Tenth Street residence goes for gold
With sledge hammers and jack hammers in hand, workers are knocking out walls and breaking open new spaces during the demolition phase of Selkirk College’s Tenth Street residence project in Nelson.
“You can pretty much see right through the building now,” explains Wildstone Construction and Engineering Project Manager Grant Rae. “This demolition process is very different than your typical method. We literally have marked each wall that has to be taken out and each wall that has to stay in place. This is part of our goal to create as little waste as possible and utilize the existing structural components of the building.”
The residence renovation project is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold level certification. Factors that will contribute to this rating include building re-use, improved energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality management, use of recycled and low emitting materials and reduced construction waste.
To date, Wildstone Construction and Engineering has recycled approximately 18,140 kilograms (40,000 pounds) of waste material. Recycling bins for material such as wood, cardboard, metal and concrete are placed throughout the construction site.
“By the end of the project, we hope to recycle between 113,400-136,000 kilograms [250,000-300,000 pounds] of waste material,” says Rae. “It’s all a part of going for LEED Gold.”
Salvaged building materials such as plywood, glass sheets and solid wood doors, are also available to the general public for a voluntary donation that will go towards the support of Selkirk College students. The materials are well sorted and are stored in a locked compound in the parking lot at the top of Elwyn Avenue in Nelson (across from Mary Hall). The materials can be picked up on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday from noon to 3:00 pm, or on every second Saturday. Individuals inquiring about the Saturday schedule can contact Selkirk College Project Manager Paula Kiss at 250.505.1336.
When the renovation is completed and the residence is reopened in September 2011, it will feature space for about 100 students. For more information about the Tenth Street residence renovation, visit http://selkirk.ca/students/kootenay-life/tenthstreetresidence/.
First published on June 29, 2010
