The Canada Green Building Council recently certified the first 10 projects under its Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standard.
The projects include new and existing offices, schools, and warehouses, with each demonstrating that buildings of all types and age can achieve zero carbon emissions, according to a Council news release. The ZCB Standard was designed to guide the industry in building to zero and help Canada meet its international emissions targets by 2030.
Since its launch, the standard has shifted the green building conversation to focus on carbon as its key performance metric, the Council says. “A carbon metric recognizes the true climatic impact of a building, and brings to light aspects not considered by energy efficiency, including the importance of selecting low-carbon construction materials and energy sources for building operations,” the release says.
One of the first Zero Carbon pilot projects, The Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation at Mohawk College features “an innovative high-performance building envelope that minimizes heating and cooling demand, an all-electric geoexchange system, and a striking rooftop photovoltaic system.”
Related Stories
Codes | Aug 24, 2016
Weak building codes no match for recent natural disasters, say industry experts
The recent floods and wildfires in Alberta are being cited as proof.
Legislation | Aug 24, 2016
World Trade Center contractor found guilty of minority-owned business fraud
The company used two minority firms as fronts in a nearly $1 billion scheme.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2016
Federal construction contractors propose reforms to federal project delivery
Industry leaders offer how procurement system could be improved.
Legislation | Aug 19, 2016
California lawmakers may take action to address contractor negligence
An assembly committee heard testimony on deadly balcony collapse that occurred last year.
Energy Efficiency | Aug 17, 2016
Investor Confidence Project aimed at raising trustworthiness on energy efficiency projects
The new initiative screens projects to see if they are investor-ready.
Standards | Aug 17, 2016
U.K.’S BREEAM green building standard enters U.S. market
The standard is touted as a cost-effective alternative to LEED.
Standards | Aug 16, 2016
Standard for conducting, reporting energy audits open for review
A joint ASHRAE/ACCA proposal seeks comments from industry professionals.
Legislation | Aug 10, 2016
Calif. bill would speed up environmental lawsuits on certain projects
A nine-month limit has been proposed for some $100 million-plus projects.
Resiliency | Aug 10, 2016
White House pushes for better finance strategies for disaster mitigation and resilience
The move highlights innovative insurance, mortgage, tax, and finance-based strategies.
Regulations | Aug 9, 2016
New trend eases parking requirements for U.S. cities
Transit-oriented development and affordable housing are spurring the movement.
