Zero Carbon Building Standards

A made-in-Canada solution

CAGBC’s Zero Carbon Building™ (ZCB) standards are a made-in-Canada framework that makes carbon the new measure of building innovation. Among the world’s first zero-carbon building standards, they recognize the importance of building emissions in reaching national climate commitments. The ZCB standards are an important tool supporting the green building sector’s efforts to decarbonize Canada’s buildings.

The ZCB standards define low-carbon design and operational performance for buildings. They offer both rigour and flexibility, opening the door for all buildings to minimize their climate impact. Buildings of all types, from office towers to arenas, warehouses, multi-unit residential buildings, and schools, have been certified under the standards.

Access funding and financing opportunities

Governments and investors recognize the importance of decarbonizing Canada’s economy. Zero Carbon Building certification increases access to capital and unlocks asset value for building developments and retrofits.

Financing options include green bonds, green loans, and sustainability-linked loans or mortgages. There are also funding options such as tax incentives, rebates, and grants. A list of federal tax incentives (including air source heat pumps) can be found here and federal funding programs can be found here.  Be sure to check out applicable programs from local governments, utilities and others.

Some programs that explicitly recognize Zero Carbon Building certification include:

• Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC): MLI Select
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM): Green Municipal Fund (GMF)
• Government of Canada: Green and Inclusive Communities and Buildings (GICB)

Two pathways for buildings

Zero Carbon Building – Performance Standard

The ZCB-Performance Standard™ is used to demonstrate that a building has achieved zero-carbon operations. It requires verification annually.

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Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard

The ZCB-Design Standard™ guides the design of new buildings or retrofits of existing ones. It offers a pathway to ensure buildings can achieve zero-carbon once in operation.

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Events and education

The Accelerating to Zero series of events and education are specific to zero-carbon buildings. As Canada ramps up efforts to reduce carbon, the building sector must have the knowledge and skills necessary to build to zero and to take advantage of the new opportunities afforded by our new, low-carbon economy.

Need more convincing?

Learn how zero-carbon buildings can work for you.