As a Design-Build project, the Julius Boulevard Net Zero Industrial Development consists of approx. 400,000 sf of efficient, sustainable, first class construction over two (2) buildings that can accommodate a wide variety of sizes and uses, ranging from 7,980 sf to 230,000 sf. Building A is 230,235 sf, with 31 bay door locations, 40’ bay spacing, 60’ marshalling bays, and 40’ clear height. Building B is 170,445 sf, with 35 bay door locations, 40’ bay spacing, 60’ marshalling bays, and 32’ clear height. With a focus on zero carbon energy building design, this highly energy-efficient building campus produces on-site carbon-free renewable energy and/or high-quality carbon off sets in an amount sufficient to offset the annual carbon emissions associated with the building materials and operations. Base building heating loads are powered through on site renewable power generation and when combined with the thermal mass of the structures, the base buildings are self sustaining through the winter months and can hold internal temperatures for long periods during power outages. These Net Zero buildings were designed primarily in-house and are a leading example of low carbon, sustainable warehousing with low operating costs. The development is centrally located in one of the largest business parks in Atlantic Canada and immediately next door to the fastest growing communities in Halifax. An urban park with superb transportation links (the terminus of four highways), it is strategically positioned 5 kilometers from the PSA Fairview Terminal and PSA Atlantic Hub Terminal.
This project was completed adjacent to existing retail locations which impacted the builder's ability to blast large sections of rock. The slower approach to blasting pushed much of the concrete work into winter. To maintain schedule, various actions were taken including a change to clear stone under slab prep, tarping and heating along with significant snow removal during construction. The scope and budget were under development as construction commenced which resulted in various changes to the design mid-course. The building height was increased and additional solar capacity was added to the roof structure to allow for future growth. All such work was self performed by the Design-Build Contractor.
The panels were quite tall and with the quantity and spacing of bay doors, both the engineering of support legs and panel joints was difficult. Additional knock-out panels were designed to allow for adaptability in the future. Furthermore, due to the size of the panels, 16 point rigging was required which had an impact on timing during tilt days. Additionally, concrete slab pours were complicated due to the quantity of in-floor heat piping that was required to sustain the base building heat during winter. Full heating of the building was accomplished with renewables.
These projects have had a meaningful impact on the local community by advancing sustainable industrial development and setting new regional benchmarks for energy integration. A key example is the project's role in initiating a 'campus study' by the local Power authority to evaluate how the utility could accept up to 1MW of power from the site's solar infrastructure. This was a precedent-setting initiative for the region, influencing how distributed energy resources are integrated into the grid and informing future utility planning for industrial campuses. The project also helped shape a new standard for warehouse design in the region, demonstrating how large-scale industrial buildings can incorporate high-performance envelopes, renewable energy systems, and intelligent controls without compromising operational functionality. By reinforcing 70% of the roof for solar, integrating EV charging infrastructure, and implementing energy-efficient systems, the project supports broader community goals around carbon reduction, energy resilience, and electrification.
Additionally, the use of native landscaping, stormwater bio-retention, and waste diversion practices minimized environmental impact during construction and operation, aligning with local sustainability priorities. Together, these efforts reflect a project that not only meets internal sustainability goals but also contributes to the evolution of community infrastructure and environmental standards.
The project portfolio demonstrates a strategic and measurable commitment to embodied carbon reduction through a combination of smart design, material innovation, and performance-driven upgrades aligned with Zero Carbon Building Design certification. Smart Design & Envelope Optimization: The tilt-up concrete panels were engineered with composite design principles to minimize material use while maintaining structural integrity. This approach reduced the volume of concrete required, directly lowering embodied carbon. The building envelope was upgraded beyond baseline specifications: exterior wall insulation was increased from R-28 to R-30, roof insulation from R-30 to R-40, and overhead doors to R-40. Windows were specified with a maximum U-value of 0.24, SHGC of 0.35, and VT of 0.44. These enhancements not only improve thermal performance but also reduce operational energy demand, indirectly reducing lifecycle carbon emissions. Material Innovation: Concrete mixes incorporated supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash and slag to reduce Portland cement content, a major contributor to embodied carbon. While Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) were not available for all materials, ready-mix designs were reviewed to ensure carbon-conscious sourcing and batching. The project team worked closely with suppliers to align mix designs with embodied carbon reduction goals. Renewable Energy Integration: To support operational decarbonization, 70% of the roof area was structurally reinforced to accommodate a modular solar panel system. The installed array is designed to offset at least 5% of the building’s anticipated annual energy load (gas + hydro), with flexibility to scale based on tenant needs. This proactive integration of renewable energy infrastructure reduces reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources and supports long-term emissions reductions.
