Dedicated to sustainable,
high performance building

Author: Carine De Pauw

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tul’al’txw – Student Housing Commons at North Island College, Comox, BC    

   HDR Architecture Associates Inc.

Residential (Large) Award

Jury Comment – This project shows a remarkable integration of Indigenous culture, architecture, and landscape, creating a powerful sense of belonging and identity on campus. The spatial organization around the central Hearth, combined with a sequence of gathering spaces, reflects a deeply rooted and culturally grounded design approach. The project successfully translates cultural values into built form while achieving a high level of environmental performance.

The tul’al’txw Student Housing Commons is more than just housing: 217 beds are arranged across three, four-storey wings, which together define a central outdoor gathering space, known as the Hearth. These wings, constructed using a combination of CLT and light wood frame, define, protect and provide access to the central space.

Between the buildings, three passageways, each with cultural relevance to the K’omoks First Nation, create welcoming thresholds connecting the campus to the Hearth.

Orientation and program organization of the complex is guided by Indigenous knowledge, which structures movement, social interaction and gathering while optimizing daylight, views, and passive comfort.  Mixed unit types support a diversity of student profiles, while a series of inward-facing gathering spaces distributed horizontally and vertically across the Commons encourage belonging and interaction.

A variety of gathering spaces—outdoor/indoor collective kitchens, teaching amphitheatres, community gardens, social lounges, study spaces, interfaith room, wellness centre, and an Indigenous Gathering Space are intentionally distributed around the Hearth, connecting community activity and spreading it responsibly across the Commons.

Project Credits

  • Owner/Developer  North Island College
  • Architect  HDR Architecture Associates Inc.
  • General Contractor UrbanOne Builders
  • Landscape Architect  MDI Landscape Architects
  • Civil Engineer  Gwaii Engineering
  • Electrical Engineer  e2 Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineer  AME Group
  • Structural Engineer and LEED  RJC
  • Envelope  Evoke Engineers
  • Acoustics  RWDI
  • Building Code  McAuley Consulting
  • Accessibility  Step By Step Consulting
  • Septic System  Infiltrator Water Technologies
  • Photos  HDR © 2026 Ed White

Project Performance

  • Embodied carbon intensity = 140kgCO2e/m², Reduction in embodied carbon Intensity relative to baseline building 88 %.
  • Energy Use Intensity (EUI) = 53.9kWh/m²/year
  • Reduction in EUI relative to reference building = 88%

Mass timber, structural steel and precast concrete make up the  structural components. HVAC equipment includes fan coils and AC units from Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada and water heaters by A.O. Smith.

Assembly room which opens to an outdoor teaching area. Owens Corning Thermafiber® mineral wool insulation is used in the walls.

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Earth Sciences and Chemistry Building Level 3 Renovation, University of Waterloo, ON   

mcCallumSather

 

Interior Design Award

Jury Comment – This project demonstrates how an existing research environment can be modernized to improve both energy performance and user experience. The renovation transforms a fragmented floor of a 1960s building into a brighter and more collaborative research space, supported by rigorous mechanical system upgrades.

The Earth Sciences & Chemistry Building (ESC) Level 3 Renovation at the University of Waterloo transforms 28,309 sq. ft. within the existing Earth Sciences & Chemistry building into a modern, high-performance graduate research environment.

Originally constructed in the 1960s, the building had undergone decades of incremental upgrades, resulting in fragmented laboratories, inefficient circulation, and aging mechanical infrastructure. Rather than pursue replacement, the project extends the life of the structure, preserving significant embodied carbon while modernizing performance and safety.

The renovation embraces the ecological and economic value of renewing existing infrastructure. The ESC building represents substantial embodied carbon and cultural significance within the University of Waterloo campus. Extending its life rather than replacing it was a foundational sustainability decision.

The project reconfigures a fragmented laboratory floor into a cohesive research environment organized around a clear circulation spine. A major architectural move replaced a dark double-loaded corridor with a single-loaded west-facing corridor, introducing natural daylight and improving wayfinding. This reorganization enhances spatial clarity while reducing the need for artificial lighting in primary circulation zones.

