Light House, a prominent leader in sustainable building practices, has launched the Construction Plastics Initiative, an innovative program designed to tackle plastic waste in Metro Vancouver's construction industry. Running through February 2026, this initiative focuses on implementing circular economy principles at approximately 10 construction sites. It marks a significant milestone as the first program of its kind in British Columbia, aligning with federal plastic registry reporting requirements set to take effect in 2026.
European research reveals that up to 80% of construction site plastic waste comprises clean packaging materials that could be diverted from landfills. Light House aims to test these findings in North America while offering practical solutions to reduce waste and reuse materials.
The Construction Plastics Initiative introduces site monitors to participating projects. These qualified professionals collaborate with general contractors and site supervisors to oversee plastic waste collection and sorting. The separated materials are then sent to Ocean Park Recycling, where they are processed into reusable plastic pellets.
These recycled pellets are transformed into building materials, including InfinaNet, an innovative voided concrete system used for floor and wall slabs. InfinaNet reduces concrete consumption while maintaining structural integrity, addressing key sustainability concerns like waste reduction and carbon emissions. This technology offers superior performance and efficiency compared to traditional solid slabs, making it a groundbreaking solution for sustainable construction.
The initiative has garnered strong support from industry leaders, including Fusion Projects, whose commitment to sustainability highlights the program’s potential to drive innovation and reduce environmental impact. Metro Vancouver’s Zero Waste Committee has also endorsed the project, recognizing it as a critical step toward minimizing construction waste.
By preparing companies for federal regulations and setting new benchmarks for sustainable practices, the Construction Plastics Initiative is helping shape the future of the construction industry. Through its collaborative approach—linking developers, contractors, recyclers, and manufacturers a more sustainable path for construction in Canada is now apparent.
