Commercial Ventilation in Laval: How a Shopping Mall Saved 20% in Energy Costs with AirGreen

A large-scale project for a high-traffic building

In the ever-growing region of Laval, energy efficiency in commercial buildings has become a top priority. Recently, AirGreen was entrusted with the task of upgrading the ventilation system in a medium-sized shopping mall located near Highway 15. The client’s goals were not only to improve comfort for visitors and tenants, but also to achieve a significant reduction in annual energy consumption. Thanks to our expertise in commercial HVAC, we successfully delivered a 20% energy savings, while ensuring superior indoor air quality throughout the building.

Why commercial ventilation is essential in shopping malls

Shopping malls combine a wide variety of stores, restaurants, entertainment areas, and gathering spaces. This brings about:

• High levels of heat and humidity production.

• Increased indoor air pollution (dust, cooking odors, chemicals).

• A constant need for fresh air renewal to maintain user comfort.

In this context, an efficient and well-maintained commercial ventilation system becomes a key component for health, comfort, and energy performance in such facilities.

The challenges encountered on this project in Laval

One of the major challenges on this job was the old ductwork system, over 20 years old and poorly suited to today’s energy efficiency standards. On top of that:

• The installation had to take place without disrupting commercial activity.

• The system needed to be zone-controllable (cooler zones like hallways vs. warmer zones like food courts).

• The client wanted to integrate heat recovery into the process.

All of these technical constraints were fully accounted for in our HVAC planning, to optimize the new system’s performance without compromising the mall’s customer experience.

A custom solution proposed by AirGreen

After a thorough assessment of the building and its specific needs, we chose to install a centralized ventilation system with integrated heat recovery (commercial ERV), paired with an intelligent zone-based control system.

Technical specifications of the solution implemented:

• Brand: Venmar CES

• Model: ERV-RH Series for commercial applications

• Airflow rate: 4500 CFM (cubic feet per minute)

• Heat recovery efficiency: 78%

• Control system: ThermoStat IQ – automatic regulation based on CO₂, humidity, and temperature

• Installation of MERV-13 HEPA-grade filters to limit fine particles

This system allows heat from stale air to be recovered to preheat incoming fresh air, significantly reducing heating needs during the winter, while maintaining a constant flow of clean air. The zonal control ensures adequate ventilation based on actual occupancy, preventing unnecessary energy usage.

Installation steps – A flawless execution

Phase 1: Energy audit

We started with a comprehensive energy audit, mapping airflow across different parts of the shopping mall. This allowed us to identify areas with over- or under-ventilation.

Phase 2: Removal of the old system

While respecting the mall’s operating hours, our team carefully dismantled the old ventilation system during overnight hours, minimizing disruption to business.

Phase 3: Installation of the new ductwork system

A new network of insulated ducts was installed, with directional air diffusers for optimal airflow distribution. Smart sensors were installed in high-traffic areas (food courts, main entrances).

Phase 4: Commissioning and air balancing

The system startup included precise air balancing, performed by our team of commercial ventilation experts. Air quality testing confirmed full compliance with ASHRAE and BNQ standards for commercial buildings in Quebec.

Tangible results achieved

A few weeks after commissioning, the client reported:

• A 20% drop in annual energy consumption related to ventilation.

• A noticeable improvement in air quality, validated by tenant feedback.

• Lower maintenance costs thanks to long-life filters and automatic regulation.

• A modern, eco-friendly brand image for the shopping mall, now seen as more up to date and environmentally conscious.

AirGreen’s expertise in commercial HVAC projects

This project once again demonstrates our ability to deliver custom commercial ventilation solutions in complex environments. Whether in Laval, Montreal, Longueuil, on the South Shore, or the North Shore, we tailor our expertise to the reality of each building.

Our approach is built on three pillars:

1. In-depth analysis of real needs

2. Careful selection of HVAC equipment

3. Professional installation with meticulous attention to detail

Practical advice for commercial building managers

• Have your ventilation system audited every 5 years to avoid hidden energy losses.

• Install CO₂ and temperature sensors to automatically adjust ventilation based on occupancy.

• Consider heat recovery, especially cost-effective in our cold climate.

What you need to remember

An effective commercial ventilation system isn’t just about comfort: it directly impacts profitability, energy use, and even your brand image. At AirGreen, we combine advanced technology, on-site experience, and tailor-made service to guarantee the best possible results.

Are you a building manager for a shopping center or commercial property in Laval or the surrounding area? Contact AirGreen today to get personalized support for your commercial ventilation project.