Sustainable Homes & Communities
The choices Canadians make at home — how we heat, insulate, power, and maintain our properties — are among the most consequential levers for reducing emissions and conserving resources. This focus area translates that evidence into practical guidance for households.
The household is a frontline of the energy transition
Residential buildings account for roughly 13 per cent of Canada's greenhouse-gas emissions, and the majority of household water use occurs within the home. Yet most homeowners lack clear, independent guidance on which upgrades deliver the greatest environmental return — and which qualified professionals to consult.
The Council's Sustainable Homes program publishes practical benchmarks across heating and cooling, the building envelope, water, waste, and the yard. Throughout, we encourage homeowners to consult licensed, qualified local trades, because correct installation is consistently the largest determinant of real-world performance.
In this focus area
- hvac Heating, cooling & electrification
- roofing Building envelope & roofing
- water_drop Water & plumbing efficiency
- recycling Waste diversion & disposal
- yard Yards, trees & drainage
Where to focus, and who to ask
Heating & Electrification
Cold-climate heat pumps can cut residential heating emissions by up to 90 per cent. Proper sizing should be assessed by a licensed HVAC contractor.
View briefings → roofingBuilding Envelope & Roofing
A durable, well-sealed roof and envelope reduce heating demand before any system upgrade. Consult a qualified roofing contractor for an assessment.
View briefings → water_dropWater & Plumbing
Efficient fixtures and leak-free systems ease pressure on municipal water supplies. A licensed plumber can audit household water use.
View briefings → solar_powerSolar & On-Site Generation
Rooftop solar readiness adds resilience and reduces demand on the provincial grid. A certified installer can assess suitability and orientation.
View briefings → recyclingWaste Diversion & Disposal
Responsible handling of renovation waste keeps reusable materials out of landfill. Choose a service that diverts and recycles.
View briefings → forestYards, Trees & Drainage
Native planting and a healthy urban canopy support biodiversity and stormwater control. A local landscaping service can advise.
View briefings →Recent briefings & commentary
How Ellerslie Roofing Is Adapting Edmonton Roof Jobs to Alberta’s New Energy Code
Alberta's tightened energy code changed what a compliant roof looks like. We asked an Edmonton roofing contractor how that plays out on an actual job site.
Alberta’s New Energy Code and What It Means for Your Roof
Alberta's adoption of national energy codes has tightened the insulation and air sealing rules that apply to roofs. Here is how the standards work and what a compliant upgrade actually involves.
Cold-Climate Heat Pumps: A National Pathway to Lower Residential Emissions
Buildings account for roughly 13 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse-gas emissions, the majority of which stem from space and water heating in residential properties. As provinces…