LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA RECEIVES BOMA BEST GOLD CERTIFICATION
LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA RECEIVES BOMA BEST GOLD CERTIFICATION
Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has reached an important sustainability milestone with the achievement of the BOMA BEST Gold a distinction that highlights its commitment to implementing best practices in the environmental management of its real estate portfolio.
Preserving Canada’s History Through World Class Environments
LAC protects and preserves some of the country’smost significant records: rare books, visual artworks, cartographic documents, photographic collections chronicling defining moments, and countless other irreplaceable artifacts.
To ensure their long-term preservation, these materials are housed in highly specialized vaults where precise environmental conditions are essential. Temperature, humidity, and air quality must be carefully regulated to prevent deterioration, mold, and irreversible damage. Although invisible to the public, this work is a critical pillar of heritage conservation.
Technical Expertise Behind the Scenes
Preservation may seem straightforward, but it is a highly specialized discipline. Each vault requires customized environmental parameters, depending on the type, age, and fragility of the documents housed inside. Achieving this level of precision requires advanced systems, continuous monitoring, and high-level technical support.
To meet this challenge, LAC partners with Equans Services, a leader in integrated facility management solutions. Our teams support LAC by operating, maintaining, and optimizing the complex infrastructure systems that keep these national treasures safe. From HVAC and automation systems to energy management, Equans Services ensures operational excellence and reliability while improving overall energy performance at the Gatineau facilities.
On this point, the site Facility Manager explains:
I would like to express my deep gratitude to my entire team. Your commitment, the quality of your work, and your attention to details are at the heart of our success. The challenges are many, but we tackle them together, with solidarity, determination, and a positive attitude that makes all the difference.
— Geneviève HORLINGS
Sustainability as a Core Priority
Beyond preservation, LAC is committed to reducing its environmental impact and advancing toward carbon neutrality by 2050. Equans Services plays a central role in this transition by implementing measures that increase energy efficiency and reduce resource consumption, all while maintaining optimal conservation conditions.
This commitment to sustainability continues to be recognized. In November 2025, LAC also received the National Award for Innovation and Excellence, Gold in P3 Service Delivery, a major industry accolade from the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP), recognizing excellence in environmental management and building performance. The BOMA BEST Gold certification further affirms LAC’s leadership and ongoing progress in sustainable facility management.
A Shared Commitment to the Future
The achievement of BOMA BEST Gold is more than a certification—it reflects one of LAC’s vital mission: preserving Canada’s collective memory while responsibly contributing to its future. Equans Services is proud to partner with LAC in this vital effort, ensuring their facilities remain resilient, efficient, and aligned with the highest international standards of preservation and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
BOMA BEST Gold is a major certification recognizing excellence in environmental management and sustainability in building operations. It affirms best practices in energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.
It highlights LAC’s commitment to sustainability and responsible management of its real estate portfolio, ensuring the preservation of valuable historical documents under optimal environmental conditions while reducing environmental impact.
Equans Services operates, maintains, and optimizes the complex infrastructure systems at LAC, including HVAC, automation, and energy management. This ensures operational excellence, reliability, and improved energy performance essential for preserving sensitive collections.
Preservation requires precise control of temperature, humidity, and air quality in vaults tailored to the type, age, and fragility of the documents. Advanced systems and continuous monitoring are critical to prevent deterioration and irreversible damage.
LAC aims to reduce its environmental impact and reach carbon neutrality by 2050, implementing energy efficiency measures while maintaining optimal conservation conditions for its collections.
Yes. In November 2025, LAC was awarded the National Award for Innovation and Excellence - Gold in P3 Service Delivery by the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships.
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