UNews - Science Commons

Science Commons first ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge building to earn LEED Gold status for environmental standards

trevor.kenney — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 20:14:20 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has struck gold with the new Science Commons building — achieving LEED Gold status for the first time in its history and further solidifying its commitment to employing environmentally sustainable practices in its construction and operation of campus buildings.

The Wintergarden is heated and cooled naturally by fresh air and a glassed, south facing facade.

“During the design and construction phases of Science Commons there was a very intentional and significant emphasis on sustainable planning,” says Gene Lublinkhof, director, Campus Development. “Having previously achieved LEED Silver status on the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building (AWESB) and Markin Hall (Dhillon School of Business and Faculty of Health Sciences), we have consistently incorporated sustainability practices into both the construction and ongoing operation of our new buildings. To now achieve a gold standing with Science Commons is testament to what we have learned over the years and our commitment to leading the way in sustainability efforts.”

Lublinkhof says the design group (KPMB/Stantec Architects) investigated numerous options around energy generation and conservation and ultimately focussed its efforts on how to achieve long-term sustainability during the operational life of the building.

“The question we asked consistently was how can we use the least energy and operational effort possible while still providing our occupants the highest quality and safest interior environmental conditions?”

Some examples of sustainability features and practices incorporated into Science Commons include:

• Double exterior façade and automated opening windows. This natural ventilation strategy allows building operators to program the windows to open and close to respond to exterior conditions, thereby reducing the energy required for mechanical systems to heat or cool air.

• Automated low flow fume hoods

• Heat recovery technology to reuse thermal energy as it leaves the building to pre-heat or cool incoming air (depending on season)

• Waterless washroom fixtures

• Recirculating cooling system that routes coolant to more energy-intensive scientific instrumentation

• Daylight intensity lighting controls

• Construction strategies to select regionally sourced materials, utilization of low emission adhesives and paints, and reduction of composite materials off-gassing

• PCL Construction separated all construction waste into categories and tracked all outgoing debris to either be recycled or disposed of responsibly

• Continued implementation and enhancement of green caretaking and storage and collection of recyclables previously established in LEED silver projects and utilized throughout campus

Lublinkhof notes the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ employed a number of business strategies that, while not mandated by LEED, significantly enhanced the building’s sustainability. One such strategy resulted in an award for Lethbridge’s SMP Engineering.

“We recognized LED lighting technology was advancing quickly and prices were falling,” says Lublinkhof. “Understanding there would be significant time between lighting design and actual fixture installation, we held off on selecting the fixtures until the last possible minute, giving us the most up-to-date lighting technology at the best possible cost.”

In the end, the Lethbridge office of SMP Engineering earned a province-wide honour, the DE Frost Award for Lighting Excellence.

“The integrated sustainable design strategies we conceptualized in 2015 are now paying dividends and Science Commons is a proud achievement for our entire team and our university,” adds Lublinkhof. “Our focus now turns to repurposing ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall. It was built when sustainability wasn’t even a consideration, and as we renovate and restore interior finishes in the vacated laboratory spaces, we have the opportunity to look towards the future and transform an iconic building into an energy efficient and modern facility.”

What is LEED?

LEED refers to Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design and uses 60-plus criteria to gauge the ability of a project to meet rigorous environmental standards established by the Canada Green Building Council in seven major categories. These categories include sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation in design, and regional priority. Each project must apply for LEED status and, after being judged, is rated on a point scale.

Exhaust stacks removed from ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall

trevor.kenney — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 20:42:00 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall had a little taken off the top this past week. Call it a crew cut reminiscent of the style of its original look from 1971, the year the iconic Arthur Erickson designed building was completed — the exhaust stacks are gone.

The clean lines of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall have been reclaimed.

A total of 27 stacks were erected over the years as necessary updates to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall to meet modern laboratory ventilation standards and provide a safe work environment primarily in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s biology and chemistry labs. When the sciences moved into the new Science Commons facility in September 2019, one of the first orders of business was to decommission the stacks and take them down.

“The removal of the exhaust stacks was envisioned early in the design process for Science Commons,” says Gene Lublinkhof, director of Campus Development. “The stacks were necessary but I’m not sure anyone could honestly say they looked great, so we are pleased to see them taken down.”

Removing the stacks is more than symbolic, it marks the starting point of the second phase of the Destination Project, which includes the redevelopment of spaces within the original ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall.

A before look of the many stacks that adorned the roof of the iconic building.

“The building is testament to civic and university leadership’s bold vision to establish a comprehensive liberal arts university in southern Alberta,” adds Lublinkhof. “It set the tone and established the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as a permanent and important institution for our region.”

Recently, the provincial government made a $20-million commitment to the renewal of the central heating and cooling plant within ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, a crucial step in the rehabilitation of the building. The new plant replaces one far past its life expectancy and will greatly enhance the energy sustainability of the U of L, ensuring continued reliability of the campus infrastructure.

