Gordon B. Shrum Building
State-of-the-Art Energy Efficient Labs at UBC
Setting a new benchmark for energy-efficient lab design, achieving LEED Gold and cutting energy use by more than half compared to code
Image credit: Patkau Architects & Architecture49
reLoad’s Role:
Building Energy Consultant
Cost-Benefit Analysis ECMs
UBC Energy & Carbon Target Studies
BCBC Energy Compliance
LEED Gold Energy Modeling
Project Size: 14,500 m²
Project Category: Educational / Institutional
Location: UBC Campus Vancouver, BC
Client: UBC Properties Trust
Architect: Patkau Architects & Architecture49
Image credit: reLoad Sustainable Design Inc.
State-of-the-Art Research and Teaching Facility
The Gordon B. Shrum Building, home to UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering, is a 15,000 m² state-of-the-art research and teaching facility designed as a “living laboratory” for innovation. Located on UBC’s Vancouver campus, it provides advanced labs, lecture theatres, and collaborative spaces for students, faculty, and industry partners to push biomedical engineering forward.
reLoad Sustainable served as the building performance consultant, guiding the design team through ambitious energy and carbon targets. From the outset, we developed comprehensive energy models to inform envelope design, HVAC systems, and lab-specific ventilation strategies—ensuring UBC’s sustainability goals were met without compromising functionality. Our daylighting analysis shaped glazing specifications, shading strategies, and natural light performance across the building.
Key efficiency features include a high-performance envelope, orientation-specific shading, optimized glazing, efficient LED lighting with daylight and occupancy sensors, and extensive heat recovery on lab exhaust systems. The building also connects to UBC’s biomass-fed district energy system. Advanced systems such as Aircuity’s dynamic air quality monitoring and variable-speed strobic fans further reduce energy demands in high-intensity lab spaces.
Using Radiance within IESVE, we analyzed daylight penetration and glare mitigation to directly inform façade design. To future-proof performance, the building was modeled with climate-adjusted weather files, ensuring long-term resilience and comfort under evolving conditions.
Once complete, the Gordon B. Shrum Building will be LEED Gold certified and set a new benchmark for energy-efficient research facilities in Canada.
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