We were the Prime Consultant for the Region of Waterloo EMS operations centre, a LEED Gold Certified facility completed in two phases.

Phase 1 was completed in 2004, and Phase 2 was completed in 2012. This Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility is operated by the Region of Waterloo and features administrative and staff spaces, and a vehicle garage.

The EMS project is a benchmark for sustainable design — being the first LEED Gold Certified building under the Canada Green Building Council in Canada. The success of this project convinced regional council to require a minimum LEED Silver standard for all new municipal buildings.

Conceived as an environmental prototype for the Region of Waterloo, the sustainable building features include photo-voltaic panels, hydronic in-floor heating system, energy recovery ventilators, displacement ventilation, desiccant dehumidification, and a rainwater cistern. Over 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills, and over 20% of the building materials contained recycled content. Additionally, over 30% of the building materials were regionally manufactured.

• This was the first LEED Gold Certified facility in Canada, certified under the CaGBC.
  
• Photovoltaic panels provide 10% of the energy demand
  
• 68% better energy performance than the referenced MNECB building
  
• Hydronic in-floor heating system for radiant heating of garage floor
  
• Energy Recovery Ventilators on all air handling systems
  
• Displacement ventilation and desiccant dehumidification
  
• Over 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfill
  
• Over 20% of the building materials contained recycled content
  

• Over 30% of the building materials were regionally manufactured
  
• Occupancy sensors to control lighting, with system 30% more energy efficient
  
• Rainwater cistern to supply water for toilets, clothes washing, and hose bibs
  
• 60% reduction in indoor water use
  
• CO2 emissions are reduced annually by 89.8 tonnes
  
• Average water consumption reduced annually by approximately 2,800 m3
  
• Earned all 10 Energy Credits under LEED
  
• $21,000 in natural gas and electricity savings annually