“With the 50th anniversary of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall’s opening approaching, we are excited to work on revitalization plans of what really is a Lethbridge landmark,” adds Lublinkhof of the world-renowned building. “While we have had strong maintenance strategies throughout the years, and continually upgraded to meet building and fire codes, we still face a number of challenges as we embark on this rehabilitation plan, simply with some of the original mechanical and electrical systems being 50 years old.”

Much needs to be done before that work begins, including the establishment of a master plan for the now open spaces. For now, purists can revel in the return of the flat top to Erickson’s iconic work.

Local company donates unique boardroom table to U of L

caroline.zentner — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 20:29:57 +0000

The floating meeting room in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Science Commons proudly boasts a one-of-a-kind boardroom table designed and built by Millwork Innovations.

“We do a lot of work with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and we have built a fantastic relationship over the years,” says Willy Reger, president of Millwork Innovations. “For us, it’s important to say thank you for the relationship we have had and will continue to have in the future.”

The entire table weighs around a tonne and features two stainless-steel legs, each weighing around 300 kilograms.

“We met with a local welder here in town to make the legs for the table,” says Jill Chouinard, vice-president at Millwork Innovations. “We came up with the leg design and drafted up a large table to fit the needs of the space.”

“Each leg was craned up from the atrium below,” says Reger. “The top is black walnut with a clear finish and solid-wood nosing all around, with the stainless-steel legs protruding through the top.”

The table will be unveiled on Friday, Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m. in SA9008 of Science Commons. Reger and Millwork Innovations staff, along with ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ representatives, will be in attendance.

The investment is part of the U of L’s SHINE campaign and highlights the relationship with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s corporate partners and their support of a knowledge-driven future where faculty and students work to discover new solutions to perplexing problems and enabling positive change. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s SHINE campaign continues to garner unprecedented donor support and has currently raised $88 million toward its $100-million goal.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ sets multiple enrolment records for start of Fall 2019 semester

trevor.kenney — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 22:13:34 +0000

On the heels of opening Science Commons, Canada’s most advanced facility for scientific research and education, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has set multiple enrolment records to begin the Fall 2019 semester.

Current total enrolment for the fall term is a U of L record at 8,956 students, representing a 2.2 per cent increase over last year’s enrolment of 8,767 students.

“It’s very exciting to see that students are responding to the amazing opportunities we have here at the U of L by making our school and our southern Alberta community their choice,” says Kathleen Massey, the U of L’s associate vice-president (students). “It’s also great to see that our growth is balanced, representing undergraduate, graduate, Indigenous and international students. All segments of our student body have seen measured increases, which is testament to the excellence of our faculty, staff and program offerings across the board.”

Both the U of L’s Lethbridge and Calgary campuses boast impressive growth. The Lethbridge campus is now home to a record 8,265 students, an increase of 2.1 per cent over last fall, while the Calgary campus increased 2.7 per cent to 691 students.

Undergraduate student number hits all-time high

This year’s enrolment totals include a record number of undergraduate students, up 2.1 per cent to 8,318. Of the many factors contributing to that increase, the opening of Science Commons has to be considered a key driver. New Fall 2019 registrants to Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science are up over 26 per cent from last year, while total BSc registrants are up nearly 10 per cent.

Graduate students recognizing opportunity

The number of graduate students is also at a record high, up 2.4 per cent to 638 students.

“Our graduate students now make up 7.1 per cent of our total student population,” says Massey. “More and more, the U of L is being recognized as a university that provides both an unparalleled undergraduate student experience, as well as a challenging and rewarding graduate student education.”

Indigenous student numbers continue to rise

The U of L is a leading voice in reconciliation initiatives and strives to create an inclusive and welcoming campus atmosphere for Indigenous students, as reflected in continuing steady enrolment growth.

In each of the past three years, Indigenous student enrolment has increased, and this year’s numbers reflect a new record, with Indigenous student enrolment up an impressive 9.4 per cent to 561 students. Indigenous students now represent 6.3 per cent of the total student population.

International students taking notice

One of the most impressive enrolment numbers of the fall is that of international students, increasing by 17 per cent to 572 students. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has made it a priority to attract the international student audience and students are responding. International students now make up 6.4 per cent of the total student population.

“The U of L campus community represents 95 countries and is a diverse cultural mosaic,” adds Massey. “What our international students add to our campus is immeasurable. This diversity provides an invaluable opportunity for all of our students, faculty and staff to benefit from an enriching learning environment that reflects many different perspectives and world views.”

Other numbers of note include an increase in new high school students, up to 1,287 from 1,246 in Fall 2018, while the new transfer student population climbed to 856 students from 791 in Fall 2018, an increase of 8.2 per cent.

