Articles tagged with "Sustainability"

First Hydrogen Corp., in collaboration with the University of Alberta, plans to design small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to produce low-carbon hydrogen. These SMRs aim to provide sustainable energy solutions for the increasing power demands of AI-friendly data centers. Canada, with its strong nuclear safety track record and government support, is positioned as a promising location for this initiative. The project faces regulatory and financial challenges but holds potential for carbon-free energy production.

The Eau Claire Plaza in Calgary has officially opened its doors as a central piece of the city's riverfront revitalization. Led by DIALOG, the redesigned urban space aims to facilitate community gatherings with features such as a misting water feature, an urban beach, and spacious pedestrian zones. The redesign integrates with surrounding infrastructure projects, enhancing accessibility and supporting both large events and quiet leisure times. This venture involved community consultations, including Indigenous groups, to make it both a functional and culturally relevant civic space.

Chandos Construction, in collaboration with Avenue Living, M.O. George Architect, and Claroscuro Architecture, is revitalizing Edmonton’s SunRise Building with a deep-energy retrofit. This 12-storey building will transform into mixed-use space with affordable rental housing and feature Canada's largest building-integrated photovoltaic cladding. The project, including mechanical and electrical upgrades, is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64%. The work involves various teams for structural, mechanical, and energy modelling aspects.

The Canadian federal government is investing $21.5 million in five carbon capture and storage projects in Alberta to accelerate its commitment to environmental sustainability. The main project, involving Bow Valley Carbon, will receive $10 million to install a state-of-the-art carbon capture system. These investments contrast with the stalling of a larger $16.5 billion initiative by major oil sands producers. The move underscores Canada's ambition to become a global leader in clean technologies, aligning economic growth with reduced emissions.

Deep Sky has completed the construction of its Alpha carbon-removal facility in Innisfail, Alberta, marking the world’s first carbon-removal and commercialization centre. Completed in under a year, it demonstrates the accelerated pace with which critical climate infrastructure can be developed. The facility includes direct-air-capture units and aims to generate carbon-removal credits by the end of 2025, supported by partnerships with major firms like Microsoft and financial backing from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst.

Alberta has removed the regulatory limit on natural gas flaring following instances where energy producers exceeded the provincial cap for two consecutive years. The decision by the Alberta Energy Regulator fulfills government instructions to reconsider outdated flaring policies due to increased oil production and new emission reduction strategies. Critics argue that this move does not address environmental concerns, as flaring contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The policy change comes amid an expansion of oil production in the province.

GWL Realty Advisors commenced construction of a new 24-storey rental tower in Calgary's Beltline district. The project will deliver 219 rental units and 6,000 sq. ft. of retail space, enhancing the area's residential offerings and amenities. The development, managed by Axiom Builders and designed by Arcadis, aims for occupancy by mid-2028 and includes features such as modern layouts, a fitness center, and pet-friendly facilities. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek expressed support for the development, highlighting its contribution to the city's urban core and livability goals.

GWL Realty Advisors has started construction on a 24-storey rental-apartment tower in Calgary's Beltline district, featuring 219 units and retail space. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek praised the project for aligning with city goals for urban density and sustainability. The building, set for completion in mid-2028, will offer modern amenities and address housing shortages in major Canadian cities.

Heidelberg Materials North America has acquired Concrete Crushers Inc. in Calgary, which is the largest concrete recycler in the region. This acquisition includes a recycled aggregates yard and a mobile contract crushing business. This move aims to enhance Heidelberg's market presence in Calgary and support its commitment to sustainable construction by expanding their recycled-concrete offerings. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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.

Heidelberg Materials North America has acquired several concrete recycling assets from Concrete Crushers Inc., the largest recycler in Calgary. This acquisition includes a recycled aggregates yard and a contract crushing business. The acquisition aligns with Heidelberg's strategy to strengthen its presence in core markets and enhance its portfolio with sustainable solutions. The company aims to expand its recycled concrete offerings in the Calgary market.

CIMA+, a consulting engineering firm, has acquired B&A, an urban planning company based in Calgary with additional offices in Vancouver and Edmonton, as part of its expansion in Western Canada. This acquisition marks CIMA+'s entry into the urban planning sector and aims to enhance support for sustainable development across the nation. The merger allows CIMA+ to broaden its service offerings from the conceptual phase to project completion. The acquisition took effect on May 1.