Green Building Design and LEED Certification in Laval, Quebec, Canada | Commercial Facilities Interiors | WSP
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Creating a Green Office Environment in Laval

Interior improvements at Quebec-based office leads to LEED® certification.

With significant in-house expertise on how to create a people-focused office space that is environmentally friendly, the team chose to reach for a benchmark, one that would clearly demonstrate the steps taken to create a modern work environment that puts people first. That target was LEED® Silver certification for Commercial Interiors.

 

LEED® Canada for Commercial Interiors is the green benchmark for the tenant improvement market. It is the recognized system for certifying high-performance green interiors that are: healthy, productive places to work, are less costly to operate and maintain, and have a reduced environmental footprint.
John Lopes National Director for Real Estate and Facilities

 

To achieve the certification, a building must earn points towards improvements in seven different areas: Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Material and Resources, Indoor Environment Quality, Innovation, Regional Priorities, and Location and Transportation. Based on the work that is done, points are awarded, at the number of overall points you receive determines your level of certification.

Specific measures were taken to address the needs of the individual categories, focusing on reducing the building’s environmental footprint and creating a more inviting space for our team. The actions taken included:

  • Installing new plumbing fixtures and fittings to reduce water use by at least 25%;
  • Utilizing a lighting control system to reduce energy demands;
  • Selecting materials with Environmental and Health Product Declarations and reducing the use of products with higher VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content;
  • Introducing CO2 sensors in densely-populated work environments to notify occupants when air quality is poor;
  • Developing an Air Quality Management Plan to ensure healthy air flow throughout the building;
  • Ensuring most regularly-occupied spaces have direct access to natural light;
  • Providing amenities such as secured bike racks, on-site showers, and active work stations to encourage healthy living; and
  • Promoting options for healthier choices with internal signage and resources.

 

Thanks to the measures taken, the team was successful in securing the LEED Silver certification for Commercial Interiors for the facility. The actions taken have created an environmental that promotes, supports, and encourages the health and well-building of its occupants. And the initiatives taken to accomplish this were done so all within a cost-conscious budget.

 

 

Green Building Design and Certification

No matter how big your building footprint is, measures can be taken to reduce your environmental footprint and create a healthier workspace for everyone accessing the facility.

Not sure where to start? We can help. To learn more about how we work with clients to create greener buildings across Canada, check out our Green Building Design and Certification page.

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