Because laboratory buildings are inherently energy-intensive — particularly due to 100% outside-air requirements and high exhaust volumes — sustainable performance focused on reducing loads before upgrading systems. Envelope enhancements, including improved insulation, air barriers, and high-performance glazing, reduce heat loss and improve occupant comfort within the constraints of the existing structure.

Active systems amplify these passive gains. A new low-temperature hydronic loop built around simultaneous water-source heat pumps allows heat recovery between zones, redistributing energy from cooling-dominant spaces to those requiring heating. A rooftop Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) with glycol runaround energy recovery recovers exhaust heat and reduces ventilation energy demand. Variable-airflow fume hoods with automatic sash sensors significantly reduce one of the building’s largest traditional energy loads.

Project Credits

  • Architect  McCallum Sather
  • Owner/Developer University of Waterloo
  • General Contractor  Harbridge + Cross
  • Electrical Engineer  Stantec Consulting Inc
  • Mechanical Engineer  McCallum Sather
  • Structural Engineer  Blackwell
  • Cost Consultant  Hanscomb Ltd
  • Fire Safety  Vortex Fire
  • Photos  McCallum Sather

Material selections prioritize durability, such as CertainTeed Abuse-Resistant gypsum board, and low emissions. Existing terrazzo flooring was retained where possible.

Strobic exhaust fans from Preston Phipps provide a comfortable, and breathable environment for lab users while minimizing exposure to air contaminants.

By modernizing infrastructure rather than replacing the facility, the project significantly reduces lifecycle carbon. Insulthane Extreme spray foam insulation by Elastochem contributes to the improved building envelope.

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BUFFALO CROSSING PAUL ALBRECHTSEN VISITOR CENTRE, FortWhyte, Winnipeg, MB

Stantec Architecture Ltd

Institutional (Small) Award

Jury Comment – An exceptional architectural response that seamlessly integrates Passive House performance with a deeply rooted ecological and educational narrative. The project demonstrates a rare synthesis between building, landscape, and environmental stewardship, creating an immersive experience that extends beyond architecture. Its role as a visitor centre becomes a powerful platform for public engagement and environmental awareness, amplifying its impact well beyond its program.

Fort Whyte Alive is a 660-acre urban nature preserve in southwest Winnipeg. Conceived as a living exhibit of climate resilience, reconciliation, and environmental stewardship, the 1,675 m2 (18,000 sf) mass timber building expands the non-profit’s capacity for education, and revenue-generating programming.

Flexible interior spaces accommodate informal gathering, structured learning, and large-scale events. Revenue-generating amenities, such as the café, gift shop, and event space, contribute to long-term financial sustainability while remaining aligned with FortWhyte Alive’s educational and cultural mandate.

Buffalo Crossing is the result of deliberate, strategic decisions shaped by ecological sensitivity, long-term operational sustainability, and social responsibility. The building is located on previously disturbed land at the southern edge of the FortWhyte Alive campus, protecting valuable forest habitat while establishing a welcoming public gateway. This siting strategy reinforces decades of land reclamation while increasing access and visibility from the primary motorway into the city.

The triangular form emerged through site analysis, first principles, and iterative energy modelling informed by future climate projections. One point faces north, minimizing façade area with limited solar exposure, while the northwest elevation opens to views of Muir Lake.

The south façade addresses the roadway, balancing a strong civic presence with calibrated transparency to optimize passive solar gain. The building section is shaped so that the upper level shades the lower level, reducing summer heat gain while preserving year-round daylight and views.

Winnipeg’s extreme climate, ranging from –40°C to +40°C, informed a passive-first design approach supported by low energy mechanical systems. Continuous high-performance insulation, airtight construction, optimized glazing ratios with high-performance, bird-friendly glazing, and thermal-bridge-free detailing reduce heating demand, allow for smaller mechanical systems and increase resilience.

A centralized service spine consolidates vertical circulation and building systems, reducing distribution losses and material use while allowing the mass timber structure to remain exposed throughout the public spaces.

