SAS Canada, the world’s largest privately held software company, has contracted Giffels Design-Build Inc. to provide integrated development services for a complete turnkey project delivery.

The new eight storey office development in downtown Toronto includes three levels of underground parking for 88 cars and is slated to be the first commercial building in Toronto to be certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

The facility features the latest advancements in environmental and architectural design. The top three floors have a central atrium, which serves to bring natural light into the centre of the building. The roof surface is covered with a white membrane to reduce the “heat island” effect in the neighbourhood and also reduce solar gain in the building, which in turn will cut air-conditioning costs. Energy consumption is projected to be 30 per cent less than a typical office building. Rainwater from the site will be collected in tanks in the building’s lower level. Collected water is to be treated and reused to provide water for water closets. A raised floor office environment provides heating and cooling from below where the occupants need it most, conserving energy and providing occupants with a healthier work environment.