Energy Saving News
Ontario university unveils new energy-saving building
The new engineering building at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, has been equipped with a host of innovative energy-saving features to help students understand sustainable construction.
According to the Daily Commercial News, the five-storey structure was designed to achieve Gold certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) scheme.
Built at a cost of CA$48 million (£27.3 million), the building includes a rainwater harvesting system, occupancy sensor-controlled light fixtures and energy-efficient ventilation, heating and cooling apparatus.
Peter George, president and vice-chancellor of the university, described the engineering centre as "the face of McMaster for the 21st century".
He told the newspaper: "It is a real symbol of the economic renewal of our community and of our leadership in this community."
As well as the LEED certification, the building was designed to function as a "learning tool", meaning that certain areas have been left exposed to give students a view of the construction methods.
The university was founded in 1887 by Senator William McMaster and currently has approximately 20,400 full-time undergraduate students enrolled.
Published by Richard Bailey
Wednesday 4th November 2009
