Historic Saint John Building Earns National Recognition For Energy Efficiency
SAINT JOHN – Anyone familiar with the historic, yet hulking Ordnance Building in the city’s South End would not expect it to be a model of energy efficiency. Well, it has just been recognized for that very thing, becoming one of the first ENERGY STAR certified buildings in the country.
The certification acknowledges the building’s superior energy performance over a 12-month period, which ranks among the top 25 per cent of similar buildings nationwide. ENERGY STAR certified buildings give off 35 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings.
Jim Carr, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, said companies like Commercial Properties help the country meet climate change goals with energy-efficient retrofits.
“Energy-efficient buildings play a key role in helping Canada achieve its greenhouse gas reduction commitments, and we are proud to recognize organizations that are leading the way,” said Carr in a release.
ENERGY STAR represents a partnership between the Government of Canada and public, private, and non-profit organizations to promote energy efficiency. It was designed to help Canadians make better choices by guiding them towards products, homes, buildings and industrial facilities that will help them save money and fight climate change.
“Environmental responsibility and sustainability have always been hugely important for our company, and we’re pleased to have gained even more recognition of our efforts to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings,” said Paul Moore, General Manager of Commercial Properties.
A national historic landmark, the Ordnance Building was built in 1842 and survived the Great Fire of 1877 which destroyed most of the city.
It has served an important role for the Canadian military since its construction, housing weapons and military supplies through two world wars. Now home to premium office space, it has been restored in keeping with its original character while blending contemporary style.