Articles tagged with "Sustainability"

Researchers from Germany's Hof University of Applied Sciences have developed a new insulation material made from mushroom mycelium that captures CO2 and is compostable. The project, called Mycobuild, aims to produce these eco-friendly insulation boards at an industrial scale by 2026, using locally sourced plant residues. The material is tested for flexibility, moisture absorption, and thermal conductivity, showing promise in reducing mold risk through the integration of a mineral top layer. The team focuses on optimizing production while addressing consumer concerns about potential mold issues.

Amrize has launched the MV Tamarack, a new cement carrier designed for efficient and sustainable transportation on the Great Lakes, marking the first new vessel of its kind in two decades. This ship, operated by Eureka Shipping, can carry over 10,000 cubic metres of cement and is equipped with advanced technology to minimize emissions. The MV Tamarack supports Amrize's efforts to supply building materials for infrastructure projects, particularly in Ontario, which plans significant investments in construction. The collaboration with Eureka Shipping strengthens Amrize's capacity, replacing older ships with this more efficient, environmentally friendly vessel.

US company NANO Nuclear Energy is selling its ODIN microreactor technology to Cambridge AtomWorks in the UK for $6.2 million. The ODIN microreactor uses High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium with an enrichment level of up to 20% and features a unique low-pressure coolant system. This sale allows NANO Nuclear to focus on its gas-cooled reactor portfolio, including the KRONOS MMR Energy System, LOKI MMR, and ZEUS reactors. Collaboration with MIT is ongoing to explore the use of solar salts in advanced nuclear reactors.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a Japanese government-related investment body, is focusing on impact-driven infrastructure funds. They are seeking managers who share their commitment and capability to maximize the impactful nature of these investments. This initiative highlights their strategy to support infrastructure projects that deliver tangible societal benefits.

Harden, a real estate development company, in partnership with Crombie, has commenced construction on Faubourg Contrecœur, a new commercial development located in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Quebec. The site, covering 240,000 square feet, will offer over 52,000 square feet of Gross Leasable Area. The project is set to include green spaces and bicycle-friendly amenities.

Amrize, in partnership with Eureka Shipping Ltd, has launched the MV Tamarack, the first new cement carrier on the Great Lakes in two decades. This vessel is part of Amrize's commitment to sustainable and low-emission transportation, designed with features like diesel-electric propulsion and HVO biofuel capability. The ship's introduction is a strategic move to support Ontario's substantial infrastructure investment plans over the next decade. The MV Tamarack marks a significant milestone in enhancing economic growth and sustainable marine transportation in the region.

The Centre for Housing Innovation (CHI) at Toronto Metropolitan University's DMZ aims to foster collaboration across the Canadian housing industry to address the housing crisis. Backed by a $3.5 million federal investment, CHI offers an Accelerator to support early-stage housing technologies and a program for industry upskilling. The initiative brings together various stakeholders, including corporations, policymakers, and researchers, to implement real-world housing solutions. Companies like Pakville and Adaptis are already demonstrating innovative uses of recycled materials and AI to improve housing efficiency and sustainability.

Greenbuild 2025 is an annual event for green building professionals, scheduled for November 4-7, 2025, in Los Angeles, aiming to improve resilience and sustainability in buildings and communities. Attendees will gain insights into sustainable development, connect with industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions. The event offers numerous learning opportunities, including CE credits, and will emphasize social equity and diverse participation.

On September 14, 2025, Canada's Prime Minister launched the Build Canada Homes (BCH) initiative, aiming to build affordable housing to combat homelessness and provide low-income and middle-class housing. The plan has received positive reactions from entities like the Toronto Community Housing Corporation and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The Canadian Wood Council appreciates the focus on factory-built housing and Canadian materials, highlighting the importance of modular and prefabricated systems in construction. The BCH initiative, with a $13 billion budget, involves partnerships with various levels of government and private developers.

Nak’azdli Development Corp. and Deadwood Innovations have created a new prefabricated home model in Canada that uses mass timber panels made from local lumber, aiming to address housing shortages in remote and rural communities. The Timber House project leverages local resources and involves collaborations with academic institutions to enhance affordable and sustainable housing solutions. The expedited construction process involves producing panels in controlled environments during winter to speed up assembly in summer. The initiative also revitalizes local sawmills by transforming low-quality timber into high-quality components.

Researchers at Rice University have developed a fast and eco-friendly method to extract aluminum and remove toxic metals from red mud, a by-product of aluminum production. This new technique involves flash Joule heating with a chlorine gas dose, extracting 96% of metals in about a minute, leaving an aluminum-rich residue for reuse. The method could be transformative for industries beyond aluminum, reducing waste, emissions, and the need for new bauxite mining, while converting waste into strong building materials. The project is being scaled globally with industry collaboration.

The Stella is a residential development project in Etobicoke's Six Points area, featuring 26- and 30-storey rental towers designed by Henriquez Partners Architects. The project, part of Toronto’s Housing Now program, is three months ahead of schedule and contributes significantly to the city's affordable housing plans. The development is located on City-owned land and is part of efforts to create Toronto’s first net-zero community, integrating a district energy system for low-carbon heating and cooling. Upon completion, The Stella will provide 725 rental homes, with plans for more housing projects in the area underway.