Sustainable and Responsible

Engineering at CIMA+
A guide to integrating sustainability at every stage
of a project
CIMA+ JULY, 2021
 TABLE
OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM 2. SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR PROJECTS 7 5. INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY

THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 1 The design stage: A crucial stage 9 INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT 27
Certifications and performance indicators 10
Examples of environmental certifications 10 1 Proposal 29
1. WHY A GUIDE FOR SUSTAINABLE Content for proposals 31
Performance indicators related to sustainability 12
AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+? 3 Estimation of fees 31
Sample projects 14
2 Planning: Expert report, preliminary design
and report 32
3. WHAT MOTIVATES OUR CLIENTS TO Definition of integrated design process (IDP) 32
RESPECT THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY? 17
3 Execution: Studies, drawings and specifications 34
210705_Sustainable_engineering_Guide_v6.indd

4. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 21 4 Execution: Supervision and project management 35

Knowing our clients 22 5 Closeout 36

Points to consider with respect to incorporating 6 Operation and maintenance 37

sustainability into projects 23
Legislation and regulations 24
Risk management and value creation 24 6. TOOLKIT 39
Stakeholders 24
Follow-up and performance indicators 25

Financial assistance programs 25

This guide is the exclusive property of CIMA+ and is

protected by copyright. Any reproduction, distribution,
modification, publication, translation or retransmission,
in whole or in part, in any form whatsoever, is strictly
prohibited without the prior written permission of CIMA+.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
 MESSAGE FROM
THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The time for debate is over. The greatest challenge facing the planet in
the 21st century is related to sustainability.

As an engineering consulting firm, we have an important
role to play as an agent of change, and we must integrate
sustainable development into our service offering.
I am therefore extremely proud to present this Guide
for Sustainable and Responsible Engineering, which will
help you accompany our clients in this fundamental shift.
The Guide represents a significant step in our progress
towards assuming a leadership role in sustainability.
I am counting on all of you to familiarize yourselves with
the concepts described in this guide, and to apply them
at every stage of the life cycle of the projects that are
entrusted to us. This approach will allow us to enhance
our service offering and to propose innovative and
sustainable solutions to our clients.
Numerous tools and resources have been made available
to accompany you through this process. I have no doubt
that our team will be able to take up this major challenge
in order to protect the environment and the community,
while setting ourselves apart from the competition.

Once again, thank you all for your cooperation

and dedication.

François Plourde

SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+ 1

2 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
Why a guide for sustainable
1.
and responsible engineering
at CIMA+?

3
WHY A GUIDE FOR
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+?
Sustainability is no longer a trend. It is now a new operational approach that is
essential for ensuring the long-term survival of any business.
This concept requires that business operations be
conducted in a manner that accords equal importance to
the environment, people and financial considerations.
Organizations, including engineering firms, must adapt to
these new market realities and to the challenges arising
from climate change in particular. The Special Report
issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change1 in 2019, which was a collaborative work of 91
researchers from 40 countries based on more than 6,000
scientific papers, is very clear on this subject:
Limiting global warming to 1.5 °C would require
rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes
in all aspects of society.
1
Global Warming Special Report 1.5°C
4 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
As a leading engineering consulting firm in this country,
we must collaborate and act as a responsible corporate
citizen. Operationalizing sustainable development
requires company wide changes throughout the
organization in order to develop an organizational culture
and action plan that will lend credibility to the
engagement of CIMA+. It is this engagement that will
allow CIMA+ to take on a greater leadership role with
respect to sustainable and responsible development, and
to create long-term value for the community and the firm.
In short, incorporating sustainability into our activities will
allow us to accomplish the following:
> Meet the expectations and requirements of our clients
> Align ourselves with the current generation of
employees who want to work for organizations that
have adopted a more noble mission
> Manage risk, including the risk associated with climate
change
> Gain a competitive advantage
 WHY A GUIDE FOR
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+?

CIMA+ has already taken several steps in order to position ourselves as a sustainability leader.

2012 2015 2017 2020

The Executive Committee
integrates corporate social
responsibility (CSR) as one
of CIMA+’s corporate values
The first biennial CSR report
(2013-2014) was produced
to assess CIMA+’s
performance in terms of
sustainability
CIMA+ hired PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct a
sustainability assessment, which concluded that CIMA+
needed to take on a greater leadership role in order to meet
the expectations of its clients and employees in terms of
both its service offering and its internal practices.
Launch of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainability (CES)
to ensure a harmonized approach to sustainability across all
offices and business sectors at CIMA+. The CES Intranet page
provides a single window for accessing the business
intelligence of CIMA+ related to sustainability.

www.pwc.com/ca

Social Responsibility Report
2013 - 2014
CIMA+
Positioning for a Future
Sustainability Strategy
A Fresh Perspective
October 20th, 2017

In light of this, what can we do to improve our sustainable development practices and procedures at CIMA+?

Because of our profession, we are involved in large-scale
projects in partnership with our clients, from design to
completion, which means that we play a significant role
as agents of change. This Guide provides information to
steer you through the process of incorporating
sustainability into every stage of your projects.
This will direct you throughout this Guide and steer
you toward the additional information and tools on the
CES Intranet page. At the end of the Guide, you will find a
toolkit where you may be surprised to learn that many
individuals and sectors within CIMA+ already offer a range
of sustainability services that could be of use to you in
your projects.
This Guide is intended for all professional and technical
staff at CIMA+, including but not limited to engineers,
architects, urban planners, biologists and technicians.
It is meant to be a living document that will be revised
and updated periodically to remain relevant. We invite
you to submit your comments and suggestions to
sustainability@cima.ca or on the Questions or something
to share section of the CES Intranet page

SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+ 5

6 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
Sustainability in our projects
2.

