Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
struction, the green potential of any design project is always part of the plan here. And
while developers tout their green credentials as if they're saving the planet single-
handed, few of the new towers are built without key environmental considerations.
Vancouver is also a leader in 'green roofs' - planted rooftops that curb wasted energy
through natural evaporation in summer and natural insulation in winter. The Shangri-La
Hotel tower and Vancouver's landmark, Colosseum-shaped central library building
have these, as does the giant convention center West Building next to Canada Place: it's
a shaggy grass covering that looks like it could use a hungry goat or two to keep it in
shape. In addition, many city restaurants and food stores are now bringing British
Columbia (BC) seafood, meat, vegetables and even beer to the tables and kitchens of
city diners from just a few kilometers away, vastly reducing the 'food miles' attached to
them.
On the Ground
Several Vancouver accommodation options have some kind of environmental program.
Opus Hotel, for example, has a water and energy conservation scheme; the Fairmont
Hotel Vancouver deploys energy-efficient lighting and purchases green power for its
property; and the Listel Hotel has installed its own power-generating solar panels.
Dining is also firmly on the green agenda. Spearheaded by the Vancouver Aquarium
and a growing menu of city restaurants, Ocean Wise (
www.oceanwise.ca
)
encourages
sustainable fish and shellfish supplies that minimize environmental impact. The website
lists participating restaurants; check local menus for symbols indicating Ocean Wise
dishes. A similar, smaller movement called the Green Table Network
(
www.greentable.net
)
can help you identify considerate area restaurants that try to
source all their supplies - not just seafood - from sustainable, mostly local sources.
Great Green Attractions
Stanley Park (
Click here
)
Lost Lagoon Nature House (
Click here
)
UBC Botanical Garden (
Click here
)
Lynn Canyon Park & Ecology Centre (
Click here
)
Vancouver Compost Demonstration Garden (
Click here
)
