NSCC sees green as new campus nears completion

May 1, 2007 – Media Release

(Dartmouth, Nova Scotia) - Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is seeing green as its new Waterfront Campus in Dartmouth prepares to open its doors to students. The first of two new campus buildings opens in September 2007 but it is already attracting visitors interested in its environmentally-friendly features.

The five-story structure is designed using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, which recognizes leading-edge buildings with reduced environmental impacts. NSCC is aiming for LEED Silver status; making it the first building with such a ranking in Atlantic Canada.

Some of the green features of the new college building include:

  • 98% recycled material in the drywall
  • Extensive use of local products
  • Thermally efficient walls and windows
  • Natural light in public areas
  • Energy savings of nearly 50%
  • Steam from Dartmouth General Hospital to be used for energy, eliminating the need for fossil fuels on campus.
  • Low-emission interior carpets, paints, adhesives and sealants
  • More than 90% of construction waste diverted from landfill
  • High-level of operational waste recycling, including compost
  • Preserving green space around construction site

The green building consulting firm on the development project team of companies is Solterre Design in association with Enermodal Engineering Limited. Solterre's Keith Robertson was the first professional in Nova Scotia to acquire accreditation for the LEED Green Building rating system through the US Green Building Council, and is consulting on a number of LEED projects in Atlantic Canada.

"The commitment to sustainability that the NSCC has shown is commendable," says Robertson. "Successful LEED projects require a strong commitment on the part of the owner, the design team, and the contractors. The new campus demonstrates a high level of dedication by the entire team."

The projected construction cost of the 275,770-square-foot building is $41.5 million; approximately $151 per square foot. This projection puts the project on budget by its completion.

"The College is able to achieve a high standard of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, and operational efficiency in this project without paying any significant premium in terms of capital cost," says Mike Barrie of Barrie & Langille Architects Ltd, the firm leading the architectural collaboration for this project.

The new Waterfront Campus is located on a 25-acre site next to the Nova Scotia Hospital property on the Dartmouth waterfront. The building is designed to take full advantage of the harbour views with extensive use of glass on the waterfront side. The best spaces and the best views are dedicated to students and learning.

"The building will be a living gallery filled with the energy of a highly-visible learning environment," says Catherine MacLean, Principal, Dartmouth Waterfront Campus. "When we open our doors to students in September, they will become part of one of the most progressive post-secondary experiences anywhere in the world."

About 1,700 students will attend Waterfront Campus in 2007, enrolled in programs in all five Academic Schools and in customized training programs, where training is designed to meet specific customer needs.

A Phase 2 campus building is planned for this site, closer to Pleasant Street. Detailed design for Phase 2 is expected by fall 2007 with anticipated opening in 2009. The Phase 2 building, which will cost $29 million, is included in the province's $123 Million investment in NSCC announced in March 2003.

For More Information:

Stacey Baillie
Manager - Media & External Relations, NSCC
p: (902) 491-6781

Natalie Kenrick
Communications Specialist - Media & External Relations, NSCC
p: (902) 491-2213

Michelle Hynes-Dawson
Communications Specialist - Media & External Relations, NSCC
p: (902) 491-4899