Canada’s retrofit mission is the key to unlocking housing and economic growth
When alignment becomes a liability: ENERGY STAR and the case for a made-in-Canada approach to appliance and equipment efficiency
National updates and research
- The economic case for energy efficiency: Our Hill Times op-ed outlines a made-in-Canada strategy to cut trade risks, support Canadian businesses, and build resilience in uncertain times.
- ENERGY STAR caught in legislative limbo: While U.S. lawmakers debate budget bills that could defund ENERGY STAR, default funding may keep the program alive through 2026. Canadian stakeholders are watching closely, as many rely on ENERGY STAR tools like Portfolio Manager.
- Many low-income households in the U.S. can’t afford this free home improvement program: Thousands of people “are falling through the cracks” because they can’t make repairs to qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program.
- New data reveals a rise in home air conditioning across Canada:Statistics Canada reports that 68 per cent of households now use AC — up from 64 per cent in 2021 — with usage highest in Ontario and lowest in B.C.
- Building Performance Standard Resource Library: The Institute for Market Transformation has created a curated collection of public resources on BPS from leading governments and organizations to support policy development and implementation.
- Decarbonizing central heating in multifamily buildings: A new report from ACEEE explores emerging heat pump technologies — including window-mounted and air-to-water systems — and analyzes life-cycle costs and policy strategies to support decarbonization in hard-to-retrofit buildings.
Regional updates and research
New research on equity in Toronto’s upcoming building standards
As Toronto prepares to launch Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS), our latest policy brief explores how equity can be embedded in the policy’s design — ensuring renters, low-income households, and equity-deserving communities benefit from upgrades without bearing the costs. Drawing on lessons from U.S. cities, the brief highlights risks, opportunities, and essential considerations for implementation.
- Alberta electricity reform: The Pembina Institute is calling for smarter, fairer electricity distribution in Alberta to improve affordability and system resilience as the province’s grid evolves.
- British Columbia development charge reforms announced: The provincial government has proposed regulatory changes to ease upfront costs and unlock capital for new housing, aiming to support faster project delivery across the province
- Ontario MPP calls for maximum heat law: With rising summer temperatures, Ontario’s infrastructure critic Catherine McKenney will propose legislation to ensure tenants can access safe indoor temperatures.
- Vancouver’s new carbon reporting rules spark retrofit rush: Large building owners must now report emissions — and prepare for caps and fees starting in 2026. District energy systems, smart panels, and new retrofit financing models are helping meet the challenge.
Call to action
We’re calling for renewed federal support to keep home retrofits affordable and accessible.
The Greener Homes Loan Program has helped Canadians cut energy bills and emissions with interest-free loans for upgrades like heat pumps and insulation. But funding could run out this fall — putting retrofits, jobs, and climate progress at risk.
Join us in urging the government to extend the program and protect this essential support for homeowners and contractors.
Canada Home Energy Justice Conference in Ottawa, October 8 – 9
We’re bringing together program leaders, policymakers, researchers, and advocates to explore practical solutions to end energy poverty in Canada.
Expect TED-style talks, Dragons’ Den–style pitches, and sessions on Indigenous leadership, rural energy sovereignty, and what’s working on the ground.