Press Release

Montréal, October 6, 2011 – Minister of Sustainable development, Environment and Parks Pierre Arcand is thrilled at today’s opening of the Centre for Sustainable Development, in Montréal’s Quartier des Spectacles. In addition to being a part of Québec’s steps towards sustainable development, the building seeks to become a model structure in the fight against climate change.

The new building includes several features that limit greenhouse gas emissions by using clean energy such as solar, and will have a geothermal temperature control system. What’s more, its location encourages the use of public and active transit. Finally, the development of the site will reduce the impact of urban thermal islands.

“The Centre for Sustainable Development is a concrete expression of how to marry the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. In my opinion, this building is a powerful symbol of our desire to build an ever-greener, ever more prosperous Québec and is an achievement of which we can all be proud,” stated Minister Arcand.

The building was designed by Équiterre and is expected to receive platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Its construction stems from a partnership agreement with, among others Hydro-Québec, the Ville de Montréal and the École de technologie supérieure. In addition to hosting several environmental and social organizations, the building is to serve as a centre for meetings and for information sharing and will create jobs with its coffee shop, information kiosk and conference centre. The integrated sustainable building interpretation centre will also allow the new showpiece to become a place for learning and awareness open to the entire population.

The Government of Québec awarded financial assistance to this project in the amount of $10.5 million dollars: 7 million dollars from the Green Fund was granted by the ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs, while $3.5 million came from the ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire’s Programme d’infrastructures Québec-Municipalités.

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Media Relations Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs Telephone: 418-521-3991