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Loyalist College Skills Centre Earns Leed® Silver Certification

January 22, 2014

Belleville, Ontario, January 22, 2014 – Loyalist College is proud to announce that the newly constructed Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre has earned LEED® Silver Certification from the Canada Green Building Council in recognition of the College’s achievements in energy-efficient design, construction and operation.

“Environmental sustainability is a priority for Loyalist, and we are delighted to receive LEED Silver Certification,” said Loyalist College President Maureen Piercy. “In addition to minimizing the College’s environmental impact through green building in the Skills Centre, we promote prudent and creative management of our social, economic and environmental resources. Our goal is to provide leadership in sustainability, and help to educate our students, staff, and communities to make a positive difference today and in the future.”

The 121,800 square-foot Skills Centre features 50,950 square feet of re-purposed ‘green’ space, and an additional 70,850 square feet of new, flexible space for teaching, laboratories, shops, research labs and classrooms.  The new space is linked to the repurposed space with a beautiful Link Lounge, which features a living wall. After years of advocacy by area manufacturers and economic development partners, the multi-use facility was built in 2010-11 with a $16.6 Million investment from the provincial and federal governments. To equip and complete the Skills Centre, and to establish additional student awards, the Campaign for Loyalist College was introduced in June 2012 and has since raised $5.5 Million toward a goal of $6 Million. Today, the Skills Centre is a technology and trades training centre of choice for Southeastern Ontario, offering a wide range of full-time programs and apprenticeships.

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario was on campus to help celebrate the LEED certification, along with Daryl Kramp, MP for Prince Edward-Hastings, and other dignitaries. 

“We congratulate Loyalist College for earning the LEED certification for the Skills Centre, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Minister of State Gary Goodyear.  “Our Government is pleased to have contributed to providing Loyalist College students and researchers with the facilities they need to be global leaders in their fields.” 

“I am proud to extend a sincere congratulations to our community college, Loyalist, for receiving the LEED certification,” said Daryl Kramp, M.P. “I believe in supporting our youth and through our Government’s investment for our Skills Centre we can provide the means for their future studies and endeavours to a better society and a cleaner environment.”

“Congratulations to Loyalist College’s Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre on earning LEED Silver certification,” said Thomas Mueller, President and CEO of the Canada Green Building Council. “Creating sustainable environments for learning is important. This facility also includes space for demonstrating local partnerships in the areas of manufacturing, skilled trades, biofood and biosciences, emphasizing the interconnected and multi-dimensional nature of sustainability to future generations of professionals.” 

The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is a national not-for-profit organization committed to the advancement of green building and sustainable community development practices in Canada. The CaGBC is the license holder for the LEED green building rating system in Canada. LEED certification is based upon six criteria, including: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation and design.

Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers 65 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. The best testament to the College’s value is from students, 96 percent of whom say they would recommend Loyalist to a friend. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities. 

Celebrating LEED® Silver certification of the Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre at Loyalist College (L-R): The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Tamara Kleinschmidt, Chair of the Loyalist College Board of Governors, Maureen Piercy, Loyalist College President, and Daryl Kramp, MP for Prince Edward-Hastings

Celebrating LEED® Silver certification of the Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre at Loyalist College (L-R): The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Tamara Kleinschmidt, Chair of the Loyalist College Board of Governors, Maureen Piercy, Loyalist College President, and Daryl Kramp, MP for Prince Edward-Hastings

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Contact: Dianne Spencer, Executive Director, College Advancement & External Relations, Loyalist College, dspencer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2235

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