Vancouver skyline getting a $200 million green makeover
theweathernetwork.com
Friday, January 24, 2014, 6:35 PM -
Vancouver is hoping to become the world's greenest city by 2020 -- and a recently-announced renovation to the city's Old Stock Exchange building will put officials one step closer to reaching their goal.
On Thursday, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson announced plans to work with real estate investor Credit Suisse to build a $200-million LEED Platinum-certified office tower.
The 31-storey tower, dubbed The Exchange, will be built in the heart of the financial district, on top of -- and beside -- the Old Stock Exchange Tower.
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Image of the completed building. Courtesy: theexchangebuilding.ca
"Not only will The Exchange add critical new office and job space, but it will hit the highest green standards and deliver a major economic benefit to our city," Mayor Robertson said at a news conference.
"The Exchange supports a number of our economic and greenest city policies and initiatives."
When built, The Exchange will be Canada's second-tallest office building to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest sustainability rating from the Canada Green Building Council.
According to a statement on Mayor Robertson's website, energy consumption in the building will be half that of traditional office buildings. It will boast a 35 percent reduction in energy costs and an 85 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.
Upon completion in 2016, The Exchange will house 1,700 permanent job spaces.
