Summary
Challenge: Axium required a workspace that met its sustainability and decarbonization commitments while maintaining operational excellence.
Solution: Canderel’s “Road to Net Zero” initiative positioned 2020 Robert-Bourassa as a leader in sustainability, aligning with Axium’s ESG roadmap and long-term objectives.
Challenge: The building needed significant upgrades to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Solution: Canderel implemented targeted energy efficiency measures, including detailed audits and system optimizations, that will lead to a reduction in energy consumption by up to 26% compared to the 2022 consumption.
Challenge: Existing infrastructure relied on fossil fuels, contributing to high carbon emissions.
Solution: Through strategic electrification and system upgrades, Canderel will reduce the building’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to 2022 emissions.
Challenge: Maintaining sustainability improvements while optimizing tenant experience and operational efficiency.
Solution: The integration of a real-time fault detection system allowed for continuous monitoring, optimizing energy use and ensuring long-term cost savings.
Background
In the ever-changing landscape of commercial real estate, sustainability and decarbonization have become central elements in tenants’ decision-making processes. At 2020 Robert-Bourassa, Axium Infrastructure — a firm specializing in infrastructure investment management — chose to renew and expand its lease, primarily due to the building’s alignment with its sustainability and decarbonization goals.
The Decarbonization Process
Through Canderel’s initiative Road to Net Zero (RNZ), 2020 Robert-Bourassa stands as one of the few downtown Montreal office buildings to have completed a decarbonization project, aligning perfectly with Axium’s ESG ambitions.
Canderel, as the property manager, played a pivotal role in driving this project, which included:
• The management of design and implementation of energy efficiency improvements, including detailed audits and management of the works to reduce the building’s energy consumption.
• The electrification of HVAC equipment, a strategic shift to limit the use of fossil fuels and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• The integration of a fault detection system enabling real-time monitoring of equipment, optimizing energy usage and generating long-term operational savings.
Energy efficiency
improvements
Electrification of
HVAC equipment
Integration of
fault detection system
With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Canderel not only led the development and execution of these measures within 18 months but also ensured effective coordination with stakeholders and technical experts. These improvements will enhance the building’s performance by reducing energy consumption by up to 26% and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to the 2022 baseline year. These efforts position 2020 Robert-Bourassa as a model aligned with global carbon-neutral objectives, providing tenants with concrete means to achieve their sustainability commitments.
Why Axium chose 2020 Robert-Bourassa?
When Axium undertook the lease renewal process, a market analysis revealed the need for a workspace offering not only operational excellence but also support for their ESG roadmap.
Beyond the anticipated sustainability profile of the building, Axium appreciated Canderel’s and the owners’ proactive approach to the building’s decarbonization. The expected performance and the fact that the project was already underway motivated Axium to renew and expand their lease at 2020 Robert-Bourassa.
World-class
amenity floor
Inviting
lounge
Top-tier
fitness facility
Modernized
conference spaces
Beyond the anticipated sustainability profile of the building, Axium appreciated Canderel’s and the owners’ proactive approach to the building’s decarbonization. The expected performance and the fact that the project was already underway motivated Axium to renew and expand their lease at 2020 Robert-Bourassa.
Looking Ahead
Axium’s decision to stay at 2020 Robert-Bourassa reflects a shared vision of a carbon-neutral future and underscores the crucial role building managers and owners play in enabling tenants to achieve their ESG goals. Integrating sustainability into real estate decision-making demonstrates how strategic improvements can not only foster tenant retention but also build long-term partnerships.
To learn how Canderel can assist you in achieving your decarbonization goals, write to us at: sustainability@canderel.com
Or visit our website: https://canderel.com/rnz/
Conclusion
Axium’s decision to renew and expand its lease at 2020 Robert-Bourassa underscores the growing importance of sustainability in real estate decision-making. Thanks to Canderel’s Road to Net Zero (RNZ) initiative, the building has become a model for decarbonization, anticipating significant reductions in energy consumption and emissions. This project not only supports Axium’s ESG commitments but also highlights how strategic sustainability efforts can drive tenant retention and long-term partnerships.
Canderel’s proactive approach to property management showcased its ability to lead complex sustainability initiatives, enhancing building performance, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening long-term tenant relationships.
