Sustainability

Ensuring the protection and enhancement of the community's overall health and natural environment, Uptown is built to LEED Neighbourhood Development Gold standards. This makes it a leader in susatinable urban development in Canada.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized building certification program. It provides certification that a building was designed and built using energy and water efficiently reduction and environmentally responsible resources.

Uptown is located at the nexus of the major regional highway systems and transit routes serving Southern Vancouver Island, allowing tenants and visitors to easily access it's shops, offices and services. For those who wish to walk or bike, it is directly connected to the picturesque Galloping Goose trail. Uptown's proximity to homes and schools also helps reduce the distances travelled by vehicles, which in turn reduces the impact on the environment.

The benefits of LEED Gold designation extend to tenants as well. On top of the savings in energy and resources, they'll enjoy lower operation and maintenance costs, and the potential for employee productivity improvements due to more comfortable working conditions.

Uptown incorporates innovative technology, energy-efficient street lighting, and rainwater harvesting along with high-efficiency irrigation systems.

Sustainability features include:

  • Proper disposal and recycling of materials from the deconstruction of Town & Country
  • Recycled materials are used wherever possible
  • Community input is incorporated on an on-going basis
  • Light pollution reduction lowers glare, reduces light trespass, and uses less energy
  • Design will allow for an abundance of natural light
  • Low flow water fixtures will be installed to reduce water use
  • Green roof technology, combined with reflective and light-coloured rooftop surfaces, will reduce any heat island effect, and lower energy consumption by reducing demand for air conditioning
  • At least 50% of electricity will be provided by renewable sources
  • Permanent C02 monitoring system is installed to permanently oversee air quality
  • Thermal comfort design will provide peace of mind
  • Dedicated recycling will be constructed
  • Low flow fixtures are used
  • Operable windows in the office spaces provides fresh air on demand, reducing energy consumption

Transportation
  • Four bus lines offer 161 weekday rides with more to come upon project completion
  • Vehicle Car Share program has been introduced with the Victoria Car Share Co-op for tenants and customers


Landscaping

  • High efficiency irrigation technology uses captured rain or recycled water which reduces consumption by 50%
  • Energy efficient street lighting will reduce consumption and costs