Biological Sciences Building LEED Gold Renovation

This project renovated the 50-year-old, four-storey South and West Wings, providing state-of-the-art lab systems, aquaria, informal research spaces, classrooms, seminar rooms, and gathering spaces for the botany and zoology departments. The energy-efficient systems will save UBC approximately $1 million in utility costs every five years, and drastically reduce its environmental footprint. Construction was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Mechanical Systems Description:

MCW designed the centralized water-to-water heat pumps, providing simultaneous heating and cooling and transferring heat from areas requiring cooling to areas requiring heating. Five main air handling units provide temperature control and ventilation needs specific to space requirements. The supply and relief air ductwork distribution systems are demand-controlled, so energy is only expended when necessary.

Electrical Systems Description:

MCW designed the new unit substation, replacing the existing centre block high voltage vault. The substation has additional capacity to re-feed current loads, freeing adequate capacity to accommodate the new aquatics laboratory load.