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.

Cover of our report, "Better Buildings for All"

Relieving energy poverty through deep retrofits

This report sheds light on the urgent need for investments in deep retrofits to alleviate energy poverty among low-income households who face challenges in meeting their energy needs.

Read the report.

Read the report

Research & Analysis

Two men working on a building construction site.

Buildings

June 5, 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.

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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