Carbon Upcycling’s CO2-enhanced concrete mix demonstrated significant environmental benefits, reducing cement use by 12.5% while increasing strength by 28% at 28 days and 32% at 56 days.
A three-year study, conducted on an active Minnesota highway by Carbon Upcycling, MnDOT, and the NRRA, rigorously tested 16 concrete mixtures.
With over 3,000 tonnes of low-carbon cement deployed since 2021, Carbon Upcycling is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable construction.
The Whole Story:
A recent study shows Canada’s low-carbon cement producers have a winning formula for road construction.
Carbon Upcycling Technologies, Inc. (Carbon Upcycling), a Calgary-based decarbonization and carbon capture & utilization (CCU) company, along with, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) has successfully completed a three-year study on the use of low-carbon cement in highways.
The study, managed by Sutter Engineering LLC and sponsored by the National Road Research Alliance (NRRA), rigorously tested 16 unique concrete mixtures in real-world conditions on an active Minnesota highway to identify options that could reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure without sacrificing strength or durability.
Completed in early 2024, the study aimed to find materials that could significantly lower the carbon footprint of concrete paving without compromising durability. Carbon Upcycling’s CO2-enhanced mix achieved a 12.5% reduction in cement content while matching the workability of traditional concrete, allowing seamless handling, placement, and setting times for construction crews.
Carbon Upcycling officials say these findings provide valuable data to guide future low-carbon infrastructure projects across North America, as the seamless integration into existing workflows offers a drop-in, low-carbon alternative without compromising ease of use or performance.
The study revealed significant performance and environmental benefits of Carbon Upcycling’s concrete mix:
Increased Strength: 28% stronger at 28 days and 32% stronger at 56 days compared to the advanced control concrete.
Reduced Cement Use: The CCU process allowed a 12.5% reduction in cementitious material, effectively reducing both carbon emissions and material costs.
“Infrastructure is the very foundation of a sustainable future, and at Carbon Upcycling we’re committed to creating materials that support this vision while establishing a secure, stable North American supply chain,” said Apoorv Sinha, CEO of Carbon Upcycling. “Our collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation highlights how Carbon Upcycling can transform captured emissions into local materials that strengthen our infrastructure. By focusing on resilience and sustainability, we’re contributing to a vision where our essential structures are clean and built to last.”
Carbon Upcycling partnered with BURNCO to deploy and test 140 m³ of its CCU-enhanced concrete mix, monitored by Larry Sutter, Principal Engineer at Sutter Engineering LLC, for strength, workability, and environmental impact on a Minnesota highway.
“Carbon Upcycling submitted a very impressive mixture design to the trial,” said Larry Sutter, MnDOT’s Principal Engineer and the project’s technical manager. “Their material not only achieved the highest reduction in cementitious content among all submissions but also demonstrated remarkable strength. By embedding CO2 and reducing the reliance on portland cement, Carbon Upcycling’s technology addresses one of the concrete industry’s most pressing challenges—lowering its carbon footprint as global demand for cement is expected to double by 2050. This project data will be invaluable as the industry works toward its 2030 CO2 reduction targets.”
Since 2021, Carbon Upcycling has deployed over 3,000 tonnes of low-carbon cement and has attracted investment from some of the world’s largest cement industry players such as Cemex, CRH and Titan Cement.
Quickly, an early payment solutions provider for the construction industry, has announced the launch of its integration with Sage, an accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology company for small and mid-sized businesses. The integration is now available on the Sage Intacct Marketplace and enables construction businesses to automate early payments, streamline payables, and improve cash flow management.
Following its successful integration with Sage 300, Calgary-based Quickly is expanding its partnership with Sage, bringing its early payment platform to an even larger base of customers. According to Quickly, construction businesses can approve and schedule early payments to suppliers more efficiently, unlocking up to 2.5% in discounts while maintaining their usual payment terms by automating the payables process. Suppliers also gain faster access to funds, improving their cash flow and strengthening contractor relationships.
“Our integration with Sage brings even more value to construction businesses,” said Kyle Friedman, Co Founder & CEO of Quickly. “By simplifying payables and automating early payments, we’re helping general contractors improve their cash flow while supporting their suppliers with faster, more flexible payments.”
A screenshot shows Quickly’s digital platform. – Quickly
The integration syncs bill data between Sage and Quickly’s platform, allowing construction finance teams to manage early payments more efficiently while maintaining real-time visibility into cash flow. The solution also includes comprehensive reporting features, giving businesses the insights they need to optimize their financial operations.
Dennis Stejskal, Head of Strategy at Sage Construction & Real Estate, added: “Quickly streamlines efficiency by offering subcontractors faster payment options with no risk to general contractors. It’s a win-win, improving cash flow for subcontractors and boosting overall project success.”
The integration is now live on the Sage Intacct Marketplace and is available to construction businesses in the U.S. and Canada.
Last year Quickly announced it had raised $10 million in debt and equity during its seed financing round to expand its early payment platform. Led by Thin Air Labs with participation from Plug and Play and ATB Financial, the funding was intended to support Quickly’s U.S. expansion, recruiting, and continued product development.
This acquisition enhances SiteTechnology’s service offerings, allowing the company to provide a truly full-stack solution that covers all aspects of technology for its customers.
With the acquisition of Quicktech, SiteTechnology has expanded its team to nearly 40 professionals, strengthening its capacity to serve mid-market, growth-oriented businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, resources, and distribution. Quicktech will operate under the SiteTechnology brand, with its founder, Dustin Cassar, joining the executive team as Chief Technology Officer and equity partner.
The expanded SiteTechnology team collaborating at their Abbotsford headquarters
This move positions SiteTechnology as a comprehensive, one-stop technology partner, offering a full range of services including Technology Advisory, Business Applications (ERP/CRM), Application Development, Data & Analytics, and Managed IT Services. Clients will now benefit from a single, trusted provider for all their technology needs, ensuring seamless integration and long-term support.
Brandon Peterson, President of SiteTechnology, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “We’re excited to welcome the team at Quicktech as they become part of SiteTechnology. With the excellent staff and skillset joining us, this serves as a key platform for how we will continue to serve growth-oriented businesses across North America.”
Brandon Peterson, President of SiteTechnology
Dustin Cassar, Chief Technology Officer, commented on the strategic alignment: “It’s long been a goal of ours to expand beyond Managed IT Services, knowing that to truly be a partner to many of our customers, we have to add value in all areas where technology is utilized. I’m excited to join the team and contribute to the growth of SiteTechnology for many years ahead.”
Dustin Cassar, Chief Technology Officer of SiteTechnology
SiteTechnology’s focus on building long-term partnerships with executive leaders sets it apart, as it provides ongoing innovation and value to its clients. Businesses no longer need to engage with multiple providers; SiteTechnology’s integrated approach simplifies technology management and helps clients achieve their growth goals.
Canada is making significant strides in geothermal energy, leveraging its diverse geological conditions to develop both power generation and heating solutions. From large-scale power facilities to innovative district heating systems, these projects showcase a wide range of applications for geothermal energy.
Indigenous leadership, government support, and private sector partnerships play crucial roles in advancing geothermal initiatives that blend sustainability with economic development. The following projects exemplify Canada’s growing commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community involvement.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Expansion
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is undergoing a significant expansion, which includes the integration of one of Canada’s largest geothermal energy systems. The project involves a 300,000-square-foot terminal addition and a state-of-the-art Central Utilities Building that features a geoexchange system. Hundreds of vertical boreholes and 841,000 feet of HDPE geothermal piping have been installed, enhancing the airport’s heating and cooling capabilities through sustainable geothermal energy.
