Analysis
The clock is ticking. To meet our climate goals, we must act now to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Canada’s buildings and the systems that support them. With this impetus, it’s more important than ever for stakeholders to have clear and reliable information on the most effective pathways to decarbonizing our buildings—and in this position paper, we make the case for electrification as the best way for the sector to achieve net zero.
Specifically, the paper addresses:
- Why electrification is the most viable pathway to lower building emissions
- How electrification reduces building-sector emissions
- Why electrification offers a viable heating solution for Canadian winters
- Why electrification is an economical pathway to building decarbonization
- How electrification is a solution for both new and existing buildings
- What additional benefits building electrification offers Canadians
While acknowledging the challenges that electrification entails, we argue that it is the most viable, most economical pathway to decarbonizing Canada’s building sector.
About the Authors
Mathieu Poirier
Director of Policy
Matt prides himself on translating research findings into actionable solutions to support the clean energy transition. He brings more than a decade of experience working to decarbonize the built environment via positions in—and engagements with—governments, utilities, and industry. Before joining the Building Decarbonization Alliance, Matt held consulting roles at Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors and Deloitte, and worked in industry and non-profit organizations focusing on green building design and legal analysis. He holds degrees in mechanical engineering and psychology from the University of Waterloo, and a law degree from Dalhousie University. He also earned an MBA from Saint Mary’s University. Matt also co-authored The Case for Building Electrification in Canada, our foundational position paper.
Claire Cameron
Director of Regional Pathways
Claire has worked extensively with utilities, government, and industry to understand and address complex technical and policy questions related to the clean energy transition. In particular, Claire has focused her work on sustainable transportation, building decarbonization, and demand-side management. Known for her personable approach and attention to detail, Claire is focused on building productive relationships that will accelerate our progress towards net zero. Before joining The Transition Accelerator, Claire was a Senior Consultant at Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors. She has previously held roles at Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
Citations
Poirier, M. and Cameron, C. (2023). The Case for Building Electrification in Canada. The Transition Accelerator.