A black cube of glass between two high-rises in pale granite set at a sharp angle to each other: BELL TRINITY SQUARE is the first building in Toronto to obtain LEED Gold certification in the Existing Buildings category. It was awarded LEED-EB Gold for its environmentally friendly climate control and lighting systems in particular. Following extensive updating in 2005 through 2010, the striking office and commercial property north of Queen Street has achieved significant CO₂ savings.

• 3,800,00 litre thermal storage system
• 85% use of recycled building materials
• Curtain façade with slanting window elements
• Green building materials virtually free of Vocs/CFCs/solvents
• ASHRAE HVAC system with automated DDC (direct digital control) technology
• Light management system featuring infrared sensors
• Water-saving technology and intelligent watering system
• Environmentally friendly mobility due to central location and public transit

Eco-balance
Compared to similar office buildings, the implemented measures reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 4,000,000 kg.

A façade that protects from heat and cold
The façade incorporates heat-conserving double glazing. Additional heat insulation is provided by a back-ventilated, clad exterior wall. The slanting window elements reduce the incidence angle of solar radiation and therefore the cooling load in summer.

Climate control with DDC technology
The HVAC system complies with ASHRAE standards and is equipped with automated DDC (direct digital control) technology to boost energy efficiency further. This enables changes and adjustments to be made at any time.
The condensing boilers installed in 2009 uses condensation heat from steam in the flue, thereby achieving 93% efficiency. The new chillers installed in 2010, improve energy performance by 40 %.

Fully digital light and energy management system
A computer-assisted management system makes it possible to regulate electricity and power consumption in individual zones for maximum flexibility. Infrared motion sensors monitor lighting and HVAC zones of 100 sq m by detecting temperature variations and movement and triggering adjustments as appropriate.

Energy-efficient high speed elevators
As part of updating the North Tower between 2010 and 2011, gearless high speed elevators are being installed featuring SCR controls, which are exceptionally energy-efficient.

Water-saving sanitary fittings
The toilets have dual economy flush buttons. Urinals are fitted with water-saving flush controls.

Intelligent watering system
Another highly efficient way of reducing water consumption relates to caring for landscaped areas – a watering management system controlled by a weather information IT system. Regional plants are grown which require minimal water and fertiliser.

Ecologically sound building materials
Systematic use was made of ecologically sound building materials at BELL TRINITY SQUARE. All materials and paints are low-solvent and free from VOCs.

Excellent recycling system
Exemplary waste management: a recycling rate of at least 89% has been achieved in recent years with regard to disposing of paper, wood, metal, building materials, batteries, light bulbs, electronic equipment and organic waste.

Green cleaning
A green cleaning system recognised and certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) featuring environmentally friendly cleaning products and methods has been in place since November 2006.

User comfort
Despite a high level of space efficiency, each user has on average a full 15 sq m available to them – filled with light and effectively climate-controlled.
Users also benefit from a flexible raised floor, with most flooring textile-based. Floors can be modified quickly and easily to suit requirements and cable routing can be efficiently changed.

Urban integration and green mobility
The abstract sculpture by artist Haydn Llewellyn Davies outside BELL TRINITY SQUARE is called “Communications”. The name is extremely appropriate because communication and integration are key elements of the building’s design. The Ryerson University, City Hall, lively Nathan Phillips Square and the large Eaton Centre mall are all nearby. The central location means that public transport links are excellent. The building is thus extremely well integrated into the north part of downtown Toronto.