7
SUSTAINABILITY
IN OUR PROJECTS

Engineering projects can represent powerful engines for social and environmental change. However, in order for this to happen,
we must rethink the way we work, remain open-minded and focus on innovation.

The purpose of this section is to propose working
methods based on best practices that are applicable at
every stage of a project. Here are a few of the basic
principles underlying our approach:
> INNOVATE – Go beyond mere compliance with the
applicable laws, codes and regulations as we research
sustainable options and solutions for our clients.
> COLLABORATE – Work with stakeholders to find an
integrated sustainable development approach and
solutions that will benefit society.
No thanks!
We have
too much work!
> ENHANCE OUR SERVICE OFFERING – Beginning with
the proposal stage, conduct comprehensive impact
and opportunity assessments throughout the
infrastructure lifecycle.
> EDUCATE – Promote sustainable products and the
efficient use of resources by adopting strategies aimed
at reduction, reuse, recycle, ease of maintenance and
deconstruction2, taking into account the costs and
impacts over the full lifecycle.
> INFLUENCE – Contribute to building a sustainable,
safe and equitable society based on protection of the
environment.
By putting these principles into practice, our teams can
act as agents of change and ensure sustainable solutions
for our clients.

Are you too busy to work on improving yourself? Ensuring the success of our
projects means we must work together and be attentive.

2
Selective and considered destruction of building components with a view to
recycling or reusing some or all of the materials

8 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+

 SUSTAINABILITY
IN OUR PROJECTS

The design stage: A crucial stage

This is the stage at which the project team makes its decisions concerning materials, features, technologies, the That is why this Guide emphasizes an integrated design
manufacturing process, potential suppliers, etc. The decisions made during the design stage can affect as much as approach, which is a proactive approach that stimulates
80% of the environmental and social impacts of a project. Poor decisions can have repercussions throughout the innovation during the early stages of a project with the
lifecycle of the project. Therefore, upstream decision-making can reduce negative impacts even before they arise. goal of ensuring that the project will have a positive impact
on the environment and on society. This approach requires
Impact of early design stage decisions on project performance the participation of all stakeholders and consideration for
Significant impact Rapidly declining impact Slight impact the lifecycle of the structure, equipment and materials,
from extraction of primary materials to decommissioning,
including manufacture, transportation and utilization. It is
Potential i
n fl u e also based on a comparison of the performance, costs,
nce impacts and risks of various solutions.

For example, consider the aging of infrastructure, which

is an increasingly important issue in all sectors of
engineering. Management of the waste generated by the
rehabilitation of existing infrastructure has a significant
impact on the environment. A lifecycle-based approach
that begins in the design stage would propose recycling
strategies for materials that cannot be reused and
rehabilitation of the infrastructure when it reaches the
end of its service life.
s
ange
Cost of ch

Planning: Execution: Execution:

Expert report, preliminary Studies, drawings Supervision and Operation
Proposal designs and report and specifications project management Closeout and maintenance

Source: Boyd C. Paulson, Jr., M.ASCE. Designing to reduce construction costs. 1976, Journal of the construction division: 587-592

SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+ 9

 Centre de loisirs
Westmount
SUSTAINABILITY
IN OUR PROJECTS

Certifications and performance indicators Examples of environmental certifications

Ideally, the project team should aim to earn one of the
recognized environmental certifications during the
design stage, for the following reasons:
> They are based on best practices in the industry
> They are verified by a third party
> They can be a powerful communication and marketing
tool
> They provide a frame of reference to assist
stakeholders in the decision-making process
> They provide a system for setting environmental goals
Although obtaining a recognized environmental
certification should be prioritized as a general rule, it may
not apply to your project.
In recent decades, a number of environmental Photo: Nicolas McComber
certification rating systems have been introduced to
establish standards for sustainable construction. Some of
the best known include LEED, Living Building Challenge,
Green Globes, WELL, TRUE, PEER, SITES, GRESB,
ENVISION, Parksmart, BREEAM, etc. These national and
international programs share the common goal of making
built environments more sustainable for the health of the
planet while improving the quality of life of its occupants.
Take a look at our matrix of environmental
certifications by sector and by region, including a list of
financial assistance programs.

If this is the case, you should consider using performance

indicators related to sustainable development, based on
your client’s priorities and concerns.

