CUPE’s new national office is now officially open. Elder Thomas Louttit of the Moose Factory First Nation was on hand to open the building, in Ottawa’s east end, Dec. 17.
The five story building is one of two LEED certified office buildings in the Ottawa area. Its energy efficient building design and water conservation measures promise energy savings of 49 per cent and 43 per cent less water use over a conventionally-designed building.
Some of the other energy conservation measures:
- Occupancy sensors turn off light and ventilation in unused rooms
- Dual flush toilets
- Low-flow urinals, shower heads and faucets
- Energy recovery ventilators
- High efficiency boilers
- Energy Star compliant appliances
- Solar powered water heating
- Reduced “urban heat island” by maintaining open space on property
“We have a building of which we can be proud, and which will prove both useful for CUPE members, and comfortable for staff,” said National Secretary-Treasurer Claude Généreux.
Other new CUPE offices
New CUPE offices in other communities across Canada are also being built with the environment in mind.
Between 2005 and 2007 three new area offices were built or purchased: Cranbrook, BC, Cornwall, ON and Moncton, NB.
Cranbrook and Moncton offices are new construction, each with outstanding features that demonstrate CUPE’s desire to promote sustainability.
CUPE bought an existing building in Cornwall but will repair and upgrade it and all other CUPE offices with sustainable materials, practice and operating principles.
“The health and well being of Canadians is at the forefront of what CUPE members do,” said CUPE National Secretary Treasurer Claude Généreux, “So, it’s natural that we would want our brand new national office to be a shining example of a healthy building.”