Key Takeaways for Low-Carbon Specifications

In case you missed it...

In our recent in-person event hosted by KPMB Architects at their downtown office, industry experts shared valuable insights on emerging trends and challenges facing our sector. This event brought together experts to explore innovative strategies and practical approaches for reducing upfront embodied carbon emissions in construction starting with specifications and then challenges through procurement and construction.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. EMBED, DON'T BOLT-ON: Specifications should embed low-carbon options, metrics, and check-points both into the specs and the verification processes

2. KEEP ASKING FOR EPDs:

Ask and you shall receive! Vendors are now realizing that doing business means disclosing impact. EPDs are being generated at an accelerating rate.

3. TRACK QUALITY & QUANTITY: EPDs vary – A LOT! Don't just track your GWP, but also the quality of the data. But.. don't let perfect be the enemy of the good, a poor EPD is still better than no EPD! 

4. SUBSH*TUTIONS HAPPEN:

Have a process in place to handle substitution requests and evaluate embodied carbon in parallel to other performance metrics

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OUR SPEAKERS

Chris Couse

Founding Principal

KPMB Architects

Chris is a founding member of KPMB. Highly regarded by clients, engineers, specialty consultants, and associated architects, Chris Couse is recognized for his in-depth expertise with academic and performing arts projects. He has extensive experience with project delivery, having led his jobs through all phases. His projects include the Joseph S. Stauffer Library at Queen's University, the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, and the Sprague Memorial Hall and Hendrie Hall renovations for Yale University’s School of Music. He recently completed the Massey Hall Revitalization Project. Currently, Chris is a senior member of the Yale University Dramatic Arts Building team.

Kael Opie

Principal

KPMB Architects

A principal at KPMB Architects, Kael Opie brings expertise in advanced building technologies and in-depth experience in the integration of energy efficiency and cutting-edge sustainable strategies into building design. Kael is also an active and contributing member of KPMB Lab, an internal advisory and analysis group within KPMB. Kael has an extensive history in high-performance, and sustainable buildings, such as Manitoba Hydro Place in Winnipeg, one of the most energy-efficient towers in Canada. Recently, he has worked on the Center for Computing & Data Sciences at Boston University and served as a project architect for the Temerty Discovery Centre at CAMH.

Juste Fanou

Specifications Writer | Founder

Bibliotech Inc.

Juste Fanou is a seasoned independent specifications writer and the founder of Bibliotech Inc. (Canada), a web-based library of product information and seminars. He has played an important role in numerous large-scale projects across diverse sectors, including commercial, residential, healthcare, correctional, and institutional facilities. With a deep commitment to building science, sustainability, and healthy materials, he is a passionate advocate for leveraging specifications to drive progress toward Canada’s net-zero ambitions. His project experience spans a range of delivery methods, from traditional design-bid-build to complex P3s. Outside of architecture, his research interests include identity, migration, and musicology.

Vincent Davenport

Director, Building and Materials Sciences

EllisDon

Vincent obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering degree from the University of Toronto. He has been with EllisDon for 14 years where he has worked on dozens of complex projects from coast to coast.  He currently leads the EllisDon Building and Material Sciences Department - a team of engineers and material experts who provide internal technical expertise on Materials Sciences, Building Sciences,  and Emerging Construction Technologies across the EllisDon portfolio. They are currently supporting the delivery of over 70 projects across Canada, along with leading the charge on a few large-scale R&D projects aimed at developing low-carbon building systems.

MODERATED BY: Shahrzad Soudian

Sustainability Analyst

KPMB Architects

Shahrzad Soudian is a key KPMB Lab contributor, where she is involved in developing the Lab’s guidelines and tools employed by all project teams, and leads various analyses including zero energy targets, whole building life cycle studies, and decarbonization evaluations. With an undergraduate degree in architectural engineering, a master’s degree in building science, and a doctorate in mechanical engineering, her interdisciplinary knowledge, and commitment to sustainable practice informs her expertise in addressing the climate crisis.

& A SPECIAL

THANK YOU

To our event sponsor:

KPMB Architects 

for hosting us in your beautiful space

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

— Your CLF Toronto Steering Committee