CaGBC Shares Submission to the Nova Scotia EGSPA Consultation

Oct 3, 2019

In conjunction with BuildGreen Atlantic, the Canada Green Building Council is sharing its submission to the Nova Scotia Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act (EGSPA) consultations.

Green buildings are one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) as well as save money for Nova Scotia homeowners and businesses. Buildings also represent significant potential for economic growth through innovation, investments and job creation.

Nova Scotia’s built environment is a significant contributor to GHG emissions at 13 per cent, the third largest emitting sector in Nova Scotia, with electricity generation at 42 per cent of emissions being the largest. By constructing low-emission buildings and retrofitting Nova Scotia’s existing building stock, the government will lower emissions, create new jobs, and scale-up investments and innovation. At the same time, these investments will ensure its building stock is more resilient to future climate conditions such as extreme weather, forest fires, flooding or droughts. While building new low-emission buildings is a critical part of the solution, over 80 per cent of existing buildings will still be in operation in 2030 and 50 per cent in 2050, making it essential that existing buildings are addressed to meet GHG reduction targets for the building sector.

The CaGBC has shared recommendations related to the built environment with a focus on how buildings can lead the Province in emissions reductions. These recommendations address new, but especially existing, infrastructure.

The CaGBC’s five key recommendations for the Nova Scotian government focus on two areas, Cleaner Energy and Leadership in Sustainable Prosperity. The recommendations are:

Cleaner Energy

• Recommendation 1: Introduce mandatory Energy
• Recommendation 2: Accelerate to Zero Carbon Buildings
• Recommendation 3: Increase energy efficiency requirements through building codes

Leadership in Sustainable Prosperity

• Recommendation 4: Invest in workforce development and training in order to support Nova Scotia’s low-carbon building industry
• Recommendation 5: Demonstrate Government Leadership by pursuing LEED® Gold, adjust financing of public buildings and invest in data platforms

The CaGBC supports the Province of Nova Scotia in its goals to protect the environment, reduce GHG emissions and create economic opportunity.

Go HERE for the full submission