In September, 1000 De La Gauchetière was awarded LEED Certification for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) – an achievement that speaks to the property's commitment to environmental performance.

The management team at 1000 De La Gauchetière submitted a detailed environmental performance report covering a three-month period to the USGBC. The document covered everything from sustainable transportation incentives to waste management to procurement practices to air quality.

Among the highlights of 1000 De La Gauchetière in this regard are the accessibility to natural light for most building occupants, its high-performance maintenance system, its computer equipment recycling program and its tenant communication and awareness plan. The LEED process also confirmed the minimal water consumption used for cooling tower maintenance and led to the installation of a water meter to accurately measure consumption within the complex.

"We are very proud of this certification, which confirms our leadership position in terms of sustainable development in the commercial real estate sector. 1000 De La Gauchetière is the second building in Canada to be LEED EB OM–certified and is currently the largest building to hold this distinction," said Catherine Schraenen, the 1000 De La Gauchetière Property Manager. "This accomplishment is the result of an exceptional team effort."

About LEED OM

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is an internationally accepted benchmark in the real estate industry for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. It uses a rigorous rating system to assess environmental performance, occupant wellness and efficiency. The LEED system provides owners and operators with the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings' performance.

LEED categories include LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors and LEED for Homes. The OM level refers specifically to Operations & Maintenance.