10 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+


Three environmental rating systems widely used in Canada and globally recognised are described below:
LEED: Green building
If there is one certification that has proven itself in the
sustainable building market, it is LEED. The main goals of
this rating system are to raise awareness of building design
and construction approaches with low environmental
impact and to establish guidelines on sustainable
practices. In fact, many professionals credit LEED with the
evolution of construction standards related to sustainable
development. There are four certification levels that can
be earned in the areas of new construction (LEED BD+C),
existing buildings (LEED O+M), commercial interiors
(LEED ID+C) and neighbourhood development (LEED ND).
LEED is currently the most popular certification on the
global market. CIMA+ has already been involved in more
than 100 projects that have targeted LEED certification,
and many of our employees have obtained their LEED
accredited professional designation.
WELL: Health and Well-being of occupants
Unlike LEED, this certification is based on an approach
that focuses on the health of a building’s occupants
rather than its direct impact on the environment and the
planet. This standard encourages the creation of spaces
that support the health and well-being of occupants,
focusing on indoor air quality, architecture that is
conducive to good lifestyle habits and high productivity.
WELL v2 is applicable to many different types of spaces,
such as office, retail and even kitchen spaces. It is also
possible to pursue WELL v2 certification for Core and
Shell projects and multifamily residential buildings with at
least five dwelling units. A building that is WELL certified
contributes to the health and wellbeing of its occupants,
increasing employee retention, reducing absenteeism
and improving corporate performance.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
SUSTAINABILITY
IN OUR PROJECTS
Envision: High-performance infrastructure
This one-of-a-kind certification does not focus on
buildings as such, but rather on infrastructure projects
(e.g.: bridges, freeways, water treatment plants, etc.). On
the one hand, it can serve as a useful decision-making
tool, while on the other hand, it encourages the creation
of high-performing civil infrastructure assets that have a
beneficial impact on the population, the environment and
the economy in the regions affected by the project.
11
SUSTAINABILITY
IN OUR PROJECTS

Performance indicators related to sustainability

Water consumption and quality Energy efficiency Consumption of raw materials

> Reduction of water consumption during construction > Reduction of energy consumption during construction
and operation and operation
> Rainwater recovery > Use of renewable energy sources
> Reduction of waterway pollution > Enhanced commissioning
> Control and verification (IPMV)
> Reduction of waste during construction and operation
> Specification of products with Environmental Product
Declaration (EPD) and Health Product Declaration (HPD)
> Use of products with recycled and regional content

Air quality GHG reduction Social acceptability of the project

> Continuous analysis of indoor and outdoor air quality
> Reduction of air pollution during construction and
operation
> Carbon footprint assessment
> Report on the intrinsic carbon in construction
materials: Lifecycle analysis
> Use of low global warming potential refrigerants
> Improved quality of life in the community
> Stakeholder engagement approach
> Leadership

12 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+


Infrastructure resiliency
> Assessment of the long-term risks associated with the
project
> Enhancing Critical Infrastructure Resiliency
Circular economy
> Optimization of resource utilization
> Ecodesign
> Recycling and upcycling to give new life to resources
Analysis of lifecycle cost
> Define the long-term shared vision of the project
through the Integrated Design Process (IDP)
> Carry out a financial analysis of the net present value
(NPV) and return on invested capital (ROIC)
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
SUSTAINABILITY
IN OUR PROJECTS
Many of your colleagues can help to guide you through
the process, regardless of the type of project. Click on the
link below to access the list of CIMA+ employees with
professional accreditation or expertise in sustainability and
feel free to contact them to discuss your projects.
Your colleagues with professional accreditation or
expertise in sustainable development
13
SUSTAINABILITY
IN OUR PROJECTS
Sample projects
Here are two case studies to help you determine the right
certifications to seek or the various performance
indicators to incorporate at the design stage. These
projects were executed by CIMA+ employees.
Photos: Clément Robitaille
14 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
1 LEED certification:
New head office for Caisse Desjardins de Lévis (Internal number: Q111263A)
Description
This building, which houses the head office for Caisse
Desjardins de Lévis, is LEED-NC Silver certified. The primary
objective of this project was to design a building that
would become a reference for a high-quality workplace.
Services rendered by CIMA+
CIMA+ was responsible for electromechanical
engineering, with the goal of achieving exceptional
energy performance. The quality of CIMA+ contributions
resulted in the earning of 56 LEED credits, distributed as
follows: sustainable site development (16), water
efficiency(7), energy and atmosphere (14), materials and
resources (4), indoor environmental quality (11) and
design innovation (4).
The new head office delivers performance that is far
superior to what is required under Canada’s National
Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB 1997). CIMA+’s design
led to a 41% reduction in overall energy consumption for
the building relative to the reference building described
in the MNECB, despite its large glazed area. The energy
simulation that was conducted indicated reductions in
energy consumption of 56% for heating, 35% for air
conditioning, 45% for ventilation and 42% for lighting.
A chilled beam ventilation and air conditioning system
ensures optimal comfort for building occupants, along
with virtually noise-free operation, at minimal energy cost.
A geothermal system was also installed to provide close to
80% of the energy required for heating and air conditioning.
The sustainable design of this building has a positive
impact not only on the environment, but also on society.
The 225 employees of the Caisse Desjardins de Lévis
head office now enjoy a dynamic, healthy and
comfortable working environment that is conducive to
productivity. The most meaningful indicator is the general
state of health at the Caisse, which recorded its best
absenteeism performance in years one year after
completion of this project.
For more information, contact:
Julien-Jean Charland or Denis Fortin