Project Credits

  • Architect  Stantec Architecture Ltd
  • Owner/Developer  FortWhyte Alive
  • General Contractor  PCL Construction
  • Landscape Architect  HTFC Planning and Design
  • Civil/ Electrical/ Mechanical/ Structural Engineer  Stantec Consulting Ltd
  • Commissioning Agent  Stantec Consulting Ltd
  • Photos  James Brittain

Project Performance

  • Building EUI = 101kWh/m²/year
  • Reduction in EUI relative to reference building = 60%
  • Water consumption from municipal sources = 3827.7 litres/occupant/year
  • Reduction in water consumption relative to reference building = 25.94%
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The lobby along the south side of the building. HeatLink designed the radiant system and supplied over 28,000 ft of 5/8″ oxygen barrier PEX-a tubing and 14 prefabricated panels. Each panel included a distribution manifold, mixing valve with motor, and circulation pump. Water heaters are by A.O. Smith.

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Tsë Lhts’ënc’il Nec’igekh Be Yikh Split Rock Healing House, Witset, BC 

Taylor Architecture Group

Residential (Small) Award

Jury Comment – This project stands out for its exceptional ability to unify architectural expression, cultural meaning, and high-performance design into a coherent whole. Its spatial quality, materiality, and deep connection to the land elevate it far beyond a conventional residence. The integration of Passive House principles with Indigenous values creates a powerful and meaningful architecture. It sets a new benchmark for holistic and regenerative design.

This is a community-led, cultural healing space for youth in the unceded traditional territory of the Likhsilyu Clan in northwest British Columbia. The project includes a Healing House for youth and live-in staff and five visitor cabins for families.

Inspired by traditional northern British Columbia pit houses, the Passive House certified building is embedded in the hillside and oriented to maximize solar gain and daylight. Developed through community collaboration, it provides a culturally safe, home-like setting for gathering, ceremony, learning, and retreat, strengthening connections to land and tradition.

Environmental restoration shaped the landscape approach. All on-site soils were retained and reused, habitat trees preserved, and felled timber repurposed for slope stabilization. Native planting prioritized regionally appropriate and wild-harvested seeds to re-establish a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem following wildfire disturbance. Green roofs planted with native and culturally significant species capture and filter rainwater, reducing runoff and supporting passive irrigation. Water-efficient fixtures and greywater reuse further lower potable water demand.

Split Rock Healing House supports the well-being of the community as a culturally safe space where people can gather and heal by practicing cultural traditions. The building is located near an existing community space, expanding the infrastructure for community gatherings. The primary design intent of the Healing House is to support the physical and psychological health of its occupants.

Project Performance

  • The building’s EUI is 41kWH/m2/year.

Project Credits

  • Owner/Developer  Witset First Nation
  • Architect  Taylor Architecture Group
  • Construction Manager  Erik Olofsson Construction Inc
  • Landscape Architect  Matthew Thomson Design
  • Civil/ Structural Engineer  McElhanney Ltd
  • Electrical/Mechanical engineer  TAG Engineering
  • Commissioning Agent Zenith Communication
  • Photos  James Morley

The classroom looks out to the lake. CertainTeed supplied GlasRoc and M2Tech Shaftliner Type X for the interior.

View from the lounge through to the dining room with Marmoleum resilient flooring finish by Forbo. A high-efficiency air-source heat pump by Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada provides heating and cooling with backup electric heaters. ERV systems provide consistent, balanced ventilation while recovering heat.

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BMO FISCHER HALLMAN BRANCH, Kitchener, ON     

Kearns Mancini Architects

Commercial Industrial (Small) Award

Jury Comment – This project demonstrates how a standard commercial typology can be reimagined using Passive House principles and low-carbon materials. As a prototype for future bank branches, we appreciate the successful integration of strong energy performance, prefabricated timber construction, and a clear focus on occupant wellbeing.

The BMO Fischer Hallman branch Is poised to become North America’s first Passive House (PH Classic) and Zero Carbon certified retail bank building. The design demonstrates how low carbon and high-performance sustainable design can be adapted to a retail commercial building.

The 465m2 building is constructed using cross-laminated timber (CLT), significantly reducing embodied carbon while reaping the benefit of high-quality construction and the short installation time made possible by prefabrication.  Close co-ordination was required between the supplier and the consultant team.   

