EnerQuality Corporation has named the first qualified Canadian home under the new Energy Star for New Homes (ESNH) Standard.

Developed by Natural Resources Canada, the initiative aims to identify homes approximately 20 per cent more energy efficient than those built to the provincial building code.

The University of Calgary’s Energy Environment Experiential Learning (EEEL) centre has become one of the most efficient laboratories in North America with its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification.

The structure uses 78 per cent less energy than a typical laboratory, which are normally energy intensive. Triple-glazed windows provide extensive natural daylighting throughout the facility and light fixtures use sensors and schedules to control usage.

Recent survey results suggest Canadians want a national organization and standards to oversee the construction industry, including welding contractors.

In a public survey commissioned by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB), more than 1000 residents were questioned about product safety, internationally trained worker accreditation, and national industry supervision.

Canadian construction forecasts for labour supply and demand from 2013 to 2021 are now available online.

Prepared by BuildForce Canada, Construction Looking Forward, 2013-2021 Key Highlights, consulted contractors, labour groups, and government.

Instances of fraud in the construction industry are examined in a white paper released by law firm Grant Thornton LLP.

The report, Construction Fraud in Canada: Understand it, Prevent it, Detect it, discusses the issue in terms of large commercial projects, as well as smaller residential projects.

Nunavut-based design will be showcased as Canada’s entry at the 2014 Venice Biennale in Architecture.

“Arctic Adaptations,” curated by Lateral Office of Toronto, will provide designs inspired by the climate, geography, and culture of the territory.

Announced March 21 by finance minister Jim Flaherty, the 2013 federal budget includes positive initiatives for the construction industry.

A focus of the budget addresses the problem of a declining skilled construction workforce. This includes the Canada Job Grant, which connects skills training with employers.

Alberta’s largest wind-generating energy project, Halkirk Wind, is now ready for operation.

Owned by Capital Power LP and constructed by Renewable Energy Systems Canada (RES Canada), the $346-million, 150-MW project includes 83 V-90 1.8-MW wind turbines and spreads across 15,000 acres (10,000 ha).

The winners of this year’s Alberta Steel Design Awards of Excellence have been announced by Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC).

The March 21 event, held at the Northlands Edmonton EXPO Centre, honoured six projects for their use of steel in innovative designs and challenges.

Renowned environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been announced as a keynote speaker for the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) National Conference and Expo.

The event, taking place June 4–6 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, will feature numerous sustainability speakers and networking events.