Articles from Construction Canada

The article discusses the challenges and methodologies of conducting airtightness testing in large and multi-zone buildings. It highlights the limited availability of data for such buildings due to complexity and lack of regulation, in contrast to the well-documented data for single-zone residential buildings. The research presented aims to fill existing knowledge gaps by providing additional data from tests on 29 buildings in British Columbia, focusing on factors like building archetypes and air barrier strategies.

The Canada Infrastructure Bank and Creative Energy have secured a $50-million loan to advance the deep decarbonization of buildings through district energy systems. This initiative will help reduce over 90% of emissions by transitioning from natural gas to efficient electricity-based systems in British Columbia and Ontario. The first implementation will occur at Thompson Rivers University, upgrading multiple buildings with heat pumps on its Kamloops campus. This effort aims to decrease emissions from buildings, which account for a significant portion of Canada's total emissions.

A former biker clubhouse in Langford is being renovated to serve as a wellness hub for tradespeople. Named The Forge, this project aims to create a supportive space for those within the trades community facing mental health and wellness challenges. The Construction Foundation of B.C. is raising $500,000 to fund the renovation, with support from industry partners and community supporters. This initiative highlights a commitment to providing essential mental health resources tailored to the construction workforce.

Revery Architecture is set to construct the PNE Amphitheatre in Vancouver, featuring the world's largest free-span mass timber roof made of more than 2,000 m3 of timber. The design includes a starburst arch roof with intersecting barrel vaults and offers flexible seating arrangements. The project aims for Zero Carbon Building certification and LEED Gold standards, highlighting its sustainability credentials. Once completed, it will serve as Vancouver’s first net-zero carbon cultural project and is slated to host events like the FIFA Fan Festival in 2026.

British Columbia (B.C.) is a leader in mass timber construction, with the highest number of mass timber buildings in North America. Recent amendments to the B.C. Building Code have increased the allowable height for mass timber buildings and expanded the types of permissible structures, facilitating greater design flexibility and cost efficiency. Despite challenges such as scaling up manufacturing and navigating regulatory hurdles, B.C. is investing in local manufacturing and exploring hybrid structural systems to bolster its mass timber industry. The integration of mass timber is poised to enhance sustainability and human well-being while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Six projects in British Columbia have been recognized at the Embodied Carbon Awards for their innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry. The awarded projects include a large building with an innovative use of rammed earth and wood-to-wood connections, and a small development turning a historic home into net-zero dwellings. The event emphasizes the significance of embodied carbon, which will comprise a large percentage of building sector emissions by 2050 if current practices continue. This pivotal event celebrates leadership in sustainable construction practices and aims to inspire further industry and governmental actions.

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.