REPORT

Municipalities across Canada, including the City of Edmonton, have established a path to transition to our net-zero future by 2050. Edmonton’s buildings sector accounts for 1/5 of total emissions and plays an important role in achieving net-zero targets.

This report examines how policy can accelerate newly constructed emissions-neutral buildings, which use less energy and require no costly retrofits, addressing a key climate target challenge.

🔑 Key findings:

• Building codes, especially the 2020 model codes, can guide municipalities through holistic planning considering health, sustainability, and economics.
• A bold emissions-neutral policy ensures each new building contributes to Edmonton’s energy transition. 
• This will prioritize resources for decarbonizing existing residential and commercial buildings, a massive effort.