Trent University’s Forensics Crime Scene Facility has become the first building in Canada and 11^th in the world to receive the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI’s) Zero Carbon Certification.

A significant milestone toward sustainable design, the university has prioritized reducing embodied carbon and minimizing operational carbon output, including electricity and natural gas usage.

The facility uses climate-friendly materials such as cellulose insulation (a plant-based insulation alternative) and wood. It is equipped with a solar panel that generates 30 per cent more electricity than the building requires.

The certification serves as a gold standard in green construction, requiring 12 months of data to demonstrate that the building meets the carbon targets.

ILFI developed the Zero Carbon Certification to address the building sector’s significant role in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The team working on this project included:

Green Technology Endeavour Centre Chris Magwood
Architect Christopher Z. Tworkowski Architect
Project Manager Sandford Smith
Structural Engineers Building Alternatives Inc.
Mechanical Engineers ZON Engineering Inc.
Electrical Engineers Berthelot Engineering ltd.