The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre has been designed to meet the Zero Carbon Building Standard while embracing the principles of the Living Building Challenge. Together, these frameworks ensure the building not only minimizes its environmental footprint but also contributes to healthier, more resilient communities.
The project received a transformational $7.17 million grant from the Government of Canada through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, recognizing the Centre's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while creating inclusive, accessible community infrastructure.
Zero-carbon designed building
Mass timber construction
Low embodied carbon building materials
High-performance building envelope and energy-efficient systems
Rainwater harvesting and water conservation measures
Universal accessibility throughout the building
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Outdoor learning spaces, Indigenous gardens, and native landscaping
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs
Demonstrates climate leadership through regenerative design
Creates healthy, inclusive, and accessible community spaces
Strengthens community resilience to future environmental and social challenges
Supports education, climate action, and sustainable development
Inspires future generations through innovative green building practices
Guided by the Living Building Challenge Framework
The Biosphere Centre is being designed using the Living Building Challenge, a regenerative design framework that asks buildings to do more than reduce harm. It encourages spaces that give back to people, communities, and ecosystems.
The framework is organized around seven interconnected “Petals”:
Place: rooted in local ecology, culture, and community
Water: responsible use and stewardship of water resources
Energy: efficient systems and renewable energy thinking
Materials: healthy, responsible, and low-carbon materials
Health & Happiness: spaces that support wellbeing and connection
Equity: inclusive, accessible, and welcoming design
Beauty: design that inspires, reflects culture, and strengthens connection to place
Together, these principles guide a building that reflects the values of the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region and demonstrates what regenerative community infrastructure can look like.
The Biosphere Centre is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for everyone. Guided by principles of universal design, the Centre will create spaces where people of all ages, abilities, cultures, and backgrounds can learn, connect, and participate.
Accessibility has been integrated throughout the design and includes:
Barrier-free access throughout the building
Elevator access to all three floors
Universal design principles
All-gender washrooms
Sensory-aware and inclusive spaces
Flexible community spaces designed for diverse programs and users
By removing barriers and creating spaces that foster belonging, the Centre will help ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in community life.
For more than 25 years, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust has brought people together to advance community wellbeing, environmental stewardship, education, and reconciliation across the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region.
The Biosphere Centre builds on this legacy. Shaped through years of community engagement and partnerships with First Nations, local governments, organizations, educators, and residents, it reflects a shared vision for the future of the region.
As a living example of regenerative design and collaborative community development, the Centre will inspire learning, demonstrate climate leadership, and share knowledge that benefits communities locally and UNESCO Biosphere Regions around the world.
