Toronto, Ontario – Billed as the most environmentally friendly school in the country, the Dr. David Suzuki Public School incorporates a host of green features not normally associated with schools such as green roofing, recycled grey water, solar and geothermal heating. Named after the world-renowned expert of the environment, this Essex County building represents the first time Dr. Suzuki has allowed his name to be used on a school.
The winning design team for the green roof included Wilk & Associates, Wytech Building Envelope Solutions, Tremco Roofing, Landsource Organix and Bioroof Systems. This team was selected for their commitment to ecological and environmentally friendly products and techniques.
The green roof system specified was Bioroof System’s EcoSystem, chosen because of its unmatched ability to manage stormwater, accommodate native plantings, and increase cooling benefits.
The architect of record, Greg McLean of McLean + Associates Architects, is striving to meet Gold and Platinum LEED standards for the school, a design rating system that ensures a building meets higher energy efficiency standards than existing codes require. Located in Burlington, Ontario, Bioroof Systems was highly rated in the selection process for its local manufacturing, ability to source products from renewable resources and its commitment to sustainability – all characteristics supporting the overall objective of the architect in obtaining a LEED designation.
Rick Buist, President of Bioroof Systems commented that “the 5,000 sq ft roof will be planned to provide maximum educational opportunities for the students to learn about ecology. Included in the design is a Truth Window – a plexi-glass window viewable to the students showcasing the individual components of the green roof.” Construction is slated to begin in the spring, with students enjoying their new school facilities in September 2010.
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