Embodied Carbon Awards Recognize Six Champions Slashing Emissions in Construction

• Commitment to Circularity: Perkins&Will 

For their team effort to reduce emissions through smart reuse of materials and thoughtful design to minimize waste during their major office move, considering embodied carbon at every stage. They went a step further by sharing their insights publicly to help advance the industry. 

• Large (Part 3) Buildings: Equilibrium – Royal Museum PARC Campus 

For their innovative approach in designing the Royal BC Museum PARC Campus, using materials like rammed earth—a mixture of soil, sand, and clay compacted into durable walls with minimal environmental impact—and wood-to-wood connections for mass timber elements instead of steel. They integrated embodied carbon into the design build agreement, demonstrating a committed approach. 

• Organizational Commitment to Change: Third Space Properties 

For Third Space’s commitment to cutting carbon emissions in their buildings and across operations. By tracking embodied carbon at design, development, and construction phases of each project, Third Space goes above and beyond standards, showing their commitment to real savings. They break down learnings into practical, actionable steps for industry, setting a new standard for transparency and impact.  

• Public Sector Leadership: City of Richmond 

For its systems-level approach to reducing embodied carbon, integrating it into economic development and procurement strategies; and creating accessible resources and real-world case studies that help turn climate goals into practical, scalable action. The municipality was also praised for fostering collaboration and dialogue across a complex municipal system, laying the groundwork for lasting change.

• Small (Part 9) Buildings: Deep Green Development – 1909 to Net-Zero 

For turning a 117-year-old Vancouver home into three net-zero dwellings—a truly innovative retrofit that sets a national example for low-carbon urban living. Their use of salvaged materials, carbon-storing insulation, and commitment to community partnerships and knowledge-sharing made this project a standout in sustainable construction. 

• Strengthening the Practice: Jason Shanks, CBRE’s Turner & Townsend 

For redefining sustainability in office moves, an often-overlooked area, by reusing materials, cutting waste, and measuring embodied carbon savings. This pioneering work is challenging industry norms, setting a higher standard in transition and move management, while proving that environmental and economic goals can align.