Campus Guide
Sustainability

Sustainable Campus Walking Tour

Carleton University’s approach to environmental stewardship is focused on building a sustainable campus for our community. Check out some of our “green” buildings below, and you can find more information about sustainable buildings on campus here.

Pigiarvik (ᐱᒋᐊᕐᕕᒃ)

Pigiarvik (formerly known as Robertson Hall), which was built in 1969, was the first building selected as part of Carleton University’s ongoing and expansive energy retrofit program. The building’s lighting, mechanical systems, and water systems were improved, resulting in significant energy reductions and associated cost savings. Located adjacent to Pigiarvik, Parking Lot 9 features sustainable transport options such as secure bike storage, a student car share program, and an electric vehicle charging station.

Richcraft Hall

Richcraft Hall, previously called River Building, was constructed in 2012 and is located alongside the scenic Rideau River. It has been awarded a four Green Globes rating for building sustainability. The building features an accessible green roof with native and drought-resistant planting, highly efficient passive solar lighting through the use of skylights and curtain wall systems, low-flow water-saving fixtures in washrooms, and a spectacular three-story living green “bio” wall.

Herzberg Addition

The Herzberg Laboratories Addition, which is home to the departments of Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and the Integrated Science Program, has been awarded a four Green Globes rating for building sustainability. It is at least 30 percent more energy-efficient than the National Energy Code, and features building materials with recycled content as well as chemically inert materials such as carpets and paints throughout the building.

Canal Building

The Canal Building is home to the Bachelor of Engineering programs in Aerospace Engineering, Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Engineering, and Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering. The building was awarded a 5 Green Globes Rating, the highest rating awarded. Features include a 10 kWh array of 25 rooftop solar panels, a green roof with native and drought resistant planting, and an energy display screen in the foyer. The building also acts as a living lab for academic research at Carleton University.

Teraanga Commons

Teraanga Commons, formerly known as Residence Commons, is located at the heart of Carleton University’s residence life. The building has been awarded a four Green Globes rating for its sustainability features, which include low-flow water-saving fixtures, high-efficiency lighting with light controls, and optimal amounts of natural light penetration. Teraanga Commons also features an interactive energy display screen that shows live energy data. Additionally, a bike share station is located near the main reception desk for the Carleton community to use.

The C-Rise House

The Carleton Research and Innovation in Sustainable Energy (C-RISE) house uses solar thermal energy and seasonal thermal storage to serve as a test bed for various innovative concepts aimed at reducing overall energy demands. This is the newest building on campus with a sustainability focus and acts as a living lab for finding ways to reduce energy consumption in the residential sector.