ASTM International and Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) are partnering to develop Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) through education and third-party verification.

ASC will be focusing on developing Product Category Rules (PCR)—a set of requirements and guidelines for creating environmental declarations, including EPDs.

A new industry group, Sustainable Labs Canada/Labs Écologiques du Canada (SLCan), has been established to share technical advances among the country’s laboratory facilities community. Its goal is improving energy efficiency and environmental responsiveness among those designing and operating high-tech facilities.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and B+H Architects have announced the winners in their ‘green’ bank design competition for students.

Evolve Sustainable Design Competition challenged architecture and engineering students from across the country to create a net-zero energy and water-efficient bank branch facility.

Created by TC Media’s Constructo Group, the newly launched Projets verts—La vitrine de l’architecture durable au Québec website recognizes green projects and initiatives by members of the Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ).

The site, www.projetsverts.voirvert.ca, will be a place for OAQ members to self-publish sustainable project design information, photos, and environmental features.

Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger announced an increased funding plan for building highways, roads, and bridges throughout the province.

The plans include funding for municipal infrastructure projects through the Building Manitoba Fund, which includes a $3.5 billion investment over the next decade, for municipal road and bridge projects across the province.

Rona Ambrose, Canada’s Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, announced a call for proposals to help more women find training and employment in non-traditional roles, including construction and engineering.

The initiative, “Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women,” aims to increase the amount of resources for females looking to establish a career in industries such as construction and oil and gas.

Architects, engineers, and developers gathered this week to raise funds for Trees Ontario while showing off their musical talents.

On April 18, Smith + Andersen, an engineering firm in Toronto, hosted EcoJam at the city’s Courthouse Nightclub. More than 400 guests attended and 30 architectural professionals performed for the crowd.

Vancouver-based firm Perkins+Will has been named one of Canada’s ‘greenest’ employers for its fifth consecutive year.

Announced by The Globe and Mail, companies are judged based on environmental programs developed, success in the reduction of environmental footprint, and the level of employee involvement in the initiatives.

Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has launched its Affordable Green Housing Program, providing free Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification to charitable projects that offer healthy indoor environments and lower utility costs.

Last week, the country’s largest roofing expo hit the Toronto area with more than 100 exhibitors and seven hands-on demonstrations.

Taking place April 23 and 24 at Mississauga’s International Centre, the 11^th biennial ROOFTech drew in more than 2600 attendees over two days.