The City of Montreal’s recent commitment to achieve zero-carbon buildings by 2040 is great news for the environment and local communities.

It also presents new challenges for the real estate development sector. Innovative solutions will be needed on multiple fronts including energy, construction, zoning and financing.

Starting this summer, a zero-carbon buildings accelerator with ties to Concordia will provide developers with the tools and resources needed to make the entire industry more sustainable. By leveraging the combined expertise of members in various industries, the accelerator aims to multiply low-emissions, climate-resilient construction and renovation projects in Montreal’s commercial and residential areas.

Montreal’s new commitment means existing buildings will need to rapidly transition from fossil fuel–based power to exclusively renewable energy by 2040. New builds that are already under way will need to pivot quickly to meet the city’s commitment by 2025.

“If things become too difficult, developers will pull out and build somewhere else,” says Natalie Voland, PhD student and lead owner and president of real estate development firm Quo Vadis.

“It was clear to me that if we didn’t develop our own solutions, this could have a negative impact on new construction projects and pricing.”

Voland discussed solutions with her supervisor Ursula Eicker, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Cities and Communities and founding co-director of the Next-Generation Cities Institute (NGCI).

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