Buildings account for as much as one-third of Canada’s total waste. Therefore, green buildings—the structure itself or the method of constructing buildings with high efficiency and producing less greenhouse gas—are one of the ways the country focuses on slowing global warming. Various elements make a structure a green building. For example, building on land that has already been developed or designed to minimize the amount of resources (water, energy, materials) is how a building could be considered sustainable. 

In Canada, there are more than 7000 buildings that hold a BOMA BEST certificate that validates the buildings’ sustainability. Examples of such buildings include the Vancouver Condition Center, the University of Waterloos’ Environment 3 Building, and Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan. First, the Vancouver Conventional Center flourishes with around 400,000 species of plants and 240,000 bees. It reduces its energy consumption by its geographic location—some part of the center floating on top of the water—that adjusts temperature during different seasons. 

University of Waterloo’s Environment 3 Building is well known for its efficient use of supplies. The building itself is made up of materials that leave a minimum amount of impact on the earth. Its glass atrium allows light in and lowers the need to use electricity. On top of that, the solar panels on the roof reduce 45% of energy consumption. Building minimizes the usage of another supply: water. It has automatic low-flow faucets and a flushing toilet functioning from accumulated rainwater. These systems save a surprising amount of water. Lastly, it has lots of plants that filter air in the building.  

Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan is a planetarium located in Montreal. Some elements that make it a green building are its eco-friendly ventilation, lighting, and construction materials. Its green roof is another thing with lots of green living in it. Furthermore, similar to the University of Waterloo’s Environment 3 Building, it reduces the usage of water by using collected water (rainwater). 

There are many approaches to resolve the issue of global warming. The green building is one of them governments are now focusing on. As evidence, there are numerous buildings people walk past in their everyday lives that are made from the method of green building. With the green steps we take, this field will continue to grow.

Resources: https://greenbuildingcanada.ca/green-building-guide/what-is-green-building/ 

https://boma.ca/boma-best/#:~:text=About%20BOMA%20BEST,certification%20program%20for%20existing%20buildings.

https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/sustainable-architecture/a3240-10-of-canadas-most-sustainable-buildings/

https://www.hgtv.ca/20-of-the-greenest-buildings-across-canada/

https://www.cardinjulien.com/en/projects/planetarium-rio-tinto-alcan/