High Density Library

LEED Gold

The High Density Library responds to the university’s low-used library material storage needs. The 3,000 square meter LEED Gold building uses strict humidity and temperature controls to preserve books, journals, archival files and museum items that reside in the building. Opening this space in 2010 allowed for additional space in the main campus library for student learning areas, technology resources and high-use materials.

Preventing Sedimentation

Existing vegetation was maintained throughout construction to provide a natural barrier between the activities onsite and nearby sensitive areas. The vegetation east of the building was preserved to provide a natural filter for water-bourne sediment running off of the construction site during rain storms. Vegetation slowed water flow and prevented the contaminant of the adjacent ponds during construction.

Reflective Roof

The roof was specifically designed to be lighter in colour, letting sunlight reflect off the roof and avoiding excess heat from being absorbed into the building. It also helps prevent a heat island effect where urban areas become hotter than their surrounding areas, resulting in higher cooling cost.

Recycled Materials

Requiring product manufacturers to disclose the recycled content of their materials led to greater transparency and more sustainable purchasing decisions. The steel building structure contains high amounts of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials with individual components ranging from 30 per cent to 95 per cent recycled. In total, more than 18 per cent of the materials used in building construction were made of recycled content.

��ɫ��