CaGBC launches Zero Carbon Building Standard

The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has taken a step toward achieving Canada’s climate change commitments with the launch of the country’s first Zero Carbon Building Standard. The standard was formally unveiled at a press conference in Vancouver on May 29 by CaGBC president and CEO Thomas Mueller and Doug Smith, Director of Sustainability for the City of Vancouver, at the future site of Firehall 17 – a CaGBC pilot project consisting of a 22,600 sq.ft municipal firehall that will be upgraded to be a zero carbon building.

The new standard assesses carbon use in commercial, institutional, and multi-family buildings in Canada, and it was designed to be applicable for many types of new and existing buildings across the country. It is also the only program of its kind to make carbon reductions the key indicator for building performance.

“While there is no doubt that Canada’s building sector has been dramatically transformed over the last two decades, the time has come to be bolder and more ambitious,” said Mueller, in a news release. “This standard will help the building industry to show leadership in eliminating emissions from buildings and contribute to shaping of Canada’s climate future.”

 The Zero Carbon Building Standard is part of a larger CaGBC Zero Carbon Building Initiative that was created to champion the move to lower-carbon commercial, institutional and high-rise residential buildings in support of Canada’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030.

It was developed by CaGBC and Integral Group, in consultation with representatives from over 50 industry organizations, utilities, governments and companies across Canada.

CaGBC is also working with 16 existing sustainable building projects in Canada through the Zero Carbon Building Pilot Program. The participating projects will inform further development of the standard and accompanying resources and education.

“It’s exciting to participate in the Canada Green Building Council’s pilot program to upgrade Fire Hall 17 – Vancouver’s oldest – to be the country’s first zero emission fire hall in a busy and growing neighbourhood,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson in the release.

The full requirements are now available and can be downloaded the CaGBC website by visiting cagbc.org/zerocarbon. Project registration for the standard will open September 5, along with full pricing and additional program details.