Our LEED®-Certified Building

In early 2011, Guelph Hydro's Southgate Road facility received LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the Canada Green Building Council.

The 3,344 square metre addition built in 2005/2006 features many energy-efficient and sustainable characteristics including:

• A ground-source geothermal heating and cooling system
• High-efficiency plumbing and lighting
• Drought-resistant and native species landscaping.

As a result of the energy-efficient design features, the building consumes 43 per cent less energy than the minimum requirements for energy efficiency set out in the National Resources Canada Model National Energy Code for Buildings. Water use is 20 per cent lower than LEED® baseline measurements.

Environmentally sustainable features

• A geothermal heat pump system uses the ground's natural temperature to provide clean and renewable heating and cooling for the building
• A building automation system regulates air temperature and humidity thereby enabling more efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning
• Timers control all building lights
• Skylights and large windows provide natural lighting
• Windows can be opened and closed to enable the flow of fresh air
• High-efficiency plumbing fixtures, including low-flow faucets and toilets, reduce water use
• Designated carpool parking spots as well as bike racks and showers encourage employees to bike to and from work to help reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from personal vehicles
• Drought tolerant and native plant species eliminate the need for landscape irrigation, excessive fertilization and pest control
• Local and recycled construction materials are used throughout the building
• GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® office furniture is 100 per cent biodegradable and/or recyclable and meets strict chemical emissions limits, which contribute to the creation of healthier interiors
• Low volatile organic compound paints, coatings and adhesives improve indoor air quality
• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems do not use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or hydro fluorocarbon-based (HFC) refrigerants

Interested in a tour of our LEED-certified building?
Please email: Sustainability@GuelphHydro.com