2 Social acceptability as a performance indicator: Dam 24 and Buckhorn Dam hydroelectric projects (Internal number: HS00164)
Description
Two sites on the Trent-Severn Waterway were considered
for two hydroelectric projects to be jointly owned by the
Peterborough Utilities Inc. and an Aboriginal community
known as the Curve Lake First Nation of the Williams
Treaties First Nations. CIMA+ was tasked with preparing
an Indigenous Community Engagement Plan using the
First Nations’ engagement process and protocols.
Services rendered by CIMA+
From the initial stage, the design of the projects had to
satisfy the constraints and requirements applicable to the
Trent-Severn Waterway and protect the traditional
environments of the First Nations. CIMA+ began by
designing a consultation plan based on the processes
and protocols established by the First Nation community.
Over a period of one year, CIMA+ organized meetings with
the community for each of the sites, moderated discussion
groups (primarily with the elders) and hired a cultural
heritage consultant to ensure that the hydroelectric
projects would take into account the cultural sensibilities
of the First Nations with respect to the Waterway.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
SUSTAINABILITY
IN OUR PROJECTS
The information that CIMA+ presented throughout the
development process provided understanding of the
hydroelectric projects, the environment surrounding the
project sites, the anticipated environmental effects and
the impact of the management strategies for all levels of
government, the Aboriginal communities, local and
regional interest groups and the general public.
Through a collaborative consultation process, the Council
was able to gain the support of community members to
proceed with the provincial and federal approval
processes for this project.
For more information, contact:
Tami-Joy Sugarman or Kai Markvorsen
CIMA+ has carried out numerous projects that
incorporate various sustainability measures for
various types of infrastructure assets. You can click
on some of the pictures in this guide for examples of
projects that were carried out by CIMA+.
15
16 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
What motivates
3.
our clients to respect the
principles of sustainability?

17
WHAT MOTIVATES OUR CLIENTS TO
RESPECT THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY?

Our private-sector clients are increasingly conscious of the impacts of their projects on the environment and on society, and
many of them ask us to propose sustainable development strategies. In terms of the public sector, the federal, provincial and
municipal governments have begun to subscribe to the principles of sustainable development by incorporating them into their
strategic priorities and requiring service providers to meet specific criteria.

Here are the main factors behind this interest and the Local legislation and regulations Capital investments
increasing demand for sustainable development among
our clients: Many of our clients have aligned their strategies and Investments in the field of sustainable development
projects with regional or provincial standards. continue to increase in Canada.

Examples: Municipal sustainable building policies,
voluntary provincial standards, such as the Energy Step
Code in British Columbia, government sustainable
development strategies, etc.
Clients are focusing more on maintenance costs over the
lifecycle of infrastructure assets and on the efficiency of
processes in terms of resource utilization (e.g.: energy,
water). Clients in industrial sectors are also seeking to
optimize their processes.

Examples: Public funds, private capital investments and

public-private partnerships intended to accelerate the
deployment of more resilient infrastructure assets and
clean and renewable technologies.

18 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+

 WHAT MOTIVATES OUR CLIENTS TO
RESPECT THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY?

Pressure from stakeholders
Project stakeholders are now more conscious of
environmental and social issues than ever before. They
are increasingly demanding, and they expect companies
to implement CSR through concrete actions. CIMA+
clients are no exception, and our reputation depends on
our ability to respond to these requirements.
Examples of stakeholders: Companies, employees,
shareholders, citizens groups, governments, NGOs, the
general public, etc.
New technologies and innovation
Sustainable development is a major innovation engine in
our projects. With the shift to digital and the emergence
of intelligent infrastructure assets, leading-edge
technology helps to enhance the environmental
performance of projects.
Examples: Energy efficiency of buildings, waste reduction,
optimized resource consumption, water purification,
renewable energy sources (wind, solar and clean biofuels),
intelligent cities and sustainable mobility, etc.
Our engineering methodology must result in the design
of infrastructure that are in perfect harmony with the
needs of clients over their entire lifecycle, which includes
operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, transformation
and durability. Our clients expect us to assist them in
making better decisions, and to offer them innovative
strategies and cost-effective and sustainable options.
Best practices and sample projects

SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+ 19

20 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
Business development
4.

21
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
Business development is a very important activity where the incorporation of sustainable development strategies into projects
can begin. In light of this, it is important to correctly identify and understand the client’s sustainability needs.
In addition to knowing the client, it is a good idea to
broaden our horizons by becoming familiar with the major
trends, new technologies, issues affecting the sector, etc.
Taking inspiration from sample projects, we can derive
effective approaches for our own projects. Therefore, it is
crucial to keep abreast of what our competitors are doing
and what is going on in the rest of the world in the area of
sustainability. It is also important to remember that we
want to promote a partnership approach with our clients.
We want to forge long-term relationships with them and
motivate them to make better choices throughout the
service life of their infrastructure.
22 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
Knowing our clients
At CIMA+, excellence in engineering means offering
optimal solutions within a multidisciplinary approach.
Our clients come from a number of different sectors,
and therefore, it is unlikely that they will all be at the same
point in the process of incorporating sustainability into
their activities, products and services. Each organization
and every individual has a unique level of understanding
and receptiveness with respect to sustainability.
Applying the principles of sustainable development may
be perplexing for some clients, especially in the
industrial, petroleum and mining sectors. Other clients
might have their own reasons for being less open to
incorporating these principles into their projects (e.g.:
fear of change and the additional costs that may result,
the economic situation, etc.).
As a result, it is our responsibility to inform our clients of
the benefits of sustainable development and to help them
make this shift of direction with full confidence. It’s a
matter of leading them to change their vision of their
projects by offering them innovative solutions, from
construction to maintenance to operation.
To the extent possible, each of us must identify the
type of client we are dealing with. This means asking
the right questions and listening carefully in order to
understand their issues, needs and constraints, as well
as their fears and concerns with respect to sustainable
development, while keeping in mind the economic
situation and market conditions.
Website, publications and strategies
Visit the client’s website to ascertain their position with
respect to sustainable development, including:
> the company’s sustainable development policy or
report (sometimes included in the annual report)
> the company’s mission, vision and values
> the company’s statement of principles or strategic plan
Context and situation
> Market issues
> Competition
> Economic situation
> Corporate positioning
> Pressures exerted by various stakeholders
> Environmental policies applicable to the project

