It can be lonely starting a revolution. It was the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer who said all truth passes through three stages. First, is ridicule, then fierce opposition and, finally, acceptance. In our decade plus building the fueling network of tomorrow here at ChargePoint, we’re triumphantly entering stage three. While it was clear to us from day one that e-mobility’s time had come, we’ve endured our share of naysayers over the years. That’s why it was so refreshing to meet the folks at Menkes Developments Ltd, who, like us, saw a green future and set about creating it. In fact, as we speak, the award-winning Canadian real estate firm is hard at work designing and building the sustainable workplaces of the future in Toronto—and ChargePoint’s networked EV charging solutions are integral to that mission.
Sustainability Is Fundamental
When you picture Toronto, chances are Menkes is responsible for many of the images that come to mind. Founded in 1954, Menkes is an award-winning real estate firm that builds, owns and manages industrial, retail, office and residential properties in the heart of Toronto, Ontario. Today, the company is known for its modern, stylish designs and technologically-advanced mixed-use communities. From the Sun Life Financial Tower at One York to its new 24-story architectural marvel at 100 Queens Quay East, its impressive, distinctive and purpose-built designs are imaginative and functional, featuring vibrant, clean lines and floor to ceiling glass. But it’s what’s behind the scenes that’s made Menkes one of Canada’s largest and most successful developers. “Sustainability has been fundamental to our strategy,” says Jon Douglas, Menkes’ Director of Sustainability. “Sustainability is about shifting the way we think, changing our habits and practices,” he says. “As leaders, we need to start thinking about how we will facilitate and support the necessary cultural change to meet the needs of the climate change effort.”
“Sustainability is about shifting the way we think, changing our habits and practices. As a part of our commitment to sustainability, Menkes Developments now has electric vehicle charging stations at all of our office towers. EV chargers were supported by the Ontario Government and our partners at ChargePoint. As leaders, we need to start thinking about how we will facilitate and support the necessary cultural change to meet the needs of the climate change effort.” – Jon Douglas, Director of Sustainability, Menkes Developments Ltd.
Building the Sustainable Workplaces of the Future
Today, more than half of the earth’s 7.3 billion people live in cities. By 2050, it will be over two-thirds. A rising population means greater strains on existing infrastructure, including more congestion on roadways and increased air and noise pollution. Toronto is preparing to meet tomorrow’s challenges by building the sustainable workplaces of the future today. As a partner in that effort, Menkes knows it can’t exemplify the city by replicating its past. That’s why the company puts technology, sustainability and e-mobility at the center of its mission. For instance, the company’s LEED Platinum Certified office towers include features such as raised floors to deliver cold air and radiant panels for warmth and, at all of its major sites and underground parking garages, ChargePoint EV charging solutions.
ChargePoint Networked Charging Offers Flexibility, Cost Savings
Besides the fact that the provincial government incentives picked up most of the costs, a big advantage of going with ChargePoint is that managers can utilize the dashboard and smart reporting features for the distinct needs of properties, residents and tenants, such as keeping track of unique drivers and charging sessions. For instance, because they know who is using the charging spots and when, the 25 York Street property managers were able to open up EV charging to the public during non-business hours – something EV drivers attending Maple Leaf and Raptors games at nearby Scotiabank Arena truly appreciate. “We like the ChargePoint stations because they meet all the government requirements, but they also include the things we wanted internally for best optimization,” says Douglas. We’re so happy to hear that and incredibly grateful for our partnership with Menkes. When you’re transforming the world, it pays to have friends.
If you’ve been considering EV charging for your business, discover the 5 most important questions you must ask:
