Articles from Construction Canada

CertainTeed Canada has launched CarbonLow, a new line of low-carbon gypsum panels with up to 60% less embodied carbon than traditional panels. These panels are produced at CertainTeed's facility in Quebec, which is transitioning to use only hydroelectric power, becoming North America's first zero-carbon gypsum wallboard plant. The CarbonLow line includes several gypsum solutions for a variety of building applications and requires no changes to standard installation practices. This initiative supports Saint-Gobain’s larger sustainability efforts and aims to encourage the use of sustainable building materials.

The article discusses the importance of using temporary barrier systems, like those offered by TuffWrap Installation, in roofing and construction projects to mitigate hazards such as dust and debris. These systems allow facilities to remain operational while protecting people, products, and property. TuffWrap offers unique, code-compliant solutions, such as the SmartSeam® Suspended Cover ceiling containment system, which is important for maintaining safety in active construction sites. The article promotes integrating such barriers early in the project planning phase to enhance safety and reduce contamination risks.

The new town hall in La Peche, Quebec, is a two-storey structure showcasing advanced timber construction and energy efficiency. It features glulam beams, cross-laminated timber floors and roofs, and light timber frame construction, with a focus on sustainability. Designed to meet the Passivhaus energy-efficiency standard, it is the first institutional building in Quebec to aim for this certification. The building, constructed by BGLA architecture + design urbain, emphasizes wood in its design, including cedar siding and wood-aluminum cladded windows.

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) announced the winners of its 2025 Award of Excellence competition, which focuses on sustainable development practices. Canadian towers honored include T3 Bayside, Alberni by Kengo Kuma, Ontario Court of Justice, TD Terrace, and CIBC Square. The award categories highlight buildings that use low-carbon materials and innovative designs in sustainable urbanism, with submissions required to include data on carbon and material usage as part of a pilot program. The awards cover projects across 20 countries, showcasing leadership in vertical urbanism.

The City of Edmonton marks a significant milestone in its transit infrastructure with the first anniversary of major construction on the 4.5-km Capital Line South LRT Extension. This high-floor system aims to better serve the growing populations in south and southwest Edmonton. The $1.38 billion project, expected to finish between 2029 and 2030, will generate approximately 3,500 local jobs. Phase 1 has been awarded to Capital Line Design-Build Ltd., part of Ledcor Group, with AECOM as the design partner.

The new Polaris CCS Project by Shell in Alberta aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions by capturing over 589,670 tonnes of CO2 annually from the Shell Energy and Chemical Park in Scotford. This project will tackle emissions from industrial processes, including hydrogen production. Sarens is overseeing heavy haul and lift operations necessary for the project, and the captured CO2 will be transported to the Atlas Carbon Storage Hub for permanent storage. The project is set to be operational by 2028 and will eventually store up to 272 million tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime.

Construction Canada presents a quiz on PCM (Phase Change Material) ceiling panels, which are gaining traction for improving both energy efficiency and acoustical performance in structures like schools, offices, and healthcare facilities. These ceiling panels not only contribute to energy savings but also enhance indoor acoustic environments by combining thermal regulation with sound absorption. The quiz tests knowledge of PCM's dual thermal and acoustic functions and its potential in modern construction strategies.

Marianne McKenna and Shirley Blumberg, founding architects of KPMB Architects, have been awarded the 2025 RAIC Gold Medal, the highest honor in Canadian architecture. McKenna is recognized for her contributions to cultural architecture, notably her work on The Royal Conservatory of Music and Massey Hall in Toronto. Blumberg is celebrated for architecture promoting inclusion and equity, exemplified by her projects like the Montreal Holocaust Museum and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa. The award will be formally presented at the RAIC Conference on Architecture in June.

The article discusses the transformative role of AI in sustainable forestry and timber product manufacturing, enabling advancements in timber harvesting, supply chain management, and product tracking. AI helps in demand forecasting and inventory management, enhancing transparency and efficiency. Plywood and cross-laminated timber are highlighted as sustainable materials for various construction projects, exemplified by structures like the Brock Commons Tallwood House in Vancouver. The popularity of tiny homes in Western Canada emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials due to increasing demands for sustainable living.

Construction Canada offers a quiz challenging readers on their knowledge of acoustical glass and sound control design. The quiz focuses on the evolution of acoustical design from basic monolithic glass to advanced laminated and double-glazed systems. It covers critical concepts such as the Sound Transmission Class (STC) and the Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC), essential in creating quiet environments in response to increasing noise pollution. This initiative highlights the significance of understanding sound transmission principles for effective fenestration design in modern architecture.

Local construction associations (LCAs) in Canada play a crucial role in supporting workers and firms by providing guidance, advocacy, and a sense of community. As the construction industry evolves, these associations are vital for building stronger businesses and influencing industry changes. Membership in an LCA offers access to a network that empowers businesses, providing tools, training, and expertise necessary for successful building. The emphasis is on collective strength to drive the industry forward.

Construction Canada offers a weekly quiz based on feature articles. This week's quiz, related to the evolution of soundproofing standards in the National Building Code of Canada, traces enhancements from a 45 dB sound transmission requirement in 1941 to modern STC and ASTC standards. The article invites readers to test their knowledge on these significant changes, which are crucial due to increasing concerns about soundproofing in residential buildings.