The CLT wall panels serve as the substrate for the airtightness membrane with continuous sealed tape at every joint forming an extremely airtight membrane meeting PH air change target below 0.6 ACH. A high-performance, Passive House certified triple-glazed curtain wall system is used, along with aluminum composite panels and siding, balancing transparency and performance. Structural thermal breaks are incorporated at every structural penetration to reduce thermal bridging through the Passive House envelope.

The cladding is in multiple colours in accordance with BMO’s retail design standards and corporate identity. The result is a stunning wood structure visible from the outside, with a light-filled interior providing a warm and inviting environment and bright open views for the staff and customers.

The Fischer Hallman branch was developed as a pilot project to advance BMO sustainable mandate for future low carbon high-performance retail bank buildings in Canada. 

To meet the operating and embodied carbon requirements of certification, the project faced some site and program specific challenges. When working with BMO’s internal design team, it was often necessary to find the right balance between a standard bank branch design and high-performance low carbon Passive House design.

For example, a typical branch would have an extensive glazed entrance facade. On this project, because of the plaza layout and the lease requirements, the main entrance faces north with a reduced glazed area contrary to BMO’s standard practice. 

Project Performance

  • Building EUI = 95kWh/m²/year
  • Reduction in Building EUI relative
  • to reference building = 64%

Project Credits

  • Owner/Developer  BMO
  • Architect  Kearns Mancini Architects
  • General Contractor  OnSite Construction
  • Electrical Engineer  Quasar Consulting Group
  • Mechanical Engineer  Eddie Gandolfi
  • Structural Engineer  Moses Structural Engineers
  • Commissioning Agent  Akonovia
  • Sustainability  Jay Doshi – Pratus Group
  • Passive House Consultant  Peel PH Photos  Tom Ridout

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FALKLAND STREET DEEP RETROFIT Halifax, NS

Habit Studio

Existing Building Upgrade Award

Jury Comment – The transformation of this 19th-century house into a high-performance workspace, while preserving its historic character, shows a strong command of retrofit strategies and envelope improvements. The reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions are particularly significant, making this project an inspiring and transferable example of how deep energy retrofits can contribute to the low-carbon transition.

This project transforms an 1850s timber-frame house in Halifax’s North End into a high-performance office and public demonstration space. Located within a heritage conservation district, the two-storey building retains its original wood shingles, fieldstone foundation, and irregular structural geometry.

Pursuing the EnerPHit Standard for Passive House retrofits, the project balances ambitious energy-efficiency goals with the preservation of historic character. Significant constraints, including the requirement to maintain the heritage façade, party walls that prevented the use of exterior insulation, geometric irregularities, and moisture risks inherent in the original wood sheathing—shaped the design approach.

To address these challenges, the retrofit incorporates continuous airtight and moisture-safe assemblies using Intello Plus air and vapour control membrane, triple-glazed Passive House windows, high-efficiency ventilation, dense-packed cellulose insulation, and low-VOC, bio-based interior materials. Modelling in PHPP informed performance decisions and ensured alignment with EnerPHit requirements.

The completed project achieved substantial improvements, including an 88 percent reduction in heating energy, an 86 percent reduction in total energy use, and a 90 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). A pre-retrofit EnerGuide audit documented air leakage of 24 air changes per hour and 352 GJ per year electrical consumption with annual emissions totaling 72.4 tonnes of CO2e, underscoring the impact of the transformation.

The retrofit began with a deep respect for the building’s original form and the tight urban fabric that surrounds it. The structure sits pressed against its lot lines, its north façade meeting the street and its west wall sharing a party wall with its neighbour. These constraints shaped every design move, guiding the team toward an inward, envelope-first strategy that could elevate performance without disturbing the heritage character that anchors the home to its neighbourhood.

The two-storey building retains its original wood shingles, fieldstone foundation, and irregular structural geometry. In addition to the Lamilux FE skylight in the studio, 475 High Performance Building Supply supplied the air barrier components consisting of Proclima ‘Intello Plus’ sealed with Tescon Vana tape.

