The most sustainably ambitious community in Canada.
Zibi adheres to all 10 principles of the world-class One Planet Living framework developed by Bioregional – from eliminating GHG emitting energy sources to encouraging social equity. Together we are reaching our goal of building the most sustainably ambitious and only One Planet Living endorsed community in Canada.
One Planet Principles
The One Planet program is backed by decades of qualitative and quantitative research and to date only a handful of projects have met its standards. Its robust sustainability framework and 10 principles guide every facet of Zibi’s development.
Zero Carbon Energy
Zibi will develop the region’s first zero-carbon district cooling and heating system by taking advantage of post-industrial waste heat, clean Quebec Hydro and coupling to the Ottawa River. A distribution system allows buildings to share energy resulting in thermal comfort for the whole community without reliance on high-carbon energy sources.
Zero Waste
Zibi will increase the rate of waste diversion from landfills to more than 70% by prioritizing waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting. Construction waste follows a reuse, deconstruct and demolish hierarchy, which means material from existing buildings is reused wherever possible.
Sustainable Transportation
Zibi’s transportation plan emphasizes sustainable transport options through a network of bike lanes, walking paths and public transit. Consideration is also being given to future green technologies, like community-wide electric vehicle charging points.
Sustainable Materials
Zibi will implement a life-cycle analysis approach when considering the materials and products comprising the development by reducing reliance on unsustainable materials and encouraging the reuse of materials already found in abundance on-site.
Sustainable Food
Zibi will serve as a model for integrating agriculture into the urban landscape. Easy access to seasonal, local and sustainably produced food will help residents enjoy healthier, fresher diets and support local farms and vendors – all while reducing the carbon footprint of residents’ diets by 60%.
Sustainable Water
Zibi’s urban design prevents local flooding and the pollution of watercourses. Best practices in water conservation, efficiency and recycling and surface water management have been adopted with an ultimate aim to reuse water without an adverse environmental impact.
Land Use & Wildlife Habitats
The Waterfront City is a model for urban living in a diverse environment, making appropriate and efficient use of land while supporting the natural realm. Zibi will include areas for both native restoration and sustainable food production and greenspace vegetation will be carefully selected to support habitat restoration.
Culture & Community
Zibi will give the public unprecedented and long overdue access to a site of great cultural relevance. The rich history of the site will be represented in art and wayfinding while the One Planet Framework will create a culture of community and sustainability.
Equity & Local Economy
Zibi is designed to be a thriving, resilient economy supported by fair employment, inclusivity and international fair trade. This principle seeks to ensure vibrant social equity by nurturing a strong social fabric of distinct community members.
Health & Happiness
Zibi is introducing attractive and affordable methods for people to lead happy and healthy lives. Its very infrastructure encourages residents to overcome unhealthy lifestyles through active travel and healthy diets and its contemplative greenspaces encourage mindfulness.
District Energy
Zibi will develop the region’s first integrated district cooling and heating system by taking advantage of unused local resources to deploy steam and chilled water to provide sustainably sourced and highly efficient energy for the entire community.
