Powering Concordia behind the scenes
As stewards of Concordia’s spaces, the team works behind the scenes to keep classrooms, labs, residences, gyms, and shared spaces safe, functional, and welcoming.
“When our facilities run smoothly, campus life runs smoothly,” says associate vice-president of Facilities Management, Marie-Claude Lavoie. “We don’t just maintain buildings; we help create the conditions for the university to thrive every day.”
Delivering continuity under new funding realities
In 2024-25, that work continued under a new financial reality. In July 2024, the government introduced annual caps on capital funding (Régime budgétaire d’investissements des universités - RBIU), Concordia’s long-term financial resources used to maintain our buildings. These funds are separate from the university’s operating budget and cannot be used for day-to-day operating expenses. As a result, the team adjusted its plans by pausing some projects, reshaping others, and sharpening its focus on critical maintenance.
“The reality is, our projects don’t follow a straight line,” explains Lavoie. “Flexibility is essential, and by staying in close conversation with the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, we were able to respond to changing timelines while continuing to deliver what the university needs most.”
Through dialogue between Facilities Management and the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur MES), the yearly capital spending limit of $29.8M was revised to $50.1M, better supporting priority maintenance needs. Concordia also allocated $14.7M from internal capital funds over the next three years to ensure essential projects could continue without disruption. These funds are separate from the operating budget and are designated exclusively for capital projects.
“Our work isn’t visible when it goes well,” says Lavoie. “But the community notices when it doesn’t. These investments allow the university to operate safely and reliably.”
Adapting and improving how work gets done
Even with tighter budgets, Facilities Management continued refining its processes. Value analysis was piloted in the FG classroom renovations project, operational workflows were streamlined, and Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed (RACI) workshops clarified roles across teams.
"We’re continuously improving how we work, improving operational workflows and making sure every dollar and every effort goes directly toward improving campus life in all its forms” says Lavoie.
Reducing energy and managing costs
With cost savings in mind, the team continued to further identify energy efficiency opportunities, which Lavoie notes represents nearly 20% of Facilities Management’s operating budget.
The team focused on operational optimization, technology, and utility partnerships to reduce consumption and costs. Expanded energy metering, a new analysis platform, and targeted recommissioning projects led to a 47% gas reduction at the Faubourg Tower, a 20% reduction at the Engineering & Visual Arts (EV) building, and a 9% electricity reduction at Loyola through a grant from Hydro Québec.
“Energy efficiency is an environmental responsibility, but it’s also a sound financial strategy,” Lavoie says.
Advancing PLAN/NET ZERØ
The PLAN/NET ZERØ initiative is an example of this continuing work, transforming essential repairs into a model for sustainable, community-focused innovation. Bringing together operational teams, researchers and institutional partners, the initiative explores how existing campus buildings can transition towards net-zero performance while positioning Concordia’s campuses as living laboratories for research and innovation. In 2024-25, key preparatory steps were completed for the first phase of the deep energy retrofit of the Guy-De Maisonneuve building (GM). The planned upgrades will include updated mechanical and electrical systems, enhanced ventilation, heating, and cooling, and improved water efficiency. These measures are expected to cut energy use by 50% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are also intended to create healthier, more comfortable spaces, with the goal of achieving WELL certification - a building rating system that focuses on human health and wellbeing.
“This work goes beyond energy savings,” says Lavoie. “It’s about creating spaces that support learning, research, wellness, and productivity, while helping Concordia move toward a net-zero future.”
Delivering projects that matter
Over the past year, Facilities Management has demonstrated exceptional commitment, delivering 26 completed projects ranging from critical deferred maintenance to strategic renovations that directly support Concordia’s academic mission and long term campus vitality.
For example, to meet the growing needs of the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, floors 3 and 8 of the ER Building were transformed into modern, flexible environments tailored for emerging fields including AI, cybersecurity, and machine learning. These upgrades now offer high quality, collaborative spaces that better support small research groups and innovative pedagogy.
Safety, accessibility, and regulatory compliance remained central priorities. Construction advanced on the new hybrid interior-exterior staircase in the Hall Building, an essential project designed to increase exit capacity while integrating accessibility features, sustainability objectives, and Indigenous design principles. In parallel, the Hall Building washrooms were renewed to provide gender inclusive, durable, and environmentally responsible facilities. The LB Building parking levels also underwent urgent structural rehabilitation alongside the replacement of aging mechanical and electrical systems to reinforce long term reliability.
Concurrently, a major renovation of the Recreation and Athletics gymnasium resolved longstanding issues related to temperature control, air quality, lighting, and the deterioration of equipment. The refreshed space was completed just in time to welcome the new basketball season.
Innovation and heritage stewardship were also at the forefront. The restoration of Concordia’s 121yearold Toronto Dominion Building received a national Award of Merit, recognizing the team’s skill in preserving a historical landmark while ensuring full functionality for contemporary academic use.
Across all these efforts, deferred maintenance remained a core focus, with targeted interventions and projects addressing essential repairs and upgrades that reinforce safety, reliability, and overall building performance. These initiatives tackled long postponed needs that could no longer be deferred without risking impacts on daily operations.
“Every upgrade, every repair, every improvement, no matter the size, touches the daily life of the Concordia community,” says Lavoie. “Our work is about more than infrastructure. It’s about enabling Concordia to thrive, supporting the people who bring it to life, and creating a campus that truly serves the needs of our community.”
