Green Buildings & Facilities

The Municipal Sustainable Building Policy (PDF) demonstrates a commitment to sustainable building practices. The Town of Banff's standard for all new municipal buildings is to meet or exceed the Silver Level certification of the Leadership in Energy Environmental and Design (LEED™) Green Building Rating System.

Below are some examples of green buildings and facilities. See more examples in the Green Infrastructure Projects Map.

The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre

The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre

Details:

  • Glulam beams, salvaged from local buildings were re-used to support new curling rink and foyer ceilings.
  • Entire complex moved at least 30m back from creeks and riparian habitat restored with native vegetation
  • Ice melt used in low-flow toilet grey water system
  • Chilling system that reuses waste heat, and
  • Natural light and mountain views from 90% of the building
  • Awarded LEED Silver
  • 984 solar panels installed on three roofs in 2017. It's now the largest solar installation in the Bow Valley. See how they're generating power

Wolf Street Washrooms

Wolf Street Washrooms

Details:

  • 3000 kilowatts per hour solar photovoltaic system installed on roof
  • Waterless urinals, low-flush toilets and low flow faucets
  • Calming music

Fleet/Transit Services Building

Fleet/Transit Services Building

Details:

  • Rain and snow melt is collected in a large tank under the building and used to wash buses
  • Long-life block and concrete construction
  • Large span, high efficiency windows for natural lighting of repair shop
  • More ceiling insulation for heat retention
  • Awarded LEED Certification

Banff Town Hall solar panels

Banff Town Hall solar panels

Details:

  • 72 solar panels
  • Expected to generate about 17,109 kilowatts per year (enough to fully power at least three Banff households a year)
  • Real-time display of energy generation

This policy: 

  • Aligns design, construction and operation of municipal buildings with commitments made in the Town of Banff Environmental Stewardship Strategy, Purchasing Policy, and Local Action Plan for addressing energy management and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Creates cost savings through reduced building and reduced operating costs due to improved energy and water efficiency.
  • Enhances the indoor and outdoor environment and promote a healthy workplace for all Town employees and visitors.
  • Reduces amount of construction and renovation waste being sent to landfill by encouraging reuse and recycling.

Below: Chart showing solar power installations in municipal buildings. The total community installed solar (including municipal/corporate) is approximately 1607 kW at as of March 2023.

Solar