Mohawk College
IN-26: Innovation C

Mohawk College's Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation was the first pilot project for The Canada Green Building Council® (CaGBC) Zero Carbon Buildings Framework. This framework is for the assessment of highly energy efficient buildings that minimize greenhouse gas emissions. This collaboration provides insight from the application of the framework and will help determine requirements for the verification of performance. The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation is the cornerstone of a record-setting $54.25 million renewal of technology labs and classrooms. The centre is also a showcase in environmental sustainability as the region’s first net zero energy institutional building. The Government of Canada’s $20 million investment in the centre is the single largest federal infrastructure funding in Mohawk’s 50-year history. The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation represents a cultural shift in thinking for Mohawk College, its staff, and students—from free access energy to individual accountability for resources consumed. The design prioritizes the end-users, Mohawk’s students, and staff, creating a social learning environment that will become a driver of innovation. The Joyce Centre showcases leading edge environmental technologies that significantly reduce a building’s carbon emissions. The building includes: • A high-performance building envelop to maximize heating, cooling and natural light • Solar panel arrays generating 721, 000 kWh/year • A solar thermal array • 28 geothermal wells • A variable refrigerant flow heat pump system • Storm water harvesting of up to 228,000 litres • Sensor controlled LED lighting • A green roof with extensive planted areas • High-efficiency plumbing fixtures The Centre was designed to exceed the requirements for energy harvesting and conservation and will serve as a living lab for students. Students will have access to every part of the building, from the penthouse to the basement and will be able to monitor real-time data on energy used and generated by the Joyce Centre.