North Saanich Middle School is a significantly upgraded replacement facility of the existing middle school located next door. The two-storey building serves as an environmental showcase of the practices it teaches.
The mechanical heating/cooling plant includes heat pumps connected to a ground exchange loop beneath the play field with high efficiency condensing boiler back-up. Ventilation air heat recovery, demand control ventilation and displacement ventilation are other strategies used to reduce energy consumption. Rainwater is reclaimed for flushing of toilets and low-flow plumbing fixtures are installed throughout.
Thermal and energy modelling was conducted by AME Group to analyze the design of the thermal chimneys (used to drive natural ventilation) and determine annual energy use. Energy and water meters are installed to support energy management and continuous optimization.
Mechanical highlights include:
- Green design passive design and construction.
- Solar collectors are employed for additional building heating, domestic hot water pre-heat, and field heat re-charge during the summer unoccupied months.
- Energy and water meters are installed to support energy management and continuous optimization.
- LEED Gold Certified