OFI SF7 New Integrated Design Approach for Wharves in Nova Scotia to Meet 2050 Target GHG Emissions Set by the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act

The Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act of Nova Scotia (NS) sets the mostambitious climate change goals in Canada whereby it specifies reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 53% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to achieve a net-zero emissions in NS by 2050 [1]. The marine construction industry in NS is a significant GHG emitter. The magnitudes of GHG emissions are currently not factored in the design, construction, and maintenance of marine structures. To meet the provincial emission targets, work is required to incorporate the impact of GHG emissions in the structural design and life-cycle assessment of marine structures in NS by considering the impact of climate change on the increased deterioration of wharves (increased sea level and water salinity). Survey of literature indicates the lack of quantitative methods that can be utilized by the authorities having jurisdiction, design engineers, or contractors to quantify the GHG emissions at the conceptual and detailed design stages when evaluating design options for marine structures and their impact on climate change [2,3,4].