[ECO]VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Visitor Centre: Pioneering Fossil-Free Innovation

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VanDusen Botanical Garden’s visitor centre: Pioneering fossil- free innovation

As the world faces a climate emergency, the Fossil Free Zones initiative, spearheaded by the Leave it in the Ground Initiative (LINGO), seeks to recognize and celebrate spaces that have fully transitioned away from fossil fuel dependency. Fossil Free Zones identify and map locations where no oil, gas, or coal are burned on-site to create a global network of spaces committed to a fossil-free future.

Nestled in Vancouver, the VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre stands as a symbol of how architecture, sustainability, and environmental consciousness can coexist. This iconic space, a hub for visitors to the garden, was designed with an unwavering commitment to end fossil fuel use. The centre’s journey to becoming a fossil-free zone was a monumental achievement and has showcased VanDusen as a leader in sustainability and fossil-free practices.

A Vision for Change

The VanDusen Visitor Centre was inspired by the City of Vancouver’s ambition to be the greenest city in North America, as ***** out in its Greenest City Action Plan. The City set to work on constructing a building that would set a precedent for future city-owned buildings by achieving the highest standards in green architecture. This vision was brought to life as the fossil-free visitor centre, designed with rigorous goals under the Living Building Challenge and LEED Platinum certification.

Innovation in Design and Construction

Building the VanDusen Visitor Centre came with its fair share of challenges. As one of the first commercial buildings in North America to be fossil fuel-free, the project faced numerous technical obstacles, particularly in integrating renewable energy systems. However, through collaboration and innovation, the City of Vancouver overcame these issues, establishing the centre as a leader in climate-conscious design.

To meet the challenge of constructing a roof that could hold multiple systems, the City used advanced prefabrication techniques, including panels with embedded mechanical and electrical components. The team used computer-aided technology to coordinate the entire installation off-site, allowing them to assemble the roof in just one week. This level of precision ensured that the project was completed on time, even with a condensed timeline due to federal funding deadlines.

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VanDusen Botanical Gardens Spring 2022. Image: Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

The Fossil-Free Advantage

What makes VanDusen’s Visitor Centre stand out is its on-site fossil-free energy usage. The building relies entirely on renewable energy, producing 97% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the average city-owned building in Vancouver. The centre’s solar chimney,

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, and rainwater systems not only enhance the building’s beauty but are integral to its low environmental impact.

Visitors are impressed by the centre’s design, but it’s only when they learn about its zero fossil fuel operations that they truly understand the impact. As Ema Tanaka, the Garden Director, shared, “this blend of form and function is something that continues to impress and inspire our guests.”

A Broader Impact

Beyond the visitor centre, VanDusen Botanical Garden is part of the City of Vancouver’s larger commitment to promoting fossil-free operations across its properties. Since 2018, all new city-owned buildings have been constructed to meet the Passive House standards for energy efficiency, a milestone that wouldn’t have been possible without the success of the VanDusen project. This project contributes to the growing dialogue on fossil-free transitions in public and private institutions.

The visitor centre’s success did more than just set a local standard. “An unexpected benefit from this project was the confidence it instilled in us to mandate that all future City-owned buildings be 100 percent electric and fossil-free.” This shift is helping Vancouver achieve its Climate Emergency Action Plan goals, focusing on reducing emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuel-based systems citywide.

Continuing the Journey

While the visitor centre is a shining example of what’s possible, the journey to becoming fully fossil free continues for the botanical garden. Garden Superintendent Andrew Fleming explained that while much of the smaller equipment has been electrified—such as hedge trimmers and blowers—there are still challenges with larger machinery like lawn mowers and snow removal equipment. However, as new electric models become available, VanDusen plans to transition to these alternatives.

“We have a responsibility to lead by example and highlight new, cutting edge, fossil free equipment that is available in the gardening trade,” Fleming said. This ongoing transition ensures that the garden ******** a symbol of environmental leadership and resilience.

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VanDusen Botanical Gardens Spring 2022. Image: Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation

Inspiring Change

VanDusen’s fossil-free visitor centre inspires other botanical gardens and public spaces and institutions worldwide. As part of the growing Fossil Free Zones initiative, this achievement helps encourage others to pursue a fossil-free future.

As Craig Edwards succinctly put it, “We hope that other organisations will look at the success the City of Vancouver has had in designing and building zero-emission buildings and be motivated to do the same.” 

A Global Movement

The Fossil Free Zones initiative envisions a world without fossil fuel reliance. Spaces like the VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre show that a fossil-free future is not only achievable but already in motion. By contributing to Fossil Free Zones, institutions worldwide can help build a network of spaces committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

To learn more about identifying and recognizing fossil-free spaces in your community, visit

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