Issuu

ISSUE NUMBER 89 | WINTER 2026 | PM40024961 | $6

L’ALBÉDO Social housing offers multigenerational living and superior performance

PREFABRICATION FEATURE: Two examples demonstrate the efficiency of factory built

SOLAR AIR HEATING

Flagship projects show versatility of solar air heating

UVIC EXPANSION

Designed to meet net-zero carbon target

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CANADIAN DIRECTORY OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR SUSTAINABLE, HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDING

SABMag - WINTER 2026

Walls Reinvented

Low carbon. High circularity. No compromise.

Sustainable Insulation TM

A brighter solution for a better tomorrow

Sustainable Finishing Products GREENGUARD Gold certified for low VOC-emissions.

Scan the QR code to learn more 2

SABMag - WINTER 2026

WINTER WWW.SABMAGAZINE.COM 2026 For more about the articles in this issue! 6

News

Solar Air Heating Flagship projects show versatility of solar air heating

13 L’Albédo Social housing offers multigenerational living and superior performance

PREFABRICATION FEATURE 19 Harvestview Building A FastTrack system optimizes standardized unit modules for rapid construction 24 253 King William Street Factory-built modules cut construction time on site

29 UVic Engineering and Computer Science Lab Expansion Designed to meet a net-zero carbon target

35 Canadian Directory of Products and Services for Sustainable High-Performance Building

43 Bunkie on the Hill Sensitive design achieves sustainability and comfort

ISSUE DON’T MISS NEXT SPRING 2026 The Passive House issue Products and projects such as the Timbre and Harmony Building in east Vancouver by Ryder Architects: a 157-unit non-market housing project for seniors and people with disabilities. Special Supplement The Canada Green Building Council LEED and Zero Carbon Buildings Year-in-Review – a summary of 2025 LEED and Zero Carbon-certified projects …and more! Cover: L’Albédo Résidence. Lafond Côté architectes. Photo: Joël Gingras et Christian Gingras

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2 SABMag - SUMMER 2024 4 SABMag - WINTER 2026

Dedicated to high-performance building

BETWEEN VISION AND FORESIGHT

Member Canada Green Building Council

SABMag is a proud member and official media partner of the Canada Green Building Council. VISIT www.sabmagazine.com Publisher Don Griffith 613-890-9634, dgriffith@sabmagazine.com Editor Jim Taggart, FRAIC 604-874-0195, architext@telus.net Senior Account Manager Patricia Abbas 416-438-7609, pabbas@sabmagazine.com Graphic Design Carine De Pauw cdepauw@sabmagazine.com Subscriptions/Change of Address Lyse Cadieux, lcadieux@sabmagazine.com Published by

www.janam.net PO Box 462 Stn Aylmer Gatineau, QC J9H 5E7

Subscription prices for print [taxes extra] CANADA USA INTERNAT'L 1 year [4 issues] $28.95 $39.95 $84.95 2 years [8 issues] $50.95 $69.95 $148.75 3 years [12 issues] $74.95 $104.95 $219.85 order print or digital: https://sabmagazine.com/subscribe/ ISSN 1911-4230 Copyright by Janam Publications Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or reproduced without written permission. Views expressed are those of the authors exclusively. Publication Mail Agreement #40024961 Return undelivered Canadian address mail to: Janam Publications Inc., PO BOX 462 STN Aylmer Gatineau, QC J9H 5E7

Printed on EQUAL Offset paper.

Photo: Roy Grogan

In 2025, faced by US tariffs, the federal government took a significant step away from its environmental agenda, shifting its focus to large scale "nation-building" infrastructure projects. Its vision is to drive economic growth.

To this end, the newly established Major Project Office aims to stimulate faster, more responsible development, becoming a single ‘one project, one approval’ point of contact for proponents. Unfortunately, the projects that have received the most attention thus far, are proposed oil and gas pipelines and processing facilities; the environmental impacts of which (it is argued) are to be mitigated through carbon capture technology, and the electrification of the liquefaction process. However, when measured against the full life cycle emissions of oil and gas, these strategies are little more than tokenism, and the workforce required to implement them might be better employed elsewhere. At a time when the transition to renewable energy is advancing rapidly in most developed countries, projects like these are widely seen to be expensive anachronisms with at best uncertain futures. They will add to our own GHG emissions, increase other environmental impacts, and at the same time, divert the workforce in the energy sector away from renewables. This will threaten our ability to meet the GHG reduction goals we committed to under the Paris Agreement in 2015. That the current strategies are shortsighted is confirmed in the 2025 Annual Report from the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council; an independent advisory body made up of labour, industry, environmental and Indigenous leaders. The Council advises the federal government on how to support workers through the energy transition. The Council report makes it clear that Canadians should not have to choose between a stable job and a safe climate. The point is reinforced in the findings of another recent report, this time from the Pembina Institute. Focused on BC, Power Struggle concludes that if the province’s limited supply of low-cost hydroelectricity was used to power clean growth industries, rather than the proposed LNG terminals, British Columbians would enjoy twice the growth in GDP and the creation of three times as many jobs. While both levels of government have a vision unfortunately, both lack foresight.

Jim Taggart, FRAIC Editor

SABMag - WINTER 2026

UBC EVOLVE IN VANCOUVER, BC Passive House Multi-Family Project by ZGF Architects and Peak Construction.

Windows + Doors for Passive House Projects Innotech Windows + Doors is a Canadian manufacturer of high-performance windows and doors. The Defender 88PH+ System combines decades of fenestration knowledge to deliver a robust window and door system that is not only Passive House Institute certified, but that also delivers the air, water and structural performance required for highly sustainable housing developments.

Ask us about the Defender 88PH+ XI: the first Passive House Institute (PHI) cold climate certified window system manufactured in North America!

SABMag - WINTER 2026

innotech-windows.com

NEWS RAIC REPORT Reframing Value: Transforming How Canada Procures Architectural Services By the RAIC Fees and Procurement Working Group

At the 2025 Conference on Architecture hosted by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), the Fees and Procurement Working Group convened a national discussion on one of the profession’s most persistent challenges: the misalignment between architectural fees, procurement practices, and the true value architects deliver. Structured around six guiding questions, the session drew practitioners from across the country to reflect on systemic barriers, regional disparities, and practical reforms. What emerged was a shared call to reimagine how architectural services are defined, selected, and compensated, ensuring that they reflect architecture’s essential role in advancing sustainability, quality of life, and public interest. Architecture as a Public-Interest Service Delegates agreed that architecture remains widely misunderstood as a luxury or artistic service rather than a professional discipline that contributes to public health, safety, and economic resilience. They emphasized the need to reposition architects as strategic actors who serve the public good through evidence-based design and community impact. Participants called for stronger communication tools to help architects demonstrate the long-term value of design decisions, particularly those made early in the project lifecycle. The RAIC’s continued leadership in providing advocacy resources and public education materials was viewed as vital to this effort. Undercutting and Quality Erosion Fee-based competition dominated the discussion. Delegates described how undercutting, lowering fees below sustainable levels to secure work, compromises quality, limits innovation, and creates ethical tension within the profession.

