Articles tagged with "Sustainability"

The article discusses Toronto's ongoing and future construction projects aimed at enhancing the city's transit infrastructure. As Toronto grows, underpinned by its robust development and increasing population, there is a focus on transit-oriented projects and station upgrades. Developers are investing in mega projects that incorporate transit elements to ensure sustainability and improve connectivity. The article highlights the potential for improving processes to maximize benefits from developments and enhance the existing transit systems through better coordination.

A new commercial carbon capture facility, Carbon1 Mississauga, is being developed in Ontario by Carbon Upcycling Technologies and Ash Grove. This facility will utilize patented technology to sequester carbon dioxide from cement production to create low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials. The project, slated to begin operations in 2026, is supported by Canadian government funding and marks a significant step in reducing the carbon footprint of the cement industry. It reflects a collaborative effort among various stakeholders to promote a sustainable future.

Carbon Upcycling Technologies and cement company Ash Grove are developing a pioneering carbon capture and utilization facility at Ash Grove's cement plant in Mississauga, Ontario. The facility, named Carbon 1 Mississauga, aims to capture CO₂ emissions from the cement kiln and convert them into low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials. Supported by federal funding, the project aligns with Canada's climate goals and is expected to become operational in 2026, producing up to 30,000 tonnes of these materials annually. It is a collaborative effort involving government, industry, and local stakeholders.

The Oneida Energy Storage Project in Ontario has commenced operations as the largest battery energy storage facility in Canada, achieved through a partnership between Northland Power Inc. and several other entities. The 250-MW/1000-MWh facility came online two months early and under budget, despite rising costs of lithium-ion batteries. This project serves as a model for future energy storage initiatives, providing increased grid reliability and reducing emissions significantly. Developments were supported by strong partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizational collaborations, illustrating the potential for large-scale sustainable energy solutions.

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is celebrating its fifth anniversary by launching a new awards program to honor excellence in Canada's wind, solar, and energy storage industry. Members can nominate projects or colleagues for awards in three categories until August 29th. These categories include recognizing innovative clean energy projects, Indigenous energy companies, and on-site solar and storage solutions. Winners will be announced at the Electricity Transformation Canada conference in Toronto in 2025.

McCallumSather has completed a groundbreaking affordable housing project in Hamilton, Ontario, featuring Canada's first use of mass timber construction combined with Passive House certification. The six-storey building, developed in partnership with CityHousing Hamilton, serves as a model for sustainable, high-performance, and replicable housing solutions in urban areas. Its design highlights rapid construction and long-term livability, integrating eco-friendly features like cross-laminated timber and a rooftop solar array. This initiative has been recognized with a third-place award at the Rethinking the Future Awards for its sustainable approach.

Toronto has introduced new Thermal Comfort Guidelines to adapt urban spaces for year-round climate resilience. These guidelines aim to make outdoor public spaces comfortable throughout all four seasons by influencing design considerations for future developments. This initiative hopes to foster a change in how designers account for climate change impacts in urban planning.

CityHousing Hamilton has inaugurated North America's first mass timber Passive House-certified affordable housing project at 1620 Main St. E., Hamilton. The six-story, 42-unit building is a model for rapid, sustainable housing solutions in Canada, utilizing locally sourced materials and innovative design to achieve high performance and energy efficiency. The project, backed by government funding, represents a scalable solution for municipalities facing housing shortages and aligns with broader goals of sustainability and decarbonization. The development replaces a derelict hotel site, transforming it into a vibrant community asset.

A 46-storey mixed-use tower is proposed at 1151 Weston Road, near Mount Dennis station in Toronto. Developers Republic Developments and Silver Hotel Group plan to incorporate a heritage-listed Scotiabank building into a four-storey podium for the residential tower, which will include 512 units and retail space. The development aims to benefit from proximity to the upcoming Eglinton Line 5 and other transit connections. The project includes sustainable features such as a three-level underground garage with EV charging capabilities.

Indigenous leaders in Ontario are legally challenging federal and provincial legislation, specifically Bill C-5 and Bill 5, which aim to expedite infrastructure projects. They argue that these laws could harm the environment and infringe on Indigenous land and water rights. Chief June Black of the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation emphasizes the sacred duty to protect their lands, fearing that these laws could facilitate harmful mining operations. The legal challenge is launched before a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who asserts that the law allows for initial Indigenous consultations.

Engineering firms in Toronto are adapting to the city's new era of building complexity marked by affordability issues, decarbonization goals, and intricate development needs. BPA, an engineering firm, has expanded its services to offer comprehensive mechanical, electrical, structural, and sustainability solutions, reflecting a shift from discipline-focused operations to integrated approaches. Their work on projects like Etobicoke Civic Centre and CIBC Square highlights their focus on sustainable design practices, aiming for certifications like LEED and WELL. BPA continues to tackle complex building requirements in Toronto, embracing strategies for low-carbon design.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is funding a $750 million housing project named Alta in Scarborough, Toronto. This development, featuring three towers with 1,285 rental units including affordable options, aims to address the housing shortage in the area. Supported by federal and municipal partnerships, the project will enhance the community with amenities and sustainable features and is set to complete by summer 2029. This initiative is part of Oxford's master plan to transform Scarborough Town Centre into a mixed-use community hub.