Ontario Construction News staff writer
Trent University’s Forensics Crime Scene Facility is the first building in Canada—and the 11th globally—to receive zero carbon certification from the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). This certification marks a significant achievement in the university’s sustainability efforts.
Construction of the facility, which began in 2021, involved a meticulous process to minimize both embodied and operational carbon emissions. The project focused on reducing emissions from the production and transportation of building materials as well as cutting down on energy use.
“Receiving ILFI’s Zero Carbon Certification for our Forensics Crime Scene Facility underscores our commitment to sustainability and climate leadership,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, President and Vice-Chancellor of Trent University. “This certification is a rigorous standard, requiring 12 months of data to prove the building meets its carbon targets.”
Features include:
- Sustainable Materials: Cellulose insulation and wood are used to sequester carbon within the building structure.
- Renewable Energy: A 33-kilowatt solar panel system produces 30% more electricity than needed, with surplus energy shared with nearby Otonabee College.
“The Trent University Forensics Crime Scene Facility sets a new benchmark for sustainability in Canada,” said Liya Temin, Senior Manager of Certification at ILFI. “It addresses both operational and embodied carbon emissions, showcasing a thorough approach to reducing the carbon footprint in construction.”
Zero Carbon Certification, which is held by only 11 buildings worldwide, requires substantial reductions in both embodied and operational carbon, verified by a year’s worth of performance data.
“The Trent Forensics Building has the lowest embodied carbon of any commercial or institutional project I’ve seen,” said Chris Magwood, a Trent alumnus and Manager of Carbon Free Buildings at the Rocky Mountain Institute. “It meets and exceeds ILFI’s Zero Carbon Certification requirements, even without factoring in carbon storage.
“Achieving zero carbon is a result of dedicated teamwork. The building not only makes an environmental impact but is also a well-designed, durable space that will benefit its occupants for years.”
The certification could set a new standard for the construction industry, proving that high sustainability goals can be met while delivering functional and cost-effective buildings. The Trent Forensics Crime Scene Facility provides a model for future projects aiming for zero carbon status.