Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/124234
photos: tom arban Watershed Conservation Centre by Helen Lammers-Helps he new administrative office for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), known as the Watershed Conservation Centre, is expected to be the first LEED Platinum building for London, Ontario. The Upper Thames River wanted to lead by example, says Alex Shivas, coordinator of lands and facilities for the UTRCA . The energy-efficient building, which replaces the former overcrowded offices, was built using local materials and relies entirely on renewable energy produced at a nearby dam. Located in Fanshawe Conservation Area, the design has a contemporary approach, utilizes a rational plan for the organization of spaces, and maximizes occupant views of the surrounding area and Fanshawe Lake, explains architect Randy Wilson of Randy Wilson Architect Inc. "Our design incorporated a maximum amount of glass to create a bright and airy building which maximizes views to the outside," he says. The Watershed Conservation Centre is the culmination of several years of study and planning that started with a facility Needs Assessment initiated by the UTRCA's governing board in 2006. The two-storey building provides office space for 70 staff plus 11 meeting rooms. One of the goals identified by T Watershed Conservation Centre p100-104Upper Thames.indd 101 the UTRCA's governing board and staff was to create space for other non-profit organizations who partner with UTRCA but don't have their own meeting space. As a result the boardroom, the lunch room and main entrance can be closed off from the rest of the building so they can be rented out after hours. "To achieve LEED Platinum, you basically have to do everything, but this building really shines in its energy use," says Steve Carpenter, president of Enermodal Engineering Limited. It uses 67 per cent less energy compared to the model energy code, he says. With energy efficiency as a focal point of the design objective, it was paramount to create a facility that still provided occupant comfort. The task of marrying energy efficiency with sound engineering practices for UTRCA was the responsibility of Vanderwesten Rutherford Mantecon. "We played an active role from project inception in determining what mechanical and electrical systems would provide energy efficiency while still keeping capital cost, return on investment and occupant comfort in mind," says Mounib Chadi, lead mechanical engineer for the project. There are many features throughout the building that contribute to the energy savings. These features include triple-glazed windows with low-e coatings, a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump system used for heating and cooling that also heats domestic hot water, and occupancy sensors to ensure spaces are not being heated and cooled beyond the minimum setpoints when not in use. The building is also situated to take advantage of natural light. There are daylight and occupancy sensors that minimize the use of electricity for interior lighting and in addition to the ERV heat exchangers, the air supply is preconditioned using "earth tubes" and a "solar wall" to make use of natural energy from the earth and sun. The building also features a combination of low-flow plumbing fixtures and faucets, and a rainwater cistern that collects water for toilet flushing. This reduces indoor water use by 50 per cent compared to conventional fixtures. april 2013 /101 13-04-05 2:38 PM