Regional inconsistencies in billing, coupled with rising liability insurance costs, were identified as compounding pressures. Participants called for professional bodies to promote ethical fee practices and to strengthen national standards that reward qualifications and design excellence, not the lowest bid. The creation of a national architectural policy was seen as one path toward consistency and reform. Reforming Procurement Practices Delegates proposed a range of procurement reforms to promote fairness and transparency, including the adoption of qualification-based selection (QBS), standardized RFP templates, and reduced weighting of price in evaluations. Aligning scope, deliverables, and evaluation criteria was considered critical to managing risk and achieving better project outcomes. Participants encouraged the RAIC to continue advocating with public-sector clients for more equitable procurement systems and to equip firms with practical tools and training to pursue such opportunities. From Cost to Investment A recurring message was the need to shift public and client perception: architecture should be seen not as a cost but as an investment. Well-designed buildings yield economic, environmental, and health benefits that extend far beyond construction. Delegates recommended clearer, phased breakdowns of professional services to improve client understanding and counter misconceptions about design fees. Many also noted confusion around the RAIC Fee Guide’s interpretation and use across jurisdictions, underscoring the need for consistent communication and regional engagement. Innovation and Global Models Participants examined alternative fee models and international best practices, such as the RIBA fee calculator, outcome-based contracts tied to post-occupancy performance, and structures that scale with project complexity or community impact. They also highlighted opportunities to integrate technology to increase transparency and expand service offerings, through digital design review, lifecycle analysis, and participatory planning, helping firms demonstrate broader value.

Unified Advocacy for Systemic Change Advocacy was identified as a cornerstone of lasting change. Delegates called for coordinated campaigns, videos, awards, and thought-leadership content that communicate architecture’s societal value to clients, policymakers, and the public. Collaboration with allied professions was seen as key to amplifying the message. A strong recommendation emerged for the RAIC to develop advocacy and communication toolkits that help member firms articulate the link between fees, scope, and outcomes in ways that resonate beyond the profession. Next Steps The session was viewed as a starting point for sustained action. Delegates urged the RAIC to continue advancing initiatives such as a national construction cost calculator, procurement process reviews, and updates to the RAIC Fee Guide. Through unified advocacy and evidencebased reform, Canada’s architectural community can ensure that architectural services are not only fairly compensated but also recognized as essential investments in sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities. NEW GUIDE OFFERS TIPS TO LANDOWNERS CONSIDERING CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS A just-released guide from the Pembina Institute, Guide to Renewable Energy and Battery Storage Projects, covers everything from basics about renewables to thoughts on how to help maximize benefits and minimize impacts. There’s a section for municipalities on how they can get involved in renewable energy development. And to wrap it all up, there are lists of questions on a variety of topics that offer solid starting points for conversations with developers proposing projects. SABMag - WINTER 2026

NEWS ERRATUM The title of the article in the Fall issue of SABMag shoul d have read, “Portland Commons: Designed to achieve the hat trick of LEED Platinum, LEED Zero Carbon, and WELL Building Gold”. EVENTS Feb 11-12, 2026 Canadian Concrete Expo, International Centre Toronto. https://canadianconcreteexpo.com Feb 11-12, 2026 BUILDEX Vancouver, Vancouver Convention Centre West. https://informaconnect.com/buildexvancouver March 25-27, 2026 CMPX Show, Metro Toronto Convention Centre. https://www. cmpxshow.com

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CANADIAN DIRECTORY OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR SUSTAINABLE, HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDING

Selected listings from the SABMag Directory of Sustainable Products and Services for Sustainable, HighPerformance Building ACO Systems - ACO drainage products protect people from water, and water from people. Every ACO product safely controls water as it passes along the chain to ensure that it can be ecologically and economically reused in a viable way. Airfoam Industries Manufacturer of highperformance building envelope products. With insulation solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, build your LEED building with Airfoam. Aqua-Tech Sales and Marketing Inc. - Highefficiency condensing boilers and water heater products manufactured by Lochinvar. Canadian Precast Concrete Quality Assurance Certification Program - Qualifies the capabilities of precast concrete manufacturers who fabricate precast concrete products of all types.

SABMag - WINTER 2026

NEW BOOK: CANADIAN ARCHITECTURAL STYLES: A FIELD GUIDE Lorimer Publishing has launched its new book by Don Mikel, an acclaimed architecture scholar and heritage consultant with decades of experience researching and restoring Canada’s historic buildings. $39.95 CAD, and available through Indigo, Amazon, local independent bookstores, and lorimer.ca.

IN MEMORY: GEORGE BAIRD George Baird, founding principal of Baird Sampson Neuert architects and member of the Order of Canada, has died. He was Professor Emeritus and former Dean (2004-2009) of University of Toronto’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, and founding partner of the Toronto-based architecture firm Baird Sampson Neuert architects.

CBC Metals and Processing/ Zinc - Muntz Metal, Architectural Bronze, Silicon Bronze, Coppers, Brasses, Aluminum; Stainless Steels; Coloured Stainless Sheet and Anodized Aluminum; CBC EZ Metal. FABRIQ architecture A Montreal-based firm that delivers innovative and sustainable design solutions for clients across Canada. Several LEED projects are currently certified or underway. INLINE Fiberglass - Our fiberglass windows and doors offer: Time-tested durability; Superior energy efficiency; Residential and commercial applications in LEED-certified projects. INLINE Series 3000 windows are Passive House International certified. LiveRoof - LiveRoof is the premier prevegetated green roof system available across Canada. Regionally grown modules with vegetation specifically selected and tested for your climate by the horticultural professionals at LiveRoof. Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc. Offering a wide range of solutions for the residential and commercial market including: Air Source VRF, Water Source VRF, Hybrid VRF, Single-Split, Multi-Split, Hydronics and Ventilation.

Pretium Engineering - Energy and Carbon Reduction experience, helping clients to not only meet, but exceed their goals. Firsthand knowledge of what it takes to meet even the most stringent energy and carbon goals. SaveEnergy NB SaveEnergy NB has rebate programs and expert advice for NB businesses. From big to small projects, retrofits or new buildings; there’s money to help your business save! SHARC Energy - Utilize wastewater for your sustainable heating & cooling projects, from district sized to individual buildings. SLOAN Valve - Sloan’s EPDs are produced in accordance with international standards and third-party verified resulting in full LEED Material and Resource credits for your project. Te r i t t Indoor Environmental - I Indoor air quality testing for LEED and other green building projects over 450 new construction projects since 2010. VETTA Windows & Doors - Aluminum clad triple-glazed wood windows and doors; Passive House and FSC certified; German steel hardware; high grade antitheft and acoustic barrier performance.

