Building the Future: How CSL is Pioneering Sustainable Trades Education

The construction industry is transforming, and for companies like Collaborative Structures Limited (CSL), the focus is on creating long-lasting impacts—not only in infrastructure but also in education and sustainability. CSL is helping build this future as it works towards completing the second phase of the Conestoga Skilled Trades Campus in Cambridge.

The first phase of the campus opened in the fall of 2022. The 322,000-square-foot building, with 150,000 square feet dedicated to shops and labs, will train the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Phase two construction began in January 2024 and includes a 220,000-square-foot building purpose-built for the college’s post-secondary and apprenticeship motive power trades programs as well as carpentry and renovation programming. The new building will also include state-of-the-art esports and recreational facilities to create an authentic campus vibe.

A Project with Purpose

For CSL Project Directo Nate Toews, this project is more than another building. It's a chance to directly contribute to the construction industry's future.

“It's such a unique opportunity. I remember thinking during the first phase that I never thought I’d ever have a project with this kind of direct impact. You can build apartments or a warehouse, but this has tangible, quantifiable meaning to our industry. For me, that's super powerful,” says Toews.

Many of the tradespeople working on phase two are Conestoga College graduates who studied on the campus, and they’re helping to expand today. The campus is visible from Highway 401, and Shaman Clews, the site’s mechanical and electrical coordinator, said he’s heard that seeing the campus grow every day is inspiring.

“Everyone who drives past it on their way in and out every morning knows what they’re working on is important. We all want this place to be built well and inspire future generations,” Clews says.

Addressing the Skills Gap

One of the broader challenges in the construction industry is the shortage of skilled tradespeople. Employment and Social Development Canada predicts that 700,000 of the four million skilled trades professionals today will retire by 2030. Replacing those numbers is only part of the challenge.

Meeting the growing demand for new construction will require the training of millions of people in new skilled trades professionals. Projects like the Conestoga Skilled Trades Campus are critical to addressing this gap. As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to rise, it’s essential to have facilities that attract and train the next generation.

“Having visibility on the shortage is great. It’s helping. Then you have a world-class facility like this that young people want to come to. I want my kids to come here. It’s great for the industry,” Toews says.

The CSL team hopes that the campus and its amenities will continue to help change the conversation parents and children have about a career in the trades.

“Historically, the trades have had a bit of a stigma. Working on this project helps create a visible changes in how everyone views the trades. There are kids in grade ten right now who will start their trades journey here, and in a few years, they’ll be the ones helping to build the next wave of infrastructure.”

Commitment to Sustainability

Conestoga College is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and the Skilled Trades Campus phase two project is a perfect example of that commitment in action. The building’s sustainability features include a geothermal system with eight wells on the property that provide heating and cooling for the entire building. The building’s roof is also outfitted with solar panels that feed excess power into the grid.

Conor Downe, Pre-Construction Manager with CSL, says the project was an amazing opportunity to work with a design team that prioritizes sustainability. The building’s insulation is designed to support the state-of-the-art geothermal system.

“The level of sustainability we’re implementing here is not common. Geothermal and solar systems like these are a significant investment, but Conestoga College’s commitment to sustainability is clear. They didn’t have to go this route, but they chose to, and it’s going to have a long-term positive impact,” says Downe.

In addition to these features, the building designers used energy-efficient design, including a four-ply roof and specialized glazing that enhances energy use efficiency. “The R-values on the walls are leading edige,” Nate notes. “It’s all about creating a low-carbon, energy-efficient building.”

Navigating Challenges in a Changing Landscape

Building such a complex, future-focused facility comes with its own set of challenges. Regulations around geothermal systems and other sustainable technologies are constantly evolving, and the CSL team has had to adapt their designs mid-project to stay ahead of these changes.

"We’re dealing with cutting-edge regulations, and some of what we’re doing is ahead of its time. It’s exciting but also challenging, especially when you're thinking two years ahead,” Towes says.

For Clews, the geothermal system is a chance to work on a solution that meets tomorrow's demands today. It’s not just about following today’s needs but anticipating what the landscape will look like in the future.

“That’s what makes this project both complex and rewarding,” Clews says.

A Lasting Legacy

Suzanne Moyer, Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at Conestoga College, said the construction of phase 2 completes the vision of a consolidated state-of-the-art skilled trades campus.

“This investment is a testament to Conestoga’s commitment to the skilled trades and our support for a strong educated workforce in these fields of study,” Moyer says.

For CSL, being part of this project is more than just the build. It’s about giving back to the industry and the community.

“Conestoga College is a hugely impactful organization in our region, and a lot of us have graduated from the college or been involved in some way with them over the years,” says Toews. “ Being able to help them train the our future tradespeople is a privilege.”

Many team members have deep ties to the area, and their work at Conestoga College is seen as a way to contribute to something larger than themselves.

"There’s a huge sense of pride in this project," Conor explains. "We’re not just constructing a building. We’re building the future of the trades in this region. It’s going to have a lasting impact on our community, and that’s something we’re all incredibly proud of."

As CSL continues to push the boundaries of sustainable building practices and foster the next generation of tradespeople, this project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, education, and sustainability come together.