The project materials were judiciously selected to favour materials that have been recycled, are locally supplied or minimize the level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during building construction and occupancy.

Of the materials used in the Lassonde buildings, 10.06% are from post-consumer recycled materials and 5.03% from post-industrial recycled materials, for a combined total, using LEED calculations, of 12.5%. According to the LEED evaluation grid, this structure earns two (2) points, the top score for this category.

The materials used to maximize energy efficiency are:

Agglomerated straw (rapidly renewable material)
Floors of 100% solids, water-based epoxy resin, for high traffic (wear-resistant)
Recoverable steel: studs of interior and exterior walls, reinforcements, support structure of ceilings, atrium stairways, window casings and interior doors
Recoverable acoustical tiles
“Green label” approved carpeting, containing a certain percentage of recycled materials
Steel used for balustrades and fastenings of 30% post-consumer materials and 70% post-industrial materials
Rebar of recycled steel, 100% from recycling
Structural steel, 60% from recycling

Water Conservation

Rainwater is used to maintain the roof garden (no artificial irrigation) or simply recovered by means of drains on the white gravel rooftop and held in a reservoir for future use within the building, notably in the sanitary water system, reducing drinking water consumption by 92%.

Other Features & Measures

PHOTO: Alain Laforest

Some of the rooftop has been planted as a garden (800 m2) and affords an unobstructed view of the city. The vegetative area consists mainly of clover, which acts as an air purifier by drawing nitrogen from the air.

The terrace on level 6 of the structure is accessible to users and is an interesting combination of vegetation and paving slabs. The view from this terrace is impressive, and because of its situation and exposure, it is useable at least eight (8) months of the year.

LEED GOLD Certification
The Pavillons Lassonde are the first educational institution built in Quebec to receive LEED GOLD Certification, and have therefore become the benchmark for sustainable construction in Quebec.