This presentation explores the role of interior fit-outs in the push for net zero carbon emissions, both in design and in operations. It will explore this through the lens of an 8,325-SFcase study project – 2 Bloor East, Suite 3220 (Toronto) – which in August 2026 achieved the Living Futures institute’s Ready designation for their Zero Carbon Certification – one of only three registered projects in all of Canada. This case study will explore in detail the design and construction process leveraged to achieve this result, including 80% embodied carbon reduction, 76% modeled energy use reduction, implementation of multiple evidence-based approaches, and alignment with the client’s CSR and ESG commitments to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050. It will demonstrate what is achievable for any interior fit-out project to emulate, as well as how interiors play a crucial role in supporting long-term decarbonization commitments of their host organizations.
Blake Jackson is an architect working at the nexus of sustainability, wellness and resiliency, who serves as Director, Sustainability for NORR, an 800-person AE company with 13 locations across the US, UK and Canada. He has 26 years' experience in the AEC industry, holding a B-Arch from Kennesaw State University and a M-Arch in Sustainable Environmental Design from the AA Graduate School. Blake is a prolific author, speaker, and educator on built environment topics. He currently serves on the Advisory Board for the UMass Dartmouth's Interiors Program, the Programming Committee for the Healthy Cities Design conference, and he is a former VP, Advocacy with the Boston Society of Architects. Blake was a 2015 BD+C Magazine '40 Under 40' AEC professional, named a LEED Fellow by the USGBC (2021), and he is a 2024 recipient of the AIA Young Architect Award.
This presentation explores the role of interior fit-outs in the push for net zero carbon emissions, both in design and in operations. It will explore this through the lens of an 8,325-SFcase study project – 2 Bloor East, Suite 3220 (Toronto) – which in August 2026 achieved the Living Futures institute’s Ready designation for their Zero Carbon Certification – one of only three registered projects in all of Canada. This case study will explore in detail the design and construction process leveraged to achieve this result, including 80% embodied carbon reduction, 76% modeled energy use reduction, implementation of multiple evidence-based approaches, and alignment with the client’s CSR and ESG commitments to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050. It will demonstrate what is achievable for any interior fit-out project to emulate, as well as how interiors play a crucial role in supporting long-term decarbonization commitments of their host organizations.
