Our immediate reaction as a group was to redevelop the site as a year-round attraction. Although the building is small it has a patchwork of structures and systems. Considering the site for a complete demolition and construction lead me to think about the sheer amount of waste that is created when buildings are demolished, even in small scale projects such as this. Of course a way to counter this is to deconstruct and reuse various portions of the building. But because this structure is not brick and has very small structural members it would be a challenge to incorporate these into a new, proposed structure.
If our proposal was to become LEED certified it would have to be considered early in the development process. Integrated sustainable strategies would have to become an integral part of our new proposal and include all levels of the project team.
The benefits of attaining LEED certification are lowered operating costs and increased asset value, reduce waste to landfills, conserving energy and water, healthier and safer for occupants, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances as well as demonstrating environmental stewardship and social responsibility within the Winnipeg community.
For our proposal we would be considered under LEED NC (new construction). The site has some qualities that readily provide for LEED certification such as public transportation and community connectivity. Some other early stage considerations to create a LEED certified building are a green roof to reduce the heat island effect, protecting or restoring habitat, promoting alternative transportation and reducing parking as well as managing storm water in an effective way.
So, even just in the initial phases of design development (our charrette) I realized that producing a LEED qualified construction requires much thought from the very beginning. I think that these sustainable ideals need to be and will be incorporated into all design (LEED certified or not) in order to further the design field in a positive and more sustainable way.
Cliff G.
LEED Consultant
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