AET Group’s Project Evergreen Achieves ZCB – Performance v2 Certification Through the CaGBC® Zero Carbon Building Standard

In 2019, Project Evergreen was finalized with the installation of a 15.75kWh rooftop/awning solar photovoltaic system equipped with an onsite Tesla Powerwall energy storage unit and monitoring gateway that generates enough carbon-free energy to power the entire building.

The certification process takes a carbon-centric approach and identifies carbon reductions as the key indicator of building performance. Requirements of the ZBC-Performance v2 certification include the ability to demonstrate a zero-carbon balance, development of a zero-carbon transition plan, energy usage and peak demand reporting, and embodied carbon reporting. AET calculated embodied carbon through the Athena Impact Estimator software, covering both the structural and envelope building components in the analysis. The zero-carbon transition plan includes designing and installing a Cold Climate Heat Pump System to replace the natural gas consuming equipment and supported with a Class C cost estimate.

Since its inception, sustainability at AET has meant to survive and prosper, to create more value than we consume, to be innovative and adaptive to change, and to fulfill our present needs within the carrying capacity of our planet without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This certification puts AET one step closer to becoming Carbon Neutral by 2030, and we are honoured to be among the group of businesses committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and working towards securing our climate future.  “We’re proud to receive the Canada Green Building Council ZBC-Performance v2 certification”, said Managing Director & CEO Scott Freiburger.  “The Performance certification provides valuable recognition and strengthens our carbon reduction commitments, demonstrating that a zero-carbon building for existing buildings is an achievable goal.”