Canadian High Arctic Research Station becomes the northernmost Canadian facility to attain Silver-level LEED certification

From: Polar Knowledge Canada

News release

Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, July 17, 2023 – Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) is pleased to announce that the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, has become the northernmost facility in Canada to gain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver-level certification. Attaining LEED Silver in a large and complex group of buildings in the Arctic is a ground-breaking achievement.

LEED, the global standard in green building, measures excellence in low carbon emissions, resource conservation, and sustainable practices that lower operational costs. LEED standards are normally and more easily applied in southern environments and urban locations, whereas Cambridge Bay is a remote, northern hamlet in the Kitikmeot region.

POLAR funds and undertakes research that advances its science and technology goals, which includes researching sustainable energy, technology, and infrastructure solutions for the unique environmental, social, and cultural conditions in the North. By operating out of a LEED-certified facility, POLAR demonstrates its fundamental commitment to this work.

Earlier this year, POLAR assumed custodianship of CHARS from CIRNAC. This facility will now be operated in the North for the North; where Arctic science, research and innovation, and respect in Indigenous Knowledge all come together to better understand climate change for Northerners and all Canadians.

Quotes

“Attaining LEED Silver designation for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station is an impressive accomplishment. Through their inspired, collaborative, and sustained effort, the many partners who designed and built CHARS have achieved a significant milestone along the way to a cleaner, greener future for the Arctic.”

The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs

“Achieving LEED Silver status for CHARS is a testament to the vision, determination, and ingenuity of the many people who imagined, designed, and built this remarkable structure. It reflects POLAR's commitment to sustainability in the North and fits with the work we are doing to advance sustainable energy, technology, and infrastructure solutions for the unique environmental, social, and cultural conditions in the North.”

Jennifer C. Hubbard, President & Chief Executive Officer

“We are proud to collaborate with our partners on the design and construction of the CHARS. Receiving LEED certification for this facility is a great achievement and demonstrates the government’s commitment to greening its operations and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”

The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada

Quick facts

  • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is recognized globally as an international symbol of excellence in sustainability and green building. Through its approach, buildings can lower carbon emissions, conserve resources, and reduce operating costs.

  • Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) is responsible for advancing Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic, strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology, and promoting the development and distribution of knowledge of other circumpolar regions, including Antarctica. POLAR operates the Canadian High Arctic Research Station and conducts world-class Arctic research out of this extraordinary facility.

  • POLAR's pan-northern science and technology goals for 2020-2025 are:

    • Improving knowledge of dynamic northern terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems in the context of rapid change;
    • Increasing understanding of the connections between northern community wellness and environmental health; and
    • Advancing sustainable energy, technology, and infrastructure solutions for the unique environmental, social, and cultural conditions in the North.

Associated links

Contacts

Polar Knowledge Canada
343-548-5456
communications@polar-polaire.gc.ca

Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501
media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

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