UBC Technology Enterprise Facility III
In addition to being the first LEED Certified research facility, it is also the second project in Canada to achieve LEED Silver.
Located on the UBC Campus, the Technology Enterprise Facility (TEF) III is a 6-storey, 103,416 ft 2 multi-disciplinary research and development facility. As the third largest building on campus, it was designed to accommodate office, information technology, and biotechnology tenants. Design goals focused on sustainability, including improved energy and water performances.
Cobalt provided mechanical design services to help UBC reach its target of LEED Silver. A variety of energy conservation measures were incorporated, such as a high efficiency full-modulating condensing boiler and a high efficiency chiller serving a 4-pipe fan coil HVAC system. Bi-stable vortex fume hoods reduced operating costs by 50% compared to traditional fume hood design through a reduction in airflow capacity.
Energy efficient design solutions resulted in a 35% improvement in energy performance compared to the MNECB baseline. Water objectives were achieved through the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures, waterless urinals, and dual flush toilets. This reduced water consumption by 48%, which translates into a savings of 2.95 million litres annually.
Other sustainable features include minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment through the selection of locally sourced and recycled materials. Indoor air quality was enhanced through the careful selection low-emitting VOC materials and finishes, resulting in an improved learning environment for students and faculty.
