The College is committed to the environment and sustainable development.
The Ontario College of Teachers will soon be moving to a new, permanent home, and improving the environmental footprint of the building is a key priority. The College is seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification for Commercial Interiors.
The renovation plans of the College’s new home at 101 Bloor Street West include making our new building smarter and greener while reducing energy/water consumption and operating costs.
Significant renovations will begin as soon as the College takes possession in 2010.
Energy efficient
The windows in the entire building, which was constructed in 1970, have been replaced with energy-efficient double-pane glass and the exterior has been repainted. The new facility will provide bicycle storage and changing rooms. Water usage will be reduced by 20 per cent by replacing washroom fixtures.
The plan calls for a 15 per cent reduction in lighting energy consumed and installing daylight sensors to dim interior lights when natural light is sufficient. Employees are expected to have direct control of lighting in work spaces and meeting rooms. All work spaces, meeting rooms, and major corridors will have adequate space for recycling bins. Most of our existing furniture will be reused and most College equipment that is relocated or bought new will be Energy Star compliant.
At least 50 per cent of the construction waste from the College project will be diverted from landfills.
Certain standards will be met for air quality and ventilation, energy use and cooling systems. No smoking will be permitted within 7.6 metres of all entrances.
Wireless solutions will be used to reduce desk and computer cabling.
New biodegradable card
Even the annual membership card is now eco-friendly. The College explored new substances for the 2010 membership card to emphasize our commitment to the environment and sustainability. The new biodegradable card is made from plants like alfalfa, beets, potato skins, switch grass and wheat using renewable energy.
The membership card supports the College’s green mandate while maintaining a high-quality look and feel.
We have looked at ways to maximize the usefulness of this annual report to our partners in education and the public while minimizing its impact on the environment.
That’s why we produce an online annual report instead of a printed one. Other correspondence you may receive from the College from time to time is printed on 100 per cent post-consumer recycled paper using vegetable-based inks.