In order to receive this certification, evolv1 had to demonstrate zero carbon design excellence, showing that it has: modeled a zero carbon balance for future operations; incorporated a highly efficient envelope and ventilation system to meet a defined threshold for thermal energy demand intensity; and designed onsite renewable energy systems capable of providing a minimum of 5 percent of building energy consumption.
“We are incredibly honored that evolv1 has been recognized as the first building in Canada to earn Zero Carbon Building - Design certification,” said Adrian Conrad, COO, Cora Group.
“CaGBC’s Zero Carbon Building Standard is an innovative made-in-Canada solution that supports industry efforts to reduce GHG emissions and grow the low-carbon economy,” commented Thomas Mueller, president and CEO of the Canada Green Building Council. “The shift to zero carbon buildings is a critical step in reaching our climate change goals in Canada. Through innovative projects like evolv1 the building industry can lead the way in the fight against climate change.”
The evolv1 vision is a collaboration between The Cora Group, Sustainable Waterloo Region, The David Johnston Research & Technology Park, and anchor tenant E&Y. The building, designed and engineered by global design firm Stantec and constructed by Melloul Blamey, is also targeting LEED® Platinum certification and will produce more energy than it consumes when complete. The high-performance building envelope incorporates triple glazing, a solar wall for preheated ventilation, a geo-exchange/VRF HVAC system, three-story green wall, and a combination of photovoltaics. Due for completion in Summer 2018, evolv1 will also become home to Waterloo tech company, TextNow.
Over the course of the first 12 months of operation, evolv1 will monitor performance to demonstrate that it has achieved a zero emissions balance in order to earn Zero Carbon Building – Performance certification. To learn more about CaGBC’s ZCB program, visit cagbc.org/zerocarbon.
