Minto's 180 Kent Achieves LEED® Platinum Certification

OTTAWA, Nov. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Following an outstanding year of recognition for its building design and operational excellence, Minto's 180 Kent Street - Ottawa's greenest office tower - has now achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Platinum Core and Shell certification by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). This highest standard in LEED certification makes the 20-storey commercial building the first LEED® Platinum Core and Shell office tower in Canada and the largest LEED® Core and Shell Platinum building that the CaGBC has certified to date.

After originally targeting LEED® Gold certification, Minto decided to raise the bar, adding elements like rainwater flushed toilets on seven floors, lighting occupancy sensors and two hybrid vehicles for car sharing. These and other design and operational aspects allowed Minto to deliver a high performing building for its tenants and secure LEED® Platinum status, the highest certification available under the CaGBC certification system.

In addition to having the 180 Kent Street office tower certified LEED® platinum, the Minto Group's offices within the building have also received LEED® Platinum under the Commercial Interiors rating system - a double platinum situation for Minto and a first in Canada. According to Minto CEO Roger Greenberg, "it is important for us to demonstrate environmental leadership not just in what we develop but also in how we operate our own business day to day, to inspire others to make changes that contribute to a more sustainable planet. 180 Kent Street is a shining example of a quality, healthy space with a reduced impact on the environment."

180 Kent, located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, was constructed in 2009 to be one of the city's greenest office towers; a development that would provide innovative design, exceptional maintenance, a lower carbon footprint and connectivity for its commercial tenants. In addition to the building's close proximity to countless amenities, superior access to transit and car-sharing, 180 Kent Street features innovative technologies that allow tenants to conserve natural resources - including regenerative action elevators, a green roof and heat recovery units. Now fully leased, 180 Kent is home to a wide range of commercial tenants including government, retail, restaurant and financial services. In 2010, the office tower boasted 55 per cent water savings and 52 per cent energy savings compared to a commercial tower built to model national energy code for buildings (MNECB). To maintain this building performance, Minto regularly monitors building systems to reduce resource consumption and ensure optimal operating efficiency and tenant comfort.  In 2011, 180 Kent Street also fulfilled its commitment to eliminating approximately 825 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

180 Kent's modern, innovative design and exceptional maintenance empowers occupants to reduce energy and water consumption and help contribute to a healthier planet.

About Minto:
The Minto Group, established in 1955, is an Ottawa-based real estate, development, construction and property management company with operations also in Toronto, London (ON), Calgary, and South Florida.

SOURCE: The Minto Group

Gwen Cox, Director of Communications
613-782-3128
[email protected]