SOLAR AIR HEATING Flagship projects show versatility of solar air heating By Bärbel Epp Canada is the global leader in solar air heating. The market is driven by a strong network of experienced system suppliers, optimized technologies, and some funding programs which are presenting cost-effective, façade-integrated systems as a practical solution for reducing onsite natural gas consumption.

The SolarWall® system heats incoming air at the Toronto Transit Commission McNicoll Avenue garage and maintenance facility. (Courtesy Conserval Engineering Inc.)

Solar air heating is among the most cost-effective applications of solar thermal energy. The systems contribute to space heating and preheating fresh air for ventilation, typically using glazed or unglazed perforated solar collectors. The collectors draw in outside air, heat it using solar energy, and then distribute it through ductwork to meet building heating and fresh air needs.

Despite its cold climate, Canada benefits from strong solar potential with solar irradiance rivaling or even exceeding that of parts of Europe. This makes solar air heating not only viable, but especially valuable in buildings with high fresh air requirements including schools, hospitals, and offices.

For the past seven years, Canada has led the world in solar air heating adoption. The four key suppliers – Trigo Energies, Conserval Engineering, Matrix Energy, and Aéronergie – reported a combined 26,203 m2 (282,046 ft2) of collector area sold last year. Several of these providers are optimistic about the growing demand. These findings come from the newly released Canadian Solar Thermal Market Survey 2024, commissioned by Natural Resources Canada.

A RETROFIT FOR IMPROVED ENERGY PERFORMANCE Most Trigo Energies installations are in Quebec where funding programs are offered by Hydro Quebec, the gas utility Energir and the Ministry of Natural Resources EcoPerformance program. Trigo Energies works with partner contractors to install mostly retrofit projects where knowledge of HVAC engineering is as important as experience with solar thermal and architecture.

SABMag - WINTER 2026

The SolarWall® technology enabled the TTC McNicoll Bus Garage to fulfill The Toronto Green Standard’s requirement of 5% total energy load from renewable sources. Conserval Engineering Inc. 200 Wildcat Road Toronto, ON M3J 2N5 416 661 7057 www.SolarWall.com info@solarwall.com

The facility’s dynamic exterior design was driven in large part by the SolarWall systems installed on a large portion of the east & west exterior walls. SolarWall systems heat incoming ventilation air for buildings and allow for a significant reduction in natural gas consumption thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and heating costs.

ANSWERING THE DEMAND

With changing regulations and decarbinzation goals on every priority list, trust Lochinvar’s latest innovation, the LECTRUS®Commercial Electric Boiler.

info@aquatech-canada.com

SABMag - WINTER 2026

L’ALBÉDO Social housing offers multigenerational living and superior performance By Élodie Simard Aiming for the highest standards of social responsibility and inclusivity, this project has implemented multiple innovations that contribute significantly to the fight against climate change.

This 12-storey building, located on the Sainte-Foy plateau in Québec City, was designed with great care to house 128 social housing units as well as a childcare center (CPE) with 148 places. Part of the two lower floors form a podium dedicated to children, infants, and educators, topped by a ten-story residential tower for seniors. It is an innovative, multigenerational project. In addition, 30 housing units are reserved for social organizations such as Vivre Grand, PECH, and Clés en main. Through shared spaces, terraces, meeting areas, community gardens, and the small, wooded area of Rochebelle, residents can share a living environment that fosters an extraordinary social fabric promoting inclusion and human dignity. The demand for social housing in this area of the city is undeniable. La Bouée – the owner of the residential part - supported by Action-Habitation, the City of Québec, the Société d’habitation du Québec,, CMHC, the Ministry of Families, Hydro-Québec, and several other key partners, has helped meet a major need—ensuring the project’s success on social, architectural, and economic levels. L’Albédo offers vulnerable individuals the opportunity to live in a place of great comfort, designed specifically for them. A large dining hall and community services with on-site staff are available daily. The building is fully accessible both inside and out, including the rooftop terrace above the daycare center. All housing units are adaptable, allowing anyone—regardless of physical or cognitive limitations—to live there independently. Social and technical innovation are present throughout the project. The diverse program encourages intergenerational sharing; very few buildings welcome children, people facing social integration challenges, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and seniors—all living together in harmony and kindness. 1. Depending on orientation, the balconies and their privacy panels provide effective shading during critical periods of overheating throughout the year.

1 SABMag - WINTER 2026

Smarter Air Starts Here.

High-efficiency ventilation for buildings that aim higher. Topvex SR and TR units deliver the level of performance modern buildings demand. They combine high energy recovery, a compact footprint, and factory-integrated controls to help projects meet today’s sustainability goals without complicating design or installation. Whether your priority is energy-modeling accuracy, lower lifecycle costs, or preserving usable space, Topvex gives your team a dependable way to hit the mark.

SABMag - WINTER 2026

• High-efficiency rotary heat recovery delivers strong

sensible and latent performance to support energy models, meet code requirements, and qualify for incentives.

• Compact, flexible design fits tight mechanical rooms,

helping protect usable square footage and simplify layouts.

• Factory-integrated controls and smart service access

reduce installation hours, speed up commissioning, and provide remote visibility through Systemair Access.

• Quiet, dependable operation across a wide airflow

range makes Topvex a solid fit for schools, offices, and mixed-use buildings where comfort and reliability matter.

www.systemair.net

PREFABRICATION FEATURE

HARVESTVIEW BUILDING A

FastTrack system optimizes standardized unit modules for rapid construction

By Steven Van Wyk The Harvestview Apartments Building A is an eight-storey multi-unit residential building recently completed in Tillsonburg, Ontario. It consists of 132 units with a total floor area of approximately 12,000 square meters and utilized the FastTrack by Stubbe’s precast modular building system for its speed and economy of construction. The FastTrack System The Fast Track system incorporates prefabricated concrete components to streamline and dramatically speed up the design and construction process for mid-rise residential buildings. It enables developers to build more efficiently at a competitive price, by using optimized pre-designed modules that can be seamlessly interchanged.

In this way, FastTrack offers a complete solution, from design, fabrication of precast concrete components (hollowcore flooring, balconies, structural walls, cladding walls, and insulated walls) to installation, to bring a project to market more quickly. The system significantly reduces planning and design time by using pre-designed, interchangeable modules and standardizing key systems (e.g., kitchen/bathroom layouts, stairwells and windows). Construction can be completed much faster, sometimes cutting total project build times by up to 50%, and is less affected by weather conditions. In addition, because Stubbe's serves as a single point of contact for architectural, structural, and mechanical engineering, it simplifies the procurement process and coordination issues that can arise when multiple consultants are involved.

