BentallGreenOak 55 University Chiller Plant Replacement

Bird Infrastructure led the heat recovery chiller plant replacement at 55 University Avenue—an 18-storey, 274,711 SF commercial office tower in Toronto’s financial district. The building, constructed in 1977, maintains both BOMA Best Silver and Energy Star certifications.

The project featured a net-zero chiller replacement—upgrading the existing unit with a high-efficiency model that significantly reduces energy consumption and utilizes a low-GWP refrigerant to minimize environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions. This involved a complete mechanical and civil scope, including the installation of new chillers, pumps, refrigerant leak detection systems, piping, and BAS integration. Bird’s in-house sheet metal and civil teams played a key role in executing this work. Custom piping tie-ins were prefabricated at Bird’s pipe shop to streamline installation. Civil crews installed new concrete equipment pads and curbs ahead of chiller placement. As General Contractor, Bird coordinated electrical, controls, hoisting, insulation, and balancing sub-trades, and performed full start-up, testing, and commissioning in collaboration with building personnel.