Canada’s Buildings Strategy

Reducing energy use in our homes and buildings can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase comfort and save money. Governments are committed to making homes and buildings more energy-efficient and helping create a green future for our country through the Low-Carbon Economy Fund and infrastructure initiatives.
Federal, provincial and territorial governments plan to invest in:
- Energy-efficient homes and buildings
- Ways to renovate existing homes and buildings for energy efficiency
- Energy benchmarking and labelling programs
- Higher efficiency standards for appliances and equipment
Learn more about the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and Build Smart — Canada’s Buildings Strategy.
Canada is building smart for the future, and this is how we get there:

For small repairs or major renovations, consider using energy efficiency upgrades to help reduce consumption and costs while adding value to your property.

Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings
Use energy management tools and practices to integrate energy efficiency where you work.

Existing Buildings: Recommissioning
Review your building’s equipment and systems regularly to ensure they function at optimal capacity.

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Key Facts in 2014:
- $12 billion was saved in energy costs through residential energy efficiency improvements
- $4.4 billion was saved in energy costs by commercial and institutional buildings
- Energy consumption for homes and buildings accounted for 17% of current GHGs

Energy Codes for New Buildings
Updated building codes will make new buildings net-zero ready. A net-zero building can potentially produce as much energy as it consumes through renewable sources such as solar panels.

Labelling a Building’s Energy Use
Clear information on a building’s energy performance is at the heart of informed decision-making when buying, upgrading or operating a home or building.

Energy Efficiency for Appliances and Equipment
Setting new standards for high-efficiency equipment and other technologies is important to improving the energy efficiency of our buildings. It will help Canadians save energy, lower utility bills, increase indoor comfort and reduce impacts on the environment.
Homes
Buildings
- ENERGY STAR benchmarking
- ENERGY STAR certification
- Energy-Efficient Buildings Research, Development and Demonstration Funding.
Energy Efficiency for Appliances and Equipment
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