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Étude de cas : l’immeuble de bureaux qui a doublé sa productivité grâce à un nouveau système de ventilation
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Case Study: The Office Building That Doubled Its Productivity Thanks to a New Ventilation System

A custom ventilation project that transformed the professional day-to-day

In the competitive world of office buildings in Montréal, indoor comfort and air quality are no longer luxuries—they are tangible drivers of performance. That’s exactly why a property manager in downtown Montréal reached out to AirGreen to fully modernize the building’s ventilation system. The goal: to provide a healthier work environment, reduce air-quality-related absences, and boost tenant productivity. The result? A spectacular transformation powered by a high-efficiency air exchanger system perfectly tailored to the building’s needs.

A downtown Montréal building facing indoor air quality issues

The project involved a five-story office building housing around ten businesses in the tech and service sectors. While the building had recently undergone aesthetic renovations, it was still equipped with an outdated ventilation system that couldn’t provide efficient air renewal. Several recurring complaints had surfaced: persistent odors, high humidity levels, excessive CO₂ concentrations, frequent headaches, and overall fatigue.

We were brought in to conduct a comprehensive HVAC audit, analyze airflow, pinpoint stagnation zones, and propose a centralized air exchanger solution that was both energy-efficient and performance-driven.

Choosing the system: energy efficiency, reliability, and adaptability

After assessing the needs, we recommended installing a Venmar EVO5 700 HRV air exchanger, a model renowned for its energy efficiency of over 75%, its reliability in high-usage environments, and its compatibility with the commercial smart systems already installed in the building.

Technical specifications of the installed system:

  • Model: Venmar EVO5 700 HRV

  • Airflow rate: 700 CFM

  • Sensible recovery efficiency: 75 to 81% depending on outdoor temperature

  • Ultra-efficient ECM motors

  • Integrated MERV 13 filters to capture pollutants and allergens

  • Wall-mounted programmable digital control

  • Certifications: Energy Star®, CSA, Certified for Canadian climates

This model enables constant air exchange, even in winter, while recovering the energy from exhausted air to preheat the incoming fresh air. A perfectly adapted solution for Montréal’s harsh climate.

A technically complex but expertly executed installation

The installation came with its share of challenges. We needed to:

  • Install the system without disrupting the tenants’ business activities.

  • Reuse existing ductwork while optimizing airflow distribution across five floors.

  • Ensure easy access for ongoing HVAC maintenance.

Our teams worked over two consecutive weekends, closely coordinating with the building’s management, to ensure a quick, quiet, and clean installation, with zero disruption to the building’s daily operations. The new system was installed in the main mechanical room, with secondary ducts branching out to each floor, controlled by intelligent motorized dampers.

Tangible results: improved productivity, satisfied tenants

The results were evident within the first week:

  • Improved air quality based on CO₂ sensor readings on each floor.

  • Reduction in odors and humidity in meeting rooms and enclosed spaces.

  • 38% drop in complaints related to thermal discomfort or unpleasant smells.

  • According to the property manager, several tenant companies reported increased productivity and fewer absences due to headaches and fatigue.

Grants that helped fund the investment

Thanks to the eco-friendly nature of the project and our dedicated support, the client benefited from multiple subsidies available in Montréal and the South Shore:

  • Rénoclimat program for commercial buildings: reimbursed up to 20% of installation costs.

  • Municipal grants from the City of Montréal aimed at improving indoor air quality.

  • Full support from AirGreen in preparing technical documents and application forms.

The AirGreen approach: a trusted partner for your HVAC projects

At AirGreen, we don’t just install HVAC systems—we guide our clients from start to finish:

  • Personalized needs assessment and expert recommendations.

  • Optimal equipment selection (tailored to the building and budget).

  • Clean, fast installation by certified technicians.

  • Preventive HVAC maintenance and long-term service plans.

  • Full handling of government grant applications.

We’ve carried out similar projects in Laval, Longueuil, Brossard, Blainville, and the North Shore, all with equally impressive results.

Practical tips for office building property managers

Here are a few tips if you’re thinking about upgrading your ventilation system:

  1. Measure CO₂ levels to detect stale air issues.

  2. Don’t rely solely on air conditioning or heating: ventilation is a key comfort factor.

  3. Choose Energy Star-certified models suited for Québec’s climate.

  4. Plan for regular maintenance to ensure performance and durability.

  5. Work with experienced commercial HVAC specialists.

Concrete proof that ventilation drives performance

This example proves that effective ventilation isn’t just a luxury, it’s a strategic investment for property managers who want to increase the value of their spaces, retain tenants, and improve public health outcomes.

At AirGreen, we believe every project deserves a tailored solution combining technical expertise, meticulous installation, and unbeatable post-installation service.

If you’re located in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore, and manage a building that could benefit from improved ventilation, contact us today for a free on-site evaluation.