The warehouse HVAC system was replaced with a high-efficiency heat pump ERV system, supplemented by natural gas infrared heaters with a minimum 80% efficiency rating. This transition from conventional systems to a Net Zero HVAC strategy significantly reduces both embodied and operational carbon. EV Infrastructure & Future-Proofing: The site includes EV charging infrastructure for both cars and trucks, with built-in expansion capacity. This supports a shift to low-emission transportation and aligns with broader sustainability goals. Certification & Accountability: The project is pursuing Zero Carbon Building Design certification, providing third-party validation of its embodied and operational carbon strategies. This certification process ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with industry-leading benchmarks. Together, these measures reflect a holistic approach to embodied carbon reduction — balancing innovative material use, smart design, and future-ready systems to deliver a resilient, low-carbon industrial facility.
Throughout construction of this campus, a comprehensive waste minimization strategy was implemented to reduce environmental impact and support sustainability goals. A key contributor to waste reduction was the use of reusable formwork and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) for the foundation. This eliminated the need for traditional formwork while simultaneously delivering the required insulation performance, reducing both material use and construction waste. Additionally, composite tilt-up panel engineering allowed us to reduce total concrete volume through detailed structural optimization, directly lowering material consumption and associated waste. We also eliminated non-essential insulation in wall and slab assemblies based on energy modeling feedback, ensuring that materials were only used where they delivered measurable performance benefits. This targeted approach minimized over-specification and reduced surplus material waste. On-site, we prioritized recycling and reuse. Clean concrete waste was crushed and reused as base material where feasible. Wood, steel, and packaging materials were sorted and diverted through local recycling programs. While final diversion metrics are being compiled, preliminary tracking indicates that over 75% of construction waste (excluding ADC) was diverted from landfill. Landscaping was completed using native and site-specific materials, reducing the need for imported aggregates and minimizing packaging and transport-related waste. Operationally, we trained warehouse staff to close bay doors during winter, allowing in-floor heating and unit heaters to cycle off automatically — reducing unnecessary energy use and aligning with our broader waste and emissions reduction goals. These strategies reflect a holistic approach to construction waste reduction, combining innovation, discipline, and performance-driven decision-making.
These two buildings were designed with long-term resilience and durability at the forefront, leveraging the inherent strength and thermal performance of concrete while integrating intelligent systems to enhance operational continuity. The building’s tilt-up concrete walls and slab-on-grade construction provide a robust, impact-resistant envelope that withstands extreme weather events and heavy industrial use. Additional concrete dolly pads and ramps were installed in high-traffic areas to further extend service life and reduce maintenance needs. A key resilience feature is the thermal mass of the concrete slab and interior walls, which acts as a passive energy storage system. This mass, combined with a solar-powered, heat pump-driven in-floor heating system and intelligent controls, allows the building to maintain operational temperatures during winter— even in the event of a power outage. Modeling indicates that even without solar input, the building can remain within functional temperature ranges for several days, significantly enhancing its ability to withstand energy disruptions. To balance durability with embodied carbon goals, foam insulation was optimized to include only what was necessary for performance, avoiding diminishing returns from excessive thickness. This approach preserved thermal efficiency while minimizing material waste and carbon impact. Operationally, staff are trained to close bay doors during winter, allowing heating systems to cycle off automatically and preserve internal temperatures — further supporting energy resilience. These strategies reflect a thoughtful integration of structural durability, passive energy resilience, and operational discipline, ensuring the facility remains functional, efficient, and low-maintenance over its extended service life.
This project was designed with a holistic approach to energy efficiency, integrating both passive and active strategies to significantly reduce operational carbon. Passive strategies began with the building envelope. The tilt-up concrete walls and slab provide high thermal mass, which stabilizes indoor temperatures and reduces heating and cooling loads. Envelope upgrades included increasing wall insulation from R-28 to R-30, roof insulation from R-30 to R-40, and overhead door insulation to R-40. High-performance windows (U-0.24, SHGC-0.35, VT-0.44) further minimized thermal bridging and solar gain. These enhancements were guided by energy modeling to ensure optimal performance without over-specification. Active systems were selected for efficiency and resilience. The warehouse HVAC system was replaced with a high-efficiency heat pump ERV system, supplemented by natural gas infrared heaters (min. 80% efficiency). In-floor heating, powered by solar and heat pump systems, is intelligently controlled to cycle off when bay doors are opened — an operational strategy reinforced through staff training. A solar array, installed on 70% of the structurally reinforced roof, offsets a minimum the base building’s annual energy load. The system is modular and scalable to accommodate tenant-specific energy goals. Together, these strategies position the building to outperform CBECS baselines and align with Zero Carbon Building Design certification requirements. The integration of passive thermal mass, efficient mechanical systems, and renewable energy infrastructure ensures long-term operational efficiency and carbon reduction..
