To help Guelph's economy after the pandemic, one group says the city's recovery plans should include green building.
That's what the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) Greater Toronto Chapter plans to discuss in their upcoming Guelph-specific webinar called The Role of Green Buildings in our Post-COVID Recovery.
According to their website, this event is part of a series of free virtual webinars they are hosting across Ontario, including Guelph, to discuss the economic, and other benefits, green building can provide within those communities.
CaGBC is an organization which focuses on creating green buildings through sustainable design and construction practices, representing more than 1,200 organizations and 2,500 individuals.
The Guelph-specific event is taking place Friday, Nov. 6 at noon and will feature guest speakers. One of those speakers is executive director of Our Energy Guelph, Alex Chapman.
While the event provides useful information for those within the construction industry, Chapman said it has appeal for all residents interested in learning more about high performing homes and buildings.
"The conversation around net zero, the economic story is a part of it, but it's got to do with comfort, quiet and about health." said Chapman, "I think that's a little bit surprising for people who haven't really delved into this topic too much."
Chapman says by 2050, 80 per cent of the buildings in Guelph will be from this period of time. Without renovations made to reduce carbon emissions, these buildings can lead to increased energy consumption within the community and higher rates and taxes for home owners.
“When energy prices spike, whether it's electricity, gas or gasoline, that hits people right in the pocket book.” said Chapman, "If, on the other hand, people are switching to high-efficiency homes, where the building is much better insulated, they don't need as much energy to keep it comfortable."
“We’re going to have to get a handle on the buildings we already have, and the way we’re going to do that is renovating and retro-fitting those homes.”
Renovating and retrofitting homes can result in various adjustments needing to be made, from adding more installation to using triple-sealed windows.
While it is a commitment to invest in these types of renovations, Chapman says the health and environmental benefits are great for homeowners, like better air quality and comfort.
"Because they are so air tight, you have to select a certain type of materials that don't give off gases." said Chapman, "You have to think carefully about the things you put in there because you won't have air leaking out of every crack and crevice like you would in a traditional home."
Taking these measures to reduce emissions can also have economic benefits for business owners, with these renovations improving customer experience.
“It’s not just about reducing energy costs, it’s also about increasing the productive value of the space you have available to you.” said Chapman, “Especially in a COVID world, you have to make use of every square inch of floor space you’ve got. You can’t afford to give up space by the window.”
The conference also ties into broader conversation about how communities like Guelph can continue to innovate to not only sustain environmental hardships, but monetary ones as well.
Chapman says the interest in green building can lead to an increased demand for workers, helping those who have become unemployed during the pandemic.
“We’re going to need arms and legs and brains of people to get out there to go and do work.” said Chapman, "That means there will be job opportunities for those who have been struggling right now."
To learn more about the webinar, go to cagbctoronto.org.
