In Burnaby, BC, we retrofitted a former office building into a new global headquarters for Svante, a carbon capture solutions provider that builds filters and machines to remove CO2 from industrial emissions and the air.
The 140,000-sq. ft. facility now houses a research and development centre, office space, and the first commercial factory for carbon capture filters. We delivered the project under Construction Management and introduced Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) techniques to strengthen collaboration. This included a values alignment session with the client, consultants, and trade partners, as well as tools like design pull planning and detailed construction reports to keep the work progressing.
To minimize operations disruptions in the partially occupied building, we developed a 13-stage construction plan that allowed work to proceed in occupied areas. Fire separation systems, daily coordination meetings, and schedule updates kept safety and productivity on track. We oriented over 1,700 workers on-site and completed the project with zero lost-time incidents.
The warehouse required additional reinforcement to support specialized equipment. We planned and executed multiple large slab pours, including a 700-cubic-metre pour for the production floor. To manage long-lead equipment, we worked closely with our mechanical trade partner to create a procurement and submittal log that helped keep critical components on schedule.
We also supported the consultants in coordinating building permit drawings that were still in production. Using Bluebeam review sessions and digital building models developed by our Virtual Design and Construction team, we identified and resolved clashes early. Our quality control process included detailed checklists, site walkdowns, and third-party inspections, resulting in minimal deficiencies.
Mechanical upgrades featured new rooftop units, air compressors, chillers, steam boilers, pumps, tanks, and air and gas lines. Electrical work involved 480V and 600V system upgrades, new electrical rooms, power distribution, lighting, and a BC Hydro kiosk connection.
Sustainability was included across all phases of construction. We achieved approximately 90 per cent waste diversion and helped Svante move closer to their goal of operating with a lower carbon footprint through smart coordination and collaborative delivery.