The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation at Mohawk College
Canada’s second Zero Carbon Building — Design certification
Hamilton, Ontario

In May 2018, the Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation (JCPI) became the second project in Canada and the first institutional building to earn a Zero Carbon Building – Design certification through the CaGBC’s cutting-edge Zero Carbon Building Program.

Officially opening in September 2018, the JCPI will comprise of 8,981 m2 (96,670 sq.ft.) of innovative labs, workshops, lecture theatres, industry training centres and showcases under one iconic roof at Mohawk College’s Fennell Campus in Hamilton, Ont.

CaGBC spoke with the project team about its approach towards creating a zero carbon building on such a large scale, including the key features that contributed towards this certification.

To see more detailed progress on the project, including video updates and information, visit the Mohawk project website here.

A focus on innovative, low carbon design that looks to the future

When setting out to design this project, which is also one of the first large-scale net zero positive buildings in Canada, Mohawk College made its commitment to low carbon clear from the beginning. The result is a design that clearly demonstrates innovative and forward-thinking design, including these features which made it stand out to CaGBC’s reviewers:

• A rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system that produces 500kWp AC, enough carbon-free energy to power the new building.
• A high-performance building envelope consisting of triple-pane glazing and insulated pre-cast sandwich panels, helping to minimize thermal energy demand intensity (TEDI) while maximizing heating, cooling and natural light.
• A variable refrigerant flow (VRF) geoexchange heat pump system that will provide space heating and cooling.
• The JCPI also uses no natural gas onsite – the all-electric set up allows for the easiest route to low carbon for most buildings.

Indeed, the college is playing a key role in advancing the zero carbon building industry through its active support of the ZCB Standard, particularly as one of only three education institutions across Canada to be named as a Pilot project for the Standard.

“Mohawk College is a strong believer in leading by example and particularly by our efforts in sustainability,” says Tony Cupido, Mohawk College’s Chief Building and Facilities Officer. “Our integrated design team was fully committed to this certification and we now feel a strong sense of achievement. This Standard provides an exemplary level of achievement that is a testimony to the effort of our Mohawk project team.”

More than just a bold new architectural landmark

The JCPI will build on Mohawk’s applied research strengths in three primary areas of health, energy and technology. Leveraging existing and new partnerships, this space will focus on technologically advanced learning and lab spaces, all under one roof. The new building embodies Mohawk's vision to be the environmental leader its students, staff and partners expect.

Designed to meet the highest green standards, the JCPI will also be a net zero energy building, producing as much or more energy than it consumes. It will be entirely dedicated to the student experience and expand on experiential learning at Mohawk. Students will enjoy greater access to laboratories, and the opportunity to learn through capstone projects, industry placements, co-op work terms, applied research and development, and team competitions. This will supply much-needed graduates to industry partners and magnify the college’s regional economic impact.