Green Buildings

UCalgary’s green buildings provide healthy places to live, learn, work, and play. They also contribute to ecosystem health and UCalgary’s goal to be a carbon-neutral campus.

LEED Projects

LEED-certified projects validate green building outcomes and UCalgary’s progress in reaching its goal to be a Canadian post-secondary leader in healthy green buildings and landscapes. To date UCalgary’s LEED-certified projects have contributed over 177,000 square meters of healthy indoor environments. They are responsible for 8,000 tonnes of avoided greenhouse gas emissions (5% of UCalgary's 2022-23 footprint) and a 20% reduction in energy use compared to conventional building practices. These projects annually manage 79,000 m3 of stormwater (enough to fill more than 30 Olympic swimming pools) on-site to protect water quality and mitigate flooding. They have also diverted over 44,000 tonnes of construction waste from landfill (86% diversion rate), and renewed over 54 acres of landscape to support ecosystem health and onsite stormwater management.

MacKimmie Complex and Redevelopment Project
Certified Zero Carbon Building - Design, LEED Registered (Platinum expected)

MacKimmie is currently (Oct 2020) the largest certified Zero Carbon Building in Canada and the first in Alberta. The project is anticipating LEED Platinum certification. With over 85% reduction in annual energy use pre-project, the project will meet its goal to be one of the most energy efficient buildings in Canada.

Energy Environment Experiential Learning
LEED Platinum

Sustainable design features: automated louvres shading system, occupancy controlled lighting and naturally vegetated bioswales. Underground earth tubes precondition air and the rooftop collects stormwater/snowmelt for toilet flushing.

Child Development Centre
LEED Platinum

This first LEED Platinum building in Alberta uses grey water in its toilets, low-flow water fixtures and a state-of-the-art HVAC system. Integrated solar panels produce up to 65,000 kWh of electricity annually.

Clinical Skills Building
LEED Gold

Heat exchangers let air systems efficiently provide the air exchange necessary for animal and human comfort and safety. Onsite engineered wetlands recycle stormwater for non-potable reuse in the building.

Schulich School of Engineering - Expansion
LEED Gold

An additional 18,300 square meter expansion connects engineering blocks A, C and E together. Providing collaborative lab spaces, bright studying locations and dynamic learning environments, this expansion enhances student experience to support the growing school of engineering.

Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning
LEED Gold

A super-insulated design, high performance windows, intelligently controlled LED lighting and a connection to the campus district energy system has reduced energy consumption by more than 70 per cent.

High Density Library
LEED Gold

Includes advanced mechanical systems that provide temperature and humidity control required for artifact preservation while using 40 per cent less energy. This building sits amidst native landscaping and green stormwater infrastructure.

Clinical Skills Building Expansion
LEED Gold

Expanding on the sustainability goals of the original building, the expansion prioritizes low energy consumption, ensuring human and animal health, and restoring outdoor space with native vegetation.

The Owerko Centre
LEED Gold

Built inside the LEED Platinum Child Development Centre, the center features energy efficient appliances and low-flow water fixtures. The project prioritized material that had recycled content and human health benefits.

High Density Library - Expansion
LEED Gold

Approximately 4,500 square meters of storage and processing space was added to the existing high-performance storage facility. This expansion allows the facility to accommodate an additional four million-plus book volumes.

Taylor Family Digital Library
LEED Gold

This project displays native and adaptive plant species that populate the stormwater pond and raingardens around the building. The stainless steel mesh curtain minimizes heat buildup without obscuring views from within.

Administration Building Renovation
LEED Gold

Improvements to HVAC and lighting systems efficiency, distribution of daylight throughout the space and improved air quality with low emitting materials. Eighty-three per cent of construction waste was diverted from landfills for recycling.

Aurora Hall
LEED Silver

This newest addition to UCalgary's residence district, it has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of any residence on campus. Access to daylight and excellent air quality ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents.

Crowsnest Hall
LEED Silver

Constructed to meet a greenhouse gas emissions budget of no more than 100 kg of CO₂ emissions per square meter each year, this building supports green living with easy access to on-site secure bike storage and nearby transit routes.

Yamnuska Hall
LEED Certified

UCalgarys first LEED certified residence building sets the bar for green campus living, using a third less energy than a conventional residence building. Every year, water efficient fixtures save enough water to fill six Olympic-size swimming pools.

Green Buildings

Promoting ecosystem and human health and well being

LEED Projects