OMAHA, NE - Canada's greenest school, named for one of the world's leading environmental scholars, has selected the FGS/PermaShine Polished Concrete Floor System, according to the project team.
The FGS system from L&M Construction Chemicals is helping the new Dr. David Suzuki Public School in Windsor, Ontario achieve the first Platinum LEED certification for a school in Canada - and only the fourth such facility in North America.
"Providing environmentally responsible products that contribute to healthy environments is a cornerstone of the FGS system," said L&M President Greg Schwietz. "And to have it installed in the greenest school in Canada is a culmination of our commitment."
The green FGS/PermaShine system is a patented dry-grind method of concrete floor finishing and concrete surface restoration that captures potential airborne particulates during installation and leaves behind a reflective, slip-resistant sheen. The thermal mass of the slab beneath the polished concrete contributes to a building's energy efficiency and the floor's finished reflective sheen can reduce lighting requirements, contributing to lower electrical usage. It can assist project teams with LEED certification through both the Canada Green Building Council and U.S. Green Building Council.
Certified FGS/PermaShine installer Bravo Cement, located in Windsor, will do the work.
A joint venture between the Ontario government and the Essex County District School Board - Dr. Suzuki lived in the county for four years as a child - the goal of the Dr. David Suzuki Public School is to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions and to offer students a healthy learning environment. Some sustainable building features are to include greywater recovery, geothermal energy, fresh air ventilation, photovoltaic panels, lighting controls, energy recovery system, a green roof and a "living wall" of plants.
Designed by McLean + Associates Architects, groundbreaking was in June and the facility will accommodate about 500 students when it's scheduled to open in the fall of 2010.
David Suzuki, PhD is a world-renowned environmental expert and sought-after lecturer. This marks the first time the Vancouver-born scientist has allowed a school to adopt his name.
