Calgary Zoo Panda Passage Receives Petal Certification

Panda Passage is part of the Calgary Zoo’s commitment to cutting-edge habitat design and has received Petal Certification, making it the most advanced habitat in the world, and the first project to receive the designation in Alberta.

Petal certification is part of the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) Living Building Challenge and recognizes achievement of the world’s most rigorous building standards. Certification means that the Zoo is taking action to ensure the space gives back more than it takes through design and construction.

“We’re so thrilled to see conservation organizations like the Calgary Zoo adopt the Living Building Challenge,” says Parker Helble, Certification Manager at the ILFI. “The Zoo and ILFI share similar goals and values and Panda Passage is a wonderful reflection of this. Panda Passage successfully incorporates beauty, biophilia, conservation, health, equity, and education at the intersection of species. We hope the exhibit inspires others to appreciate the beauty and importance of nature and consider these principles in their work and everyday lives.”

The Zoo achieved four petals toward certification including health and happiness, materials, equity and beauty. The passage design was inspired by the symbiotic relationship between the pandas, people and the building.

Read the Calgary Zoo’s full press release here.

Mission Green Buildings, a member of Integral Group, provided Living Building Challenge Feasibility Study and certification for the project working alongside Zeidler BDKI Architects, Jones and Jones Architects & Landscape Architects, and Cost of Wisconsin Theme & Specialty Construction Services.