Canada Green Buildings Strategy to decarbonize buildings by 2050

Ottawa, ON — In July 2024, the Canadian government unveiled the Canada Green Buildings Strategy (CGBS), a comprehensive plan to decarbonize buildings by 2050. The strategy, introduced by Johnathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, is the result of two years of industry consultation and aims to align with the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.

Canada Green Buildings Strategy — overview

The CGBS underscores the federal government's commitment to sustainability, highlighting previously announced investments such as the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program and the Canada Greener Homes Grant program. The strategy also supports the Greening Government Strategy, which focuses on decarbonizing 34,000 government buildings to promote new zero-carbon buildings and deep retrofits.

Key highlights of the Canada Green Buildings Strategy

• Energy Efficiency Act modernization: aims to accelerate the pace of building decarbonization, reduce energy costs, and create jobs in the green economy.
• Phase-out of oil heating systems: a regulatory framework to eliminate oil heating systems in new construction starting in 2028.
• Adoption of heat pumps: prioritizing efficient cooling and heating solutions, aligning with the U.S. EPA’s proposal to sunset the ENERGY STAR specification for central air conditioners.
• Buy Clean measures: promoting low-carbon materials in public infrastructure to reduce embodied carbon in federal investments.

Gaps in the Canada Green Buildings Strategy

Despite its comprehensive approach, the CGBS has notable oversights:

• Lack of detailed roadmap: The strategy does not outline specific short- or medium-term actions and milestones, essential for meeting decarbonization goals.
• Support for low-carbon materials: There is insufficient support for scaling up low-carbon materials and addressing large buildings' specific needs.
• Building data access and transition planning: The CGBS does not provide solutions for building owners to access data or transition plans, crucial for attracting private capital.
• International commitments: The strategy overlooks Canada's international commitments to near-zero emissions for new buildings by 2030.

Implications for Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) and its members

The CGBS validates the CAGBC’s mission and efforts, incorporating many of the advocacy recommendations the council has advanced. These include:

• Accelerating retrofits and green building initiatives: Emphasizing the importance of starting green and affordable construction from the outset.
• Workforce development and training: Addressing the need for a future-ready workforce in the building sector.
• Importance of certification: Supporting certifications like LEED and Zero Carbon Building Standards, essential for market implementation.

Decarbonizing buildings in Canada — looking ahead

The release of the CGBS is a significant step towards decarbonizing Canada’s buildings by 2050. However, achieving this goal will require more detailed planning, industry support, and alignment with international commitments. CAGBC will continue to advocate for these elements, ensuring Canada remains a global leader in green building.