In order to assist us in this process, a matrix of
environmental certifications by sector has been
developed that will allow us to understand the third party
rating systems that apply to the various types of projects
and recognize opportunities for incorporating sustainable
development principles. The list also serves as a directory
of financial assistance programs for certain types of
sustainable development projects.
Environmental matrix
Once the analysis has been completed, we can tailor our
message to the client and propose customized strategies
and approaches for incorporating sustainability principles
into the project.
Best practices and sample projects
Points to consider with respect to incorporating sustainability into projects
Once you have completed the steps described in the
preceding sections, you will already have an
understanding of the client and the context that will allow
you to identify potential challenges or opportunities. This
section provides a few examples of additional questions
that you can ask clients in order to help you better
understand the context of the project and determine how
sustainable development criteria can be incorporated
into the general objectives of the project. These targeted
questions fall into four categories: applicable legislation
and regulations, risk management and value creation,
stakeholders, and follow-up and performance indicators.
We are aware that we are not necessarily in a position to
influence the decision as to whether or not a project
should be undertaken, but reflecting on it might make it
possible to improve it, and in some cases, to propose
mitigation measures.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
Pursuant to the Envision environmental certification
system, it is important to ask the following two
questions for all types of infrastructure projects:
> Are we doing the project right?
> Are we doing the right project?
For example, according to the Envision framework,
plans for the construction of a new freeway may
incorporate sustainable development criteria, such
as the preservation of wildlife corridors, stormwater
treatment and infiltration and the incorporation of
recycled materials. However, if the freeway
contributes to increasing traffic congestion and
urban sprawl, its overall contribution to sustainable
development would be less than that of an alternative
solution, such as expanding public transit services.
Checklist: Points to consider when incorporating
sustainability into projects
23
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
Points to consider with respect to incorporating sustainability into projects (continued)
Legislation and regulations
Is the project subject to federal, provincial and
municipal environmental legislation (environmental
and social impact studies)?
Is the client required to obtain a certificate of
authorization for the project?
Is there a specific legal requirement to conduct an
environmental and social impact study for the project?
Is the client required to carry out a socioeconomic
impact study in order to understand the financial, social,
economic and environmental benefits of the project?
Does the client’s project require outside financing, or is
it eligible for climate resiliency subsidies offered by
the various levels of government?
Does the client already report to the proper
stakeholders with respect to its management of GHG
emissions and its resiliency action plans?
Is the client a major GHG emitter in Canada or a fuel
distributor that is entitled to make use of the carbon
pollution pricing mechanisms pursuant to the federal
government’s Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean
Growth and Climate Change?
24 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
Risk management and value creation
Has the client assessed the project’s strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT)?
What are the risks related to sustainable development
if the status quo is maintained? For example: What are
the risks related to climate change, to soil, water or air
contamination, to the quality of life of shoreline
residents, etc.?
Has the client assessed the project’s potential for value
creation?
Does the client have expectations with respect to the
lifecycle of the project, including decommissioning
(deconstruction, recycling, reuse)?
Has the client considered developing robust
integrated management systems in order to reduce
risk, especially with respect to health and safety, the
environment and asset management?
Can the construction budget be linked to the
operation and maintenance budget?
Is the client committed to creating and formalizing
policies and procedures related to managing its
environmental footprint?
Has the client identified actions to build resilience to
climate change?
Stakeholders
Does the client have a process for clearly identifying the
stakeholders and the members of the community,
and for establishing a collaborative and knowledge-
sharing relationship with them?
Will this be a high-profile project, and will the
stakeholders be more inclined to take a favourable view
of it if it meets sustainable development objectives?
Will the project be carried out near an ecosystem or
community, and is there a risk that it could negatively
impact them?
Is the project funded by third parties that have
expectations with respect to sustainable development?
Does the nature of the project contribute to solving
a complex societal problem for which sustainable
designs already represent a best practice? For
example: Sustainable mobility and urban planning,
smart cities, the trend toward greener and more
intelligent buildings, etc.
Will the project be carried out near an Aboriginal
community, and will collaboration with its members
be possible?
Have all major potential benefits been identified and
assessed in order to take advantage of all of the positive
opportunities for the community or ecosystem?

