The University of Toronto Scarborough broke ground on October 8, 2013 for a new technologically advanced Environmental Science and Chemistry Building. The new building designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects along with construction partner EllisDon has been designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, so it is entriely fitting that an environmental science building strives for such a status. Some of the sustainable features of the structure include geothermal boreholes, an Earth Tube system to supply 100 percent fresh air to the administrative wing, unique fritted glazing to minimize solar heat gain, all LED lighting fixtures, and a high performance curtainwall. The project is scheduled for completion in July 2015 and would become the first new building at the University of Toronto to receive LEED Gold certification.

Groundbreaking underway, image by Paul French

The ceremony was held in the atrium of the Instructional Centre next door to where the Environmental Science & Chemistry building will rise—in under two years—construction is targeted for completion in as a little as 18 months!

Exhibit of design in the atrium of the Instructional Centre, image by Paul French

The innovative 110,000 square foot facility will be located just north Ellesmere Road and will provide sustainable and flexible research and study spaces for students and faculty. Housing two disciplines in the Department of Physical and Environmental Science, the building will feature research and teaching laboratories, an analytical instrumentation centre, office and meeting space, a librarian office, a police office, seminar rooms and multi-purpose space.

During the commemoration, current Chemistry and Environmental Science students paraded down from the balconies in their lab coats to join the ceremony whilst Tom Lehrer’s classic song, The Elements, played in the hall. He riffs on all the elements of the periodic table.

Students in their lab coats join the ceremony, image by Paul French

“Not so long ago this wonderful location was the site of a parking lot. In about 18 months, it will be the site of another beautiful new building, designed to support the excellence of our faculty, staff, and students at UTSC,” said University of Toronto President David Naylor.

The site, formerly a parking lot currently under construction, image by Paul French

UTSC’s Department of Physical and Environmental Science and its chemistry program have a history of highly respected teaching as well as innovative water and environmental research. With this new building, students will gain necessary skills and be prepared to work in the interdisciplinary context of environmental science as well as shape the next generation of researchers to address environmental issues such as groundwater pollution, climate change, and rising sea levels.

Rendering of the ESCB, image courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

Want to know more about the project? Higher-resolution detail renderings are among extra images included in the dataBase file for the project, linked below. Want to get in on the discussion? Choose the associated forum link, or add your voice to the comment section on this page.