Hélène Desmarais Building lauded for its positive environmental impact
Commendation from the Commonwealth Association of Architects
September 12, 2024
As a result of the positive and substantial environmental impact of HEC Montréal’s Hélène Desmarais Building, Provencher_Roy received a commendation from the Commonwealth Association of Architects, in the Professional Practice (Caribbean and Americas) category.
Since the building is intended to fit seamlessly into its built and natural environment, its architecture was designed with sustainability in mind, for socio-ecological transition. Some of the arguments put forward by the architectural firm to endorse the Hélène Desmarais Building are as follows:
- Steps were taken to include as many features as possible of WELL (access to nature, green roofs, biophilia, maximizing natural light, optimizing active circulation, promoting physical activity and integrating landscaping for biodiversity) and LEED (Gold) certifications.
- An innovative cladding glass system was created against opaque walls, as a replacement for traditional curtain wall technology yielding unsatisfactory thermal capacities.
- The performance of the glass envelope (30% higher than the stipulations of the National Building Code), judiciously placed openings and integration of geothermal energy make the Hélène Desmarais Building a particularly energy-efficient construction.
- Access to public transport and bike racks aids low-carbon mobility, which, combined with all initiatives, saves over 430 tonnes of CO2/year.
This building is also a finalist in the “Architecture” category of the 2024 Grands Prix du design competition, whose gala will take place on November 6, 2024. The general public is invited to select their favorite projects for the People’s Choice Awards. Voting for this project closes on October 30, 2024, at 5 p.m:
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Commonwealth Association of Architects
Photo credit: Ema Peter