Follow-up and performance indicators
What follow-up procedures are in place to ensure
efficient management of the risks and opportunities?
Has the client identified indicators for measuring the
performance of the project and reporting it to the
major stakeholders?
Does the client already have a certified management
system, or has it modified its existing management
systems to conform to an international standard?
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
Financial assistance programs
Although implementing a solution that focuses on
sustainable development can often result in long-term
savings, it generally requires a substantial initial
investment. There are many financial assistance programs
available to support companies and other clients in
taking this approach. These programs often provide an
incentive for incorporating sustainability solutions. Here
are a few examples:
> https://transitionenergetique.gouv.qc.ca/en/
> https://www.hydroquebec.com/business/
programs-tools/
> https://www.energir.com/en/business/grants/
energy-efficiency-programs/
> https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/business/
programs.html
> https://goenergy.ca/
ontario-energy-rebates-incentive-programs/
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+ 25
26 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
Incorporating sustainability
5.
into every stage of a project

27
INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY
INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT

This section contains strategies and approaches for

incorporating sustainability criteria into every stage of projects
in all business sectors at CIMA+.
Photo: Steve Montpetit
Here is an overview:

Table 1: Proposed work methodology

Project stage Actions to be taken

1 Proposal Prepare an enhanced proposal

2 Planning: Expert report, Research customized and optimal solutions

preliminary design and report

3 Execution: Identify strategies / solutions

Studies, drawings and incorporate them into the project
and specifications
Prepare the expert reports and studies required
(lifecycle, sustainable development)
and deliver reports with recommendations

Review the design and make

the necessary changes

4 Execution: Ensure worksite supervision

Supervision and project and commissioning services
management

5 Closeout Follow the process for closing out the project

6 Operation and maintenance Ensure performance tracking

and client support

28 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+

 INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY
INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT

1 Proposal
The first step is to analyze the various applicable
sustainability services to see which ones are likely to add
value to your proposal. Although there are specific
requirements that must be met in the case of public-sector
requests for proposals, value can be added in the following
sections of the proposal: project comprehension,
recommended approach or methodology (elements
found in most requests for proposals).
The enhanced proposal template with three options, see
example on page 30, can be used for private-sector
clients, and in the case of negotiated contracts, to draw
their attention to sustainable development solutions that
are feasible and applicable to their project and are suited
to their needs. This template includes various criteria
related to sustainable development and allows for
comparison of three different scenarios.
The template or its component elements can be
incorporated into every type of proposal, and even in
response to requests for proposals related to functional
and technical programs (FTPs); for example, in
connection with the recommended methodology or
approach. This allows us to demonstrate that we have
taken all the parameters and issues associated with the
project and its lifecycle into account, and that we are
using this information to develop a more in-depth
evaluation in order to add value to the project.

Here are some of the value-added services offered

by CIMA+:
> Resiliency with respect to the impacts of climate change
> Optimization / responsible use of resources
> Inventory of a carbon footprint
> Commissioning and recommissioning
> Sustainable mobility
> BIM / IDP
> Energy efficiency
> Renewable energy
> Performance tracking
> Client support for maintenance and operation

SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+ 29

INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY
INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT

Example of how to use the enhanced proposal template with 3 options

Criteria / parameters Project as defined by the client Project with sustainable value creation Exemplary and innovative project

Budget* $ $$ $$$

Potential for savings (energy, optimization

and responsible use of resources, lifecycle
Limited Moderate High
analysis [construction, maintenance and
operation])

Operating costs Substantial Moderate Significantly lower

Involvement of and feedback from

Impact on the community – Involvement of stakeholders
stakeholder throughout the project

Proposes sustainable development

Meets the requirements set out in Proposes innovative practices aimed at
Impact on the environment practices that allow for reduction of
applicable legislation and regulations conserving or restoring the environment
environmental impacts

Resiliency with respect to the impacts of

Limited Moderate High
climate change

Higher level of environmental certification

Environmental certification Envision, WELL, LEED, TRUE, SITES, etc.
(Gold-Platinum)
*Budget: Rough estimate intended to indicate an order of magnitude to the client

