On Friday, January 20, the Badlands Community Facility became recognized as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) certified facility.
“We are very proud that the Badlands Community Facility was built to meet the LEED silver Design.” Mayor Terry Yemen said, “The BCF is now recognized internationally as a green building because it meets the criteria of being energy efficient and environmentally friendly.”
The BCF was designed to be LEED certified before its construction but because of the lengthy verification process the BCF only received accreditation now. A building must have reduced energy consumption and waste to be LEED certified.
“The LEED award scheme is an in depth analysis of all aspects of the building from design to operations and the impact they have on energy conservation,” said Julia Fielding Economic Development and Communications Officer. “LEED supports the development of sustainable buildings to create a healthier environment for visitors as well as reducing energy consumption and reducing waste.”
According to Mayor Yemen, “The BCF has a 47 percent stake energy cost reduction over a standard building. The primary energy efficiency measure include: the installation of condensing boilers; heat recovery ventilation air, heavier insulation in the roof and walls, an efficient lighting design with the use of windows and the use of occupancy sensors, and the installation of demand controlled ventilation on outdoor air. The BCF has an operational and maintenance plan that avoids the use of chemicals for interior and exterior cleaning, avoids the use of salt for removal of snow, ice, and pesticides for landscaping. The BCF has a water system that uses efficient-technology to reduce typical water use; a landscape waste program that diverts waste by mulching and composting, bike racks for employee and visitor use, showers and change rooms, priority parking for carpooling. These are all measures that earned significant points to achieve our silver LEED designation.”
Drumheller’s BCF joined only 2,800 other buildings which have gained this award since the program was introduced in 2004. The BCF is the first in Drumheller to be LEED certified.
Mayor Yemen said, “The Town of Drumheller identifies the BCF as the community’s social and cultural hub, where an incredible range of activities take place. Drumheller residents can be proud that we own a building at the silver level.”
