6 Innovative Startups Aiming to Enhance Building Sustainability

Canada's urgent housing crisis necessitates building 1.3 million homes by 2030, but conventional construction methods are severely detrimental to the environment due to their high carbon emissions. The building and construction industry contributes 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. To address this, the Mission from MaRS: Better Buildings Adoption Accelerator has launched an initiative to help startups commercialize sustainable building technologies. The program's inaugural cohort comprises six ventures focused on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in the built environment.

Adaptis Technologies aims to tackle construction waste, which accounts for over a quarter of global refuse. Utilizing a proprietary AI platform, Adaptis assists building owners and operators in improving energy efficiency and cutting operating costs throughout a building's life cycle. Their technology conducts holistic assessments to offer design and retrofit options and helps building managers achieve environmental certifications while reducing overall emissions.

Cence Power has developed power adaptor hubs that convert Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC) directly at the electrical panel. Since many energy-efficient devices operate on DC power, this innovation minimizes energy loss during conversion, potentially reducing operational energy consumption by over 40%. Their systems cater to various applications, from homes to data centers.

Evercloak is creating specialized membranes to enhance HVAC system efficiency. Thinner than a strand of hair, these membranes filter out humidity, allowing HVAC units to operate more effectively. Evercloak's technology can double a building's cooling efficiency and will undergo testing at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory in 2025.

Intelligent City employs mass timber as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. This Vancouver-based startup utilizes software automation, modular designs, and robotic manufacturing to streamline construction. Pre-fabricating components off-site allows for significant reductions in construction time and costs. Their focus on scalability and customization aims to boost housing production and affordability, and they are involved in several high-rise mass timber projects.

NxLite specializes in reducing energy loss through windows—a significant energy drain in buildings. Their transparent, lightweight nanocoating can be inserted into existing window frames, allowing energy savings of up to 40% and carbon footprint reductions of 30%. After successful pilot projects, NxLite is progressing towards establishing commercial partnerships.

Tinybox is innovating in small-scale construction with their modular tiny home kits, which can be assembled in just 48 hours. Each unit is designed for net-zero living, featuring solar roofs, ultra-insulated walls, and innovative waste management systems. Tinybox targets various markets, including off-grid resorts and housing developments, and plans to install multiple units in diverse locations by 2025.

The Mission from MaRS initiative, supported by the Peter Gilgan Foundation and RBC Foundation, aims to revolutionize the construction industry through innovative, scalable solutions that address climate change while fulfilling the pressing need for housing. By facilitating pilot projects and providing essential resources for the selected startups, the program hopes to make significant strides in building a more sustainable future.