CaDCR staff writer
The Government of Canada has announced an investment of $2.4 million to help Prince Edward Island adopt more ambitious building codes and improve energy efficiency. This funding, from the Codes Acceleration Fund, will support the province in adopting the new national building energy performance standards set out in Canada’s 2020 energy codes.
According to the minister of the environment, new building codes are essential to achieving Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions in the building sector by 2050. These new standards will create thousands of sustainable jobs, reduce energy costs for Canadians, and enhance the resilience of communities to climate change.
“Implementing more ambitious building codes will help Prince Edward Island reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its building sector while creating good jobs for its residents. I am proud to support this project through the Codes Acceleration Fund and look forward to working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and the building community to prepare Canada’s buildings for a net-zero future,” said Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.
The $2.4 million in funding will be used to train building officials and industry professionals to ensure compliance with provincial codes while integrating more energy-efficient construction methods. This initiative will allow Prince Edward Island to adopt higher performance tiers in new buildings, reducing energy costs for residents and creating more durable, climate-resilient homes.
“We are investing to help communities reduce their energy bills and cut emissions,” said Charlottetown MP Sean Casey.
Funding will enable Prince Edward Island to adopt stronger building codes across all types of buildings, providing more affordable energy for Islanders and more resilient homes for our children and grandchildren.”
A second call for funding proposals through the Codes Acceleration Fund is open until 10 January 2025.
On average, Canadian households spend $2,200 annually on energy costs. These costs are significantly higher in older homes with poor insulation, ventilation, and heating/cooling systems.
Canada’s residential buildings account for 47 per cent of the building sector’s emissions. Space and water heating make up more than 96% of these emissions.
