TORONTO — It took some time to get here, but the use of sustainable materials in construction is proving to be cost-effective and economically beneficial in the long term and most experts in the development industry see this continuing. The move to sustainable construction is growing in popularity and one of the most popular materials is the use of mass timber in buildings. It can be manufactured off-site and assembled on-site, bringing products to market faster and is much more environmentally friendly than concrete or steel. A leading voice for incorporating mass timber as an economic benefit for sustainability in construction is Don Manlapaz, Partner at Leader Lane Developments. In partnership with Windmill Development Group, Leader Lane currently has three projects in its pipeline using mass timber in its construction, Hälsa, two projects on Royal York Road, and a 12-storey building at Bloor and Jane, with the first project to begin construction this fall.