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Canada Green Building Council and BC Hydro recognize performance of Olympic venues

Vancouver, BC — The International Media Centre at Robson Square was the host venue for the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) awards ceremony recently that highlighted the achievements of the green builders and innovators in reaching for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status for over 31 Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic venues. 

In partnership with BC Hydro, CaGBC honoured the Province of British Columbia, VANOC, the cities of Vancouver, Richmond, and the Resort municipality of Whistler for their global leadership in sustainability. 

“By committing to building venues and Athletes’ villages to LEED Canada building rating system, the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games have created an environmental legacy which will benefit British Columbians and Canadians for years to come” says Thomas Mueller, CaGBC President & CEO. “From a buildings’ perspective these are the greenest Olympics ever,” he says.

“Through participation in BC Hydro’s Power Smart programs, VANOC and its partners have dramatically improved energy efficiency and performance of 2010 Winter Games venues,” said Bev Van Ruyven, acting president and CEO, BC Hydro. “The conservation measures implemented at a number of these venues are expected to save more than 18 gigawatt hours of electricity annually ‐ enough to power more than 1,600 homes for an entire year.” 

New facilities like the Richmond Olympic Oval are demonstrating savings of 878,000 kWh or 15% and most impressively the Vancouver Olympic Village is designed for a reduction in energy use by 53% or savings of 11,500,000 kWh. "These facilities not only made improvements in energy performance but  a range of environmental measures including water efficiency, healthy materials and better indoor air quality. They demonstrate the growing commitment and expertise in Canada to constructing environmentally responsible buildings.” says Thomas Mueller, CaGBC President & CEO.

February 24, 2010  By Newswire