Updated Zero Carbon Building Standard to fast-track carbon reductions
by CM Staff
Building operations currently represent 17% of Canada's greenhouse gas)emissions, or closer to 30% when embodied carbon from construction and materials are factored in
The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is zeroing in on carbon reduction with updates to its Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standard. Launched on March 10, Version 2 is designed to accelerate adoption of zero carbon building practices – and help Canada meet its climate targets while spurring innovation and job growth.
Building operations currently represent 17% of Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or closer to 30% when embodied carbon from construction and materials are factored in.
Version 2 draws on learnings from over 20 real-world ZCB-projects and aims to get more buildings to zero by providing more options for different design strategies and by recognizing high-quality carbon offsets when necessary.
“Zero carbon buildings represent the best opportunity for cost-effective emissions reductions today,” said CaGBC CEO and president, Thomas Mueller, in a prepared statement. “The changes we’ve made give the industry and government a clear path to show carbon leadership with positive climate action that future-proofs buildings, encourages innovation, and drives job growth.”
