Challenges and Solutions

• Geothermal energy exchanger linked to chillers as a main energy source.
• Solid energy bank installed under the building to accumulate energy during unoccupied periods.
• Ventilation, heating and cooling hybrid systems composed of radiant panels for energy storage in the concrete mass.
• Raised floors for better air quality and climate control.
• Very high efficiency heat recovery on expelled air, and selecting a refrigerant that does not affect the ozone layer.
• Green roof (for an large part of building).
• Independent fresh air supply system modulated depending on the occupancy, and superior insulation of the envelope.
• Natural lighting: optimizing solar gain in the winter, exterior shading in the summer with a sunshade slat system, high performance glass, and an automated energy management system.
• Implementing a high performance thermal power plant to increase the annual seasonal efficiency of the boiler room (approximately 85 % - typical efficiency of a natural gas boiler with high efficiency) to over 250 %, in order to substantially reduce energy consumption of the site (more than 60% below the CBIP reference building ) and savings in energy costs (over 50 %).

Awards

• ASHRAE Technology Award 2009 (International)
• Canadian GeoExchange Coalition 2008 | Award of Excellence
• AQME’s Énergia Awards 2007 | Sustainable Building - Green building
• Contech Trophy 2003 | Sustainable Development