Trinity College has made history as the first post-secondary institution in North America to secure a labelled green loan for the Lawson Centre for Sustainability. The green loan, arranged by Bank of Montreal (BMO), will finance the construction of a mass timber, zero-carbon, LEED platinum building.
The new facility, currently under construction, will provide 14,450 m2 (155,899 sf) of residential, academic, social, and dining spaces. This expansion will boost residential capacity from 450 to 800 beds, addressing the growing demand for student housing and enriching the collegiate experience for more students.
The design prioritizes sustainability, incorporating features such as geothermal heating and cooling, rooftop photovoltaics (PV), triple-glazed windows, rainwater collection and reuse systems, and locally sourced materials.
Scheduled to open in 2025, the facility aims to achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency certifications, including LEED platinum certification and the Canada Green Building Council’s (CAGBC’s) Zero Carbon Building Design Standard. It also targets the WELL Building Standard to meet broader sustainability goals, as well as the UN’s sustainable development goals.
Trinity College’s Green Financing Framework—under which the loan is issued—aligns with international green financing standards and has received a positive assessment from DNV Business Assurance, headquartered in London, United Kingdom. BMO’s involvement reflects its commitment to climate action, as it aims to be a lead partner in its clients’ transition to a net-zero world.
In 2021, BMO launched the BMO Climate Institute and established an Energy Transition Group, emphasizing its dedication to supporting clients in seizing opportunities arising from the global economy’s shift toward sustainable energy.
