Mar 1 2013
In January of this year, the head office for Export Development Canada (EDC), located at 150 Slater Street in downtown Ottawa, was granted LEED for Core and Shell (CS) Gold certification by the Canadian Green Building Council.
Developed in partnership between Canderel and Broccolini Construction Inc., the project was designed by architects Béïque, Legault, Thuot in coordination with mechanical and electrical engineers Pageau Morel and LEED consultants Stantec. The 18-storey, 520,000 square foot building, which houses approximately 1,400 EDC employees, opened its doors in the fall of 2011. The project which is the largest new office construction project in downtown Ottawa in the past 25 years, demonstrates an adherence to green building design and construction practices.
A host of measures were undertaken during the design and construction phases to ensure the efficiency of the building's envelope and mechanical systems, the use of sustainable materials and the maximal diversion of waste from landfill. Through the use of high-efficiency mechanical systems and lighting, the building was able to achieve 56% reduction against the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. Both local and recycled construction materials were used and measures were taken so that 75% of construction waste was diverted away from landfill. Indoor environmental quality was assured through the widespread use of low-VOC paints, coatings, carpets and other materials as well as through the installation of a high-performance ventilation system. In addition, the EDC headquarters encourages tenants to commute using alternative forms of transportation by offering secure storage space for 160 bikes, as well as showers and change rooms. The parking garage also includes 6 charging stations for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
"The success of this project would not have been possible without the vision provided by Export Development Canada," said Anthony Broccolini, Managing Director of Broccolini Construction. "They raised the bar and enabled Broccolini, our development partners Canderel, and an excellent team of professionals to deliver both a stunning and sustainable building." Jonathan Wener, Chairman and CEO of the Canderel Group of Companies echoed Mr. Broccolini's pronouncements. "The EDC headquarters provides the corporation's employees with a healthy workplace and the City of Ottawa with a new green landmark in its core. This building will act as a benchmark by which future commercial projects in Ottawa will be measured."