Detail of the staff room which opens to the small rear patio. All windows are Elite 92 triple pane fsc cert. wood, aluminum- clad, glazing Usi 0.5, SHGC 0.53 from VETTA Windows & Doors.

The same areas of the building showing the marvel of the transformation. SANCTUARY® cellulose insulation by Greenfiber® fills voids and joints in the building envelope to create a dense barrier capable of reducing air infiltration and mitigating sound. The Giant 40ga. direct electric water heater was supplied by A.O. Smith.

 

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KOFFLER PARK SCIENTIFIC RESERVE DINING AND OPERATIONS CENTRE, King Township, ON  

Montgomery Sisam Architects

Mixed Use Award

Jury Comment – Demonstrating an elegant and restrained approach to sustainable design in a sensitive ecological landscape, this project excels through passive strategies, net zero energy performance, and a thoughtful architectural language rooted in local agrarian traditions. Its minimal footprint and strong connection to the land reflect a deep commitment to ecological stewardship.

Located in King Township on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the University of Toronto Koffler Scientific Reserve (KSR) is one of Canada’s premier destinations for field research and education in biodiversity, ecology, and conservation biology.

The new, purpose-built Dining and Operations Centre brings much-needed student housing and multi- purpose teaching space to the site while reinforcing the Reserve’s core commitments to conservation and ecological stewardship.

The building plan recalls a traditional collegiate model with five four-person dorms, common room, bathing facilities, classrooms, hall and refectory arranged around three sides of a quad. Its form reimagines local agrarian architecture through asymmetrical pitched roofs and elongated façades punctuated by slender vertical windows.

Safeguarding the Moraine’s sensitive ecosystem was the project’s primary design constraint. In response, the building adopts a first principles approach to sustainability, guided by four strategies:

• Build lightly on the land

• Pair poetry with performance

• Let passive design lead

• Use only what is essential

Together, these strategies inform the overall intent: to design a building that does as little harm as possible – one that draws only what it needs from the land, returns what it can, and avoids creating new or lasting human impact. The project is designed to achieve net zero carbon, net zero energy performance and LEED Gold certification.

Design decisions for the Dining and Operations Centre were fundamentally shaped by the imperative to preserve the ecological integrity of the Oak Ridges Moraine. The building is deliberately confined to the footprint of three decommissioned barns, concentrating development within an already disturbed area. This area directly informed the size and shape of its footprint.

In the absence of a built context, the building is oriented due south. True to its contemporary reinterpretation of traditional agrarian architecture, the design leverages age-old building science rooted in the movement of light and air to achieve its sustainable goals.

Each façade is carefully calibrated to respond to the solar path while the building’s narrow section and sloping ceilings promote passive and stack effect ventilation, earth tubes pre-condition incoming air and thermal mass helps regulate indoor conditions.

Passive strategies are paired with active systems – automated windows, ERVs, and a geothermal loop – to create a responsive building envelope that, much like breathable activewear, opens and closes in response to site-specific weather conditions while minimizing energy use. Moreover, resulting roof geometries provide optimal surfaces for photovoltaic panels.

Variations in scale between  h and south volumes reinforce programmatic intent, distinguishing private sleeping quarters from larger communal spaces and community life.

Project Performance

  • Energy use intensity = 50.7kWh/m²/year
  • Reduction in EUI relative to reference building under OBC SB-10 = 45%
  • Water consumption from municipal sources =
  • 0 litres/occupant/year
  • Reduction in water consumption relative to
  • reference building = 50%
  • Construction material waste diverted from landfill = 82%

Project Credits

  • Architect  Montgomery Sisam Architects
  • Owner/Developer  University of Toronto
  • General Contractor  Van Horne Construction Ltd 
  • Landscape Architect  PMA Landscape Architects
  • Civil Engineer WSP
  • Electrical/ Mechanical Engineer  Introba
  • Structural engineer  Blackwell Structural Engineers
  • Photos  Doublespace Photography

Exposed framing is another reference to local agrarian architecture. Unicel Architectural Corp. supplied the timber curtain walls with advanced glazing and sealing technology.

