Oct 9 2014
The Sun Life Building has received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification in the "Existing Building: Operations and Maintenance" category, ranking it as a leader among recognized green buildings in North America. To receive LEED certification, a building must comply with strict performance criteria in the areas of energy, the environment and social responsibility.
According to Mario Bédard, Senior Vice-President for Quebec and the Maritimes at Bentall Kennedy, "This recognition is all the more remarkable because we must preserve the building's historical cachet while attaining heightened levels of environmental performance through the application of proven practices and major improvements. We have been successful in rising to this challenge due in large part to the launch of our continuous infrastructure improvement program."
The evaluation criteria for LEED Silver certification include the ecological development of sites, energy efficiency and the quality of the atmosphere, water management and consumption, the use of materials and reuse of surplus materials, and the quality of the interior spaces.
Built in three stages between 1914 and 1933, "the Sun Life Building was built using materials and processes that were nothing like those used today," states Bédard. "Bringing the building into compliance with today's standards while taking into consideration the many constraints presented by the heritage status of the structure calls for architectural sensitivity and infallible attention to detail in terms of eco-responsible operations and maintenance. Every major project represents a monumental undertaking."
In the late 1980s, the Sun Life Building underwent its first major renovation, involving the replacement of its 1,600 exterior windows, the modernization of its mechanical and electrical systems and a thorough cleaning of the façade. In addition, all of the office floors were renovated. More recently, the building was equipped with ultra-modern infrastructure that meets the most stringent environmental standards, and with technologically advanced telecommunications facilities.
The following changes have been made:
- Upgrading of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems by automating and centralizing the control system for all thermostats (1,650 units), lighting switches and building accesses;
- Installing electronic filters throughout the fresh air supply system;
- Replacing the cooling units;
- Renovating six cooling towers;
- Ongoing maintenance and replacement of heat pumps;
- Lighting for the parking area with a view to improving energy efficiency;
- Installing water-efficient sanitary devices;
- Installing water meters – a first for a commercial building operating in downtown Montréal.
These major improvements attest to the importance of preserving the environment in the eyes of Bentall Kennedy, the management company for the Sun Life Building, along with the two co-owners. Bentall Kennedy has adopted an environmental policy entitled "ForeverGreen", through which all managers are committed to striving for energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, the repurposing of waste, water conservation and the preservation of a healthy living environment.
Source: http://www.bentallkennedy.com