The Hélène Desmarais Building has integrated sustainable development principles since the very first steps in its collaborative design, and will continue to do so long after it opened for business. It is a space for innovation and a model in terms of sustainability, one that also helps to bolster the collective influence of a strong network of community players.
The design of the Hélène Desmarais Building included a series of discussions with neighbours and the local community.
The project respects provincial sustainable development requirements and has been registered with the Canada Green Building Council: the goal is to obtain LEED Gold certification.
LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design) certification is awarded to a “green” building, as a way of enhancing the well-being of occupants and the building’s environmental and economic performance through proven and innovative practices, standards and technologies.
These features and the elimination of the outdoor parking lot help to reduce a large heat island.
The site is just a few minutes’ walk from the main office buildings downtown. It is easily accessible thanks to various public transit, active transportation and car-sharing options.
In addition to the initial collaborative design initiatives, HEC Montréal asked one of its professional teams to define a strategic sustainable development project for the Hélène Desmarais Building. This led to a broader consultation involving some local community players from the Faubourg Saint-Laurent neighbourhood, working closely with the Centre for Sustainable Development. The goal is to make the new building a welcoming and pleasant place open to the community, but also a forum for dialogue.
De La Gauchetière Ouest closed from Monday, January 16 to Friday, January 20
A crane will be erected on Monday, January 16 on De La Gauchetière Ouest to complete work on the curtain wall of the building.
To carry out this work safely, the section of De La Gauchetière Ouest between Saint-Alexandre and Côte du Beaver Hall will be closed to automobile traffic from 7 a.m. on Monday, January 16 until the end of the day Friday, January 20. Note that local traffic will still be allowed, to maintain access to indoor parking in the buildings on this section of De La Gauchetière Ouest.
