Calgary Opens Major Green Water Facility

The Water Centre's green design will save it 40 percent in opperating costs.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 6/16/2008

The new Water Centre in Calgary which opened earlier this month is the recent recipient of some heavy metal from the Green Building Council of Canada.

Designed by Manasc Isaac Architects in collaboration with Sturgess Architecture, the 183,000-square-foot facility is the first building in the province of Alberta to qualify for the CaGBC's Gold LEED certification. Since 2003, Calgary's Sustainable Building Policy requires all new municipal buildings meet or exceed a Silver rating.



The building is completely lit by natural light and features adjustable in-floor air diffusers and an on-site fitness facility. The Water Centre is projected to help pay for itself in 15 years and save 40 percent in operating costs through annual energy savings, waste reduction, and the centralization of operations.

"The Water Centre is an excellent example of a large-scale project which addresses a number of objectives including environmental sustainability, a healthy and attractive workplace, and a great return on ratepayer investment," says Calgary mayor Dave Bronconnier.

From top: The facade of Calgary's new municipal Water Centre. The building utilizes natural light.

Images courtesy of the Water Centre.