ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Two Algonquin College buildings receive prestigious LEED sustainable building certifications

Algonquin College is proud to announce that two of its buildings have received prestigious and globally recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications, showcasing the College's commitment to green building and environmental sustainability.

After extensive review and collaboration, the Canadian Green Building Council has bestowed LEED Silver Certification to the College's Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) and LEED Gold Certification to its DARE District. These buildings join the growing ranks of the College's LEED-recognized structures, alongside the Gold Certified Perth and Pembroke campus buildings and the Platinum Certified Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence. This means that every College building opened since 2011 has received LEED recognition - a monumental achievement.

LEED certifications are based on a point system that reflects various efforts to create green, human-focused environments. Structures are recognized for everything ranging from optimized energy efficiency and rainwater management to light pollution reduction and bicycle infrastructure, with the goal of promoting built environments that are environmentally sustainable and support the well-being of occupants.

The ARC building was initially designed with the goal of reaching the base LEED Certification, but through the meticulous and remarkable efforts of the College's people - including the Students' Association, the Facilities Management team and external partners - the ARC secured the elevated Silver Certification. Additionally, the ARC was awarded with the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Gold Certification last year, further showcasing the College's commitment to human-centred design and adding to its design and sustainability accolades. 

"The recognition of the ARC and DARE District is further proof of the College's commitment to students, employees and the broader community," said Duane McNair, Vice President, Finance and Administration. "By pursuing LEED certification throughout the construction process, the College has situated itself as a voice for green building, responsible development and people-focused design."