CMLC thinks green, and you’ll see evidence of that throughout East Village. The area’s master plan emphasizes a decreased reliance on vehicles. Just look at RiverWalk. The promenade and cycling pathway will be a key connector for Calgarians, allowing them to leave their cars at home. Elsewhere in East Village, proximity to transit and walkable streets also reduce the area’s carbon footprint.
But there’s much more. Starting from the ground up, CMLC has cleaned 100 years worth of industrial use from the neighbourhood’s soil. It’s also created a stormwater wetland on a Fort Calgary field. The wetland filters stormwater runoff before it flows back into the Bow, helping to keep the river cleaner. It also aids with flood control and is a habitat for birds and other aquatic life. Another plus for East Village is a new District Energy plant, with the capacity to heat many of the area’s homes and offices. The plant provides heat through a network of underground insulated pipes and is more efficient than traditional systems. And don’t forget the solar-powered recycling facilities. They’ve been introduced to public spaces throughout the neighbourhood.
East Village is also seeking LEED ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the certification for neighbourhood development.