Volume 3 - Program & Project Ideas (PDF - 4.5 - Natural Life Network
Volume 3 - Program & Project Ideas (PDF - 4.5 - Natural Life Network
Volume 3 - Program & Project Ideas (PDF - 4.5 - Natural Life Network
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<strong>Natural</strong> Resources Canada – Community Energy Systems<br />
- Case study: Victoria, BC<br />
A car park, built in the Victoria Technology Park, eliminated the need for tree shading.<br />
The car park surface was constructed using a plastic grid with gravel on top of it. This<br />
allowed storm waters to be absorbed and retained on the roof (eliminating the storm<br />
water impact) and reduced the ambient temperature.<br />
The Vancouver Island Technology Park is the first project in Canada to achieve Gold<br />
certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy &<br />
Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System. It has also received a BOMA Earth<br />
Award (sponsored by BC Hydro PowerSmart), National Research Council award and<br />
many others.<br />
For additional information contact Alex Zimmerman, Canada Green Building Council Tel.: (250)<br />
483-3242. E-mail: azimmerman@cagbc.org or see LEED case<br />
http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Certified_<strong>Project</strong>s/0113VITPcaseStudy2.pdf<br />
L.2.3 Street trees<br />
(See shade trees)<br />
Planting trees and bushes can help reduce urban temperatures as well as make<br />
municipalities greener. By providing shade and reducing urban temperatures, vegetation<br />
can save energy.<br />
• Branches and leaves provide shade and reduce wind speed.<br />
• Evapo-transpiration from leaves cools surrounding air.<br />
• Leaves filter dangerous pollutants from the air.<br />
• Leaves twigs and branches block sound and water causing erosion.<br />
• Roots, leaves and trunks provide habitat for bird, insects and wildlife.<br />
• Roots stabilize soil and prevent erosion.<br />
Above: Trees in downtown Halifax, NS<br />
Draft 4/11/2005 52