Healthy buildings report indicates urgent need for cross-sector approach

A report by the Pembina Institute, called Healthy Buildings in a Changing Climate, highlights the need for retrofitting existing buildings to safeguard Canadians’ health and safety.

In the report, deep retrofits are presented as an investment to enhance occupant health and resilience against emerging climate realities.

The report noted that each year, there is an increase in extreme heat events and related emergencies, which is why it is important to invest in deep retrofits now.

According to the report, upgrades to ventilation, heating, cooling systems, and building envelopes can significantly improve health and safety for occupants.

The report highlights the urgency of retrofitting Canada’s homes and buildings, originally designed for climate conditions of the past, in order to address the rising threats posed by extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire smoke.

The report also noted that vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, those with pre-existing health conditions and low-income households are particularly at risk.

It also emphasizes how deep retrofits not only reduce emissions but also make buildings reliable, climate-safe, and more affordable to heat and cool.

The report noted that in 2021, the B.C. heat dome resulted in over 600 deaths from heat-related conditions inside homes.

According to the report, a total of 80 per cent of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already built, which highlights the need for retrofitting. Additionally, approximately 20 per cent of Canadian households experience energy poverty.

“With 80 per cent of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already built, the need for deep retrofits is more urgent than ever to protect occupant health and resilience against extreme weather. Business-as-usual won’t get us there, but deep retrofits can. Coordinated efforts are needed from all orders of government, utilities, insurance and investment sectors, and building owners to keep Canadians healthy and safe,” said Betsy Agar, director, buildings, Pembina Institute.

The report noted that Canada’s buildings sector is the third-largest contributor to the country’s emissions at 87 Mt CO2e (13 per cent of the total).

“Many of the people who died in the 2021 B.C. heat dome lived alone and had multiple sensitivities, but importantly, their buildings were unsafe during the heat wave. Their buildings were built for a climate that no longer exists, increasing occupant vulnerability. We need to be working proactively to ensure our infrastructure is updated for our new climate to keep people safe and healthy,” said Raidin Blue, analyst, buildings, Pembina Institute.

According to the report, in order to meet Canada’s 2050 net zero emission goals, it is necessary to retrofit approximately 600,000 homes each year.