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Introba British Columbia K-12 Education Brochure

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SECTOR FOCUS

K-12 Education For generations to come introba.com

HANDSWORTH SECONDARY SCHOOL – NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA © ED WHITE PHOTOGRAPHICS


Introducing Introba

The World’s Leading Deep Green Engineering and Consulting Firm The Introba Story Introba was created from a desire to enhance how people, places, and communities connect. In 2022, to meet the increasing universal demand for sustainable, resilient engineering, two leaders in their respective industries became one. Integral Group, a worldwide network of deep green engineers and consultants, and Ross & Baruzzini, a technology, consulting, and engineering firm, combined to deliver the world-

class engineering and innovation needed to transform the built environment. With unmatched technical depth on a global scale, Introba creates living systems that solve the most complex building and infrastructure challenges. Our systems elevate communities, protect the health of our planet, and evolve to meet the demands of the future.

Designing Living Systems, Transforming Built Environments Introba considers the built environment holistically, not just in its component parts. Critical changes to global infrastructure, material supply chains, and government and corporate policies all play a role in Introba’s transformative design and consulting work. They recognize that business-as-usual engineering will not future-proof against the impact on our planet’s resources or ensure human safety and comfort. Introba has a deep

culture of creative engineering aligned with environmental and technological challenges facing their clients, projects, and society. Through their network of strategically integrated practice areas, Introba seeks to remedy inefficiencies, capitalize on shared opportunities, and find practical solutions to create adaptable, efficient, flexible, equitable, cost-effective, and resilient environments today and for future generations.

Solutions Overview CORE ENGINEERING SERVICES •

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Design Services - Mechanical + Plumbing - Fire Suppression - Electrical Energy Audits + Retrofits Seismic Upgrades Feasibility Studies for Capital Planning

K-12 EDUCATION

SPECIALTY SERVICES •

Climate Resiliency + Planning

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Energy Modelling

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Sustainability Planning + Certification

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Decarbonization

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Renewable Energy

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Incentive Funding

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Operation Procedures + Preventative Maintenance


ERIC HAMBER SECONDARY © KMBR

MINNEKHADA MIDDLE SCHOOL © RICO MARQUES PHOTOGRAPHY

ARGYLE SECONDARY © ED WHITE PHOTOGRAPHICS

SIR SANFORD FLEMING ELEM SCHOOL REPLACEMENT © RICO MARQUES PHOTOGRAPHY

EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTRE © RICO MARQUES PHOTOGRAPHY

KITSILANO SECONDARY SCHOOL © ED WHITE PHOTOGRAPHICS

HANDSWORTH SECONDARY © ED WHITE PHOTOGRAPHICS

DONNA GABRIEL ROBINS ELEMENTARY

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Our Advice and Insight Introba is one of the leading firms to design energy efficient public and private educational facilities.

CLIMATE Accelerating critical change in sustainable building practices.

We improve the comfort and health of occupants within the built environment while sustaining and enhancing our natural environment. Introba’s sustainable designs have proven to significantly reduce our operating and maintenance costs for our educational clients. As your responsible partner, we are dedicated to finding the most innovative and appropriate solutions that improve the quality of life and provide exceptional value to faculty, staff, and students. Our designs embody whole system thinking, where the interconnectedness of all elements is the guiding principal. Saving energy and improving indoor air quality are important design goals, and when they are achieved, buildings also become more attractive, comfortable, and conducive to social interaction, increased productivity, collaboration, and innovation. Furthermore, the building can serve as a teaching tool, where sustainable elements are demonstrated and exposed so that the occupants or children in this case, can experience the design and environmental implications firsthand. The making of a green school building goes far beyond the benefit of saving money for the school, and it’s the non-energy benefits that often times outweigh the energy benefits. By demonstrating to future generations that green buildings that use half the energy or are fully energy self-sufficient are attainable, we can inspire them to implement sustainability into their thinking and in their lives. We provide a full range of building and district systems engineering, analysis and sustainability consulting services, delivered by staff widely regarded as innovative leaders in their fields. We are proud to be founding signatories of the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.

K-12 EDUCATION

HESQUIAHT SCHOOL © NICK WESTOVER

We combine our deep knowledge of sustainable building engineering systems with design expertise to develop green solutions for educational facilities and the communities that surround them. •

Net Zero Energy + Net Zero Carbon Design

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All Elecric + Decarbonization

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PassiveHaus

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Carbon Assessment / Lifecycle Cost Assessment

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Energy Retrofits


RESILIENCE

HEALTH

INNOVATION

Providing access to fresh air and reliable power, light and water.

Generating awareness of how the built environment affects our well-being.

Finding the best design solutions for changing environments.

