When the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre initiated plans for its most expansive revitalization in its history, the cultural institution envisioned an innovative, sustainability-centred venue that would showcase aquatic life within the natural setting of Stanley Park. The Aquarium celebrated the opening of its completed first phase in 2014 – part of a multi-year, three-phase project – with an immersive new visitor complex. This first phase has just been awarded a significant recognition in green building standards: the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification from the Canada Green Building Council.

Reflecting the organization’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, this is the second time the Aquarium has received this prestigious designation. In 2008, the Aquaquest building, home to the organization’s conservation, research and education programs, became the world’s first aquarium or zoo in the world to receive LEED Gold certification. LEED Gold sustainability standards have been applied to 5,110 square metres of expanded space. Included in the expansion is a welcome plaza, which hosts the sculpture Chief of the Undersea World, created by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid; the outdoor Ocean Courtyard; the new Ocean Wise Café; as well as a seasonal Waterfall Café, which features a picturesque outdoor seating area for Stanley Park visitors. Inside, it encompasses the upstairs Teck Connections Gallery with its 360-degree digital screens that come alive with stunning aquatic imagery, the lower-level Teck Engagement Gallery featuring amphitheatre-style seating, and the Changing Exhibits gallery, a space dedicated to housing new and temporary exhibits.

Awarded International Mark Of Excellence For Sustainable DesignLEED Gold Certif ication

Photos Courtesy of Vancouver Aquarium Complex

“Sustainability was at the core of the new building’s plans from the day the blueprints

were drawn. From installations that significantly minimize water use to our energy-efficient heat

exchange system, the exploratory visitor complex represents some of the most innovative

applications of green design.”

- John Nightingale, president and CEO Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre

Major Recognitions

■ In 2008, Vancouver Aquarium became the first zoo or aquarium globally to receive a LEED Gold certification for one of its buildings. Aquaquest, also called the Marilyn Blusson Learning Centre, is a 4,830 square metre-green building.

■ Since 2009, Vancouver Aquarium has operated an ISO14001 certified Environmental Management System (EMS).The EMS ensures the Aquarium manages its environmental program in a comprehensive, systematic, planned and documented manner.

Environmental Features Of Entrance Complex

■ 90% of construction waste was diverted away from landfill. To do this 385,400 kilograms of asphalt (equivalent to the weight of 240 male beluga whales), 382,280 kilograms of concrete, and 223,000 kilograms of wood were recycled.

■ Regional materials were prioritized during construction. The concrete used came from Ocean Concrete located on Granville Island, only 20 kilometres away from the Aquarium.

■ Landscape design used native plants that don’t require as much water as non-native plants, and also provide a habitat for native birds and butterflies.

■ There is a large rainwater collection system. In the Aquarium Entrance Complex, capacity is 45,000 litres, which compliments the 170,000 litres collection system that already existed in Aquaquest. The rainwater is used to flush the toilets and irrigate the plants.

■ Other water-efficient features include high performance plumbing fixtures such as low-flow or dual-flush toilets, waterless urinals and low-flow shower heads and faucets.

■ The roof was constructed with a white material in order to reflect the sun’s rays. ■ Additional bike parking was installed with a total of 101 spots now available. Electric vehicle charging stations were also installed.

District Energy System

■ A District Energy System allows us to redistribute heat throughout the building in the most energy-efficient way possible. The system helps to save energy by using heat already produced in the café to warm galleries, such as the Graham Amazon Gallery Pulling heat away from the café also keeps it cool, reducing air conditioning needs.

■ This site-wide energy system consists of 30 centimetre-insulated PVC pipes that redistribute energy throughout the building, to facilitate local heating or cooling as required.

■ This loop relies on sea water pumped into the facility from Burrard Inlet used for heating and cooling, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions associated with burning of natural gas. When the site loads cannot be balanced on site, heat can be absorbed from the sea water and pumped into the Aquarium. Energy is extracted and transferred to the site energy loop for heating.

