Rolf C. Hagen Inc.’s 54,000-square-foot global headquarters in Montreal features some unique items—like a gleaming wood conference table made from trees that were cut down to make way for the building’s construction. 

That is just one of several environmentally conscious and sustainable features that helped Hagen achieve Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification from the Canada Green Building Council. 

Other forward-thinking features of the building include a geo-thermal heating and cooling system, recycled concrete and waterless urinals.

The rigorous LEED certification process involves a points-based system for energy-saving, recycled and environmental features in construction. Mark Hagen, vice president of manufacturing and nutrition, proposed the idea of building green to the board, which approved the idea. Then, executives decided to pursue certification.

“We looked at the construction of this new building as a way to take action in preserving our environment and become a model that other businesses could follow,” said Rolf Hagen Jr., president and chief executive officer. “It has been a wonderful opportunity to do something extremely gratifying in creating an attractive, green place for people to work.”

Green features include:

• Recycled concrete, used in building construction.
• Waterless urinals, which are more hygienic and save thousands of gallons of water per year.
• Locally sourced ceramics, used in hallways, washrooms and cafeteria.
• A geothermal heating and cooling system.
• Light trays to reflect natural light.
• High-efficiency T5 lighting fixtures.

“As a company founded to help animals live better lives, we feel it is important for us to do our part to preserve the earth for everyone, humans and animals,” said Mark Hagen. “This building is our contribution to that belief and shows our commitment to being ecologically responsible global citizens.” [September 2010 PET AGE]