Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

Zibi, located in downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, is transforming former contaminated industrial lands into one of Canada’s most sustainable communities through its ambitious One Planet Action Plan. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Bioregional, aims to integrate sustainability principles into every phase of the project, from planning and design to construction and operation. The plan is a living document that evolves with the development, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, including Algonquin partners, and respects the site's rich history while embracing regional characteristics.

A key challenge Zibi faced was the need to minimize construction emissions while maximizing sustainability. To address this, Zibi implemented an onsite quarry in 2017, which significantly reduced the need for offsite trucking by processing excavated rock into aggregates for onsite use. This innovative approach allowed Zibi to reuse approximately 500 tandem dump truck loads of aggregate, eliminating the associated emissions from transportation. Although the initial target of 50% aggregate reuse was not met in 2017 due to a lack of immediate need, forecasts indicate that this goal will be achieved on a project-wide scale. This strategy not only proved cost-effective but also enabled Zibi to supply local and regional developers with surplus aggregate.

Looking ahead, Zibi aims to foster a culture of sustainability among its future residents, encouraging them to rethink their practices and embrace sustainable living. By integrating the One Planet Action Plan into the community's fabric, Zibi is poised to create a vibrant, sustainable environment that enhances the quality of life for its residents while contributing positively to the broader community.