As Alberta experiences an increase in extreme weather events—from rising temperatures and wildfires to more frequent storms—a new report from the Pembina Institute, in partnership with the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator, stresses the urgent need to make Alberta’s buildings more climate-resilient.

Titled Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather, the report outlines how the province’s aging building stock is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Over the past decade, insurable losses in Alberta have risen by 495%, with four of Canada’s 10 most severe weather events occurring in the province. The rising cost and limited availability of coverage underscore the need for action.

• 80% of buildings that will exist in 2050 already stand today, yet most are not equipped to withstand climate-related threats.
• Multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) are particularly at risk and need targeted funding and support to undergo deep retrofits.
• Modernizing building codes, offering incentives to exceed minimum standards, and integrating climate resiliency into provincial policy are critical steps forward.
• The benefits of resilient retrofits go beyond energy efficiency—they include improved health, safety, and long-term economic value.
• Collaboration with the insurance and real estate sectors is essential to demonstrating the business case for retrofitting and ensuring homes are properly valued and insured.

Kari Hyde, Manager of Utility Integration and Demand-Side Management at the Pembina Institute, warns:

“Without strong policies, funding, and collaboration, Alberta’s buildings—and the people who rely on them—will remain vulnerable.”

Deeti Makkar, Senior Program Manager at Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, adds:

“Deep retrofits can strengthen buildings, cut emissions, reduce costs, and prepare Alberta for a climate-resilient future.”

• Insurance costs for Alberta homes have risen 90% over the past decade.
• Only 37% of homes in Alberta had air conditioning as of 2021—an issue as temperatures rise.
• An investment of $212 million/year in retrofitting MURBs could yield $850 million/year in GDP growth and create 42,700 long-term jobs by 2050.

The report serves as a wake-up call and a roadmap for policymakers, builders, and industry leaders. It highlights not only the economic and safety benefits of retrofits but also the urgent need to act as climate threats intensify.

Download the full report and learn more about how deep retrofits can future-proof Alberta’s homes and buildings.

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