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Tech leads race to net-zero for multiresidential sector

3 years ago

GUEST COLUMN: The City of Toronto recently approved its plan to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050 or sooner. The move will impact both condos and rental properties in Toronto, and other nearby municipalities may follow suit.

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A team of researchers from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering has some practical advice for developers, homeowners and urban planners who want to reduce their environmental impact.

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Canadians are unknowingly buying and building homes and other infrastructure in areas at high risk of flooding, wildfires and other climate change impacts, which could lead to billions of dollars in damage annually according to a report by the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices.

The Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network has launched the CRE Pledge for Action to advance women and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the commercial real estate industry.

Anchor Corporation

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Waste management company GFL Environmental Inc. has announced a pair of acquisitions in the United States. The Ontario-based company says it has bought the solid waste management and recycling business of Peoria Disposal Co.

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Walmart and Procter & Gamble have collaborated on ways to show consumers how they can save water and energy in their homes. Now, the companies are developing an experience to educate families on how they can conserve resources in their homes.

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McDonald’s Corp. is aiming to cut global greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, from the beef in its burgers to its restaurants’ light bulbs. The company is also working with the Science Based Targets initiative on its climate targets.

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Six investors with a combined $4 trillion in assets under management — including BMO Global Asset Management and Fidelity International — aim to increase engagement with Asian companies like banks and energy producers to ensure they have plans to meet climate change targets.

Sustainable Biz Canada

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Canada joined more than 40 countries in Milan for Pre-COP — the final meeting to prepare for November’s global summit, COP26. Countries discussed how to maintain the goal of 1.5°C, implement the Paris Agreement and help developing countries mitigate climate change.

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The world’s major economies must do more at the upcoming UN COP26 climate summit in Scotland to show they are serious about wanting to tackle global warming and heed the warnings of young activists, policymakers said.

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OPINION: The pandemic has shown us how interconnected and interdependent the world is. People everywhere have realized that change is not only possible, but essential. This, in turn, has presented Canada’s finance and investment management industry with a significant opportunity.

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New research has found that sustainability is still not a significant part of business agendas. This research, done by Emburse, shows the demand from employees for more sustainable business travel, compared with a lack of prioritization from employers.

Yardi Pulse

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Bombardier has announced an order for 20 Challenger 3500 business jets, valuing US$534 million. The aircraft features a sustainable design and will be the first business jet in the super mid-size segment with an Environmental Product Declaration, detailing the aircraft’s environmental footprint.

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Karlyn Percil, Toronto-based chief executive officer of KDPM Consulting Group, says sustainability is a key reason for her love of vintage. “The more we shop vintage, the less fast fashion thrives, which means fewer clothes going to the landfills.”

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This year’s must-have fashion trends will feature bio-based materials. Designed to replace animal- or fossil-fuel-based textiles, these innovations are sourced from materials such as mushrooms and coffee grounds. Companies incorporating these materials include Old NavyLululemon and Ralph Lauren.

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Volvo is going vegan. Yes, you read that correctly. Volvo announced that all of its vehicles will be leather-free by 2030, which is the same time that it plans to only sell electric cars.

Property Vista

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It’s time for a dramatic change for corporate environment and sustainability professionals. We need to create disruption to do what is needed on climate change. We need big step changes, not incremental improvements.

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Hamilton gardens have replaced concrete, asphalt and rubble and have turned waste places into pockets of paradise. The gardens are possible because of the Depave Paradise project spearheaded by Green Venture Hamilton.

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The province is long past the oppressive “heat dome” that caused cities to swelter last summer, but warmer temperatures this year had a lasting effect on the glacier that feeds Edmonton’s water supply.

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The removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, expected in 2023 or 2024, should have been an occasion for celebration, recognizing a campaign that set in motion the biggest dam removal project in American history.

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Global airlines agreed on Monday to step up plans to tackle climate change as they face mounting pressure from regulators and environmental groups over the impact of billions of extra passengers expected to take to the skies in coming decades.

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