Ontario Construction News staff writer
A ribbon cutting at Aecon’s Innovation and Training Centre in Holland Landing on Dec. 6 marked the completion of the first structure to be constructed using CarbiCrete’s cement-free concrete masonry units (CMUs) and Lafarge Canada’s advanced ECOpact low-carbon concrete.
The low carbon building will be used by Aecon as a tool storage facility for trainees working at the facility.
“The use of low-carbon concrete represents the single greatest opportunity to reduce embodied carbon in the built environment,” Jacob Homiller, CEO at CarbiCrete, a Montreal-based carbon removal technology company. “We’re pleased to be collaborating with the innovative teams at Aecon and Lafarge Canada to decarbonize the construction sector.”
According to CarbiCrete’s recently published Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), their decarbonized CMUs boast a global warming potential (or carbon footprint) that is 20 times lower than the industry average.
“We are excited to collaborate with Lafarge and CarbiCrete in testing low-carbon concrete and cement-free concrete blocks, taking an important step toward advancing sustainability in the construction industry,” says Prabh K. Banga, vice president, Sustainability at Aecon. “By combining our expertise, we are not only pushing the boundaries of innovation but also addressing the pressing challenges of carbon emissions in the built environment.”
The project sets a new industry standard in the use of low-carbon construction products to advance sustainable practices. In early 2025, CarbiCrete products will become commercially available in Ontario through Canal Block, a masonry producer in Port Colborne.
“At Lafarge Canada, we’re proud to lead the way in sustainable construction by delivering innovative low-carbon building solutions to our customers,” said Andy Unger, VP, Concrete, Lafarge Canada (East). “Our collaboration with Aecon and CarbiCrete in Holland Landing, Ontario, exemplifies our commitment to our NetZero journey.
“Together with like-minded partners, we’re demonstrating how collective action can drive progress for people and the planet.”