1. The Harvestview Building A containing 132 units is the first of four to be erected on the site using the FastTrack precast modular building system. 1

SABMag - WINTER 2026

PREFABRICATION FEATURE

253 KING WILLIAM

STREET

Factory-built modules cut construction time on site

By Jim Taggart The King William Street project provides housing for those who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. The project demonstrates that equitable access to housing is possible by transforming a former urban surface parking lot into a welcoming and dignified place to call home. The three-storey building accommodates 24 studio dwelling units along with shared amenities on the ground floor, which include a community room, meeting room, lounge, and laundry facility.

1 1. 253 King William Street.

Why Prefabrication? The project began during Covid, when there was a desperate need for truly affordable housing. As it progressed, it became apparent that the greatest immediate need was for supportive housing. The City of Hamilton drove the discussion on the benefits of prefabrication as it wanted rapid delivery and cost control for this project. As clients, CityHousing Hamilton has a history of researching and implementing innovative solutions, both in the delivery method (such as off-site prefabrication) and performance standards (such as Passive House certification). Materials and Methods Stick frame was chosen for the construction as it is less carbon intensive than cross laminated timber and has a proven track record for projects of this scale.

SABMag - WINTER 2026

In fact, this became an example of two-step prefabrication, as the 2x6 stick frame elements were prefabricated in a factory by Panels.ca, and shipped in ‘flat packs’ to NRB/ATCO for assembly into volumetric modular units. Converting the 2D units into 3D modules in the factory is a relatively recent approach to stick framing but is becoming a preferred solution. The NRB/ATCO factory is arranged in a series of workstations, with the modules being moved from one station to the next as the construction sequence progresses. NRB/ATCO first erected the frames, then installed the batt insulation, interior finishes, service lines and rigid exterior insulation, using Thermowall PH Panel by Legalett.

CANADA’S ULTIMATE EVENT FOR HVACR & PLUMBING

MARCH 25–27, 2026 Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building

STEP INTO THE FUTURE OF HVACR & PLUMBING Get hands-on with the latest equipment, tools & tech Connect with 500+ suppliers & manufacturers Stay sharp with live demos, code updates & training Unlock timesaving & profit-boosting solutions

cmpxshow.com 28

SABMag - WINTER 2026

UVIC ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE LAB EXPANSION Designed to meet a net-zero carbon target

1 1. The new Engineering & Computer Science Expansion (ECSE) building, with faculty offices of the Civil Engineering department on levels 5 and 6, and research and teaching labs on levels 1 to 4.

By Esteban Matheus The University of Victoria (UVic) Engineering Expansion project is providing a new home for the Greenest Civil Engineering Department in Canada. The Department’s students, professors and researchers are addressing the most pressing global environmental challenges through cutting edge science, engineering design, and innovative solutions.

The Engineering Expansion project strives to align with this vision by being at the forefront of climate responsive design. The two new buildings embody the latest climate mitigation and adaptation strategies while also functioning as advanced tools for climate science research and learning.

SABMag - WINTER 2026

2026

ILD

AWARDS

IN G

D A N

REEN B G N U IA

CALL FOR ENTRY Register to receive an Entry Kit sabmagazine.com/awards/register Eligible projects for 2026 must have been substantially completed between January 1, 2023 and February 28, 2026. Register to receive an Entry Kit. Questions: dgriffith@sabmagazine.com Our jury

Mona Lemoine, Architect AIBC FRAIC LEED® AP BD+C LFA Regenerative Practitioner RELi AP. Senior Sustainability Consultant, Associate | Sustainability + Building Performance DIALOG

Drew Adams, BES (planning), MArch, OAA, RAIC Principal of Studio ADO

Sergio Acevedo Architect, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, ENV SP, Sustainable Development Manager, Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes

Thanks to our sponsors National sponsor

SABMag - WINTER 2026

Category sponsors

20 26

CANADIAN DIRECTORY OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR SUSTAINABLE, HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDING

THE ANNUAL GUIDE Also visit the Directory online https://sabmagazine.com/product-directory/

SABMag - WINTER 2026

SITE | LANDSCAPING | RAINWATER HARVESTING

STORMWATER RAINWATER ACO SYSTEMS Increasingly extreme weather must be counteracted by more complex and sophisticated drainage concepts. ACO achieves this with intelligent system solutions which have a dual purpose: protecting people from water, and water from people. Every ACO product within the ACO WaterCycle therefore safely controls the water as it passes along the chain to ensure that it can be ecologically and economically reused in a viable way. www.acocan.ca LEED BD+C, O+M: SS- Rainwater Management

Cost effective solutions to site management Distributed in Eastern Canada by

Contact Roddy roddy@makeway.ca 613-314-7597 (1-866-625-3929) LEED BD+C, O+M: SS- Rainwater Management

PREMIER TANK. PREMIER WARRANTY. PREMIER SYSTEM. Roth North America provides water cisterns, rainwater harvesting tanks, septic tanks, and more, consisting of an inner layer of FDA approved virgin HDPE, two inside layers of PE for improved stability, plus one outer layer of black and UV-stabilized PE. Low profile, 100% watertight, and Lifetime corrosion protection. www.roth-america.com 866-943-7256

LEED BC+C, O+M: SS-Rainwater Management, WE- Outdoor Water Use Reduction LEED Homes: SS-Rainwater Management, WE- Outdoor Water Use

TREMCO CPG Inc. COMMERCIAL ENVELOPE EXPERTS Tremco CPG offers a wide range of building materials to commercial architects, building owners, and facility managers for constructing various types of buildings such as skyscrapers, schools, hotels, healthcare facilities, airports, and stadiums. Our systems are engineered to endure harsh environmental conditions and comply with or exceed rigorous building codes and performance standards.

www.tremcocpg.com LEED BD+C, O+M: SS- Rainwater Management, Heat Island Reduction; WE – Outdoor Water Use Reduction

STRUCTURE & EXTERIOR ENVELOPE

WISHBONE SITE FURNISHINGS A recognized leader in the development and manufacture of municipal grade furniture. Using recycled plastics, specialty woods and aluminum, Wishbone products speak innovation through design that is aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Using only natural materials, Arriscraft manufactures superior stone that delivers the aesthetic and performance qualities of quarried stone. Arriscraft offers full-bed stone, thin-clad solutions and brick products, plus natural limestone quarried in Ontario. Arriscraft has operated in Ontario for over 75 years.

