Oct 29, 2018

Lemay, a Montreal, Quebec-based architectural firm, is converting an abandoned industrial building into an energy-efficient office building with $1-million in funding from the federal government. The $3-million project will result in a net-zero annual energy balance through the integration of renewable energy, energy storage and advanced control technologies that ensure optimal operation of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electric lighting systems.

“Lemay wanted the Phénix project to prove that net-zero real estate projects, even on a standard budget, are eminently doable,” says Louis T. Lemay, President and Excellence Facilitator at Lemay. “The firm also wished to serve as an inspiration to other major renovation and construction projects in surpassing the net-zero carbon footprint for positive community change.”

The project involves the following changes:

• architectural integration of photovoltaic (PV) panels with heat recovery channels into the building’s south east curtain wall

• energy storage systems to manage power demand during winter peak periods

• installation of an advanced control system to maximize operation of the renewable energy systems installed in the building, and ensure that operation of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and electric lighting systems coincides with building occupancy periods

This initiative builds on the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF) and Canada’s Buildings Strategy, developed in partnership with the provinces and territories and through broad consultations with Canadians, key experts and industry stakeholders. Over one-third of estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the PCF are from energy-efficiency measures.

Photo source: Lemay