It is imperative that as…

It is imperative that as steps are taken to increase the supply of housing, that these actions do not result in adding to the climate change challenge. We recommend that the Province include a requirement that all development proposals be required to:

- identify the expected energy needs for the proposed building(s);
- identify the expected non-renewable (fossil fuel) energy consumption of the proposed building(s); and
- identify the opportunity for renewable energy generation in the proposed building(s).

With this information, municipalities and the Province will be able to engage with the proponent of the development in how to make the proposed building(s) near net zero and what financial or other supports could be provided by the municipality &/or Province to ensure the new development is creating both affordable housing and near net zero buildings.

New development that does not achieve a near net zero standard will become tomorrow’s energy efficiency retrofit challenge. Instead of providing financial grants and incentives in the future to make those retrofits, steps should be taken now to ensure new development is near net zero. Energy efficient buildings will have lower utility costs making them more affordable.