Ontario construction industry leaders call for more sustainable building practices

TORONTO, ONT. – A coalition of Ontario civil infrastructure leaders, builders, suppliers and engineers have launched a campaign to urge government leaders to adopt policy changes to increase sustainability in the construction of public infrastructure projects. A government mandate to include just 20 per cent of recycled crushed aggregates (RCA) for critical construction projects like roads, subdivisions, highways, bridges and tunnels can save local governments more than $260 million while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 15 million cars from the road annually.

“Recycled aggregates are cost-effective, sustainable and high-performing and can help municipalities deliver more from their capital plans while helping to reach their net-zero targets,” said Raly Chakarova, executive director of the Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA). “Using more recycled materials in construction projects can preserve non-renewable resources, reduce waste and traffic congestion, and contribute to long-term sustainability.”

According to the coalition, RCA is made from reclaimed concrete and asphalt that would otherwise end up in landfills. By adding it to upcoming infrastructure projects, RCA offers economic advantages for municipalities struggling to address a growing state of good repair backlog and the infrastructure investments needed to keep up with population growth. According to Provincial standards and extensive testing, RCA is as high-performing as primary aggregate. RCA already has a proven track record in Ontario, including in our 400-series highways, Pearson International Airport, house-enabling infrastructure in subdivisions, and Greater Toronto Area transit projects.

The coalition behind the public awareness video promoting the benefits of RCA is comprised of nine leading industry associations representing a diverse range of stakeholders in the construction and infrastructure sector. Together, these organizations are committed to promoting sustainable construction practices, environmental impact and encouraging the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s infrastructure.

The coalition members include:

• Concrete Ontario
• Good Roads
• Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (GTSWCA)
• Heavy Civil Association of Toronto (HCAT)
• Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA)
• Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO)
• Ontario Sand, Stone, and Gravel Association (OSSGA)
• Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)
• Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA)