Cascades Receives LEED Gold Certification for Expansion of Lachute Tissue Plant

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Cascades, Candiac, Qué., Canada, reports that the expansion of its Tissue Group plant in Lachute, Qué,, has received the LEED® Gold certification. The plant is the first paper manufacturing facility to obtain LEED-NC (New Construction) certification in the Canadian paper industry.

The 6,800 sq. meter expansion project of the Lachute plant received the Gold level of LEED certification due to Cascades' continuous efforts to reduce its ecological footprint. The project was recognized for its exemplary performance regarding:

• The reduction of its drinking water consumption, evaluated at 46.57%
• The use of regional materials, with 47.08% of costs used for the purchase of materials produced and extracted locally
• The presence of certified wood, accounting for 96.36% of total cost for materials.

"Congratulations to Cascades Tissue Group - Lachute for this LEED Gold certification. Buildings that are sustainable and respectful of the environment have become an exemplary practice in the building industry, but the manufacturing sector is lagging behind. I congratulate Cascades Tissue Group for its determination in working towards the preservation of the environment and the well-being of Canada," said Thomas Mueller, president and CEO of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), the organization behind the certification.

The project was also acknowledged because it offers a 58% reduction in energy costs compared with a Canadian reference building. The CaGBC applauded the fact that 86.6% of the construction waste was diverted from landfill.

"We are honored to receive this certification, which reflects our numerous efforts to protect the environment and to make sustainable development a priority," added Alain Lemaire, president and CEO of Cascades. "The new plant expansion not only meets the strict standards set by the LEED-NC rating system, but also helps to sustain the local economy, while respecting the building's more than 100-year-old heritage and its contribution to the community."

Cascades Tissue Group, a division of Cascades ULC, is the fourth largest manufacturer of tissue paper in North America. Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fiber. The company employs more than 12,000 men and women, who work in more than 100 units located in North America and Europe.