Buildings

Retrofits play a role in not only decarbonizing buildings, but adapting them for increasingly extreme weather

Decarbonizing Canada's homes and buildings is the only form of climate action that reduces emissions while also directly protecting Canadians from extreme weather. We develop and advocate for policies that make Canada's homes and buildings — our third-largest source of emissions — healthier, safer, more resilient to extreme weather, and affordable to heat and cool.

Side of modular home being craned into position

Energy efficiency creates more jobs than any other industry

An average of 9.5 jobs are created for every $1 million invested in a whole-building energy efficiency retrofit. (Data sources: Statistics Canada and Efficiency Canada; see Canada’s Renovation Wave (2021))

Key numbers

80%

of the buildings that will exist in 2050 in Canada are already built.

600,000

Canadian homes need to be retrofitted every year to reach 2050 emissions reduction targets.

13%

of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions are from buildings.

Healthy Buildings in a Changing Climate

Our latest report, Healthy Buildings in a Changing Climate, underscores the urgent need to retrofit existing buildings to protect Canadians' health and safety.

Read the report and see the highlights

Research & Analysis

Buildings

December 17, 2024

Article

Why focus on buildings?

A tangible, results-driven solution

Buildings are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, especially in Canada. One of the best ways to lower emissions and increase infrastructure resiliency is through deep retrofits—a holistic energy efficiency upgrade that improves occupant health and makes housing more affordable.

What does a deep retrofit include?

Low-carbon materials
New technologies (like heat pumps)
Smart integration with electricity grids

Reimagining what is possible, one building at a time

The Reframed Initiative shows how deep retrofits provide many beyond-energy benefits like homes that are healthy, safe, resilient, and affordable to heat and cool. Our research signals a shift away from business-as-usual upgrades to deep retrofits as a benefit-rich pathway to decarbonization and adaptation.

Spotlights on Buildings

Electric vehicles charging in building parking garage

Charging infrastructure in multi-unit buildings

As sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the province of Alberta continue to grow, the number and location of EV chargers will need to increase accordingly to keep pace. This includes placing charging stations in apartments and condos where many Canadians live.

Learn more about EVs in multi-unit buildings

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Finding ways to make buildings meet higher standards for energy efficiency is not just possible, but a necessary catalyst for positive change. As we transform the building sector, we unlock a multitude of beyond-energy benefits for communities across Canada.

Meet Betsy Agar

Program Director, Buildings