At Zibi, we aren’t just building a community; we are creating a blueprint for the future of urban living. Central to this mission is our commitment to One Planet Living®, a framework that ensures we live within the resources of our one planet. 

While many see sustainability as something that starts once the keys are handed over, we believe the heavy lifting begins long before the first brick is laid. Here is a look behind the scenes at how we have been applying One Planet Living principles to our construction practices since the beginning of our project. 

1. Setting the standard from day one 

Sustainability is baked into our DNA before a shovel even hits the ground. We provide every designer, consultant, and contractor with rigorous Design and Construction Specifications. These documents act as a North Star, providing clear, actionable guidance on how to meet Zibi’s ambitious One Planet Living targets. By setting these expectations early, we ensure that every square inch of the project aligns with our vision. 

2. Radical transparency through data 

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. To ensure accountability, all contractors are required to report on products and material used during construction. This granular level of detail allows us to monitor our environmental footprint in real-time and ensures that material meets our high standards for sustainability. 

3. Cultivating a “sustainable trade” mindset 

We view our construction site as a learning opportunity. Every contractor at Zibi undergoes mandatory One Planet Living orientation. We educate tradespeople on how sustainability can be integrated into the physical act of building. 

To keep engagement high, we use education and awareness programs and friendly competitions that reward good practices. Our hope is that these workers take these sustainable habits with them to every other job site in the National Capital Region. 

4. Protecting the Ottawa River 

Our unique location on the banks of the Ottawa River comes with a profound responsibility. We implement industry-leading erosion and sediment control practices to ensure that runoff from construction doesn’t impact our local waterways. These measures are strictly monitored by both the construction manager and the owners to protect the delicate aquatic ecosystem at our doorstep. 

5. Prioritizing health with low-VOC materials 

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about people. We strictly require the use of low volatile organic compound (VOC) products on-site. This protects the immediate health of the tradespeople working in enclosed spaces and ensures superior indoor air quality for the future residents who will call these buildings home. 

6. Tackling embodied carbon 

To significantly reduce the “hidden” carbon footprint of our buildings, and address climate impact at the source, we rethink our raw materials. One of our most impactful actions is encouraging the Construction Manager to source steel from regional manufacturers that use electric arc furnaces (EAF) rather than traditional steelmaking which relies on fossil fuels and raw materials. This effort supports local industry while meaningfully reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials. 

Building a better future 

At Zibi, construction is more than putting up buildings; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate what responsible development looks like in practice. By combining clear standards, education, accountability, and innovation, Zibi is applying One Planet Living principles where they matter most: on the ground, every day. 

Together with our partners and contractors, we’re building a community that respects its environment, supports its people, and sets a new benchmark for sustainable construction in the National Capital Region. 

Want to learn more about our commitment to sustainable construction practices and the planet? Explore our 10 One Planet Living principles at https://zibi.ca/sustainability/