OTTAWA – All the local dignitaries in the nation’s capital converged on Telus House Friday as it celebrated its grand opening.
215 Slater Street, says the company, is now one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings in Ottawa. Telus House is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) "silver" designed facility.
Located at the corner of Bank and Slater Streets, the 160,000 square-foot, nine-floor facility was toasted by dignitaries including Rahim Jaffer, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Strathcona and Chair of the federal Conservative Caucus, the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Health Promotion, Ottawa mayor Larry O’Brien and Telus’ Janet Yale, executive vice-president, Corporate Affairs.
"LEED buildings are healthy for Ottawa and healthy for the Telus team," said Yale, in the press release. "We’re proud of the level of excellence in the design. It maximizes the environmental, social and economic benefits at a local level. Ottawa is an important growth market for Telus and the decision to build Ottawa House reflects our long-term commitment to the city, the province and the more than 300 Telus team members who call Ottawa home."
Telus also has a new building under construction in Toronto to consolidate its Ontario employees, too.
“Telus House will reduce energy consumption by almost 40% compared to model national energy code buildings; its high-efficiency plumbing system is designed to reduce water usage by more than 40%. Located directly on a public transportation route, an estimated 80% of the building’s occupants will arrive by public transportation, on foot or by bicycle,” says the press release.
The new building is part of the company’s Future Friendly Workplace. “Over the next five years, Telus will invest in upgrades to our real estate assets across Canada. We’re doing this to build workspaces that encourage creativity and, most important of all, to support our team members by creating a work environment that is second-to-none in Canada,” adds the release.
Other features include maximum efficiency natural light sourcing, rainwater harvesting, enhanced indoor air quality, low-flow faucets and dual flush toilets and a health and wellness centre. In constructing the building, 100% of debris (400 tonnes) was sent to sorting for recycling consideration. More than 75% of materials were recycled.
