*Hydro-Québec is the lead programming partner of the Centre for Sustainable Development.
Montréal, QC
You can find me in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles in downtown Montréal. People say that I’m not like other buildings, and that’s true! I’m the first building in Québec to achieve Platinum NC certification, the highest possible honor in the LEED® green building certification system.
For example, my designers have:
In addition to being eco-friendly, my architecture was designed with user comfort and quality of life in mind. I don’t want to brag, but I’m basically a role model meant to inspire people and real estate companies.
Why don’t you pop by for a visit? You’re sure to have a great time! Take a guided tour to learn the secrets of sustainable construction. As you’ll discover for yourself, it is truly fascinating!
Have a look at these pictures to get a sneak peek of your guided tour.
LEED® Platinum certification is based on various criteria, such ecological site development, efficient water, energy and air management, choice of materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation in the design process. To achieve Platinum certification, you need a minimum of 52 points out of a possible total of 70. I got 59 points!
Inside, I have a monumental green wall that is five stories high. In addition to purifying the air, it helps lower the ambient temperature by about 5°C.
For my two slabs, designers experimented with a new method of making concrete with powdered glass. They contain 2,000 bottles of wine!
My 800 m2 green roof is home to 14 varieties of plants. It can absorb 23,000 litres of water. Speaking of which, my ground‑floor restrooms use rainwater!
I’m run by a nonprofit organization comprised of several social and environmental organizations, such as Équiterre. The project to build me was intended to give them visibility and a home in the heart of Montréal.
2009: Launch of construction work on the Romaine hydroelectric complex
Hydro‑Québec plays a major role in my existence because it granted an emphyteutic lease for my land. It costs $1 a year for a period of 50 years! Hydro-Québec is my main financial partner. My mission resonates with this company that is committed to applying sustainability principles to all its activities.
I opened my doors on October 6, 2011. The NPO’s founding members also co-own me. They are Équiterre, Amnesty International, ENvironnement JEUnesse, Option consommateurs, the Conseil régional de l’environnement de Montréal, Le petit Réseau daycare, Vivre en Ville and the Regroupement national des conseils régionaux de l’environnement du Québec.
Since 2012, more than 10,000 people have visited me. I’m a place where you can both experience and learn about sustainable development. I serve as a model and reference for those who care about construction-related environmental protection.
2015: Commissioning of Romaine-1 generating station
On October 19, 2021, I was awarded the prestigious AEE Regional Award in recognition of my excellence in energy efficiency and management at the AEE World Conference in New Orleans. In fact, out of a sample of 40,000 North American buildings, allowing for the type of use and climate zone, I’m in the 93rd percentile. This means that only 7% of the buildings in the sample are more energy efficient than I am. Not bad, eh?
Don’t take it from me. Here’s what some of the people who took a guided tour of the Centre wrote.
The Centre is fantastic!
Great information! It encouraged me to find out more about processes and choosing materials.
Very informative! Thank you!
On Fridays, Hydro‑Québec offers free tours to the general public (groups of five or less).
Groups of five or more must take the specialized tour offered by the Centre. Admission fees apply.
Reservations are required at all times and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
About 60 minutes
Tours start at set times. Visitors are recommended to arrive 15 minutes in advance.
Tours are in French only.
Guided tours for the general public offered by Hydro‑Québec
Every Friday at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., except on statutory holidays
Reservations are required at all times and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
School tours
We offer a free combined tour of the Centre and Hydro‑Québec’s head office to high school student groups only.
Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Reservations required, subject to availability
Centre for Sustainable Development
50, rue Sainte‑Catherine Ouest
Montréal (QC) H2X 3V4
Metro: Place‑des‑Arts or Saint‑Laurent station
Tel. : 514 289-2316 (between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
Email: accueil@hydroquebec.com
Tours are on foot and include some stairs. Only the visit to the green roof is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
The tour is suitable for adults and school‑age children.
Close to public transit
Close to a bike path
Restrooms
Free admission
Reservations are required at all times and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
For any other information, call us at 514 289‑2316
or write to us at accueil@hydroquebec.com
