Ontario Takes the Lead in Passive House Construction: What It Means for Builders

The recent rise of Passive House (PH) construction in Ontario, particularly in cities like Hamilton and Toronto, marks a significant shift in how builders approach energy-efficient building practices. The Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) recently hosted a webinar featuring leaders in the Passive House movement, revealing crucial trends and opportunities that every construction company should be aware of. As Ontario swiftly rises to dominance in this field, the implications for builders, contractors, and developers cannot be overlooked.

A Shift in Leadership

For years, British Columbia held the title of the Canadian leader in Passive House construction. However, Chris Ballard, CEO of Passive House Canada, indicated that Ontario is overtaking B.C. in this area, thanks largely to ambitious projects like the Ken Soble Tower retrofit in Hamilton. This 18-storey building has achieved a staggering 94% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating how retrofitting existing structures can yield significant environmental benefits.

With CityHousing Hamilton taking proactive steps in implementing PH principles, the landscape for construction is changing. There are an estimated 10,000 towers across Canada in urgent need of renovation—a ripe opportunity for builders to engage in energy-efficient retrofitting.

Expanding into Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs)

The focus is shifting beyond single-family homes to larger multi-unit residential buildings, or MURBs. Changes in building trends, policy, and demand for energy-efficient solutions are driving a surge in interest for PH principles within this sector. Toronto Community Housing plans to retrofit around 200 towers using the EnerPHit standard, impacting thousands of residents and showcasing the immense scale of potential projects.

The momentum in this sector implies that construction companies should enhance their knowledge of PH principles and be prepared to pivot toward larger renovation projects. The time is ripe for specialized training in PH to meet evolving market demands.

Policy Support for Green Retrofits

The movement towards green building practices has found robust backing from policymakers. The recent approval of Toronto Green Standard Version 4 will catalyze PH building retrofits, further solidifying their place in Ontario’s construction landscape. As policy-makers push for aggressive green initiatives, projects like Humber College’s North Campus Building NX demonstrate the tangible benefits of PH practices, having achieved the Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) certification.

Understanding local and federal policies will be vital for construction companies that want to take advantage of available funding, tax incentives, and grants for sustainable building practices.

Challenges and Costs

It’s essential to be aware of the costs associated with Passive House construction. According to Henry Schilthuis of Schilthuis Construction, additional costs may range from 4% to 10% of total project expenses, primarily due to increased attention to details, materials, and project management logistics. While this might seem daunting, the long-term savings in energy efficiency can offset these initial investments.

Engaging in detailed discussions with clients about the long-term benefits of energy efficiency versus upfront costs is crucial. This aligns expectations and helps to facilitate smoother project execution.

What This Means for Your Business

1. Upskill Your Team: Invest in training for your workforce focused on Passive House principles and practices. Specialized knowledge will be a significant asset as demand for PH projects grows.

2. Adjust Your Offerings: Consider expanding your services to include energy-efficient retrofitting of larger residential complexes. With funding opportunities increasing, this could open a new revenue stream for your business.

3. Stay Informed on Policy Changes: Regularly update yourself and your team on local and federal policies that encourage green building. Being proactive can help you take advantage of funding and grants as they become available.

Looking Ahead

As Ontario becomes a powerhouse in Passive House construction, the opportunities for builders are expanding. Focused attention on energy-efficient practices, robust partnerships with municipalities, and adaptability to evolving client needs will be essential for success. However, the industry also faces challenges such as rising costs and the need for specialized labor. As we look forward, being ahead of these trends will not only benefit your business but also contribute to a greener future for all.

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Published: 2021-08-05 02:00:00
Original Article: Read it here