CCA Overview
Environment Committee
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The Canadian construction industry is committed to improving Canada’s natural environment. CCA has implemented a number of measures to assist our members in responding to the need for environmentally-friendly practices. This section of the CCA website has been designed to allow quick access to information on these measures.
Environmental Technologies and Solutions in Use in the Construction Industry
Canadians are increasingly demanding greater environmental responsibility from all sectors of the economy and society. The construction industry has been at the forefront of incorporating environmentally sustainable solutions and innovations into everyday business practices.
The following technologies and innovations are some examples of the strides that the industry is taking to incorporate sustainability into the construction process. Check back on this site frequently - CCA will add new innovations as information is made available.
New Environmental Reports Demonstrate Link between Added Highway Capacity and Lower GHGs
April 3, 2007 - As all sectors do their part to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fears have been raised that added highway capacity may lead to greater greenhouse gas emissions, since greater capacity would encourage greater personal vehicle use. Not so, says a new Conference Board of Canada report - in fact, new survey data suggests no link between more greater highway capacity and vehicle demand. Furthermore, a new study by McElhanney Consultants of Surrey, BC demonstrates that greenhouse gases are at their highest in stop-and-go traffic, and that faster traffic flows would help lower GHG emissions.
CCA Supports the Green Building Movement
Formed in 2003, the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has become a leading resource in the growing movement towards sustainable building practices. The CaGBC also administers the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, a comprehensive rating system that measures the environmental performance of buildings. LEED certification is now required for all new buildings owned by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), as well as a growing number of provinces and municipalities. Individual contractors can also receive LEED certification, an increasingly important professional designation.
In order to advance the understanding and acceptance of green building techniques and the LEED rating systme, CaGBC offers courses designed to teach industry practitioners the principles of green building design and construction. These one-day courses are offered at regular intervals in centres around Canada.
For more information on the CaGBC, including membership information, visit the CaGBC website. For information on LEED certification, including upcoming course dates and locations, please click here.
CCA's Green Building Resource Centre
Please visit the Resource Centre at http://www.cca-acc.com/greenbuilding/index.html
Green Building Incentive Program Information
Natural Resources Canada has created a website to provide building owners and contractors with information on the range of funding programs available in order to “green” new or existing non-residential buildings. In addition to information on the kinds of projects eligible for funding and the application procedure, the site also provides useful calculators that can help you determine the lifecycle cost savings associated with green building design and practice. This site can be accessed at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca.
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act - What You Need to Know
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) has recently drafted an on-line information brochure explaining the requirements contained in the environmental assessment process. The brochure provides information on what an environmental assessment is, the type of projects that require environmental assessments, the steps involved, whether the public needs to consulted, and links to other relevant information. For construction companies working in potentially environmentally-sensitive areas, this information is a must.
For a copy of this brochure, simply click below. Printable versions are also available.
A Best Practices Guide to Solid Waste Reduction – CCA Document 81
Click here to download a copy of this informative guide. (PDF format)
Briefs & Reports
May 18, 2002 - A Discussion Paper on Canada’s Contribution to Address Climate Change: A Summary and Construction-Sector Analysis
April 5, 2002 - CCA letter to Climate Change Secretariat on the Kyoto Accord
Canadian Industrial Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC)
In December 2001, CCA signed a letter of Cooperation with CIPEC, a federal initiative designed to promote voluntary energy reduction by Canadian industries. Companies who wish to reduce their energy usage (and as a result, their energy costs!) can sign up for free to become an “Energy Innovator”, and enjoy the services and information that such a designation can provide. Click on the link below to get more information on CIPEC and becoming an Energy Innovator:
Canada Green Building Council
The mission of this council is to develop a coherent platform for the design, construction, operation, management, regulation and evaluation of built "green" environments in Canada, and the education of professionals involved in the industry, leading to progressively improved levels of sustainability. CCA is a participatory organization within CaGBC.
To learn more about CaGBC, contact the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada at 613-241-3600.
CCA Environmental Achievement Award
Each year, CCA recognizes a member company for its environmental achievements. Nominations are accepted until early December each year, and the winner announced at the CCA Annual Conference. For the terms of reference and a nomination form, please click here.