News Release
BACKGROUNDER
Richardson College for the
Environment & Science Complex
November 13, 2008
Project Features
· The new Richardson College for the Environment & Science Complex 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.
· The new science complex is a catalyst for cutting-edge innovation and research at the University and substantial renewal of the Spence neighbourhood of Winnipeg.
· The building housing the Richardson College for the Environment and the Science Complex will be 155,000 square feet which adds 15 per cent to the built facilities of the campus.
· The total project cost will be $58,707,563, which includes $3.819 million land and site costs, $40.8 million constructions costs, $12.088 million in LEED Commissioning and project soft costs and $2.0 million for furniture and equipment costs.
· This project 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:
o Four-storey Atrium as a collaboration venue built incorporating reclaimed wood from the Roller Rink previously on the site
o Comprehensive daylighting strategies
o Innovative glass technology
· Incorporating distinctive Labs of the 21st Century elements:
o Innovative laboratory systems
o Energy recovery from lab exhaust air by heat recovery wheel
o 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.
o 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.
· Enhances scientific research and will attract world-class experts to the University to engage in research and dialogue in key areas of specialty – the global north, urban ecology, water stewardship and indigenous science.
· UWinnipeg Science students and researchers to have access to state-of-the-art labs and technology to excel in their chosen field of study. The new complex allows for improved core academic programs and enables UWinnipeg to take a leadership role and provide innovative programming, especially to community members within our learning precinct.
· Eco-Kids will provide opportunities for Aboriginal and inner-city children to explore the relationship between culture, science, and the environment and link the Aboriginal community’s traditional teachings with science curriculum.
Key Milestones
· 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. This money will aid in construction of The University of Winnipeg’s new 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.
· October 15, 2008 – Dr. Michael Mehta a leading scholar in nanotechnology, climate change and other pressing health and environmental risk issues becomes Richardson College for Environment’s founding Principal.
· October 20, 2008 – Board of Regents approved the first phase of the construction of the Richardson College for the Environment with the awarding of the tender for excavation and shoring contract.
· November 13, 2008 – Inaugural groundbreaking for Richardson College for Environment and Science Complex.