Articles tagged with "Sustainability"

Rodatherm Energy Corporation, a geothermal company from Alberta, secured a USD 38 million Series A investment from TDK Ventures to develop its closed-loop geothermal system (AGS) in the United States. This innovative system does not require drilling into hot rocks, using water, or emitting emissions, positioning it as a clean and efficient energy source. The AGS system uses a pressurized, isolated fluid to transfer heat, thereby offering an alternative to traditional geothermal energy methods. With this funding, Rodatherm plans to build its first pilot system in Utah, aiming to prove the system's cost-efficiency and performance.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled five major national interest projects to boost the Canadian economy by removing regulatory and environmental barriers. Although no pipeline is currently included, these strategic projects feature micro-reactors in Ontario and an LNG terminal in Alberta. This pragmatic approach aims to balance economic development with climate goals, despite ongoing issues such as First Nations consultations. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is optimistic about the prospects for expanding energy infrastructure.

CIMA+, based in Quebec, and Keywest Projects from Calgary have formed a strategic partnership focusing on sustainable energy projects in Western Canada. The partnership integrates CIMA+'s engineering capabilities in various fields with Keywest's experience in energy-sector projects. This collaboration aims to address the evolving needs of the energy sector, with a focus on innovation and efficiency for clients. The partnership was effective since July and officially announced in late August.

The federal government is investing $4.5 million through the Affordable Housing Fund to build supportive housing for homeless veterans in Edmonton. The project, located in the Athlone neighborhood, will feature 40 bachelor units with amenities like a fitness room and community garden. Veterans' House Canada, a national charity, will oversee the project, which aims to provide stable homes and tailored support services for veterans. The initiative highlights collaboration between the government and non-profit sectors to address affordable housing needs.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has inaugurated the Major Projects Office (MPO) in Calgary, aimed at fast-tracking the approval and financing of national infrastructure projects. Under the Building Canada Act, this office will focus on ports, railways, energy corridors, clean energy, and mineral developments while ensuring environmental and Indigenous considerations. A new Indigenous advisory council will contribute to equitable opportunities in these projects. Dawn Farrell has been appointed as CEO to lead the efforts aimed at diversifying Canada's economic prospects.

DIALOG is transforming the Community Centre for Wellbeing in Lethbridge into a medical education and clinical facility, part of a partnership between the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge. The project will include 5,000 square meters of purpose-designed space featuring teaching areas, an anatomy lab, and a new clinic. The design emphasizes flexibility, sustainability, and inclusion, incorporating Indigenous-informed elements. Construction is set to begin soon, with a planned opening in July 2027.

The SunRise Building in Edmonton, formerly known as Capital Tower, has undergone a deep energy retrofit that earned it a Guinness World Record for the largest Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) mural. The project, led by Chandos Construction and partners, transformed the 1970-built structure into a modern, mixed-use space focused on affordable rental housing and reduced environmental impact. The mural, designed by Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal, integrates Indigenous and Chinese symbolism and covers the building’s facade, contributing significantly to its sustainable energy output. The retrofit led to significant GHG emission reductions and improved amenities, showcasing the potential of smart retrofits in urban revitalization.

DIALOG and RPK Architects, two design firms with strong Edmonton roots, announced a merger to enhance their design expertise and improve community-focused projects in the region. RPK has a 50-year history of serving Western and northern Canada, focusing on health, housing, and public institutions. DIALOG is known for multidisciplinary projects across Canada and the U.S., emphasizing sustainability and well-being. Their collaboration includes significant projects like the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Redevelopment in Alberta.

RJC Engineers is undertaking the structural redesign of Calgary's Glenbow Museum to transform it into a welcoming, light-filled, and accessible space. The renovation includes replacing the museum's concrete exterior with a modern glass and tile façade, adding features such as a bay window and a skylight. Rather than a complete rebuild, RJC is working within the existing structure to preserve structural integrity. The museum will reopen next year with free admission, featuring numerous exhibitions over eight floors.

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.