The BC SPCA’s Community Animal Centre in Maple Ridge has become Canada’s first gold level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited animal shelter. This groundbreaking project, created in partnership with the District of Maple Ridge, provides a model for other sustainable shelters across the country.
“It’s a major accomplishment for the BC SPCA and something we’re very proud of,” says Bob Busch, general manager of operations for the BC SPCA. “We want to be a leader in incorporating environmentally friendly, sustainable building practices in our facilities.”
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, the internationally recognized LEED rating system promotes sustainability by recognizing performance in the areas of sustainable site development, green building design, water and energy efficiency, materials selection, and improved indoor environmental quality.
As well as incorporating modern animal welfare designs such as shared “apartments” for dogs to increase socialization and a sophisticated ventilation system to reduce the spread of airborne disease, the 6,500-square-foot Maple Ridge facility features a range of “green” components.
They include movement-triggered room light sensors, programmable thermostats to reduce heating costs, rooftop rainwater collection for recycling, a light reflective roof membrane, and heat recovery built into the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. Dark light technology has even been put in place in the parking lot to prevent its lights from shining at night on nearby residential areas.
“I think that every business has a responsibility to be a good corporate citizen and non-profits should help lead the way in using recycled building materials and being cognizant of their effect on the environment,” says Busch. “We’re trying to ensure that our environmental footprint is as small as possible.”
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a not-for-profit organization reliant on public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.