This expansion, located in Richmond, British Columbia, is a joint effort between YVR, local contractors, and environmental consultants, working to meet the airport’s sustainability goals.
DEEP Earth Energy Production Project
DEEP, located near Torquay in southeast Saskatchewan, is set to become Canada’s first large-scale geothermal power facility. DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp. is developing a 25 MW geothermal power plant, with the potential for expansion to over 200 MW. The project uses production and injection wells drilled to depths of 3.5 km, leveraging Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology. SaskPower has signed a 5 MW power purchase agreement, and Natural Resources Canada is providing support.
In a groundbreaking partnership, DEEP has teamed up with Oppy, a major grower and distributor of fresh produce, to establish an integrated greenhouse, harnessing geothermal energy for both clean power generation and sustainable agriculture.
Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal Project
The Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal Project, located in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, is an ambitious initiative led by the Fort Nelson First Nation, with support from Natural Resources Canada. Formerly known as the Clarke Lake Geothermal Project, it aims to utilize geothermal energy from existing gas well data to provide clean, renewable energy to the region. The geothermal resource is expected to meet the region’s electrical needs entirely.
In addition to power generation, the project includes plans for an industrial greenhouse, creating jobs and fostering energy sovereignty for the Fort Nelson First Nation.
Swan Hills Geothermal Power Project
The Swan Hills Geothermal Power Project, located in Alberta, became commercially operational in March 2023. Developed by FutEra Power, a subsidiary of Razor Energy Corp., this 21-MW facility uniquely combines geothermal energy with co-produced hydrocarbon fluids from an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operation. It leverages existing infrastructure, tapping into 84 wells to generate clean energy from water heated to 90°C–100°C.
The project is a collaboration between Razor Energy Corp., FutEra Power, and other industry stakeholders, highlighting the potential for hybrid geothermal solutions in Alberta’s energy transition.
Alberta No. 1 Project
The Alberta No. 1 Project, located near Grande Prairie, Alberta, is a significant geothermal initiative aiming to generate 5 MW of power for the grid. Led by Terrapin Geothermics, the project will also provide heat to a nearby industrial park, supporting local industry with sustainable energy solutions. Alberta No. 1 has received substantial funding from Natural Resources Canada, highlighting the government’s commitment to advancing geothermal energy in the country.
This project stands out for its potential to stimulate local economic growth and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Springhill, Nova Scotia Heat Pump System
The Springhill Heat Pump System is a unique geothermal project located in Nova Scotia, repurposing a former coal mine for geothermal energy production. Warm water from the abandoned mine is used to heat portions of the Springhill Industrial Park through eight heat pump systems.
This innovative project demonstrates how geothermal energy can be harvested from non-traditional sources, such as abandoned mines. Approximately 3% of Nova Scotia’s energy is now generated from geothermal sources, and the Springhill system is a key example of how regions with historic mining activity can be transformed into hubs for clean energy production.
South Meager Geothermal Project
The South Meager Geothermal Project, located about 60 kilometers northwest of Pemberton, British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most advanced geothermal energy ventures. Developed by Western GeoPower Corp. in its earlier stages, this high-temperature, volcano-hosted project has undergone extensive exploration since the 1970s, including geological, geochemical, and geophysical studies.
With geothermal wells exceeding 230°C and strong permeability zones, the South Meager project holds the potential for significant power generation. The development is expected to supply renewable energy to British Columbia and diversify its energy sources.
Valemount Geothermal Project
Situated near Valemount, British Columbia, the Valemount Geothermal Project is another emerging geothermal initiative in Canada. The project is in the exploratory stage, with initial studies indicating significant potential for electricity production. Once operational, it is expected to provide around 15-20 MW of power.
The Valemount area is geologically favorable due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, where geothermal heat is readily accessible. This project not only aims to generate renewable power but also plans to provide direct heat to the local community, offering a unique opportunity for sustainable development in the region. The project is backed by Borealis GeoPower, a leading Canadian geothermal company.
Located in Terrace, British Columbia, the Terrace Geothermal Project is part of a broader effort to explore the geothermal potential of the region. Developed by Kitselas Geothermal Inc., a partnership between Borealis GeoPower and the Kitselas First Nation, the project focuses on producing both electricity and heat.
The area has shown significant geothermal promise, with preliminary studies confirming high temperatures beneath the surface. The project is expected to supply clean power to local communities and industries, including potential use in district heating systems. This project also highlights the increasing role of First Nations in renewable energy development, fostering both energy independence and economic growth.
Key Takeways
Alberta’s government has committed $112 million to support the rebuilding efforts in Jasper, with the primary focus on constructing interim housing for displaced residents, including those from the Pine Grove Seniors Citizens Manor, which was destroyed in the 2024 Jasper wildfire complex.
The funding will be used to build approximately 250 modular homes for eligible displaced residents, providing a faster and efficient solution due to their off-site construction and permanent foundation installation. These homes will be offered at market rent and later sold when no longer needed for recovery.
In addition to rebuilding in Jasper, up to 25 modular housing units will be built in Hinton for the displaced seniors from Pine Grove Manor. These units will initially serve as interim housing but will later be repurposed as affordable housing for the community.
The Whole Story:
Alberta’s government continues to support recovery efforts in Jasper and is helping residents return to the community with $112 million in funding for interim housing.
To support rebuilding efforts in Jasper, government is committing $112 million to build interim housing for displaced Jasper residents and residents of Pine Grove Senior Citizens Manor.
The 2024 Jasper wildfire complex destroyed or damaged around 30% of structures in Jasper, including the Pine Grove Seniors Citizens Manor, a government-owned building.
Work on the sites in Jasper has already begun, and the first residents are expected to begin moving in as early as January 2025. Homes in Jasper will be available for essential service workers and support service workers, and other eligible Jasper residents who lost their homes and are employed in the area. Alberta’s government will ensure that interim homes are ready for eligible residents as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“Our entire country grieved when wildfire ravaged Jasper this past summer. We know the rebuilding process takes time, and we’re doing all we can to support Jasper’s recovery,” said Premier Danielle Smith. “Most of all, people want to return home, and the funding we have approved will speed up that process so folks can rebuild their lives and move forward sooner.”
To support the interim housing needs of Jasperites, the government is supporting the construction of modular homes. It is estimated that this portion of the provincial funding will build 250 modular homes for eligible displaced Jasper residents. Modular homes are constructed off-site, in a controlled environment, to allow for all-season construction and accelerated schedules. They are installed using permanent foundations that ensure the safety and comfort of the occupants.
Interim housing units in Jasper will be provided at market rent, and applications and eligibility details will be released in the future. Units in Jasper will be sold at market value when they are no longer required for interim housing for Jasper recovery.
“On behalf of the people of Jasper, I extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Alberta for their critical support in funding interim housing as we work to rebuild Jasper,” said Richard Ireland, mayor of Jasper. “This housing isn’t just about the buildings, it’s directly linked to our social and economic recovery including the mental well-being of the community as a whole.”
Alberta’s government is also supporting the residents of Pine Grove Manor with interim housing in Hinton. Pine Grove Manor was destroyed by the fire and this interim housing will keep residents close to their community while the seniors home is rebuilt. Up to 25 units of modular housing will be built for seniors in Hinton on a site that was given to the project by the Town of Hinton. These units in Hinton will later be used as affordable housing for the community. Work on these sites is expected to begin in January and the first seniors are expected to begin moving in as early as April 2025.
