Hamilton Health Sciences has achieved another significant milestone in its path to environmental sustainability, earning LEED Gold Certification for the new Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre (RJCHC).
“The Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre is a reflection of years of thoughtful, innovative planning by our staff and construction partners,” says Dr. Peter Fitzgerald, president, McMaster Children’s Hospital. “It’s this collaborative approach that allowed us to create a purpose-built facility that positively impacts our young patients and their families, while minimizing the environmental footprint on our surrounding community.”
Located on a brownfield site in downtown Hamilton, the new Centre consolidates existing ambulatory and rehabilitation programs into a new facility. Stantec Architecture led the design of the new facility as a member of the PPP Proponent Team led by PCL Partnerships Ltd. With a spacious four-storey atrium, full height windows, and outdoor terraces, the facility makes the best use of natural light. The overall design of the facility is intended to create a space where children, youth and adults feel welcomed, engaged, and encouraged, while receiving exceptional care.
The project was certified gold, under LEED Canada New Construction standards, earning 64 points. Highlights include:
- 32 per cent of construction materials utilized recycled content.
- 45 per cent of construction materials were sourced or manufactured locally within 800 km of the project, or within 2400km if shipped by water.
- An energy model predicts 58 per cent less energy use due to implementation of energy efficient technologies such as individual lighting controls for at least 90 per cent of building occupants, and efficient heating and cooling equipment.
- The project benefits from its location in an area characterized by development density and community connectivity, including efficient access to public transit.
- Installation of low-flow fixtures to achieve a water use reduction of 36 per cent.
- 86 per cent of construction and demolition waste was diverted from landfill.
- Building envelope designed to increase thermal resistance.
- Building’s HVAC systems do not use CFC-based refrigerants.
- Project offers sufficient space for storing and collection of recyclables.
- Indoor air quality management plan includes use of low-emitting materials.
- White roof membrane reflects heat, rather than absorbing it.
As design-builder, PCL Constructors delivered the Centre on time and on budget under the Government of Ontario’s Alternative Finance and Procurement (AFP) model.