Sustainable Practices

CRE fosters all-in approach to decarbonization

CRE fosters all-in approach to decarbonization

Daunting net zero targets in the buildings sector are spurring an all-in approach to decarbonization that assigns roles to finance, engineering, management and operational teams.
Outdoor lighting principles hail the dark side

Outdoor lighting principles hail the dark side

Guiding principles for responsible nighttime lighting define how light should be applied, but, first, prospective installers are advised to consider whether lighting is even necessary.
Climate action levers key amid competing crises

Climate action levers key amid competing crises

Strategists are pondering the most effective climate action levers to keep attention focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions as other events and pressures commandeer priority-setting agendas.
Multifamily leads take-up of EV charger funds

Multifamily leads uptake of EV charger funds

Multifamily landlords and condominium corporations have claimed more than a third of the funds the Canadian government has thus far allocated through its Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
BOMA Canada launches net-zero learning pursuit

BOMA Canada launches net-zero learning pursuit

The first step in BOMA Canada's efforts to achieve net-zero operations, develop replicable guidance from the experience and promote best practices for carbon offsets begins with BOMEX 2023.
Global energy appetite eats up efficiency gains

Global energy appetite eats up efficiency gains

The global buildings sector made some headway in curbing its energy appetite and output of greenhouse gas emissions last year, but is still off-pace to achieve the International Energy Agency's targets.
Canada to pursue energy efficiency improvements

Canada to pursue energy efficiency improvements

Canada has joined 44 other national governments, worldwide, in endorsing the International Energy Agency's push for a 4 per cent annual reduction in energy intensity by 2030
Canadian buildings scrutinized in OECD review

Canadian buildings scrutinized in OECD review

As part of a biennial review and benchmarking of Canada’s economic performance, a new OECD report looks at progress toward the interim 2030 target and 2050 goal for net-zero carbon emissions.
Dim future for fluorescents and metal halides

Dim future for fluorescents and metal halides

Fluorescents and metal halides will be further marginalized in the lighting market with pending amendments to Canada’s regulations governing products containing mercury.
CRE mostly on its own to meet 2030 commitments

CRE strategizes to meet 2030 commitments

Among its many challenges, the race to meet 2030 commitments for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction could have some public relations complications.
Energy sector workforce evolves and expands

Energy sector workforce evolves and expands

Energy efficiency is projected to create more jobs and assume a larger share of energy sector economic activity in step with a heightened focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
carbon

Fuel-switching challenges expected to ease

Climate, cost and capacity pose fuel-switching challenges for building owners looking to curb greenhouse gas emissions in line with Canada’s target for a 40 per cent reduction below 2005 levels by 2030.
environmentally friendly offices

Employees expect environmentally friendly offices

Six in 10 workers surveyed feel their office is "shamefully eco-unfriendly"
Canada LEED

Greening your washroom for the good of the planet

Four tips for operating a more sustainable washroom in celebration of the International Day of Forests.
environments

Canadian school districts build for healthier environments

The schools installed future-ready infrastructure improvements for healthier, more sustainable learning environments.
subpar waste diversion results trail Ontario target

Subpar waste diversion trails Ontario target

About 85 per cent of waste from Ontario's businesses, public institutions, residential buildings with six or more units and construction/demolition sites ends up in landfill, including a vast amount of recyclable material.
emissions

Rare decisions have acute carbon consequences

Daily vigilance is central to achieving operational energy savings, but rare decisions typically have the most acute carbon consequences in buildings.