Langara College Library
As part of Langara’s long term sustainable development plan, the new on-campus Library is seeking LEED Gold Certification.
The Langara College Library represents the College’s active commitment to sustainable development. Currently under construction, this project will bring an additional 80,000 ft 2 of academic space to the campus. The project mandates a heavy green philosophy with energy efficiency as one of the top priorities.
Cobalt Engineering provided mechanical design services to help Langara meet its sustainable goals. Some of the key sustainable features include wind-driven natural ventilation and an optimized building envelope. Thermal mass, building shape, and orientation were used to create an aerodynamic building equipped with wind towers.
Significant energy savings was derived from tempering supply air by using an earth-tempered system combined with an earth-source energy heat-pump. Radiant heating and cooling was incorporated to further minimize energy consumption. An underfloor displacement ventilation system will further contribute to energy savings, while delivering 100% fresh outdoor air to improve the overall indoor environmental quality.
The combination of passive and active design elements has resulted in an estimated energy savings of more than 65% compared to the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. This building will serve as an excellent example of the possibilities of green design to the students, faculty, and community alike.
