Selina Lee-Andersen publishes an article on advancing regulatory tools for climate-resilient buildings
(Content in English only)
Since the introduction of Canada’s first building energy code in 1997, there has been an increasing emphasis on improving energy efficiency in buildings.
In its Early Estimate of National Emissions released in September 2023, the Canadian Climate Institute found that emissions from the Canadian building sector increased from 84 mega tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2e) in 2005 to 92 Mt CO2e in 2022 (an increase from 11 to 13.5 per cent of Canada’s overall emissions). If building materials and construction are factored in, the Canada Green Building Council pegs greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the building sector closer to 30 per cent, making it one of Canada’s top emitting industries. Globally, the World Green Building Council estimates that buildings account for approximately 39 per cent of the world’s emissions. In response, there has been a proliferation of regulatory initiatives to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and support the transition of the country’s building stock to net zero.
