The first International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 50001, Energy Management System, certification in North America has been given to St. Marys Cement in Bowmanville, Ont.

“Certification to ISO 50001 enables our organization to follow a systematic approach to achieving continual improvement in energy performance; including energy efficiency, use, and consumption,” Fabio Garcia, plant operations manager, told Construction Canada Online.

Pollution Probe, a non-profit organization promoting environmental change through research, education, and advocacy, recently held its 2012 gala, bringing together Canadian leaders in sustainable development.

With the overarching theme of ‘learning,’ the event welcomed approximately 500 industry, government, law, and academic members to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto.

Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) has named its best in new Greater Toronto Area (GTA) home construction.

Beginning in 2004, the annual awards honour firms in 49 categories, ranging from supplier to homebuilder of the year.

Toronto researchers have discovered rethinking insulation, along with small lifestyle changes and a heat pump, can save up to 80 per cent on energy usage in homes.

Developed by Ryerson University professor Russell Richman and University of Toronto professor Kim Pressnail, a nested thermal envelope design incorporates zonal heating in residences that will cut down on energy and heating costs in the winter.

The Women in Concrete Alliance (WICA) is calling for nominees for its third annual Woman of Distinction Award.

The North American organization aims to connect women in the industry and provide a networking community, mentoring, and resources. The award’s recipient will reflect the organization’s values and is chosen by industry peers.

The two preeminent North American groups focusing on building information modelling (BIM) have signed a five-year memorandum of agreement.

The Institute for BIM in Canada’s (IBC’s) buildingSMART Canada will be collaborating on both national and international standards with the U.S. National Institute of Building Science’s (NIBS’) buildingSMART alliance (bSa).

A new Conference Board of Canada report points to partnerships and cost-effective building approaches to address concerns with residential building in the country’s Northern communities.

The report, Framing Sustainable Options for Housing in Canada’s North, was published by the Board’s Centre for the North, and deals with the difficulties associated with building affordable and safe housing in the cold climate.

Normally Building Owners and Managers Association of the Greater Toronto Area (BOMA Toronto) hands out awards for sustainability but this time it was the recipient.

Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) has recognized BOMA Toronto with this year’s “Associations Make a Better Canada” award.

The largest ‘green’ awards program in the country, Scotiabank’s EcoLiving Awards, is now accepting submissions for its second year.

The awards program is a part of the company’s overarching eco-living initiative which informs Canadians about ways they can save on energy costs.

Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) company, Sto Corp. is celebrating 25 years of business in Canada, as well as a new partnership with Webster & Sons Limited in Montréal.

Based in Atlanta, Ga., Sto’s cladding and coating products for construction, maintenance, and restoration have been distributed in 30 locations across Canada since 1987.