Biomass Heat Generation
From a building energy perspective — Dockside Green will be the first greenhouse neutral development. Dockside Green will utilize an on-site centralized heat plant that would use waste wood fuel to produce a clean gas that converts to heat for on-site heating and domestic hot water needs. In the event the primary plant experienced a problem, a complete backup for the entire system would be provided by the onsite central boilers.
Buildings are hooked up to this system and the utility rates are consistent with other central plants in the province. This eliminates need for individual boilers in buildings saving residents maintenance and replacement costs.
Onsite Stormwater & Sewage Treatment
Dockside Green has created a pristine natural setting in which stormwater is treated through green roofs and flows via a series of connected naturalized creeks and waterways to achieve LEED® requirements and create a natural urban oasis.
The development treats 100% of its sewage on-site and uses the treated water for flushing toilets, landscape irrigation and water features.
Water Conservation
The potable water consumption at Dockside Green is estimated to be 65% less than traditional developments. This is accomplished by using high performance water fixtures and appliances such as water-efficient dishwashers, washing machines, dual flush toilets, faucets and showers that save water without sacrificing personal comfort. The amount of water saved for the entire development is equivalent to the same amount used in Greater Victoria on the year's driest day.
Energy Conservation
Our buildings are designed to use 45 to 55% less energy than the Canadian Model National Energy Code. This saves residents money while reducing harmful, greenhouse gas emissions.
Our numerous energy saving strategies include; R17 insulation, 4 pipe fan coil system, low-e double glazing and exterior blinds on the west and south faces of the building to keep interior spaces cool. Ask about our “Green Loan™” program.
Healthy Spaces
Most homes and offices are toxic environments. Numerous studies have shown dramatic increases in health, happiness and productivity for people living or working in green buildings. Dockside Green buildings provide 100% fresh air through either a central or individual heat recovery ventilators. We use low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) paints, sealants and adhesives and we avoid the use of ureaformaldehyde composite wood products.
Materials & Resources
We are committed to selecting materials that are durable and environmentally-friendly:
- Carpets are carefully selected based on low emissions and environmental qualities.
- We use more expensive carpet tiles for corridors in the residential buildings as this will reduce long term maintenance and waste for condo owners. In addition, we purchase our tiles from Interface global, a sustainable business leader utilizing their “Cool Carpet™” program which means their products are GHG neutral.
- Bamboo flooring and cabinets are used in the development with upgrade options for other environmentally friendly products like cork flooring.
- We will also be using some salvaged wood products to promote sustainable harvesting practices including working with Triton Logging’s Sawfish™, an environmentally certified, underwater harvesting technology that removes non-living timber submerged by the creation of hydro reservoirs.
- We recycle or reuse 90% of our construction waste.
Alternative Transportation
Alternative transportation strategies at Dockside Green will reduce your reliance on vehicles. Enjoy the car share program, upgraded bike trails and bike racks in each building, harbour ferry dock, and easily accessible public transit.
Other Environmental Commitments
Fly Ash
Approximately one tonne of cement generates, on average, one tonne of CO2 emissions. By partnering with Eco-Smart Concrete to replace cement content with fly ash (a byproduct of coal-fired electricity generation), we will reduce CO2 emissions for the development by 35 to 40 percent. The added benefit of using fly ash is it makes the concrete stronger.
Organic Waste Collection
Residential buildings include recycling rooms for organic waste with collection being undertaken by a local organization. This composting program will make garbage disposals unnecessary, saving the water and energy otherwise required to operate them.
Habitat Creation, Enhancement and Protection
A history of industrial use had left the Dockside Green site with significant contamination of its surface soils, currently covered with pavement, gravel and some minor vegetation. Through a variety of innovative remediation techniques, the entire site will be transformed from a former brownfield site into an internationally recognized sustainable community, full of green space and green architecture.
Integrated Pest Management System
An integrated pest management plan has been prepared and is implemented.
Construction Waste Management – Diversion From Landfill
We divert 90% of our construction waste from landfills which is an aggressive but achievable goal.
Lighting
In accordance with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada light abatement recommendations, all site lighting is full cut-off and designed to eliminate nighttime light pollution.
Environmental Reporting
We provide environmental reports that measure actual results against projected targets, outline accomplishments and identify areas for improvement.
Restoration of Point Ellice Park Shoreline
The existing shoreline along Point Ellice Park has been cleared of invasive shrub and rubbish and replaced with indigenous plantings and natural rock settings that allow pedestrians direct access to the shoreline.
Remediation Approach
Dockside Green's site remediation involved the removal of hazardous waste (mostly contaminated surface soil resulting from the site's long history of industrial use) and risk assessment of other contaminants. The hazardous waste material was treated offsite so the soil can be used elsewhere.
Neighbourhood Rating System
The LEED® Neighborhood Development Rating System integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national system for neighborhood design. LEED® certification provides independent, third-party verification that a development's location and design meet accepted high levels of environmentally responsible, sustainable development. Dockside Green has received a Platinum designation under Stage 2 of the LEED® ND program.