Household deep energy retrofits are essential to achieving Canada’s climate action goals. To achieve the scale of change needed, we believe that retrofits must be ambitious, widespread, and equitable.
- Ambitious means that significant reductions are identified as a goal whenever a retrofit is being done. By 2050, we need to eliminate carbon pollution coming from buildings. Whether they are completed all at once or step-by-step over several years, all retrofits must reach deep energy savings using a whole-home approach.
- Widespread means that deep energy reductions be achieved with local capacity and expertise everywhere. It is estimated that 70 per cent of the buildings standing today will still be in use as of 2050. Between now and then, we have only one or two can’t-miss opportunities to retrofit each of these buildings.
- Equitable means that program designs and community support directly address barriers to access. Nearly a million Canadian households, or one in 10, lives in energy poverty. National retrofit strategies and funding programs must address social injustice and support the participation of those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Let’s leave everyone in A.W.E. of our greener, cleaner, healthier, and happier homes!