HANDSWORTH SECONDARY SCHOOL © ED WHITE PHOTOGRAPHICS

Our approach to building design ensures that many sites are capable of functioning during disasters, to continue to serve students, teachers, critical functions and the community without disruption. •

Energy Storage

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Passive Design

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Water Systems

ERIC HAMBER SECONDARY © PETER ALFRED HESS

SAMUEL BRIGHOUSE ELEMENTARY © NIC LEHOUX

COVID-19 has reminded everyone of the connection between our indoor environment and our health. Adapting to new and evolving guidelines for health and wellness in schools requires an integrated assessment of space planning, building operations and mechanical systems. •

Outdoor Learning Spaces

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HVAC Audit

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Flexible Spaces

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Living Building Materials

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Natural Ventilation

We design systems that are constantly evolving, and we work hard to anticipate the needs of students and teachers by preparing for the future of the built environment. •

Distance Learning

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Enhanced Security Systems

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Integrated Design

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Experience École Salish Secondary School Surrey, BC Completed in 2018, the new state-of-the art school supports 1,500 students from grades 8 to 12. Introba provided mechanical consulting services to this school, which is in Clayton area of the Surrey School District. École Salish Secondary School had a construction value of approximately $58 million. The building mechanical design, for this built to LEED gold standard school, features Air to Water Source Heat pumps , Energy Recovery Systems, Variable Air flow Systems, Measurement and Verification etc.

© RICO MARQUES PHOTOGRAPHY

Eric Hamber Secondary School Vancouver, BC Eric Hamber Secondary School in Vancouver’s South Cambie neighbourhood has been fully replaced as part of the BC Government’s $80 million Provincial Seismic Mitigation Program. Completed in August 2024, the new 15,000 m² facility provides a modern learning environment for 1,700 students in grades 8–12. A 1,500 m² childcare centre for 69 children (ages 0–4), funded by the City of Vancouver, was also constructed—exceeding typical school childcare sizes. A new gymnasium was included in the redevelopment. Built on the former running track and playfield, the new school meets LEED Gold standards and incorporates sustainable features such as low-toxic materials, natural lighting, high-performance ventilation, energy efficiency, and reduced construction waste. The original building remained in use during construction and is now serving as temporary space for other seismic upgrade projects before its planned demolition.Introba provided mechanical, electrical, and sustainability consulting services for the project.

© KMBR ARCHITECTS PLANNERS

St. Augustine Replacement School Vancouver, BC Introba provided mechanical consulting services for the design of a new three-storey, 34,639 ft2 replacement school. The new replacement school is the first phase of development; a future second phase will include the replacement of the gymnasium structure. The mechanical system consists of high efficiency boilers serving in-slab radiant heating with demand control displacement ventilation. A high level of detailed coordination was conducted with the team to integrate mechanical elements such as displacement ventilation using architectural millwork and walls, and passive cooling using high-level operable windows and skylights. K-12 EDUCATION

© ACTON OSTRY ARCHITECTS


Argyle Secondary School Vancouver, BC Introba provided mechanical consulting services to this school, which is located on Frederick Road in the north central area of the District of North Vancouver. Argyle Secondary School provides education space for secondary students in one of the six catchment areas in North Vancouver. The project houses 1,200 to 1,500 students and had a construction value of approximately $58 million. The building mechanical design features Water Source Heat pumps with Dry Fluid Coolers, Energy Recovery Ventilators, High Mass radiant heaters, displacement ventilation.

PHOTO CREDIT: © ED WHITE PHOTOGRAPHICS 2022

Hesquiaht School Refuge Cove, BC Designed for the Hesquiaht First Nation on Vancouver Island’s west coast, this © ERIC new school is located in Refuge Cove, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The federal government supports the community’s efforts to balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable development. Introba served as the mechanical consultant for the project. The building’s airfoil-inspired form is oriented to capture consistent southeasterly winds, enabling a natural, wind-driven displacement ventilation system without mechanical fans. Low-intensity radiant heating slabs optimize thermal mass, while heat pumps draw energy from a retention pond via a geo-exchange system. Additional sustainability measures include using short structural pieces and on-site milled lumber to reduce transportation impacts.

© ED WHITE PHOTOGRAPHICS 2022

Garibaldi Secondary School Addition Maple Ridge, BC Introba provided electrical and plumbing, HVAC and fire protection design for the two-story addition to the existing school building and retrofitted the existing mechanical systems to suit the envelope remediation, seismic upgrade and interior renovation within the existing school. A geothermal heating system was provided to service the new addition. The building utilized radiant heating and displacement ventilation. Introba is currently expanding the geothermal system to provide heating and chilled water to the existing school.

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Experience Gibsons Elementary School Gibsons, BC Introba provided mechanical and energy modeling services for this designbuild LEED Gold target school that replaced the former school on the site. The school includes a Strong Start, two full day kindergarten classes and 12 regular classrooms for 300 elementary students in grades 1 to 7. It also has a neighbourhood learning centre which includes a childcare facility with early childhood development, health and wellness screening office, community kitchen and intergenerational multipurpose room.

Glen Elementary School Coquitlam, BC Glen Elementary School in Coquitlam, BC, offers English and French Immersion programs in a welcoming, community-focused environment. Introba provided mechanical and electrical consulting services for this $11M, 43,000 ft² project, which includes 15 general classrooms, two kindergarten rooms, a library, gymnasium, multi-purpose area, and administrative spaces. The goal was to implement a simple, durable, energy-efficient mechanical system. Radiant floor heating combined with mixed-mode ventilation supports high sustainable performance. This system uses trickle vents for fresh air intake and water-to-air heat pumps for mechanical exhaust, recovering energy to heat the floors. The result is a low-maintenance, easy-to-operate solution that provides efficient, comfortable space heating.

