Toronto’s 95 St. Clair Avenue West, a Class A office tower managed by Colliers Real Estate Management Services (REMS), is an International TOBY® (The Outstanding Building of the Year) Award winner.
In a virtual ceremony earlier this month, the 17-storey urban gem was crowned the winner, bringing home Colliers its first ever International TOBY® Award. The milestone win is the result of a collaborative partnership between the building’s owner, Desjardins Life Assurance Company and Colliers to propel the asset into the future through cost competitive innovations.
Over a two-year period, the 95 St. Clair team dedicated its efforts to implementing energy efficient measures, environmental best practices, and delivering a consistent first-class occupant experience through an emphasis on health and wellness. These efforts resulted in an 89% tenant satisfaction score, a 29.2% electricity consumption reduction, and a 13% energy consumption reduction, which ultimately positioned the asset as a leader in occupant health and wellness, sustainability and energy conservation.
Notable initiatives and proptech implemented included:
- Staircase fitness program
- On-site community vegetable garden
- Community food centre produce donation program
- Bike rental program
- Living green wall
- Urban rooftop beekeeping
- Rotating art exhibits
- Mero Technologies washroom supply smart sensors
- Real-time building energy management system monitoring powered by Peak Power
- R-value roof improvements
“This award is a representation of the elevated level of service REMS consistently delivers. This team went into this process with a creative mindset and a vision they were determined to bring to life. I am proud to see their passion and hard work recognized by the industry on an international scale and I know this is only the beginning of many more achievements to come,” says John Duda, President, Real Estate Management Services.
95 St. Clair Avenue West competed in the Office (250,000 – 499,999 square feet) category against seven other considerably newer builds, all located in the US and managed by top-tier firms. Despite its age (it was built in 1967), 95 St. Clair came out on top because of its constant pursuit of innovation. It is worth noting that out of all the international nominees, there were only 13 Canadian properties in the running and only two others received international prizes.
“What initially began as a client request to certify the building through the BOMA BEST® program became a greater vision for the asset and our occupants. Every single member of the team played an invaluable role in pursuing this achievement. Thanks to their dedicated efforts we not only elevated 95 St. Clair into an international industry leader, but we also transformed it into the hub of our wonderful and diverse community,” shares Stephen Wall, General Manager, Real Estate Management Services.
Since winning the property management mandate just two years ago, the highly motivated team has amassed countless other certifications and awards, including a BOMA Certificate of Excellence, BOMA Canada TOBY® Award, BOMA BEST® Platinum, Recycling Council of Ontario’s 3RCertified™ Gold, WiredScore Platinum, BOMA Toronto Earth Award, ENERGY STAR Certification, BOMA 360 Performance Program®, Rick Hansen Accessibility Certification, and Fitwel® Certification.
Congratulations to the team on this exceptional achievement.
For more information, please contact Stephen Wall, General Manager.
