Robert Blakey, MRICS, CFM, ProFM, CHFM, CEM, CPE, VMA’s Post

Natur Homes Archviz project Ypz+arch Chris Yepez Design by P. Orbe architects @patricioorbearquitectos In recent years, global awareness and concern regarding climate change and environmental issues have grown. Governments worldwide have adopted various measures to address these challenges, including substituting fossil fuels with low-carbon alternatives like biofuels. Such fuels are crucial in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In British Columbia (BC), carbon emissions primarily stem from natural gas (NG) usage in residential and commercial buildings, industrial facilities, schools, and hospitals, particularly for water heating and space heating. To combat GHG emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability, the province has established a target, aiming for 15% of natural gas consumption to be derived from renewable gas by 2030. Fortis BC is actively exploring strategies to meet this target, considering the augmentation of renewable natural gas (RNG), including hydrogen, in the pipeline supplying its customers. Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) in BC New York Institute of Technology - Vancouver - Vancouver P.Alvarez-J.Paez-C.Yepez

Scott Burn - Branching out: Bywater’s timber Paradise leads by example The real estate development landscape is changing. Owing to a combination of top-down “net zero” targets, and a bottom-up drive from developers who actively want to create better, healthier and more sustainable buildings, we are beginning to see the rise of innovative solutions to the huge carbon problem facing our industry. In a recent article for EGi, our client Theodore Michell of Bywater Properties sets out the problems with the current approach to development, of which there are several: buildings are typically constructed with steel and concrete, and so begin their life cycle with high levels of embodied carbon; they are difficult and costly to redevelop or deconstruct at the end of their life cycle; and, increasingly, we are learning that the ‘feel’ of these hard material structures might actually have a negative impact on mood and productivity at the workplace. Fortunately, Theo also presents the industry with a long-forgotten lifeline: timber. #commercialrealestate #development #esg #sustainability #realestatedevelopment #emboddiedcarbon https://lnkd.in/ex-jjTVK

Exciting News for Sustainable Construction in the Great Lakes Region! We're thrilled to share a groundbreaking development in sustainable building materials that's making waves in the Great Lakes region, particularly in Michigan. A new, eco-friendly construction material, known as mass timber, is gaining popularity for its numerous benefits, both for our planet and the economy. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫? Aesthetic Appeal: Not only is mass timber visually stunning, but it also boasts remarkable durability. Environmental Benefits: This innovative material offers significant carbon, climate, and sustainability advantages, contributing to a greener future. Economic Growth: With the potential to double demand each year until at least 2030, mass timber promises job creation and economic expansion in the region. 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲: Analysis confirms that Michigan, along with other Great Lakes states, possesses ample forest resources to support a mass timber facility. This means mass timber can be locally sourced, reducing transportation emissions and supporting local economies. 𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞: Compared to traditional construction materials like concrete and steel, which rely heavily on fossil fuels, mass timber is a champion of sustainability. It results in lower greenhouse gas emissions throughout its lifecycle, from logging to manufacturing and transportation. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞: Buildings constructed with mass timber serve as carbon sinks, locking away carbon absorbed by trees through photosynthesis. This natural process makes mass timber a key player in climate change mitigation. 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧: Michigan is already seeing a surge in mass timber projects, from residential buildings to educational institutions and healthcare facilities. This not only showcases the versatility of mass timber but also sets a precedent for sustainable development. For more insights into how mass timber is revolutionizing the construction industry and contributing to a more sustainable world, check out the full article here: https://bit.ly/496EJMo Let's embrace this sustainable innovation for a greener, more resilient future in construction! #SustainableConstruction #Construction #Sustainability #Innovation #GreatLakesRegion #GreenConstruction

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬? 🪨 From sturdy foundations to stunning landscapes, stone aggregates are the backbone of construction projects worldwide. Versatile, durable, and eco-friendly, they pave the way for sustainable development. #Aggregates #Construction #Sustainability #BuildingMaterials #welshbusiness #sandandaggregates #southwales

CONSTRUCTION NEWS: How can we meet the challenge of retrofitting historic buildings? "The 500,000 buildings on the National Heritage List for England are a vital part of our nation’s cultural heritage. One of the most important things the construction industry can do is to conserve and adapt these buildings for future generations." McBains Net Zero & Sustainability Consultant, Anya Blanchfield speaks to Construction News. #retrofit #heritage #historic #conservation #carbonreduction https://lnkd.in/exMaRk2x

🌱 Exciting research from UBC Okanagan is paving the way for sustainable construction methods! 🏗️ I just came across this fascinating article discussing how researchers at UBCO (University of British Columbia - Okanagan) are exploring older building techniques like rammed earth construction to enhance stability and sustainability in modern building practices. It's incredible to see how traditional methods are making a comeback, especially in the face of challenges like construction sand shortages. Siddiqua Sumi and her team are leading the charge, integrating industrial by-products like wood fly ash (a fine material which currently has no use and is put into landfills) into rammed earth construction. This not only addresses the need for readily available building materials but also reduces reliance on unsustainable resources like sand. Plus, using materials like fly ash can significantly enhance a structure's properties, making it suitable for various climates and building applications. What's even more inspiring is the collaboration with Indigenous communities to incorporate rammed earth into new home construction, showcasing the potential for sustainable practices to benefit diverse communities. While there may not be an immediate surge in rammed earth construction, the shift towards sustainable building products is undoubtedly gaining momentum. It's a positive step towards creating a more environmentally friendly and resilient built environment, both here in Canada and globally. Check out the full article for more details on this innovative research: https://lnkd.in/gxxaXyvY Also feel free to read our blog on Rammed Earth Construction on our website: https://lnkd.in/gCqi8Whm Let's continue to support and promote sustainable solutions in construction for a greener future! #sustainableconstruction #rammedearth #UBCOResearch #sustainabledesign

