The NRC will lead policy discussions with the provinces and territories to define the role of the National Model Codes in addressing durability and extreme weather events such as flooding, wildfire, and extreme wind. It will make future climate data available to the National Model Codes development system to enable building design for future climates.29
Effective as of April, major Government of Canada suppliers are compelled to disclose their GHG emissions and set reduction targets. Suppliers can fulfil this requirement through participation in Canada’s net-zero challenge or another approved internationally recognized and functionally equivalent standard or initiative. Going forward, the net-zero challenge will not only be for businesses, but also for cities.30
City, provincial, territorial, and indigenous jurisdictions, policies, and laws; corporate and non-profit practices; and sustainable building programs will provide additional support as well. For example, British Columbia’s Energy Step Code establishes a series of incremental improvements, targeting net-zero energy readiness by 2032.31
Focused on lowering buildings’ energy consumption and GHG emissions, the 2030 challenge proposes all new buildings, developments, and major renovations to be carbon neutral by 2030. Moving to carbon neutral by 2030 means the construction and operation of buildings will no longer require the consumption of fossil fuel energy or the emission of GHGs.
This challenge has been adopted by 73 per cent of the 20 largest architecture/engineering firms, responsible for more than $100 billion in construction annually, and endorsed by The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), and many others.32
Call to action
Considering a typical building is in use for 50 to 100 years, the projects being designed, specified, and constructed today will be completing their operational lifecycles around 2073, and into the 2120s.
Specification professionals have a unique role in mitigating climate change and its effects through selecting materials, products, and practices that reduce buildings’ operational and embodied carbon. Architectural zinc material and product manufacturers can offer support and sustainable solutions.
In North America, architectural zinc can be specified as manufactured with energy-efficient, low-carbon processes, validated with product-specific documentation. Installed as roofing, wall cladding, and other building products, architectural zinc supports climate-resilient, low-maintenance performance, and occupants’ safety and health. With a lifespan of 100 years or more, architectural zinc saves time, material, and money. Infinitely recyclable, zinc continues to add value beyond the life of the building.
