Other Environmental Commitments
Fly Ash
Approximately one tonne of cement generates, on average, one tonne of CO2 emissions. By partnering with Eco-Smart Concrete to replace cement content with fly ash (a byproduct of coal-fired electricity generation), we will reduce CO2 emissions for the development by 35 to 40 percent. The added benefit of using fly ash is it makes the concrete stronger.
Organic Waste Collection
Buildings will include recycling rooms for organic waste with collection being undertaken by a local organization. This composting program will make garbarators unnecessary, saving the water and energy otherwise required to operate them.
Habitat Creation, Enhancement and Protection
A history of industrial use has left the Dockside site with significant contamination of its surface soils, currently covered with pavement, gravel and some minor vegetation. Through a variety of innovative remediation techniques, we will transform this former brownsite into an internationally recognized sustainable community, full of green space and green architecture.
The site will be lushly landscaped with a variety of native and adaptive plant species that meet the food and shelter requirements of a diverse range of birds, insects and small mammals. Aesthetically speaking, the landscape will have a natural, softscaped look – with the exception of the main plaza, which will feature more of a hybrid look, incorporating some hardscaped elements.
Demonstrating some of the most advanced thinking in vertical and horizontal planting, Dockside Green will use buildings as green pathways with vegetation growing up exterior walls and across roofs. Extensive tree planting will also have a significant ecological impact, offering shade, habitat and humidity, while improving air quality through CO2 uptake. To further reduce Dockside Green's ecological footprint, we will replace the number of trees required for wood products in our development with an equivalent number of tree seedlings planted throughout the community and city.
Integrated Pest Management System
An integrated pest management plan has been prepared and will be implemented onsite.
Construction Waste Management – Diversion From Landfill
Our goal is to divert 95% of construction waste from landfill. We feel this is an aggressive, but achievable level in British Columbia.
Lighting
In accordance with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada light abatement recommendations, all site lighting will be full cut off and designed to eliminate nighttime light pollution.
Environmental Reporting
We will provide environmental reports that measure actual results against projected targets, outline accomplishments and identify areas for improvement.
Restoration of Point Ellice Park Shoreline
The existing shoreline along Point Ellice Park will be cleared of invasive shrub and rubbish and replaced with indigenous plantings and natural rock settings that will allow pedestrians direct access to the shoreline. Construction commences Summer of 2007 click here to see plan of park.
Education
As a world leader in on-site efforts to protect natural resources, we want to share our learning and experience both locally and globally. Using a variety of communication channels, including the Internet, speaking engagements and strategic relationships with organizations like NRCAN, BC Hydro, the Canada Green Building Council, the United States Green Building Council, the City of Victoria, CRD and the Canadian Brownfield Network, we hope to share our strategies, successes and opportunities for improvement. As well, on-site signage and public art will play a crucial role in educating Dockside Green's residents and visitors about site features and the benefits of sustainable lifestyle choices.
Remediation Approach
Dockside Green Ltd. and our consultants at Quantum Environmental Group have significant experience in brownfield redevelopment. Dockside Green's site remediation involved the removal of hazardous waste (mostly contaminated surface soil resulting from the site's long history of industrial use) and risk assessment of other contaminants. The hazardous waste material was treated offsite so the soil can be used elsewhere.
LEED® Neighbourhood Rating System
Currently under development, LEED®-ND will provide a rating system for sustainable neighbourhood development. Dockside Green is a pilot project for the program – effectively setting the benchmark for LEED®-ND certification.