30 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+


Content for proposals
Examples, sample text and reference documents,
including the sustainable development certifications
matrix, are available to assist you in preparing your
proposals. This matrix is a tool that allows for quick
identification of the appropriate environmental
certification by type of project, and indicates the
applicable subsidies offered in each region.
These resources can be found in the CES toolkit.
INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT
Estimation of fees
It is important to properly estimate the hours of work in
the project in order to develop a realistic budget for its
successful completion, in accordance with sustainable
development principles.
The objective is to ensure that the fees are adequate to
allow for the incorporation of innovative sustainability
solutions and to cover the additional services that are
proposed, over and above the basic services that we offer.
Begin by consulting a sustainability resource to assist you
in clearly understanding the objectives and essential
tasks that will be required throughout the course of the
project. The proposal must indicate all of the activities
and deliverables required for each stage of execution of
the project, including calculations to be carried out and
documentation to be completed in order to obtain
environmental certification.
For example, if a project is seeking LEED certification for
the construction of a new building, the fees associated
with the preliminary LEED calculations at the start of the
project and with the preparation of the complete LEED
documentation at the end of the project must be
included. There are many LEED calculations and
documents that must be supplied, which will require an
investment of time by the project engineers.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY
Here are some examples:
> Calculation of the reduction in water consumption
inside the building
> Calculation of stormwater management
> Calculation of energy performance under the
ASHRAE 90.1 standard
> Calculation of the outdoor air intake under the
ASHRAE 62.1 standard
> Preparation of a light pollution reduction plan following
IESNA guidelines
> Establishment of rules for ensuring thermal comfort in
accordance with the ASHRAE 55 standard
At this stage, it is also important to decide whether
integrated design process (IDP) charrettes will be
required (see the next section). The Société québécoise
des Infrastructures (SQI) has incorporated IDP into the
construction and property management fields. For more
information concerning the SQI’s approach, click on the
following link:
https://www.sqi.gouv.qc.ca/BIM-PCI/.
Doing this work in advance will increase your comfort
level and enhance your credibility when explaining
the added value of the solutions proposed for the
client’s project and outlining the cost savings that
they will generate over the long term.
31
INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY
INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT
2 Planning: Expert report, preliminary design and report
Once the objectives have been identified through the
client needs analysis during the preceding stage,
feasibility and environmental studies must be conducted
in order to confirm and validate these objectives based
on the principles of sustainability.
The following are some examples of objectives
associated with sustainable development:
> Seeking environmental certification (LEED,
Envision, WELL, etc.)
> Reducing energy consumption or using renewable
energy sources
> Optimizing resource utilization
> Reducing waste generation
> Infrastructure lifecycle analysis:
– Design for repair and refurbishment
– Design for disassembly and recycling at the end
of service life
– Design for project durability
32 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
During the planning stage, it is extremely useful to
prepare a report on the owner’s project requirements. This
document represents the first step of the commissioning
process and includes a definition of the expectations and
performance goals that the owner considers to be
important. It provides a narrative description of the
expectations, and sets out technical requirements related
to the following parameters, among others:
> Performance of installed equipment
> Comfort of occupants/users
> Operational and maintenance needs
> Durability of the infrastructure
> Achievement of environmental certification
In addition, defining clear objectives at the beginning of a
project can be facilitated by conducting a workshop within
the framework of an integrated design process (IDP).
Establishing relationships with all stakeholders as early as
possible is important to ensuring the social acceptance
of a project. Proactive and sustained engagement of
stakeholders helps the owners and the project teams to
obtain a “social licence” to bring the project to
completion. This social licence confirms that the
stakeholders and members of the community accept that
the project will proceed in a spirit of mutual respect,
collaboration and good will.
Definition of integrated design process (IDP)
The integrated design process is an emerging
practice in construction project design, but it can
also be applied to any other type of project. The basic
principle involves bringing together all the key
project stakeholders in order to create a design team.
The philosophy underlying this method is the
creation of a collaborative atmosphere and respect
for the design objectives established by the team.
The entire process is led by an independent
professional known as the “facilitator”, who guides
the team and acts as a catalyst to draw out the best
from everyone.
To maximize the incorporation of ecological criteria,
it is important to organize charrettes* with the
members of the design team while ensuring that the
various stakeholders are represented. They then
become active participants in the development of the
project as a whole, and of the environmental
component associated with the client’s sustainability
objectives. Therefore, the professionals must
prioritize knowledge sharing and demonstrate
open-mindedness in terms of doing things differently
and delivering an exemplary project that promotes
long-term reduction of the environmental impact.
* An intensive multiparty workshop that brings together individuals from various
disciplines and walks of life to collaborate in exploring, creating and producing
design options. Integrated design charrettes can be used for much more than
the incorporation of sustainable development-related solutions. Building
functionalities and occupants’ needs are often discussed.
 INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY
INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT

It is important that the exchanges with the client and the

team members be conducted within a framework like the
IDP in order to establish a common vision of the project
from the beginning. These meetings also serve to specify
building functionalities and the needs of occupants. The
main criteria related to sustainability and the reduction of
environmental impacts throughout the lifecycle can be
assessed within the IDP framework throughout the course
of the project. The goal is to develop synergies among
the various systems and to incorporate the sustainability
criteria that have less impact on the budget, timetable
and scope of the project. These brainstorming sessions
help to find answers to a number of questions, such as:
> Is pursuing an environmental certification feasible for
this project? If not, what performance indicators should
be applied?
> What tool(s) will be used to demonstrate that the
environmental objectives of the project have been
achieved?
> What metrics have been identified to assess progress
in meeting the sustainability objectives throughout the
course of the project?

For assistance in this process, you can consult the

IDP facilitators at CIMA+.

SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+ 33

INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY
INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT
3 Execution: Studies, drawings and specifications
In this stage of a project, it is important to ensure that the
sustainability criteria that have been identified are properly
integrated into the drawings and specifications. This is
generally done in collaboration with the other team
members. For example, if it is decided that rainwater
should be collected in order to supply the toilets, the soil
irrigation system and an underground cistern for cleaning
and maintenance uses, the building systems engineer
must work with the landscape architect and the client’s
maintenance staff to determine the volume of water
required for each system. It is then important to ensure
that the information pertaining to the stormwater
collection system is consistently reflected in all of the
drawings and specifications pertaining to each system.
34 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
A project tracking chart that includes a list of roles and
responsibilities for each project stage is an effective tool for
determining the course of action to be followed throughout
a project based on sustainable development principles.
This project tracking chart will facilitate the following:
> Listing the requirements of the sustainable development
objectives and the documentation required.
> Defining the roles and responsibilities of the engineers
and all members of the project team.
> Clarifying responsibilities in order to ensure that design
decisions are accurately represented in drawings and
specifications, and that the construction details
correspond to the design documentation.
> Establishing the dates of regular meetings and clear
channels of communication in order to resolve problems
quickly and ensure the smooth progress of the project.
The following is the list of the tasks to be carried out
at this stage:
Incorporate the sustainable development criteria into
the project tracking tools (e.g.: checklists and work
schedules).
Draft the basis of design.
Include the specific requirements in a performance
specification.
Ensure that drawings and specifications meet
the sustainability criteria established during the
design stage.
Incorporate sustainability requirements into the
drawings and specifications and identify products,
materials and systems that comply with these
requirements.
During design reviews (DRs), verify whether the initial
objectives have been incorporated into the basis of
design.
Conduct a value analysis.
Hold a start-up meeting to prepare a work plan and
assign roles and responsibilities to each member of the
team.
Attend and participate at the IDP charrettes and
coordination meetings to present the design strategies
and synergies and ensure that the designs meet the
client’s sustainability criteria.
Evaluate the sustainability criteria and develop
strategies to meet environmental requirements.
Validate the owner’s project requirements (OPR).
Validate the information related to the project. Carry
out preliminary calculations and add a narrative
explaining the assumptions made during calculations.
Fill out the forms and produce the required documents.
Incorporate sustainability criteria into drawings and
specifications.
Validate the selection of systems, products and
materials.
Prepare the required documents for projects where
environmental certification is targeted.
 INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY
INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT
4 Execution: Supervision and project management
The project management and work supervision stage is a
crucial stage for putting everything together and
ensuring that the objectives that were established during
the planning stage have been incorporated into the
project. Too often, design objectives are not met due to
inadequate supervision. For example, equivalent
products, materials and systems may be substituted for
those that were identified, and may not allow for
objectives to be achieved, etc.
Moreover, creativity and innovation come into play at the
construction stage in terms of how the design takes shape.
It is important to ensure that the sustainability criteria
identified in the design process are respected during the
construction stage. Rigorous project management and
site supervision must be provided, including compiling
reports, photographs and other documentation to
confirm that the general contractor is complying with
the identified sustainable development criteria.
Photo: Clément Robitaille
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
The following is a list of the tasks to be carried out at
this stage:
Organize a start-up meeting with the general
contractor’s team to ensure that all members have a
clear understanding of the requirements related to
sustainable development. During this meeting, describe
the process to be followed throughout the construction
period, along with the communication plan.
Follow up with the contractors with respect to the
objectives that have been established and hold them
accountable for the environmental performance
of the project.
Ensure that the roles and responsibilities of team
members during the construction stage are clearly
defined, including with respect to inspection
of the work.
Add sustainable development control points to the
project schedule, including pre-commissioning
verification of the building systems.
Conduct periodic inspections following a supervision
plan based on the applicable professional licensing and
regulating body requirements.
Implement the necessary corrective measures if the
project is not meeting the sustainable development
requirements that were established at the beginning.
Review shop drawings, data sheets and all other
documentation provided by the contractor to ensure
that the products, materials and systems are as
indicated in the drawings and specifications.
35
INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY
INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT
5 Closeout
Upon completion of the project, it is important to
ensure that all sustainability criteria have been applied.
If environmental certification is sought for the project, a
complete application for certification file must be ready
for submission to the organization responsible for
conducting the audit.
As part of the commissioning process, training sessions
related to the operation of equipment and installations
must be held for the maintenance and operations team in
order to ensure optimal performance.
36 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
The following is a list of the tasks to be completed at this stage:
Ensure that the owner’s sustainable development
requirements for the project have been fully
incorporated.
Identify any deficiencies and implement the necessary
corrective measures if the project does not meet the
sustainability requirements that were established
at the beginning.
Write a narrative describing the project and the
sustainability criteria incorporated into it.
Photo: Clément Robitaille
Finalize the calculations and narratives to confirm
implementation of the sustainability objectives.
For projects where environmental certification is
sought, prepare the final project file in collaboration
with all team members.
Conduct a project review with the team to identify
what went well and less well, along with areas where
improvement is required in future projects. This can
take the form of a project post-mortem.
 INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY
INTO EVERY STAGE OF A PROJECT

6 Operation and maintenance

The operation and maintenance stage is an important
part of the lifecycle of a project. As professionals, it is
incumbent upon us to explain to the client the need to
closely monitor performance of the installations and
equipment to ensure that the objectives are met and that
any deficiencies are corrected.
Our mission at CIMA+ is to establish partnerships with
our clients. Bearing that in mind, the following questions
are intended to determine how we can continue the
collaboration with our client during the operation and
maintenance stage:
Has the client identified sustainability performance
indicators that apply to the operation stage of
the project?
What sustainable solutions have been incorporated
into the project, and how will they be evaluated during
the operation stage (e.g.: GHG emissions, energy or
water savings)?
Have you identified opportunities to share with the
client the results of the evaluation of the solutions
incorporated into the project in order to strengthen
our relationship with the client and position CIMA+
as a leader in sustainable development?

Photo: Clément Robitaille

SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+ 37

38 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+
Toolkit
6.

39
 TOOLKIT

A number of resources and tools have been created and are available to help you in
incorporating the principles of sustainability into all of your projects, such as:
> A list of your colleagues with a professional Consult the CES regularly for updates and the latest
accreditation or an expertise in sustainability tools and resources.
> A list of sample projects which integrate sustainability
> A matrix of environmental certifications by sector and
by region, including a list of financial assistance
programs
> Guides and standards to help you integrate
sustainability in your projects

40 SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE ENGINEERING AT CIMA+

We invite you to submit your comments and suggestions to
sustainability@cima.ca or on the Questions or something to share
section of the CES Intranet page.

© 2021 CIMA+, All rights reserved.