A new post-secondary school under construction in Langford marked a key milestone.
CarbonCure concrete was poured as part of the construction for the Langford post-secondary school, which will house campuses for Royal Roads University, the University of Victoria, Camosun College, and the Justice Institute of BC.
The concrete used in this project is unique, made with carbon-removal technology, according to Travis Butler, president, Butler Concrete and Aggregate.
“Royal Roads is one of the first facilities that has sought out a cleaner, greener solution in use in their project,” Butler said.
The carbon is injected into fresh concrete, hardens, and is embedded into the structure.
“We poured about 760 metres and that has the equivalent CO2 reduction of about 75 acres of forest over a one-year period of CO2 sequestering,” Butler said.
The entire campus will not only meet tough environmental standards, but also one of the highest for accessibility.
The estimated cost of the entire project is $98 million.
Philip Twyford, vice-president of finance and operations, Royal Roads University said the project planning started more than a decade ago.
“The concept of this university has actually been about 15 years in the planning,” Twyford said.
In the fall of 2024, the finished mass timber five-story building will accommodate 400 students right away, and more with future expansions.
“We can’t keep up with the demand. So this is going to save hours of travel for students who are currently going to UVic or Camosun. They can start here. They can transfer different programs,” Twyford said.
This project is part of the Sooke School District’s effort to address the West Shore’s direct-to-post-secondary transition rates, which currently are lower than the provincial average.
The West Shore has a 38 per cent transition rate, compared to the provincial average at 51 per cent.
Residents have cited the long commute as one of the barriers to pursuing a post-secondary education.
At the official announcement Aug. 3, 2022 then-Premier John Horgan said the project is desperately needed.
“Almost 80 per cent of the million jobs that will go wanting in the next decade will require post secondary education. So to be able to have a one-stop shop here in Langford for all of the West Shore, and indeed all of the island, is truly, truly remarkable,” Horgan said in August.
Mary Griffin
