Constitution Square in downtown Ottawa is the first office complex in the area to earn LEED Platinum EB certification.

Oxford Properties announced its three-tower office and retail building achieved the 80 points needed through energy efficiency upgrades, waste reduction and indoor air quality, to name a few goals.

Some high-efficient approaches included a building audit to determine sources of potential air contamination, exploring issues that affect worker comfort through an occupant comfort survey and water and energy sub-metering to help reach target reduction goals.

Energy efficient washroom features were installed to reduce water consumption, while 75 per cent of occupants are car-free commuters or car pool. The building also received an Energy Star score of 94, placing it in the top five per cent of buildings for energy performance.

“We take a holistic approach to sustainability that also encompasses the wellness of our tenants’ employees,” said Andrew McAllan, vice-president of real estate management at Oxford Properties Group. “If we can create great and healthy workplaces, we provide a platform for employees to perform at their optimum levels while, at the same time, reducing our environmental footprint.”

Constitution Square has also implemented wellness programs, such as a ‘take the stairs’ campaign to encourage exercise, as well as working with local farms to offer fresh, local food for corporate use.