■ Localized water source heat pumps around the building can draw energy from this loop, or ■ inject excess heat energy into it for redistribution. ■ The site-wide energy loop temperature is allowed to fluctuate between 7°C to 35°C under ■ extreme heating and cooling conditions. ■ The District Energy System loop is expandable, and has future capacity to be extended, making it ■ possible to further improve the efficiency of the system, as energy sharing is always more ■ economical at a larger scale. ■ This system resulted in 32% energy savings.

“Vancouver Aquarium is incredibly proud to have received the international mark of excellence for sustainable design, LEED Gold certification, for our expanded visitor experience,” said John Nightingale, president and CEO, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. “Sustainability was at the core of the new building’s plans from the day the blueprints were drawn. From installations that significantly minimize water use to our energy-efficient heat exchange system, the exploratory visitor complex represents some of the most innovative applications of green design.” “The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in green infrastructure is essential to protecting our environment, growing the middle class and equipping municipalities with the building blocks they need to support a high standard of living for Canadians and their families,” said the Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. Sustainability was integrated into each step of the complex’s development. As part of the Aquarium’s commitment to preserving the local environment, the complex was designed to preserve and enhance the existing Stanley Park forest character and ecology, selecting timeless, long-lasting, simple materials compatible with Stanley Park’s environment. The curvilinear shape of the Aquarium’s walls fit into the organic environment and topography of Stanley Park. Conifers and other infill native trees and shrubs have been planted to restore the native forest. 90% of construction waste was diverted from landfill and salvaged and recycled materials were sourced and incorporated into the project wherever possible.

The building itself features a number of environmentally-conscious designs. Landscaping and civil design was developed to optimize storm water management, and protect and restore open spaces. Water use is minimized through a number of features, including water-efficient landscaping, use of harvested rainwater for irrigation and grey toilet-flushing systems, high performance plumbing fixtures such as low-flow or dual-flush toilets, waterless urinals and low-flow shower heads and faucets. The requirements developed to guide LEED standards encourage the design and construction of green buildings that reduce their environmental impact. The LEED rating system is organized into six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental air quality, and innovation and design process. The Aquarium’s Entrance Complex received LEED Gold status under the LEED Canada Rating System for New Construction and Major Renovations, version 2009. The Entrance Complex is the first phase of a major expansion and revitalization project to engage more and more people to aquatic life. The infrastructure enhancements were made possible with the generous support of the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and community partner Teck. Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org

“The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in green infrastructure is essential to protecting our environment

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Additonal Environmental Initiatives

■ Each year an effort is made to improve the facility’s waste diversion rate. In 2015, Vancouver Aquarium composted 103,917 kilograms of organic waste and recycled 130,125 kilograms of recyclable material to achieve a 78% diversion rate. A compost compactor was also installed and helped to reduce compost pick-ups by 33% and save the associated greenhouse gas emissions.

■ In terms of freshwater conservation, in 2015 the Aquarium collaborated with the City of Vancouver to eliminate single-pass cooling in the refrigeration system. Before the change, the refrigeration system circulated water through once and then it was disposed. Now the multipass cooling system recirculates water, saving over 4,900,000 litres per year and reduces demand on this precious resource.

■ Through the Sustainable Purchasing Policy, comprehensive assessments are completed of goods and services suppliers to ensure alignment with Aquarium values and to manage environmental impacts.

■ In 2015, 787 students took part in the Fortis BC AquaGuide program. The scavenger hunt through the galleries of the Aquarium got grades 7-12 students learning about how animals use and conserve energy in their daily lives. After touring and learning, the students took their learnings home and completed online energy audits in order to become even more energy conscious.

"In 2015, Vancouver Aquarium composted 103,917 kilograms of organic waste and recycled 130,125 kilograms of recyclable material."

Alexis Brown - Communications AdvisorVancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre

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Teck Connections Gallery with 185-foot digital screens and 14-foot globe