• Recycling materials during the renovation of a building built in 1909-12 rather than building new.

• Retaining a central location rather than moving to industrial outskirts allows more employees to take advantage of environmentally friendly modes of transportation, i.e. public transit, walking and biking.

• Increase R value in building curtain wall from R2 to R20 to reduce energy consumption.

• Increase R value in exterior glazing from R2 to R12 to reduce energy consumption.

• Awarded contract for renovation stipulated that all demolition of steel components and electrical wiring were to be sent for recycling.

• Where modifications to the exterior façades were required, the existing brick was salvaged and reused.

• Wherever possible the original finishes of the building were reused reducing the amount of new material used for construction.

• Lighting converted from T-12 to T-8 & T-5 to reduce energy consumption.

• A new telephone system was introduced that eliminated the running of duplicate data lines.

• The carpet used is manufactured using sustainable methods. The pile is manufactured from recycled 6.6 nylon.  The backing is also manufactured from recycled backing.

• Structural components of new office workstations are all remanufactured using metals components from previously manufactured product.

• NWC existing workstations are being sold to Envirotech for resale to future customers.

• Waterless technology used in certain plumbing fixtures in men’s washroom, toilets are auto-flush and sinks taps are automatic, all water saving technologies.

• Salvageable millwork (doors, etc.) were donated to The Re-Store.

• Office furniture (desks, etc.) have been donated to Habitat for Humanity for reuse.

• The square footage of exterior glazing was increased, increasing natural light levels. Beneficial effect on employee well being and to reduce lighting requirements with automated lighting controls.

• Inclusion of a bike storage room further encourages sustainable methods of transportation.

• A fitness centre incorporated will have a beneficial effect on employee health & well being.

• Renovated cafeteria offering healthy living menu benefiting employee health.

• Main components of the heating system were replaced with high efficiency units in 2003.

• Main component of the cooling system, the water tower, was replaced with new high efficiency unit in 2004.

Green Design is a challenge that brings together daily function with environmental awareness.  NWC shares the environmental concerns of society and has taken the initiative to go green wherever possible to ensure we are doing our part protecting our environment for future generations. This includes keeping a "green eye" on design opportunities in all renovations and construction projects.

February 2009 marked the completion of phase one of the NWC corporate office renovations. The renovation design incorporates "Green Design" principles in the following areas:

• Lighting
• Carpets/flooring
• Recycled furniture
• Restroom facilities
• Recycle bins

Green Design is also carried over into the construction and renovation of our retail stores.
Approximately $7 million in Capex is geared towards this initiative in 2009.