MONTREAL, Jan. 15,
2025 /CNW/ - National Bank has provided a green loan
to Kevric and its financial partner to contribute to the
transformation and improve the energy performance of National
Bank's former head office building at 600
De La Gauchetière West in Montreal. Once renovations are complete, the
project aims to obtain LEED Gold environmental certification,
reinforcing the partners' joint commitment to sustainable
development.
This partnership marks a major milestone in the history of this
building, which was occupied by National Bank for more than 40
years. The initiative aims to transform the building for future
generations, breathing new life into it by equipping it with
modern, sustainable infrastructure.
Highlights
The project has the following goals:
- Reduce energy use: Adopt innovative technology and
approaches to reduce environmental impact.
- Recommission all electromechanical equipment in the
building: Recalibrate and optimize systems to ensure
comfortable, efficient and sustainable operations.
- Optimize natural light: Install new windows and
reorganize spaces to maximize natural lighting.
- Provide a next-generation work environment: Design
modern, flexible spaces that integrate cutting-edge technology,
feature abundant natural light and promote the wellbeing and
productivity of future occupants.
- Connect to Montreal's
economic ecosystem: Integrate the renovated building into the
economic fabric of the downtown area, making it more attractive to
new tenants and contributing to the city's economic vitality.
- Adopt responsible building practices: Minimize
environmental impact during renovations and long-term
operations.
"By supporting the redevelopment of this building, which has
played a significant role in the Bank's history, we're affirming
our commitment to create a better environment for future
generations of workers. This transformation will minimize the
building's carbon footprint while revitalizing Montreal's downtown core, making it even more
attractive and dynamic," said René Demers, Senior Vice-President –
Commercial and Private Banking, Real Estate at National
Bank.
"The revitalization of 600 De La Gauchetière reflects our vision
of transforming iconic buildings to create contemporary spaces that
are adapted to their occupants' needs and aligned with the
industry's latest environmental practices. National Bank's
financial support will be essential in bringing this ambitious
vision to life," said Sébastien Hylands, President of Kevric.
Notes
* LEED®—an acronym for Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design™—is a registered trademark of the U.S.
Green Building Council® and licensed in Canada to the Canada Green Building
Council.
National Bank defines loans as "green" based on
internationally recognized methodologies such as the Green Loan
Principles published by the Loan Market Association.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this press release are
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are
based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of
factors, inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond
the Bank's control and the effects of which can be difficult to
predict. In addition, standards, methodologies and terminologies
used by the Bank to define certain concepts and terms, such as
"green loans" or "sustainability",
continue to evolve and may differ significantly from those used
by others, those that may be used by us in the future or that may
be subsequently mandated by government authorities or other
standard setters. Except as required by law, the Bank does
not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether
written or oral, that may be made from time to time, by it or on
its behalf. The forward-looking information contained in this press
release is presented for the purpose of interpreting the
information contained herein and may not be appropriate for other
purposes.
About National Bank of Canada With $462 billion in assets as at October 31, 2024, National Bank of
Canada is one of
Canada's six systemically
important banks. It has approximately 30,000 employees in
knowledge-intensive positions and operates through three business
segments in Canada: Personal and
Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and Financial Markets. A
fourth segment, U.S. Specialty Finance and International,
complements the growth of its domestic operations. Its securities
are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the
Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social
media.
About Kevric
For many years, Kevric
Investments has made its mark as real estate leader in Montreal and across Canada. The company's growing reputation in
the Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto regions has firmly established it as
one of the country's leading developers, private owners and
commercial real estate managers. With its expertise in identifying,
acquiring and repositioning buildings, Kevric has redeveloped
numerous first-class buildings, thereby contributing to creating
the value highly sought after by its partners. It offers
specialized services in building construction and redevelopment,
asset management, leasing and project financing. It currently
co-owns and manages Place Bonaventure, AIMIA Tower (soon to be
renamed Air Canada Tower) and 1100 Atwater in Montreal, along with a dozen buildings in
Toronto.
SOURCE National Bank of Canada