for public bus service in the Regional District.

Certification under LEED Canada NC 1.0, with the Application Guide for Campus and Multiple Buildings, is in process. The two building expansion areas and the general site works are targeted for Ceritification.

LEED Strategies

Sustainable Sites
Instead of constructing new buildings, existing buildings were expanded and the site was reorganized to meet the need for expanded administration and public transit services.
The project enjoys nearby access to several bus lines, and charging stations for electric vehicles will be provided on site. Storage and shower facilities for bicyclists are provided for staff and visitors.
Stormwater will be treated before leaving the site through both suspended solids interception systems and by a cleaning and maintenance plan to eliminate phosphates in cleaners and fertilizers.
A green roof helps mitigate heat island effect.

Water Efficiency
There will be no permanent irrigation system, and water-efficient plumbing fixtures showers provide water savings of more than 49% below baseline.

Energy and Atmosphere
Using advanced systems such as Variable Refrigerant Volume heating and cooling, and Heat Recovery Ventilation, the project will achieve a 38% reduction in energy use over an MNECB baseline building comparison.

Materials and Resources
Facilities for storage an collection of recyclables are provided throughout the buildings. During construction, over 10% of materials by cost, were provided by recycled materials, and over 80% of construction waste was diverted from landfill.
A detailed durable building materials design was documented and verified during construction.

Indoor Environmental Quality
Mechanical systems and building materials were protected from dust and moisture during construction. Interior materials with minimal VOC (volatile organic compounds) content were provided.
90% of workspaces within the building have both daylighting and direct views to the outside.

Innovation and Design Process
A Green Housekeeping Policy, requiring staff and cleaning contractors to use only environmentally friendly cleaning products, and an Education Program focusing on the benefits of green building with examples from the project, will be implemented.
The project also achieved exemplary performance in the areas of water efficiency, by accomplishing a 47% reduction in water use.
A high level of green expertise was incorporated into the design and construction team, which included several LEED® Accredited professionals.