Visit the Centre for Sustainable Development!*

*Hydro-Québec is the lead programming partner of the Centre for Sustainable Development.

Montréal, QC

Reservations and practical information

The Centre for Sustainable Development building, with Hydro‑Québec's head office in the background

One of the most ecofriendly buildings in Québec!

You can find me in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles in downtown Montréal. People say that I’m not like other buildings, and that’s true! I’m the first building in Québec to achieve Platinum NC certification, the highest possible honor in the LEED® green building certification system.

For example, my designers have:

  • Positioned my windows to maximize natural light
  • Grown a multitude of plants on the roof and indoors
  • Chosen a geothermal heating and cooling system that draws its heat from 28 wells that lie 153 metres below the building
  • Used recycled and eco-friendly materials

In addition to being eco-friendly, my architecture was designed with user comfort and quality of life in mind. I don’t want to brag, but I’m basically a role model meant to inspire people and real estate companies.

Why don’t you pop by for a visit? You’re sure to have a great time! Take a guided tour to learn the secrets of sustainable construction. As you’ll discover for yourself, it is truly fascinating!


Feast your eyes!

Have a look at these pictures to get a sneak peek of your guided tour.

Did you know?

Exterior view of the Centre for Sustainable Development.

The first LEED® Platinum‑certified building

LEED® Platinum certification is based on various criteria, such ecological site development, efficient water, energy and air management, choice of materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation in the design process. To achieve Platinum certification, you need a minimum of 52 points out of a possible total of 70. I got 59 points!

The green wall inside the Centre for Sustainable Development.

A living wall

Inside, I have a monumental green wall that is five stories high. In addition to purifying the air, it helps lower the ambient temperature by about 5°C.

A tour guide and visitors in front of the material library.

Glass concrete

For my two slabs, designers experimented with a new method of making concrete with powdered glass. They contain 2,000 bottles of wine!

The green roof.

A green roof

My 800 m2 green roof is home to 14 varieties of plants. It can absorb 23,000 litres of water. Speaking of which, my ground‑floor restrooms use rainwater!

My history

I’m run by a nonprofit organization comprised of several social and environmental organizations, such as Équiterre. The project to build me was intended to give them visibility and a home in the heart of Montréal.

2009: Launch of construction work on the Romaine hydroelectric complex

2010: Groundbreaking

Hydro‑Québec plays a major role in my existence because it granted an emphyteutic lease for my land. It costs $1 a year for a period of 50 years! Hydro-Québec is my main financial partner. My mission resonates with this company that is committed to applying sustainability principles to all its activities.

Installing the geothermal wells.

2015: Commissioning of Romaine-1 generating station

It’s well worth the trip!

Don’t take it from me. Here’s what some of the people who took a guided tour of the Centre wrote.

A tour guide in front of the material library.

The Centre is fantastic!

Great information! It encouraged me to find out more about processes and choosing materials.

Very informative! Thank you!

A tour guide welcomes visitors inside the Centre for Sustainable Development.

Reservations and practical information

At a glance

Admission

On Fridays, Hydro‑Québec offers free tours to the general public (groups of five or less).

Groups of five or more must take the specialized tour offered by the Centre. Admission fees apply.

Reservations are required at all times and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Length of tour

About 60 minutes

Tours start at set times. Visitors are recommended to arrive 15 minutes in advance.

Tours are in French only.

Tour schedule

Guided tours for the general public offered by Hydro‑Québec

Every Friday at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., except on statutory holidays

Reservations are required at all times and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

School tours

We offer a free combined tour of the Centre and Hydro‑Québec’s head office to high school student groups only.

Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Reservations required, subject to availability

Contact information

Centre for Sustainable Development
50, rue Sainte‑Catherine Ouest
Montréal (QC) H2X 3V4
Metro: Place‑des‑Arts or Saint‑Laurent station

Tel. : 514 289-2316Tel. : 514 289-2316 (between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
Get in touch by email.

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Know before you go
(yes, really, it’s important!)

Book your tour!

Free admission

Reservations are required at all times and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

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For any other information, call us at 514 289‑2316514 289‑2316.
Get in touch by email.

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