As extreme weather events accelerate, a new report by the Pembina Institute, Healthy Buildings in a Changing Climate, highlights the critical need for retrofitting existing buildings to safeguard Canadians’ health and safety. Deep retrofits are presented as a strategic investment to enhance occupant health and resilience against these emerging climate realities.

Every year, we’re witnessing an increase in extreme heat events and related emergencies, making it imperative to invest in deep retrofits now. Upgrades to ventilation, heating, cooling systems, and building envelopes can significantly improve health and safety for occupants. The report underscores the urgency of retrofitting Canada’s homes and buildings, originally designed for past climate conditions, to address the rising threats posed by extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire smoke. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, those with pre-existing health conditions—and low-income households—are particularly at risk. 

Coordinated efforts from all levels of government, utilities, insurance and investment sectors, and building owners are needed now to mitigate health risks and ensure safe, resilient homes and buildings. The report also emphasizes how deep retrofits not only reduce emissions but also make buildings reliable, climate-safe, and more affordable to heat and cool, offering a high-return investment for Canadians.

• In 2021, the B.C. heat dome resulted in over 600 deaths from heat-related conditions inside homes.
• 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already built, highlighting the need for retrofitting.
• Our buildings were designed for weather patterns that are now historic. Events such as extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire smoke are becoming more common, making much of our existing building infrastructure inadequate for current climate realities. 
• Vulnerable populations bear the highest burden of health and climate impacts due to increased sensitivity, increased exposure and reduced adaptive capacity.
• Approximately 20% of Canadian households experience energy poverty.
• Canada’s buildings sector is the third-largest contributor to the country’s emissions at 87 Mt CO2e (13% of the total).    
• To meet Canada’s 2050 net zero emission goals, we need to retrofit approximately 600,000 homes each year. 

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