In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, Colonnade BridgePort, a prominent full-service real estate investment and management company, in collaboration with building-owner Fiera Real Estate, has achieved a remarkable feat by replacing the gas-powered HVAC system at 450 March Road with electric resistance heaters. This innovative project has virtually eliminated CO₂ emissions, earning the prestigious Zero Carbon Building - Performance Standard certification from the Canada Green Building Council.
The complex undertaking at the five-storey, 97,500 sq.ft. building required meticulous planning spanning over 18 months. The successful removal and installation of the roof-top units in July 2023 marked a significant milestone in the project's execution. Rigorous analysis of the results throughout the summer and winter months revealed an impressive annual reduction of approximately 94 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, showcasing the profound impact of this initiative on the environment.
Brandon Malleck, Vice President of Innovation, ESG, and Advisory Services at Colonnade BridgePort, expressed immense pride in partnering with clients to achieve their sustainability goals. He congratulated Fiera Real Estate for their unwavering commitment to making their buildings more sustainable for future generations, emphasizing the environmental significance of the accomplishment at 450 March Road.
The project's objectives were multifaceted, focusing on sourcing an HVAC system that eliminates gas usage, recovers heat energy, and optimizes roof space utilization. Colonnade BridgePort's extensive expertise in commercial real estate, spanning over 35 years, proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of the project. Key considerations, such as electrical and structural capacity, contractor selection, and tenant impact, were meticulously addressed to ensure a seamless execution across all phases.
Jag Singh, Director of Sustainable Investing at Fiera Real Estate, highlighted the importance of eliminating fossil fuels from heating systems as a fundamental aspect of their decarbonization pathway. This project serves as a significant step towards the Fiera Real Estate CORE Fund's ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040. Singh emphasized the crucial role of collaboration with property managers in realizing such transformative projects.
The substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from this initiative earned 450 March Road the esteemed Zero Carbon Building - Performance Standard certification. This award recognizes buildings that demonstrate exceptional energy efficiency and minimize greenhouse gas emissions from both building materials and operations. In addition to this accolade, the building has also secured the BOMA Best Sustainable certification, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable real estate.
Colonnade BridgePort's commitment to driving sustainability extends beyond this singular project. As a full-service real estate company offering property management, leasing services, acquisition, development, investment management, and asset management for commercial and residential properties, the firm consistently prioritizes its clients' objectives while leveraging its real estate expertise and market knowledge to enhance performance. With offices strategically located in Ottawa, Mississauga, Toronto, Dartmouth, and Fredericton, Colonnade BridgePort is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the real estate industry's sustainability efforts across Canada.
