The 2025 CAGBC Awards™ were announced at the Building Lasting Change™ (BLC) conference in Vancouver, recognizing the leaders and innovators transforming Canada’s green building landscape. Hosted by the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC), the event highlighted outstanding projects and individuals advancing sustainability in the built environment.

Thomas Mueller, CAGBC President and CEO, praised the winners for “pushing beyond industry limits” and helping to define the next generation of green buildings in Canada. Awards were presented across categories including Green Building Excellence, Green Building Leadership, and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

CEO and founder of Windmill Development Group, Westeinde was honoured for his visionary leadership in sustainable real estate. With over $5 billion in green projects, his efforts have advanced innovative financing models like zero-carbon energy systems and impact investment funds.

Zero Carbon Design:
Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association’s Resiliency Centre – A Mi’kmaq-led project in Millbrook First Nation, NS, combining Indigenous knowledge and sustainable design. The facility achieved Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard v3 certification with energy performance exceeding 65% of NECB 2017.

Deep Carbon Retrofit:
Fairmont Royal York, Toronto – The largest heritage hotel decarbonization in North America. Transitioned from steam to electric heat pumps, cutting GHG emissions by 80%.

New Construction:
Western University Ronald D. Schmeichel Building, London, ON – A LEED® Gold-targeted building designed by Perkins&Will with geothermal systems, photovoltaics, and biophilic design.

Inspiring Home:
L’Albédo and CPE La Petite Cour de Mistigri, Québec – A social housing and daycare project combining geothermal energy and inclusive urban design for vulnerable populations.

Green Building Champion:
Russell Horne, City of Kingston – For embedding sustainable practices across over 100 municipal facilities and leading a citywide Net Zero Transition Plan.

Green Building Visionary:
UWCRC 2.0 Inc., Winnipeg – A nonprofit developer integrating social equity and sustainability in affordable housing and zero-carbon projects.

Emerging Green Leader:
Della Wang, Fengate Asset Management – Recognized for responsible investment strategy, sustainability reporting, and climate risk assessment across real estate portfolios.

Government Leadership:
City of Kingston FMCS – Achieved a 21% GHG reduction since 2018, demonstrating a replicable municipal model for decarbonization.

Ed Lim Technical Volunteer:
Steve Kemp, RDH Building Science Inc. – Honoured for over 1,000 hours of volunteer service in advancing Canada’s green building codes and technical standards.

The 2025 CAGBC Awards demonstrate how sustainability, innovation, and leadership are redefining the future of construction and real estate across Canada.

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