MEC new head office leads green revolution with Insulspan® SIP System

Vancouver, British Columbia is a progressive city. As an example, all re-zoned space is required to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building standard. Outdoor retailer, Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), constructed a truly inspiring and sustainable headquarters. Its new head office design meets the rigorous level of LEED® Platinum. Platinum level is one of the highest green building standards in the world.

Because energy efficiency is a major priority for MEC, they worked closely with architectural firm Proscenium creating a high performance building envelope. This is because a tight building envelope maximizes the effectiveness of a building’s other energy-saving features. Included are features such as a geothermal heating system, passive solar heating, and an innovative passive ventilation design. So, how did Insulspan contribute to this green building success?

The Insulspan® Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) System provides a solid core of expanded polystyrene insulation. In contrast to traditional wood or metal frame wall construction, SIPs limit the thermal bridging that occurs. This means the Insulspan SIP system reduces heat loss for greater energy efficiency. Furthermore, Insulspan SIPs cut down on air leakage. This also boosts energy efficiency and creates superior indoor air quality.

“High-performance building envelopes are essential to achieving our green building goals.” – Sandy Treagus, MEC CFO

“High-performance building envelopes are essential to achieving our green building goals,” said MEC CFO Sandy Treagus. “Our previous experience with Insulspan’s structural insulating panel system for our North Vancouver store made the decision to go with Insulspan for our new head office facility a no-brainer. The system is delivering the results we expected.”

Inside, the design reflects MEC’s culture of active, outdoor lifestyles. Consequently, there is bike storage for 128 bikes and a bouldering “cave” for resident climbers. There are even regular fitness and yoga classes in the large multipurpose room. Above all, the 112,000-square-foot office space uses just 30% of the energy of an equivalent building constructed to the 2011 National Model National Energy Code for Buildings.

“It has been great working with a company like MEC that has such a clear vision and sustainable goals,” said Insulspan SIPS Sales Manager Dave Stevenson. “I’m happy that the Insulspan SIP system could help them meet their goal of LEED® Platinum.”

Read about MEC’s LEED® certified North Vancouver store. Explore all the Insulspan advantages here.