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The shíshálh Nation 10 Home Rescue Project, Sechelt, BC

Renewal Development

Technical Award

Jury Comment – This project is notable for its exceptional commitment to circularity and community-led development. By relocating and retrofitting existing homes rather than demolishing them, it preserves significant embodied carbon while delivering much-needed affordable housing. Its social impact comes from strong cultural grounding and meaningful involvement of the Nation throughout the process.

This project delivered 17 affordable rental units by rescuing, relocating, and retrofitting 10 mid-century homes slated for demolition in Port Moody, BC. These homes were part of a 59-lot land assembly for redevelopment. The homes were transported by truck and barge from Port Moody to First Nation lands in Sechelt, a distance of approximately 100km, then modernized with energy-efficient upgrades and the addition of seven basement suites.

The project introduced two strategic innovations. First, the development partner redirected their demolition budget (approximately $35,000 per home) to offset relocation costs, transforming a sunk cost into community investment. This made responsible building removal cost-competitive with traditional demolition while delivering environmental and social returns.

Second, the addition of the seven basement suites to the relocated structures maximized housing output, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can multiply housing capacity. Final housing costs were 20-40% below new construction or modular alternatives. This process involved navigating technical challenges of relocating buildings with varying ages, construction types, and renovation histories, requiring adaptive problem-solving across multiple jurisdictions.

The project was led by the shíshálh Nation's Chief and Council, who guided all land use decisions and housing priorities from initial concept through completion. The Nation contributed land, infrastructure, and local leadership, and aligned the project with its goals for long-term affordability, cultural continuity, and economic participation. As stewards of their territory with declared Aboriginal Title and Rights, Chief and Council ensured site design was consistent with their territorial land management principles. Buildings were located to minimize impact on sloped areas and protect sensitive ecosystems like creeks and the Salish Sea.

Project Credits

  • Architect  Kasa Designs
  • Joint Venture/Associate Architect 
  • Wesgroup Properties
  • Owner/Developer  shíshálh Nation
  • General Contractor  M Wyse Enterprise
  • Structural engineer  Allester Engineering
  • Photos  Renewal Development

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Limberlost Place, Toronto

Moriyama Teshima Architects in joint venture with Acton Ostry Architects

Institutional (Large) Award

Jury Comment – A landmark institutional project that successfully combines architectural ambition with advanced environmental performance. The mass timber structure, natural ventilation strategies, and net-zero carbon approach demonstrate clear leadership in sustainable academic design. Beyond its technical achievements, the project establishes a compelling vision for the future of low-carbon institutional buildings.

Procured through an international competition, Limberlost Place is a 10-storey net-zero carbon assembly occupancy educational building for George Brown Polytechnic’s waterfront campus in Toronto. Once a neglected industrial zone, the area is now a pedestrian-oriented community with public parks and cultural institutions. Rooted in the beauty of Canada’s forests and the vastness of Lake Ontario, the project is an inspiring addition to the neighbourhood.

Passive design strategies include natural ventilation from solar chimneys, prefabricated panels that ensure airtightness, and the use of timber to sequester carbon. The building also employs photovoltaics on the sloped roof; daylight harvesting that reduces electrical demands for lighting; and efficient heating and cooling systems to reach net-zero.

The building’s ventilation units are decentralized, with two on each floor rather than one large unit on the top, which allows for units to be turned on when floors are occupied and frees up the top floor for alternative use.

The 52.5-metre-tall building uses a beamless mass timber system that maximizes space and provides abundant access to natural daylight. Solar chimneys draw air naturally through operable windows, reducing fan energy. The vertical shafts run from level 2 to the roof, with an inlet on each floor and an outlet at the roof. The air in the shaft is heated by the sun, creating a stack effect.

During the shoulder seasons when the temperature, humidity, wind and air quality are adequate, the building automation system notifies faculty to open windows. When windows open, the ventilation units on the floor turn off, solar chimney windows open, the louvres on the roof open and air gets drawn from classrooms, into the corridors and out through the chimneys.

