CARSA is a world-class venue with more than 190,000 sq. ft. (the equivalent of three
football fields) of floor space to house training, recreation, research and learning
facilities. CARSA was built to LEED Gold standards and includes technologies to
reduce water consumption by 40 per cent (this represents approximately 7.5 million
liters of drinkable water each year). The venue derives half of the energy needed
for cooling and heating through a geothermal system which will save 340 tons of
emissions per year. Extensive use of natural light reduces the facility’s dependency
on artificial lighting, and low volume and natural ventilation systems reduce the need
for air conditioning. LED lighting fixtures are installed throughout and over 100 new
bike spaces are provided in the parkade. UVIC will also plant 282 trees as part of the
project. The entire facility including the high performance gym is accessible to people
with disabilities (CanAssist) and will provide customized technologies, programs and
services for people from across the disability spectrum.