Yellowknife (May 05/04) - Yellowknife's new federal building -- at the former Canadian Tire store site on Franklin Avenue -- will be one of the most energy efficient in the capital, says Tom Corrigan, spokesperson for Public Works and Government Services Canada.

The goal is to achieve a silver rating of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design model, says Corrigan.

The standard was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and is described as, "the standard for sustainability," Corrigan said.

To meet the silver rating, the building has been designed with features that are rare in modern office buildings.

For one thing, windows will open to reduce the need for air conditioning. Its roof will be planted with vegetation to deflect heat from the sun.

Sunlight will also be used to help heat the building's hot water.

In winter, a south-facing atrium will let in as much natural light and heat as possible into the building.

According to the government's Web site, the design features are expected to reduce the building's energy costs by $70,000 a year.

The $18 million contract for the building was awarded to PCL Constructors Northern Inc.

"We're just getting some site preparation done," said John Droog, area manager with PCL, of activity at the site so far.

The company is blasting bedrock for the basement and setting up foundation pilings, Droog said.

A cement base for a crane has been poured, but Droog says the crane will not arrive until the Mackenzie River ferry is back in service.

The building should be enclosed by the fall and is expected to be finished by next summer, says Corrigan.

It will house about 200 federal government employees.