The long awaited opening of our English Bay location is fast approaching. The design and construction of this restaurant has to be considered very carefully as we are targeting a LEED GOLD Certification for it. Sustainability has always been a priority of ours, we were a founding member of the Green Table Network and our menu is Ocean Wise approved. A LEED GOLD certified restaurant, one of the first in Canada, would be a huge win for us and the environment.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods. Here are a just a few of the things we are doing at English Bay while we aim for LEED Gold certification:
- 75% of the material waste used in construction were either salvaged or recycled.
- Over 50% of all wood used is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council of Canada)
- At least 20% of all materials were extracted or manufactured within 800 km of the restaurant site.
- Parking spots for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles will be provided. (a staff carpooling spot will be reserved)
- Employees will be encouraged to travel to work by bicycle with the provision of bike storage and private change and shower areas.
- The creation of a green, “living” roof (by the same company contracted for the Vancouver Convention Centre and Vancouver’s Olympic Village) to reduce energy consumption
- One herb garden on the second floor.
- Landscaping for the restaurant, as well as the surrounding parks board greenery, will be irrigated with rainwater. (it’s not just collected from the roof, the rainwater litre is underground)
- Preservation and protection of the original old maple trees in the immediate area was a priority.
- The restaurant team will be committed to composting as much organic material as possible, as well as recycling all materials (Parks Board will not pick up any of our recycling)
- Advanced exhaust and make-up air system reduces energy by at least 30%
- Energy efficiencies considered in all aspects of design from tripled glazed windows, to radiant heating and heat recovery systems
- 90% daylight and views for guests
