CaGBC’s Zero Carbon Building Standard is the new measure of green building innovation.
Carbon emissions represent the true climatic impact of buildings. Only by focusing on emissions during design, and assessing emissions once in operation, can we ensure the low-carbon outcomes Canada needs.
The ZCB Standard provides pathways for both new and existing buildings to reach zero carbon, and certification offers recognition for industry leaders. With ZCB Standard v2, focus is on the carbon balance of a building across its life-cycle, including construction and operation. It is applicable to all buildings except homes and small multi-family residential buildings.
Please note that ZCB-Design v1 registration closed May 31, 2020; submissions will be accepted until May 31, 2022.
ZCB Standard v2 incorporates learnings from real-world projects including existing and new buildings such as schools, multi-unit residential buildings, commercial and industrial buildings. Updates to the ZCB Standard provide the rigour needed to ensure zero emissions – and the flexibility to encourage widespread adoption of zero carbon buildings.
Important updates include:
The ZCB-Design Standard provides requirements that guide the design of new buildings and the retrofit of existing ones, to best empower buildings to achieve zero carbon operations. For ZCB-Design v2 certification, design must carefully consider embodied carbon, refrigerants and airtightness.
The ZCB-Performance Standard verifies that buildings achieve Zero Carbon operations year after year. Verification is required annually. For ZCB-Performance v2 certification, carbon offsets are used to compensate for refrigerant leaks and the embodied carbon of any new structural and envelope materials.
Access the standard and tools to help your project achieve certification.
ZCB-Design Standard v2
ZCB-Performance Standard v2
Energy Modelling Guidelines
Life-cycle Cost Calculator
ZCB-Design v2 Workbook Updated December 2020
ZCB-Performance v2 Workbook Updated December 2020
Embodied Carbon Reporting Template
ZCB-Design Standard v1
ZCB-Performance Standard v1
ZCB-Design v1 Workbook
ZCB-Performance v1 Workbook
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ZCB Standard Pricing & Registration
Zero Carbon Building Project Showcase
Frequently asked questions
Market your ZCB Standard project