Sustainability

Explore the sustainable Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence

Graduating Environmentally Aware, Skilled Trades People

The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) serves  as a showcase and teaching laboratory for sustainable construction. Daily interaction with the building and the living lab concept  helps  produce graduates who are environmentally aware, knowledgeable about green building practices, and able to live and work in a sustainable world.

Green Roof – our prime visible manifestation of sustainability

At close to 4,000 m2 the Green Roof on the ACCE building is one of our prime visible manifestations of sustainability that sets this building apart and gives it its striking, iconic presence.  It consists of sedum drought-resistant plants that grow in a sand medium, requiring little maintenance or irrigation once established, and it is part of a high performance building envelope, achieving an R-50 insulating value.  This growing vegetation also absorbs and controls rainwater runoff, which creates less strain on the building’s storm sewer drainage systems.

Targeting LEED Platinum Certification

Our goal of LEED Platinum certification has been an integral part of the design, materials selection and construction process of the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence since its inception. By meeting the highest standard for sustainability, ACCE will become the largest LEED Platinum certified academic building in Canada.

The New Baseline Transit Hub

Baseline Station, a central hub of Ottawa’s public transit system, is located immediately adjacent to the new ACCE building. An underground tunnel has been incorporated to provide a sheltered terminal for the future Light Rail Transit, with easy access to bus routes on the ground level. This new transit hub and accompanying pedestrian bridge over Woodroffe Avenue allows the community to easily access and be a part of ACCE, while providing safe access to all Algonquin students.

Interested in visiting the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence?

Download the ACCE Self-Guided Tour and tour through the building at your own pace and on your own schedule.  Interested in finding out more about the College by attending one of our general campus tours?  If so, please visit this page to book a formal tour.

Learn more about ACCE’s building features, and the 23 trades programs, including the Green Architecture Graduate Certificate Program, that will call the new building home.