Innovation

CBCL is an engineering advisory firm that offers consulting expertise in sustainable infrastructure and environmental stewardship-based design. CBCL undertakes projects in markets such as water treatment, industrial processing, and building construction with energy-efficient and green technologies. CBCL's operations are within the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework of Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13). In his role as Vice President of CBCL's Building Sector, Tom Watson summarizes, "We need hospitals, we need libraries, we need schools. So it's about doing less harm."

Among the many innovations of CBCL, they specialize in the minimization of the environmental footprint in construction. The Halifax Central Library, for example, was constructed with long-term sustainability and energy efficiency taken into consideration. CBCL utilizes the LEED system, rendering their structures extremely sustainable. Durability is stressed by Tom Watson by noting, "If people don't love the building, then it won't last, right? It would get demolished much more quickly, which is not sustainable."

By integrating sustainability into every phase of their projects, CBCL is redefining what is possible for the industry. Their approach enables sustainable urban planning and balances economics and the environment. "What's gonna drive the change that requires those solutions is the economy," Tom Watson says, noting the connection between eco-friendly practice and economic sustainability. Through good management and imagination, CBCL shows that engineering doesn't have to be either efficient or green; it can be both.

Halifax Central Library

Inspiration

At CBCL Limited, the inspiration behind their work is not just about designing buildings, it's about making a meaningful and lasting difference for people and the environment. Tom Watson, the Vice President of the Building Sector, shared that he has always been passionate about sustainability and reducing harm through thoughtful design. Even though construction can have negative effects on the environment, he and his team focus on doing less harm by using smarter, more efficient, and more responsible building practices.

Tom feels most inspired when he works on projects that have a positive impact on the community. He spoke about how fulfilling it is to design and build places like schools, hospitals, and libraries that people depend on in their daily lives. One of the most meaningful projects for him was the Halifax Central Library. He explained that the goal was not just to build a structure, but to create a space people enjoy and use. In his words, “We need hospitals, we need libraries, we need schools. So it’s about doing less harm.”

 What motivates Tom the most is being part of a team that truly cares about the purpose behind the work. He enjoys working with clients and design teams who aim to create buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, and long-lasting. Tom even sees architecture as an important part of sustainability. He said, “I love architecture, and I see value in the beauty of it. I actually see that as a sustainability component.” 

For both Tom and CBCL Limited, the inspiration comes from creating buildings that matter to people. As he explained, “If people don't love the building then it won't last, right? It would get demolished much more quickly, which is not sustainable.” That idea of creating useful, well-loved, and lasting spaces, continues to drive their passion for designing buildings that serve communities and protect the environment.

Overall impact

The impact CBCL has had on sustainable infrastructure around Atlantic Canada has made them an inspiration and leader in not only their industry but also the community. In the short term, CBCL's focus on adding energy-saving technologies and sustainable practices to projects like the Halifax Central Library has led directly to the reduction of the building construction industry's carbon footprint. These buildings are a necessity to the community as the people of Halifax take pride in these public spaces and depend on them. The successful application of LEED-certified systems shows how CBCL’s innovative approach to design can balance sustainability with community needs. Their projects, including public buildings and infrastructure, have been very impactful in promoting eco-friendly design principles across Canada, showing that sustainability can be incorporated into a wide variety of structures.

CBCL’s long-term impact extends far beyond individual projects. Their emphasis on sustainable design principles helps shape a future where infrastructure supports both people and the environment. The focus on energy efficiency and reducing environmental harm has made them a key player in setting a new standard for responsible construction practices across the region. Not only do they prioritize sustainability, but they also ensure that their designs contribute to the overall wellbeing of the community, creating spaces that are loved and used for generations. For example, the Halifax Central Library, with the design contribution of CBCL, reduced its energy consumption by over 30% compared to a standard library building, which represents significant long-term cost savings and environmental benefits to the city.

The CBCL’s emphasis and prioritization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Climate Action (SDG 13), contributes to the green movement that is crucial for modern development and community wellbeing. By aligning their projects with these global goals, CBCL is fostering cities that are both resilient to climate change and equipped to meet the demands of a growing population. Their work ensures that urban development is both environmentally responsible and economically sustainable, helping communities thrive while minimizing their carbon footprint.

Business benefit

Canadian Building Consulting Limited (CBCL) has a lot going for it in terms of innovation. CBCL is made up of around 100 owners, all contributing to a forward-thinking ideology of business focused on the environment and sustainability. This diverse group benefits the business in all areas but more specifically in their five different sectors of the business. These sectors Included Infrastructure, Earth and Environment, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Industrial, and Buildings. All sectors contribute to building the business and working with the community. 

CBCL's focus is mainly on sustainability and designing the best projects possible for their customers while bringing in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mindset. They mainly focus on SDGs as guidelines for the business; for example, for each project, managers must correlate that project with a certain SDG. As stated in our interview with Tom, “I see that as planting seeds for people who want to do good work for the planet and for the environment.” What he means by this is that if they can inspire someone to use the SDG mindset, then hopefully it will be an important step forward in business benefit and environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, when it comes to innovation, CBCL is also a part of LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This program is focused on building sustainably and looking at the long-term effects of projects to hopefully reduce harm. Using this type of program to influence business has benefits in terms of looking into the future by operating in a fair and ethical manner. While also protecting the environment and taking steps in climate action. This program is like the SDGs in its goal of being cooperative and having a positive impact on the world, whether through social or environmental means. Both of which CBCL focuses on, as it is their main point of interest when working on projects. This can also generate not only a positive external perception of the company but also an economically sustainable growth trajectory.

Social and environmental benefit

Tom Watson, Vice President of Building Services at CBCL Limited, has always had a strong focus on sustainability and the environment. He recognizes the positive impact of buildings like the CBCL Halifax Central Library project have had on social sustainability in communities. Tom’s motivation stems from projects like the library because everyone can use the space. “It’s a privilege to be able to work on things that are very much for the community,” says Tom.  

CBCL’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) framework, structured around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals acts as a guide for their project managers to make the best decisions when it comes to people and the planet through their professional services. Their diverse and innovative projects that traverse water and land meet the needs of today’s world with future generations always in mind. CBCL has signed the Target Setting Letter through the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to illustrate its devotion to climate leadership. Also, by adopting science-based emissions reduction targets in line with the level of decarbonization of the Paris Agreement goals. 

In July of 2022, CBCL’s Halifax office building welcomed two beehives on its roof to promote urban biodiversity and support local ecosystems in the downtown core. From bees to buildings, CBCL is a testament to how innovative, sustainable, and community-driven engineering solutions lead to positive impacts on our society. Overall, by fostering resilient infrastructure, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing the quality of life for the future of our planet, CBCL understands what is at stake.  

Interview

Tom Watson, Vice President, Building Services