Le Soleil is the first completely solar-powered Condominium Project in Canada* and one of the 12 winners of CMHC’s EQuilibriumTM initiative. The project team chose a triplex, a ubiquitous Montreal building type, to test the feasibility of designing a net-zero multi-unit building in an urban context.

Le Soleil is an urban infill project located in the Montreal borough of Verdun. The location provides easy access to public transportation, bike paths, parks, shopping and other urban amenities. The 3-unit building produces as much energy in a year as it consumes and is slated to receive LEED for Homes platinum certification.

The project is the result of an integrated design involving the builder, the developer, the architects, the engineers, academic researchers and various other specialists and stake-holders. The building uses readily available equipment and material and ‘conventional’ (though optimized) building techniques to create a repeatable model for sustainable urban housing. Each unit consumes less than 30% of the energy consumed by a typical apartment for a cost that is within the market price for the City. In addition to an exceptional energy performance, le Soleil integrates strategies of resource conservation, occupant health and to encourage sustainable lifestyles.

One of the units will be energy monitored for a year by the University of Montreal’s Polytechnique School, the results feeding into further academic research. The building has been open for guided visits for a year and has received numerous awards and recognitions.

*According to research carried out by EcoCité Developments

Energy Conservation Features

Other Sustainability Features

Drawings

73%	MEASURED REDUCTION IN ENERGY USE	National Average Energy Use Intensity (EUI): 718 MJ/m2 (199 ekWh/m2)
		Building's EUI: 191 MJ/m2 (53 ekWh/m2)



	Self-sufficient in electrical power An agreement has been reached with Hydro-Québec to inject the surplus power generated by the photovoltaic solar panels into the grid in summer and draw it out in winter. Over a one-year period, the electricity cost is nil. [ CLICK FOR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES AND MEASURES ]



	geothermal pumps Heating and air-conditioning are provided by three (3) geothermal pumps, one to supply each unit. [ CLICK FOR HEATING, COOLING & VENTILATION ]



	Solar Shading The pergola of thermal and photovoltaic solar panels projects over and shades the shared roof-top terrace. [ CLICK FOR DETAILS ]



	WATER CONSERVATION A tank collects rainwater from the roof and supplies the low-flow toilets. [ CLICK FOR DETAILS ]



	Building Envelope Soy-based spray polyurethane foam installed on the inside serves as insulation and a vapour barrier (R30). [ CLICK FOR DETAILS ]



	WATER CONSERVATION Water for non-potable uses is drawn from nearby ponds further reducing use of potable city water. [ CLICK FOR DETAILS ]

Annual Energy Consumption – Energy Use Intensity (EUI)

Distribution of annual production of renewable energy

Over a one-year period, the building produces as much energy as it uses.

Compared to a conventional dwelling of the same size
(without the photovoltaic panels of the Le Soleil triplex)

Based on CMHC modelling.