The Stack in downtown Vancouver has achieved the Canada Green Building Council’s (CAGBC) Zero Carbon Building – Design standard certification. As Canada’s first commercial high-rise office tower to achieve this certification, The Stack sets a new standard for environmental performance across workplaces in Canada.

The 37-storey, AAA-class 550,000 sq. ft. commercial office tower by Oxford Properties is the largest project in Canada to achieve the certification to date. Upon completion later this year, The Stack will become the tallest office building in Vancouver.

The Stack has incorporated many innovative features that minimize carbon emissions, energy and water usage, and landfill waste. These include low carbon building systems, triple-pane glazing on all windows, rainwater management and enhanced air tightness. On-site renewable energy will be achieved through the use of a rooftop photovoltaic solar panel array.

“Oxford’s purpose is to create economic and social value through real estate, and The Stack embodies Oxford’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and decarbonization,” commented Andrew O’Neil, Vice President of Development, Oxford Properties. “The CAGBC certification is the culmination of over five years of planning to pioneer a new zero carbon framework in a high-rise and architecturally-significant office tower, all while juggling the demands of realizing an economically viable commercial project for our stakeholders.

Also targeting LEED v4 Platinum Core and Shell certification, The Stack will deploy smart building technology to provide insights on energy management, optimize building performance and enable preventative maintenance. Designed to encourage active transportation options and promote wellness, The Stack will feature 250 bike parking stalls and club-quality fitness and change facilities for an exceptional customer experience.

“Oxford continues to demonstrate leadership in lowering carbon emissions across their portfolio. With this stand-out project, Oxford is setting a new benchmark for Canada’s top real estate owners,” comments Thomas Mueller, CAGBC president and CEO. “The time is now to target zero carbon in all new building construction and in existing building retrofits. By pursuing LEED v4 in addition to ZCB-Design, Oxford is ensuring The Stack will offer the best in sustainable design: zero carbon emissions, reducing environmental impacts and improving occupiers’ wellbeing.”