NANAIMO - The Regional District of Nanaimo has adopted an innovative new green building policy that is among the first of its kind in the province. The Green Building Policy for RDN facilities, adopted by the Board of Directors on May 27, features an Integrated Design Process (IDP) as the foundation for all new RDN construction and major renovations.
"With this policy the RDN hopes to increase the number of green buildings in the region, and lead the transition toward greener, more sustainable building in the construction sector," says RDN Board Chair Joe Stanhope.
The IDP establishes a vision, goals and objectives for a building, and relies on a team of design professionals collaborating on projects from start to finish. This sets the stage for a dynamic, flexible and cost-effective approach to green building that recognizes the uniqueness of each situation and maximizes creative input from every member of the design team. The collaborative nature of the IDP makes it easier for designers to plan complementary building systems, and make use of innovative building features early in the process.
The RDN's objectives in using the IDP as the foundation for its Green Building Policy are as follows:
- To ensure that all new construction and renovations undertaken by the RDN falls within the scope of a green building policy, including buildings as well as structures not intended for habitation;
- To ensure that optimal energy performance and maximum reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with building operations are given the highest priority at the outset of all projects;
- To facilitate third-party verified, green building certification (such as through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDŽ) certification process) by giving close consideration to the most appropriate standard to apply at the outset of each project, while retaining the ability to construct high performance, green buildings and structures in circumstances where certification would not be pursued; and
- To minimize the cost of green building features and certification processes by exploring and capitalizing on opportunities at the earliest possible stage in the design process.
Central to the Green Building Policy is the recognition that any new facilities built by the RDN should minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce impact on climate change. This means building facilities that are as energy-efficient as possible, with the ultimate goal of making new RDN facilities carbon neutral by 2030. New facilities will also aim to conserve water, reduce waste, provide healthy working environments for employees, and treat the surrounding environment with sensitivity.
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