Distech Controls New Headquarters Recognized for Excellence in Design

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Green building selected by EDC Magazine for sustainable design

[Brossard, QC, May 7, 2014] - Distech Controls, an innovation leader in energy management solutions, today announced that its new headquarters has been selected by Environmental Design + Construction (EDC) Magazine as second runner up for the Excellence in Design (EID) Award, commercial category. This annual competition highlights projects that clearly demonstrate a commitment to green building and sustainable design.

This most recent accolade confirms that Distech Controls’ global headquarters, located in Brossard Quebec, is more than just a building; it is a major accomplishment in the company’s history. This investment is a realization of Distech Controls’ values, based on innovation, passion, perseverance and sustainability. The new headquarters reinforces Distech Controls’ roots in Canada and consolidates their presence in North America, while providing the means necessary to support the organization’s continuous growth.

Winners of the EID Award were selected based on a number of criteria, ranging from innovative interior and exterior green design, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation, sustainable or recycled materials and resources, site selection and other green design factors, such as budget, company mission, certifications or design intent.

In designing the new Distech Controls headquarters, and in knowing that the company was doubling in space with the new building, it was particularly important to minimize its impact. The services of a local contractor, architectural firm, and interior designer were therefore called upon to design a building that could truly be a green champion in the community. In addition to Distech Controls’ own building management system, building materials with low or no VOCs were selected, as was a white roof, low-e windows, and environmentally friendly finishing and furnishings.

Furthermore, very special care was taken in developing the headquarters so as to focus on local sourcing. From windows to aluminum, and from paint to cement, Distech Controls was able to coordinate for more than 48% of material costs to be locally sourced, considerably higher than the LEED standard compliance path of 30%. In addition, greater than 88 % of the waste was diverted (recycled or salvaged) during the construction of Distech Controls’ headquarters.

What makes Distech Controls’ building unique is that it is outfitted with the company’s very own building automation and energy management solutions for HVAC, Lighting, Shades and Access control, with a real-time energy management dashboard, and wireless battery-less sensors to facilitate space reconfiguration as the company continues to grow. The global headquarters therefore provides a technological showcase for Distech Controls’ energy efficient solutions.

Finally, it should be noted that Distech Controls’ headquarters was also designed with its employees in mind. Key features include an outdoor bistro area, onsite gym with showers, outlets for electric vehicles, bike shelter, cafeteria, lounges, and coffee bars for all employees. Within minutes of public transit and a variety of amenities, Distech Controls is also conveniently located. The building was specifically designed to maximize access to natural light for all employees: glassed-in offices, floor to ceiling windows in the cafeteria, and a bright, two-story atrium at the heart of the building.

“Distech Controls has always striven to deliver innovative products and leading solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve energy efficiency,” said Etienne Veilleux, President and CEO of Distech Controls. “The company’s global headquarters therefore marks a special opportunity for Distech Controls to showcase this dedication to innovation and sustainability to the community and to the industry as a whole,” added Veilleux.

EDC Magazine is the official magazine for LEED professionals, providing content related to designing, constructing, remodeling, operating and maintaining of the sustainable built environment. EDC has been the premier source for integrated high-performance building since 1997.

About Distech Controls:
An innovation leader in energy management solutions, Distech Controls provides unique building management technologies and services that optimize energy efficiency and comfort in buildings, all the while reducing operating costs.  We deliver innovative solutions for greener buildings through our passion for innovation, quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.  Distech Controls serves multiple market segments through its worldwide business divisions, service offices and a superior network of Authorized Partners. www.distech-controls.com