PCL Construction continues to be recognized as a leader in sustainable construction, once again earning a spot on the Top 100 Green Building Contractors List compiled by Engineering News-Record. The list ranks companies according to revenue generated from projects that have been registered with or certified by a third-party organization measuring a building’s environmental impact, energy efficiency or carbon footprint.

Here is a look at top trends and projects driving the construction industry toward a more sustainable future. 

Climate change and extreme weather events have brought resiliency and sustainability to the forefront of discussions in the built environment. The future depends on building climate-resilient infrastructure which reduces the environmental impact of the construction and operation of buildings and allows for continuity through extreme weather or a public health crisis.

One project example is the Southeastern Live Well Center (SELWC) in San Diego, California, which was designed to withstand a 100-year flood. To ensure the long-term viability of the building, and to protect the County’s investment, hidden retaining walls were added so water would not get in the building in the event of a flood, and heightened water infiltration testing was conducted.

This care and attention to detail soon paid off. In January of 2024, San Diego was pummeled by a massive rainfall. Three inches of rain dropped in under three hours – almost a third of the projected yearly rainfall for the region. At the epicenter was the County’s recently completed SELWC. The property incurred zero damage during the storm. 

PCL’s experience with renewable energy projects helps clients and communities transition from carbon-producing energy generation. The company’s expertise extends to solar, geothermal, biomass, wind, hydro, hydrogen and nuclear energy, all of which will play a part in the energy transition. Having built more than 65 solar projects across North America and Australia, with more than six gigawatts of total photovoltaic capacity, PCL’s solar division helps clients harness solar energy and reach their net-zero targets. 

Where better to take advantage of solar power than sunny Hawaii, where PCL has recently completed the LEED Gold-certified Kona Village Resort, which is 100% solar powered. Or Windermere Fire Station 31, in Edmonton, Alberta powered by solar and geothermal energy. These projects serve as the perfect example of how PCL can help a diverse range of clients achieve their visions for sustainability.

At the forefront of building Battery Energy Storage Systems, which store the sun’s energy for later use, such as during cloud cover or nighttime, PCL has installed 12 systems with a combined 1.2 gigawatts of storage capacity. 

The past decade has included some of the warmest and driest years on record in the U.S. and Canada, and large parts of both countries have experienced prolonged and severe droughts.  

In addition to climate-related factors and the lack of infrastructure, population growth in certain regions is contributing to increased demand for potable water and exacerbating the effects of droughts, putting water supplies under increasing pressure.  

To address these challenges, many communities are exploring the use of water reuse facilities to repurpose wastewater for non-potable and potable uses. These facilities can help alleviate pressure on municipal water supplies during droughts and build greater resilience in the face of changing climate and population dynamics.  

PCL is building innovative water reuse and drought resiliency projects across North America, including the Treasure Island Water Resource Recovery Facility in San Francisco. Half of the treated wastewater produced by this facility will be recycled for irrigation, lawns, landscaping and community parks, helping the community remain resilient amidst continued population growth. 

The operation of buildings accounts for roughly 28% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. If countries and companies are to meet climate change commitments, the revitalization and retrofitting of existing buildings will be key.  

To be part of the climate solution, PCL has developed unique sustainability services not typical for a general contractor. These services focus on client needs to retrofit and decarbonize the large stock of older, existing buildings. The company’s in-house sustainability, decarbonization, building envelope and building systems experts assist clients with portfolio assessments, building performance audits, strategic decarbonization planning, budgeting and scheduling and – ultimately – the delivery of complex retrofit projects. One example of this work is the recent decarbonization of the Fairmont Royal York hotel in Ontario, which will reduce the 94-year-old hotel’s annual carbon emissions by 80% and generate over 35% in utility savings in the first year.

PCL's commitment to sustainability goes beyond individual projects, embracing a collaborative industry-wide approach and continually evolving its green construction services. By actively engaging with leading organizations and offering cutting-edge expertise in renewable energy and low-carbon solutions, the company is helping to shape a more sustainable future. This holistic approach ensures that both clients and communities benefit from innovative, environmentally conscious building practices that are both practical and effective.