Canada's Changing Building and Energy Codes: Implication for Alberta's Real Estate Sector ​

As Canada moves towards its ambitious net-zero targets by 2050, the real estate sector in Alberta is poised to undergo significant transformations. ​ The Green Build Initiative Team wrote the report, "Canada’s Changing Building and Energy Codes - Implications for Alberta’s Residential Real Estate Sector," prepared by SAIT Green Building Technologies Tech-Access Centre and RFS Energy Consulting & Research Group Inc, sheds light on the upcoming changes and their potential impacts on the industry.

The Urgency of Change

Buildings are the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. ​ To meet the net-zero goals, nearly nine million buildings will require deep retrofits by 2050. ​ This necessitates a profound transformation in building and energy codes, affecting construction methods, tax policies, grants, and financing models. ​ For real estate professionals, this means that current industry knowledge will soon be insufficient. ​

Financial Implications

The push for energy efficiency in new buildings will increase the cost of ownership for existing structures. ​ As building codes become more stringent, owners of older buildings will face new challenges when buying, selling, or retrofitting properties. ​ Real estate professionals will need to be well-versed in these changes to guide their clients effectively. ​

The Role of Real Estate Professionals ​

The real estate sector will play a crucial role in this transition. ​ Professionals will need to:

• Stay informed about current and future building codes and incentive programs. ​

• Assess the impacts and potential liabilities of various purchase options. ​

• Access tailored resources to help clients make informed decisions. ​

Our project team has been actively engaging with real estate professionals in Alberta, focusing on brokers and associate brokers who can influence a large network of agents. Despite initial challenges with email outreach, difficulty in reaching smaller brokerages and maintaining participant interest. Our team found success in cold calling which, has proven more effective in building relationships and securing participation. ​

The initial outreach efforts revealed that real estate brokers are more responsive to phone calls than emails. ​ Building personal relationships through direct communication has been key to engaging brokers and securing their participation. ​ There is a significant portion of Alberta’s real estate professionals who have not yet been contacted. 

The report highlights the significant strides made in the initial phase of the project. ​ The literature review provided a comprehensive foundation, and outreach efforts have successfully engaged a portion of the real estate professional population. ​ Moving forward, the team will develop tailored resources, and continue to build relationships with real estate professionals to ensure they are well-informed and prepared for the impending code changes. ​

By supporting Alberta's real estate sector in adapting to new building codes, this project aims to contribute to a more sustainable and profitable future for the industry, aligning with Canada's broader environmental goals.