CaGBC commends federal budget investments to stimulate the retrofit economy and reduce carbon emissions from federal buildings

OTTAWA, ON – March 2, 2017 – Fresh on the heels of a Retrofit Roundtable co-hosted by CaGBC, Minister Jim Carr and Econoler on Monday, the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is pleased to see the retrofit economy and low carbon innovation highlighted as key areas of focus in the 2018 Federal Budget. The CaGBC has been working with the government over the last two years to advocate for these measures in recognition of the pivotal role buildings will play in meeting Canada’s 2030 GHG emissions reductions targets.

Among the investments announced February 27, CaGBC is very pleased that the government is showing leadership in zero carbon building innovation with a $58 million investment over five years, starting in 2018-19, for new multi-purpose research facilities that will be built to achieve a net zero carbon footprint.

CaGBC also commends the government on its clear recognition of the importance of retrofits in buildings and homes across Canada through the previously announced Low Carbon Economy Fund. The $1.4 billion fund, which is allocated to Provinces and Territories, will make buildings more energy efficient and help industries innovate to reduce emissions. Detailed in the budget is the first round of investments in this area, including:

• $420 million to Ontario to support projects such as renovating buildings and retrofitting houses;
• Over $260 million to help expand actions under Quebec’s 2013–2020 Climate Change Action Plan to allow more businesses and industries to retrofit their buildings and find innovative ways to reduce emissions; and
• $56 million to expand an existing home retrofit partnership with Efficiency Nova Scotia to open up the program so that any home in Nova Scotia could be eligible to lower heating bills and reduce emissions.

Additionally, the budget identifies tax support for clean energy to encourage investment in clean energy generation and adoption of energy efficient equipment, and $20 million over five years to support implementation of the carbon pricing system.

“The CaGBC is encouraged by the Federal Government’s continued investment in the low carbon economy particularly financial support for building retrofits, and a commitment to building new federal facilities to net zero carbon performance,” says Thomas Mueller, President and CEO of the CaGBC. “The Government understands that it can lead by example and innovate by procuring net zero carbon buildings. Support for provinces and territories on building retrofits is a critical step in advancing the retrofit economy and realizing job and economic growth opportunities for Canadians.”

CaGBC is committed to continuing our work with the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the financial sector and our industry stakeholders to ensure further action on policies and investments greening the government portfolio of buildings, advancing building retrofit and zero carbon buildings in Canada and establishing more advanced building codes on a shorter development cycle.

To learn more about the state of green building in Canada, the importance of investing in Canada’s retrofit economy, and the CaGBC’s ongoing advocacy work with the federal government, visit cagbc.org/advocacy.