RC109 NovDec 2023 - Magazine - Page 29
Through collaborative partnerships with our subcontractors in numerous pilot projects, EllisDon has a better understanding
of the emissions generated from what they build. (Pictured: Edmonton Valley Line Southeast LRT)
ELLISDON
come to market. However, the commercialization of these
technologies can be challenging due to high upfront costs,
coupled with research and development investments, and
the constraints of infrastructure availability. There can also
be some resistance to change from industry stakeholders
who are accustomed to traditional practices. Despite these
challenges, industry leaders are starting to recognize
the need to change and are taking steps to embrace new
technologies and processes to reduce the sector’s environmental impact.
The procurement of low-carbon materials
In the Canadian landscape, billions are invested annually
in the materials required to build critical infrastructure.
With public spending surpassing $5 billion, the manufacture of steel, aluminum and concrete alone represents
more than 300,000 jobs across the country. The production
of these and other building materials is carbon-intensive,
and accounts for roughly 11 per cent of global emissions.
There is a clear need for low-carbon materials, but there
is currently a lack of market recognition of the cost of
carbon in procurement. While investment in low-carbon
RENEWCANADA.NET
EMBODIED CARBON
Embodied carbon is a big piece of global emissions. Embodied carbon
refers to the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the manufacturing,
transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building
materials used in the construction of buildings, roads, and other
infrastructure. Building sector emissions are responsible for nearly
40 per cent of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions.
Other
Building
Materials
9%
11%
Industry
30%
23%
Transport
28%
Building
Operations
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 – RENEW CANADA 29