Nak’al Bun Elementary School Fort St. James, BC To address capacity needs, the Nak’azdli First Nations community expanded its elementary school by integrating an existing gymnasium with 20,000 ft² of new construction. Introba provided mechanical consulting services for the K–7 facility, which now supports 149 students, seven staff members, a community kitchen, and upgraded gymnasium to promote health and learning. Sustainable design was a core focus, guided by an integrated approach that balanced site constraints and budget. Key features include passive design strategies, wind-driven natural ventilation using multi-directional wind towers, and displacement ventilation. Heating is supplied by an energy-efficient geoexchange system tailored to local wind and soil conditions. K-12 EDUCATION


Our network of sector leads provide innovated design that crosses borders. Introba’s leadership shares a commitment to innovation, ecological design, engineering excellence and nurturing the next generation of professionals in our field. Our team are experienced in working in a highly collaborative environment developing integrated design solutions. Introba’s design experience ranges from portable classrooms to comprehensive school modernizations and new campuses, public and private. Introba is one of the leading firms in the country in the design of energy efficient and sustainable MEP systems for school buildings. We combine our deep knowledge of sustainable MEP systems and energy efficiency with school design expertise to develop cutting edge green school solutions. We have provided services on over 400 elementary and secondary school projects.

KITSILANO SECONDARY SCHOOL © ED WHITE PHOTOGRAPHICS

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K-12 Leadership Mladen Markovic P.Eng., MSc, LEED AP Principal

mladen.markovic@introba.com 604.868.0067 Mladen is a dynamic and visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in mechanical engineering and sustainable design. Now at Introba, he brings a deep passion for creating energy-efficient, environmentally responsive building systems. Previously the President and Chief Mechanical Engineer at J.M. Bean & Co., Mladen led the successful delivery of numerous educational facilities projects across British Columbia. His innovative design approach is evident in projects such as the recently completed Eric Hamber Secondary School in Vancouver, Handsworth Secondary School in North Vancouver, Salish Secondary School in Surrey, Lake Trail Middle School in Courtenay, and multiple energy retrofit initiatives for BC school districts. Mladen is committed to integrating progressive technologies and advanced sustainability strategies into every project. He actively tracks emerging trends in energy efficiency and applies them to deliver systems that are not only high-performing but also streamlined in maintenance and operation.Known for his hands-on leadership, Mladen oversees all aspects of service delivery, communication, and design quality, ensuring that each project exceeds client expectations.

Vince Cox P.Eng Associate

vince.cox@introba.com 778.678.6378 Vince is a Mechanical Engineer with over 9 years of experience at Introba, specializing in the design of HVAC and plumbing systems. He has developed deep expertise in K–12 educational facility projects, contributing to both new construction and major renovation efforts. Driven by a commitment to energy efficiency, long-term maintainability, and occupant comfort, Vince delivers mechanical solutions that balance performance and costeffectiveness. He takes a proactive, hands-on role in every phase of the project—from early design through construction—ensuring effective coordination with owners, architects, contractors, and other stakeholders. Vince’s collaborative approach and technical depth consistently support the successful delivery of complex projects.

K-12 EDUCATION


Ivan Nikolic P.Eng, LEED AP Principal

ivan.nikolic@introba.com 604.817.8866 Ivan brings over 24 years of mechanical engineering experience to Introba. Formerly the Director and Chief Mechanical Engineer at J.M. Bean & Co. Ltd., he is known for his rigorous pursuit of design efficiency and particular attention to detail—qualities that consistently result in highly effective, yet elegantly simple mechanical systems.Ivan has developed deep expertise in K–12 educational facility projects and frequently serves as the primary point of contact at Introba. He manages project schedules, deliverables, and the overall design process, ensuring clear and consistent communication from project initiation through construction completion. Working closely with architects and mechanical contractors, Ivan ensures systems are thoughtfully coordinated, constructible, and cost-effective. His collaborative approach focuses on delivering optimal value to clients while upholding high standards of design quality and innovation Ivan’s passion for the built environment is evident in every project he leads. He is committed to continuously advancing mechanical design standards and best practices across the industry.

Xingchen (Sylvia) Liu P.Eng., CPHD, LEED AP Senior Mechanical Engineer sylvia.liu@introba.com 604.687.1800 Xingchen is a Mechanical Engineer with over 7 years of experience in the design of HVAC and plumbing systems. As a Certified Passive House Designer, she is dedicated to sustainability, system efficiency, and long-term performance - bringing a detail-oriented and energy-conscious approach to every project. She has contributed to a variety of mechanical upgrade projects and HVAC assessments within K-12 educational facilities. With a strong focus on occupant comfort and energy performance, Xingchen delivers design solutions tailored to fit the project’s goals. Recognized for her collaborative approach, Xingchen works closely with architects, contractors, and clients to ensure smooth project execution from concept through completion.

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