The Integrated Learning Center, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, located on the Queen's University campus, achieved four Green Globesâ„¢ for energy saving design and construction approaches. Architect: B+H Architects Photo courtesy of GBI

Canadian Projects
The Green Globesâ„¢ rating system has been used successfully for several Canadian projects. Note that Green Globesâ„¢ uses a four globe scale in U.S. and five globe scale in the Canada. Canadian case studies and their key features include:

• Federal Court Building in Toronto, Ontario is a 225,000 sf building designed by Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg, and completed in 2006. Rated four Globes out of five, the building's microclimate design includes shading and fenestration strategies to improve IAQ and lower energy consumption. Cantilevered aluminum panels minimize daytime heat gain, while pedestrian colonnades offer protection from the elements.
• Toronto Military Family Resource Center, is a 19,800 sf government facility designed by J. Richard Doucette, and completed in 2004. Located at Toronto's highest elevation, with extreme wind exposure, the project was rated four Globes out of five. The roof is designed to use wind as a natural cooling device in the summer. Operable windows near the roof create negative pressure and a stack effect, drawing cool air into the building base. In the winter, the large, sloping roof reduces snow accumulation.
• Allison Hall Fitness Center in Sackville, New Brunswick, is a 7,300 sf building designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects. The project was completed in 2006 and rated four Globes out of five. As part of integrated design, the architects introduced sustainable systems and products during early project phases, resulting in consideration of sustainable design practices and construction methods that may not have otherwise been addressed.
• The Integrated Learning Center, in Kingston, Ontario, is a 72,100 sf Queen's University building designed by B+H Architects. The project was completed in 2004 with a four out of five Globe rating. This infill project is located between two existing buildings, whose facades are integrated with the new building, thus minimizing new elevations and energy demand. Limestone was salvaged from another on-campus building that was demolished.

Barbara A. Nadel, FAIA, principal of Barbara Nadel Architect, in New York City, frequently writes about design and technology. She is the author and editor-in-chief of Building Security: Handbook for Architectural Planning and Design (McGraw-Hill, 2004).