Chandos vows to be Net Zero by 2040

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) – one of Chandos Construction’s projects that will contribute to Canada’s clean energy transition. (CNW Group/Chandos Construction Ltd.)

Chandos Construction has pledged to be net-zero by the year 2040.

As an initial step towards that commitment, the company purchased UN-certified carbon credits that will offset carbon emissions from its operations last year.

“This is a massive, complex problem facing the construction industry,” said Chandos president, Tim Coldwell. “Achieving net-zero emissions across our entire portfolio of projects will not be possible without long-term partnerships and commitments.”

Part of the company’s carbon-reduction plan involves planting 6,900 trees in 2022 while moving to electric equipment on jobsites and converting its fleet to electric vehicles. Virtual design and construction also helps reduce the company’s carbon emissions. Chandos plans to work with its clients and design partners to further this agenda.

The real key here is in reducing embodied carbon within the buildings the company constructs. Chandos’ goal is to reduce embodied carbon intensity by 15 per cent each year to achieve its 2040 mandate.

“As a contractor, the embodied carbon of the work we put in place each year is equal to our emissions footprint as an organization. To achieve net-zero, Chandos must work with our supply chain to get embodied carbon to zero over time. This requires leadership from contractors, owners, designers, trades, and material suppliers,” says Coldwell.