Articles from Construction Canada

The Canadian Wood Council has released new Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for key Canadian wood products, including softwood lumber, OSB, plywood, trusses, and prefabricated wood I-joists. These EPDs offer transparent environmental data for the cradle-to-gate lifecycle, complying with international standards like ISO 21930 and ASTM. The declarations are intended to support sustainable decision-making in construction by providing credible, third-party verified environmental impact information. They are available through the Canadian Wood Council’s Digital Resource Hub.

The Region of Waterloo in Ontario has been awarded the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Sustainable Communities Award for their net-zero carbon community housing project at 420 Kingscourt Drive. This development, featuring solar panels and obtaining the Zero Carbon Building–Design certification, is expected to yield annual savings of approximately $54,000 and provide 73 affordable homes. The project highlights energy efficiency and is slated for completion in the summer of 2025. Such recognition underscores the environmental, social, and economic benefits of sustainable construction projects.

The Canadian government is investing $500,000 in the Mass Timber Company (MTC) to support the establishment of Canada's first large-scale, vertically integrated mass timber manufacturer in Atlantic Canada. This new facility in Nova Scotia will enhance the region's offsite construction industry, improve housing access, and create 124 new jobs. Additionally, MTC has conditional approval for $10 million in federal support pending due diligence and agreement finalization. This initiative aims to boost the local economy by transforming eastern spruce lumber using advanced technology.

METRO, a major retailer in Quebec and Ontario, is constructing a $420 million automated distribution centre for fresh and frozen products in Terrebonne, Montreal. The facility covers 55,742 m² and features a dynamic facade design with bright colours and vertical and horizontal stripes. The innovative design includes a high-volume space optimized for product handling and storage. GKC and Imperatori Design were responsible for the architectural and interior design aspects, respectively, of this complex which includes administrative and community spaces.

The article from Construction Canada introduces a quiz based on metal roofing's performance in extreme weather conditions such as wildfires, hurricanes, hail, and snow. It explores the benefits of standing seam metal roofs, including their resilience to high winds due to interlocking joints, safety during wildfires due to non-flammability, and methods for managing snow loads. By participating in the quiz, readers can test and enhance their understanding of the durability and safety features of metal roofing systems.

Construction Canada offers a quiz to test knowledge about embodied carbon in concrete, focusing on unintended results from efforts to reduce carbon footprint by using substitutes like slag and PLC. The quiz explores issues such as increased water demand and changed concrete chemistry leading to poor curing. It also highlights the advantages of internal curing with nano silica, which offers improved hydration and reduces defects compared to traditional methods. The article draws a parallel between recent carbon reduction efforts and historical events that resulted in unintended consequences.

The article discusses the integration of smart monitoring and AI technology in securing solar farms within urban infrastructure for enhanced sustainability. It highlights the importance of surveillance systems in maintaining the efficiency and safety of solar power installations by mitigating threats such as intruders and equipment malfunctions. Remote and AI-enhanced monitoring systems are recommended for protecting solar farms, providing operational efficiencies, predictive maintenance, and automated access control. The use of such advanced technologies not only secures energy assets but also supports the creation of a resilient and sustainable energy network.

The Montreal Irish Monument Park transforms the historic Black Rock site into a public space that honors Irish immigrant history. Designed by Lemay alongside the Montreal Irish Monument Park Foundation, this project integrates architecture and landscape to preserve the site's solemnity and promote education and communal engagement. Key features include a terraced agora, a water feature symbolizing the immigrants' ocean crossing, and a memorial wall with 6,000 Celtic crosses. Sustainable materials like Corten steel and locally sourced stone enhance the site's durability and ecological footprint.