Sustainability
Lack of regulations and data hinder LCA progress
Selecting the lowest carbon-emitting products across a building’s material portfolio could reduce emissions by more than one-third, according to new global findings.
Creating longevity-ready communities
The global population of humans living to 100 and older is predicted to increase to nearly 3.7 million by 2050, but current institutions and policies are unprepared for this growing life expectancy.
Healthcare facilities launch nature-based programs
In healthcare facilities, where sterile aesthetics replace trees, plants and flowers, nature-based interventions can support the well-being of patients and staff who spend much of their time indoors.
Ontario recharges energy efficiency budget
Ontario’s energy efficiency budget has been recharged with a pledged 12-year, $10.9-billion spending strategy that significantly boosts funding for commercial, industrial, institutional and residential electricity customers.
Aquatic facility makes a splash in B.C.
The təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre in New Westminster, B.C., was named after the playful, curious nature of a sea otter, in turn, reflecting the kind of visitor experience the local community was hoping to create at the newly completed facility.
New refrigerant restrictions set for 2025
Regulators in Canada and the United States are out of sync in banning the R-410A refrigerant that’s currently a mainstay of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump systems.
A mindful expansion at Sunnybrook
Amid the high-traffic frenzy of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, which houses the busiest trauma facility in Canada, a new space brings peace and comfort to patients with brain and mental health needs, and the staff who care for them.
New water use initiatives afloat in summer 2024
New water use initiatives from the Canadian government and the Open Standards Consortium for Real Estate (OSCRE) have been unveiled for public input over the course of summer 2024.
Centennial boosts environmental services program
Centennial College is now home to a ground-breaking course that is better preparing next generation environmental services professionals for the field.
Prized office tenant steps up green demands
Ottawa landlords are contemplating a list of new expectations from a prized office tenant following recently announced updates to the federal government’s green operations strategy.
Resolvable barriers still impede accessibility
The building features that most commonly impede people with disabilities are not those that are the costliest or most structurally complicated to correct, new survey findings show.
Maisonneuve Library turns a new page
The Beaux-Arts-style Maisonneuve Library underwent sensitive internal and external renovations to meet changing user needs and expand programming that was accessible for all.
Plastic chemicals face growing scrutiny
The United Nations Environment Assembly adopted a resolution on March 2, 2022, to end plastic pollution by 2040.
Civic spaces rise to net-zero heights in Edmonton
Fire stations have evolved into a much broader sense of community as cities seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach net-zero targets partially through design.
Navigating supply chain transparency legislation
The deadline for Canadian businesses to file their first annual report on supply chain transparency is fast approaching.
Decarbonization roadmap navigators in demand
Real estate operators are looking to consultants, turnkey contractors and software for navigational assistance in developing and implementing decarbonization roadmaps.
Alberta to tighten grip on public sector FMs
The Alberta government is moving to tighten its grip on public entities that are defined as “creatures of the province,” yet have conventionally had leeway to seek and accept direct federal investment.

















