Category: Sustainability

Key Takeaways:

• The government’s target to increase housing did not require removing land from the Greenbelt.
• Political staff had substantial control over the entire Greenbelt amendment exercise.
• Overall, 92% of land removed from the Greenbelt related to five land sites involving three developers.
• The owners of the 15 land sites removed from the Greenbelt could ultimately see more than an $8.3 billion increase to the value of their properties.

The Whole Story:

In a scathing report released this month, Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk has criticized the Ontario government’s actions in 2022 to open parts of the Greenbelt for development.

Lysyk’s report argued the deal heavily favoured a small group of developers and did not consider environmental impacts.

Ontario’s Greenbelt protects farmland, communities, forests, wetlands and watersheds. It also preserves cultural heritage and supports recreation and tourism in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe. 

Prior to 2022, the Greenbelt included over 800,000 hectares of land and extended 325 km from the eastern end of the Oak Ridges Moraine, near Rice Lake, in the east, to the Niagara River in the west.

Lysyk asserted that the move was executed without due consideration of environmental, agricultural, and financial risks. The auditor general’s report argues that the process proceeded with minimal input from experts or those directly affected, while allegedly favouring specific developers and landowners.

While the people of Ontario deserve prompt action to solve societal problems like those generated by a need for housing, this does not mean that government and non-elected political staff should sideline or abandon protocols and processes that are important to guide objective and transparent decision-making based on sufficient and accurate information

-Lysyk

The investigation found that the decision to remove land from the Greenbelt for housing development was not supported by a need for increased housing. The report noted that the Housing Affordability Task Force and the chief planners of the affected regions demonstrated that the removal of Greenbelt land sites was unnecessary to achieve housing goals.

The report stated that political staff wielded considerable influence throughout the Greenbelt amendment process, with the chief of staff to the housing minister providing a select team of non-political public service staff with criteria tailored to expedite the selection of sites brought forward by specific developers. Lysyk added that the timeline for this selection process was remarkably short, severely limiting the team’s ability to conduct a thorough evaluation of the land sites and explore alternative options.

Further criticism was levelled at the fact that the government considered only a small fraction of the land removal requests submitted since the establishment of the Greenbelt in 2005. Only one out of the 22 land sites initially considered for removal was proposed by the Housing Ministry’s non-political public service staff, while the rest were directly submitted by the chief of staff. The report highlights that 92% of the land ultimately removed from the Greenbelt stemmed from proposals made by three specific developers.

“We moved too fast and there were severe flaws in the process,” said Housing Minister Steve Clark when confronted by reporters during a press conference. “We are committed completely to ensuring that the recommendations get moved forward.”

Clark denied any personal knowledge of how his chief of staff was planning land removal.

Lysyk’s findings indicate that the owners of the 15 land sites removed from the Greenbelt could potentially see an increase of over $8.3 billion in the value of their properties. 

The report points out that almost 1,000 acres of wetlands and woodlands were removed from the Greenbelt, undermining the original vision and goals of the Greenbelt Plan. Furthermore, approximately 83% of the land removed is classified as prime agricultural land, exacerbating concerns about food security and sustainable land use.

Despite some offsetting measures, the report reveals that the additions made to the Greenbelt in exchange for the land removals did not adequately address the loss of agricultural land and natural features. These additions were largely confined to areas already protected and not conducive to development.

“The exercise to change the Greenbelt boundaries in Fall 2022 cannot be described as a standard or defensible process,” Lysyk stated. “The truncated and highly restricted land selection exercise excluded substantive input from land-use planning experts in provincial ministries, municipalities, conservation authorities, First Nations leaders, and the public, while giving preferential treatment to certain developers with direct access to the chief of staff to the minister of municipal affairs and housing.” 

Premier Doug Ford stated that his government plans to work to implement the auditor general’s recommendations and urged people to focus on the positives of the deal.

“I have admitted numerous times that the process could have been a lot better and we are moving on that, but the good news story is that there are going to be 150,000 people with a roof over their heads,” he said.

Key Takeaways:

• Approvals of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt are paused until Feb. 29, 2024.
• The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) stated that it has received complaints that these projects are proceeding too rapidly.
• The AUC plans to review the use of agricultural land and public land for wind and solar projects, land reclamation and the role of municipal governments in land selection.

The Whole Story:

Alberta is halting approvals of new renewable energy projects. 

Provincial officials announced that starting Aug. 3, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) will pause approvals of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt until Feb. 29, 2024, and review policies and procedures for the development of renewable electricity generation.

The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency that is responsible for the approval of Alberta’s electricity generation projects.

The province explained that this approach is in direct response to a letter received from the AUC and concerns raised from municipalities and landowners related to responsible land use and the rapid pace of renewables development. 

They argued that at the end of this process, future renewable projects will be able to move forward at a pace that is “conducive to business” while maintaining responsible environmental standards. 

“Participants in our public hearings have increasingly raised concerns about the impacts and pace of renewable generation development,” said Carolyn Dahl Rees, AUC chair. “We are pleased to support the government in canvassing relevant issues for its development of policy to ensure the economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta.”

Officials noted that throughout the process, Albertans will still be able to install renewable energy products in their homes and communities will be unaffected by this process.

The AUC inquiry will include reviewing the use of agricultural land and public land for wind and solar projects, land reclamation and the role of municipal governments in land selection for project development and review.

More specifically, the inquiry will inform government policy decisions around the ongoing economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta and will look at issues, including:

• Development of power plants on specific types or classes of agricultural or environmental land.
• The impact of power plant development on Alberta’s pristine viewscapes.
• Mandatory reclamation security requirements for power plants.
• Development of power plants on lands held by the Crown.
• The impact of the increasing growth of renewables on Alberta’s generation supply mix and electricity system reliability.

Key Takeaways:

• Its Richmond plant now only produces ECOPlanet cement.
• ECOPlanet cement emits no more than 400kg of CO2 per ton.
• Standard Portland cements typically emit upwards of 900kg of CO2 per ton.

The Whole Story:

A Metro Vancouver cement plant just secured a major sustainability achievement. 

Lafarge Canada, a member of Holcim Group, announced its conversion to the production of 100% ECOPlanet cement at its Richmond Cement Plant. ECOPlanet, Holcim’s brand of low-carbon cement, offers a minimum 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne in comparison to ordinary portland cement.

This accomplishment makes it the first cement plant within the Holcim Group worldwide to qualify 100% of its cement production as ECOPlanet.

“This is a proud moment for our organization,” said Brad Kohl, president & CEO of Lafarge Canada (West). “This conversion in Lafarge’s Western Canada division highlights our strong commitment to accelerating green growth. As leaders in sustainable building solutions, we take pride in having a positive impact on building solutions across its lifecycle without compromising the quality and long-term durability of our products.”

Lafarge officials noted that the Government of BC and CleanBC Industry Fund have been instrumental in facilitating decarbonization projects efficiently. Through the Innovation Accelerator Fund, the Richmond Plant received funding to assist with the addition of supplementary cementitious materials to cement and has been the key to decreasing the greenhouse gasses per tonne of cement produced on site.

“Globally, Holcim is a leader in sustainable building materials, and ECOPlanet is a great example of our innovative solutions,” said Toufic Tabbara, region jead of North America at Holcim. “By adopting low-carbon cement processing additions like at the Richmond plant, we continue to lower the embodied carbon in our building materials.”

According to Lafarge, the ECOPlanet range of low-carbon cement is designed to meet the most stringent performance specifications while upholding the highest standards of sustainability. With compliance with all industry standards, this cement is suitable for various applications regardless of performance requirements.

