Cité Verte is a large-scale eco-responsible complex that is ahead of its time. Built on the principles of sustainable development, the many smart green technologies integrated into the district make it an ideal place to lay down some roots and grow your business.
Among the 50 projects that have marked urban planning over the past 50 years (according to the Ordre des urbanistes du Québec), Cité Verte is an inspiring accomplishment that paves the way for other such green initiatives in large cities.
Built to last, inspire and lead
Built on land acquired from the Congrégation des sœurs du Bon-Pasteur, Cité Verte comprises several renovated buildings. From the very beginning, smart green technologies were integrated into the design, such as a pneumatic waste collection system, rainwater retention basins and a wood pellet power system. The goal was to create an environment that overcomes ecological challenges while providing occupants and visitors with an enriched quality of life.
The green and responsible urban planning that went into this site has earned Cité Verte several awards.
Green living in the heart of the city
The green spaces and many walking paths make Cité Verte an inviting and revitalizing place to linger a while. Strategically located between downtown Quebec City, Laval University and the shopping centres of the Sainte-Foy-Sillery-Cap-Rouge borough, the property is in a prime location.
The district is serviced by several bus routes and is lined with bike paths, making it easily accessible to all while fostering the use of eco-friendly transportation.
A feel-good workplace
From its inception, Cité Verte was designed to address several environmental issues by utilizing intelligent green technology.
Amenities and design
The development of an urban space as central and impressive as the Cité Verte must be done in a responsible manner.
The negative impacts of the site's development were reduced to a minimum, while the added ecological, urban and aesthetic values were put forward by capitalizing on green spaces, pedestrian and bike-friendly streets, Place des Naissances.
Smart energy management
A true eco-friendly work environment, Cité Verte will ultimately deliver energy savings thanks to an urban heating system using biomass, mechanical systems adapted to the central heating system, and the use of light-emitting diode devices throughout the site.
Innovative waste management
Alternative waste processing methods are also an important part of Cité Verte's environmental strategy. Using a fully automated network of underground pipes, the site’s new pneumatic waste collection system is an innovative and eco-responsible solution—one already established in several European cities.
Efficient water management
The global scarcity of water resources and the growing threat of pollution make efficient water management an absolute necessity. Solutions were introduced to make Cité Verte a beacon of excellence in sustainable water management. Our goal is to reduce potable water demand and wastewater discharges.
Transportation
Cité Verte is designed to encourage alternative forms of transportation, such as public transit. The narrow streets restrict car traffic in favour of pedestrians and cyclists.
Architectural design and bioclimatic strategies
To ensure the optimal bioclimatic strategy, we conducted a sunlight and solar gain study. Natural ventilation and air conditioning were also incorporated.
Construction technology and building envelope
With sustainable development in mind, various elements guided construction, including the insulation and sealing material used for new buildings, the limitation of thermal bridges and mass, and the choice of windows and protection systems.
Eco-responsible retrofitting
The main existing buildings on the site were preserved, as their reuse substantially reduces the energy consumption required for demolition. Re-using resources also aimed to save energy and decrease the pollution involved in the construction and disposal of the built environment.
