Cora Group to build large solar array in R+T Park

The planned 1000 panel array is anticipated to generate 41% of the energy for The Cora Building, and includes capacity for future EV charging stations

The Cora Group announced today that the LEED Gold-Certified Cora Building will be getting a large solar carport, set to be completed in spring 2021. The project includes funding from The Government of Canada.

For tenants of 375 Hagey Boulevard, the view of the parking lot from their office window is about to look very similar to evolv1. Plans show the installation will have approximately 1000 solar panels, cover 96 parking spots, and show rough ins for future electric vehicle charger installations.

The next phase for the Cora Building shows advancement in sustainability for the David Johnston Research + Technology Park (R+T Park) and Cora’s tenants aligned with their and Cora Groups’ commitment to becoming more sustainable. The Cora Group is a member of Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR) and shares sustainable goals and milestones with the organization. The R+T Park and the City of Waterloo are also members of SWR.

The project includes financial assistance through the Climate Action Incentive Fund from the Government of Canada.

“As part of the journey towards a low carbon economy, we are so excited to hear about the Cora Group’s addition of the solar array at 375 Hagey in the David Johnston Research + Technology Park. As an important member of Sustainable Waterloo Region’s network and programs, the Cora Group has been an essential leader and advocate for the Park being a leader in green buildings and sustainability”, said Tova Davidson, Executive Director of Sustainable Waterloo Region. “We have a proud partnership with the Cora Group and the R+T Park as is evidenced in the evolv1 building and this continued commitment through this latest solar installation by The Cora Group is good for the building and its tenants, the park and the community as a whole.” 

The project will greatly increase the amount of clean energy created at the Cora Building. The solar PV array is expected to generate 41% of the building’s electricity use. Net metering allows for use of generated electricity by the building before exporting surplus electricity to grid.

“Cora Building’s solar project has begun and is on point with the continued sustainable goals we have as members of the local community and as active members of the David Johnston Research + Technology Park and Sustainable Waterloo Region. It’s another environmentally conscious addition we can offer to our tenants.”

Adrian Conrad, Cora Group. Chief Operating Officer

VCT Group, the Kitchener-Waterloo based solar installer who worked with Cora Group on evolv1 will be installing the solar PV carport.

The 100,000 square foot premium office space was built in 2011 and has existing sustainable features including rainwater cistern, highly reflective roof, highly efficient HVAC system, solar shading on facades, use of occupancy and daylight sensors throughout, and raised floor system for enhanced thermal comfort.

The Cora Building, like evolv1 – is labeled as a “Feel Good Building”, originally due to its sustainable features, where businesses working within can feel good about their office building. Now, with COVID-19 a “Feel Good Building” needs to be so much more. The Cora Building already has an advantage as a healthier building because LEED designation ensures high volume of fresh air to occupancy, but many more steps have been put into place.

The low-rise building allows for use of stairs or elevator and ample parking is provided.

Cora is currently offering 8,000 SqFt of turnkey space, fully furnished with multiple 6ft physical distancing layouts to choose from, new kitchen with seating space, furnished board rooms and more.

To schedule a viewing email alalonde@coragroup.com or call 226-988-2153