ECOPlanet cement isn’t the only environmental moves Lafarge is making at the plant. This May, officials announced a tri-party agreement with Svante Technologies Inc., and Dimensional Energy, Inc to bring a demonstration of Dimensional Energy’s carbon dioxide utilization technology to the facility.

Key Takeaways:

• The 12-storey structure will add more health capacity for the region, including 469 single patient bedrooms.
• EDIH (EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare) secured the $3.6-billion contract to design, build, finance, and maintain the hospital.
• Work is expected to wrap up in 2028.

The Whole Story:

Crews have broken ground on 1.3-million-square-foot South Niagara Hospital in Ontario. 

“Today’s groundbreaking event for the new South Niagara hospital brings us one step closer to connecting the people of the growing Niagara region to more convenient care close to home for generations to come,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Right across the province, we’re investing nearly $50 billion over the next 10 years to support more than 50 major hospital projects. When it comes to your health, we’re building a healthcare system that all Ontarians deserve.”

The South Niagara hospital, strategically located at the intersection of Montrose and Biggar roads, is poised to bolster regional healthcare capacity. Its design aims to meet the burgeoning demands of Niagara’s aging population, encompassing centers of excellence dedicated to complex care, aging wellness, and stroke care.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones called it a “historic milestone” for the residents of the Niagara Region.

Lynn Guerriero, president and CEO of Niagara Health had this to say: “Niagara residents have been planning, wishing, and waiting for this hospital for more than 10 years. I am thrilled that today we have officially broken ground on this exciting new facility. The hard work, planning, fundraising, and dedication from our teams and the community is making this dream a reality. We are one step closer to building a state-of-the-art hospital that will transform how we deliver healthcare in the region and allow Niagara residents to get the care they need right in our own community.”

The 12-storey structure will add more health capacity for the region, including 469 single patient bedrooms, eight operating suites, 42 hemodialysis stations, and two MRI machines. Its services will span emergency, critical care, diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical domains.

The South Niagara hospital aspires to become the first WELL-certified hospital in Canada, with design features prioritizing the health and well-being of hospital users, including staff and physicians. This approach aims to create a more positive workplace environment. 

Additionally, the hospital will feature an Indigenous healing space and garden, designed with input from Indigenous partners to foster culturally safe and welcoming areas for Indigenous Peoples.

EDIH (EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare) secured the $3.6-billion contract for designing, building, financing, and maintaining the hospital back in February. Teams have been collaborating with Niagara Health staff, physicians, and patient and community partners to ensure the hospital design addresses the complex requirements of this state-of-the-art healthcare facility. 

The project team has chosen to prioritize the engagement of local sub-contractors and workers to bolster the local economy, generating multi-year economic benefits and fostering employment and community growth in the Niagara region. EDIH has already been awarding early sub-contracts to local entities and labor unions.

Decew Construction (Rankin Construction) has commenced site work, preparing for the installation of the construction trailer complex, which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Excavation is scheduled to commence by the end of the summer, and the entire construction process is estimated to take five years, with the hospital slated to officially open its doors in the summer of 2028.

The future looks bright for Canadian solar projects.

Just this month, federal officials announced $160-million in funding for Alberta solar projects. Zooming out, Canada’s federal government has outlined a six-year investment tax credit that puts a 30% tax credit in place for solar, wind and energy storage projects deployed through March 2034.

On the ground, this means remote Indigenous communities and power plants can transition off fossil fuels, businesses can make their operations more green and the nation can expand its power capacity without further contributing to the global climate crisis.

Here are some projects that highlighting what the power of the sun can do.

Travers Solar

Let’s start the list off with a bang. The massive Travers Solar Project began development in 2017 and it started operations late last year. It includes approximately 1.3 million bifacial solar PV modules on 3,330 acres of land in Alberta’s Vulcan County. It was funded by Greengate Power Corporation and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). CIP sold all of its stake in the project to Axium Infrastructure in Canada earlier this year for an undisclosed sum. According to the project’s builder, PCL, Travers Solar incorporates a tracking system with steel helical piles that rotate the solar panels to follow the sun’s path as the day progresses from dawn to dusk.

Mytilineos projects 

This one comes as a bundle. Greek industrial and power company Mytilineos Energy and Metals recently announced plans to embark on a $1.7-billion project to build five solar energy plants throughout central and southern Alberta. The company stated that the province is easily Canada’s leader in solar energy. Mytilineos says its plants will generate 2.1 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year of renewable energy, enough to power 200,000 Canadian homes for a year. The plants are Georgetown, in Vulcan County; Sunnynook, in Special Area No. 2; Dolcy, in the Municipal District of Wainwright; Eastervale, in the Municipal District of Provost; and Red Willow, in Stettler County No. 6.

Lathom Solar 

Lathom Solar (the Project) began development in 2017 and includes close to 1,000 acres of land located approximately 15 kilometres southeast of the Town of Bassano, in the County of Newell. The project will be 120 megawatts (MWac) in size. In 2021, Amazon announced they have entered into a long-term power purchase agreement for 80 MW of capacity from the site. According to the project’s owner, Greengate, construction could begin sometime this year. The estimated project cost is $170 million.

ACFN-Concord Solar Partnership

The Coaldale, Monarch and Vulcan solar farms in Southern Alberta went into service last year after receiving traditional Indigenous blessings and a ceremony. The projects are part of a $145-million partnership between Concord Pacific and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN). The projects are expected to deliver 150-gigawatt hours (GWh) a year to the Alberta power grid and capture about 26 GWh of electricity annually once the 2023 battery storage component has completed construction.

Nunavut projects

Communities and projects in Nunavut (Arctic Bay, Clyde River, Pond Inlet, Whale Cove, Grise Fiord Solar) are splitting more than $4 million funding that will go towards solar infrastructure. The funds flow from the Northern REACHE program which aims to support Indigenous communities in their transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies.

kīsikāw pīsim solar farm

Last fall, the kīsikāw pīsim solar farm went into operation – generating renewable electricity to help power the E. L. Smith Water Treatment Plant. The solar farm will provide up to half the energy required by the plant, which supplies 65 per cent of the water required by Edmonton and surrounding communities. With 30,350 solar panels capturing energy from the sun, the solar farm will generate enough power to cut greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 14,000 tonnes every year. A key element of the project is the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) connected to the solar farm. The more than 1,000 batteries are arranged in two separate sea-can style containers to store energy for later use.

 Fox Coulée

This June, French renewable energy producer Neoen started construction on a 93 MW solar power plant in Starland county, Alta. The company awarded the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the $130-million Fox Coulée plant project to Germany’s Goldbeck Solar. Once complete, it will connect to the 24.5 kV distribution network operated by local utility ATCO Electric. Work is expected to wrap up next year.

Sunnynook solar

Construction on Sunnynook Solar Energy’s Sunnynook solar plus storage project is expected to start this year after getting the green light from provincial officials in Alberta. It will have a battery energy storage system (BESS) of 200 megawatt-hours. The solar plus storage project in Southern Alberta is expected to generate enough clean energy to power 45,000 households.

Saddlebrook Solar

TC Energy’s first foray into solar power will soon have shovels in the ground. The energy company announced that it will begin pre-construction activities on the $146-million Saddlebrook Solar Project located near Aldersyde, Alta. It has the capacity to generate 81 megawatts, enough energy to power 20,000 homes annually. The initial construction includes installing solar panels on TC Energy property in the local industrial park.

