As well, as is similarly the case with many institutional projects across the country, Brock University is interested in building facilities that are energy efficient, use durable and recycled materials, and have a smaller environmental footprint than standard buildings of a similar type. To prove it achieved these goals, Enermodal Engineering of Kitchener, Ontario, was responsible for suggesting energy saving and green strategies and auditing the Plaza at the completion of construction. It was awarded a LEED@ green rating of Silver.

Part of this achievement was due to the extensive amount of sheet copper that was used on its exterior, a key component in the building's design, by McKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Limited, of Halifax, with Rounthwaite Dick & Hadley Architects, Inc., of Toronto. Great bands of copper appear to wrap around the building, creating a distinctive stratified appearance. This is partly due to the large overhangs of the material at the top and bottom of each band of cladding, creating the appearance of distinct shadows over the façade. Copper's role in the project was described by architect Brian MacKay-Lyons in The Ontario Construction Report: "Integral to the project are the exterior materials: copper cladding, Niagara Escarpment stone, and the liberal use of glass."

For the cladding system, 20-oz. quarter-hard copper sheet was used throughout. A total of 32,000 pounds (14,500 kgs) of copper was needed for the various shapes and sections, and it was supplied by Canadian Brass and Copper of Concord, Ontario. The various sections were formed from coil stock and sheared to meet the different requirements of the individual locations on the building. The panels were formed in the shop, with some field alterations taking place in a mini-shop set up on-site.

Once formed, the panels were fastened in several ways. Much of the work was based on "flat-panel" principles, with some s-locks and cleats being used as well. Ken Meyer was the Superintendent and Harry Ahrens was the Foreman at the site for Semple Gooder.

The green features which made copper a great choice for this project are its durability (requires little or no maintenance and is expected to have a lifespan of 100 years of more), its recyclability (architectural sheet is fabricated from 100% recycled content, and is completely recyclable at the end of its service life), and the savings that result from the lack of maintenance associated with the cladding. It should be noted that this pertains not only to the cladding. As well there are a myriad of mechanical and building systems that become more energy efficient when they incorporate more copper components. Generally speaking, the more copper in a system (or building, or piece of equipment) the greener it is.

It should be noted that this pertains not only to the cladding. As well there are a myriad of mechanical and building systems that become more energy efficient when they incorporate more copper components. Generally speaking, the more copper in a system (or building, or piece of equipment) the greener it is.

The Plaza illustrates once again that copper is perhaps the best choice for an architectural metal if one considers all of the factors that contribute to a project's "greenness". In addition the project will surely benefit from copper's striking appearance and great natural beauty. Seeing the project age to a uniform, traditional patina over the many years, without the use of chemicals or other artificial treatments, will only emphasize the material's green characteristics.

@ Registered Trade Mark