Report Summary:

The ULI Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) convened in May 2024 to develop strategies for scaling up retrofits in Vancouver, British Columbia, focusing on affordable housing as a pathway to achieving net-zero targets. Alexander House, an 81-unit seniors' residence, served as the case study for addressing the challenges and opportunities of building retrofits.

Buildings in Metro Vancouver account for 25% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the area. 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already built, and to meet Canada's 2050 net zero emission goals, 600,000 homes must be retrofitted each year. While retrofits can enhance energy efficiency and tenant comfort, barriers such as high costs, complex permitting, and limited organizational capacity persist. The TAP sought to develop a roadmap to overcome these challenges and scale retrofit adoption.

Despite advancements in building systems, technology, and energy modeling, key obstacles remain. Many funding and regulatory structures are not aligned with retrofit needs; therefore, the TAP has generated recommendations for stakeholders to implement.

The TAP findings highlight the transformative potential for retrofits,
specifically affordable housing, to reduce emissions and improve tenant
well-being. By addressing these barriers and fostering collaboration,
Vancouver can accelerate retrofit adoption to achieve climate and
housing goals while creating resilient, low-carbon communities.

Related:

ULI Vancouver TAP Panelists

  • Chris Kasianchuk, Warrington PCI Management
  • Michael Driedger, MCW Consultants
  • Christian Cianfrone, OPEN Technologies
  • Patrick Roppel, EVOKE Buildings
  • Nick Bray, Principal, Nick Bray Architecture
  • Esteban Matheus, DIALOG
  • Troy Glasner, White Blue Green
  • Stephan Baeuml, ZEIC/ZEBX
  • Atoine Archie, AHMA
  • Andre O’Neil, DIALOG
  • Pako Hung, Ledcor
  • Morgan McDonald, Ledcor
  • Brennan Anstey, Pinchin
  • Laurence Kao, Pinchin
  • Jade Hume, Metro Vancouver

ULI Vancouver TAP Advisors:

  • Patrick Caraher, Aboriginal Housing Management Association
  • Atoine Archie, Aboriginal Housing Management Association
  • William Azaroff, Brightside Community Homes Foundation
  • Luke Harrison, Catalyst
  • Donovan Woollard, Open Technologies
  • Christian Cian frone, Open Technologies
  • Betsy Agar, Pembina Institute
  • Victoria Richards, BC Hydro
  • Micah Lang, City of Vancouver
  • Patrick Roppel, Evoke Buildings

Panel Support

  • Ayden Kristmanson

Report Summary: The ULI Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) convened in May 2024 to develop strategies for scaling up retrofits in Vancouver, British Columbia, focusing on affordable housing as a pathway to achieving net-zero targets. Alexander House, an 81-unit seniors' residence, served as the case study for addressing the challenges and opportunities of building retrofits.

Buildings in Metro Vancouver account for 25% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the area. 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already built, and to meet Canada's 2050 net zero emission goals, 600,000 homes must be retrofitted each year. While retrofits can enhance energy efficiency and tenant comfort, barriers such as high costs, complex permitting, and limited organizational capacity persist. The TAP sought to develop a roadmap to overcome these challenges and scale retrofit adoption.

Despite advancements in building systems, technology, and energy modeling, key obstacles remain. Many funding and regulatory structures are not aligned with retrofit needs; therefore, the TAP has generated recommendations for stakeholders to implement.

The TAP findings highlight the transformative potential for retrofits,
specifically affordable housing, to reduce emissions and improve tenant
well-being. By addressing these barriers and fostering collaboration,
Vancouver can accelerate retrofit adoption to achieve climate and
housing goals while creating resilient, low-carbon communities.

Related:

ULI Vancouver TAP Panelists

  • Chris Kasianchuk, Warrington PCI Management
  • Michael Driedger, MCW Consultants
  • Christian Cianfrone, OPEN Technologies
  • Patrick Roppel, EVOKE Buildings
  • Nick Bray, Principal, Nick Bray Architecture
  • Esteban Matheus, DIALOG
  • Troy Glasner, White Blue Green
  • Stephan Baeuml, ZEIC/ZEBX
  • Atoine Archie, AHMA
  • Andre O’Neil, DIALOG
  • Pako Hung, Ledcor
  • Morgan McDonald, Ledcor
  • Brennan Anstey, Pinchin
  • Laurence Kao, Pinchin
  • Jade Hume, Metro Vancouver

ULI Vancouver TAP Advisors:

  • Patrick Caraher, Aboriginal Housing Management Association
  • Atoine Archie, Aboriginal Housing Management Association
  • William Azaroff, Brightside Community Homes Foundation
  • Luke Harrison, Catalyst
  • Donovan Woollard, Open Technologies
  • Christian Cian frone, Open Technologies
  • Betsy Agar, Pembina Institute
  • Victoria Richards, BC Hydro
  • Micah Lang, City of Vancouver
  • Patrick Roppel, Evoke Buildings

Panel Support

  • Ayden Kristmanson
RELATED
Report

Project Recovery: Rebuilding Los Angeles after the January 2025 Wildfires

A coalition of approximately 100 leading experts from ULI Los Angeles, UCLA, and USC provides strategic recovery solutions for Los Angeles following the January 2025 wildfires. The report offers actionable recommendations to help communities rebuild ...
Webinar

ULI Toronto: Knock On: Real Estate, Development & the Canadian Economy

Join ULI Toronto for a dynamic economic pulse check exploring how the health of the real estate sector impacts Canada's broader economy. Discover the ripple effects of a delayed recovery and explore actionable opportunities to accelerate growth and s...
Webinar

Unlocking Capital in the Caribbean Webinar

The Unlocking Capital in the Caribbean Webinar, produced by The Caribbean Council of ULI Southeast Florida/Caribbean, offers expert insights into funding strategies, navigating the region's legal and tax landscape, and seizing opportunities in Caribb...
Topics