SEPT-ÎLES, April 15, 2014 –Aluminerie Alouette gave media representatives and community members an update on its university building, which is being built near the Cégep de Sept-Îles in collaboration with AXOR Experts-Conseils and AXC Construction. The building’s numerous sustainable development components were unveiled, and attendees were given a tour of the site.
Construction of the 2,700-square metre building started in August 2013, and significant progress was made over the winter. “Our legacy to the community is starting to take shape, and it’s perfectly in keeping with Alouette’s commitment to being a key player of sustainable development on all levels,” said André Martel, president and CEO of Aluminerie Alouette, at the start of the press conference. The completion of the clearing, excavating, pouring of foundations, connecting of municipal services and building of the main structure means that the project is now just over halfway to its official opening scheduled for the fall. “The project is progressing smoothly in terms of deadlines and costs,” said Denis Cadoret, president of AXC Construction and partner and vice-president of Axor Experts-Conseils, Côte-Nord division. “This building is a great example of partnerships that benefit regional enterprises,” he said, proudly adding that the costs for this project are not influenced by its location or regional conditions.
More specifically, the Alouette university building has a green side, boasting a number of environmentally friendly features for both its structure and future operation. “Passing on a unique building that exists in harmony with our surrounding environment was essential for Aluminerie Alouette,” said Donald Gallienne, director of the project for Aluminerie Alouette. The new structure, which is part of the eastern Côte-Nord higher-education complex, brings together wood and aluminum—both materials of great significance in the Côte-Nord region. In addition to these key components, the building will feature a solar wall, solar collectors, geothermal power and a rainwater collection system.
At the groundbreaking ceremony held in August 2013, it was confirmed that Aluminerie Alouette would provide the full $10 million investment required for the building’s construction. The building will offer various university services through the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, in collaboration with long-time partner Cégep de Sept-Îles.
details of sustainable development components
Aluminium
Main supplier: AFS, St-Ambroise (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean)
Aluminum is a main feature of the building. The seven sail-shaped panels—each 7.4 by 6.1 meters—along the side of the building are made of anodised aluminum. The main staircase also has around twenty steps made of the same material, and aluminum foam was used in the building’s interior coverings.
Wood
Main supplier: Nordic, Chibougamau (Nord-du-Québec)
The building’s main structure is made out of wood from Quebec spruce, fir and pine trees. Visible in certain areas, the use of wood gives the building many advantages regarding its sustainability and energy performance, in addition to making it very attractive. The structure is made up of 138 beams and 105 columns, as well as 164 cross laminated wood panels.
Solar wall
Main supplier: Enerconcept, Magog (Estrie)
A 47-square metre south-facing solar wall will heat air entering through the building’s ventilation system. This should allow for annual energy savings of around 35 MW/h.
Solar collectors
Main supplier: Rackam, Sherbrooke (Estrie)
The 15 parabolic trough collectors lined up on the roof allow the sun’s rays to be captured and used to heat the building. An automated system allows the collectors to follow the sun’s trajectory. The heat captured by the collectors is stored in a thermal battery.
Geothermal system
Main supplier: Grouptech, Port-Cartier (Côte-Nord)
A geothermal system made up of 20 wells located 150 metres underground will regulate the building’s temperature. In the winter, heat from the ground will heat the building, and, in the summer, the heat from the building will be cooled in the ground.
Rainwater collection
Main supplier: Éconeau, Québec (Capitale-Nationale)
A rainwater collection system from the roof to the basement will provide water for the building’s toilets and urinals. The four reservoirs, with a total capacity of 7,700 litres, will save on significant amounts of drinking water, considering that the system will be autonomous generally 9 months out of 12.
