Loretto College Turns 400 Years Old and Goes Green

TORONTO , Sept. 14 /CNW/ - On September 17, 2009 the Sisters of Loretto will be hosting an event to celebrate their first sustainable building, The Residence of Loretto College, in the City of Toronto .

The celebration will be held on the residence's rooftop patio, beside the newly installed solar panels. Event keynote speaker is the Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment. Minister Gerretsen will remark on the importance of sustainable building design and the key role green buildings play in the fight against climate change.

"I want to congratulate the Loretto Sisters for initiating this exciting project. The College's retrofit is a great example of sustainable building in action," says Minister Gerretsen.

Mario Iusi, President of Ameresco will be on hand to highlight the renewal program's impact on healthy living and the environment. "Ameresco is proud to be a long-term partner with Loretto College," says Iusi. "Our partnership is our opportunity to help enhance the learning experience and assist in moving Loretto College and its students toward a greener future."

The residence now features a number of sustainable design and construction practices, including new solar technology to heat the facility's water supply. One of the first buildings in the city to take advantage of solar heating, the solar panels are expected to reduce Loretto College's energy use by over 25%.

Additional eco-friendly features include energy-efficient boilers, ventilation systems and washroom equipment; electrical system upgrades; improved security systems and new windows and high-efficiency lighting. These retrofits will provide residents with better air quality, improved lighting, and cleaner and safer surroundings, all of which help to create a bright, safe and more cost-effective place to live and work.

"The Sisters of Loretto have provided young women attending university a comfortable and welcoming 'home away from home' for the past 49 years. These renovations will definitely enhance the lifestyle of the students," says Sister Evanne Hunter.

To date, Loretto College has significantly lowered its annual energy costs and has reduced harmful CO(2) emissions by 715 tonnes, which is equivalent to planting 785,000 trees or removing 200 cars from our roads.

    
    Event Details

    Date:        Thursday, September 17, 2009
    Location:    70 St. Mary Street, Toronto, ON
    Time:        12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
    Photo Op:    12:00 pm - 12:45 pm, rooftop patio
    

For further information: Media Contact, Craig Piercey, [email protected], [phone]