Calgary is the first Canadian municipality to decree their facilities attain a minimum LEED^® Silver rating, which this 16,000-square-metre building will exceed. The two hectare brown field site – housing the Waterworks and Wastewater Departments – will be fully restored and planted with native prairie grasses, flowers and shrubs. Trees will shade parking and a green roof will cover the operating wing, reducing the heat island effect. Rainwater from the roof will be collected and used to water plants, while recycled water will be used to flush toilets. Compared with a conventional facility, the centre is expected to use 58 per cent less energy and 59 per cent less water and produce 72 per cent less wastewater; 95 per cent of construction waste will be diverted from landfills. The innovative mechanical design includes radiant ceiling slab cooling and under-floor ventilation.