866-626-0476 WishboneLtd.com

www.arriscraft.com

www.canadabrick.com

Galvanize Better: Corbec leads in delivering the highest standards of quality control and assurance, with state-of-the-art facilities, unparalleled expertise, quality, and service. Pioneering for Sustainable Design and Construction by publishing with CSA the first EPDs in Canada for Galvanized Steel and the first EPD in North America for Galvanized Rebar. www.corbec.com

LEED BD+C, ID+C: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization-Sourcing of Raw Materials. LEED Home: Environmentally Preferable Products

LEED MR Credit 5 – Manufacturer’s Location; MR Credit 5 – Distance from Raw Material Suppliers to Project Site Credit - LEED v4 Building product disclosure and optimization environmental product declarations

LEED MR Credit 5 – Manufacturer’s Location, MR Credit 5 – Distance from Raw Material Suppliers to Project Site Credit - LEED v4 Building product disclosure and optimization – environmental product declarations

LEED BD+C: MR-Building Product Disclosure and OptimizationEnvironmental Product Declarations; ID+C: MR-Building Product Disclosure and Optimization- Environmental Product Declarations

SABMag - WINTER 2026

Located in Ontario, Canada Brick manufactures an impressive selection of residential and architectural brick, including modern and traditional colour ranges and several premium finishes. Canada Brick has manufactured brick locally for over 70 years and is a smart option to buy Canadian.

STRUCTURE & EXTERIOR ENVELOPE

Engineered Assemblies brings innovative building envelope solutions to architects and owners across North America. EA imports and supplies world-class lightweight façade materials and substructure assemblies including our patented, Canadian-made TcLip™. Experts in rear-ventilated rainscreen (RVRS), EA provides design assistance with the SYSTEM2-v2 Design Guide available for download on our website. Visit www.engineeredassemblies.com to learn more, or to request a Lunch & Learn. LEED BD+C: MR – Building Product Disclosure and Optimization: Sourcing of Raw Materials

WOOD100® DLT FROM INTERNATIONAL TIMBERFRAMES 475.Supply is a trusted source for building envelope knowledge and materials: Pro Clima airsealing systems, Brink heat recovery ventilation, Lamilux skylights, and more all stocked in Canada, ready to help your project today!

We manufacture DLT in Golden, BC using local wood. Wood100® DLT is a 100% wood, no glue product. Stacked and cross laminated DLT panels. Design, engineering, manufacturing and installation services available. A healthy, sustainable and energy efficient building product.

CA.475.SUPPLY

www.itimberf.com

LEED BD+C:MR-Building Product Disclosure and Optimization-Sourcing of Raw Materials. LEED Homes: MR-Environmentally Preferable Products

LEED BD+C : M&R-Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, and Material Ingredients; IEQ: Low-Emitting Materials

LiveRoof is the premier pre-vegetated modular green roof system available across Canada. Regionally grown modules with vegetation specifically selected and tested for your climate by the horticultural professionals at LiveRoof. Wind uplift tested according to CSA A123.24-15. Contact us for specific rooftop stormwater management solutions. (800) 875-1392 www.LiveRoof.com LEED BD+C: SS- Rainwater Management, Heat Island Reduction; WE-Outdoor Water Use Reduction; Building Product Disclosure and Optimization-Sourcing of Raw Materials; LEED O+M: Rainwater Management, Heat Island Reduction

THERMAL, WINDOWS & DYNAMIC GLASS

BUILDING BEYOND THE STANDARD: Radon Environmental is a building and environmental health sciences company reducing public exposures to radon gas. We provide code-evaluated, high-performance radon mitigation solutions for commercial and residential builds, including Radon Guard™ ventilation-insulation structural panels and Radon Block™ barrier membrane. Find radon measurement tools in our Testing Shop.

888.527.4717 | 778.327.4717 www.radoncorp.com info@radoncorp.com

CASCADIA WINDOWS & DOORS Thames Brick - a trusted source for Clay Face Brick, Thin Brick and Paving Brick, including LEED qualifying products, that meet the challenges of the Canadian architectural and designer marketplace.

800-567-5800 www.thamesbrick.com info@thamesbrick.com LEED BD + C: MR- Building Product Disclosure and Optimization-Sourcing of Raw Materials

Founded over 45 years ago, Bigfoot Door is a second-generation, family-owned manufacturer of highend aluminum window and door systems. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Bigfoot Door is a premier North American fabricator and the approved distributor of Schüco systems meeting NFRC and North American fenestration standards.

Cascadia offers high-performance fiberglass solutions for window wall, windows and doors, and storefront glazing. From Passive House projects to high-rise buildings, Cascadia’s fiberglass windows offer unparalleled thermal and structural performance. World’s first EPD report for Windows, Doors and Window Wall using the new product Category Rules published in 2023.

www.bigfootdoor.com

www.cascadiawindows.com

LEED BD+C and ID+C: EA-Optimize Energy Performance LEED Homes: EA-Windows

SABMag - WINTER 2026

THERMAL, WINDOWS & DYNAMIC GLASS

Photo: Scott Norsworthy BY DAYLIGHTING

Fort St. John Passive House, Low Hammond Rowe Architect, RENU Engineering Inc. | WCPG Construction Ltd.

The Future is FIBERGLASS • Super low U-values • Tough frames • Beautiful aesthetics • Passive House Applications

INLINE FIBERGLASS LTD. Our fiberglass windows and doors offer: • Time-tested durability • Superior energy efficiency • Certification of LEED V4 – LAC – EPD (ASTM) • Global Warming Potential (GWP 7.57E+01 kg CO2e)

Trusted fenestration partner for performance driven multi-family developments. √ NAFS AW Class Certified √ PHI and Phius Certified √ EPDs & HPDs Available

INLINE Series 3000 windows are Passive House International certified.

√ Manufactured in Canada

204.339.6456 duxtonwindows.com

www.inlinefiberglass.com

www.innotech-windows.com

LEED BD+C and ID+C:EA-Optimize Energy Performance LEED Homes:EA-Windows

NZP FENESTRATION PASSIVHAUS WINDOWS AND DOORS Kohltech’s Windows and Doors combine beauty and craftsmanship with performance and energy efficiency. With an extensive array of glass and decorative options, as well as ENERGY STAR and Passive House certified products, Kohltech can meet your project needs.