A request for proposals will be released on both of these projects as the next steps in this process. Funding from Alberta’s government will be contributed to these projects over two fiscal years.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government is introducing legislation aimed at making “last mile” electricity connections for new homes and businesses easier and more affordable. This move is intended to reduce upfront capital costs and lower the financial burden on future homeowners and businesses.
The government plans to amend the Distribution System Code (DSC) to extend the revenue horizon for infrastructure costs from 25 years to 40 years, spreading costs over a longer period. This change will make it more financially viable to connect residential developments to the grid.
Ontario is establishing a Housing Electricity Growth Forum to bring together stakeholders, including municipalities, local utilities, and industry leaders, to discuss strategies for accelerating grid connections and reducing associated costs for housing developments.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is introducing legislation intended to make “last mile” connections for construction easier and cheaper.
According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator, the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase by 75 per cent by 2050. That includes growing demand from new homes and industry, each of which will need to be connected to the province’s growing grid. Under existing rules, the process can be slow and burden homebuyers and new businesses with unreasonable costs.
“Too many families face barriers to homeownership, and that is why we are acting on all fronts to reduce the cost for future homeowners and investors,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “We are taking a generational lens to fixing a long-standing barrier for young Canadians to enter the housing market. As our population increases, our government will act decisively to implement our plan to connect the “last mile” so that ultimately, we cut costs for prospective homeowners and end the barriers to job-creating investment.”
The government intends to introduce legislation that will, if passed, support the construction of new homes and businesses by making it easier and more affordable to make those “last mile” connections. The legislation would amend the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 to enable regulation making authority to protect existing ratepayers while reducing upfront capital costs of new lines that would otherwise increase the costs to new homes and businesses.
Minister Lecce has also asked the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to implement all recommendations from its Housing Connections Report, to dramatically reduce barriers to home building, job-creating investment, and agricultural expansion. Ontario’s plan to reduce costs for families and businesses owners includes:
Amending the Distribution System Code (DSC) to extend the revenue horizon for connecting residential developments from 25 years up to 40 years, allowing the costs of new infrastructure that will serve this province for generations to be spread over a longer period.
Amending the DSC to provide clarity regarding the conditions under which a local distribution company should extend the connection horizon for new developments.
Establishing a new capacity allocation model that considers multi customer, multi-year projects.
Establishing a Housing Electricity Growth Forum to bring together designated municipalities with housing targets, impacted local utilities, industry and construction leaders, and the OEB to discuss ways to accelerate connections while reducing costs.
Minister Lecce also asked the OEB to consider further amendments to the DSC to extend the connection horizon for new electricity lines to housing development projects to 15 years.
“Our government knows that we need all hands-on deck when it comes to addressing the province’s growth and housing supply challenges,’’ said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We owe it to the hardworking people of Ontario to help deliver the fully functioning infrastructure that supports the homes they need.”
These moves to reduce the costs of connecting to the grid will form a key part of the government’s vision for the future of the energy sector, which will be released in the coming days.
As builders look to the future of construction, it isn’t just about finding new ways to assemble concrete, steel, and wood. An invisible digital backbone is rising to support and optimize projects.
But it’s a shift that comes with challenges. Every day, new tech solutions enter the market. Knowing what to implement, and how, can be daunting.
That’s why the experts at Timescapes, a leading timelapse and job site analytics technology specifically designed for the construction industry, have released a new eBook aimed at helping firms overcome these hurdles and align their tech strategies with business goals. The eBook draws on observations gained from working with some of the industry’s leading builders, including EllisDon, but aims to make these insights accessible to small and mid-sized firms facing similar challenges.
“We wanted to share ideas about things companies should consider when selecting new technology, how to implement it, how to handle change management, what stakeholders to involve, and why technology needs to be viewed as necessary,” said Chester Boyes, co-founder of Timescapes. “The eBook is really designed to be a practical guide for tech adoption in the construction sector, especially for companies that maybe don’t have the dedicated resources that EllisDon has to adopt new technology.”
Aligning tech with business goals
One of the report’s most important takeaways is that technology adoption must align with a company’s business objectives and look at long-term strategies in addition to immediate benefits. Boyes emphasized the importance of this holistic approach.
“It’s more than just looking at a specific tool. Companies need to zoom out and examine the broader picture—it’s about aligning technology with your business goals and making sure the whole team is brought into it as well,” he said. This ensures that everyone, from project teams to those in head office, are on the same page.
Common mistakes in tech adoption
One of the most common mistakes companies make, according to Boyes, is not getting buy-in from project teams early on.
“You can spend a lot of money selecting technology and implementing it, but if you don’t get the right buy-in, it’s not actually solving any problems—you haven’t validated it in the right ways and it’s not delivering value. You end up spending all this money on something that is seen as a hindrance rather than value-add so it just sits on the sidelines,” Boyes explained.
Timescapes customer EllisDon echoed this sentiment in the eBook, where they shared some of their own insights.
“If our field teams receive tools that they won’t use because they’re inefficient, create bottlenecks, and don’t work within the process, then we’re not going to get anything out of it. This is the biggest success piece,” said Hammad Chaudhry, Vice President, Innovation & Construction Technology at EllisDon. “People must use it because it’s making their jobs easier, not because they were told to use it.”
Boyes also pointed out that AI is the hot, current trend, but that doesn’t mean any solution that uses it will be beneficial for your business.
“AI is a bit of a buzzword at the moment. But the question is: how does it actually add value?” he said. For Timescapes, the focus is on delivering practical tools with immediate, measurable impact. “One example is looking at when a concrete pour was done on-site. We can tell you when they started and when they finished—much simpler things like that. We aren’t generating just a bunch of noise masked as insights. We focus on just starting with the basics and delivering real value and information that people need.”
Collect data today, reap benefits tomorrow
A crucial element of the eBook is the role of data collection and analysis. Boyes stressed that before companies can leverage data, they need to collect it in a structured, meaningful way. “You have to start collecting data in the first place, otherwise you can’t do anything with it down the line,” Boyes explained.
Nobody knows what tools will be available in the coming years. That’s why Timescapes encourages companies to start collecting data—even if they don’t yet know how it will be used—because having organized, structured data will be invaluable in the future in order to train machine learning algorithms. Boyes also cautioned that ensuring the quality of the data is key.
“If you have garbage in, you’ll get get garbage out,” said Boyes. “This is a problem with a lot of AI. If you’re feeding it low quality data and information, you’ll get completely worthless results.”
Invest in technology now
Boyes believes the construction industry is at a pivotal moment, where those that embrace technology will see significant gains.
“Construction is a very process-driven industry,” he explained. “What technology does is add a lot of value to the process in terms of optimization. The more you can optimize those processes, the more of a competitive advantage you can build. I think the opportunity for construction is massive.”
For smaller and mid-sized companies, the eBook serves as a blueprint for adopting technology in a strategic, phased way. Timescapes provides practical tactics on how to start small with pilot projects, validate tools with project teams, and then roll out successful initiatives on a broader scale.
Being part of the solution
Timescapes isn’t just helping companies pick tech solutions. They want to be part of the solution. They specialize in construction timelapse and job site analytics. Using smart, rugged construction cameras, their system captures high-resolution images and real-time data from sites, enabling project teams to monitor progress remotely. Their platform integrates AI-powered analytics, providing critical insights that help construction managers make informed decisions, resolve disputes, and enhance communication among stakeholders.
Boyes stressed that from the very beginning, one key focus of Timescapes’ technology is making sure it’s easy to use, so it doesn’t become a choke point in operations. Their team has put a lot of effort into ensuring the cameras can be installed in under 20 minutes and the platform is so user-friendly that information is accessible in just a few clicks.
