Fiera Real Estate and Colonnade BridgePort undertake major project demonstrating commitment to sustainability
OTTAWA, May 29, 2024 — Colonnade BridgePort, a leading full service real estate investment and management company, along with building-owner Fiera Real Estate, recently completed the replacement of the gas-powered HVAC system at 450 March Road with electric resistance heaters, virtually eliminating CO2 emissions and earning the Zero Carbon Building – Performance Standard certification from Canada Green Building Council.
The complex project at the five-storey, 97,500 sq.ft. building involved over 18 months of planning, with removal and installation of the roof-top units successfully completed in July 2023. Analyzing results through summer and winter months, calculations indicate an annual reduction of approximately 94 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“Colonnade BridgePort is committed to partnering with clients to meet sustainability goals for their properties,” said Vice President Innovation, ESG and Advisory Services Brandon Malleck. “We are incredibly proud to have been a part of such an environmentally significant achievement at 450 March Road. Congratulations to Fiera Real Estate for their efforts to make their buildings more sustainable for future generations.”
With project objectives to source an HVAC system that does not use gas, recovers heat energy, and requires minimal roof space; as well as several key considerations including electrical and structural capacity, contractor selection, and tenant impact; Colonnade BridgePort drew on its 35+ years of commercial real estate expertise to ensure each phase of the project was executed seamlessly.
“Eliminating fossil fuels from heating systems is a foundational part of our decarbonization pathway and this project advances the Fiera Real Estate CORE Fund towards its goal of net zero emissions by 2040. It’s only through collaboration with our property managers that makes these projects possible,” said Jag Singh, Fiera Real Estate’s Director, Sustainable Investing.
The significant reduction in greenhouse gases earned 450 March Road a Zero Carbon Building – Performance certification – an award for buildings that are highly energy-efficient and minimize greenhouse gas emissions from building materials and operations. The building is also BOMA Best Sustainable certified.
See project case study and video here.