This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on October 27, 2009.
The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:
Last week, the Greater Saint John Community Foundation’s environment committee hosted an open house at Somerset Square, one of Saint John’s newest developments and the first building in Atlantic Canada to achieve Gold status in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED.
LEED certification is recognized internationally as the highest standard for sustainable and environmentally aware construction. The 25,000 square foot complex, located at the corner of Somerset Street and Wellesley Avenue in the north end, boasts sustainable design features, including the use of recycled building materials, reduced lighting loads, a rainwater collection system, low-flow washroom fixtures and proximity to public transit.
The event gave Saint Johners the opportunity to learn about energy efficiency in both residential and commercial buildings – Saint John Energy, Efficiency New Brunswick and TOSS Solutions were on hand with exhibits and information on energy conservation and sustainability. Guided tours gave attendees a chance to see the many building and design features that have been incorporated into the building’s unique work environment and have helped Somerset Square attain its Gold status. The building itself is a brown field redevelopment, built on restored land that had been contaminated by years of commercial use.
A tremendous amount of planning and foresight goes into developing a building that will meet such stringent environmental and sustainability standards as outlined by LEED.
Somerset Square proves that this is something that can be accomplished, and the building will now serve as an example for future developments in the city and the province. It’s also advantageous in terms of the city’s ability to attract and retain talent in the area.
The quality of a work environment is becoming increasingly important for people in choosing where and how they work.
Many of Somerset Square’s tenants serve dual features in that they are both environmentally and employee friendly – 75 per cent of work spaces have access to daylight and there are operable windows on each floor for fresh air and temperature control.
It also offers preferential parking spots for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles and carpools, bike storage and shower facilities for people who opt to bike, run or walk to work.
The number of enthusiastic Saint Johners who attended last week’s open house demonstrated that people in the city are excited about this new era of development and are keen to support projects that are helping to shift the perceptions and demonstrate that the city is a regional leader in energy efficient and innovative development.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
