Introduction
Lakeridge Logistics Centre (LLC) in Ajax, ON, is a state-of-the-art, 1,214,707 ft² Class A building leading the way in zero carbon innovation within the real estate sector. The facility features a 40-foot clear height logistics area, over 200 truck-level doors, and more than 250 parking spaces, offering both functionality and sustainability. The project’s innovative design, construction and operational practices represent a significant step towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future. The logistics centre is Zero Carbon Building-Design™ certified (ZCB-Design certified) by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) and is also targeting LEED® Gold certification. This positions it as one of the largest modern logistics centres of its kind in Canada and marks a major milestone in Pure Industrial’s commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and innovation.
Operational carbon
The building is designed with sustainability at its core, featuring a high-performance envelope with continuous insulation, a highly insulated roof and is paired with vertical dock leveling technology to minimizes infiltration loss. The ultra-efficient mechanical system includes energy recovery ventilators and electric air-source heat pumps, which ensure optimal ventilation and air conditioning for the warehouse. Supplementary heating in the loading bay areas helps maintain temperature and reduce heat loss at the loading dock doors. Destratification fans are strategically placed throughout the warehouse to redistribute heat from the ceiling to the ground level, enhancing comfort.
The warehouse is illuminated with high bay LED fixtures equipped with occupancy sensors. These systems are managed by a centralized building automation system to ensure efficient operation. Together, these design solutions contribute to a 26% reduction in annual energy use, saving 53,500 kilograms of carbon emissions each year. The project will offset 5% of its energy use with on-site rooftop solar PV, with the opportunity of future expansion with a solar ready roof and strategically sized electrical room.
Embodied carbon
Embodied carbon savings were a key objective from the outset of this project. Early discussions focused on identifying strategies to reduce the embodied carbon of the building’s structure and enclosure materials. To reduce concrete use, insulated metal panels were prioritized over concrete panels where practicable. Additional savings were achieved by incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) into the concrete mix used for the building’s foundations. As the building was designed with an improved envelope to meet thermal energy demand intensity (TEDI) targets, increased insulation was necessary, which impacted the overall embodied carbon intensity. To mitigate this, insulation with a lower global warming potential was selected. Lakeridge Logistics Centre stands as a benchmark in sustainable development, combining cutting-edge design and innovative technologies. With design solutions to reduce both operational and embodied carbon, this state-of-the-art facility not only meets rigorous sustainability standards but also sets a new precedent for the future of industrial real estate development in Canada.
