Brock University

Project: Niagara Health & Bioscience Research Complex

Status of Project: Substantially completed

Project Description

This project involves construction of a new 8,751 square metre building. The new facility includes research laboratories, research support facilities, teaching laboratories, offices, lounges, a business incubator and classrooms. The facility is designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.

Primary Areas of Benefit

1. Expands or enhances utility of research and development space: The new facility provides adequate space to undertake advanced interdisciplinary research in a wide array of areas related to human health and bioscience, such as human heat tolerance, biophysics, green chemistry, applied paediatric physiology, bone metabolism, childhood obesity, photosynthesis and infectious diseases. The facility allows for integration of research and commercial application so graduates can work and gain valuable experience.
2. Improves energy efficiency: The new facility is designed to meet LEED Silver certification. To achieve this certification, the building is designed to have low-impact development strategies to accommodate storm water runoff in an environmentally sensitive manner, promote the use of building materials that minimize health risks, and enhance occupant well-being. In addition, the facility encourages environmental education in academic programs to increase awareness of environmental issues, promote recycling programs and pursue integration of innovative building technology.
3. Develops incubation facilities for industry and research: This facility will be part of the Brock University Business Incubation Centre, which accelerates the process of creation, development, growth and sustainability of new enterprises based on innovative ideas not only of faculty, staff, students and alumni but also of community members who have been interacting with the university to enhance their own enterprises. In addition, the centre provides a wide range of business support services to sector-specific clusters to further enhance their success. The following are specific markets eligible for support: agriculture and environment (waster), new media/telephony, health care and pharmacy, bioscience and tourism.

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