GM Building deep energy retrofit
Concordia’s first PLAN/NET ZERØ pilot project is a deep energy retrofit of the Guy-De Maisonneuve (GM) Building. This major initiative is part of the university’s long-term commitment to decarbonize its campuses and create living labs for sustainable innovation.
About
Through the retrofit, Concordia is turning essential building repairs into an opportunity to reduce energy consumption by 50 per cent, eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and create healthier, more resilient spaces for the community.
The Guy-De Maisonneuve Building (GM) Building was chosen as the pilot because it is primarily an administrative building, which limits disruption to students while providing an ideal model for future retrofits in academic buildings.
Key goals
- Cut overall energy use by 50 per cent
- Eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from building operations
- Improve comfort, health and well-being for building occupants
- Create a living lab where students, faculty and industry partners can test real-world sustainable solutions
Certifications
The project is targeting three internationally recognized standards:
- LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (Gold): Recognizes sustainable building operations, from efficient water and energy use to responsible materials and increased comfort.
- WELL v2 (Bronze): Focused on occupant well-being, including air and water quality, daylight, noise reduction and opportunities for movement. If achieved, this would be Concordia’s first WELL certification.
- Zero Carbon Building (Performance standard): Verifies that operations achieve deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize long-term resilience.
Living lab for innovation
As part of the project, a portion of the GM Building will be set aside as a living lab, a flexible research space where Concordia faculty, staff, students and partners can test new technologies in real-world conditions. The findings will be shared within the university and with external research and industry partners working toward sustainable innovation.
The lessons learned here will guide future projects at Concordia and help advance knowledge on sustainable buildings in Canada and beyond.
Timeline
July 2025 to July 2027
- Design and construction
July 2027 to July 2037
- Operations and performance monitoring
- Living lab in operation
Frequently asked questions
The GM Building is undergoing a deep energy retrofit as part of Concordia’s PLAN/NET ZERØ initiative. This project aims to significantly reduce the building’s energy consumption by 50 per cent, modernize its mechanical systems and improve occupant comfort, health and well-being.
The retrofit will allow for:
- a 50 per cent cut in overall energy use;
- improved air quality and thermal comfort;
- the modernization of a highly used building;
- a direct contribution to the university’s carbon-neutrality objectives.
Once completed, the project will deliver:
- a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions;
- improved ventilation, air quality and overall comfort;
- intelligent, optimized energy management;
- a significant contribution to Concordia’s carbon-neutrality objectives.
Yes. The GM Building will remain open and accessible at all times. However, access to certain zones or floors may be temporarily restricted.
Yes. Some phases — particularly those involving demolition or equipment replacement — will generate noise.
Whenever possible, the noisiest work will be scheduled outside peak activity hours.
Some specific interventions may require temporary shutdowns. Mitigation measures will be implemented to maintain safe and comfortable air quality.
All spaces will remain open. If a room must be temporarily closed, the affected departments will be notified in advance and alternative arrangements will be proposed, if needed.
At least one of the main entrances of the GM Building will remain open throughout the project. Certain corridors, stairwells and elevators may be temporarily closed for safety reasons.
Regular updates will be shared:
- on Carrefour, Concordia’s integrated information system for faculty and staff;
- by email to affected units;
- through on-site signage at access points.
The GM Building’s loading dock is temporarily closed for part of the project. All deliveries are redirected to the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV) loading dock, located in the same laneway accessible from Mackay Street.
Yes. All interventions comply with Environmental Health and Safety standards and applicable regulations. Construction zones are clearly marked.
Evacuation routes remain accessible. Any temporary modifications will be clearly indicated on site.
For urgent situations, contact Campus Safety and Prevention Services at 514-848-3717.
For general questions, contact Facilities Management at 514-848-2424, ext. 2400 or by email at facilities@concordia.ca.
Yes, most activities scheduled in the GM Building will be maintained.
Yes, although some services may be temporarily relocated depending on project phases. Information will be communicated in advance.
Questions? Comments?
Contact Facilities Management by phone at 514-848-2424, ext. 2400, or by email at facilities@concordia.ca.
