Reuse of steel with MR-63 and Canam
MR-63 and Canam aim to transform construction industry practices by experimenting with the reuse and re-certification of structural steel for the future MR-63 Pavilion. This innovative approach seeks to position Québec at the forefront through forward-looking practices that reduce embodied carbon emissions and promote circular construction.
Grant $25,000
Category Building
Type NPO
Organization MR-63
Year 2026-2027
Status In progress
90
%eduction in emissions by reusing steel instead of producing it.
1.02
tonnes of CO₂ equivalent avoided for every tonne of deconstructed and reused steel, compared to standard production, based on the Canadian average.
+
skilled jobs in the requalification and certification of steel components.
1
comparative carbon footprint between the conventional scenario (new steel) and the innovative scenario (reused steel).
Reuse and requalification of structural steel
Building differently
Building differently by reducing embodied carbon emissions without compromising performance or safety: this is the ambition driving the MR-63 and Canam initiative. To achieve this, Canam is putting into practice an approach already proven in Europe but still rarely deployed in Québec: the reuse of structural steel and its requalification.
Supported by the Greater Montreal Climate Fund, this project addresses a central challenge in the construction sector’s transition—reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the source associated with steel production, at a time when the steel industry accounts for approximately 7% of global emissions.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the initiative seeks to test and document innovative practices while strengthening local expertise in the circular economy. The MR-63 Pavilion thus positions itself as a concrete, replicable demonstrator for the decarbonization of the built environment.
3D image credits: Ivy Studio
Quote
Quote from MR-63 and Canam
The MR-63 Pavilion is ambitious. With the support of the Greater Montreal Climate Fund, this ambition is taking shape as a tangible and replicable demonstration, paving the way for new practices to reduce the environmental footprint of construction. Designed from the outset as a very low–carbon project, the MR-63 Pavilion stands as a true testing ground for circularity.
Frédéric Morin-Bordeleau
Executive Director of MR-63
This project is an ideal opportunity to test all stages of the requalification and reuse of structural steel. Canam is proud to take part in this innovative initiative.
Julie Gravel
Structural Engineer – Business Development at Canam
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