News Backgrounder

Science Complex And Richardson College For The Environment

• The new Science Complex is a catalyst for cutting-edge innovation, research and development, and incubation and commercialization at the University

• Enhances scientific research and will attract world-class experts to the University and to Manitoba to engage in research and dialogue in key areas of specialty including the global north, urban ecology, water stewardship, “green chemistry”, and indigenous science.

• UWinnipeg science students and researchers will have access to state-of-the-art labs and technology to excel in their chosen fields of study. The new complex allows for improved core academic programs and enables UWinnipeg to take a leadership role and provide innovative programming.

• Model School for Science and Sustainability will have a lab in the new facility providing opportunities for Aboriginal and inner-city children to explore the relationship between science and the environment and link the Aboriginal community's traditional teachings with science curriculum.

• The new Science Complex and Richardson College for the Environment will fulfill UWinnipeg's new sustainability policy, which places environmental sustainability, energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gases as guideposts for all university operations, activities and plans.

• This project will provide substantial renewal for downtown Winnipeg and the Spence neighbourhood in particular.

• The building housing the Science Complex and Richardson College for the Environment will be 155,000 square feet which adds 15 per cent to the built facilities of the campus.

• The total building cost will be just under $60 million

• The project will create approximately 750 jobs over the next two years, with an additional 30-50 faculty and staff positions added to the University in the next five years. .

• This building has been designed by Number 10 Architects of Winnipeg, one of Canada's leading green architectural firms.

• The Science Complex consists of 19 state-of-the-art instructional labs and, in addition, 36 per cent of the total laboratory space is dedicated to scientific research activities.

• The new Science Complex is a model of green building technology and will be constructed to a minimum LEED Silver Standard with a goal of achieving a maximum of energy efficiency.

• It will be a “signature building” utilizing innovative technology to set a standard for future development:

• Four-storey atrium as a collaboration venue built incorporating reclaimed wood from the roller rink previously on the site

• Comprehensive daylighting strategies

• Innovative glass technology

• Incorporating distinctive laboratories with 21^st Century elements:

• Innovative laboratory systems

• Energy recovery from lab exhaust air by heat recovery wheel

• Dramatically redesigned mechanical system requirements by setting the level of air exchanges on actual usage at any time; i.e. vacant labs set at low exchange rates.

• Some ventilated benches replace traditional fume hoods utilizing 25 per cent less air.

• Exceeds 64 per cent savings in energy costs when compared to the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB) and incorporates other elements as recognized by Manitoba Hydro Power Smart program design criteria.

• September 12, 2006 - Hartley Richardson, President & Chief Executive Officer, James Richardson & Sons Limited, announced lead gift totaling $3.5 million from the Richardson Firm, Family and Foundation to establish The Richardson College for the Environment and a green corridor at The University of Winnipeg.

• November 16, 2006 - Manitoba Premier Gary Doer announced a $25-million capital investment in the University to aid in constructing The University of Winnipeg's Science Complex at Portage Avenue & Langside Street.

• 2007 to the Present - Engaged all building users in a comprehensive integrated design process.

• July 2007 - The University acquired the land for the new Furby-Langside Campus which will be linked to the Portage Commons of the main campus via the development of a green corridor.