Feds investing $1M in Lemay’s new net-zero building reno

Lemay’s Phenix project, a formerly abandoned industrial building that now houses the firm’s headquarters.

The Federal Government has announced a $1-million investment to help Montreal architectural firm Lemay convert an abandoned industrial building into an energy-efficient office building with Lemay being the main tenant.

The 3500 Saint-Jacques project will result in net-zero annual energy consumption 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.

The project proposes the following innovations:

1. Architectural integration of photovoltaic (PV) panels with heat recovery channels into the building’s south east curtain wall.
2. The use of energy storage systems to manage power demand during winter peak periods.
3. 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. The advanced control system also uses algorithms to automatically detect and diagnose failures, and to continuously monitor system behaviour.

The Project aims to achieve the highest environmental certification standards, specifically Zero Carbon and LEED Canada New Construction Platinum, a first in Quebec.

https://vimeo.com/278558450

“Lemay wanted the Phenix project to prove that net-zero real estate projects, even on a standard budget, are eminently doable. 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,” said Louis T. Lemay, Architect, FRAIC, president, Lemay, in a media release.