Project Performance

  • Energy Intensity (EUI) = 57.1kWh/m²/year
  • Reduction in EUI relative to reference building = 55%
  • Water consumption from municipal sources = 1,457 litres/occupant/year
  • Reduction in water consumption relative to reference building = 41%
  • Construction waste diverted from landfill = 75%

Project Credits

  • Architect  Moriyama Teshima Architects
  • Joint Venture Associate Architect  Acton Ostry Architects
  • Owner/developer  George Brown Polytechnic
  • General Contractor  PCL
  • Landscape Architect Studio TLA
  • Civil Engineer  Stantec Consulting
  • Electrical/ Mechanical Engineer Introba
  • Structural Engineer  Fast + Epp
  • Commissioning Agent  JLL
  • Photos  Tom Arban and Doublespace Photography / Katie Weber

The central atrium and main circulation area. As the structural partner, Walters Group provided both the structural steel package and the timber bridge installation.

The building contributes to converting a neglected industrial zone into a pedestrian-oriented community with public parks and cultural institutions. Vegetated roofs on the flat portions were installed by LiveRoof.

 

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CO-OPERATORS Headquarters 

Co-operators Group Limited in partnership with NEO Architecture

Commercial Industrial (Large) Award

Jury Comment  – This project is remarkable, both for the expansive vision of the client, and for the determination of the design team to realize it in all its aspects. With ZCB-Design, LEED Gold and WELL platinum certification in hand; and ZCB-Performance, BOMA Best and Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification pending, the project sets an inspiring yet readily transferable precedent for Canadian corporations.

Co-operators is a leading Canadian-owned financial services co-operative, committed to sustainability and aiming for net-zero operating emissions by 2040. This building represents its vision to be a catalyst for a resilient and sustainable society, showcasing an inclusive, people-centred, collaborative working environment while supporting broader sustainability goals. This purpose-built facility consolidates the operations from the five sites it previously occupied in Guelph. With no suitable downtown sites available, Co-operators shifted to the city’s south end business park, where planned transit aligned with its CO2 reduction goals.

Located along the Paris Moraine, a key groundwater recharge area, the site expands local meadows and pollinator habitat. By prioritizing native flora and water conservation, the design strengthens neighbourhood ecological health and supports regional sustainability goals. Forty percent of the site area is covered in vegetation.

Building placement maximizes sunlight and minimizes obstruction, with extensive glazing to reduce artificial lighting needs. Electrochromic glass is used on all elevations. On premises solution controls limit glare and stabilize indoor temperatures thereby reducing the need for active cooling. Because the glass remains fixed, there are no operable windows in regularly occupied spaces. Ventilation is provided by three high efficiency dual core DOAS ERV units with VFD fans supplying air through VAV boxes. All spaces are ventilated at 30% above ASHRAE 62.1 requirements, and MERV 13 and MERV 15 filters protect occupants from harmful pollutants.

The all electric, water source VRF HVAC system cuts emissions, supported by a highly insulated envelope (R 14 walls, R 43 roof) that minimizes heating and cooling demand. Heating EUI is 18 kWh/m²/yr, and cooling EUI is 7 kWh/m²/yr. A rooftop photovoltaic array offsets 13.6% of total energy use. The efficient systems also allow for future renewable energy and battery storage integration, reducing grid reliance and supporting peak demand management.

Project Performance

  • Energy Use Intensity = 44KWhr/m2/year
  • Water consumption from municipal sources =  193 litres/occupant/year
  • Recycled material content by value = 52.6%
  • Construction waste diverted from landfill = 83%

Project Credits

  • Architect  NEO Architecture
  • Interior Design  HOK
  • Owner/Developer  Co-operators
  • General Contractor  Cooper Construction
  • Landscape Architect  GSP Group
  • Civil Engineer  Husson Engineering + Management
  • Electrical and Mechanical Engineer  HH Angus
  • Structural Engineer  Dorlan Engineering
  • Sustainability  Ecovert Cx
  • Photos  HOK and Eric Laignel

The headquarters, purpose-built by Cooper Construction and partly clad with Endicott Manganese Ironspot Artisan brick from Thames Brick, consolidates the operations from the five sites it previously occupied in Guelph.

Plentiful glazing using electrochromic glass maximizes natural light with renewable energy generated by the photovoltaic modules installed by Informed Energy Solutions.

 

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