CAGBC and the Delphi Group’s new study, Green Retrofit Economy Study profiles key pathways that will equip the green building ecosystem with insights into the workforce and supply chain needs across Canada’s retrofit economy. Through green retrofits, Canada’s buildings can contribute to net-zero climate targets, make buildings more resilient to climate change and extreme weather events, and provide rewarding job opportunities while strengthening the domestic supply of low-carbon products and services.
The report anticipates that Canada will see a shortage of skilled workers in the near term, even without an increase in retrofit projects. These include glaziers, HVAC trades, plasterers and drywall installers, and mechanical engineers and technicians. Enhancing expertise and knowledge across the retrofit spectrum, including among decision-makers, designers, financing experts and consultants, will help to address the complexity and capital constraints associated with retrofit investments.
Investments in a robust, accessible, and an affordable supply chain are also needed to drive innovation and secure access to the products and services needed to complete green retrofits at scale. The report identified more than 25 technologies and products that are directly relevant to low-carbon retrofits, including building automation systems, heat pumps, heat and energy recovery systems, wall recladding systems, thermal bridging technology and integrated photovoltaics.