Canadians are facing a cost of living and housing crisis, compounded by pressures in the housing market, global supply chains, and the climate crisis. The Government of Canada is making investments to make life more affordable for every generation, including by accelerating innovation to make our buildings more affordable, efficient, comfortable, and resilient.
As Canadians build millions of new homes and buildings, and as we drive down emissions — it is critical to accelerate innovation in the buildings sector, which is the third largest source of emissions in Canada. That’s why we’ve tabled the Canada Green Buildings Strategy (CGBS), which outlines how we’re acting to drive down monthly energy bills, to help Canadians reduce their carbon emissions, and ensure that the homes and workplaces of Canadians are protected against the increasingly harmful effects of climate change — all while creating good-paying, sustainable jobs. The strategy includes 3 priorities:
- Accelerate retrofits
- Build affordable and green from the start
- Shape the buildings sector of the future
Additionally, we intend to amend the Energy Efficiency Act to protect consumers from greenwashing and false advertising, particularly when it comes to home-energy appliance efficiency. We will also take action to phase-out oil furnaces in new buildings by 2028 and are committed to transitioning away from one-way air conditioners to heat pumps.
