Keeping watch over the entire GO Transit rail and bus network is no easy feat. But the nerve centre of the entire operation is well equipped for the task.  

At GO Transit’s Network Operations Centre (NOC), the entire network is closely monitored, allowing for a rapid response for any situation. Keeping GO buses and trains running smoothly from start to finish requires meticulous attention to detail – and the same level of thought and consideration was in place when it came to designing the 4,400 square metre centre from the ground up, earning it an LEED Gold certification.  

Here’s how it was done. 

Before construction even begins, important consideration is given to the very material used to build the NOC. Efforts were taken to ensure construction materials met or exceeded criteria in sustainability including the use of recycled material, using regional manufacturing and ensuring the majority of wood met Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. And, by the end of the project, over 75 per cent of construction waste was diverted from the landfill and recycled.  

In addition to using sustainable materials, the centre’s thoughtful and efficient design resulted in a 41 per cent annual energy cost reduction when compared to similar structures built to American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards.  

Features include a white roof to reduces the heat island effect, where urban areas trap and amplify heat due to the presence of paved surfaces and closely packed buildings. Electrochromic glass, which can change its transparency or tint, was also used to further reduce overall energy use.   

Though Canada has one of the largest supplies of freshwater in the world, taking efforts to protect and conserve that supply is increasingly pertinent with each passing year. Water efficiency was a primary consideration for both the building and the site.  

To reduce the need for water on-site, native and drought-tolerant vegetation was planted. The use of low-flow plumbing fixtures also resulted in more than a 30 per cent reduction in potable water use. 

Beyond materials like wood, glass and metal, the commitment to sustainability was also applied in the unseen elements that make a building complete. Things like paints, paint thinners, cleansers and aerosol sprays can emit high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Low VOC products were selected for their quality and friendliness to the health of humans and the environment.  

LEED means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It’s an international standard for efficient and sustainability in building design, and according to the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC), which oversees LEED certification in Canada, this country is one of the best places in the world for sustainable LEED-guided construction. In fact, in a 2023 ranking of the top 10 countries for LEED, Canada came in second place. The CAGBC assigns points to each project, offering four levels of certification from its most basic to silver, gold and platinum.  

The NOC is just one of many Metrolinx projects that exemplify our commitment to building a better, more sustainable future. Other recent efforts include LEED Gold status at Agincourt and Bramalea GO stations, and a LEED Silver certification at the Finch West LRT maintenance and storage facility. 

Along with building faster, more frequent transit options, we’re working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. Metrolinx is committed to shaping a sustainable transit system that serves communities for the next century and beyond, and that commitment is present in both our operations and our structures.