“It’s really a collaboration tool that has a really fast speed to value, which is something that we’ve really focused on,” said Boyes. “You can decide that Timescapes is a good idea for your project, and get a camera up the next day so it starts collecting data.”
As construction companies look to the future, Timescapes’ eBook provides a clear path forward, demonstrating that tech adoption, when done right, can enhance both immediate project performance and long-term business success.
Get access to the full eBook, Don’t Get Left in the Dust: A Practical Guide to Tech Adoption in Construction, here.
Key Takeaways:
Vancouver will cut permitting times for multiplex housing applications by 50% starting in 2025, aiming to accelerate the development of “missing middle” housing.
The new process combines the development and building permit stages, reducing redundancies and streamlining the approval process for smaller multiplexes.
The City plans to expand this pathway to include more multiplex types, enhancing housing diversity in Vancouver.
The Whole Story:
Effective early 2025, the City of Vancouver says it will cut permitting times for certain multiplex applications by approximately 50% through a streamlined Development Building Permit application pathway.
“As Vancouver grows and evolves, it’s crucial that our housing options meet the diverse needs of our community,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “The streamlined development building permit for multiplexes is a key example of how we’re cutting red tape and prioritizing the approval of more ‘missing middle’ housing, which bridges the gap between single-detached homes and large apartment buildings.”
Currently, multiplex projects are required to apply for a separate development permit followed by a building permit. The development building permit combines these two processes into one application. This eliminates redundancies and significantly reduces both staff review time and applicant revision requirements. Multiplex applications with up to four dwellings on a single site and no more than two units per building will qualify.
“This change will streamline the journey from planning to construction for multiplex developers,” says Corrie Okell, General Manager, Development, Buildings & Licensing. “It underscores our commitment to transparency, predictability, accuracy, consistency, and timeliness in the permitting process.”
Looking ahead, the City plans to expand the development building permit pathway to encompass more types of multiplex developments, further supporting the growth and diversity of Vancouver’s housing market.
Key Takeaways:
Ontario has started construction on the York BESS, a facility that will store 120 MW of electricity, enough to power 120,000 homes.
The Ontario government recently secured 3,000 MW of new battery energy storage capacity, the largest procurement in Canadian history, positioning the province to have the largest battery storage fleet in the nation and the third-largest in North America.
In addition to battery storage, Ontario is advancing nuclear, hydroelectric, and transmission infrastructure projects to meet the growing demand for power.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government has broken ground on a new battery energy storage project in York Region.
Once completed, the new York Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will store and release 120 MW of electricity, enough to power 120,000 homes.
“Here in York Region and across the province, energy demand is rising. That is why our government is moving forward with an ambitious plan to generate and store more affordable, reliable and clean power for our families, farms, and businesses,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “Thanks to projects like this one, Ontario is on track to have the largest battery storage fleet in the nation and the third largest in North America, which will result in a more efficient grid and help keep energy costs down.”
In May 2024 the Ontario government concluded the largest battery storage procurement in Canadian history, which secured about 3,000 MW of new battery energy storage, enough to power three million homes. Capital Power was selected during the government’s first procurement framework to build two battery storage projects – including the York BESS – representing a total of 170 MW of energy storage. Capital Power anticipates that the York BESS will reach commercial operation by August 2025.
“Building affordable, clean, and reliable electric generation for our growing communities in Northern York Region and South Simcoe is essential to supporting local families and businesses,” said Caroline Mulroney, Member of Provincial Parliament for York-Simcoe. “By bringing the York Battery Energy Storage System to our region, we will ensure our electricity system remains one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world.”
The York BESS is expected to help meet rising demand for power in the Greater Toronto Area and across the province. Officials also intend for it to make the province’s grid more efficient by drawing and storing electricity off-peak when power demand is low and returning the power to the system at times of higher electricity demand.
“Capital Power proudly provides reliable electricity to power homes and businesses across Ontario. With our York Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), we’re actively deploying balanced power solutions that will enhance grid reliability and support Ontario’s thriving economy. Flexible solutions like natural gas and battery energy storage are critical to supporting the urgent need for reliable power across the province,” said Avik Dey, President and CEO of Capital Power. “We’re also proud to be partnering with Ontario Power Generation on assessing the feasibility of deploying small modular reactors in Alberta. Ontario is becoming a clean energy superpower and we’re excited to be a part of that story.”
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) now forecasts that the province’s electricity demand alone will increase by 75% by 2050. Building energy storage facilities is just one part of the government’s plan to meet that growing energy demand and reduce emissions by expanding Ontario’s energy grid. Other efforts include:
Hydroelectric Energy – Investing in existing hydroelectric stations, including a $1 billion refurbishment program that the Sir Adam Beck Generating Station in Niagara Falls.
New Transmission Infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmission lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creators, including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.
Additional Competitive Procurements – Launching the largest competitive procurement of clean energy resources in the province’s history in addition to successfully re-contracting existing capacity resources at about a 30% discount.
Key Takeaways:
PCL has partnered with safety intelligence software company HammerTech to enhance safety and efficiency across global operations, emphasizing a “zero-incident” future.
The partnership will allow PCL to gather sophisticated safety data, streamline administration, and enhance decision-making, aiming to create a safer work environment on construction sites.
HammerTech’s platform, used on over 20,000 projects globally, will contribute to the safety culture in the construction industry. This deal also follows HammerTech’s $70 million investment for further growth and technology integration.
The Whole Story:
PCL Construction (PCL) has signed a multi-year deal with safety intelligence software company HammerTech to help make job sites safer and boost efficiencies across global operations.
Built on the premise that efficient and effective workflows are key to robust safety programs, HammerTech’s safety intelligence platform, will provide PCL with agility and adaptability to changing processes, enhanced reporting and data management, and greater efficiencies when collecting and analyzing safety documentation.
“Safety is a guiding principle that shapes every decision we make at PCL,” says Jim Barry, vice president of health, safety and environment, PCL. “HammerTech will equip our teams with the technology they need to streamline administration, collaborate more easily with our trade partners, and propel us towards our pursuit of a ‘zero-incident’ future.”
“As the latest addition to our technology ecosystem, HammerTech will allow us to gather more sophisticated data around our safety programs,” says Mark Bryant, chief information officer, PCL. “Robust data helps inform decision-making, improve processes and ultimately creates a safer workplace for everyone on our job sites.”
Founded in 2013, HammerTech now serves over 500 clients across North America, Australia, and Europe. The platform is used on over 20,000 live construction projects worldwide, with more than 3.6 million workers having completed orientations via the platform to date.
“Jim and PCL’s leadership team share the same fierce commitment to worker safety and continuous innovation as we do at HammerTech,” says HammerTech Co-Founder and CEO Ben Leach.
“This new partnership underscores HammerTech’s ability to solve the most sophisticated safety operations and intelligence needs of a global construction industry leader. I have no doubt this partnership will have a positive impact on the culture of safety in the construction industry.”
At PCL job, site safety is paramount. The partnership will support the PCL safety program in helping prevent the known risks of working on a construction site. According to data from the US Department of Labor, nearly one in five workplace deaths in 2022 occurred in the US construction industry. The sector accounted for nearly half (47.4 percent) of all fatal falls, slips and trips in the same year.
HammerTech’s multi-year deal with PCL comes shortly after the software firm announced a US $70 million (CAD $97 million) of growth investment from US-based private equity firm Riverwood Capital. The new capital will spur growth and accelerate research and development, including the integration of AI and other technologies into the HammerTech platform.
Do you know a Canadian construction company that is changing the landscape of the industry?
SiteNews wants to hear about it.
