With more on the school front (it must be that time of year!), Concordia University’s new John Molson School of Business is ready to open its doors to students and its wall to the sun. As part of its green slant, this innovative solar wall, among other features, reveals that the Montreal-based University is focusing not just on curriculum alone, but also on sustainable development. The construction of the building commendably came in under budget, and is just in time for the 2009-2010 school year opening.
Expected to qualify for LEED Certification, the structure will make use of grey water, employ low-flow plumbing fixtures and feature a green roof. Several prominent staircases have been installed to encourage walking to the first few floors as opposed to riding the elevator. Only fair trade coffee will be available on site as well as exclusive interior and exterior parking for bicycles. Indoor parking for cars is intentionally absent.
About half of the budget for the building came from Quebec’s provincial government with the remainder coming from the business community. Showcasing innovative green technology, as well as state-of-the-art design that allows for a maximum of natural light within and terrific views of the spectacle of movement on the streets without, it’s a school the entire city can be proud to call their own.
