The new LEED Gold certified La Haute-Yamaska Regional County Municipality (RCM) administrative building spans 29,740 square feet and features innovative and sustainable systems to minimize the building’s energy footprint. The project reflects EXP’s commitment to designing solutions for a greener future and leading innovative, sustainable projects.
The new building is equipped with an innovative system to reuse rainwater for sanitary facilities, reducing the center’s water consumption by 46%. Energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are designed to recover energy from exhaust air. The HVAC system’s geothermal heat pumps will reduce energy consumption by 46.3% and cut peak electrical consumption by 40.3%.
EXP’s mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineers, and energy and optimization specialists were engaged in design for the new facility and also provided LEED certification support, conducted energy audits and assisted with commissioning.
Additional features that contributed to LEED Gold certification:
- Integrated design process
- Reduction of materials’ environmental footprint over the project lifecycle
- Optimized outdoor lighting design to manage light pollution
- Innovative mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems designed to improve thermal comfort and interior lighting quality, and minimize decibels emitted by the systems for better acoustic performance
- Optimized indoor air quality and a higher ventilation rate through use of high-induction diffusers and high-performance MERV 13 filters to maximize air pollutant removal
Innovative lighting design
The building’s high-performance lighting systems contribute to sustainable performance, enhance the building’s overall aesthetic and reduce light pollution. The new building features LED fixtures, advanced motion detection and dynamic dimming systems, which significantly reduce energy consumption. Sustainable lighting contributed to LEED Gold certification. The project received the Illumination Award from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Montréal for the best energy-efficient and environmentally friendly design.