Green Energy Doors Open BC

August 25, 2016

Green Energy Doors Open, a campaign and showcase of individual, community, and commercial sustainable energy projects, takes place for the first time in BC September 9-11, simultaneously with events in Alberta and Ontario.

The initiative aims to showcase advancements in the sector, demonstrating how provinces are on the path to building a 100% clean, sustainable energy system. Each day there will be green buildings, sustainable communities and energy projects to tour in person. All events are free to participate in as a host or attendee.

Anyone in BC can submit a building, energy facility or community area for a walking tour or open house. Each event will be listed on the BCSEA’s Green Energy Doors Open website, where guests can browse, select and register for a tour of their choice.

Among the BC projects on display is the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC)’s new Vancouver offices. CAGBC is Canada’s leading non-profit supporting the design and construction of green, healthy buildings. The goal of this new office was to provide a truly sustainable space, one that reflects the innovation and growth that CaGBC has fostered over the past decade. This office project serves as a learning tool for CaGBC staff and our design team – being one of the first LEED v4 projects in Canada. Its collaborative process also helped engage the industry and prepare for the higher sustainability thresholds in LEED v4 and beyond.

The offices are located in a 3,100 sq.ft. suite in the newly constructed MNP tower, which is targeting LEED Gold. A “living lab” space showcases the latest sustainability innovations and technologies, including those used within the office. The project prioritizes health and wellbeing for staff through ergonomics, thermal comfort, superior indoor air quality and natural daylight. Material choices reflect regional characteristics and consider life-cycle assessment and health impacts.

The Green Doors Open initiative is spearheaded by the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association. Find out more about the Green Energy Doors Open campaign in BC: http://www.bcsea.org/green-energy-doors-open.