Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre LEED Certification

The modern Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic opened in 2018. It was built with sustainability in mind and received a gold ranking in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a worldwide building certification program. 

Here's an overview of how we achieved this certification:

• Developing sustainable sites: To the south of the Centre, a pond surrounded by natural grasses and trees is encircled by a barrier-free path that allows students and community members alike to enjoy this natural area. The pond serves multiple functions, as it is also a storm water management system for the Centre that incorporates bio-swales and a two-stage storm pond next to the Waskasoo Creek. In addition to this space, RDC is committed to preserving 40 per cent of the land surrounding the Centre as open space. Alternative transportation is encouraged with multiple bicycle racks, carpooling stalls and easy connections to bus stops. 
• Incorporating Water Efficiency: Water conservation strategies include a rainwater and snow melt collection and storage system that is used for the low-flush toilets and urinals. This conservation allows the institution to produce water savings of 48 per cent. Minimal water is used on the landscape surrounding the Centre, and drought tolerant, indigenous plants help to reduce the irrigation demands by 50 per cent.
• Considering Energy & Atmosphere: The Centre’s architectural, mechanical and electrical systems incorporate a full range of energy conservation strategies to help reduce our consumption. By installing high levels of insulation, Low E glass, 100 per cent LED light fixtures and a high efficient boiler, among other items, Red Deer Polytechnic achieves a significant reduction in natural gas and electricity use.
• Utilizing Materials & Resources: During the construction phase, 96 per cent of construction and demolition waste was diverted from the landfill. In addition, 20 per cent of the building has been constructed using recycled content, and a minimum of 20 per cent of construction material was sourced regionally.
• Ensuring Indoor Environmental Quality: Good air quality was maintained for workers throughout the construction phase, and this good air quality continues to be achieved through HVAC protection measures and good housekeeping. Low VOC emitting paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants were used throughout the Centre. Natural daylight and external views are optimized throughout the building. Smoking is not allowed within the building or on the surrounding site.
• Incorporating Innovation in Design: The Centre has a total of 2,520 solar (photovoltaic) panels that produce approximately 1,000 kw of energy. In addition, the solar walkway that provides a covered path from the Centre to the main campus building has another 276 panels, producing approximately 105,000 watts of energy.
• Providing water fountains and re-fill stations: The Centre has eight refrigerated drinking fountains/re-fill stations and two bottle re-fill stations (one at each player bench in the Arena).  All dressing rooms, coaches’ rooms and barrier-free washrooms in the fitness facilities, as well as the First Aid Room, are equipped with faucets that accommodate water bottles.
• Implementing a recycling program: The facility implements the general Red Deer Polytechnic recycling program, which includes paper, cardboard and bottle/can recycling. 
• Using local materials and local suppliers: The Centre has incorporated multiple local consultants, contractors, sub-trades and suppliers. The range of services includes civil and geo-technical engineering, general contracting, site work, concrete curbs/walkways, road and parking lot pavement, roofing, steel fabrication and installation and landscaping.