The Pathways to Net-Zero Embodied Carbon in Buildings project, led by UBC’s Sustainability Hub and supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, set out to identify the most immediate barriers to implementing embodied carbon policies in Canada. With input from over 140 experts across government, industry, academia, and NGOs, the project aimed to surface practical, actionable solutions to inform policy development and support industry transition.

 

The resulting report provides a comprehensive overview of global and national policy trends, reflections from BC-based practitioners, and a synthesis of some real-world tools, pilot projects, and emerging initiatives currently being tested. It not only outlines the key challenges—such as data limitations, material availability, and fragmented regulations—but also highlights the innovative work already underway to overcome them. This resource is especially valuable for anyone looking to get up to speed on the current state of embodied carbon policy work in British Columbia. By highlighting the lessons emerging from BC, the report offers insight that can inform policy and practice across Canada as the building sector prepares for upcoming code changes and works toward national climate goals.