The Centre for Conservation is a LEED Building!

The Centre for Conservation (CFC) is a certified LEED building. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This means it was built with concern for my habitat. There are five key areas of human and environmental health for LEED buildings. First is sustainable site development. Architects ensured the building was placed in the proper spot for optimum use of natural resources and blend with the natural environment. The second key area is Water Efficiency. The CFC collects rainwater off the roof to flush the toilets. After flushing this water is treated onsite and returned to the earth. The sewage treatment goes through a 3 step process. First the septic tank separates and digests sewage by using anaerobic bacteria. Second the Waterloo Biofilter adds fanned air to the sewage and aerobic bacteria consumes the waste products and chemicals. The resulting water is cleaner than the water we collect off the roof. Lastly, the water travels through shallow disposal trenches which have perforated side to allow the the water to feed the surrounding forest.

Part of the water treatment system in Ball's Falls Centre for Conservation

The third key is Energy Efficiency. At the CFC natural light is used as much as possible and when additional lighting is required automatic timers are utilized. The fourth key is the Material Selection is an area in which a LEED building must be sustainable. The CFC is composed of local materials with recycled content, helping it blend with the environment and reduce transportation pollution. When building was constructed all the waste was kept to a minimum and every bit was sorted and recycled for new building materials. The fifth key concern, Indoor Environmental Quality. The ventilation system automatically brings in air as needed and transfers the heat or cool from the air leaving the building to the air coming in saving energy. In the winter the floors are heated through pipes that take the heat from the earth and transfer it to the floor. This building is a great example of using natural and local resources in our community and it is a great neighbour for me and all my forest friends. For more information on how a Waterloo Biofilter works visit The Waterloo Biofilter Website.

The Waterloo Biofilter System