Back for its second year, the 25 Innovators in Construction award is returning to recognize the groundbreaking companies shaping Canada’s construction industry.
“The construction sector is on the cusp of massive change,” said SiteNews Editor Russell Hixson. “If Canada wants to solve some of its most pressing issues, including climate change, energy production, affordable housing, healthcare capacity, transit and more, we need a cutting-edge approach. That’s why we are bringing back this competition. We want to celebrate companies who are already leading the way.”
Nominations are now open to celebrate the trailblazers driving advancements in robotics, AI, sustainability, workforce development and beyond.
If you know a company deserving of this recognition, be sure to nominate them today. Winners will be celebrated at an exclusive event and join the ranks of last year’s top 25 innovators. Nominations close October 18th, 2024.
For the inaugural year of Innovators, cutting-edge companies were celebrated in downtown Vancouver with a sold-out celebration that featured in-depth discussions, networking and awards. The competition garnered hundreds of thousands for website visits and millions of impressions, shining a bright light on the industry’s most innovative companies.
Last year’s winners including Carbon Upcycling, Crewscope, DOZR, ETRO Construction, OpenSpace, CM Labs and more.
Visit the 25 Innovators website to make sure your nomination gets submitted before the deadline.
Key Takeaways:
Edmonton is the first municipality in Canada to implement Auto Review for House Development Permits, allowing applicants to apply for a permit and begin construction on the same day.
The automated process reduces the time for permit approval from an average of two weeks to one day, saving applicants an estimated $5.3 million and 67,600 days annually, while lowering carrying costs for builders and helping keep housing prices down.
Auto Review is part of Edmonton’s broader Housing Accelerator Fund plan, aimed at increasing housing availability to meet the city’s growing population, with funding support from the federal government and a focus on building a sustainable, climate-resilient city.
The Whole Story:
The City of Edmonton is the first municipality in Canada to introduce Auto Review for House Development Permits, a digital tool that allows applicants to apply for a development permit and start building on the same day. This new process improvement leverages automation to help builders get shovels in the ground faster — the latest initiative to speed-up development to meet the growing demand for housing in our rapidly expanding city.
“Innovation is part of our ongoing commitment to service improvement and how Edmonton has become a national leader in streamlining and speeding up development,” said Travis Pawlyk, Branch Manager, Development Services. “By saving applicants valuable time, more housing can be built, faster. Accelerating development also reduces carrying costs for home builders, helping to keep housing prices down.”
Those looking to build a single detached or semi-detached home in a greenfield area of the city (zoned as “Small Scale Flex Residential”) can now go to the Self Service website and fill in the details of the development. If the application meets requirements and isn’t selected for a random audit, the development permit is issued immediately. A home builder can also apply for a partial building permit for footing and foundation – another automated process – and, upon same-day approval, begin construction. The process, which used to take an average of two weeks to complete, now happens in one day.
“Automation is a key part of the City’s efforts to streamline processes and reduce red tape. The process improvements we’ve made in Development Services now save applicants an estimated $5.3 million and 67,600 days annually,” said Pawlyk.
Auto Review for House Development Permits is the latest instance of the City automating a process to help Edmontonians achieve their building and development goals faster and easier. In 2022, Edmonton automated simple deck permits, which today saves an average of more than 750 annual applicants three-to-six weeks and facilitates reduced carrying costs.
Auto Review is part of the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund action plan, which will help create more housing to accommodate Edmonton’s growing population. With funding support from the federal government, the City is making lasting changes to build a healthy, urban, climate-resilient city where all Edmontonians have a variety of housing choices and can easily access amenities and services to meet their daily needs close to home.
Key Takeaways:
Linde is investing over $2 billion to build and operate a large-scale clean hydrogen and atmospheric gases facility in Alberta, supporting Dow’s Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero Project.
The facility will utilize autothermal reforming combined with Linde’s proprietary HISORP carbon capture technology to produce clean hydrogen, capturing over 2 million metric tons of CO2 annually for sequestration.
The collaboration between Linde and Dow aligns with both companies’ strategies to decarbonize operations, with Linde supplying clean hydrogen to Dow’s net-zero emissions ethylene cracker, making it the largest clean hydrogen production facility in Canada.
The Whole Story:
Linde has signed a long-term agreement for the supply of clean hydrogen to Dow’s Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero Project. The company will invest more than $2 billion to build, own and operate a world-scale integrated clean hydrogen and atmospheric gases facility in Alberta.
Linde’s new on-site complex will use autothermal reforming, combined with Linde’s proprietary HISORP carbon capture technology, to produce clean hydrogen and will also recover hydrogen contained in off-gases from Dow’s ethylene cracker. In the first phase, Linde will supply the clean hydrogen, nitrogen and other services to support Dow’s world-first net-zero emissions integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives site. Linde’s new facility will also supply clean hydrogen to existing and new industrial customers seeking to decarbonize their operations. In total, Linde’s complex will capture carbon dioxide emissions for sequestration in excess of 2 million metric tons each year.
Upon completion in 2028, Linde’s new complex in Alberta will be the largest clean hydrogen production facility in Canada, and one of the largest globally. It will be Linde’s largest single investment and its second new world-scale clean hydrogen project, following the announcement of its project to supply clean hydrogen to a major blue ammonia project in the U.S. Gulf Coast.
“Linde is helping to build a more sustainable future,” said Sanjiv Lamba, CEO, Linde. “This landmark project aligns with our strategy of developing high-quality projects with secured off-take. Our technology, experience and execution are enabling the transition to a cleaner economy. We are proud to partner with Dow in its mission to decarbonize its Fort Saskatchewan site and are appreciative of the support of the Province of Alberta and the Federal Government.”
“Our business strategy to decarbonize our assets and drive growth while enabling higher shareholder returns is central to Dow’s long-term success,” said Jim Fitterling, chair and CEO, Dow. “Having support from collaborators and partners across the value chain is essential. We’re glad to have Linde as a partner on this industry-leading project.”
This year saw over 160 ConTech startups apply for the accelerator, with startups applying from around the world.
TheConTech Accelerator Program, led by EllisDon’s Digital & Data Engineering team, is a first in Canada and is unique to the industry. Finalists are toured on a selected EllisDon project, spend time with EllisDon’s teams for networking and industry knowledge, and build relationships with EllisDon’s ConTech Ecosystem partners. Their final pitches are made in private to a panel of judges, ranging from project team members, management, and executive leadership representatives, each hand-picked for their expertise in their respective sector of the construction industry.
“As the construction sector confronts escalating challenges, including rising costs, labour shortages, and environmental concerns, embracing innovation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and promoting growth,” said accelerator officials. “EllisDon is spearheading this effort by fostering collaborations with top-tier global start-ups and offering a dynamic environment for testing, validating, and scaling their technology solutions.”
Below are the eight finalists for the 2024 ConTech Accelerator Program:
BoxLock is a leading provider of smart padlocks and software solutions that enhance security, efficiency, and accountability for businesses. Their platform enables businesses to lock anything, log everything, and automate their processes, ensuring the safety of assets and driving productivity.
Dig Robotics is developing technology for optimal excavation machinery operation. Their goal is to provide customers with a cost-effective solution to reach net-zero emissions while ensuring full buckets and reducing cycle time, energy consumption, and GHG emissions.
EHAB helps the construction industry measure, minimize, and mitigate weather risk. Their platform combines hyper-local data, machine learning, and advanced modeling to provide a one-stop shop for managing weather risk. EHAB envisions a world where construction projects can optimize their work in the face of weather and use data to better manage contracts and insurance claims.