Loyala Residence

Solar technology isn’t just for the open plains. Work is underway in Halifax to create the tallest solar-sided building in all of North America. The work is being done as part of a retrofit on the side of the Loyola residence building at St. Mary’s University. After inspecting the 30-year building’s concrete façade, engineers decided it need to be replaced and the school took the opportunity to include some sustainable components.

Edmonton Expo Centre

Last fall, crews began work on the largest rooftop solar array in Canada. Phase one of the Edmonton Expo Centre upgrades includes the installation of 5,754 solar panels across 193,735.5 square feet above Hall D through H. The electricity generated is expected to equal the power consumed by 375 residential homes. The city believes the energy generated will yield operational savings of $290,000 to $460,000 per year. The project was built by Delnor Construction in one of the city’s first ever IPD contracts.

Key Takeaways:

• CarbonCure’s equity round was led by Blue Earth Capital and saw support from many existing shareholders.
• The new funding also features the participation of strategic investors BH3 Growth Equity (BH3) and Samsung Ventures.
• CarbonCure plans to use the capital injection to accelerate its product roadmap and expand geographically.

The Whole Story:

CarbonCure Technologies, a Halifax-based tech company committed to reducing carbon emissions in the concrete sector, has raised more than $100 million in its latest investment round.

The equity round was led by Blue Earth Capital and saw with strong support from existing shareholders, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Taronga Ventures, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund, and 2150. Citigroup served as a financial advisor to CarbonCure during the financing process.

Notably, the new funding also features the participation of strategic investors BH3 Growth Equity (BH3) and Samsung Ventures, who contribute not only financial support but also actively engage in new product development and stimulate market demand.

CarbonCure stated that its expansion plans and product roadmap will be significantly accelerated thanks to the new capital.

Robert Niven, chair and CEO of CarbonCure Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “The financial backing of this special syndicate of investors is an exciting endorsement of CarbonCure as a go-to solution for low embodied carbon concrete, a leader in carbon removal technologies, and a provider of the highest quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market.”

Niven emphasized the growing demand for effective solutions and impactful strategies to drive industrial decarbonization and facilitate immediate, permanent, and verifiable carbon removal pathways.

Blue Earth Capital, a globally active investment firm committed to sustainability, played a key role in leading the investment round. Through its Climate Growth Strategy, the firm supports companies that possess the potential to generate measurable impact alongside attractive financial returns. Blue Earth Capital provides equity capital to businesses that facilitate the global energy transition and decarbonize crucial economic sectors, including large-scale production and consumption.

“CarbonCure’s technologies achieve both, on the one hand enabling concrete production with less carbon-intensive cement and on the other creating less solid waste and using less fresh water,” said Kayode Akinola, head of private equity at Blue Earth Capital. “Solutions like these are urgently needed to help meet global climate goals.”

CarbonCure plans to use the capital injection to accelerate its product roadmap and expand geographically.

Robert Niven further emphasized the positive impact of CarbonCure’s solutions:

“Our solutions help concrete producers deliver high-quality, lower carbon concrete in an efficient, economical, and non-disruptive way,” he said. “With more than 750 systems sold, this latest investment will drive CarbonCure’s deployment across the global concrete industry as the private sector doubles down on sustainability in new construction and as federal, state, and even municipal procurement policies requiring green building materials continue to multiply.”

To date, CarbonCure’s technologies have been utilized in the production of nearly five million truckloads, equating to over 37 million cubic yards of lower carbon concrete. This has resulted in saving approximately 290,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to removing more than 64,000 gas-powered cars from the road for an entire year.

Key Takeaways:

• Pattern energy has completed its 11th wind energy project in Canada. 
• The project has entered into a power purchase agreement with wood products company West Fraser for 50% of the facility’s output. 
• Lanfine Wind represents a total investment of roughly $335 million.

The Whole Story:

Pattern Energy Group LP announced today it has completed construction and begun operation at its 150 megawatt (MW) Lanfine Wind power project in Alberta.

“As one of the largest operators of wind power in Canada, Pattern continues to expand its presence with its first facility in Alberta,” said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy. “Lanfine Wind utilizes the most powerful turbines in our operating fleet at an impressive 4.3 MW each, altogether powering 30,000 homes in Alberta each year.”

Armistead noted that Pattern has now brought 11 wind energy projects to operation across five provinces in Canada over the past decade, creating thousands of Canadian jobs and millions of dollars in direct economic benefits to our local communities.

The Lanfine Wind project utilizes 35 Vestas V150 4.3 MW turbines. Lanfine Wind has entered into a 10-year financially settled power purchase agreement with West Fraser, a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, for approximately 50% of the facility’s output, which is supporting West Fraser’s efforts to reduce its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030.

“The Town of Oyen welcomes its continued partnership with Pattern Energy’s Lanfine Wind,” said Oyen Town Mayor Doug Jones. “Pattern Energy has proven they want to be a good neighbour for the long term. We extend our gratitude for all the support shown to our local businesses. Lanfine Wind’s Community Benefits Program will provide vital support that will have a long and lasting positive impact on our entire community.”

In May, Pattern Energy closed an approximately $220 million project financing based on 20 years of cash flows for Lanfine Wind with National Bank of Canada and Siemens Financial Services. Lanfine Wind represents a total investment of roughly $335 million in Alberta.

Approximately 250 workers were on-site during peak construction activity, spurring demand for local businesses and services in the rural community. Construction of the project was managed by Borea Construction.

In addition to employment and contracting opportunities, Lanfine Wind will generate landowner revenue and provide tax revenue to the local community, which will directly contribute to education, community services, roads, and first-responder capabilities. Further, a Community Benefits Program funded by the project will support local initiatives and community-based organizations with a $2 million commitment over the first 20 years of Lanfine Wind’s operation.

Key Takeaways:

• Since 1993, Heidelberg Materials has been producing cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt and other downstream products. in B.C., Alberta and Ontario.
• The carbon capture project is expected to snag up to 95% of the plant’s total CO2 emissions.
• When complete in 2026, the facility is expected to capture and store 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

The Whole Story:

Heidelberg Materials has selected WSP as the owner’s engineers for the Edmonton Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Project. The facility, slated to begin construction late next year, will be the cement industry’s first full-scale application of carbon capture. The project is expected to capture up to 95% of the plant’s total CO2 emissions. 

Heidelberg stated the facility will be able to capture and store 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The company added that it will bring them one step closer to achieving their vision of producing the world’s first net zero cement.

“We are thrilled to partner with WSP as the owner’s engineers for the Edmonton CCUS Project,” said Joerg Nixdorf, vice president of cement at Heidelberg. “Their proven track record of delivering high-quality and sustainable engineering solutions aligns perfectly with our vision of driving decarbonization in the cement industry. Together, we will push the boundaries of what’s possible and create a truly transformative project.”

As owner’s engineers, WSP will play a crucial role in overseeing the design, engineering, and implementation phases of the Edmonton CCUS Project. Heidelberg noted that WSP’s expertise in engineering, environmental solutions, and project management make them an ideal partner for the project.

“We are honored to be selected as the Owner’s Engineers for the Edmonton CCUS Project,” said Daniel Matthews, vice-president, business development & strategic growth at WSP in Canada. “This collaboration presents an incredible opportunity to work alongside Heidelberg Materials in delivering an innovative and sustainable solution that will make a significant impact on carbon emissions. We are excited to bring our technical expertise and passion for sustainability to this landmark project.”

