Saint-Gobain, through its building products subsidiary CertainTeed Canada Inc., recently unveiled CarbonLow^TM, a new line of low-carbon gypsum wallboard that will be available in Canada starting in 2025. With up to 60% less embodied carbon than traditional alternatives (cradle-to-gate), CarbonLow^TMwill allow contractors and homeowners to utilize the quality CertainTeed solutions they trust, while reducing their environmental footprint.

The range of products includes Easi-Lite®, Type X, M2Tech®, and GlasRoc®, representing a complete portfolio of essential interior and exterior gypsum solutions. The lower embodied carbon wallboard will help architects to achieve building decarbonization in their designs, while requiring no change to standard installation procedures for contractors.

Announced at CertainTeed Canada’s annual Architecture Symposium, the CarbonLow^TM product line will be manufactured at CertainTeed’s facility in Montreal, Quebec, which will soon be North America’s first zero-carbon (scopes 1 and 2) gypsum wallboard facility. CertainTeed is upgrading its equipment and transitioning the plant to run entirely on hydroelectric power, eliminating its reliance on fossil fuels.

CarbonLow^TMis more than just a high-quality product line—it is the fulfillment of Saint-Gobain’s promise to deliver solutions that drive the decarbonization of the built environment. To learn more, visit www.carbonlowgypsum.ca.

When it comes to structural materials for large-scale storage facilities, durability is a top priority—especially in environments where corrosion is a major concern. For a landmark project set to be completed in 2026, wood has proven to be the ideal solution, offering both strength and resilience in a corrosive setting.

The storage facility, located on a reclaimed island with challenging soil conditions, required a structure capable of withstanding both environmental and operational stresses. Glulam was the best structural choice for this application, selected for its strength and natural resistance to corrosion. Its durability in demanding conditions ensures long-term performance while supporting the facility’s expansive design.

The structure includes 164-foot curved glulam beams spanning an impressive 233 feet and covering nearly seven acres. It is a landmark project for Western Archrib, the mass timber supplier, featuring the largest volume of glulam the company has ever supplied to a single development. That’s a notable milestone for a company approaching it’s 75th anniversary, with a robust portfolio of hundreds of projects that includes 50 storage facilities, nearly all of which are still in service today.

Western Archrib was responsible for the complete design and supply of the timber structure above the foundation, working closely with the project team from the early design phase to ensure a seamless transition into construction. With a portfolio that includes over 50 large-span storage facilities, the company’s extensive experience in long-span timber structures and precision fabrication provided the client with the confidence needed to move forward with a wood-based solution.

As this facility nears completion, it stands as yet another example of how wood continues to push the boundaries of modern infrastructure—demonstrating its reliability, durability, and adaptability in even the most challenging environments.

PROJECT TEAM

Architect: Openspace Architecture

Engineering, Procurement and Contract Manager: Jacobs

General Contractor: Maple Reinders

Mass Timber Design Assist & Supply: Western Archrib

Installation: KWH Constructors Ltd