Taylor Park Elementary School

Taylor Park School, a one-storey elementary school in Burnaby, was a Green Buildings BC Pilot project. The school consists of an administration block and two classroom pods circling a covered courtyard. Significant energy savings were achieved through a collaborative design process.

The school's thermally sound building envelope with high performance windows reduces energy use. The covered courtyard is heated with solar heat and waste heat from the classrooms. The installation of point-of -use water heaters in the library and the staff rooms reduced energy losses caused by distributing hot water throughout the building from a central heater.

Each classroom is naturally ventilated using a demand ventilation system that consists of 3 separate fans that are activated in response to CO2 and temperature readings. This system relies on 100% outside air and therefore eliminates the need for ducting. This helps to limit the build-up of contaminants. Low-emitting finishing materials and paints contribute to the high air quality. All classrooms have two exterior windows to provide natural light. Four foot roof overhangs minimize glare.

Drought tolerant native vegetation covers 50% of the site, which reduces irrigation requirements. Landscaping includes flowered grasslands that are connected to the adjacent park and a large number of older trees.

Tours: Available upon request. Call Taylor Park after 3:00 pm at 604-717-5014.