Greening the Construction Trades: Upskilling for a Net-Zero Future

January 30, 2023

Join Colleges and Institutes Canada and the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum on February 28th, 2023 at 1:00pm EST to learn about Climate Literacy and greening the construction trades.

The ultimate goal of the Canada Green Buildings Strategy is a net-zero emissions and climate-resilient buildings sector by 2050, with an interim goal of 37% emissions reduction from 2005 levels by 2030.

There are over 16 million dwellings and 482,000 commercial and public buildings in Canada. Buildings account for 13% of Canada’s direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. If the generation of electricity for use in buildings is counted, total emissions rise to around 18%. The built environment represents Canada’s third-highest source of emissions. Additional emissions are embedded in building materials and construction sector supply chains. These emissions are trending upward.

Decarbonizing buildings and upgrading buildings to make them energy-efficient and climate-resilient requires specialized skills. People working in related trades will need to learn new skills. There will also be demand for new members of the workforce. How can trades’ faculty prepare future apprentices and workers for this new reality? Join College and Institutes Canada’s ImpAct Climate team and collaborators to learn about this crucial shift in Canada’s workforce needs and priorities and how new materials and resources are being created to address trades’ instructors knowledge needs to prepare their future apprentices for a Net-Zero Canada.

Go HERE to register

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • ESA Provides an Update on its New Self-Serve Licensing Platform

    ESA Provides an Update on its New Self-Serve Licensing Platform

    March 27, 2026 In October 2025 Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) officially launched its new self-serve licensing platform, a modern system designed to transform how Master Electricians (MEs) and Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) manage their licensing needs. The platform replaces paper-based processes and provides a centralized, web-based experience for renewing and applying for licences, paying fees Read More…

  • BC Updates to Solar and Battery Rebate Program Come into Effect April/June 2026

    BC Updates to Solar and Battery Rebate Program Come into Effect April/June 2026

    March 27, 2026 Starting April 1, 2026, our battery rebate offer is changing. The offer will include: Applications submitted before April 1, 2026, will be reviewed under the current rebate amounts. New requirement for working with contractors Beginning June 1, 2026, solar and battery installations must be completed by a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member to Read More…

  • CSA Report: Online Sales of Unapproved Consumer Electrical Products in Canada

    CSA Report: Online Sales of Unapproved Consumer Electrical Products in Canada

    March 27, 2026 Canadian electrical regulators have identified that the online sales of unapproved consumer electrical products are of a serious concern, and with the growing number of online marketplaces globally there is likely a higher volume of unapproved, or non-compliant, consumer electrical products available for purchase to Canadian consumers. In 2025, Canadian Standards Association Read More…

  • Tackling Unsafe Electrical Products Sold Online: Key Outcomes from the National Workshop Agreement 

    Tackling Unsafe Electrical Products Sold Online: Key Outcomes from the National Workshop Agreement 

    March 27, 2026 By Electro-Federation Canada The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed how Canadians purchase electrical products, but it has also introduced new safety risks. EFC members have been raising concerns for several years about the increasing availability of unsafe and unapproved electrical products sold online, often without clear evidence of certification or compliance with Canadian requirements. To Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Supports Critical Skilled Trades Investment in the 2026 Ontario Budget

    Skills Ontario Supports Critical Skilled Trades Investment in the 2026 Ontario Budget

    March 27, 2026 — Skills Ontario welcomes the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, released today by the Ontario Government and Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy, and applauds the continued commitment to investing in skilled trades, technologies, and workforce development. Skills Ontario was pleased to see the government maintain and strengthen its support Read More…

  • Toronto Hydro Launches New Pilot Program to Help Multiplex Builders Energize

    Toronto Hydro Launches New Pilot Program to Help Multiplex Builders Energize

    April 27, 2026 Toronto Hydro is launching a trailblazing customer pilot project designed to help local builders electrify multiplex housing without complex service upgrades. Through Toronto Hydro’s Multiplex PowerPlay, up to six multiplex projects can qualify to receive funding toward a smart energy load management system. Smart load management systems continuously monitor total building energy Read More…

  • Gescan and George Gordon Developments Strengthen Community Impact in Saskatchewan

    Gescan and George Gordon Developments Strengthen Community Impact in Saskatchewan

    March 25, 2026 Gescan, a Sonepar Company, is proud to highlight its continued commitment to supporting communities across Saskatchewan through their meaningful alliance with George Gordon Developments Ltd. (GGDL). With a strong focus on community development, workforce participation and inclusive growth, Gescan is working closely with GGDL to create training, employment and business opportunities for Saskatchewan residents. These efforts are particularly focused on supporting individuals Read More…

  • Electric Avenue Launches Incentive Program for EV Charging Installers

    Electric Avenue Launches Incentive Program for EV Charging Installers

    March 23, 2026 Halifax-based EV charging solutions provider Electric Avenue has announced the official launch of its new Contractor Incentive Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the EV charging industry, built exclusively for contractors who have completed the company’s Installer Certification course. The program rewards certified installers for every verified and networked installation they complete, offering cash Read More…