Burnaby project achieves Platinum sustainability award

Key Takeaways:

• The Holdom Overpass Project in Burnaby, B.C., received an Envision Platinum Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, the program’s highest rating.
• Construction measures have diverted 84% of waste from landfills, used 98% renewable diesel fuel, and incorporated 13% recycled materials.
• The four-lane overpass replaces an at-grade CN rail crossing to improve trade flow to the Port of Vancouver and upgrade local transit links.

The Whole Story:

The Holdom Overpass Project in Burnaby, B.C., has been awarded an Envision Platinum Award by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI), the highest sustainability rating granted under the verification framework. Delivered by the Aecon-Gateway Infrastructure Group General Partnership and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the four-lane grade separation project is designed to eliminate an at-grade rail crossing, streamline freight access to the Port of Vancouver, and enhance local traffic safety and multimodal connectivity.

The independent third-party certification evaluates civil infrastructure across climate resilience, environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and community quality of life. The Burnaby project qualified for the Platinum designation through comprehensive environmental and circular-economy measures on-site. Construction crews diverted 84% of construction waste from landfills, aided by recycling plastic waste through Light House’s Construction Plastics Initiative, while lowering job-site carbon emissions by utilizing 98% renewable diesel fuel, hybrid generators, and electric site vehicles.

The build also substantially exceeded initial procurement sustainability benchmarks, with recycled materials accounting for 13% of all purchased goods against an initial 5% target, alongside 100% supplier compliance with sustainable procurement standards. Additionally, the development incorporates extensive habitat restoration initiatives and new public gathering spaces showcasing local First Nation artwork.

“Receiving an Envision Platinum Award highlights the dedication of our team and partners and reinforces Aecon’s position at the forefront of implementing innovative and responsible construction solutions,” said Scott Marshall, Senior Vice-President, Major Projects West, at Aecon Group Inc.

Jennifer Natland, Vice-President of Properties and Development at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, noted that the award reflects extensive multi-stakeholder collaboration among the port authority, the City of Burnaby, Canadian National Railway Co. (CN), the federal government, local First Nations, and contractor Aecon-Gateway.

The award marks Aecon’s latest Envision recognition, following Envision Platinum certification for the Gordie Howe International Bridge in 2021 and Envision Bronze for York Region’s 2nd Concession Project in 2022.