GanttAI revolutionizes project scheduling by leveraging AI models trained on your company’s data. Their technology enables teams to generate, review, and compare future schedules in minutes, saving time and optimizing resource allocation.
Salus is a safety management platform that connects businesses to field workers for increased compliance. They specialize in industries like construction, oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing. Salus aims to reduce the administrative burden of safety programs, connect the field to the office in real-time, and simplify complex environments with their safety software.
Sensytec provides real-time performance data for critical infrastructure. Their patented technology unlocks insights into the performance of concrete infrastructure, introducing process efficiencies, structural health monitoring, and CO2 reduction benefits.
Siiv uses AI to automate the payment application review process. It captures incoming documents, automates audits, and generates reports for accounting teams. Siiv’s mission is to automate construction accounting and provide project insights and predictions from construction accounting data.
Specter Automation digitizes lookahead planning for construction sites. Construction managers can identify upcoming tasks, access relevant data, and plan ahead, resulting in a dynamic 3D model-based to-do list and a live overview of the site’s status. Specter aims to become the “Google Maps” of the construction industry, assisting managers in making optimal decisions for project planning and execution.
EllisDon and Impulse Partners stated that they are proud to announce these finalists and look forward to welcoming each of them to Mississauga, Ont. on October 7th, 8th, and 9th for EllisDon’s 2024 ConTech Accelerator.
Key Takeaways:
WZMH Architects has launched Giraffe, an independently owned software company aimed at revolutionizing the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors.
Giraffe’s software suite includes eight smart technology solutions, such as digital construction measurement, autonomous site navigation, AI-driven planning, and environmental analysis tools.
The software has already secured pilot tests and collaborations with industry leaders like Infrastructure Ontario and Microsoft.
The Whole Story:
WZMH Architects has launchd Giraffe, an independently owned software company dedicated to revolutionizing the architectural-engineering-construction sectors. The firm noted that Although Giraffe draws on WZMH’s extensive industry expertise, it operates as a separate entity with its own state-of-the-art software suite designed to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and collaboration in building design and construction.
The firm has made a effort in recent years to push the construction innovation forward. In 2017, the WZMH established sparkbird, a research and development lab dedicated to driving innovation in IoT (Internet of Things), design efficiency, modularity, and sustainability. Giraffe represents the latest evolution of this commitment, integrating practical architectural and construction knowledge with advanced AI and digital twin technology.
“At WZMH Architects, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction), and bridging the gap between traditional architectural and building practices, and the innovative potential of emerging technologies,” said the founding team at Giraffe.
They added, “Giraffe isn’t just about envisioning the future; we’re building it with solutions born from deep industry understanding and not just IT expertise. With the DNA of Giraffe rooted in WZMH Architects, we bring over 60 years of experience, more than 250 million square feet of designed and constructed buildings, and over 10 million hours of IP production and expertise. Our team of experts transforms visionary ideas into tangible outcomes for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.”
The team stated that Giraffe addresses key issues in the AEC industry, such as fragmented and inefficient design processes, inconsistent standards and documentation, a declining skilled workforce, and limited automation. They believe that by streamlining the entire lifecycle of a building — from design and construction to management — Giraffe’s software solutions are designed to accelerate project timelines, automate tasks, and improve quality assurance.
The software suite features eight smart technology solutions and includes:
doton – A digital construction measurement and inventory tracking solution utilizing standard camera technology and unique markers to enhance measurement accuracy, locate and determine the final placement of materials and construction site safety.
ska-ana – A cutting-edge tool for autonomous site navigation, real-time data collection, and remote construction monitoring, reducing operational time and increasing efficiency.
AiM (Ai Massing) – An AI-driven planning tool for rapid generation and adjustment of real estate development massing models, integrating creative vision with technical specifications.
PARRiT – A centralized platform for managing design and furniture information, facilitating real-time updates and collaboration across project stakeholders.
SOVAi – A site surveying tool that leverages advanced environmental analysis to provide rapid, comprehensive BIM models and reports, enhancing project planning efficiency.
PLAiNNED – An AI-powered app that simplifies architectural design by quickly generating building code-compliant layouts for complex building components, epitomizing efficient ‘design by spreadsheet’.
mySUN – An eco-conscious gaming app that tracks and suggests improvements to users’ environmental footprint, encouraging sustainable daily choices through automated activity.
VOLPAi – An AI-powered application that redefines RFI management in the construction industry by expediting responses to improve project flow and serving as an educational resource on design and construction practices.
With ongoing beta testing and plans for commercialization by 2025, the team behind Giraffe believes their solution is poised to become a transformative force in the AEC industry.
They noted that it has already achieved significant milestones, including pilot tests and collaborations with industry leaders such as Infrastructure Ontario, RBC, Microsoft Cloud Infrastructure and Operations and major general contractors and subcontractors.
Key Takeaways:
Slate Technologies has launched a new 13-month internship co-op program in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. The partnership aims to provide students with real-world experience in software development and contribute to the long-term collaboration between Slate and U of T.
The program integrates data engineering interns into Slate’s software development team, where they will work on advanced technologies like data science, big data interfaces, and language model development.
Slate’s initiative not only aims to address the current labor shortage by attracting young talent but also to establish a permanent co-op program.
The Whole Story:
Construction software company Slate Technologies has launched a new internship co-op program in collaboration with the Professional Experience Year Co-op (PEY Co-op) Program at the University of Toronto (U of T) Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. Slate stated that the program, which runs from June 2024 through July 2025, marks a significant step in fostering industry-academic partnerships aimed at equipping the next generation of engineers with real-world experience.
Throughout the 13-month internship co-op program two data engineering interns will be integrated into Slate’s software development team and work under the mentorship of senior development managers. They will engage in various aspects of Slate’s technology, including data science, big data interfaces, language model development, and feature build for Slate’s Decisioning Platform. This hands-on experience will allow the interns to tackle real-world software development challenges and contribute to cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, they will receive specialized training and participate in workshops designed to enhance their professional and technical skills.
Slate noted that the candidates were carefully selected from U of T’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering’s top-performing students and were identified for their exceptional technical and analytical abilities. The rigorous selection process involved a thorough review of academic performance, coursework, and prior experience, followed by a series of interviews with Slate’s team members to assess aptitude and skill set overall.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto to launch this internship co-op program. This initiative not only provides students with invaluable industry experience but also allows us to nurture and potentially onboard the next generation of talented engineers,” says Senthil Kumar, chief technology officer and Head of AI at Slate Technologies. “Our goal is to create a lasting impact on the industry by investing in young talent and fostering innovative research collaborations with one of the leading engineering schools in the world.”
The new internship co-op program aims to create a long-term partnership between Slate Technologies and the University of Toronto, fostering collaborative research in advanced areas of computational science. Slate says it intends to make the co-op program a permanent fixture, continually providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience and contributing to the future of technological innovation. By integrating young talent into their projects, Slate aims to drive forward their mission of maximizing efficiency and improving outcomes in the construction industry while addressing the current labor shortage.
“For over four decades, the PEY Co-op Program has demonstrated leadership in experiential learning in the field of engineering,” said Roger Francis, Executive Director, Engineering Career and Experiential Learning at U of T Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. “Our collaboration with Slate Technologies marks a significant stride in our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in engineering education, empowering students to thrive in the fields of technology and engineering.”
Key Takeaways:
NEXII Inc. acquired the assets of Nexii Building Solutions on June 28, 2024, under Canadian court authority, and is set to relaunch NEXII’s products. This acquisition includes significant investments in the company’s infrastructure and workforce to enhance production capacity, quality, and safety.
NEXII specializes in precision-manufactured structural wall and roof panels that significantly reduce construction timelines and the carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete.
