Factsheet: Low-Carbon Construction of Canada’s “Built Environment”

Buildings are the fourth highest source of greenhouse gas emissions by economic sector in Canada, and will surpass electricity to become the third highest source by 2020. Reducing the greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by buildings is a critical area for the introduction of measures to reduce carbon emissions and energy use. The current state of the building industry presents a unique opportunity to contribute to GHG reduction while moving the construction industry away from precarious employment and towards greener jobs that are highly skilled and fairly paid. By tackling greenhouse gas emission reduction with work-focused strategies, policy makers, unions and industry leaders can achieve the goals of reducing GHGs while creating environmentally responsible employment.