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

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.