Experienced professionals, including Bill Tucker as the interim CEO, are leading the restructuring and expansion of NEXII. The company is investing $8 million into upgrading its flagship Squamish, B.C. manufacturing plant.
The Whole Story:
NEXII Inc. has completed the acquisition of Nexii Building Solutions’ assets under the authority of the Canadian court on June 28, 2024, setting the stage for the relaunch of NEXII’s products.
NEXII specializes in precision-manufactured structural wall and roof panel systems for the building industry, addressing rising construction costs, the demand for shorter schedules, and the need for a reduced carbon footprint. NEXII’s technology aims to accelerate construction timelines and reduce the carbon footprint to a third of that produced by traditional concrete walls. Leading multinational companies such as Walmart, Chase Bank, AECOM, and Starbucks have used NEXII’s panels, known for their durability, energy savings, and efficient installation.
Russ Lambert, a principal with 3 Gates, noted that, “NEXII’s construction techniques are truly superior in every way to conventional methods. We believe that with the relaunch, the restructured NEXII will be a very successful North American tech success story – NEXII is a winner.”
NEXII has retained many of its current employees and is investing $8 million into retrofitting the flagship Squamish, B.C. manufacturing plant to enhance its production capacity, quality, and safety.
“We were immediately impressed with the quality and commitment of the Squamish workforce, and it was an easy decision to remain there and continue to invest in the plant, with plans to upgrade and expand operations,” said Blake Beckham, another principal with 3 Gates. “Both the Canadian workforce and the Squamish plant are crucial elements of our goal to create high quality, environmentally friendly buildings throughout North America.”
Omicron CEO Bill Tucker has been appointed as the bridge CEO to oversee the restructuring and expansion of NEXII. Tucker will later transition to the Board of Directors as the Canadian representative.
“I am pleased to be a part of this important effort to restructure and expand NEXII,” said Tucker. “Our collective vision is to build a profitable company driving impactful change in carbon reduction and schedule enhancement in the North American construction industry.”
Tucker noted that operations transitioned from the old company to NEXII, Inc. on July 24, 2024.
The buyer’s principals, based in Dallas, Texas, are experienced in restructuring and distressed workouts. These Principals have the experience and expertise necessary to foster an environment for NEXII to thrive and grow into a powerful force in the North American construction industry.
Before being placed under creditor protection earlier this year, Nexii boasted that it was fastest company in Canadian history to reach “unicorn” status, a $1 billion valuation.
Key Takeaways:
B.C. is investing $2 million to establish a state-of-the-art battery innovation centre at UBC Okanagan, aimed at advancing battery technology and enhancing the province’s battery supply chain.
The centre will be the first in Western Canada dedicated to testing and scaling up next-generation battery technologies, which promise improved energy density, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
The centre will boost regional economic development by supporting a circular battery supply chain, utilizing locally available materials to reduce reliance on overseas minerals, and contributing to the clean-energy transition through the production of commercial-scale pouch cells.
The Whole Story:
B.C. is contributing $2 million through its Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) fund to establish a battery innovation centre at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus (UBCO).
This cutting-edge facility will focus on research and development of new battery technologies, advancing B.C.’s battery supply-chain sector and growing the Okanagan region’s role as a battery and critical-mineral hub.
“The battery innovation centre is a monumental step forward for British Columbia’s clean-energy transition, demonstrating the quality, leading-edge work emerging from the sector,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “People and industry are increasingly relying on battery-powered devices for cellphones, electric vehicles, medical equipment and more. This project will see multiple benefits, opening up new research and development opportunities and creating quality jobs for British Columbians.”
The battery innovation centre will be the first of its kind in Western Canada, serving as a critical hub for testing and scaling up next-generation battery technologies that have the potential to offer increased energy density, higher safety, and lower-cost alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.
In addition, the centre will support regional economic development through the battery sector’s circular supply chain, incorporating battery recycling and metal processing in the Kootenay region, battery manufacturing in the Lower Mainland, and critical mineral mining throughout B.C. Locally available materials, such as sulphur from mining and oil refineries, and tellurium recycled from smelting wastes, will be used to reduce the reliance on overseas critical minerals and support domestic production.
“We are grateful to the government of B.C. for this significant investment in the Battery Innovation Centre,” said Lesley Cormack, principal, UBC Okanagan. “Effective energy storage is a critical element of a low-carbon energy future and the work of our research team has already improved Canada’s battery supply chain. This investment will elevate that work even further by providing the necessary space to create and test battery prototypes on a larger scale.”
B.C.’s $2-million investment will go toward construction and equipment costs for a 2,000-square-foot pilot pouch cell facility within the battery innovation centre. The facility will produce commercial-scale pouch cells for use in medical devices and other applications.
Technology is moving at a blistering pace.
Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digitization and smart devices have exploded and tech companies that serve the industrial sector are popping up left and right.
Sorting through the hype to find something that suits your needs is nearly an impossible task.
For the past year, full-service technology consulting firm SiteTechnology has been helping industrial businesses keep up by making sure they don’t have to go on that journey alone.
While it’s easy for large, multi-billion dollar enterprises with deep pockets and lots of staff, medium operations looking to modernize and scale up face a daunting task. With limited time and resources, they can’t afford to waste it on efforts that don’t work.
SiteTechnology aims to fill that need and guide businesses to success. The full-service technology consulting firm is focused on building long-term partnerships with clients, helping them identify and implement technology solutions that make a real difference to their bottom-line.
Each engagement is tailored to an individual client’s needs, but generally it falls into one of five categories:
1. Digital Advisory: helping to understand, assess and recommend technology solutions to your challenges.
2. Business Applications: implementing software (CRM, ERP, PMIS, and other acronyms), and developing custom applications.
3. Automation & AI: developing automated solutions for repetitive business processes.
4. Data & Analytics: making data more accessible and relevant to help you make better decisions.
5. Managed IT Services: protecting your business, and helping make your team more productive.
We caught up with Brandon Peterson, President of SiteTechnology, to learn about the challenges companies face when looking to digitize their business and his team’s unique approach.
SiteNews:Tell me about your background and how you got into tech and the industrial sector.
Peterson: I’ve always been an entrepreneur, running my own businesses since I was a teenager. While I was running those businesses I had to solve my own tech problems—learning customer relationship management (CRM) software, doing software development, running accounting systems. Eventually I began doing that for other businesses with similar problems. I’ve worked in internal positions as well as an outside consultant and was always involved in a whole variety of platforms related to CRMs, custom software, IT management, infrastructure, basically anything that a business needs to scale to the next level and solve a problem. That’s where I like to get my hands dirty and what really led to SiteTechnology. And there is a huge impact that can be made in the industrial sector. Manufacturing, mining, oil, gas, and construction alone accounted for more than 25% of Canada’s GDP in 2020. And there is a huge digital gap there so this work can make a big difference.
What unique challenges do lower and mid-market companies face when trying to modernize their operations?
One of the biggest challenges is just how many digital products there are in the market and it’s only going to keep growing. And artificial intelligence, everyone’s hot topic right now, makes it more complicated. Does a solution integrate with AI? Will your business see cost savings? Will it make things more efficient? You don’t know who to listen to and that creates a need for a trusted advisor to tell you what parts of the market you can ignore, to bring that experience from working with other clients and help you implement something that is going to pay off. We come from a place of understanding your business. We slow down and take the time to know who your customers are. It is impossible to sift through it all on your own and do the research from scratch.
Why is having a trusted advisor important and what does SiteTechnology do to earn that trust?
