Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Winnipeg building earns green tribute

WINNIPEG - A grass parking area, door-size windows that open and a surrounding deck constructed of recycled materials have led to a Winnipeg building earning a LEED Platinum designation, the first in Manitoba.
The architectural firm Smith Carter has earned the recognition for its new headquarters building at 1600 Buffalo Place.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating is overseen by the Canada Green Building Council and recognized internationally, and is earned by buildings that are better for the environment and the people that work in them.
Smith Carter’s new office, known as SC3, is a two-story structure built on a once-weeded-over site once deemed undesirable for any construction.
Other key factors in the platinum designation were the grass parking area, which reduces the need for hot pavement, nearby prairie grasses and spruce forest that support wildlife and act as a recreation space, the windows that permit fresh air and allow extra daylight that reduces the need for extra lighting, the deck built of both recycled and reflective material and limestone pavers on walking paths that reduce the heat-island effect found in cities.
SC3 is one of only three buildings in Manitoba today that have the LEED certification.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Follow

  1. WFP Hockey

    Download our new hockey app for the iPhone for Winnipeg Jets updates

  2. Editor's Bulletin

    Sign up for daily bulletins from editor Margo Goodhand

  3. Winnipeg Jets

    All things NHL on our Jets landing page

  4. Twitter

    Follow our reporters and our news feeds on Twitter

  5. News Cafe

    Check out the menu, read our blog posts or get info on coming events

  6. Facebook Fanpage

    Follow our Facebook Fanpage for story links, contests and special events

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

Poll

Should infants be allowed in the House of Commons?

View Results

View Related Story