The Christine Lamb Residence has recently achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification by the Canadian Green Building Council.
Located near the Matsqui Rec Centre, the 41-unit second stage affordable housing facility is run by the Women’s Resource Society of the Fraser Valley and opened in 2012, but didn’t obtain LEED Gold certification until now.
LEED is a program which certifies high-performing, healthy, green buildings, homes and communities into four levels – Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Some green initiatives incorporated at the Christine Lamb Residence to achieve LEED Gold include exposed solar panels on the pitched areas of the roof, designed to an optimal sun angle, a large steel rain harvesting tank for reclaimed roof water, landscaping that is completely composed of indigenous species and edible plants, a storm water infiltration system so that there is no connection to the city system, and a high-efficiency mechanical system.