May 22, 2025
The Advanced Materials Research Facility in Mississauga Ontario has achieved LEED Gold Certification, marking a significant milestone in sustainable design for Canadian laboratory environments. Delivered by the Canada FIRST Joint Venture, the project brought together the expertise of Architecture49, WSP, and HOK. As the first completed project under the federal Labs Canada initiative the facility demonstrates how complex, high-performance research spaces can meet ambitious energy and sustainability goals without compromising functionality or design. Kevin Humeniuk, Architect and Project Manager at Architecture49, emphasized, “This project showcases how innovative collaboration and thoughtful design can meet the demanding needs of research spaces while advancing sustainability goals.”
Sustainability at the Core
From the outset, the project embraced aggressive strategies to reduce energy consumption and integrate renewable systems, an especially complex challenge in Canada’s cold climate, where heating needs far outweigh cooling demands.
“In Canada’s characteristically cold climate—where heating needs far outweigh cooling, our legacy of fossil fuel reliance demands bold innovation,” said Vladimir Lazov, WSP’s mechanical design lead. “Designing Carbon Zero building systems isn't just a challenge; it's an opportunity to reshape the future of sustainable living.”
A geothermal field with 840-foot-deep boreholes supplies heating and cooling to the building, while solar panels on the roof and over the parking shelters contribute to reduced peak electrical demand during periods of solar generation and help lower overall energy use.
An advanced heat recovery system captures waste heat from laboratory exhaust and redirects it into air handling units this includes a laboratory heat pipe system with approximately 42% sensible effectiveness and a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) in the office area achieving up to 74% sensible effectiveness. Complemented by high-efficiency fume hoods, custom laboratory casework, and adaptable utilities, the thoughtful integration of engineering systems has helped lower the building’s energy profile while maintaining strict safety and performance standards.
These measures reflect a clear balance between environmental responsibility and operational efficiency, lowering the facility’s carbon footprint and reducing long-term operating costs.
Architectural Transformation for Science and Sustainability
The facility’s LEED success is deeply connected to its architectural transformation. A technically challenging vertical expansion added a third floor to an existing, active research facility. This required careful planning and coordination to avoid disrupting ongoing experiments, an effort supported by temporary structures and phased construction strategies that allowed research to continue safely throughout the build.
The expansion created specialized research spaces designed for evolving scientific needs. These include wet labs, dry labs, and analytical areas - all equipped with flexible layouts, high-performance fume hoods, and precision air management systems. The facility also houses AI-driven Material Acceleration Platforms that support clean energy and transportation innovation.
To support both form and function, the design also reimagined circulation and gathering spaces. A three-storey collaborative staircase fosters interaction and connection across research teams, while a rooftop event space takes advantage of the vertical addition and provides a flexible venue for gatherings and knowledge exchange. The reconfigured mechanical systems, previously housed on the second-floor roof, were relocated to the new third floor rooftop, freeing up valuable space and streamlining operations.
High-performance glazing and daylight harvesting were incorporated throughout the laboratory and office zones to reduce reliance on artificial lighting and improve the comfort and productivity of researchers working in the spaces.
“This project demonstrates that even highly complex laboratory environments can achieve carbon neutrality with the right design strategies,” said Vladimir Lazov, WSP’s mechanical design lead. “It’s a testament to what’s possible when innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.”
A Blueprint for the Future
The LEED Gold certification of the Advanced Materials Research Facility represents more than a sustainability milestone, it offers a replicable model for the next generation of research infrastructure in Canada. By embedding sustainability into every stage of design and construction, the facility has achieved the strategic goals of long-term performance, occupant well-being, and environmental stewardship.