The report summarizes ULI BC’s Technical Assistance Panel as part of the Net Zero Imperative Initiative in 2024, highlighting the transformative potential for retrofits, specifically affordable housing, to reduce emissions and improve tenant well-being.

The ULI BC Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) convened in May 2024 to develop strategies for scaling up retrofits in Vancouver, British Columbia, focusing on affordable housing as a pathway to achieving net-zero targets. Alexander House, an 81-unit seniors’ residence, served as the case study for addressing the challenges and opportunities of building retrofits.

Buildings in Metro Vancouver account for 25% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the area. 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already built, and to meet Canada’s 2050 net zero emission goals, 600,000 homes must be retrofitted each year. While retrofits can enhance energy efficiency and tenant comfort, barriers such as high costs, complex permitting, and limited organizational capacity persist. The TAP sought to develop a roadmap to overcome these challenges and scale retrofit adoption.

Despite advancements in building systems, technology, and energy modeling, key obstacles remain. Many funding and regulatory structures are not aligned with retrofit needs; therefore, the TAP has generated recommendations for stakeholders to implement.

The TAP findings highlight the transformative potential for retrofits, specifically affordable housing, to reduce emissions and improve tenant well-being. By addressing these barriers and fostering collaboration, Vancouver can accelerate retrofit adoption to achieve climate and housing goals while creating resilient, low-carbon communities.

Panelists: 

• Chris Kasianchuk, Warrington PCI Management
• Michael Driedger, MCW Consultants
• Christian Cianfrone, OPEN Technologies
• Patrick Roppel, EVOKE Buildings
• Nick Bray, Principal, Nick Bray Architecture
• Esteban Matheus, DIALOG
• Troy Glasner, White Blue Green
• Stephan Baeuml, ZEIC/ZEBX
• Atoine Archie, AHMA
• Andre O’Neil, DIALOG
• Pako Hung, Ledcor
• Morgan McDonald, Ledcor
• Brennan Anstey, Pinchin
• Laurence Kao, Pinchin
• Jade Hume, Metro Vancouver

To learn more about this Panel, including the recommendations put forth, please download a copy of the full report.

Learn more about ULI BC’s NZI here.