Cascades receives LEED Gold certification for the expansion of its Lachute plant

CANDIAC, QC, March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Cascades is pleased to announce that the expansion of its Tissue Group plant in Lachute, Québec, has received the coveted LEED^® Gold certification. The plant is the first paper manufacturing facility to obtain LEED^®-NC (New Construction) certification in the Canadian paper industry.

The Environmental Performance Rewarded
The 6 800 m² expansion project of the Lachute plant received the Gold level of LEED^® certification thanks to Cascades' continuous efforts to reduce its ecological footprint. This concern demonstrates the company's will to remain at the forefront of environmental protection, which concerns not only its production activities but also the continuous improvement of its buildings.

This project was recognized for its exemplary performance regarding:

• The reduction of its drinking water consumption, evaluated at 46.57%
• The use of regional materials, with 47.08% of costs used for the purchase of materials produced and extracted locally
• The presence of certified wood, accounting for 96.36% of total cost for materials

"Congratulations to Cascades Tissue Group - Lachute for this LEED^® Gold certification. Buildings that are sustainable and respectful of the environment have become an exemplary practice in the building industry, but the manufacturing sector is lagging behind. I congratulate Cascades Tissue Group for its determination in working towards the preservation of the environment and the well-being of Canada," said Thomas Mueller, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), organization behind the certification.

The project was also acknowledged because it offers a 58% reduction in energy costs, when compared to a Canadian reference building.¹ The CaGBC applauded the fact that 86.6% of the construction waste was diverted from landfill.

"We are honored to receive this certification, which reflects our numerous efforts to protect the environment and to make sustainable development a priority," added Alain Lemaire, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cascades. "The new plant expansion not only meets the strict standards set by the LEED^®-NC rating system, but also helps to sustain the local economy, while respecting the building's more than hundred-year-old heritage and its contribution to the community."

About LEED^® Certification
LEED^® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized system based on a range of principles and practices that reduce the environmental impact linked to the construction and operation of green buildings. Derived from LEED^®, LEED^®-NC is a rating system that addresses New Constructions. The program involves the comprehensive evaluation of a broad set of criteria organized into six main credit categories aimed at producing "a high-performance ecological building."

Cascades Tissue Group, a division of Cascades, ULC, is the fourth largest manufacturer of tissue paper in North America.  Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fiber. The company employs more than 12,000 men and women, who work in more than 100 units located in North America and Europe. With its management philosophy, close to half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to serve its clients with innovative products. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol CAS. For more information about Cascades Tissue Group and its environmental product line, visit www.afh.cascades.com.

¹ Reference building, National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 

SOURCE CASCADES INC.