Opening of Science Commons ushers in new era for ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge

trevor.kenney — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:30:42 +0000

A new era in scientific research and education has dawned with today’s official opening of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s $280-million Science Commons.

The spectacular facility, which brings together the departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Physics & Astronomy and Psychology, is designed to foster transdisciplinary research by providing exceptional opportunities for collaboration and discovery.

At 38,500 sq. metres, it is the largest development on the U of L campus since the original construction of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall began in 1969.

“The history of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is steeped in a tradition of community visionaries coming together to make the improbable possible, just as they did in establishing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ over 50 years ago,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, U of L president and vice-chancellor. “It took a great community effort to bring the dream of Science Commons together as well. From our incredible faculty and staff, to alumni and donors, our Board of Directors and Senate and all our partners throughout southern Alberta, Science Commons will stand as a testament to visionary thought and perseverance and represent the very best our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has to offer.”

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the addition of Science Commons at the U of L is a boon for the province.

“On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I congratulate the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge on the opening of Science Commons,” says Kenney “This facility will help thousands of students to learn, innovate and collaborate for decades to come. This project will receive $260 million from Alberta taxpayers, underscoring our province’s commitment to scientific progress, which is critical to our long-term prosperity.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education, adds that the province’s investment will bolster intellectual capital and strengthen the economy.

“The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has an outstanding reputation for discovery research. The addition of this state-of-the-art facility will further attract international students and inspire more innovation, creativity and growth,” says Nicolaides. “A modern university research centre brings top talent and business to Alberta which builds the workforce and supports a stronger economy.”

Setting the stage for the next 50 years of scientific discovery and education at the U of L, Science Commons is a facility where science transcends disciplines. Large, flexible lab spaces designed with a shared-space ideology encourage collisions among researchers with diverse backgrounds and approaches. Researchers at all stages of their careers, from postdocs to doctoral, masters and undergraduate students and from kindergarten to Grade 12 will come together, sparking conversations and igniting discovery.

Setting the stage for the next 50 years of scientific discovery and education at the U of L, Science Commons is a facility where science transcends disciplines.

“From the outset, the vision of our faculty members was to stay true to our liberal education roots. The key to the success of this facility is to foster a culture of discovery and innovation that is outward-facing, responsive to societal needs and inspires the next generation,” says Dr. Matthew Letts, interim dean for the Faculty of Arts & Science. “Science Commons will build upon our collaborative approach to research and our experiential approach to learning.”

The facility also creates greater opportunity for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to build on its relationships with southern Alberta industry partners.

“The U of L has long been an economic driver in our community and Science Commons will expand our ability to foster partnerships as we translate knowledge from the lab to industry,” adds Mahon.

Dr. Ute Kothe, a researcher in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, says the world-class research already being conducted at the U of L will be further enhanced by the amenities within Science Commons.

“This building will draw scientists to Lethbridge, and that will really ensure we are bringing the best minds to Lethbridge to conduct world-class research here,” says Kothe. “They will work in state-of-the-art facilities and they will learn to work collaboratively because this is really the philosophy of the U of L — to bring people together and cross disciplinary boundaries and generate the best ideas.”

With glass the defining design feature of Science Commons, it embodies the concept of science on display, serving as an open invitation to the public to see the world’s brightest minds as they work to solve today’s greatest challenges. Further, the facility offers dedicated spaces that will double the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s capacity for science outreach activities — a true science centre for southern Alberta.

“What makes Science Commons so extraordinary is by the manner in which the architecture and the facility have been structured to foster research, teaching, collaborative space, public space, all in a domain that actually brings together multidisciplinary researchers and the public at large,” says Dr. Fred Wrona, chief scientist, Alberta Environment and Parks, Government of Alberta.

Students are taking notice. New Fall 2019 registrants to Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science are up over 23 per cent from last year, while total BSc registrants are up nearly 10 per cent.

“The open concept allows for a lot of collaboration between different labs, so I’m excited to learn with new tools and new techniques that I might not have had access to before,” says Catrione Lee, a fourth-year biochemistry student.

Already one of the country’s leading research universities, Science Commons positions the U of L at the forefront of science research and education, inspiring the next generation of research scientists and setting the stage for an unprecedented era of discovery.

Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, Alberta Innovates Strategic Chair in RNA Bioengineering, Tier I Board of Governors Research Chair in Biomolecular Design and Function and the founding director of the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), is succinct in his appraisal of Science Commons.

“I’m convinced that this facility is the best facility for research and science education in Canada.”

UPDATE

Just prior to the offical opening ceremony, Science Commons was blessed and elder Francis First Charger bestowed the Blackfoot name Isttaniokaksini on the facility. Its meaning refers to deep knowledge and awareness rising out of the unknown into the known.

UNews - Science Commons

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