Feds looking for public input into Green Buildings Strategy
The federal government is asking for the public’s input into the new Canada Green Buildings Strategy.
The strategy aims to mobilize national action to reduce carbon emissions from buildings by 37 percent from 2005 by 2030 and to create a net-zero-emissions buildings sector by 2050.
In particular, the strategy will focus on increasing the rate of building retrofits, ensuring buildings are resilient and net-zero-ready from the start, and on transforming space and water heating. It will be backed by an investment of $150 million.
“Canada’s Green Building Strategy will help grow our economy and achieve our ambitious climate objectives,” said Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. “I look forward to hearing from Canadians on the path forward.”
There are over 16 million dwellings and 482,000 commercial and public buildings in Canada. Collectively, buildings are the country’s third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 13 percent of Canada’s direct GHG emissions. When accounting for off-site generation of electricity for use in buildings, the sector’s share of emissions rises to around 18 percent, with even more emissions embedded in the materials and supply chains associated with the buildings and construction sector.
The Canada Green Building Council estimates that an emerging green buildings industry in the country could support approximately 1.5 million direct jobs by 2030 – up from 462,000 today.
Announced in December 2020, Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan includes 64 new measures and $15 billion in investments toward a healthy environment and economy.
Industry and members of the public can provide feedback through the Government of Canada’s website.