Canada Green Building Council announces 2025 award winners

Key Takeaways:

• Jonathan Westeinde received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work advancing sustainable development and green financing models
• The Fairmont Royal York retrofit was recognized as North America’s largest heritage hotel decarbonization project, cutting emissions by over 80%
• The City of Kingston earned dual honours for municipal leadership in sustainability and energy-efficient asset management

The Whole Story:

The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) announced the winners of its 2025 CAGBC Awards during its annual Building Lasting Change conference in Vancouver, highlighting leadership and innovation in sustainable building practices across the country.

The awards recognize achievements in two categories: Green Building Excellence, for standout projects, and Green Building Leadership, for individuals and organizations advancing sustainability in the built environment. A Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented, and CAGBC President and CEO Thomas Mueller was recognized for 20 years of leadership.

Lifetime Achievement: Jonathan Westeinde, Windmill Development Group

Jonathan Westeinde, founder and CEO of Windmill Development Group, was recognized for his long-standing contributions to sustainable real estate. His work has included over $5 billion in high-performance projects and the development of financing models that support low-carbon infrastructure, including geothermal contracts and zero-carbon district energy systems.

Zero Carbon Design: NS Native Women’s Association Resiliency Centre, Millbrook First Nation, NS

Designed by Solterre Design with input from Indigenous leaders and artists, this facility incorporates Mi’kmaq knowledge and high-efficiency building systems. It meets Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard certification with features like a super-insulated envelope, rooftop solar, and efficient ventilation. The building exceeds energy performance codes by 65%.

Deep Carbon Retrofit: Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

KingSett Capital led the transformation of this 1.2 million sq. ft., 96-year-old hotel. The retrofit replaced the steam system with electric heat pumps and connected to Toronto’s Deep Lake Water Cooling system, cutting emissions by over 80% and reducing utility costs by 35%. The project was completed while the hotel remained operational.

Honourable Mention – 240 Markland Drive, Toronto, Ont.

Carttera’s retrofit of a 1960s apartment building cut energy use by 50% and operational carbon to near-zero, using ground-source heat pumps and envelope upgrades.

New Construction: Ronald D. Schmeichel Building, Western University, London, Ont.

This campus facility, designed by Perkins&Will, is targeting LEED Gold certification. It includes geothermal heating and cooling, rooftop solar, and all-electric systems, with flexible and accessible interior spaces aimed at collaboration and sustainability.

Inspiring Home: L’Albédo & CPE La Petite Cour de Mistigri, Québec City, Que.

A 12-storey mixed-use development with 128 energy-efficient housing units and an integrated daycare. The project uses geothermal energy, recovers waste heat from a nearby ice rink, and features green infrastructure and inclusive design.

Green Building Champion: Russell Horne, City of Kingston

Horne has led sustainable upgrades across more than 100 city-owned buildings. His work includes energy audits, retrofits, and the development of a Facilities Net Zero Transition Plan, positioning Kingston as a leader in municipal climate action.

Green Building Visionary: UWCRC 2.0 Inc., Winnipeg, Man.

This non-profit developer has built more than 570 residential units—nearly half of them affordable—while achieving net-zero goals on projects like 308 Colony and Market Lands. The organization integrates climate and social equity priorities across its portfolio.

Emerging Green Leader: Della Wang, Fengate Asset Management

Wang has led the development of Fengate’s Responsible Investment strategy, including physical climate risk assessments and internal sustainability standards. She also contributes to national climate finance and disclosure initiatives.

Government Leadership: City of Kingston – Facilities Management & Construction Services

The city’s FMCS team manages over 160 buildings and has achieved a 21% reduction in GHG emissions per square foot since 2018. The team has implemented solar, EV, and energy-efficiency upgrades while supporting the city’s Net Zero Transition Plan.

Ed Lim Technical Volunteer Award: Steve Kemp, RDH Building Science

A LEED Fellow and longtime technical contributor, Kemp has volunteered more than 1,000 hours with CAGBC and national codes committees. His work has influenced building performance standards and Canada’s net-zero transition.

Leadership Recognition: Thomas Mueller, CAGBC

CAGBC President and CEO Thomas Mueller was recognized for two decades of leadership. Under his direction, Canada became the third-largest LEED territory in the world and launched the first Zero Carbon Building Standards in 2017.

Submissions for the 2026 CAGBC Awards open in January.