Electrical Systems for the Centre for Plant Health Renewal Project

Case StudiesConstructionEnergy Efficiency

Project Overview

As part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to enhance agricultural research infrastructure, the Centre for Plant Health in North Saanich, British Columbia was significantly modernized.

The project included a new 5,500 m2 (59,460 sq ft) research facility where plant materials would be tested and quarantined in state-of-the-art sustainable laboratories to prevent and detect disease.

To support the project, Sasco was tasked with implementing complex electrical systems in line with LEED Gold certification standards, including the integration of geothermal energy, advanced climate controls, and laboratory-grade power systems on a compressed construction schedule.

Key Challenges

Complex Electrical Systems Integration

The new Centre for Plant Health features advanced laboratory environments with intricate electrical installations. The facility required:

  • High-tech laboratory systems capable of supporting DNA-based diagnostics and molecular testing tools.
  • Geothermal energy systems to meet sustainability goals and reduce carbon emissions by 200 tonnes annually.
  • Redundant power supplies for uninterrupted power to prevent disruption of sensitive research.

Compressed Construction Schedule

Originally slated for a longer timeline, the project schedule was reduced to 15 months.

This intensified the need for coordination with other trades, timely material deliveries, and increased labour capacity to meet the revised deadlines.

Sustainability and Compliance

LEED Gold Certification added additional complexity to the electrical design.

Sustainable systems like energy-efficient lighting, rain-water management, and bird-friendly glass designs required precise electrical infrastructure, all while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

The Sasco Approach

1

Accelerated Project Planning and Coordination

To meet the compressed schedule, Sasco employed a lean construction approach, working closely with the project management team, architects, and other contractors. Weekly coordination meetings were scheduled to ensure milestones were met and dependencies between trades (such as HVAC and plumbing) were tightly managed. Sasco also developed a phased installation plan, ensuring work could progress in sections.
2

Increased Labor and Shifts

Recognizing that the tight schedule would require additional manpower, Sasco brought in extra crews and implemented double shifts where necessary. This approach helped ensure that work on critical systems, such as the geothermal energy wells and laboratory wiring, stayed on track despite the compressed timeline. Sasco’s skilled workforce also ensured high-standards were met despite the accelerated pace.
3

Proactive Materials Procurement

Sasco anticipated potential delays in sourcing specialized materials, particularly for the required distribution equipment, and energy-efficient systems. To mitigate this, we established close partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers early in the project and placed orders in advance. This strategy reduced the risk of delays and ensured the timely delivery of custom components such as the main distribution switchboard and transformers, and back-up power infrastructure.
4

Implementation of Prefabrication Techniques

Wherever possible, the Sasco utilized prefabrication. This involved assembling electrical components off-site, reducing installation time on-site and minimizing the impact of weather delays. Prefabrication was particularly useful for repetitive elements like conduit runs and pre-assembled lighting systems.
5

Enhanced Quality Control and Testing Protocols

Despite the time pressure, quality control remained a priority. Sasco established dedicated testing teams to verify installations as they were completed, ensuring that all systems – from power supplies to climate controls – met the stringent specifications required for a research facility. This approach minimized rework and ensured that any issues were identified and resolved in real-time.
6

Adapting to Sustainability Requirements

The Sasco electrical team worked closely with the sustainability consultants to ensure that all systems met LEED Gold standards. This included integrating energy-efficient lighting, advanced power-management systems, and environmentally-friendly practices such as geothermal energy integration. We ensured that the facility’s electrical systems contributed to its overall energy efficiency goals, helping reduce carbon emissions and lower operational costs long-term.

Results

On-Time Delivery

Despite the challenges posed by the compressed schedule, Sasco successfully completed the project within the 15-month window. The use of lean construction methods, prefabrication, and enhanced coordination helped ensure that milestones were met, and critical systems were installed on time.

High-Quality Installation

The laboratory spaces were delivered with fully-functional, high-tech electrical systems, including redundant power supplies, building integration, and specialized laboratory-grade electrical installations. This ensured the Centre for Plant Health could support its sophisticated diagnostic and research needs immediately upon completion.

Achievement of Sustainability Goals

The facility achieved its sustainability targets, incorporating geothermal energy and other energy-saving measures that contributed to its LEED Gold certification. Our proactive approach to integrating these systems was instrumental in helping the building meet its carbon-reduction targets​.

Conclusion

Sasco’s ability to deliver the Centre for Plant Health project on time and to specification – despite a significantly reduced construction schedule – is a testament to our innovative planning, coordination, and execution strategies.

By leveraging prefabrication, enhancing coordination among trades, and maintaining a focus on quality, Sasco not only met the tight timeline, but also ensured that the complex electrical systems supported the building’s high-tech and sustainable design.

Want to learn more about how Sasco can deliver on the electrification of your advanced construction project? Contact us to discuss your requirements.

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