Auteur: AIVP
Source: Vancouver Port Authority (VPA)
Date de parution: Mercredi, 05 Avril 2006
Type de Document: Actualité
Thème: 7.05 - management environnemental
Langue originale: Anglais
Localisation: Amerique : Canada : Vancouver
Langue: Français, Anglais, Espagnol

En 2004, le port de Vancouver (Canada) a engagé le regroupement de l'ensemble de ses bureaux, alors dispersés en centre ville, dans un même édifice. Cette réorganisation a fait l'objet d'une réflexion visant à concevoir le nouveau siège comme un modèle en matière de développement durable. L'Autorité Portuaire de Vancouver (VPA) est aujourd'hui (28/03/2006) récompensée par un LEED-CI Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Commercial Interiors).

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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.