Dockside Green is a new development in inner Victoria which has received the Platinum (best) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating. It mixes residences with retail and commercial spaces and features all sorts of green elements which I'd hoped to learn about first hand from the Dockside Green team at their very well setout but always closed information centre in town. While I didn't have any luck getting into the display room, I did wander around and between the buildings and along the internal wetland. I saw a few wind turbines (not turning) and some banks of photovoltaics (awnings in the photo above).
I didn't find any Dockside Green staff on site but chatted to a resident who is grappling with the transition of downsizing from rural Yukon to an urban condo. Despite that challenge, she seems happy with the way her new home performed in both winter (extreme this last one) and the recent heat wave and its proximity to work and town (she walks to both).
Here are some of the interesting bits about the project...
Developer – Windmill West in collaboration with Vancity and the City of Victoria
Completed 2008
Eco building
New LEED platinum-certified building - first community ever to target LEED Platinum certification for buildings developed in a master planned community.
Green roofs
45-55% less energy than National Energy Code through low-e double-glazing, external sunshading, cfl lighting, solar-powered external lighting, individual unit metering
Eco infrastructure & services
100% fresh air HVAC
Highly water-efficient water fixtures (approx. 65% less consumption than conventional developments)
100% of its sewage treated on site and with the treated water used for flushing toilets, landscape irrigation and water features
wastewood biomass to produce gas that for heating and domestic hot water
Transport
Car share program
Bike trails
Bike racks in each building
Nearby ferry terminal
Transit and a mini-transit shuttle bus
Furnishing & Fitout
Carpet tiles to common areas
Bamboo floors and cabinetry
Cork and salvaged timber flooring
Low or no VOCs
Highly water-efficient water fixtures (approx. 65% less consumption than conventional developments)
To read more, have a look at the company website for Dockside Green
Hello Emma,
ReplyDeleteThat is too bad that you didn't meet up with any of us when you stopped by Dockside Green, my name is Jackie Ross, and I would love to tour you around our project if you are still in town. Please email me at jackie@docksidegreen.ca to set up a time and date.
I look forward to hearing from you,
-Jackie