🏗️ Dawn of a Timber Age: New Report Forecasts Mass Timber Boom in USA! 🪵 Mass timber construction is poised for a meteoric rise across the United States, especially in the South! It comes as a new study by the University of Georgia illustrates the seemingly limitless potential for mass timber to supercharge carbon reduction across the world’s largest economy. 🔎 Crucial Insights: 1️⃣ Explosive Growth Ahead: The US has seen a 114% increase in mass timber buildings during the Covid years. Mass timber is projected to expand 25-fold, potentially reaching 9-15 million cubic metres every year 2️⃣ Carbon Sequestration Champion: This mass timber adoption could contribute 9.9-16.5 million tons of "carbon benefit," translating to a 20% boost in the US's carbon sequestration efforts through the housing and construction sector. 3️⃣ Economic and Environmental Merit: The shift towards mass timber is not only environmentally significant but also proves to be about 30% more cost-efficient than traditional construction methods 4️⃣ Policy and Market Adoption: The study's findings underscore the potential for mass timber under various adoption scenarios, suggesting that supportive policies and market openness could quintuple the environmental benefits of mass timber usage. 🌐 Implications for the Future: As the US, particularly the South, embraces mass timber for mid-rise and high-rise constructions, we stand on the brink of a sustainable revolution in the built environment, promising economic and ecological benefits. 📈 Shaping Sustainable Skylines: The study highlights the transformative potential of mass timber in achieving climate goals and revitalising urban centres, presenting an opportunity for the US to lead in green construction innovations. ❓ #questionforgroup: With mass timber's rise, what strategies should policymakers and industry stakeholders employ to ensure sustainable growth and widespread adoption? 👇 Share your thoughts on the future of mass timber and its impact on sustainable urban development: https://lnkd.in/g6fSyYvr #masstimber #masstimberconstruction #crosslaminatedtimber #timberengineering #greenbuilding #netzero #climatechange #carbon #us #usmade #innovation #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #woodsolutions #theultimaterenewable #architecture #construction #engineering #greenstar #urbandevelopment #climateaction #lumber

🏗️ Dawn of a Timber Age: New Report Forecasts Mass Timber Boom in USA! 🪵 Mass timber construction is poised for a meteoric rise across the United States, especially in the South! It comes as a new study by the University of Georgia illustrates the seemingly limitless potential for mass timber to supercharge carbon reduction across the world’s largest economy. 🔎 Crucial Insights: 1️⃣ Explosive Growth Ahead: The US has seen a 114% increase in mass timber buildings during the Covid years. Mass timber is projected to expand 25-fold, potentially reaching 9-15 million cubic metres every year 2️⃣ Carbon Sequestration Champion: This mass timber adoption could contribute 9.9-16.5 million tons of "carbon benefit," translating to a 20% boost in the US's carbon sequestration efforts through the housing and construction sector. 3️⃣ Economic and Environmental Merit: The shift towards mass timber is not only environmentally significant but also proves to be about 30% more cost-efficient than traditional construction methods 4️⃣ Policy and Market Adoption: The study's findings underscore the potential for mass timber under various adoption scenarios, suggesting that supportive policies and market openness could quintuple the environmental benefits of mass timber usage. 🌐 Implications for the Future: As the US, particularly the South, embraces mass timber for mid-rise and high-rise constructions, we stand on the brink of a sustainable revolution in the built environment, promising economic and ecological benefits. 📈 Shaping Sustainable Skylines: The study highlights the transformative potential of mass timber in achieving climate goals and revitalising urban centres, presenting an opportunity for the US to lead in green construction innovations. ❓ #questionforgroup: With mass timber's rise, what strategies should policymakers and industry stakeholders employ to ensure sustainable growth and widespread adoption? 👇 Share your thoughts on the future of mass timber and its impact on sustainable urban development: https://lnkd.in/g6fSyYvr #masstimber #masstimberconstruction #crosslaminatedtimber #timberengineering #greenbuilding #netzero #climatechange #carbon #us #usmade #innovation #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #woodsolutions #theultimaterenewable #architecture #construction #engineering #greenstar #urbandevelopment #climateaction #lumber

In celebration of #earthday this year, we'd like to share this insightful 2023 article from @eesionline, which highlights the many sustainability benefits of mass timber construction. The authors note that "building with mass timber instead of concrete and steel could reduce the emissions associated with building materials by 13% up to as much as 26.5%." At WWS, over 90% of the wood fiber we use comes from Douglas Fir trees harvested in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, three states with some of the most stringent forestation laws in the country. WWS is built on a commitment to the future of sustainable construction through a return to renewable building materials and promotion of healthy forest management. #wws #masstimber #sustainableconstruction #forestmanagement #oneplanet https://lnkd.in/g2SJrinb.

New Commentary! Stone: An Ecological Construction Material Could #stone help to lower the #ecological footprint of buildings? Timothée de TOLDI makes a case for the increased use of stone as a building material. In the transition to a #low-#carbon economy, stone has attractive qualities in terms of durability, low embodied energy, a robust life cycle assessment, and can assist with #passive cooling thereby lessening the need for operational energy. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gZ3_Mm83