Trent University’s Forensics Crime Scene Facility is officially the first building in Canada – and just the 11th in the world – to receive the Zero Carbon Certification designation from the International Living Future Institute (ILFI).

During design and construction of the facility, the university prioritized reducing embodied carbon—released during the extraction, manufacturing, and transportation of building materials—and minimizing operational carbon output, including electricity and natural gas usage.

“Achieving ILFI’s Zero Carbon Certification for our renowned Forensics Crime Scene Facility is a testament to Trent’s ongoing dedication to sustainable growth and climate leadership on our campuses,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent. “This certification serves as a gold standard in green construction, requiring 12 months of data to demonstrate that the building meets the carbon targets. We are proud and pleased to be among the small cohort of global leaders – and the first in all of Canada – to have received this certification."

The facility contains climate friendly materials such as cellulose insulation (a plant-based insulation alternative) and wood, to store carbon within the building structure. It is also equipped with a 33-kilowatt solar panel that generates 30% more electricity than the building requires. The building's surplus of energy is shared with Otonabee College, further enhancing the sustainability of the campus.

"Trent University’s Forensics Crime Scene Facility sets a new standard for sustainability in Canada as the first building to achieve the Zero Carbon Certification in the country,” says Liya Temin, senior manager of Certification at ILFI. “By addressing both operational and embodied carbon emissions, their achievement demonstrates a holistic approach to carbon reductions in the built environment.”

ILFI developed its Zero Carbon Certification to address the building sector’s significant role in global greenhouse gas emissions. By requiring that entrants reduce both the embodied carbon released during the construction process and the operational carbon output of the building, and needing 12 months of data required as proof, this certification is recognized for its high standards.