CAMPAIGN NEWS

Construction LEEDs to bright future

by Rebekah Jarvis

When the Trades and Technology Complex is finished in 2012 it won’t just be the pretty new face of SAIT. Each of the three buildings will meet the stiff requirements needed to earn silver certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

LEED is an internationally recognized building certification system that promotes environmentally conscious decisions with regard to sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Boris Dragicevic, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management and Campus Expansion, says LEED certification is the new expectation for major construction projects.

“If you can’t make the LEED requirements, you shouldn’t be working in the industry anymore,” says Dragicevic. “It’s just good common sense design.”

That’s not to say getting certification is simple. The list of aspects to consider is extremely long and detailed. Dragicevic says green thinking for the complex started early in the project’s timeline.

The design of the complex is strikingly open with shining glass exteriors. While immense windows have an aesthetically-based appeal, they also fit LEED criteria. 

“The other benefit of such large windows is the social aspect of getting to look outside,” he says, explaining that as well as outlining methods to reduce emissions and water use, LEED promotes high quality interiors to enjoy.

“We have a lot of glass,” he says. “Because material durability is a major part of sustainability, we had to buy really good glass, but it will pay for itself through the quality of the social environment.”

Construction of the Trades and Technology Complex is well underway, and the materials and mechanical systems were selected with consideration for the future.   

 “We aren’t creating these buildings to sell them, or to turn them over and make a profit,” says Wayne King, CFO and Vice President Capital and Corporate Services. “They will still be here 50 years from now, and we are very aware of that.”