Leveraging policy instruments and financial incentives to reduce embodied carbon in energy retrofits

TL;DR

This paper reviews and analyzes policies and incentives aimed at reducing embodied carbon emissions in building retrofits, highlighting gaps and opportunities to inform effective policy development in British Columbia.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of global and local policies targeting embodied emissions in building retrofits and offers tailored policy recommendations for BC.

Findings

Identification of policy gaps in reducing embodied emissions

Linkages between BC strategies and global best practices

Recommendations for policy improvements in BC retrofitting

Abstract

The existing buildings and building construction sectors together are responsible for over one-third of the total global energy consumption and nearly 40% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHG emissions from the building sector are made up of embodied emissions and operational emissions. Recognizing the importance of reducing energy use and emissions associated with the building sector, governments have introduced policies, standards, and design guidelines to improve building energy performance and reduce GHG emissions associated with operating buildings. However, policy initiatives that reduce embodied emissions of the existing building sector are lacking. This research aims to develop policy strategies to reduce embodied carbon emissions in retrofits. In order to achieve this goal, this research conducted a literature review and identification of policies and financial incentives in British Columbia (BC) for reducing overall GHG emissions from the existing building sector. Then, this research analyzed worldwide policies and incentives that reduce embodied carbon emissions in the existing building sector. After reviewing the two categories of retrofit policies, the author identified links and opportunities between existing BC strategies, tools, and incentives, and global embodied emission strategies. Finally, this research compiled key findings from all resources and provided policy recommendations for reducing embodied carbon emissions in retrofits in BC.