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AERL - Aquatic Ecosystem Resource Laboratory

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Location

2202 Main Mall, UBC
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6T 1A1

Content Type
  • Building
Certifications & Awards
project team

Summary

The Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory (AERL) is a four story, 6000 m facility that serves as an interdisciplinary research facility at the University of British Columbia for

  • The UBC Fisheries Centre (FC)
  • The Institute for Resources Environment and Sustainability (IRES)
  • The BC Fisheries Research Unit (BCFU)

Completed in 2006 AERL features a state-of-the-art Immersion Laboratory that simulates real-time underwater and coastal habitats. The Canada Green Building Council has awarded LEED-BC Gold Certification to UBC-AERL. A large central atrium acts as a natural ventilation stack and eliminates the need for mechanical ventilation systems. In the summer, concrete surfaces are naturally cooled in the evening, providing radiant cooling for the upper three floors during the day. Thanks to the efforts of AERL staff and student volunteers, this is the only facility on the UBC Point Grey campus to have a building-wide composting program.

Sustainable Sites

Located at the UBC Point Grey Campus on the University Main Mall and close to University Boulevard, AERL provides excellent access to public transportation, and a covered bike area with showers for cyclists.

Energy & Atmosphere

AERL is organized around a central atrium that connects all four levels providing visual interest and space for natural ventilation via thermal stack effect.

Overall the building saves approximately 301.3 MWh of energy and reduces the amount of equivalent CO2 by 40.5% per year. To further offset CO2 AERL purchased Green Power Certificates equivalent to 100% of the buildings electrical consumption.

Water Efficiency

AERL uses no water for irrigation and reduces the amount of potable water used for faucets and toilets by 41%.

Materials & Resources

AERL diverted 77% of its construction waste away from the landfill. The building also contains 24% recycled materials & 46% of all the materials used are regionally manufactured.

Indoor Environmental Quality

AERL made extensive use of Low VOC products including adhesives, sealants, paints & carpets. Also urea-formaldehyde free cabinetry & countertops were used throughout the building.

Innovation in Design

AERL achieved exemplary performance in Recycled Content, Water Use Reduction, 100% Green Power and Regional Materials.