On May 29th, industry leaders and experts gathered for an insightful webinar hosted by 360 Energy Inc., focusing on the challenges and opportunities in achieving net zero and reducing embodied carbon within the construction industry. The event highlighted the pivotal role of building regulations, the importance of collaboration, and the innovative strategies necessary for reducing both operational and embodied carbon emissions in promoting sustainable building practices.

One of the key discussions revolved around the significant influence of building regulations and mandates in driving sustainability within the construction sector. Jack Bolland, Manager at the Environmental and Climate Division for the City of Toronto, emphasized that regulations not only enforce compliance but also foster innovation and the adoption of best practices across the industry. Bolland, a leader in sustainable urban development, discussed how green standards benefit businesses and the challenges organizations face when implementing these standards. He also shed light on the most promising trends and innovations in sustainability today, underscoring the role of regulatory frameworks in driving environmental resilience and economic growth.

The conversation explored strategies for minimizing operational and embodied carbon emissions, crucial for achieving net zero goals. Operational carbon refers to the emissions produced during a building's use, while embodied carbon encompasses emissions from the production and transportation of building materials. Denyse Van Opbergen, Senior Manager of Climate and Sustainability at EllisDon, provided valuable insights into the barriers to industry transformation and offered practical solutions for low-carbon concrete that can be implemented immediately. She highlighted EllisDon’s efforts in tracking and reducing emissions across operations and projects, stressing the importance of actionable strategies for decarbonizing the built environment.

A notable case study presented during the webinar was the Joy Center at Mohawk College, which serves as a tangible example of success in zero carbon building standards. Tony Cupido, Mohawk College’s Research Chair in Sustainable Building Technologies, shared his extensive experience in developing performance databases for Canada’s largest net-zero energy and zero carbon building. Cupido discussed the energy use intensity, performance metrics, and the dual certification of the Joy Center, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of high-performance standards. He also explored the operational advantages of high-performance buildings and options for reducing embodied carbon in new construction.

The role of manufacturers in reducing carbon content was another focal point. Zeljko Terzic, Global Offering Manager at Armstrong Fluid Technology, discussed how sustainability affects the materials used in pumps and the importance of understanding the embodied carbon and operational carbon components of building materials. He emphasized the carbon footprint reduction benefits of locally manufactured products due to lower transportation emissions. Terzic also highlighted strategies for maintaining low operational carbon over the service life of HVAC systems and the optimal timing for upgrading to more energy-efficient models.

Throughout the webinar, the significance of collaboration and innovation was a recurring theme. Industry stakeholders were urged to work together, leveraging cutting-edge research and technological advancements to develop sustainable building practices. Education was also highlighted as a crucial element in equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement these practices. The webinar concluded with a discussion on the importance of district energy systems and high-performance standards. These systems contribute significantly to carbon reductions and energy efficiency in urban settings. However, barriers to their implementation remain, necessitating leadership and data-driven decision-making to overcome these challenges.