Green Buildings: Mountain Equipment Co-op
back to ...
GREEN MAP

Green Buildings

Other MEC stores:

The Winnipeg Mountain Equipment Co-op is scheduled to open in the spring of 2001. Once the store opens, more complete documentation can be provided. The other Mountain Equipment Co-op stores in Canada represent an evolving dedication to the environment through the Green Building design. As the various stores were built at a different point in time, it is possible to see how the Green Building design has evolved.
Ottawa Mountain Equipment Co-op:
Some of the notable features of the Ottawa Mountain Equipment Co-op include:
  • structural and finishing materials selected for low embodied energy, low toxicity, and minimal environmental impact
  • 50% of the materials, by weight, are used or are from recycled sources
  • interior materials and connections selected to facilitate end-of-life-cycle disassembly for reuse and recycling
  • maximum use of natural daylight for climate control through a roof monitor and skylights
  • no CFCs and minimal HCFCs used in the manufacture of materials or in equipment operation
  • demonstration straw bale infill wall with viewing portal
  • cistern for collection and storage of rainwater to water native species landscaping
  • low albedo gravel parking lot reduces solar heat gain and increases ground water recharge
  • construction waste re-use and recycling
  • energy consumption is 50% of Model National Energy Code for Buildings
  • lighting load less than 50% of Model National Energy Code for Buildings
  • 10% of electrical energy usage supplied by wind turbine
The Ottawa Mountain Equipment Co-op was the first building in Canada in compliance with Canada’s C2000 building standard. The C2000 building standard incorporates guidelines pertaining to energy efficiency, minimal environmental impact, occupant health and functional performance. The relationship with alternative sources of energy is integrated into the building design.
Climate conditioning of the building is fuelled by natural gas. HVAC units incorporate a central high-efficiency condensing boiler serving coilers in the air handling units. The HVAC systems utilize thermally insulated low-leakage dampers. (Mountain Equipment Co-op Website, November, 2001) CO2 rates are monitored to allow ventilation rates to vary depending upon occupant load. Daylight is used to support interior climate control. The integration of a skylights and a central atrium in design help to mediate the interior climate of the store. Glass walls, large windows, and glazed entranceways allow maximun interior lighting while minimizing glare and instances of overheating. Additionally, energy efficient lighting fixtures support sustainable interior design. Motion sensors control lighting to turn off or dim the lights in areas that are unoccupied.
The Ottawa Mountain Equipment Co-op is constructed of timber frame posts and beams. These construction materials were actually Douglas Fur trees that had been salvaged from the bottom of the St. Lawrence River. Additionally, 75% of the building materials from the pre-existing grocery store have been incorporated into the design and construction of the building. The material input into the construction of the Ottawa Mountain Equipment Co-op is significantly less in comparison to conventional buldings.
The Winnipeg and Ottawa Mountain Equipment Co-op stores are the 2 most recent in Canada. Each store successfully relates to the surrounding built form while integrating the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink in the building desing and consturction. Energy savings are attainable, material input has been reduced, and innovative building desing has been implemented to create a more sustainble structure within the urban form. Mountain Equipment Co-op has built upon the design of their previous stores to enhance principles of sustainable built form. The Winnipeg and Ottawa stores represent a "Green Building" design that has progressed from previous store designs.
Above: Locations of Mountain Equipment Co-op stores accross Canada
The first Mountain Equipment Co-op store was built in Vancouver in 1974. Building design has evolved form this original store to the "Green Buildings" today.
The Mountain Equipment Co-op head office in Toronto displays some of the "Green Building" elements of design
The Mountain Equipment Co-op store in Calgary is located along 10th avenue. Also located along 10th avenue are Coast Mountain Sports and Kodiak Country. These two stores have also been designed to promote "Green Building" design.