The University of Calgary Energy Environment Experiential Learning (EEEL) building
will provide over 10,000 square meters of multi-disciplinary space for undergraduate
laboratories, classrooms and seminar rooms, group and individual study spaces and
research laboratories. E.E.EL will host new and existing collaborative activities for
many departments, as well as the Institute for Sustainable Energy Environment and
Economy ( ISEEE), the School of Public Policy and other associated research space
CGI was awarded this LEED Gold project on a design assist basis, with architects
Cohos Evamy & Busby Perkins and Will in joint venture and general contractor Ellis
Don.
The architects are using the sun as another pillar of their design. They designed the
façade so that it will manipulate the sun in various aspects of the landscape surrounding
the building. It will redirect the sun’s rays in order to get the maximum amount of
sunlight indoors and to ensure that the outdoor area between EEEL, ICT and Earth
Science will also be bright.
Energy efficiency is another priority. The goal is to push energy efficiency 50 to 60
percent better than a typical lab building. An earth-tube stem will be used to heat and cool the building by using the Earth’s
near constant subterranean temperature. It, too, is part of the science and engineering
on display.