NZP Fenestration is a passivhaus certified tilt and turn window manufacturer located in Quebec, Canada. We offer high-performance products and support from our team of experts from the production of the plans to the installation. Our uPVC profile allows us to manufacture very large dimensions, install the best triple glazing available and significantly reduce your energy use.

www.kohltech.com

www.nzpfenestration.com

LEED BD+C and ID+C:EA-Optimize Energy Performance LEED Homes:EA-Windows

LEED BD+C and ID+C: EA-Optimize Energy Performance LEED Homes: EA-Windows

SABMag - WINTER 2026

KALWALL CHECKS ALL DAYLIGHTING BY KALWALL CHECKS ALL THE BOXES. THE BOXES. Not a window. Not a wall. But you can Not a window. Not a wall. But you can trust Kalwall’s translucent daylighting trust Kalwall’s translucent daylighting systems to provide all the benefits systems to provide all the benefits of both. of both. •Museum-quality daylighting™ •Museum-quality daylighting™ validated validated by complimentary daylight by complimentary daylight modeling modeling •Best-in-industry thermal performance •Best-in-industry thermal performance and solar heat gain control and solar heat gain control •Wind, fire and impact resistance •Wind, fire and impact resistance •Stronger, lighter and more efficient •Stronger, lighter and more efficient options options Meet all your project needs with Kalwall. Meet all your project needs with Explore the possibilities. Kalwall. Explore the possibilities. +1 800 258 9777 (North America) +1603 800 258 9777 (North America) +1 627 3861 (International)

LEED BD+C and ID+C:EA-Optimize Energy Performance LEED Homes:EA-Windows

+1 603 627 3861 (International) www.kalwall.com LEED BD+C: EA-Optimize Energy Performance; EQ-Daylight LEED BD+C: EA-Optimize Energy Performance; EQ-Daylight

RADIANTLINK We are proud that RadiantLink is an integral part of the Blanket of Warmth system. We have been awarded grant money to address mould in First Nations homes. Raising winter perimeter basement temperatures, through our affordable infloor heating, from an average of 13°C to 19°C is a critical improvement that reduces the risk of mould growth.

www.radiantlink.ca LEED Homes: EA- Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems, Space Heating and Cooling Equipment EQ- Low-Emitting Products, Contaminant Control, ID Innovation

Unicel Architectural Corp. specializes in the manufacturing of high energyefficiency timber curtain wall with proven RAICO technology. Each Therm+ H-I system (56 and 76mm) combines Passive House certifictionlevel thermal insulation, along with superior wind resistance and greater air tightness. www.unicelarchitectural.com unicel@unicelarchitectural.com LEED BD+C and ID+C: EA-Optimize Energy Performance

COATINGS AND INTERIOR FINISH PRODUCTS

Canada’s GREEN Building Supply

Custom Windows & Doors Made from Mass Timber Thermal Performance R5 to R9

Luxurious Design, Superior Home Comfort and Resiliency, through Building Science 416 234-1033 www.vettawindows.com LEED BD+C and ID+C:EA-Optimize Energy Performance LEED Homes:EA-Windows

Suppliers of High-Performance Membranes & Tapes, Sealants & Adhesives, Paints & Finishes, Insulation & MUCH MORE. www.eco-building.ca info@eco-building.ca 905-841-3535 LEED BD+C and ID+C: MR- Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization: Sourcing of Raw Materials and Material Ingredients; EQ-Low-Emitting Materials

CERTAINTEED INFINAÉ Infinaé CarbonLow is Saint-Gobain Canada’s high performance, low climate impact range of gypsum solutions engineered to lead the way in construction. The full range includes sustainable interior drywall panels with up to 60% less embodied carbon (cradle-to-gate) than a traditional equivalent product, while keeping the same quality and performance — an industry first!

FORBO FLOORING systems Marmoleum is CO2 neutral (from cradle to gate) due to natural ingredients that absorb carbon dioxide and a low energy production process, resulting in a sustainable floor that looks beautiful and lasts over 30 years.

1-800-268-8108 www.forboflooringna.com www.certainteed.ca/lowcarbonpanel LEED BD+C and ID+C: MR- Building Product Disclosure and Optimization: Sourcing of Raw Materials and Material Ingredients; EQ-Low-Emitting Materials and Acoustic Performance

LEED BD+C and ID+C: MR-Source Reduction:Mercury, Lead, Cadmium. Copper; Building Product Disclosure and Optimization-Sourcing of Raw Materials; Low-Emitting Materials

ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | HVAC | RENEWABLES CHOOSE WATER TUBE OR FIRE TUBE

ROCKFON - COATINGS & INTERIOR FINISH PRODUCTS High-performance solutions with low environmental impact. That’s what Rockfon stone wool ceiling tiles and panels offer. In addition to delivering IAQ support and acoustic comfort, Rockfon ceilings also feature a low carbon footprint, geared towards minimizing the environmental footprint of buildings all over the world.

www.rockfon.com LEED BD+C and ID+C: MR- Building Product Disclosure and Optimization: Sourcing of Raw Materials and Material Ingredients; EQ-Low-Emitting Materials and Acoustic Performance

SUN GLOW WINDOW COVERING PRODUCTS OF CANADA LTD. Sun Glow is a proudly Canadian manufacturer of high-quality window shade solutions, committed to sustainability at every stage of production. From sourcing eco-friendly materials to continuously reducing our carbon footprint, environmental responsibility is central to how we operate. We offer a comprehensive commercial portfolio of window shade products, including advanced operating controls, automation and motorization systems, and specialty solutions tailored to project-specific requirements. www.mysunglow.com LEED BD+C and ID+C: MR – Building Product Disclosure and Optimization (Sourcing of Raw Materials; Material Ingredients) LEED Homes: MR – Environmentally Preferable Products

AQUATECH™

delivers the market with efficiency Lochinvar® products, like KNIGHT XL® & FTXL®. LEED v4.1 BD & C potential for New Construction for energy performance.

Represented by:

Daikin Applied designs and manufactures advanced commercial and industrial HVAC systems, delivering ultra-efficient heating and cooling solutions tailored to Canada’s green building standards. Our low-GWP refrigerant technology supports decarbonization by reducing fossil fuel reliance and lowering operating costs. With dedicated North American sales, service and parts teams, we provide full lifecycle support to ensure peak system performance from specification through end-of-life. www.daikinapplied.com LEED BD+C, O+M: EA-Optimize Energy Performance, EQ-Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies

SABMag - WINTER 2026

ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | HVAC | RENEWABLES YOUR PARTNER IN SUSTAINABLE HVAC SOLUTIONS

MURDOCK

Lifebreath stands at the forefront of healthy indoor air innovation, proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in Canada. Products like the MAX XTR Plus reflect Lifebreath’s commitment to energy efficiency and exceptional indoor air quality, setting the standard for healthier, high-performance built environments. Breathe easier - this is the Lifebreath advantage.

