September 19 2024, 12:00 PM CST
For Immediate Release (Winnipeg, Treaty One):
Addressing a major gap in public conversation, a new report proposing a wide-reaching, publicly-supported retrofit program for Manitoba homes was released today from researchers at the International Institute for Sustainable Development, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Manitoba office, and the University of Manitoba.
Eliminating fossil fuels in home heating and cooling is a key, yet often overlooked and under discussed, part of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050—a goal set by the federal government and many others globally. Transitioning to renewable heating and cooling systems will require significant improvements in residential energy efficiency. Currently, buildings account for 17% of GHG emissions in Manitoba and 44% in Winnipeg
The report titled Manitoba Builds Green: Opportunities for a Residential Retrofit Program proposes a wide-reaching, publicly-supported residential retrofit program that would be an engine of transformative green economic growth. Based on interviews with 15 leaders from across the building sector, the report outlines policy changes required to kickstart a green building retrofit industry in Manitoba, expand training and workforce development opportunities, and finance the upfront costs of building retrofits.
“It is time to recognize that climate adaptation and mitigation efforts present a huge opportunity to build resilience, create good jobs, and develop local green industries,” says Niall Harney, Senior Researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Manitoba.
The report emphasizes the need for a large-scale retrofit program to accelerate adoption, boost local economic growth, and promote equity. High upfront costs and lack of supportive policy have slowed market adoption of deep energy retrofits. “Cost of ownership models prove that deep energy retrofits are a smart investment. If we want to make this happen at scale we need more public education around the potential cost of ownership savings that deep energy retrofits can realize,” says Evan Proven, Vice President of Sun Certified Builders Co-op. To scale up, the report suggests Manitoba establish a Manitoba Green Bank, a model proven successful in other regions.
Advancing equity in employment, income, and housing can and should be part of a publicly-funded retrofit strategy. Deep energy retrofit programs can train and employ underrepresented groups in the building industry, and can benefit renters, low-income homeowners, and residents of social housing through improved insulation and energy savings.
“Getting to zero emissions in Manitoba’s building sector will require an ambitious deep energy retrofit program paired with scaled up wind, solar, and geothermal,” says Zach Rempel, Policy Analyst at the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
A launch event will be held today that will include a short panel discussion where report authors will explain findings of the report followed by commentary from building sector experts, Tanya Palson (Executive Director of the Manitoba Building Trades) and Laura Tyler (Executive Director of Sustainable Building Manitoba) as well as Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Tracy Schmidt.
Report release and press conference:
Thursday, September 19, 2024
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Bottom of the Grand Staircase, Manitoba Legislative Building
450 Broadway Ave, Winnipeg
About
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is an independent, charitable research institute. All research is peer reviewed.
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies.
Media contact:
Zach Rempel, Policy Analyst, Canada Energy Team, International Institute for Sustainable Development
204-890-8255
Niall Harney, Errol Black Chair in Labour Issues, CCPA-MB
204-510-7934
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