Convergence Centre
Location: 999 Collip Circle, London ON, N6G 0J3
The Convergence Centre is the newest building at Western Discovery Park, officially opening its doors in early 2010. The 55,000 square foot LEED Gold certified building is one of the first and most advanced multi-tenant ‘green buildings’ in southwestern Ontario. From material science and manufacturing and digital media to biotechnology and healthcare, the Convergence Centre brings people, businesses and ideas together in a welcoming environment that provides the opportunity for collaboration and improved access to nearby research facilities and expertise.
A broad range of tenants have already found their space here, from large multinationals to small start-ups, organizations that accelerate business, and university researchers. The building is anchored by ARLANXEO, the leading manufacturer of butyl rubber used in a variety of applications. The opportunity for collaboration with Western University and other tenants of the Research Park, along with the close proximity to ARLANXEO’s Sarnia manufacturing site was a key factor in locating ARLANXEO’s Global Research and Development Unit for Butyl Rubber at the Convergence Centre.
Key features of the Convergence Centre include:
- LEED Gold certified – second building at Western targeting the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standard of the Canada Green Building Council.
- Trademark style – combines traditional ‘Collegiate Gothic’ style architecture of the university, with flexible high-tech/industrial metal and glass construction.
- Sustainable site – bicycle racks and shower/change room, naturalized storm water management to control run-off, durable ‘white roof’ to reduce cooling loads.
- Water efficiency – ultra-low water consumption with dual flush, photovoltaic, and waterless systems, native species landscaping to eliminate irrigation requirements (including trees of the Carolinian region of Canada).
- Energy and atmosphere – significantly exceeds national energy efficiency standards, using energy modeling, building sensors and controls, natural lighting and heat recovery systems.
- Material and resources – nearly 50% of building materials regionally sourced with nearly one-third from recycled materials, and a majority of construction waste was diverted from the landfill (reused or recycled).
- Indoor environmental quality – Carbon dioxide monitoring, operable windows, low-emitting furniture, paints, glues and other materials, ‘green guard’ certified furniture.
