Coquitlam Centre Grows Greener
Coquitlam Centre has done a lot to go green over the past few years, but recent changes have pushed it to new heights. The centre has just completed its BOMA Level III certification, making it one of the most eco-friendly centers in its area.
Part of that push required looking at the larger ecosystem of a shopping centre and how it engages with its community. Allowing for eco-friendly public access is a big step, one that the center has taken by bringing in Level 2 charging stations. For a small fee, shoppers can plug in and charge their vehicles for up to four hours. The stations are available from 8 a.m to midnight, far beyond the center’s hours of operations.
Electric vehicles are only one part of the solution, however. The center is already next door to the local transit hub, so the next step was to designate parking spaces specifically for hybrid vehicles (joining the existing disabled parking zones and spaces reserved for new and expecting mothers). There are also special carpool parking spots for employees, and the center’s security vehicle is electric.
“In addition to our electric vehicle initiative, changes behind the scenes will maintain shoppers’ superior experience while developing a more sustainable and eco-friendly property,” adds Coquitlam Centre’s operations manager director, Ken Petherick.
These changes include rooftop rain water tanks for use in the center’s cooling towers and HVAC system, improved recycling and composting facilities and new light-sensitive photocell timers for outdoor lights.
Pictured: Mel Fisher, local resident and electric car owner receives the first electric vehicle charge at Coquitlam Centre.
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