HALIFAX — Sachi Gibson, Research Director for Mitigation at the Canadian Climate Institute, made the following statement in response to the federal government’s release of the Green Building Strategy:  

“The new federal Green Buildings Strategy takes worthwhile steps to cut carbon pollution from Canada’s buildings, reduce energy costs for people and businesses, and improve efficiency overall. These are priorities because emissions from Canada’s building sector continue to rise, making it one of only a handful of sectors to see carbon pollution increase since 2005. Yet more is needed, including stronger provincial policy and coordinated effort across jurisdictions, to reduce pollution from the buildings sector in line with Canada’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050. 

“As our Heat Exchange report indicates, provinces and territories hold important responsibilities to reduce emissions and support affordable energy in the buildings sector. In particular, they should accelerate investments in energy efficiency and building electrification, and stop expanding gas infrastructure for new development. Our research has found that energy-efficient heat pumps are already the lowest-cost option for heating and cooling many homes in Canada today, and can help reduce pollution while saving people money. 

“This federal strategy includes some positive steps forward, but in the race to decarbonize Canada’s buildings, it’s time for the provinces and territories to take the baton and run with it.” 

CONTACT 

Catharine Tunnacliffe
Communications Director
Canadian Climate Institute
(226) 212-9883
ctunnacliffe@climateinstitute.ca