Matthews added that the Edmonton CCUS Project represents a key milestone in Heidelberg Materials’ commitment to substantially reducing its carbon footprint. is scheduled to be operational by late 2026.

It isn’t the only carbon capture project Heidelberg has on the go. The company expects to go on stream with the world’s first industrial-scale carbon capture plant in the cement industry in Brevik, Norway. The CCUS facility will capture and store 50% of the plant’s annual emissions. 

Key Takeaways:

• BC Hydro plans to launch a call for new green power sources in 2024.
• Electricity demand is expected to increase by 15% between now and 2030. This is due to economic and population growth.
• It will be BC Hydro’s first call for power in 15 years, and will target larger, utility scale projects. 

The Whole Story:

BC Hydro announced it will move forward with a call for new sources of renewable, emission-free electricity to power the province’s growing clean economy and create jobs.

The call is expected to launch in spring 2024.

In addition, the province is providing $140 million to the B.C Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) to support Indigenous-led power projects, create economic opportunities for First Nations, and advance community self-determination.

“As we face the threat of a record fire season across Canada, the need to switch to clean power to fight climate change has never felt more urgent. The good news is that from electric cars to electrified heavy industry, British Columbians are taking action,” said Premier David Eby. “To guarantee the affordable power for this important transition, we’re working in partnership with First Nations and BC Hydro to generate more of the clean electricity that British Columbia needs to build our economy, and grow our role as a clean-energy superpower.”

Electricity demand is expected to increase by 15% between now and 2030. BC Hydro stated that this is due to economic and population growth, and as more homes, businesses and industries switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity. In the past six years, the number of electric vehicles on B.C.’s roads has increased by nearly 2,000%.

Updated demand forecasts filed by BC Hydro with the B.C. Utilities Commission confirm that new sources of electricity will be required sooner than previously expected. To ensure that it’s ready to procure new power supply, BC Hydro announced it will be moving forward with the development of a competitive process to acquire more clean electricity. It will be BC Hydro’s first call for power in 15 years, and will target larger, utility scale projects. 

BC Hydro noted that it will only acquire 100% clean, renewable electricity, including wind and solar. The call for power process will be designed by BC Hydro and the province following engagement with First Nations, industry and stakeholders. The engagement will include development of options regarding minimum requirements for Indigenous participation in new projects. The newly formed BC Hydro task force will also provide strategic advice.

The BC Hydro task force draws on further Indigenous and external energy experts to provide strategic advice on advancing Indigenous ownership and/or equity interest opportunities. The task force has three key priorities:

• speed of permitting and delivery;
• oversight to protect ratepayers and enable economic and climate priorities; and
• identifying, enabling and accelerating economic opportunities.

Over the next 12 months, the task force will focus on identifying and implementing short- and medium-term actions that can advance these priorities.

“First Nations are key partners as we work to power B.C.’s growing clean economy with clean, renewable electricity,” said Josie Osborne, minister of energy, mines and low carbon innovation. “Funding for the B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative will open up new opportunities for First Nations in clean-energy projects, including wind and solar, create local jobs, and support Indigenous self-determination.”

The province’s $140 million contribution to the BCICEI will support smaller Indigenous-led power projects that may otherwise not be competitive due to their smaller size.

The BCICEI is a clean-energy funding partnership between the province, the Government of Canada, and the New Relationship Trust. It provides support and capacity-building funds to First Nations communities toward the planning and implementation of clean-energy projects. The BCICEI is administered by the New Relationship Trust, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that delivers federal and provincially funded programs in support of Indigenous capacity development and reconciliation.

BC Hydro expects to initiate a call for power in spring 2024 in order to acquire new sources of electricity as early as 2028. This may be followed by subsequent calls as the transition to clean energy continues to accelerate, and BC Hydro requires additional resources in order to electrify B.C.’s growing economy and meet the province’s climate targets.

Key Takeaways:

• Mytilineos, a Greek energy and metals company is purchasing five major solar projects in Alberta.
• It is the company’s first ever North American translation. 
• Mytilineos applauded Alberta and the federal government, citing business friendly policies as a major factor in their decision. 

The Whole Story:

Mytilineos Energy & Metals plans to purchase a portfolio of five Alberta solar projects from Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp 

The company stated that the $1.7-billion solar-energy plan would be the largest of its kind in Canada. Officials noted that the batch of solar projects is the first transaction Mytilineos has made in North America, following its international strategy to seek opportunities in countries and areas with high commercial interest and business-friendly environments. 

The transaction is to be completed by way of a share purchase. Westbridge will retain ownership of the SPVs and continue to lead the development of the Projects until closing, which is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Projects covered by the purchase include: 

• Georgetown – Solar power plant with a capacity of up to 230 MWac, located in Vulcan County, Alberta;
• Sunnynook – Solar power plant with a capacity of up to 280 MWac, located in Special Area No. 2, Alberta;
• Dolcy – Solar power plant with a capacity of up to 200 MWac, located in the municipal district of Wainwright, Alberta;
• Eastervale – Solar power plant with a capacity of up to 300 MWac, located in the municipal district of Provost, Alberta; and
• Red Willow – Solar power plant with a capacity of up to 225 MWac, located in Stettler County No. 6, Alberta.

Together, the projects are expected to generate 2.1 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year of renewable energy, equivalent to the electricity necessary to provide power to 200,000 Canadian homes for one year.

Mytilineos expects the two most advanced projects, Georgetown and Sunnynook, to be ready to build status by end of this year, while the remaining three projects (approximately 800 MW) are in advanced development status and likely won’t be shovel ready until mid 2024.

All of the projects have applied for and/or been permitted for the installation and use of a battery and energy storage system, with a total anticipated combined storage capacity of 1,200 MWh for the total portfolio.

The company cited Canada’s recently announced the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit as factors in the decision. It noted that the policies may provide a refundable tax credit of up to 30% on the eligible capital expenditures. This would be $430 million based on the estimated costs. 

“The selection of Alberta has been the obvious choice for Mytilineos, as the area has some of the highest irradiation in Canada, making it an ideal location for the development of solar projects in the country,” stated company officials. “Alberta is one of the fastest growing renewable energy markets in North America and has a target, as per its Renewable Electricity Act, to achieve 30% production from renewable energy sources  by 2030. In Mytilineos’ view, the province of Alberta has established a streamlined permitting process which favours appropriate planning and predictability.”

The announcement marks the first portfolio monetization for Westbridge. The company stated that the sale its Alberta portfolio underscores the Westbridge team’s meticulous planning, diligent execution, and deep understanding of market dynamics.

“Westbridge recognized the strong potential of Alberta to become a significant jurisdiction for solar development,” said the company. “By garnering critical mass in the province and partnering with Mytilineos, Westbridge has demonstrated its value and will play an important role in Canada’s transition to net-zero.”

Key Takeaways:

• The Brookfield Sustainability institute at George Brown College will support knowledge sharing of smart sustainability strategies.
• It will be housed in Limberlost place, a soon-to-be-completed mass-timber, net-zero carbon emissions building.
• The launch of BSI coincides with the release of the Royal Bank of Canada report exploring the technologies and practices needed to cut building emissions.

The Whole Story:

A new institute to fight climate change and build sustainable communities has launched in Toronto. 

George Brown College (GBC) announced that the Brookfield Sustainability Institute (BSI), a new college-based centre of excellence in Ontario, will offer tangible solutions for building sustainable communities that are environmentally, socially, culturally and financially viable.

