Project SNAPSHOT
Project Name: evolv1
Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Building Type: Commercial Office
New Construction/Retrofit: New Construction
Size: 104,000 ft² / 9,661 m²
Completion Year: 2018
Certification(s): CAGBC Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard V1 (ZCB – Design v1) , LEED Platinum – Core & Shell (2009)
Performance Target(s): Net-positive energy and zero-carbon operation
Project Overview
Owned and developed by the Cora Group, evolv1 is Canada’s first net-positive energy commercial office building and the first-ever project to receive a CAGBC Zero Carbon Building – Design certification. Envisioned through a collaborative partnership with Sustainable Waterloo Region, Ernst & Young, and the David Johnston Research + Technology Park, evolv1 was designed to prove that high-performance, net-positive buildings can be cost-effective, replicable, and commercially viable. It serves as both a functional office space and a living lab, integrating clean energy systems, cutting-edge design strategies, and a strong commitment to tenant wellbeing.
Project Strategy & Outcome
Design & Construction Strategies
Envelope & Insulation:
- Triple-glazed windows
- R-30 walls and R-40 roof
- 6% Window to Wall Ratio
- Passive design optimizing solar impact during different seasons
Systems (HVAC):
- Dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) for building ventilation
- A passive solar wall system to pre-heat air ventilation during the heating season
- An Open-loop geothermal system with water-cooled variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pumps
Interior Loads & Controls:
- Precise control enabled by pumps and motors equipped with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Smart dimmable 1-10V LED lighting
Energy Generation:
- 825 kW DC PV array (rooftop + ground-mounted) designed to meet 105% of building’s annual energy needs
Water Management & Efficiency:
- 40,000-litre cistern for non-potable reuse
- Low-flow fixtures reduce potable water use by >69% compared to a traditionally designed building
- Instantaneous electric water heaters to provide hot water on demand
Materials & Embodied Carbon:
- Durable, low-impact material choices
Other Notable Strategies:
- Biophilic design: A three-story living wall with over 4,500 plants supports Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and tenant wellness.
- Behavioral Design Integration: Using social science and psychology-informed strategies to support pro-environmental behaviors among occupants, positioning the building itself as a “nudge” for sustainable choices.
Performance Outcomes
Energy Use Intensity (EUI): ~81 kWh/m²/year (vs. typical commercial baseline of ~241 kWh/m²/year).
Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI): 24 kWh/m2/year
Operational Green House Gas Intensity (GHGI): 0 kg CO₂eq/m²/year
Embodied Carbon Intensity: 260 kg CO₂eq/m²
Operating Cost Savings: Zero energy bills due to self-generation and high-efficiency systems.
Indoor Air Quality Improvements: Enhanced via natural ventilation and green wall. Verified through post-occupancy tenant feedback
Measured Post-Occupancy Results: Building performance monitoring confirms net-positive energy use since its start of use except for the year of 2023, during which 99% of energy use was self-generated due to lower solar generation caused by wildfire smoke and lower irradiance levels in June and July.
Project Team
Owner & Developer: The Cora Group
Sustainability Consultant, Architect and Landscape Architect: Stantec Consulting Inc.
Civil, Electrical, Energy and Mechanical Engineer: Stantec Consulting Inc.
Contractor/Builder: Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc.
Commissioning Authority: CFMS-West Consulting Inc.
Electrical Systems Design Assistance: Stecho Electric
Mechanical Systems Design Assistance: Conestogo Electric
Other Key Partners: David Johnston Research & Technology Park, EY, Sustainable Waterloo Region, and the University of Waterloo
Lessons Learned
- Shared ownership among multiple stakeholders helped raise ambition and support innovation.
- Early integrated design processes were essential in achieving performance and cost outcomes.
- Embedding behavioral design strategies to encourage pro-environmental tenant behaviors is crucial for aligning operations with design intent.
- Sustainability leadership builds reputation and attracts value-aligned tenants and collaborators.
Explore More
Details on building amenities, leasing info, and the developer’s sustainability vision.
The inspiring project backstory, key partners, and community-driven climate leadership.
A comprehensive summary of how evolv1 was brought to life—from vision to design, technology, performance, and zero-carbon certification.
Explores how the building supports tenant health and well-being alongside energy goals.
Next Steps & Related Reading
- Curious about funding opportunities? Explore our Funding & Financial Resources to search for and leverage incentive programs for your projects.
- Looking for specific implementation strategies? Visit our Materials, Energy & Technology section for further guidance and practical tools.
- Know another building example that could inspire our region? Contact us to help grow our case study collection.