The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation, located in Penticton, British Columbia, was developed for Okanagan College as a forward-thinking educational and research facility. The project’s primary objective was to create a “living laboratory” that supports hands-on training in renewable energy and high-performance building systems while demonstrating advanced sustainable design principles in practice.
Certified LEED Platinum designed to target the Living Building Challenge, the facility aimed for net-zero energy and water performance through an integratedapproach combining passive design, renewable energy systems and innovative materials. Features such as solar chimneys for natural ventilation, a large rooftop photovoltaic array, and a ground-source heat pump system contribute to reduced energy demand and operational efficiency.
CIMA+’s role in the project involved providing LEED and Living Building project management services, helping guide the project team through sustainability objectives, certification processes and performance targets. By supporting coordination and implementation of these ambitious goals, CIMA+ contributed to delivering a high-performance institutional building that also serves as an educational tool. Overall, the project advances sustainable construction practices while training the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
Driving energy efficiency and comfort through passive design
Passive design strategies form the foundation of the building’s performance by minimizing energy demand while enhancing occupant comfort. A high-performance envelope, optimized building form and extensive daylighting reduce reliance on artificial systems. Natural ventilation, generated by solar chimneys using stack effect, enables effective cooling without mechanical HVAC. Stack effect is the movement of air into and out of buildings, driven by buoyancy due to indoor-outdoor temperature and density differences. These integrated approaches not only improve efficiency but also serve as visible, hands-on teaching tools within the facility.