Introduction
Key trends in industrial real estate in 2025 confirm the vision that MONTONI has applied for years: build smartly, sustainably and, above all, according to industrial companies’ real needs.
Central to that approach is Alexandre Bouchard, Leasing Manager, Real Estate, who ensures that every project is developed in response to a specific reality. In his view, an industrial building is never just a space to be leased; it's a made-to-measure solution, designed to adapt to the needs, operations and ambitions of its occupants—all while integrating sustainably with its environment, in perfect symbiosis.
This overview of current trends demonstrates how that vision is being fully validated
Environmental awareness is top-of-mind among investment firms
Because it’s 2025, pressure to be environmentally responsible is no longer coming solely from citizens or governments. Investors are reshaping the rules of the game as well. And the construction industry, which accounts for nearly 13% of greenhouse-gas emissions in Canada, is not immune to that transformation. Having been a secondary consideration for years, the environmental perspective is now a fundamental criterion in sustainable industrial project development.
The environment: a new strategic pillar
More and more investment firms today are incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into their investment decisions. As a result, it is no longer enough to design industrial buildings to be efficient—they must also satisfy stringent environmental standards.
Alexandre Bouchard has witnessed this shift in the industry, now characterized by shared pressure: “Institutions today aren't merely seeking to grow their portfolios. They also have a social responsibility to their stakeholders. The latter want to know that their money is being invested in projects that help build a more sustainable future. In opting for sustainable, low-environmental-impact buildings, we are not only securing lasting value for that investment, but also ensuring its alignment with the social and environmental values prevailing in today's world.”
A winning strategy for the long term
When investors choose sustainable buildings, they are opting for assets that are resilient, economically viable and aligned with future market expectations. At MONTONI, that vision translates into projects that deliver measurable results:
Tenants benefit from energy cost savings of up to 35% thanks to building designs that emphasize efficiency.
Compliance with future environmental regulations is built in, which reduces the risk of having to proceed with major, costly refits.
Sustainable construction materials requiring little maintenance mean savings over the long term.
Sustainable buildings have emerged as a bona fide seal of quality for investment firms, which can offer their customers a guarantee of high-performance, responsibly built assets that will retain their value over time.
It’s a commitment that MONTONI takes very seriously: the company is investing $30 million over the next 15 years to adapt and enhance a number of its assets—proof that sustainability is no longer just a strategic choice; it’s now the standard to be met.
Certifications: a mark of confidence and value
With investment decisions increasingly being informed by ESG criteria, environmental certifications are an essential guarantee of energy efficiency, transparency and sustainability.
At MONTONI, this reality is built in to our approach. Right from the initial design stages, each project targets a certification selected according to the company’s ambitious strategic choices in terms of building properties that blend performance and environmental responsibility.”
— Alexandre Bouchard, Leasing Manager, Real Estate, MONTONI
That vision is manifest in the company’s Écoparc developments, green industrial campuses designed to meet the most stringent sustainability standards.
At Écoparc MONTONI Saint-Bruno, for example:
Two buildings totaling 1.6 million sq ft are targeting LEED Gold and Zero-Carbon Building – Design and Performance certification.
The project is designed to deliver a 90% reduction in energy-related GHG emissions along with a 60% reduction in materials-related emissions.
The buildings are expected to achieve a 58% savings in energy costs, and include 750 solar panels that will generate 5% of energy consumed.
Certifications are the tangible proof of the quality of our buildings: they enhance risk management, improve resale value, increase leasing appeal and proactively ensure compliance with future standards.
An evolving industrial market: adapting to the shifting needs of industrial tenants
After several years characterized by scarcity, the industrial real estate market in Canada has entered a new phase: supply is increasing, and so are vacancy rates. In this more competitive context, tenants’ needs are evolving—and the response must be more strategic than ever.
The market has changed since 2020. While supply is sometimes outpacing demand, high-growth companies remain active and they have concrete needs.
— Alexandre Bouchard, Leasing Manager, Real Estate, MONTONI
Countering that trend, 2024 turned out to be one of the best years in MONTONI’s history. And the first few months of 2025 have confirmed that momentum, with sustained demand and a number of projects delivered that are meeting the market’s expectations.
Against this backdrop, the answer is obvious: keep building, but with intent.
Flexibility: the new expected standard
Today’s industrial firms demand much more than four walls and a loading dock. They want environments that will evolve at their pace—flexible spaces that grow along with them, adapt to their operations and are a match for their logistical challenges.
At MONTONI, that reality guides every project, right from the design stage.
Whether it’s modular configurations, expandability or flexible technical infrastructures, every building is designed to support diversity of uses and companies' evolving ambitions.
This flexibility approach applies to all of our new builds, like the MONTONI Écoparcs, but also to our existing buildings, which are ready to welcome new tenants.
Standing out in a competitive world
In a market with no shortage of industrial leasing options, MONTONI is leveraging innovation to deliver its customers buildings designed for operational efficiency and space optimization.
These technical choices are more than just details—they give companies real leverage to remain competitive in a constantly evolving market.
MONTONI: raising standards to shape the future
With the industrial market entering a new phase marked by higher expectations in terms of efficiency, durability and flexibility, MONTONI is proof that it is possible to build differently—and sustainably.
In a rapidly changing sector, raising standards is essential. MONTONI has made this its signature—and its competitive edge.
It’s a model that is shaping the industrial real estate market of tomorrow.
Explore our available industrial spaces and find the one that will propel your growth.
Written by
- Alexandre BouchardLeasing ManagerAlexandre is responsible for managing the leasing process for MONTONI properties. He is responsible for optimizing occupancy of the property portfolio, achieving leasing objectives and ensuring tenant satisfaction. His role includes managing the leasing team, working with prospective tenants and negotiating leases.