Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre receives LEED Gold certification for green excellence

Oakville’s efforts to build and operate green buildings and follow energy-conserving practices have earned the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre (OTCC) the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. 

Granted by the Canada Green Building Council, LEED is an independent, third-party verification that the facility was designed, built and operated to achieve high environmental performance. To be LEED certified, the building is required to fulfill several evaluation parameters, including energy efficiency, water savings, indoor environmental quality, location and transportation, sustainable site development and materials selection.

OTCC officially opened its doors to the public in fall 2020 featuring an array of state-of the-art, energy-efficient features. Among its stand-out elements are 1,300 rooftop solar panels, anticipated to yield a minimum of 660 megawatt-hours annually. These panels are projected to reduce the facility's energy consumption by 43 per cent and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 19.9 tonnes each year. 

The facility’s parking area follows LEED principles and Oakville Universal Design Standards to create green and inclusive spaces. OTCC’s Electric Vehicle (EV) station with three dual-wand chargers offers convenient access and enables more people to make the switch to EVs to help meet the town’s goal to reduce GHG emissions by 50 per cent by 2041. Based on LEED Gold requirements, OTCC has six EV charging parking spaces and 14 green vehicle preferred parking spaces located close to the main building entrance, supporting the town’s efforts in reducing pollution by promoting alternatives to conventionally fueled vehicles.

OTCC also integrates other sustainable initiatives such as geo-thermal heating and cooling, and a robust rainwater management system. Together, all the green initiatives at OTCC help optimize the facility's energy performance and reduce environmental impact. This facility emits 90 per cent less GHG when compared with a similar-sized community centre in the town.

OTCC’s commitment to green initiatives and energy conservation aligns with the Council Strategic Plan and 2023-2026 Action Plan and vision to be a vibrant and livable community for all. The town continues to focus on climate change mitigation by reducing GHG emissions and conserving energy across municipal facilities. 

Background

• OTCC is a 53,550 square foot full-accessible community centre that attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually to enjoy its amenities. 
• The facility features a 25-metre lap pool, therapeutic warm water pool, double gymnasium, fitness centre with running track, universal change rooms, multipurpose meeting rooms, space for intergenerational programming, café, and more.
• LEED certification recognizes buildings of all types for their efforts to lower carbon emissions, conserve resources, and reduce operating costs by prioritizing sustainable practices.  

Quotes

“The LEED Gold certification for Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre speaks to our commitment and leadership in managing energy resources effectively to address climate change. Ensuring that our facilities are built, operated and maintained to the highest standards of environmental sustainability will support the town’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2041.” 

- Mayor Rob Burton