What's Happening?
The Pembina Institute has released a report urging Ontario and Alberta to modernize concrete standards to promote the use of lower-carbon concrete in public infrastructure. The report, titled 'Building One Canadian Economy: Accelerating adoption of lower-carbon concrete in Ontario and Alberta,'
suggests that aligning provincial and federal approaches to concrete standards and procurement could support Canadian innovation and position the country as a leader in clean construction. Concrete, a major contributor to global carbon emissions, is the second most consumed material on earth. The report highlights the economic significance of the concrete industry, which supports over 166,000 jobs and contributes $76 billion annually to Canada's economy. Pembina recommends shifting from prescriptive to performance-based specifications, which would allow producers to use lower-carbon mixes and new technologies. The report also emphasizes the role of public procurement in driving market change, urging provinces to adopt federal standards for embodied carbon reduction in construction.
Why It's Important?
The adoption of lower-carbon concrete standards is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the construction sector, which is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. By modernizing standards and aligning procurement practices, Canada can stimulate investment in clean technologies and support job creation in the green economy. The report's recommendations could lead to a more sustainable construction industry, reducing the environmental impact of infrastructure projects. Additionally, by positioning itself as a leader in clean construction, Canada could enhance its competitiveness in the global market for low-carbon materials. The economic benefits include supporting local manufacturing and ensuring Canadian producers capture a larger share of the emerging low-carbon materials market.
What's Next?
Provinces like Ontario and Alberta are encouraged to harmonize their standards with federal initiatives, such as the net-zero cement and concrete roadmap. This alignment could create stable demand signals for lower-carbon concrete, encouraging producers to invest in new production methods. The report also calls for workforce readiness initiatives to ensure the correct deployment of lower-carbon concrete at scale. As governments prepare for significant infrastructure spending, integrating lower-carbon concrete into codes and contracts could help Canada achieve its emissions reduction targets while reinforcing the economic foundations of its construction and manufacturing sectors.
