Building for the Future
The protection of our planet and environmental issues are at the forefront of important topics. Construction projects are no exception, and need to strictly abide by the regulations aimed at protecting the environment and building a more sustainable planet for present and future generations. At Beaudoin Canada, these issues are taken very seriously. They have a young, dynamic team that is always researching new and effective ways to build and construct responsibly and sustainably. You may have noticed that several of their projects have achieved the LEED certification for the construction of residential or professional buildings. Not sure what LEED means? You are about to find out.
What is LEED Under Construction?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an assessment system recognized as the international mark of excellence for sustainable buildings in more than 150 countries. LEED works well because it recognizes that sustainability must be at the heart of every building – in design, construction and operation. [1]
At Beaudoin Canada, two of the Team members are LEED PA, Martin Beaudoin, Engineer and Vice President, and Julien T.-Lessard, Engineer and Director General. As a LEED AP, Martin and Julien have the knowledge and skills to participate in the design, construction and operation of sustainable buildings. By having this certification, they can participate in the process of design and registration of a project subject to LEED certification.
To obtain this title, the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) offers a preparatory course for candidates or can take the exam directly. In his case, Martin attended a preparatory course at the Construction Association of Quebec Outaouais (ACQ Outaouais) given by RG Integration and Associates Inc., a firm certified for LEED exam training.
As a LEED AP, Martin helped to build Amerispa’s Cantley branch, as well as being apart of the team involved in the construction project of six condo units at 40 Martel in Gatineau. This project was the first of its kind to receive a LEED certification in Gatineau! Leed Silver Sport Expert Plateau, Mimosa project in the Quartier, Gatineau were also LEED silver certification projects done by Martin!
LEED Projects and their Challenges
There are four levels of LEED certification: Certified, Agrent, Gold and Platinum.
Martin explains that it is the LEED professional assigned to the project who decides which certifications he wants to go for. For example, when a client submits his housing project, Martin analyzes it and sets out the objectives that are achievable for the project to obtain a certification.
“The biggest challenge for LEED projects is certainly to respect the project budgets. When we have a new project, we are always looking for economical ways to achieve LEED certification. Our customers are open to sustainable buildings with a reduced ecological footprint, but not at any price.” says Martin.
Added to this is the respect of the documentation to be provided by all stakeholders on the site, in order to be able to get the required points at the end of the project and achieve certification.
When Martin prepares a site for LEED evaluation, he must meet pre-requisites for the project to be eligible:
- Prevention of pollution during construction
- Reduction of water consumption
- Basic commissioning of building energy systems
- Minimal energy performance
- Collection and storage of recyclable materials
Then comes the pointing system that achieves the certification. The scoring criteria is divided into two categories: LEED Canada for new construction and major renovations, and LEED Canada for core and envelope projects. Both categories use the following scale for scoring:
- Certified: 40-49 points
- Silver: 50-59 points
- Gold: 60-79 points
- Platinum: 80 points or more
Beaudoin Canada et LEED
The experience of Beaudoin’s team in building sustainable buildings has been steadily growing over the years. The professionals in charge of the projects are certified and can help you to reach your environmental objectives. Be apart of the change, and contact Beaudoin Canada today!
[1] Canada Green Building Council, Every Building Greener
https://www.cagbc.org/
Do you want to make a difference with an LEED certified construction project? Contact Beaudoin Canada today for the management and realization of your project!
