Glotman•Simpson’s role as the structural engineer on Sen̓áḵw – Phase 1, an Indigenous-led development in Vancouver, BC, is projected to eliminate over 7,800 tonnes of embodied carbon setting a new benchmark for sustainable construction in Canada.
Although this study was conducted independently of the building’s design, it reinforces a broader principle we uphold; designing efficiently to reduce environmental impact wherever possible. This approach aligns with our ongoing commitment to our SE2050 commitment and is embedded in our Embodied Carbon Action Plan (ECAP) which guides our efforts to benchmark, optimize, and lower carbon emissions across our projects.
You can read our ECAP here: https://glotmansimpson.short.gy/0FlALy
Senáḵw Development
Sen̓áḵw is an indigenous-led development celebrating the cultural, architectural, artistic, and entrepreneurial heritage of the Squamish Nation. Over the course of several phases, 11 towers will be built. The 4M+ SF project features a mix of market rental homes, below-market rental homes dedicated to Squamish Nation members, and leasehold stratified condo homes.
We commend the project’s commitment to net-zero operational emissions. Minimizing embodied carbon offers a parallel and equally important path to achieving low lifetime emissions, supporting a more holistic approach to sustainability. Together, these strategies position Senáḵw as a compelling example of how data-driven design and carbon accountability can help shape the future of low-carbon, high-impact urban development.
Engineering a Carbon-Aware Future: Senáḵw – Phase 1
Glotman•Simpson served as the structural engineer for Phase 1 of this project, and while the development did not pursue a formal embodied carbon assessment, the City of Vancouver selected it as a candidate for an academic case study to help inform the proposed 2025 Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) updates, which introduce more stringent embodied carbon limits. This collaboration highlights how structural design data can help contribute to the broader policy development and accountability.
Intensity Limit Pathway (360 kgCO₂e/m²)
Baseline Reduction Pathway (10% lower than a functionally equivalent baseline building)
While the measured intensity came in at 423 kgCO₂e/m²— exceeding the fixed cap by 17% due to the tower height, fully glazed façades, and extensive external at-grade structure—the project successfully achieved a 22% embodied carbon reduction compared to a conventional design baseline of the same building typology.
LCA in Action: Structural Decisions with Real Carbon and Cost Impact
As the structural consultants, we worked closely with the design team from the earliest stages to develop an efficient structural system prioritizing material performance and constructability throughout the design process.
- Parking Reduction: Eliminating three levels of below-grade parking saved 18,000 yd³ of concrete and 2,100 tonnes of reinforcing steel, ultimately reducing carbon by 7,800 tonnes and project costs by $9.5 million.
- Transfer Slab Optimization: Strategic column alignments, along with unique sloped columns and façade design, eliminated nearly all L2 transfer slabs, saving 1,800 tonnes of carbon and $2.5M.
- Material Specification: Use of delayed-strength concrete mixes (56 and 91-day), GUL cement, an additional 1,440 tonnes of carbon savings, all with no schedule or cost premium to the client.
Each of these decisions was backed by detailed Life Cycle Assessment modelling – quantifying not only the impact of the structure, but the carbon opportunity in every optimization.
Let’s Build What’s Next
Sen̓áḵw – Phase 1 delivers a clear message: carbon-aware structural design is no longer optional—it’s essential. With the right knowledge, tools, and team, it is also achievable and economically viable.
If you’re looking to incorporate LCA, embodied carbon modelling, or sustainability strategy into your next structural project, we’d be happy to collaborate.
📩 Contact our sustainability engineering team at [email protected]
🔗 Explore the full Sen̓áḵw Phase 1 Case Study: https://glotmansimpson.short.gy/zQSDx2
Written By: Rory Roberts, P Eng – Director of Sustainability | Nick Maerkl, P Eng, C Eng, MIStructe – Principal