Case Study 1:  MEC - Mountain Equipment Co-op
Type: Retail

Location: Montreal, Quebec

Approximate gross area: 4500m2
Number of floors above ground: 2
Year of completion: 2003

Nominator: DFS Inc. Architects
MEC’s Facilities Planner: Corin Flood
Architect: Consortium MTF ( Studio MMA, Lyse M Tremblay, architecte and Duschenes & Fish/DFS architects)
Energy analysis: Pageau Morel et Assoc. Inc.
Embodied energy analysis: Stephen Pope, NRCan and Consortium MTF

see here full design team and awards

General Description:
The Mountain Equipment Co-op store located in Montreal has been constructed to have a minimal impact on the environment. The building was the first C-2000 retail outlet in Quebec. While the building is designed to use 65% less energy than a typical large scale retail outlet, the building also provides a visual and spatial experience consistent with the mission of the Co-op.

The long rectangular footprint of the building was developed to maximize exposure to east/west sunshine. It is also a direct result of the functional relationship between the retail and storage spaces.
The volume of the building is divided into smaller volumes relating to the activities within. The variation in cladding materials helps define the different volumes. The masonry chimneys punctuate the elevation and function to deliver air to the ground and second floors. Pulling them free of the façade allows the introduction of controlled southern natural Illumination at the both levels.

The eastern façade, which relates to the parking is treated as a graphic element. Visual interest is enhanced by slightly varying the coloration of the panels. The pattern is not only aesthetic but also creates a compartmentalized rainscreen further increasing the performance of the wall. The main interface with the public occurs at the north east end of the building. The recycled wood canopy invites the visitor to the centre of the building.

Gathering areas, such as the ground floor café and the second floor roof garden, anchor the north building’s north end. The south end is anchored by double height glazing surrounding a 12m high climbing wall. Clerestory windows line both edges of the higher volume providing natural illumination. The northern clerestories are punctually interrupted with motorized dampers which, when open, allow hot air to escape and form an integral part of the natural ventilation system which operates nine months of the year.. Radiant piping within the concrete slabs is linked to a system of geothermal wells. The system takes advantage of the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool the building. Minimal interior finishes allow the concrete and steel structure to define the interior aesthetic.

The EE4 simulations have been done and submitted to the CBIP program. The results have been accepted by CBIP and are confirmed at 69.2% below the National Model Energy Code. The project is a C2000 certified project. The LEED evaluation was used as a sustainable reference guide in addition to the GBTool and the C2000 requirements. The intention of the process was to extract and apply the most pertinent and cost effective strategies while meeting Mountain Equipment Coop’s sustainable objectives.

Assessment Team: Stephen Pope - CANMET, NRCan; Louis Aussant - Coho Evamy Partners

The GBTool results
Click to enlarge
Weighting	Results
Absolute Performance Results

1. Energy Efficiency
   The objective was to exceed the MNECB and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 by a minimum of 50%
2. Ozone depletion / CFCs
   No ozone depleting materials were to be used in the manufacture or operation of materials or equipment. • Attention should was paid to minimise the use of materials or equipment that emit greenhouse gases during their manufacture or operation.
3. Use of Local Materials:
   A minimum of 80% of building materials as calculated by total materials weight were to be extracted and manufactured within 500 km. of the building site.
4. Resource Reuse:
   Salvaged or refurbished materials were to comprise a minimum of 10% of total building materials as calculated by total materials weight.
5. Recycled Content:
   Materials with recycled content were to comprise a minimum of 50% of the materials as calculated by total materials weight and contain at least 20% post-consumer recycled content or a minimum of 40% post-industrial recycled content.
6. Construction Waste management
   A construction and demolition waste management plan was provided that identified licensed haulers of recyclables and documents costs for recycling and frequency of pick-ups. The plan mandated recycling of cardboard, metals, concrete, brick, asphalt, clean dimensional wood, plastic, glass, beverage containers, and gypsum board with the objective being zero land filled waste.
7. Renewable / Alternative Energy
   The goal was to utilise renewables where they are practical and can provide a significant portion of the energy requirements for a given system, i.e. the hot water system may include a glycol loop solar collector for preheating. A practical system should provide a minimum of 10% of the energy requirements of a given system and should provide a pay back within 10 years.
8. Indoor Air Quality
   A full IAQ management plan for the construction and commissioning process was provided including for protection of ventilation equipment and system components, cleaning of ducts, replacement of filter media and purging prior to occupancy. Base air quality tests were carried out as part of the commissioning process.
9. Low VOC Materials
   The primary objective was to avoid instances in which VOC emitting materials are required, where there was no alternative the following applied. o All adhesives were to be zero VOC or Ecologo approved. o All architectural sealants (material with "adhesive" characteristics used as filler; not material used as a "coating") had to be zero VOC or Ecologo approved. Where sealants were part of the envelope system a comparative life-cycle assessment was made to determine the aggregate VOC emissions over the life of the building. o All paints and coatings had to be zero VOC or Ecologo approved.
10. Water Conservation
    Water conserving fixtures were used. • Storm water recovery systems were used for landscaping and grey water systems where practical. • Landscaping materials and planting are drought tolerant, irrigation water is provided through storm water retention only.
11. Landscaping / Interior Design
    The site design was to accommodate as many trees as possible with consideration given to maximising the quality of growing conditions. • Deciduous trees, vines or shrubs were placed to shade southern building exposures where opportunities exist. • Where surface parking exists trees were be placed to maximise shading in order to reduce surface heating in summer months. • Landscaping was used to soften the impact of surface parking areas on the streetscape where opportunities exist. • Light-colour roofing materials was to be used (high-albedo of at least 0.5, or reflectance) for a minimum of 80% of the roof area. • Light colour materials was to be used (high-albedo of at least 0.5) for impervious non-parking areas such as side walks.
12. Occupant Recycling
    Receptacles were provided for the sorting of cardboard, newspaper, glass, metals, plastics, organic waste (food and soiled paper) and dry waste for recycling (or disposal) in separate containers as appropriate throughout the building. A collection and storage area was to be accommodated in an area convenient for commercial pickup. The objective was a recycling diversion rate of at least 75% of the building waste stream.
13. Siting
    Built area was to be minimised in order to increase density and provide opportunities for landscaping. • Impervious surface parking area was to meet the minimum municipal requirements.
14. Transportation
    Sites were considered only if they are immediately adjacent to public transportation corridors. • Suitable storage was to be provided for staff bicycles. • Showers were provided for staff. • Secure accommodation was provided for customer bicycles equal to that provided for cars.
15. The building demontrates good repeatability 

More information about the building and construction process on : MEC Montreal Website

Lighting - pdf

Energy- pdf

Materials - pdf