The Stack in Vancouver set a milestone in Canada’s real estate, by being the first commercial high-rise office tower to achieve the Canada Green Building Council’s (CAGBC’s) Zero Carbon Building – Design standard certification.

Co-owned by Oxford Properties Group Inc. (Oxford) and CPP Investments, The Stack, designed by renowned architect James K.M. Cheng in collaboration with Adamson Associates Architects, is a 37-storey, AAA-class office tower located at 1133 Melville Street in downtown Vancouver. It features a unique design resembling boxes stacked on each other.

The Stack’s zero carbon status contributes significantly to Vancouver and British Columbia’s 2030 zero-carbon goals. Innovative features, including low carbon building systems and a high-performance triple-pane glazing system, as well as rainwater management systems and enahanced air-tightness, to minimize carbon emissions and energy intensity. Smart building technology optimizes energy management, while a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar panel array generates 26,000kWh of energy annually.

The Stack prioritizes employee experience and wellness with operable windows for natural ventilation, outdoor terraces, a fitness centre, bike parking, and health-club quality end-of-trip facilities. Popular restaurant Nook offers dining on the first floor, while a 557 m² (6,000-sf) rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of Vancouver’s landmarks.

Ted Mildon, vice-president of office leasing and operations at Oxford Properties, noted The Stack redefines the workplace experience, supporting employee engagement and collaboration.

“The Stack is a pioneering example of sustainability and reflects Oxford’s commitment to ESG best practices,” says Andrew O’Neil, vice-president of development at Oxford Properties. “As the first zero-carbon high-rise office building, it serves as a blueprint for our industry’s decarbonization efforts.”