As Canada faces growing climate-related challenges, the Canada Climate Law Initiative (CCLI) and the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) have released a new guide urging the construction sector to integrate climate resilience into its governance frameworks. Titled Building resilience: A guide to climate governance for Canada’s construction sector, the report offers a strategic roadmap to help industry leaders address climate risks across the full construction value chain.

With nearly 30% of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to construction, the sector has a critical role in driving climate solutions and building more sustainable communities. The guide emphasizes that every player—from investors and designers to builders and facility managers—must collaborate to manage risks like extreme heat, wildfires, and flooding, which are increasingly impacting construction timelines, budgets, and community safety.

According to CCA President Rodrigue Gilbert, the construction industry holds enormous potential to lead climate action through effective governance and cross-sector collaboration. The guide positions climate governance not only as an environmental responsibility but as a competitive advantage for businesses seeking to thrive in a low-carbon economy.

• Leadership and governance are central: Directors and executives must prioritize climate considerations in strategic decisions, aligning with fiduciary duties and stakeholder expectations.
• Adaptation builds resilience: Companies that act now on climate risk can improve long-term performance and competitiveness.
• System-level coordination is crucial: Climate resilience requires collaboration across all project stages and actors, ensuring continuity and shared accountability.

Authored by Jacqueline Fitzpatrick, a CCLI Research Scholar, the guide includes practical tools such as legal frameworks, risk assessment models, and governance strategies tailored to construction firms of all sizes. It also provides insights into the evolving legal and ethical responsibilities of corporate directors.

“Climate governance is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative,” says Amee Sandhu, Senior Legal Counsel at Alstom and CCLI advisor. “This guide supports boards and executives in navigating the intersection of climate law, business resilience, and fiduciary duty.”

By embedding climate resilience into their core decision-making, construction leaders can future-proof their operations, meet regulatory demands, and help shape a more climate-ready Canada.

Download the report

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