Burlington - Designed to be the most environmentally friendly school in Canada, the Dr. David Suzuki Public School in Windsor will incorporate a host of green features, including a planted green roof, a grey water recycling system and a solar and geothermal heating.

Named after the world-renowned environmental guru and host of the influential and long running television series, the Nature of Things, this is the first time Dr. Suzuki has allowed his name to be used for a school.

One of the most visible green attributes of the public school will be its green roof. The team which submitted the winning design includes Wilk & Associates, Wytech Building Envelope Solutions, Tremco Roofing, Landsource Organix and Bioroof Systems. This team was selected for their commitment to ecological and environmentally friendly products and their building techniques.

Bioroof's EcoSystem green roof was chosen because of its unmatched ability to manage stormwater, accommodate native plants and increase cooling benefits.

Rick Buist, President of Bioroof Systems observed "the 5,000 square foot roof will save energy and maximize the opportunity for students to learn about ecology. Included in the design is a Truth Window - a Plexiglas window viewable to students showcasing the individual components of the green roof."

The architect of record, Greg McLean of McLean + Associates Architects, is striving to meet the highest LEED standard (a design rating system that ensures a building meets higher than required energy efficiency standards) for the school. Bioroof Systems, based in Burlington, were selected due in part to their ability to source products from renewable resources, use content manufactured locally and their commitment to sustainability - all characteristics required to receive a LEED designation.

Students enrolled at the Dr. David Suzuki Public School, a school part of the Greater Essex County District School Board, will enjoy their first day of school in September 2010.