Building Envelope

Wall:

• The effective wall thermal transmittance is about 0.44 W/m2 oC, (20% better than the 1997 MNECB prescriptive limit of 0.55 W/m2 oC – buildings with curtain wall systems are typically double the 1997 MNECB prescriptive limit).
• The walls are mainly metal clad with mineral fibre semi-rigid insulation.
• The parking garage wall has 50 mm exterior rigid insulation.

Roof:

• The roof thermal transmittance is about 0.18 W/m2 oC, (about 70% better than the 1997 MNECB prescriptive limit of 0.47 W/m2 oC).
• Polyisocyanurate insulation was used.

Glazing:

• The windows are metal frame with low-e coating (emissivity about 0.03), argon fill and warm edge spacer (about 30% better than the 1997 MNECB prescriptive limit).

Solar Shading, Daylight & Lighting

The height of the CDC was constrained by the air ambulance flight path to the nearby Alberta Children's Hospital, resulting in a deep plan. The Z configuration provides more exterior area in the west and east "extensions" (daycare and multipurpose space), and daylight-responsive controls are used.

• Exterior shades reduce solar gain. These measures allow use of a low flow ventilation system. The photovoltaic system (made possible by targeted funds from the University) is incorporated into the shading system.
• Overall effective lighting power density (including credit for controls) is about 5.4 W/m2.
• Significant use of T8 fluorescent lighting with highly energy-efficient ballasts.
• Emergency stair lighting, which operates continuously even in many efficient buildings, is on occupancy sensors, so is rarely activated.