Long-term care of the planet

January 22, 2025

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By Jay Burtwistle and Eleonore Leclerc

In Canadian Healthcare Facilities magazine, our designers write about how building materials help mitigate embodied carbon in healthcare facilities

As the impacts of climate change continue to accelerate, the associated complexities deepen. There needs to be greater emphasis on addressing the root causes of climate change in a holistic way. Nowhere is this more apparent than in healthcare projects, which aim to deliver health and well-being outcomes while limiting the associated impacts on the planet of operating these facilities.

Over the past decade, much has been learned and advanced in reducing the operational impacts associated with buildings. Additionally, various codes and standards have continued to drive ever-greater reductions in operational emissions.

As operational carbon has been gradually reined in by these codes, there has been a corresponding recognition that building materials have a considerable effect on the planet and on a facility’s overall carbon picture. However, there are several unique considerations in the healthcare context that influence the ability to reduce embodied carbon emissions.

  • Jay Burtwistle

    An associate and sustainability consultant, Jay believes in regenerative communities and brings this mindset to projects as diverse as recreation centers, schools, luxury housing, firehalls, and offices.

    Contact Jay
  • Eleonore Leclerc

    Working with our team in Vancouver, Eleonore is an architect in the healthcare sector. She’s also an invited critic for UBC’s architectural program, and a regular guest speaker for architectural conferences.

    Contact Eleonore