SSQ Celebrates LEED Gold Certification for SSQ Tower

LONGUEUIL, QC, Oct. 25, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - SSQ Financial Group unveiled a commemorative plaque today to celebrate the conferring of the highly coveted LEED™ Gold Certification to SSQ Tower, a prestigious building located at Place Charles-Le Moyne in Longueuil.

This is a testament to the unique design elements incorporated in this sustainable development and eco-responsible construction project. SSQ Tower sets itself apart by its sustainable neighbourhood revitalization, harmonious urban development and contribution to increasing the surface area of vegetated roofs, which reduce heat islands.

"I'd like to congratulate SSQ Financial Group, owner of the SSQ Tower, on obtaining LEED Gold Certification for this building," said Thomas Mueller, Canada Green Building Council's President and Chief Executive Officer. "LEED Gold certified buildings serve as beacons of construction industry leadership and show a commitment to ensuring employee well-being. We know that LEED certified office buildings offer better work environments, improve a company's reputation among its employees and community, and reduce operating costs for owners."

The SSQ Tower stands out for providing easy access to public transportation and incentivizing the use of alternative means of transportation. The project also included several other green initiatives, namely the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and the creation of a carpooling program.

"This certification is yet another example of SSQ's dedication to reducing the environmental impacts of its real estate projects. In addition to giving our employees and tenants a high quality work environment, the SSQ Tower will have enabled us to greatly contribute to the beautification of this key sector in Longueuil, demonstrating our capacity to combine cost-effective development and respect for the environment," said Jean-François Chalifoux, CEO of SSQ Financial Group.

About LEED™ Certification
LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized system based on a range of principles and practices that reduce the environmental impact linked to the construction and operation of green buildings. Derived from LEED™, LEED™-NC is a rating system that addresses new constructions. The program involves the comprehensive evaluation of a broad set of criteria organized into six main credit categories aimed at producing "a high-performance ecological building."

About SSQ Financial Group
With $11 billion in assets under management, SSQ Financial Group is a prominent mutualist diversified financial institution in Canada. It serves over 3 million customers and employs 2,000 individuals. The company is recognized for its leadership in the group insurance industry, and excellence and expertise in the general insurance, individual insurance and investment markets.

SOURCE SSQ FINANCIAL GROUP