THE MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC ADVANTAGE u u

Quality And Reliability You Can Trust Efficient Products Designed For The Canadian Climate

Over 38 Years Of Successful Installation

Strong Canadian Customer Support Team

Local Supply of Products

lifebreath.com LEED BD+C, O+M: EA-Optimize Energy Performance, EQ-Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies. LEED Homes: High efficiency appliances

www.mitsubishielectric.ca

A friend to the maintenance staff. Make maintenance faster and easier with the Murdock Maintenance Advantage on A171 and A172 water coolers. One simple tool allows you to remove the pushbutton to access the strainer, valve cartridge, and EZ Door™ filter—without removing the shroud or getting on the floor. Less downtime, less hassle, and more time back in your day.

Oxygen8 manufactures highefficiency energy recovery ventilation systems for commercial and multi-unit residential buildings. Compatible with hydronic or Daikin VRV systems for supplemental heating and cooling, Oxygen8’s solutions provide optimized indoor air quality for energy-efficient performance.

Distributed in Canada by Dobbin Sales, 1 800 565 8515 or Info@dobbinsales.com

Oxygen8.ca

LEED BD+C, ID+C: WE-Indoor Water Use Reduction LEED O+M: WE-Indoor Water Use Reduction

LEED BD+C, O+M: EA-Optimize Energy Performance, EQ-Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies

@oxygen8canada

SAB_MagYourPartnrInSustainHVAC_1.75x4.438_12.11.25.indd 2025-12-12 10:30 AM 1

SLOAN VALVE How can Sloan products help your project? Sloan’s EPDs are produced in accordance with international standards and verified by an independent third party to ensure the data we communicate is credible, resulting in full LEED Material and Resource credits for your project. Distributed in Canada by Dobbin Sales, 1 800 565 8515 or Info@dobbinsales.com

LEED BD+C, ID+C: WE-Indoor Water Use Reduction LEED O+M: WE-Indoor Water Use Reduction

SABMag - WINTER 2026

TEMPEFF INC.

As a global leader in ventilation, we create better air every day shaping healthier, more sustainable building designs worldwide.

systemair.com/en-ca

LEED BD+C, ID+C and O+M EA- Optimize Energy Performance EQ- Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies LEED for Homes EA- Space Heating and Cooling Equipment; EQ- Ventilation

Building on over 20 years of European innovation, Tempeff is pleased to offer air to air Dual Core® energy recovery ventilation equipment with up to 90% energy efficiency in winter without any requirement for an energy robbing defrost strategy. In these times of escalating energy costs, and concern over environmental impact, Tempeff Dual Core® Technology is the highest efficiency solution available for your building ventilation needs.

[204] 783-1902 www.tempeff.com LEED BD+C, O+M: EA-Optimize Energy Performance, EQ-Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies

TERITT INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL Trusted provider of indoor air quality testing services for LEED and other green building projects across Canada. We are a specialized testing agency, having performed air quality testing on over 450 new construction projects in the green building sector since 2010.

www.teritt.com LEED BD+C: IEQ- Indoor Air Quality Assessment LEED ID+C: IEQ- Indoor Air Quality Assessment LEED O+M: IEQ- Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance

GREEN DESIGN SUPPORT & PROFESSIONALS

ZEHNDER AMERICA Ventacity Systems supplied the Hamilton Modular Passive House project’s certified energy recovery ventilators. We offer 14 models of ultra-efficient HRV or ERV ventilation solutions, from 250cfm to 3000cfm. Our units are 3rd-party proven to provide superior energy performance, less maintenance, and better operational efficiency while supplying healthy and comfortable outdoor air, for the best indoor environment.

Zehnder America sets the benchmark for modern ventilation with systems like the ComfoAir 85. By combining energy efficiency, comfort, and advanced indoor air quality control, Zehnder delivers innovative solutions that enhance everyday living while supporting healthier, creating optimized indoor environments for long-term wellbeing.

ventacity.com

zehnderamerica.com

LEED BD+C, O+M: EA-Optimize Energy Performance, EQ-Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies

LEED BD+C, O+M: EA-Optimize Energy Performance, EQ-Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies. LEED Homes: High efficiency appliances

Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) membership helps unlock the business value of green buildings. Through industry-leading certifications like LEED and the Zero Carbon Building Standards, along with specialized low-carbon training and professional credentials, CAGBC makes sustainability your competitive edge. Green buildings are an investment in the future – delivering efficiency, reducing operating costs, and strengthening your market position in a low-carbon economy. CAGBC remains responsive to shifting industry dynamics, enabling members to navigate change and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Learn more: cagbc.org/get-involved

The CPCQA Certification Program qualifies precast concrete manufacturers who fabricate structural, architectural and specialty precast concrete products, including concrete pipe and underground utility and drainage products. The program validates capabilities of superior quality assurance for owners, agencies, specifiers, and producers.

Find out more at: www.precastcertification.ca

ENTUITIVE

CLIMATE CONSCIOUS CONSTRUCTION 25 industry leading years 35+ knowledgeable staff 100s of inspiring projects Passive House. Strawbale. Rammed Earth. Renovations. Test our reputation for expertise with costing, carbon calcs & construction on your next custom, high-performance, low-carbon home.

Entuitive offers integrated structural engineering, building envelope, and sustainable building consulting and planning services. With structural expertise in bridge design and rehabilitation, building renovation, special projects, fire and pedestrian modelling, restoration, construction engineering, and both new and existing transportation structures, Entuitive is recognized as an industry leader. www.entuitive.com

Guelph KW – Grey County – GTA – Greater Sudbury www.evolvebuilders.ca

SABMag - WINTER 2026

GREEN DESIGN SUPPORT & PROFESSIONALS

Rebates Built for Your Business Energy Efficiency Saves

Pretium has extensive Energy and Carbon Reduction experience, helping clients to not only meet, but exceed their goals. Our team includes members certified across multiple programs for both new and existing buildings. These team members have firsthand knowledge of what it takes to meet even the most stringent energy and carbon goals effectively and efficiently.

Want your business to be more energy-efficient and save money? SaveEnergyNB has rebate programs and expert advice for NB businesses. From big to small projects, retrofits or new buildings; there’s money to help your business save! Learn more at

saveenergynb.ca/business

pretiumengineering.com

20 26

Économisez en gagnant de l’argent L’efficacité énergétique : une source d’économies !

