Sustainability
Discover how RBJ Schlegel Park and the Cowan Recreation Centre are helping build a more sustainable future through innovative design, renewable energy systems and environmentally responsible operations. From Kitchener's first net-zero carbon building to one of the region's largest solar arrays, sustainability is built into every aspect of the facility.
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Sustainability is a core part of the vision for RBJ Schlegel Park and the Cowan Recreation Centre. Designed to serve a growing community for generations to come, the park and facility incorporate innovative building systems, renewable energy, sustainable landscape design, and environmentally responsible practices that reduce environmental impact while creating high-quality recreation, sport and gathering spaces for residents.
As Kitchener's first net-zero carbon building, the Cowan Recreation Centre is helping set a new standard for sustainable recreation infrastructure in the Waterloo Region.
The Cowan Recreation Centre has been designed to achieve net-zero carbon performance by minimizing carbon emissions associated with building operations and materials and addressing remaining emissions through energy-efficient design and renewable energy generation.
Key Features
- Kitchener's first net-zero carbon building
- High-performance building envelope and energy-efficient systems
- Water-efficient building design
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs
- Designed for long-term environmental sustainability
Power Recreation with Renewable Energy
Behind the scenes, two major renewable energy systems help reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency.
Geothermal Heating & Cooling
Located beneath the parking lot is an extensive geothermal field made up of:
- 120 geothermal wells
- Wells drilled approximately 350 feet (107 metres) underground
- More than 43,000 feet (13 kilometres) of underground piping
- Uses the earth's natural temperature to help heat and cool the building year-round
Most visitors will park directly above one of the facility's most important sustainability features without ever realizing it.
Rooftop Solar Array
The Cowan Recreation Centre features one of the largest solar installations in the Region of Waterloo.
- 1,709 solar panels
- Approximately 1 megawatt (MW) of renewable energy generation
- Offsets nearly half of the facility's annual energy consumption
- Saves approximately $190,000 in utility costs each year
- Reduces carbon emissions by approximately 43 tonnes annually
Many of the facility's sustainability features are hidden in plain sight.
Award-Winning Stormwater Management
RBJ Schlegel Park features an award-winning stormwater management system that retains 100% of stormwater on-site and is designed to accommodate a 100-year flood event.
To support the recreation centre, two underground stormwater storage systems temporarily collect roof runoff before slowly releasing it into the existing stormwater pond.
One of the underground storage tanks has a capacity of 801 cubic metres, enough water to fill the facility's competition pool.
Green Roof System
The recreation centre incorporates a green roof system that helps manage stormwater, reduces heat absorption, improves building performance and supports urban biodiversity.
Mass Timber Construction
The building utilizes Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), a renewable and low-carbon structural material. CLT stores carbon throughout its lifespan while reducing the amount of traditional building materials required, helping lower the overall carbon footprint of the facility.
Built for Long-Term Sustainability
Sustainability extends beyond energy performance. The Cowan Recreation Centre was designed to maximize long-term community value through flexible, accessible and durable spaces that support year-round recreation.
Additional Sustainability Features
- Stainless steel aquatic centre pools designed for durability and reduced lifecycle maintenance
- Efficient building systems that support long-term operational sustainability
- Kitchener's first net-zero carbon building
- 120-well geothermal heating and cooling system
- 1,709 rooftop solar panels
- Approximately 1 MW of renewable energy generation
- Approximately 43 tonnes fewer carbon emissions annually
- Approximately $190,000 in annual utility savings
- Award-winning stormwater management system
- Green roof system
- Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) construction
- Stainless steel aquatic centre pools
- High-performance energy and water-efficient design
- Accessible and inclusive facility design
RBJ Schlegel Park home of the Cowan Recreation Centre represent a long-term investment in people, community, and the environment. Through renewable energy, innovative infrastructure, responsible resource management and sustainable design, the facility will continue reducing environmental impacts while providing opportunities for residents to connect, compete, and belong for generations to come.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.