Dr Msizi Myeza, PhD, Pr.Pln’s Post

Last week the BPDA approved a net zero-carbon zoning initiative. The proposal amends the Zoning Code to impose requirements on projects which are also subject to (or elect to comply with) the provisions of Large Project Review; Planned Development Area Review; Institutional Master Plan Review; or Small Project Review and will include the construction of new buildings or structures with a gfa of 20,000 square feet or more; additions to existing buildings with a gfa of 50,000 square feet or more (excluding additions for hospital uses) or new buildings or structures to contain 15 or more housing units. I've attached the final version of the Amendment for those who want to delve a bit deeper into the new requirements. This amendment still needs to be approved by the Zoning Commission, which should happen soon.

Have you read New Buildings Institute's (NBI) latest resource, 'Embodied Carbon Code Overlay for Residential Construction'? This valuable overlay offers policymakers model code language to tackle the impact of high-carbon-emitting building materials in residential buildings. Focusing on embodied carbon, this resource provides a framework to reduce the environmental footprint of construction projects. Learn more or download the code overlay: https://hubs.li/Q02_hr1g0 #EmbodiedCarbon #EmbodiedCarbonSolutions #NewBuildingsInstitute #GreenBuilding

How can municipalities encourage reductions in cost and carbon through urban design guidelines? Over the past year and a half we've been working with the City of Toronto planning team on a The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) grant looking how existing urban design guidelines help or hinder lower-carbon buildings. The findings of our study have been translated into the Embodied Carbon Management Toolkit (link below). The Toolkit - co-authored by our collaborators at Mantle Developments - link together some of the key levers municipalities have to drive reductions: Urban Design, Procurement, and the promotion of Circular Construction. The findings have informed proposed amendments to the City of Toronto's Midrise Design Guidelines, and offer insights into the impacts of contemporary Urban Design practices that are common-place across Canada and beyond. Please reach out if you'd like to learn more about them or have them presented to your teams.

Check out the May issue of APWA Reporter Magazine for a great article by Jennifer Ninete of HDR, "Envision growth drives more sustainable civil infrastructure." This piece provides a very clear explanation of how Envision works and fits into the future of sustainability. Ninete describes the framework's growing impact on the infrastructure industry, which is poised to remain strong with expanding recognition of the value of integrating sustainability and resilience concepts into infrastructure design. https://lnkd.in/eygR5hmY American Public Works Association #sustainableinfrastructure #resilientinfrastructure #equitableinfrastructure

#ClimateChange is reshaping building codes across the globe! 🏢🌍 Our latest blog explores how evolving regulations are driving sustainable construction practices and influencing the future of the industry. Stay informed: https://lnkd.in/gmWpYif7 #SustainableConstruction #BuildingCodes #ClimateAction #SwayFeatures

As we head into the weekend, it’s a good moment to reflect on the key decisions facing us in the upcoming ACT election. In collaboration, Engineers Australia Engineers Australia Canberra Division, the Planning Institute of Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter), and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) have come together to put forward a unified voice on critical issues shaping our future. This joint effort emphasises the importance of planning, design, and engineering in creating a sustainable, resilient, and thriving community. Our collective asks focus on policies that prioritise sustainable urban development, infrastructure that serves the needs of all Canberrans, and a clear commitment to climate-responsive design and construction practices. #engineersaustraliacanberradivision #AILA #PIA #AIA #EACBR

Discover invaluable insights from our founder and CEO, Tom Robinson, on navigating carbon reduction in construction. Dive into the strategies and innovations shaping sustainable practices in the industry in this informative article published on buildDifferent by Peter Sumpton. 📰 🔍 This in-depth interview answers key questions: 🔹 Why should we prioritise decarbonisation? 🔹 What are the key principles for low-carbon construction? 🔹 Is achieving decarbonisation feasible? 🔹 What’s the optimal approach to transforming the construction industry? Read the full article now and join the conversation! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eUwN6q97 #CarbonRevolution #CarbonReduction #NetZeroConstruction #Decarbonisation

Anusha Shah, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), champions a "nature and people positive" approach to infrastructure. With 30% of biodiversity loss linked to construction, she calls for a shift in how, why, and where we build. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, engaging communities, and co-designing resilient solutions, the construction sector can address both the climate and biodiversity crises. This is one of many forward-thinking perspectives featured in the series, driving change toward a greener, more sustainable future. Explore the series and join the conversation about building for nature, guided by the leaders shaping a more sustainable and nature-focused construction industry, in The Nature of Building: Biodiversity & the Built Environment, our digital series with The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g9XxqBGQ 🎤 Featuring: Prof. (Dr) Anusha Shah #TheNatureOfBuilding #NaturePositive #SustainableInfrastructure #GreenConstruction #EcologicalDesign #BuildingForResilience 🎥: Content With Purpose

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a growing focus on environmental responsibility. Traditional building materials often come with a hefty environmental cost, from resource depletion during production to high energy consumption throughout a building's lifespan. 📎 Read More Here: https://hubs.ly/Q02q-G620 #GreenSpanProfiles #IMPs #SustainableConstruction

🚀 Happening Now! Join the Global Construction and Infrastructure Conference – Live! Today's the day! We're thrilled to welcome professionals from around the globe to our fully digital Global Construction Conference. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore groundbreaking innovations, and discuss the future of construction and infrastructure. #GlobalConstructionConference #ConstructionIndustry #DigitalConference #Networking #Innovation