TD Friends of the Environment Foundation BioDynamic Garden

Western Engineering News | September 19, 2011

Western’s first LEED gold certified green building – the Claudette MacKay-Lassonde Pavilion (CMLP) – is looking greener these days thanks to a generous donation from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

“The overall goal of the building is to create a centre for advanced learning that directly benefits society, designed and constructed using the most current and innovative environmentally friendly concepts,” says Western Engineering Dean, Andrew Hrymak. “Today, the facility houses space for student engagement and educational experiences through hands-on design opportunities in various labs and workshop spaces in the Richard Dillon Atrium. As well, we have two floors of laboratories and a green roof for conducting leading-edge environmental research.”

One element that has been missing from this state-of-the-art facility is a space for the community to congregate as a group – a place to socialize, brainstorm new ideas, and learn about environmental applications.

Recognizing this need, Jan Shepherd McKee, Western Engineering’s Associate Director, Undergraduate Services, submitted an application to the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for funding and support to create a BioDynamic garden outside the CMLP.

The Foundation fully supported Shepherd McKee’s application with a generous gift of $35,000 to bring the garden to life.

“The BioDynamic Garden demonstrates air, water and soil benefits to the environment,” Shepherd McKee explains. “The garden will draw attention to the environmental curriculum and laboratory testing being done in the Faculty of Engineering, particularly in the Claudette Mackay Lassonde Pavilion.”

The garden, designed by Shepherd Mckee and horticulturist Matt Robinson, is located in a central area frequented by the Engineering community and is bordered by a thoroughfare that brings Londoners to Alumni Hall, parking, and the Thompson Athletic Centre. We expect that this natural space with native plants will be a home to birds and butterflies, as well as a tranquil space for people.

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