Low Carbon Solutions for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

This guide explores the intersection of energy efficiency and carbon emissions in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), offering actionable insights for the construction industry and policymakers. With Canadian building regulations advancing toward net-zero energy targets, this study bridges the knowledge gap on minimising both operational and embodied carbon emissions in MURBs. Focusing on the building envelope and life cycle stages, it analyses three archetypes: a 17-storey hybrid-structure high-rise, a 5-storey wood-frame mid-rise, and a retrofitted 16-storey high-rise.

Embodied carbon, often overlooked compared to operational emissions, is increasingly critical in jurisdictions like British Columbia with low-carbon energy grids. Key findings highlight that building materials, design decisions, and thermal performance significantly impact emissions. The report provides comprehensive methodologies for life cycle assessments, emphasising optimising insulation, mitigating thermal bridging, and choosing low-carbon materials.

The guide also evaluates energy conservation measures such as airtightness, advanced glazing, and efficient heating systems, outlining their impact on both operational and embodied emissions. Strategies for retrofitting existing buildings and leveraging prefabricated systems are discussed, providing practical solutions to enhance sustainability while maintaining affordability.

This document serves as a vital resource for architects, engineers, and policymakers aiming to drive market transformation toward sustainable MURBs, addressing challenges in achieving Canada’s carbon reduction commitments.