Located at Limberlost Place, GBC’s soon-to-be-completed mass-timber, net-zero carbon emissions building on Toronto’s waterfront, BSI’s global solutions studio will help companies, municipalities and other institutions develop applied solutions to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

The college stated that BSI will support knowledge sharing of smart sustainability strategies and develop talent for the future by training students to tackle real-world challenges in the fight against climate change.

“The Brookfield Sustainability Institute is one of the many exciting new developments underway at George Brown College, both in terms of its innovation and its environmental impact,” said Gervan Fearon, president of George Brown College. “The Institute highlights the college’s aim to be a sustainability leader and a force for positive environmental change locally and globally.”

The Institute will also offer up-skilling opportunities for professionals and college and university graduates who want to work in sectors developing smart and sustainable solutions to climate change.

“Climate change is not a problem that governments can solve alone. Collaboration across disciplines and sectors is essential to finding innovative and sustainable solutions,” said Luigi Ferrara, chair and CEO, BSI. “The Brookfield Sustainability Institute brings together knowledge and expertise from diverse experts to share best practices and foster applied projects undertaken by collaborative working groups. Tangible solutions will be realized that can be prototyped and tested with municipal and private sector partners.”

The launch of BSI coincides with the release of the Royal Bank of Canada Climate Action Institute’s landmark report Low Carbon, High Rise: Canada’s $40 Billion Net Zero Building Challenge on decarbonizing Canada’s buildings for a Net Zero future. Created in partnership with BSI, the report explores the technologies and practices needed to cut building emissions, and identifies strategies for overcoming barriers to achieving a Net Zero future.

“Changing how we build and design our homes and offices is one of the best tools Canada can wield against climate change,” said John Stackhouse, senior vice president, office of the CEO, RBC.  “To address affordability and population growth, Canada will need nearly 6 million homes by 2030. But building those homes the way we do now, risks adding to an emissions footprint that’s already too large.  But by changing the way we build, we can turn buildings into powerful drivers of the green transition. It’s a generational opportunity for Canada and we haven’t a moment to lose.”

If you strolled down Vancouver’s 6th Avenue in Mount Pleasant you might end up asking yourself this question: How did a working class vernacular cottage from 1901 end up swallowed by the steel and glass of a modern commercial building? 

No, you aren’t seeing things. Conwest’s HOUSS project provides a mix of strata office, light industrial, and restaurant space. HOUSS is now home to a collection of local businesses including medical offices, professional services, tech firms and Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions.

The contemporary, minimalist architectural style provides a backdrop for the Coulter House, an iconic Vancouver heritage home, which is incorporated as a focal point for the project. 

The project and others were recently honoured by the city of Vancouver for its annual Heritage Awards.

The Heritage Awards acknowledge and celebrate the different facets of heritage in Vancouver that are reflected not only in historic buildings and places, but also through intangible heritage and the self-expressed heritage of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tseil-Waututh Nations, Urban Indigenous Peoples, and the many cultures of the city. 

Conwest, the developer behind HOUSS, explained that the idea became reality after meeting with city officials. 

“After a few meetings with the planning department and the heritage department, we realized that it was an important initiative that we, as developers, work with the city to find solutions to incorporate some of these old homes into the new projects,” Ben Taddei, CEO and partner at Conwest, in a video detailing the project.” 

He explained that the Coulter House’s new function is representative of its old function. Conwest worked with Yamamoto Architecture to repurposed it to make it a public space by incorporating it into the facade.

“You see these old character homes interspersed with new industrial buildings and I think recognizing that history is very important,” said Taizo Yamamoto, owner of Yamamoto Architecture. “It provides continuity for the neighbourhood and maintains the character that’s already there, rather than starting from a clean slate every time.” 

One of the biggest challenges of the project was taking the century old home, lifting it up and moving it to the project site. It had to land it in the exact right spot with the correct elevation. The team then worked to restore it during the middle of winter. 

Elana Zysblat, heritage consultant, Ance Building Services, explained that the Victorian style of the home is representative of what was popular at the time. 

“It has that aesthetic where buildings had a fanciness to them, some ornamentation,” she said. “It’s got some shingles on the gable. It’s got a fancy frieze with brackets and nice columns on the front porch.”

Zysblat noted that the project dispelled some misconceptions people might have about heritage work.

“Heritage doesn’t mean freezing something in time and not introducing any change,” she said. “You don’t just keep something old because it’s old. We want it to have a relevant use so that it doesn’t come at risk again.”

Check out all the Heritage Award winners below: 

Living Heritage

For projects or initiatives that highlight the self-expressed heritage of Vancouver’s communities, or for projects that support reconciliation, cultural redress, or safeguarding or regeneration of living heritage.

Outstanding Achievement: 

• Punjabi Market Revitalization 

Honourees: 

• Coming Out Of Chaos – Karen Jamieson Dance
• Motanka Creations

Heritage Conservation

For the restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive re-use or continued maintenance of buildings, structures, cultural landscapes or other natural features, including seismic or sustainability upgrades.

Outstanding Achievement: 

• Hollywood Theatre, 3123 West Broadway 
• St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church, 1012 Nelson Street 
• Sun Tower, 128 West Pender Street 

Honourees: 

• BC Securities Building, 402 West Pender Street 
• Broadhurst & Whitaker Block, 3495 Commercial Street 
• Coulter House, 67 West 6th Avenue 
• Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street
• Mah Society of Canada Building, 137-139 East Pender Street 
• UNION, 851 Union Street 

Education and Awareness

For the use of a publication, exhibit, activity, social media, or website to promote tangible or intangible heritage, or celebrate diverse cultures and histories

Outstanding Achievement: 

• Chinatown Storytelling Centre 

Honourees:  

• Jewish Historic Walking Tours 
• Mount Pleasant Stories Historical Walking Tours Guidebook Walk 1: Mount Pleasant’s Heritage Heart 
• Vancouver Fruit Tree Histories and Communities

Key Takeaways:

• New code requirements requiring better performance from new buildings went into effect this month.
• The changes aim to help the B.C. hit its climate goals.
• The higher energy-efficiency requirements are a progression of the BC Energy Step Code, introduced in 2017.

The Whole Story:

B.C. is changing its building code to align with its target zero-carbon targets.

“New energy-efficiency regulations are a key measure to help British Columbia meet our CleanBC 2030 goals,” said George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change Strategy. “We are building a future with better, healthier communities for families, while taking action on climate change. Our government is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in B.C., now and in the future, has access to a healthy environment.”

Effective this month, the BC Building Code will require 20% better energy efficiency for most new buildings throughout the province. 

The new Zero Carbon Step Code provides tools for local governments to encourage or require lower emissions in new buildings. Officials stated that these changes meet commitments in the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 to gradually lower emissions from buildings until all new buildings are zero carbon by 2030 and are net-zero energy ready by 2032.

“Working together with industry, B.C. can meet our housing needs and our climate goals,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing. “These measures are essential changes to the BC Building Code that will help us meet our CleanBC commitments to make new buildings cleaner and more energy efficient.”

The higher energy-efficiency requirements are a progression of the BC Energy Step Code, introduced in 2017, which local governments can use to encourage or require energy efficiency that goes beyond the requirements of the BC Building Code.

The BC Energy Step Code enhances energy efficiency in new construction, while the Zero Carbon Step Code focuses on emissions reductions from new construction.

The province engaged with stakeholders, including industry experts, local governments and utility providers to develop these changes. The Province is now co-ordinating templates and best practices to facilitate these building code changes for local governments and the construction industry.

