Ridgeway Elementary School and the BlueShore Financial Environmental Learning Centre achieve LEED building designations.
At the April 21st public meeting of the North Vancouver Board of Education, the Board commended the School District’s facilities team for achieving LEED designations for Ridgeway Elementary and the BlueShore Financial Environmental Learning Centre at Cheakamus Centre. Ridgeway Elementary was certified for a LEED® Gold rating in January of 2015 and the Environmental Learning Centre’s LEED® Platinum status was certified in March.
“LEED standards set a very high bar in the measurement of sustainable building design,” says John Lewis, superintendent of schools. “We are grateful to the members of our facilities team and the many contractors who supported us in achieving our LEED goals for both projects.”
Ridgeway Elementary is considered to be one of the most significant heritage buildings in North Vancouver. The school’s distinguished Edwardian Baroque façade was fully restored during its rebuilding and the interior and back extension reflect the modern efficiencies required of a LEED® Gold building. Listed on the Canadian Registry of Historic Places, the rebuilt school is an inspiring example of the successful integration of history and sustainability.
Completed in 2012, the Environmental Learning Centre’s “tree-house” design features geothermal water heating, a stormwater harvesting system and other innovations to conserve energy and reduce the Centre’s environmental footprint. The modern design is enhanced by the visible use of wood throughout, which is complemented by the natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. The result is an educational model of green building technology and Cheakamus Centre’s mission of environmental responsibility.
“These LEED designations for both Ridgeway Elementary and the Environmental Learning Centre confirm that we have achieved our sustainability goals for both facilities,” says Cyndi Gerlach, chair of the North Vancouver Board of Education. “The LEED process has affirmed our School District’s commitment to green building practices and providing healthy work and learning environments for our students and staff.”
The North Vancouver School District provides world-class instruction and a rich diversity of engaging programs to over 15,700 students annually, inspiring success for every student and bringing communities together to learn, share and grow. Learn more at: www.sd44.ca
First opened in 1911, over 480 K-7 students are enrolled in Ridgeway Elementary for the 2014/15 school year. Situated between the Lonsdale corridor and Grand Boulevard, the school operates its educational program and serves the local neighbourhood with a heightened respect for the school’s history and heritage in North Vancouver.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) is a building certification process designed to encourage the design and construction of sustainable, energy-efficient and water-conserving buildings. In Canada, green building awards and LEED certification recognition are sponsored by the Canada Green Building Council, a not-for-profit, national organization advancing green building and sustainable community development practices. Learn more at: http://www.cagbc.org
The BlueShore Financial Environmental Learning Centre serves as the gateway to all Cheakamus Centre programs and services including the renowned Outdoor School. Cheakamus Centre is an overnight field school and environmental studies facility located on 420 acres of ecological reserve in Paradise Valley, Squamish, British Columbia. Owned by the North Vancouver School District, the Centre also hosts visitors from around the globe for special events, retreats, conferences, seminars and workshops. Learn more at: http://www.cheakamuscentre.ca/s/elc.asp
For more information, please contact:
Victoria Miles
Communications Manager
North Vancouver School District
604.903.1254 vmiles@sd44.ca
Print copy of News Release - April 22, 2015
