Sustainability Report

The project’s embodied carbon strategy centers on mass timber construction and local materials:

• Mass Timber Structure: The use of cross‑laminated timber (CLT) and glulam significantly reduces embodied carbon compared with steel or reinforced concrete, because wood sequesters carbon during growth and has lower cradle‑to‑gate emissions than conventional materials. 

• Local Wood: Building with wood harvested and manufactured within Canada (e.g., CLT from Nordic Structures) reduces transport‑related emissions and leverages local forestry resources. 

• Light-Wood Frames & Natural Insulation: Exterior walls utilize blown-in cellulose and wood-fibre insulation (both low-carbon, biosourced materials), further reducing embodied impacts compared to petrochemical-based insulations.

• Material Optimization: Minimizing steel and large volumes of concrete (except for the foundation) reduces the overall global warming potential of material production.

The project’s operational performance relies on the Passive House design strategy, including:

• Strict thermal envelope performance and airtightness to reduce heating/cooling loads. 

• South‑oriented glazing and passive solar gain (primary heating source for cold months). 

• Brise‑soleil design to control summer solar radiation and reduce cooling demand. 

• Optimized insulation levels and heat recovery ventilation to maintain comfort with minimal mechanical energy.

The project’s service‑life strategies include:

• Durable, exposed mass timber: Interior glulam and CLT exposed surfaces reduce the need for heavy finishes that have higher lifecycle emissions.

• Natural siding and finishes: Cedar cladding and wood trim are long‑lasting and maintainable with low VOC coatings rather than high‑energy replacements. 

• Standard Passive House mechanical systems: These systems are designed for longevity and energy efficiency, minimizing operational and maintenance emissions over the building’s life.