The Building and Safety Standards Branch, responsible for building codes and standards, invited Treaty Nations and Indigenous communities to comment on these code changes in summer 2022 and continues to meet with other Nations and communities as these new changes go into effect.

If a Treaty Nation or Indigenous community enforces the BC Building Code, they retain the discretion to enforce all or part of it.

Key Takeaways:

• The 14-storey tower will consist of 109 studio homes.
• The final design was delivered by Stantec and Bird’s Stack Modular business.
• The project is valued at $50 million.

The Whole Story:

Bird Construction will help build a 14-storey modular project in Vancouver – the tallest of its kind in Canada.

The company announced it has been awarded a construction management services contract for BC Housing‘s Permanent Supportive Housing Initiative, located on East King Edward Avenue in Vancouver. The 14-storey modular project is valued at approximately $50 million.

The project is part of a joint agreement between the city of Vancouver, BC Housing, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to deliver a minimum of 300 permanent supportive homes on five city-owned sites. The East King Edward Avenue building will consist of 109 studio homes, with the base of the building holding a commercial kitchen, dining room, multi-purpose room, and tenant laundry. The building will be collaboratively operated by Vancouver Native Housing Society and Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society.

The project design was supported by Bird’s pre-construction design services, with the final design delivered by Stantec and Bird’s Stack Modular business. The seamless exterior design will include elements that represent Coast Salish and Urban Indigenous Peoples, with the facade highlighted by timber-like panels and blank exterior wall space for culturally themed murals. It will follow the Passive House green building design standard, and the prefabricated modular construction method is expected to reduce construction waste, expedite the construction process, and reduce costs.

According to Bird, the volumetric steel modular tower offers 14 floors of units on a rapid, repeatable scale. The team stated that the approach allows for customization to meet the community’s needs and creates a look and feel comparable to current purpose-built apartments. They added that he modular approach substantially reduces construction time, facilitating faster occupancy than traditional builds and reducing the impact on the local community during construction, while ensuring strict quality control, rigorous safety standards, and significant energy performance in line with Passive House standards. 

They believe that these benefits position modular construction as an efficient solution to Canada’s housing crisis and long-term care capacity challenges, as well as for the delivery of other vital infrastructure with repeatable requirements.

“We are proud to be selected to provide our forward-leaning accelerated construction method to communities in need of housing. Modular construction is gaining considerable momentum in North America and our Bird Stack team has been actively demonstrating the benefits to build more efficiently and fast-track delivery of important infrastructure to the market,” said Teri McKibbon, president and CEO of Bird. “The strong design partnership, coupled with early engagement and collaboration between the project partners and the community, has ensured this vital housing initiative will move forward.”

Key Takeaways:

• Buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto.
• grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded to each of the buildings to offset the incremental design and construction costs required to achieve maximum emissions reductions.
• participants are currently finalizing their designs.
• Once complete, the city will develop and publicly release comprehensive case studies.

The Whole Story:

Toronto has revealed the eight buildings participating in the Deep Retrofit Challenge (DRC), a competition-style program with up to $5 million in funding up for grabs.

The funding comes from Natural Resources Canada provided through its Green Infrastructure – Energy Efficient Buildings Program. 

Through the DRC, grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded to each of the buildings, seven of which are privately-owned, to support deeper-than-planned energy retrofits. The grants will offset the incremental design and construction costs required to achieve maximum greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions.

“Reducing emissions from buildings across Toronto is a critical piece of the City’s TransformTO Net Zero Strategy and something we must do quickly to address the climate crisis,” said Jennifer McKelvie, deputy mayor. “Through the Deep Retrofit Challenge, we are accelerating emissions reductions and creating pathways for other buildings to follow. Reducing emissions to net zero will require significant community-wide action and investments by other levels of government.”

Launched in 2022, the DRC aims to accelerate emissions reductions from buildings in Toronto and identify pathways to net zero that can be replicated in other buildings across the city. The retrofits are intended to advance the goals of the TransformTO Net Zero Climate Action Strategy, including the city’s target to reduce community-wide emissions to net zero by 2040, and serve as a catalyst to accelerate deep energy retrofits.

Officials noted that Toronto’s community-wide emissions must be cut in half in the next seven years – by 2030 – to reach the trajectory needed to reach net zero by 2040. Buildings are the largest source of GHG emissions in Toronto today, generating approximately 58 per cent of community-wide emissions, primarily from the burning of natural gas for heating and hot water. The City controls only about five per cent of community-wide emissions directly through its own buildings and operations, making a community-wide effort essential to reaching net zero emissions.

DRC participants are currently finalizing their designs. The process includes an integrated design workshop, energy modelling, the final selection of energy conservation measures and payback calculations. To remain eligible for funding, participants must deliver a final design to the city that verifies that their proposed projects will meet all DRC program requirements, including:

• Minimum 50 per cent reduction in the building’s GHG emissions.
• Minimum 50 per cent reduction in total energy use intensity.
• Payback period of 20 years or less.

Retrofits will be completed by early 2025. Once complete, the city will develop and publicly release comprehensive case studies on completion of the retrofits, including the retrofit designs, utility savings, project costs and lessons learned.

Applications for the DRC were accepted from Aug. 26 to Oct. 31, 2022. The city received 14 applications and accepted 11 conditionally, with eight building owners now fully committed.

More information about participants and their projects is available on the city’s Deep Retrofit Challenge webpage. To receive updates about the projects, residents can ask to be added to a mailing list by emailing drc@toronto.ca.

Here are the challenge participants:

350 Bay Street (Dream Office REIT)
Building type: Commercial Office
Year built: 1928
Number of storeys: 13
Number of units: 12
Gross Floor Area (m2): 5,406
Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 53%
Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 73%
Total DRC incentive: $500,000

723 Bloor Street West (Dream Unlimited)
Building type: Multi-unit residential
Year built: 1920
Number of storeys: 4
Number of units: 16
Gross Floor Area (m2): 1,604
Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 72%
Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 53%
Total DRC incentive: $229,384.75

88 College Street (The Governing Council of the University of Toronto)
Building type: Commercial office
Year built: 1882
Number of storeys: 2
Number of units: N/A
Gross Floor Area (m2): 1,748
Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 95%
Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 72%
Total DRC incentive: $285,326

1-15 Field Sparroway; 2-10 Tree Sparroway (Toronto Community Housing)
Building type: Multi-unit residential
Year built: 1973
Number of storeys: 3
Number of units: 175
Gross Floor Area (m2): 17,414
Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 82%
Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 50%
Total DRC incentive: $500,000

633 Northcliffe Boulevard (Northcliffe Inc.)
Building type: Multi-unit residential
Year built: 1968
Number of storeys: 11
Number of units: 86
Gross Floor Area (m2): 6,973
Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 76.5%
Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 52%
Total DRC incentive: $500,000

177 St. George Street (Dream Unlimited)
Building type: Multi-unit residential
Year built: 1963
Number of storeys 8
Number of units: 65
Gross Floor Area (m2): 3,902
Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 54%
Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 74%
Total DRC incentive: $500,000

145 Woodward Avenue (145 Woodward Ave Inc.)
Building type: Multi-unit residential
Year built: 1955
Number of storeys: 3
Number of units: 11
Gross Floor Area (m2): 870
Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 80%
Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 57%
Total DRC incentive: $151,750

61 Yorkville Avenue (Minto Apartment Limited Partnership)
Building type: Mixed-use (multi-unit residential and retail commercial)
Year built: 2003
Number of storeys: 18
Number of units: 181
Gross Floor Area (m2): 19,490
Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 82%
Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 51%
Total DRC incentive: $383,750

Earth Day, April 22, is nearly upon us.

