Reducing the carbon emissions of 50-year-old buildings
Place du Portage is a large, federal complex in Gatineau, Quebec. As part of a larger federal mandate to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada by 2030, we were selected as part of a joint venture to design the complete renovation of Place du Portage III.
Portage III is a six-tower office complex, with a total floor area of 131,787 square meters (1,418,543 square feet) Our team provided feasibility studies and analyzed mechanical, energy efficiency, and sustainability options. We established design options to achieve near-zero carbon and significant health and wellness improvements, while also exceeding the Public Services and Procurement Canada requirement of 24% minimum energy savings.
The study results were paired with a lifecycle costing assessment over 40 years to support the decision-making process. Recommendations included envelope, central plant, and thermal energy storage upgrades. In addition, by conserving the existing structure, significant embodied carbon is saved, compared with new construction.
The carbon neutral study was completed in 2020. The conceptual design meets energy and GHG targets with return on investment, provides thermal stability and occupant comfort, and observes budgetary requirements and deadlines. The retrofit is ongoing.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- BGIS
- Partners
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- Bouthillette Parizeau
- Architect
- Provencher Roy, Perkins&Will, and Two Row Architects
Antonino Lagana, Principal
I am thrilled to unravel the mysteries and learn evermore about this incredible property—energy—that is eternally converted in form but never created or destroyed.
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