While Canadians often think of cars and heavy industry as the most significant contributors of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the buildings people live and work in should not be ignored. According to the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC), the operation of buildings alone is responsible for 17 per cent of Canada’s total carbon emissions. This number skyrockets to 30 per cent when embodied carbon emissions are taken into account, as this is the pollution generated from manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials.

With Canada’s population expected to rise by approximately 25 per cent between 2018 and 2049, the demand for new buildings is set to soar. As the construction industry prepares for this influx of residents, it is crucial to re-evaluate the approach to construction to ensure a sustainable future.