It’s is a time to reflect on the planet and ways that we can make it better. As the globe is facing the impacts of climate change, the construction sector has its own role play in reducing its environmental impact. Here are 11 companies that are doing their part to reduce, reuse and recycle rather than throw away and start from scratch.

Unbuilders

It’s not demolition. It’s deconstruction. Unbuilders is a team of former-carpenters, roofers, framers, and tradespeople who have transitioned to recycling buildings. The B.C.-based company deconstructs and salvages most of the building’s components yielding less than 5% waste on average. On each project, Unbuilders diverts 50 tonnes of waste and salvages 10 tonnes of lumber.

CarbonCure

CarbonCure wants to transform one of the most-used materials on the planet: concrete. The Nova Scotia company creates carbon removal technologies that introduce recycled CO2 into fresh concrete to reduce its carbon footprint, without compromising performance. Earlier this year, CarbonCure announced it was part of a project team that captured CO2 via direct air capture and permanently stored it in concrete for the first time. 

GRT

GRT’s recycling facility in Nanaimo takes contaminated soils and muds bound for landfills and cleans them. The material can then be used to make clean clay and gravel for landscaping, construction and even capping landfills. It is one of only three soil reclamation companies in North America. 

ESGold Corp.

This mining company plans to take processed tailings from its Montauban project in Quebec and combine them with an organic Polymer. They can then use the mixture to create building materials with shapes including, bricks, cinder blocks, paving stones, patio tiles, Parking Columns and Highway Jersey Barriers used to define traffic lanes. 

Wall to Wall

When Christina Wall couldn’t find any option for budget renovators to reuse construction materials, she decided to do it herself. Wall to Wall in Prince George is a hub for those looking for used construction materials like nails, light fixtures, air duct covers, cabinets and more. According to the Prince George Post,  since 2019 Wall has collected and sold more than 47 tonnes of construction material that was bound for the dump. 

Lafarge Canada

Last year Lafarge Canada announced it had fully transformed its Brookfield Cement Plant’s cement production in Nova Scotia to produce a reduced carbon portland limestone cement – branded as OneCem – the company’s eco-efficient alternative. It is one of several plants that Lafarge has converted over the past few years. 

New West Gypsum Recycling

Saint-Gobain’s subsidiary, CertainTeed, announced this month it had achieved a major milestone: returning one million tonnes of recycled gypsum back into production. The company’s Delta, B.C. facility achieved this by partnering with New West Gypsum to process old gypsum into new products. New West has facilities all over Canada and internationally. 

Renewal Home Development 

Where some see the past, Renewal Home Development sees the future. The Vancouver company seeks to save, relocate and repurpose high-value homes for new owners in coastal communities in the Pacific Northwest. Renewal estimates that as much as 20% of the 3,800 single family homes slated for demolition each year across coastal B.C. are in good to excellent condition and worth trying to physically relocate and repurpose.

Nexii

B.C.-based green construction company, Nexii Building Solutions Inc. has achieved the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Gold Certification for Zero Waste for its Squamish Manufacturing Plant. This achievement makes Nexii the first construction manufacturing company in North America to receive this prestigious recognition. In addition to leading the industry on Zero Waste certification, Nexii designs and manufactures its products for deconstruction and reuse.

North Star Clean Technologies

North Star recently received an Environmental Awareness Award from the Waste Management Association of B.C. (WMABC) for its efforts to recycle roof shingles. The company’s proprietary reprocessing technology recovers 100 percent of the constituent components of asphalt shingles, otherwise destined for landfill, for reuse in the circular economy.

Key Takeaways:

• Retrofitting can provide significant opportunities to lower a building’s embodied emissions compared to a new build.
• The slab and foundation walls demonstrated the largest carbon savings potential when reused.
• The operational emissions of 20 years of continued use for this home equals the embodied emissions of 4 new net-zero homes.
• The embodied emissions invested in upgrading the home through a deep energy retrofit or a full reconstruction can be paid back in 5 years or less by the energy savings of a new high-efficiency home.

The Whole Story:

Is it better for the planet to build a home from scratch or retrofit?

A recent case study conducted in North Vancouver, B.C., consulting firm Carbon Wise explored the benefits of deconstructing and retrofitting an existing home versus constructing a new building.

The goal was to determine which option yields a smaller carbon footprint and aligns with the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) net-zero standard.” by “The goal was to determine which option yields a smaller carbon footprint when targeting the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) net-zero standard.

Looking at embodied emissions

Traditionally, green building policies have prioritized operational emissions (energy use during a building’s lifetime). However, as energy efficiency improves, embodied emissions (those associated with material production and construction) become more significant. 

Researchers used the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to investigate the complex relationship between embodied and operational emissions over time.

The study compared two options: demolishing the existing structure to build a new one, and doing a deep energy retrofit that attempts to reuse as much of the original material as possible. The results showed that retrofitting can provide significant opportunities to lower a building’s embodied emissions compared to a new build.

The authors explained that the key to this approach is the ability to design structures that make the best use of existing materials. In the case study, the most impactful elements of the home were the roof and foundation. The slab and foundation walls, in particular, demonstrated the largest carbon savings potential when reused.

Energy savings can come quicker than you think

The study noted that for homes with poor operational energy performance, net energy savings can be realized in a relatively short time frame through either demolition and reconstruction or deep energy retrofit. The embodied emissions invested in upgrading the home through a deep energy retrofit or a full reconstruction can be paid back in 5 years or less by the energy savings of a new high-efficiency home.

Researchers found that a deep retrofit, particularly one using carefully selected low-carbon materials, can result in significantly below-average embodied emissions (120 kg CO2e/m2) compared to the average of 193 kg CO2e/m2 for a new home in the city of Vancouver. Concrete is the highest emitter, and minimizing its use can result in substantial emissions savings (in this case, approximately 8 tonnes of CO2e).

The study found that with simple material substitutions, a 40-80% reduction in embodied emissions can be achieved. For instance, the case study highlighted that the careful selection of low-carbon building materials and the reuse of exterior walls, interior walls, and other components played a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact.

Results don’t mean it’s a magic bullet

The researchers noted their conclusions may vary in regions where electricity is not generated from renewable sources. Nonetheless, the case study highlights the importance of considering both operational and embodied emissions when aiming for a sustainable and energy-efficient home. 

According to the study, the choice between renovating and rebuilding is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but understanding the environmental impacts of each can inform more responsible decision-making in residential construction. By focusing on both energy efficiency and the reuse of existing materials, homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while also creating a more sustainable future.

What do you do with old post offices, out of service airports, shuttered military facilities, crumbling jazz bars?

For these projects, the answer is to adapt and reuse. Rather than start from scratch, these teams sought to restore and preserve older buildings. This approach not only produces visually captivating outcomes by merging the old with the new, but it’s also good for the planet.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 90% of total construction debris is produced by demolition of existing buildings. Experts believe that reusing existing buildings could bring down emissions by as much as 40%.

The Post – Vancouver

This building, which sits on an entire city block in downtown Vancouver, was once the main regional processing facility for Canada Post and an important example of Vancouver’s mid-century architecture. When the team undertook the revitalization of the Canada Post building, they engaged heritage conservators to retain and restore many of the building’s distinctive elements. These include the blue and terracotta tile façade, the relief sculpture of a postal worker and coats of arms, as well as original artwork and etched windows.

Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples – Edmonton

Clark Builders was tasked with restoring Edmonton’s Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples after it suffered severe fire damage due to an accident in 2020. It required a lot of complex, custom carpentry work. Part of the construction process even involved installing a massive teepee with 32-foot poles under the guidance of Indigenous leaders. 

PHI Contemporary – Montreal

In 2021, Montreal’s multidisciplinary contemporary arts hub PHI launched an international competition for the design of PHI Contemporary, its new home. Located in the Old Montreal historic district, the site comprises four heritage buildings. The winning design, by Berlin-based Kuehn Malvezzi and Montreal-based firms Pelletier de Fontenay and Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes, integrates old and new, indoors and out, with an emphasis on giving artists open, unencumbered space to bounce their ideas off of, and making the results readily accessible to the public. The facility is expected to open in 2026.

Waterworks – Toronto

Waterworks was originally designed in the Art Deco style by City Architect J. J. Woolnough. Completed in 1933, it was once owned by the City of Toronto and operated as a public market from 1837 to around 1900. According to Diamond Schmitt Architects, the adaptive reuse of Waterworks includes the full retention and reuse of the machine shop building as a food hall and the retention of the northern portion of the complex to accommodate a mix of uses. The new compatible construction features retail at grade, a full-service YMCA athletic facility on the second and third floors, and a 288 mid-rise condominium above.

King Eddy / Studio Bell – Calgary

The century-old King Eddy blues bar was laser scanned and dismantled and then painstakingly rebuilt, brick by brick as part of Studio Bell and the National Music Centre in Calgary. Each brick was cleaned, stored and placed on numbered pallets so that the building could be reassembled exactly as it was in 1905. Designed by Allied Works Architects of Portland, Oregon, the 160,000 square foot, $168 million Studio Bell opened on July 1, 2016. The King Eddy essentially is the largest part of the facility’s collection of music artifacts.

Cambridge Suites Hotel – Toronto

The original Cambridge Suites Hotel in Toronto was planned by WZMH Architects in 1990. Now, the WZMH team plans to reimagine the mixed-use building to retain the existing 21-story building’s concrete structure while incorporating additional structural and design modifications to support the 50 new stories being added for the residential development.

Stadium LRT – Edmonton

The Stadium LRT Redevelopment involved the refurbishment of the original 1978 Stadium Station on the northeast leg of Edmonton’s Capital Line LRT. GEC Architecture took a traditionally-designed transit station and transformed it into a modern inter-modal transit hub by replacing the grade-separated access and centre-loaded platform.

Evergreen Brick Works – Toronto

Toronto’s Don Valley Brick Works, founded in 1889, was one of the most prominent brick makers in the country. It supplied material for projects like Massey Hall, Old City Hall, Casa Loma, and the Royal Ontario Museum. LGA Architectural Partners and EllisDon helped transform the deteriorating buildings into Canada’s first large-scale community environmental centre.

Aurora Armoury – Aurora, Ont.

This building was constructed in 1874 for the Department of National Defence to train infantry, conduct town meetings and coordinate military parades. It has since been restored by the Town of Aurora and Niagara College as an outpost location for the Niagara College Canadian Food & Wine Institute. Gow Hastings Architects noted that to celebrate the original agrarian-style building, the design team exposed the large spanning post and beam structure, and refurbished the original terrazzo floor.

Massey Hall – Toronto

Opened in 1894, Massey Hall sorely needed updating for modern audiences, but the project team in charge of its renovation and expansion wanted to maintain its historic architecture. Crews worked to protect the Moorish-styled auditorium, the Art Deco lobby and the Palladian exterior. Stage acoustics were upgraded throughout to enhance sound quality while interiors were recalibrated to original grandeur. Old fire escapes were also removed from the building’s exterior front façade to reveal highly valued heritage materials that lay underneath.

Block 208 – Ottawa

Block 208, also known as the Beater Building, has been subject to extensive modifications over time. Redesigned by Hobin Architecture, today it incorporates two original facades into a new building.  The other facades are composed with a contemporary material palette. Project officials say this is meant to evoke the original vocation of the site.

John Muir Library – Windsor, Ont.

According to architect Jason Grossi, this project necessitated a contemporary response between two heritage designated structures from different epochs (a mid-19th century horse and hay loft stable structure and a fire station from 1921) to form one building. The project was challenged by sandy soil as well as disparate floor elevations.

Hollywood Theatre – Vancouver

Rather than tear down the Hollywood Theatre, one of the last surviving neighbourhood cinemas in Vancouver and an example of the Art Deco style, MA+HG Architects’ design modernized and integrated it into a housing development. The obsolete theatre was transformed into a multipurpose performance venue while maintaining its historic elements.

Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation – Toronto

Designed by MJMA and Stantec with ERA as Heritage Architects, this adaptive reuse project took the oldest surviving aircraft factory in Canada and transformed it into Centennial College’s facility for Aviation and Engineering Technology & Applied Science. The result is massive. It features more than 40,000 square feet of hanger space and 10,000 square feet of student amenity areas and library resources. It also includes 50,000 square feet of classroom and lab space

Key Takeaways:

• Metro Vancouver homebuilder Adera Development has passed the halfway mark to its goal of creating 1,000 mass timber homes in the region.
• Its latest mass timber projects are being designed to the designed to the international Fitwel rating standard.
• While Adera CEO Rocky Sethi said he appreciates support for mass timber construction from the province, he believes more can be done by various levels of government to create lasting results.

The Whole Story:

Vancouver-based homebuilder Adera Development is at the forefront of mass timber construction in B.C., recently surpassing the 500 mark on its commitment to deliver 1,000 mass timber homes in Metro Vancouver.

The latest homes are coming to market across two communities: PURA in Surrey Central West and SoL in West Coquitlam.

A project bringing one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes to market, SoL represents Adera’s second mass timber community in the area, following Duet CityHomes at Como Lake Avenue. PURA offers one-bedroom to two-bedroom plus den homes set within two six-storey buildings, which include over 12,000 square feet of shared resident amenities within walking distance of Surrey Central Station. Both projects are designed to the international Fitwel rating standard, which considers occupant health and wellness in every aspect of the design.

Both SoL and PURA are constructed utilizing Adera’s SmartWood, proprietary cross-laminated timber (CLT) building material. While matching concrete and steel in strength and durability,  SmartWood sequesters air components, rendering it better for the environment and reducing construction timelines, noise, and labour requirements. Adera’s mass timber manufacturing partners use wood sourced from sustainably managed forests in B.C., thus keeping the supply chain local and reducing carbon emissions with shorter travel times. 

Rocky Sethi, CEO at Adera, said that the new communities of PURA and SoL, once complete, will represent a larger move towards sustainable development in Metro Vancouver.

“PURA is the first mass timber community in Surrey Central, and we can see the interest in mass timber construction picking up across the Lower Mainland,” said Sethi. 

“Metro Vancouver is in the midst of a housing crisis, and developing new communities with mass timber allows for the faster creation of housing supply while leaving a more sustainable impact on the homebuilding landscape than traditional building materials,” he added. “We anticipate the demand for mass timber development in B.C. will continue to grow while awareness is raised around its vast benefits for developers, homeowners, and communities.”

The government of B.C. is working to expand the use of mass timber within the province and, in 2021, launched the Mass Timber Demonstration Program. Under the program, individual projects can receive up to $500,000 to cover permitting, design development, and construction costs using mass timber. While Sethi noted that this is a good first step, he believes more action and cooperation are needed between the various levels of government in order to see lasting results.