This site was designed with flow restrictions and bio-retention ponds to manage stormwater. These systems capture, filter, and slowly release runoff, removing 80% of total suspended solids before water exits the site. Native and site-specific landscaping reduced irrigation needs and supported infiltration. The tilt-up concrete structure simplified roof drainage, aiding stormwater control. During construction, non-potable water was reused where possible, and ICF reduced water-intensive curing. Low-flow fixtures were installed to minimize operational water use. These strategies reflect a practical approach to reducing runoff and conserving water throughout the project lifecycle.
These projects have had a meaningful impact on the local community by advancing sustainable industrial development and setting new regional benchmarks for energy integration. A key example is the project’s role in initiating a “campus study” by the local Power authority to evaluate how the utility could accept up to 1MW of power from the site’s solar infrastructure. This was a precedent-setting initiative for the region, influencing how distributed energy resources are integrated into the grid and informing future utility planning for industrial campuses. The project also helped shape a new standard for warehouse design in the region, demonstrating how large-scale industrial buildings can incorporate high-performance envelopes, renewable energy systems, and intelligent controls without compromising operational functionality. By reinforcing 70% of the roof for solar, integrating EV charging infrastructure, and implementing energy-efficient systems, the project supports broader community goals around carbon reduction, energy resilience, and electrification.
Additionally, the use of native landscaping, stormwater bio-retention, and waste diversion practices minimized environmental impact during construction and operation, aligning with local sustainability priorities. Together, these efforts reflect a project that not only meets internal sustainability goals but also contributes to the evolution of community infrastructure and environmental standards.
This project was designed to meet the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard, reflecting a commitment to both operational and embodied carbon reduction. The development successfully achieved Zero Carbon Building – Design certification, confirming that the project met stringent performance criteria for energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and carbon accountability. This certification milestone enables the building to move forward as a fully operational zero carbon warehouse in the future, setting a new benchmark for industrial development in the region. Key features supporting certification include: A high-performance building envelope, with upgraded insulation and thermal bridging mitigation. A 523kW rooftop solar array across both buildings, designed to offset a portion of the annual energy load. Heat pump ERV systems and intelligent controls to reduce operational energy use. Selective insulation strategies to reduce embodied carbon while maintaining thermal performance. The certification process was embedded into the project’s design-build workflow from the outset, ensuring that sustainability goals were integrated into every phase of development. The project team collaborated closely with energy modeling consultants and certification advisors to align specifications with CaGBC requirements. This achievement not only validates the project’s sustainability performance but also positions it as a regional leader in low-carbon industrial design, influencing future developments and utility planning.
This project demonstrates innovation across construction, energy, and utility integration — delivering sustainable outcomes while influencing regional standards. The use of tilt-up concrete construction provided a durable, thermally massive envelope that reduced operational energy demand and improved resilience. This method also enabled faster enclosure, reducing schedule risk and allowing interior work to proceed earlier—contributing to both cost and time savings. A standout innovation was the integration of a 523kW rooftop solar array and the structural reinforcement of 70% of the roof to support it. This led to a precedent-setting collaboration with the Power authority which launched a “campus study” to assess how to accept up to 1MW of power from the site. This initiative not only advanced the project’s sustainability goals but also influenced how distributed energy is managed in the region.
The project also featured advanced sensor distribution and intelligent controls, which optimize energy use and maintain indoor conditions even during power outages. These systems, combined with the thermal mass of the concrete slab and walls, allow the building to remain within operating temperature ranges for days without power—enhancing both efficiency and resilience. Material efficiency was achieved through ICF foundations, reusable formwork, and targeted insulation strategies based on energy modeling. These choices reduced embodied carbon and construction waste without compromising performance. Together, these innovations showcase how tilt-up construction can be leveraged to meet aggressive sustainability targets while delivering operational and regional impact.
Halifax, NS B3S 0J5
Canada