City of Calgary

Cardel Place, a flexible, multiuse regional recreation and education centre serving the residents of Panorama Hills, a rapidly growing neighborhood of Calgary, provides a six-lane, 25-metre pool with recreational component, fitness facilities, a three-court gymnasium, an ice arena, and a library, on a site adjacent to two high schools. The 195,000 sf complex is the product of a public partnership that included the City of Calgary Parks and Recreation, the Nose Creek Sport and Recreation Association, the Calgary Public Library, and two school authorities.

During the schematic design phase, the city of Calgary mandated that city-funded public facilities must achieve LEED Silver certification at a minimum. Although Cardel Place was not subject to the mandate, innovative sustainable solutions incorporated into the design enabled the facility to surpass this requirement and earn a LEED Gold rating. Signs throughout the facility explain the building’s sustainable features to the public.

The combination of ice rink and pool within the same facility makes possible an innovative exchange of heat and cooling: Cooling from the ice rink is used to dehumidify pool air, and heat from the arena ice plant and from the building’s cogeneration system is captured and redeployed elsewhere in the building. Waterless urinals, low-flush toilets, and electronic faucets save over 1 million liters of water per year. Abundant windows and natural light reduce lighting energy consumption and provide daylight and views to 90% of interior spaces.

• Erosion control plan prevents sedimentation of local waterways
• Project is accessible via public transportation
• Bicycle storage and changing rooms encourage alternative transportation
• Compact building footprint minimizes site disturbance
• Stormwater retention pond prevents increase in stormwater runoff capacity
• Low-absorption, high-emissivity roofing reduces heat-island effect
• Exterior lighting minimizes ambient light pollution

• Waste heat is captured from arena ice plant and cogeneration system and redeployed elsewhere in building
• “Free cooling” from outside air, rink refrigeration, and snow melt is used for cooling
• Fresh air is delivered from the floor instead of from the ceiling level, saving energy and promoting health of building occupants
• Signage throughout facility educates the public on the facility’s green design features
• Maintenance personnel are instructed in green housekeeping strategies and techniques

• Abundant windows and natural light reduce lighting energy consumption
• 90% of spaces receive daylight and views
• Carbon dioxide monitoring, nonsmoking environment, and low-emitting adhesives, sealants, and carpet preserve indoor air quality
• Construction IAQ management plan implemented during construction and before occupancy

• Recycling program implemented in building
• 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills
• Building materials contain 10% recycled content
• 20% of building materials are locally manufactured, and 50% are locally harvested
• Wood products are certified by Forest Stewardship Council

• High-efficiency boilers and pumps reduce energy consumption
• HCFC- and halon-free refrigeration and fire-suppression equipment prevent ozone depletion
• Permanent thermal monitoring system optimizes human comfort
• 50% of building’s electricity comes from renewable sources
• Light sensors adjust electric lighting levels to reduce energy consumption
• In-slab radiant heating system minimizes heating costs

• Hardy, native vegetation minimizes irrigation requirements
• Waterless urinals, low-flush toilets, and electronic faucets reduce potable water usage by more than 30% from baseline

• Multi-component aquatic facility featuring a four-lane, 25-meter lifestyle pool
• Fitness and weight room facility
• Triple gymnasium
• Two NHL-size ice arenas
• Calgary Public Library
• Community meeting rooms and offices
• Pro shop
• Food services