The push for sustainable construction in Canada is entering a new phase. Nine of the country’s largest general contractors have formed a joint sustainability alliance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions directly at construction jobsites. Their goal is simple but powerful: prove that environmentally responsible construction doesn’t have to cost more—rather, it can make projects more efficient, reliable and even more profitable.
This collaborative movement, supported by extensive research and industry data, marks a major shift toward cleaner, smarter and future-ready construction practices.
The Rise of a National GC Sustainability Alliance
Canada’s leading construction firms—Aecon, Bird, Chandos, EllisDon, Graham, Ledcor, Multiplex, PCL and Pomerleau—have joined forces to address the industry’s GHG footprint. By operating as a united front rather than competitors, these companies aim to accelerate low-carbon innovation from coast to coast.
Their alliance was formally supported by the Transition Accelerator, setting the stage for a national strategy.
Why Jobsite Emissions Matter
Construction sites remain a major source of emissions due to:
- Diesel-powered equipment
- Temporary heating systems
- Off-grid generators
- Inefficient material handling
Reducing these emissions not only cuts carbon but also helps companies operate with lower fuel costs, fewer delays, and better long-term reliability.
The Groundbreaking Industry Report
The alliance’s report, Growing and Greening Canadian Construction, was based on data from over 600 construction projects. The analysis identified the most effective ways to reduce emissions without driving up project costs. According to the report, full adoption of key actions could reduce jobsite-related emissions by up to 75% by 2040.
Five Priority Actions to Cut Emissions
4.1 Electrifying Light-Duty Vehicles
Replacing gas-powered trucks and small equipment with electric versions lowers fuel consumption and reduces maintenance needs.
4.2 Improving and Electrifying Temporary Heating
Temporary heating is one of the biggest energy drains on Canadian winter sites. Smart controls and electric systems offer major efficiency gains.
4.3 Using Renewable Diesel as a Bridge Fuel
Renewable diesel provides immediate emissions reductions without needing new engines, helping companies transition gradually.
4.4 Connecting Sites to Grid Power
Instead of relying on diesel generators, connecting directly to the local grid cuts emissions and reduces fuel logistics.
4.5 Deploying Hybrid and Electric Excavators
These machines can dramatically reduce fuel use and noise pollution. Although still scaling, early adopters are reporting encouraging cost savings.
How Collaboration Began
The alliance first met in Montreal in January 2024. Sustainability leads shared lessons from their own projects—what worked, what failed, and what still needs testing. According to EllisDon’s Jolene McLaughlin, the mindset was clear:
“Just like safety, sustainability shouldn’t be competitive. Working together will make the whole industry better.”
Insights Shared at the CCA Symposium
At the Canadian Construction Association’s Best Practices Symposium, sustainability directors including Chandos’s Audrina Lim highlighted the progress achieved through collaboration. Every meeting allows companies to exchange tools, experiences and real-world data—something that rarely happened in the past.
Industry Leaders on What’s Working
Panelists noted that the Canadian market already knows how to build net-zero buildings. The next step is optimization—tweaking systems, comparing auditing tools, and testing new solutions across multiple sites.
Andrea Linsky of Alberta Ecotrust explained that large developers are now experimenting across tens of buildings at a time to refine their carbon-reduction strategies.
Funding, Innovation and Net-Zero Momentum
With major lenders like RBC and the Canada Infrastructure Bank offering sustainability-focused financing, adoption is accelerating. Better data, stronger partnerships, and maturing technologies make this the right moment to push for cleaner jobsites.
The Impact on Smaller Contractors
The alliance hopes its findings will guide smaller contractors who may not have in-house sustainability specialists. By sharing tools and best practices openly, the group aims to help the entire industry transition together.
Conclusion: A Cleaner Future for Canadian Construction
Canada’s top general contractors are proving that cutting emissions is not only achievable but practical and cost-effective. With shared knowledge, new technology and a united vision, the construction sector is on track to build more—while emitting less.