SUBSCRIBE FOR INDUSTRY NEWS, GREAT PROJECTS, AND AWARDS UPDATES

Vous souhaitez que votre entreprise soit plus économe en énergie et vous permette d’économiser de l’argent ? ÉcoÉnergieNB offre des programmes de remboursement et des conseils d’experts pour vous. Qu’il s’agisse de grands ou de petits projets, de bâtiments existants ou nouveaux, votre entreprise peut réaliser des économies d’argent ! Pour en savoir plus

ecoenergienb.ca/entreprise

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CANADIAN DIRECTORY OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR SUSTAINABLE, HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDING www.sabmagazine.com/product-directory/

Get your product or service listed in the 2026 SABMAG DIRECTORY and receive ONGOING EXPOSURE DURING THE YEAR. ASK FOR DETAILS: dgriffith@sabmagazine.com 42

SABMag - WINTER 2026

BUNKIE

on the Hill Sensitive design achieves sustainability and comfort

The smallest in a collection of cabins scattered across four family properties, Bunkie on the Hill serves as a space of respite for a family-oriented client in the Muskoka region of Ontario. Tucked into the trees at the top of a steep slope, it is designed to provide a quiet space away from the action of the multi-generational family cottages below.

1. A vertical screen demarcates the entry and passage to the rear.

A contemporary interpretation of the traditional A-frame shape evokes the quintessential cabin in the woods, differentiated by shifted roof volumes. Reminiscent of the overlapping layers of rock in the landscape, the split roof design features two intersecting gables that create opportunities for window openings where the roof volumes separate. Sustainability is prioritized through strategic material choices, construction methods, and a fossil fuel-free approach. A key challenge in advocating for sustainable design is overcoming the perception of high initial costs, despite long-term energy savings. To address this, the project integrates high-impact passive strategies with minimal active systems, reducing both upfront and operational costs.

The overarching approach was to maximize the utilization of passive sustainable strategies through design (high-performance envelope, natural ventilation, passive cooling, daylighting, solar gain), and integrate them with efficient active sustainable systems (hyper efficient heating and cooling system, low-ﬂow plumbing fixtures, high efficiency LED lighting), as well as to rough-in for additional systems to take advantage of upcoming advances in technology (i.e. photovoltaic panels). Complementary to this plan, a key sustainable strategy for wellbeing was the decision to integrate as many biophilic design strategies as possible. The means by which this is achieved in the house varies, from spatial strategies, visual cues, forms and materials used in the design, bringing the occupants of the home into a much more fruitful and engaging dialogue with their natural surroundings. SABMag - WINTER 2026

INTERVIEW WITH Thomas Mueller, President & CEO of the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) on the state of the green building sector moving into 2026. What was your most important takeaway for the building sector in 2025? Restoring housing affordability emerged as the most critical challenge for the building sector in 2025. CMHC estimates Canada needs 3.5 million additional homes by 2030 to return to 2019 affordability levels. While the federal government has committed to 26,000 new units over five years—including 4,000 on federal lands—scale remains a challenge. Affordability is not just about purchase price; it’s about the long-term cost of ownership. In 2023, 14% of households—and 18% of low-income households—struggled to maintain safe indoor temperatures due to rising energy costs. Green buildings address this issue by prioritizing energy efficiency and resilience, protecting families from higher utility bills and costly retrofits. CAGBC is responding to this challenge to demand better more sustainable housing for Canadians. In fact, over 90,000 housing units have been certified to LEED or Zero Carbon Design and many more to other standards. If the proposed homes will be built to the 2020 building code, it would add significantly to Canada’s GHG emissions annually. The takeaway? Every new home built today must combine affordability with energy efficiency because these decisions will shape Canada’s housing affordability and carbon future. How did the U.S. climate policy and the ongoing tariff situation impact the sector? The U.S . position on climate change and the tariffs had wide-ranging impacts on Canadian climate policy and corporate ESG commitments. In Canada, the new government prioritized safeguarding and growing the economy over climate action. The shift in government priorities focused on embedding climate action within broader strategies for innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness. At the same time, commercial real estate sector began reassessing and recalibrating ESG commitments, focusing more on pragmatic solutions that deliver financial returns. Despite this recalibration, green building continues to be recognized for its benefits in driving business value, managing climate transition and physical risks. 46

SABMag - WINTER 2026

The tariffs further disrupted supply chains and construction costs which were first impacted during the pandemic. Cost of construction remains a significant challenge across the industry resulting in delays or cancellations of projects. However, government support for affordable housing development through Build Canada Homes, Canada Lands Corporation and CMHC, and the support for pre-fabrication and modular construction are expected to reduce costs. Buy Canadian policies and low-carbon materials present opportunities to spur domestic innovation and manufacturing. Buy Canadian must prioritize low carbon materials to ensure we continue to reduce GHG emissions from building construction. The industry is already contributing through initiatives like CAGBC’s annual Embodied Carbon Summit, which aims to help the industry to transition to low-carbon solutions. Where is the sector going? Global climate change policy continues to recognize the importance of the building sector as an integral solution to reduce GHG emissions and to address physical risks. As climate impacts grow more frequent and extreme, resilience will define the future of Canada’s building sector—both for new construction and retrofits. Rising insurance costs and coverage limits are already signaling urgency to act on physical risks. Real estate investors and lenders have also taken note and want to ensure standards are in place to protect their financial returns. Assetlevel performance metrics that reduce investment risk are becoming more frequently requested by investors, especially from Europe and Asia. Credible green building certifications play a significant role by providing trusted third-party verification on building design and performance. To support capital investment in green buildings, CAGBC supports the development of a green taxonomy approved in the 2026 budget. Through our partnership with REALPAC we have also started discussions with the real estate industry and the appraisal community to recognize investments in sustainability through valuations. Global momentum is our side as government policy at all levels and corporate commitments continue to support sustainable and lowcarbon buildings. We are going through a period of recalibration not retreat as the building sector is transitioning to practical solutions with tangible results. Canada cannot afford to fall behind as it will impact its global competitiveness, economic growth and our standard of living.

Project: Maple Avenue Condo, Barrie, ON | Owner: Auburn Developments | Photos: Stubbe’s Precast

Build Smarter. Build Faster. Build with Prefab Precast Concrete. With Canada’s housing crisis, prefab precast concrete offers a powerful solution. It is faster, durable, and costeffective, as each component is made in a controlled environment. Prefab precast concrete offers superior quality, making it a resilient and sustainable approach to addressing Canada's mid to high–rise housing shortage.

Find out more about the benefits of using prefab precast concrete for your next project.

Let’s build fast, affordable housing together!

For more information on affordable housing with prefab precast concrete, visit: www.cpci.ca/publications to download your free copy of the Structural Solutions Guide.

info@cpci.ca | 877.937.2724 SABMag - WINTER 2026

Pursuing better. We pioneered the first PVC-free wall protection. Now, we’re aiming for every 4x8 sheet of Acrovyn® to recycle 130 plastic bottles—give or take a bottle. Not only are we protecting walls, but we’re also doing our part to help protect the planet. Acrovyn® sheets with recycled content are available in Woodgrains, Strata, and Brushed Metal finishes. Learn more about our solutions and how we’re pursuing better at c-sgroup.com.

SABMag - WINTER 2026