We live, work and play in buildings. How they are built has a direct impact on our health and well-being. That’s why we’re going to make buildings work better for people all over the Pacific Northwest.
Faced with rising energy costs, a greater concern for the environment and an increased focus on the comfort and health of families, home buyers are looking for homes that are more comfortable, healthier, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate.
Over three quarters of carbon pollution from operating a building can be almost eliminated by switching from natural gas to electricity or renewable natural gas for space and water heating.
According to the Pembina Institute, the B.C. government should ensure that economic relief and stimulus programs enhance and accelerate progress toward the vision and goals of the province’s climate plan, CleanBC.
Today, the Pembina Institute released Rebuilding a Resilient B.C., an action plan for investing in jobs and better health and well-being for British Columbians.
Throughout the pandemic we’ve addressed the need for a climate-friendly recovery to stave off the bigger global crisis of climate change and the importance of economic stimulus for green job creation as Canada seeks to rebuild a better economy coming out of this pandemic.
Leaders in social housing and retrofits attend an Affordable Housing Renewal workshop hosted by the Pembina Institute
B.C. is in a position to be a leader in economic reconciliation and decolonizing clean energy policy. We will continue to support and advocate for the advancement of this new policy, driven by our relationship with Indigenous communities through our policy work and those that are ready to enter into the energy market.
Making our buildings future-ready including the installation of high performance windows and patio doors, calls for retrofitting with an understanding of climate change impacts. This means identifying potential shocks and stresses, and implementing appropriate solutions.
Not just rebuilding the economy, but a complete retrofit and establishment of building codes that support the needs to combat climate change. This is the moment to create a roadmap for a society that is more resilient to these macro shocks – whether they are brought about by a pandemic or climate change.
A deep retrofit of homes and buildings is the megaproject Canada needs. Post-COVID is an opportune time to invest nationally in climate-oriented upgrades that will improve efficiency and move us toward a low-carbon future.