The Place de l’Escarpement phase A is a 7-story commercial building located at the intersection of the boulevard Lebourgneuf and Robert-Bourassa in Quebec City. The facility features a daycare, a fitness gym and will soon have a restaurant offering healthy meals. The building spreads over 13,000 sq. m. (142 000 ft2) and serves as offices for the Groupe Promutuel as well as the DMR CONSEIL (Fujitsu).

Pierre Martin Architecte’s sustainable design allowed the Place de l’Escarpement to earn its LEED-NC gold certification. The green roof of the building contributes to efficient cooling and heating when combined with the geothermic technology used in the heating and air conditioning system.

After analysing the first energy consumption reports, owners and administrators say it uses nearly half of the energy of what a conventional building would be. The contractor, Ogesco Construction, reported that 85% of the construction waste was recycled, which represents 236 tonnes (260 tons) of waste. The sanitary equipment generates economies of 60% for water use. Battery stations were installed in the parking lot for electric cars. Though the building was designed with sustainability in mind, architects also thought of the occupants, offering a better quality environment for the workers.

The building features modern aesthetics and complex shapes throughout its facade. Precast concrete elements were cast in a mold with waves and large joints between them to create a unique facade. The grey concrete with black pigment and a light sandblast proved that traditional grey concrete can translate into something modern and distinctive. A total of 94 precast concrete panels totaling 1460 m2 (15 725 ft2) were used to build this LEED Gold building.

The complex has been designed in three phases. Phase 2 will be announced shortly.

The project won the Énergia 2010 award as well as the Prix d’Excellence en Immobilier from the IDU in 2010. The building is the first commercial building to be LEED-NC Gold certified in Quebec City.