We do it by being very long-term oriented with the customer. We will work with you and your team for years. Most of our clients we have had since the beginning and there are many years to go. The journey of technology transition is never done and we would never want to think short term and just quickly sell a solution that won’t be beneficial in the long term. That’s what being a trusted advisor is. It’s about approaching each client uniquely and making sure we are solving their specific problem and not imposing the same solution to everyone. At the end of the day, it’s all about trust. You are taking claims made by providers on trust. Just like other professional services, like a law firm or an accounting firm, we are there to help you navigate things.
What are the most common questions or concerns you get from clients around digital adoption?
Some clients haven’t identified exactly what they are looking to do but they know pain points. We are often trying to understand their needs, evaluate them and then give our opinion. We help them go to the market and implement something. A lot of times, clients don’t even know what’s possible out there so it’s hard for them to articulate their needs. Sometimes it is just getting an honest assessment of what their team looks like and what they have. If you are a CEO you might be frustrated with your software solutions, IT team or other partners, but you don’t necessarily know if this is what you should expect. We can be a great sounding board for determining what is or is not the problem and what you can do to improve.
What is the importance of long term technology strategy
Technology is changing so rapidly and everywhere you turn there’s a new solution someone has heard of, or you have seen someone else with great results. The temptation is to chase all these new solutions and implement them and get moving with them, but that can be as prone to error as resisting all technology.
Technology needs to have a level of investment associated with it, KPIs, people in charge of it, ROI tracking and more so that you can evaluate if those investments are working and if it’s driving value for your business, changing customer experience, and improving efficiency. Because if it’s not and it’s just a bunch of software, you might as well go back to paper. Technology can make things simpler, but it often is a lot more complicated, especially if you are a large, growing, complex company. That’s why it’s important to evaluate it objectively and actually hold technology accountable to see if it’s delivering the results that you need. And if not, you can change your approach.
At the end of the day, you can’t tackle it all at once; it will be a journey, especially if you are a larger business. You might be in the process of transitioning from a software business run in the 90s or earlier 2000s and bringing it into the modern area. You need to have a concrete plan, a concrete level of investment, and a method to hold that to account.
Tell me about the growth of SiteTechnology over the past year
We started off with a goal: to be a full-service technology provider. We knew that would mean taking on a smaller number of clients and larger engagements. That’s exactly how things have panned out. For some of our current clients we handle everything, including managed IT services, CIO services, strategic planning, ERP and we sometimes even sit in on executive team meetings to help navigate the path forward. That growth has led to large, all-in, heavy efforts with each new engagement. We have grown significantly when it comes to the size of engagements so we are very selective of who we work with now and we want to find that right partnership. We want clients looking to partner with us in an integrated way across our service offerings.
What is the SiteTechnology process like for assessing and guiding clients?
We try to start off with discrete, individualized engagements where someone has a particular need and wants a trusted advisor. The scope is slimmed down but they often come with larger questions. Either way, we start with an on-site discussion before closing anything. We want to see their job sites, factories or facilities. We want to meet with their executive team, understand their business model, understand historically what they have tried, what’s worked, what hasn’t, who the key stakeholders are. We spend as much time on site as possible throughout an engagement. The vast majority of strategic work and relationship building is done in person. I think that this approach makes us different. We are oriented for the long term. We align resources to get those quick wins and then build that longer-term relationship.
What sort of impact can digital adoption have on a business?
Put simply, it’s about system integration. For example, in the construction sector we partner with agave to help companies connect their ERP and accounting systems with their project management systems. This ensures cost information is not duplicated and your project costs are the same no matter who is looking at it. Lots of construction companies have multiple accounting staff whose only job is duplicating costs so everyone has the same information. Integrating these systems are notoriously tricky and many just assume it’s easier to do on paper. But this is often the first step to greater integration. You also have integration of timekeeping data so timecards on projects are synced and labour costs are associated with the correct job. You can analyze your costs, improve efficiency and find areas of inefficiency. You also have cybersecurity and making sure your business is safe. Because staff have access to so many things through cloud computing, they are one of the most common attack vectors. And then you have AI and finding out which use cases are meaningful and how to leverage it to save time and improve the customer experience.
What does a successful engagement look like for SiteTechnology?
One of our biggest success stories was working with a distributor in the agricultural space. We took over from another tech firm and had a very tight timeline. We put together a small team to work alongside them to hit a go-live for new ERP systems in eight weeks. It involved inventory and procurement and financial accounting and multiple team members on their side. We have continued to improve the functionality. That spoke to our ability to be nimble and agile when needed and work in collaboration with a client.
If someone is interested to learn more about SiteTechnology and starting their digital journey what should they do?
Umicore has paused the $2.8 billion project for a battery-materials manufacturing plant in Ontario and is reviewing its North American expansion plans.
This decision is influenced by declining revenues, including the loss of an anticipated contract with a Chinese manufacturer and faster-than-expected conclusion of current contracts. The review results will be announced in the first quarter of next year.
The Canadian and Ontario governments had pledged substantial financial support for the project, with contributions of up to $551.3 million and $424.6 million, respectively. The project was expected to generate around 1,000 construction jobs and several hundred highly skilled operational positions.
The Whole Story:
Belgian company Umicore announced on Friday that it is pausing its $2.8-billion battery-materials manufacturing plant project in Ontario.
The company, which operates in Europe and Asia, has delayed construction spending on the Loyalist, Ontario plant and initiated a review of its North American expansion plans. The results of this review will be made public in the first quarter of next year.
This decision comes as the company faces declining revenues. Last month, Umicore disclosed that an anticipated contract with a Chinese manufacturer would not come to fruition, and that current contracts were “tailing off faster than anticipated.”
Umicore officials explained that a a sharp slowdown in the growth of demand for EVs is impacting the entire supply chain and customers’ demand projections for Umicore’s battery materials have steeply declined. They expect that 2024 volumes for battery materials could be equal or slightly lower than last year.
“In recent months, short- and medium-term growth projections for the electric vehicles market have been scaled back substantially, significantly affecting Umicore’s Battery Materials business,” said Bart Sap, Umicore CEO. “Today, we share the elements of how we are adjusting to this new reality. The large impairment of our battery materials assets is painful and reflects the changed situation as we see it today. In the coming months, we will continue to thoroughly reassess our battery materials activities, with energy and an open mind, always in close alignment with our customers and partners.”
The updated guidance reflects a reduction in cathode materials sales which is driven by:
Volumes from legacy contracts coming to an end faster than anticipated;
A delay in the anticipated volume ramp-up of new contracts in Europe as customers are scaling back their electrification ramp-up plans. The take-or-pay mechanisms of these contracts come in gradually during ramp-up;
The volumes for a Chinese battery OEM not materializing in 2024.
Crews broke ground on the project in October last year. Umicore stated that the facility would combine the production of precursor (pCAM) and CAM, the most critical components for a rechargeable battery’s performance. By doing this, the production facility will complete the “missing link” in North America’s EV battery value chain, from natural resources to EVs. The plant will be fully equipped to produce advanced high-nickel technologies and is prepared for future battery chemistries, including manganese-rich HLM and solid-state batteries.
The project received substantial support from the government. Based on the full scope of the envisioned project, the Government of Canada is contributing up to $551.3 million, while Ontario is supporting the project with up to $424.6 million.
During the construction phase, the plant was expected to generate approximately 1,000 employment opportunities, while several hundred highly skilled positions would be created in operations.
According to report this summer by Goldman Sachs, the global sales momentum for EVs is slowing, with hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) becoming more competitive. Key factors contributing to this slowdown include rising concerns about EV capital costs, uncertainty around government policies, and a shortage of rapid-charging stations.
