The Future of Green Construction in Canada: Challenges and Opportunities

Recent insights from BuildForce highlight a transformative shift in Canada’s construction landscape. The pressing need to eliminate carbon emissions from the nation’s buildings—residential, commercial, and institutional—could exacerbate existing labour shortages in the construction industry. This transition is not just an environmental necessity; it’s also tied to economic growth and job creation, prompting a reassessment of our workforce capabilities and resources.

The Scale of Change: 57,000 New Workers by 2032

According to the report titled Building a Greener Future: Estimating the impact on construction labour demands from transitioning buildings in Canada away from fossil fuels, retrofitting the existing building stock to adopt sustainable fuel sources and technologies could necessitate an additional 57,000 construction workers by 2032. This upsurge is expected to generate a staggering $81 billion in new construction investments, significantly impacting Canada’s economic landscape.

The Current Labour Market Strain

Tania Johnston, CEO of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, sheds light on the current state of the construction labour market, indicating that it is operating at or near full capacity. The challenges are further compounded by the need for millions of new housing units to address the housing crisis in Canada. As non-residential construction demands peak, the pressure on available skilled trades workers intensifies, necessitating urgent action and planning.

The Report: Collaboration Across the Industry

The findings of the report were shaped by input from an industry Steering Committee comprising representatives from several leading organizations, including the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, ClimateCare, and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada. This collaborative framework underscores the importance of a unified approach to tackling the challenges posed by this significant transition.

Green-Building Activities and Their Implications

The report narrows its focus on two major categories of green-building activities: converting heating systems from fossil fuels to electric power sources and retrofitting buildings to enhance energy efficiency. Data from Natural Resources Canada reveals that buildings contribute to 13% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with over three-quarters of these emissions originating from the fuel sources powering space and water heating equipment. Thus, retrofitting efforts become a critical component of the national strategy to combat climate change.

Regional Disparities: A Call for Skilled Workers

The report further analyzes the regional disparities in fuel sourcing for homes across Canada. In provinces like Quebec and the Atlantic regions, the potential impacts of switching fuel sources may be comparatively lower. However, Ontario and the Prairie provinces rely heavily on fossil fuels for heating, indicating a higher demand for skilled workers in those areas. This highlights the urgent need for targeted training and retraining initiatives to prepare the workforce for the green transition ahead.

Victor Hyman, Executive Director of ClimateCare Canada, emphasizes the importance of fuel switching as the most immediate and effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. About 60% of Canadian homes currently rely on fossil fuels, showcasing the scale of the opportunity for change.

Challenges Ahead: Infrastructure and Consumer Support

Despite the urgency and necessity of retrofitting Canada’s buildings, challenges abound. Kevin Lee, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, notes that achieving the ambitious targets set by the Government of Canada will require not only a considerable expansion of consumer incentives and support programs but also substantial investment in power generation and grid capacity. Currently, Canada lacks the necessary infrastructure to meet these burgeoning demands, underscoring the need for strategic resource allocation and planning.

Conclusion: Facing the Challenge

As Canada embarks on a mission to green its building stock, the findings from BuildForce’s report illuminate both the significant opportunities and the hurdles that must be overcome. The necessity for an expanded workforce, coupled with adequate support and infrastructure, will be paramount in realizing a sustainable future. By addressing these challenges head-on, Canada can not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also foster a thriving construction sector that meets the evolving needs of its communities.

In this transition toward a greener future, collaboration across sectors, robust investment in skills training, and decisive political will will be the cornerstones for success. The future of construction is not just about building; it’s about building responsibly for generations to come.