TORONTO (December 9, 2009) - LoyaltyOne, operators of the AIR MILES Reward Program, celebrated the official opening of a new customer call centre yesterday which has been built towards silver and gold LEED certification and features the largest rooftop solar panel installation in Canada.
The hallmark of the facility is an extensive solar array on the rooftop and adjacent carport. Some 800 photovoltaic solar panels generate 165 kilowatts of power, currently the largest solar array in Canada, which can generate enough electricity to cover usage for the building through the amount of power the facility puts back to the grid. LoyaltyOne has also invested in building features and design components which will qualify for an application towards Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
“We strongly believe that businesses have a role to play in protecting the environment,” said Bryan Pearson, president and CEO of LoyaltyOne Inc. “Today’s launch is the culmination of a grassroots initiative started by a group of associates whose actions have grown into a culture of environmental consciousness. Sustainability is engrained in our business at LoyaltyOne and we are constantly seeking out ways to reduce our own carbon footprint and our impact on the planet. We are proud that 300 AIR MILES customer care centre employees are now working in one of the greenest facilities in Canada.“In addition to the solar highlights, the design and construction teams have created a sustainable working environment with the guidelines of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as the directional principles for the overall space.
The exterior has been designed for a potential silver certification, and the interior of the building’s functional requirements were designed towards a gold LEED certification. The applications for official certifications for both the interior and the exterior were filed in late 2009.
LEEDING THE WAY IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
The 50,000 square foot building showcases a number of design and construction features which not only meet LEED criteria, but create a unique and innovative workspace:
The building is designed to reduce energy usage by 15 per cent and water use by at least 30 per cent compared to conventional buildings. Daylight sensor controlled lighting has been used to reduce consumed energy when rooms are vacant.
Outside the building, rainwater is collected in underground cisterns and is used for grey water for irrigation of the landscaping. This water is also used for interior facilities needs.
Only indigenous plants are used in exterior landscaping which requires less maintenance, weeding and irrigation.
Fifty-two solo tubes are spread throughout the entire space which create the same effect as a skylight and ensure less conventional lighting is used.
Natural light is also maintained by preserving existing panoramic windows and outdoor views surrounding the space with low profile cubicles and offices on the interior.
The rooftop solar installation is completed and will be fully functional in late December, 2009. The Company has also applied for LEED certification for the interior of the building (gold) as well as the exterior (silver) in conjunction with landlord, Bentall LLP. In addition, as an early applicant to the Province of Ontario’s Green Energy Act operating the largest solar facility in Canada, LoyaltyOne supports government sustainable programs that encourage businesses to engage in renewable energy generation initiatives.
About LoyaltyOne
LoyaltyOne works with more than 100 of North America’s leading brands in the retail, financial services, grocery, petroleum retail, travel, and hospitality industries to profitably change customer behavior. Through a team of businesses including Canada’s AIR MILES Reward Program, COLLOQUY, Precima, LoyaltyOne Consulting and Direct Antidote, LoyaltyOne designs, delivers, and manages a suite of loyalty marketing services—consumer data, customer-centric retail strategies, direct-to-consumer marketing, loyalty consulting, and more. More information is available at www.loyalty.com