Menard Canada has contributed project data and a technical case study to the Responsible Buildings Pact 2025–26 Annual Report, published by the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance.
About the Pact
The Responsible Buildings Pact is a voluntary cross-industry framework for developers, consultants, contractors and suppliers. Signatories commit to staying informed on lower-carbon materials, building a consideration process into their project workflows, and reporting results publicly, including the challenges.
In its second year, the Pact grew from 37 to 58 signatory and supporter organizations. Twenty-three companies reported on 124 pilot projects and avoided almost 111,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, nearly double the first year. The framework also expanded from concrete to include steel.
Menard Canada’s contribution
Menard Canada reported on 15 projects in the construction phase where lower-carbon concrete was considered. A lower-carbon option was recommended for approximately 95% of the concrete volume reviewed. During the same period, 15% of our workforce took part in low-carbon training.
Read the Responsible Buildings Pact 2025–26 Annual Report
Case study: Western North York Community Centre (read more)
The City of Toronto project needed an environmental strategy aligned with the Toronto Green Standard. The site had very soft soils extending to 25 m, so ground treatment was essential.
Menard Canada proposed Controlled Modulus Columns (CMCs) with Wick Drains instead of a deep foundation. Compared with that alternative, the solution reduced the overall quantity of concrete by approximately 30% and simplified the building structure. Low-carbon and low-strength concrete were used where suitable, and carbon outputs were tracked throughout construction.
The project was delivered with the City of Toronto, Pomerleau and MJMA Architecture & Design. It also appears in MJMA’s own case study in the report.
Why it matters
When geotechnical specialists are involved early, ground improvement can be evaluated for material use and carbon performance, as well as for bearing capacity and settlement control.
As a ground improvement contractor, Menard Canada works with project teams to identify opportunities to reduce embodied carbon through efficient foundation systems, material optimization and collaborative design. Taking part in the Responsible Buildings Pact is one way we share that work and learn from others across the industry.
