The facility has been developed by a collaboration of SFU’s Community Trust and SFU Childcare Society and the Faculty of Education. It is located within sustainable residential community near SFU known as UniverCity. The building encompasses two floors featuring an open-plan concept. It also comprises a special piazza for children with a dedicated space for creation of projects.
The new building is the first in Canada to abide by global Living Building Challenge specifications. It has been equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows which offer maximum penetration of natural light. The heat radiates from the floor of the building if required while carbon dioxide detector-operated vents meet its ventilation needs.
The facility incorporates UV filters which store and treat rainwater and later recycles it in its toilets and for the laundry. The annual water supply of the building is collected in a large cistern. The water flushed from the toilets receives a bio-reactor treatment. The water is later drip-fed under-ground to the plants of the property. Further, the facility makes use of solar power to heat water.
Among other green features include use of natural non-toxic finishes and furniture, reclaimed materials, and locally-sourced materials.
