Green building leaders drive transformation at Building Lasting Change 2025
Industry announcements, new collaborations, and expanded programs underscore commitment to resilient, energy efficient buildings and housing.
CAGBC Staff on June 23, 2025
Vancouver, BC – June 23 – Green building is no longer just an environmental concern—it’s a business imperative. That was the overarching theme at Building Lasting Change™ (BLC) 2025, where industry leaders showcased how sustainability is limiting risk and driving innovation, investment and long-term value in Canada’s built environment. Hosted by the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) in Vancouver from June 18 to 20, the annual conference focused on actionable solutions for delivering energy-efficient, low-carbon, resilient and healthy buildings that create value for owners and developers. Attendees left equipped with key insights and tangible solutions they can now apply to their projects and portfolios.
BLC also reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for industry alignment, collaboration and meaningful progress. Over three dynamic days, forward-thinking organizations and innovators from across the sector announced major developments—including significant research findings, an ambitious cross-sector collaboration, expanded certification frameworks, and new funding commitments. The event culminated with the prestigious CAGBC Awards Gala, celebrating outstanding leadership and design excellence in sustainable building.
“Building Lasting Change makes it clear year over year: sustainability and business go hand in hand,” said Thomas Mueller, CAGBC’s President and CEO. “We’re not just addressing climate related risks and solutions—we’re strengthening Canada’s economy, creating business value for owners and developers, and future-proofing valuable assets. The momentum we saw at this year’s conference reflects a sector that’s ready to deliver—with smart strategies and technologies, scalable innovation, and a shared commitment to building a more resilient, competitive Canada.”
As the national voice for green building, CAGBC plays a central role in advancing buildings that significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to healthier and more resilient communities. In collaboration with stakeholders across the supply chain in the building sector, we’re advancing sustainable practices through trusted standards, policy advocacy, research, and education. Building Lasting Change is a national platform for CAGBC to unite the industry—creating space for collaboration, innovation, and climate-focused solutions.
“We’re committed to supporting the ideas and partnerships sparked at the conference,” says Mueller. “This is how we move from conversation to real change—together.”
Top stories from BLC 2025
New path to zero-carbon certification opens for low-rise residential buildings
CAGBC announced a pilot expansion of its Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard™ to include some Part 9 multi-unit residential buildings. Responding to growing demand for low-rise, sustainable housing, this move aims to align developments like stacked townhomes and purpose-built rentals with Canada’s carbon goals. It will explore how zero-carbon requirements can be adapted to the unique characteristics of low-rise construction—while supporting energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term affordability.
Innovation and leadership take centre stage at the 2025 CAGBC Awards Gala
At the CAGBC Awards Gala in Vancouver, CAGBC honoured individuals and projects that are redefining what’s possible in sustainable building. From zero-carbon new builds and transformative retrofits to visionary leadership and creative financing models, this year’s award winners showcased the power of innovation, collaboration, and commitment in shaping healthy, high-performing communities.
Responsible Buildings Pact shows early success in cutting concrete emissions
Launched at BLC 2024, the Responsible Buildings Pact is a cross-industry initiative led by the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance to increase the use of low-carbon materials. Its first annual report highlights 108 real-world examples of how low-carbon concrete was used across 109 projects, helping avoid over 60,000 tons of GHG emissions. With promising early results, the pact now expands to include bulk steel and aims to double industry participation in year two, from 40 to 100 organizations.
REALPAC and CAGBC launched collaboration to advance green valuation
Better defining the business case for green building was a key focus of BLC. Critically, the way buildings are valued must shift to recognize how sustainability investments increase the attractiveness of an asset and reduce risks, especially those related to changing climate and regulations. CAGBC, along with The Real Property Association of Canada (REALPAC) committed to working with Canada’s leading commercial real estate appraisers to ensure they can reflect the true value of green buildings. This includes helping ensure they have access to better data and consistent frameworks, practical tools to use, and clear processes to follow. The two organizations agreed to help improve the alignment between industry, appraisers, policy-makers, investors, and standard setters to better define the business case for green and low-carbon buildings. Stay tuned for information on our Fall roundtable.
Update to Two Million Green Homes report: Build Fast Build Better
Since publishing its November 2024 report Two Million Green Homes, CAGBC has continued to focus on Canada’s housing supply with an emphasis on sustainability, and affordability. While some progress has been made in the first half of 2025, key challenges remain. In response, CAGBC released an updated assessment of critical opportunities across technology, policy, and financing to ensure that new housing developments are built faster, but also better. A new insight emerged in this update: building only to code risks missing opportunities for sustainable, high-quality housing. As government investments increase and rental housing starts to rise, CAGBC will continue to support industry and government in shifting to a sustainable, purpose-built rental housing development approach that urgently needs attention.
CAGBC collaborates with Labour Education Centre to launch the Green Building Operator Program
CAGBC announced its collaboration with the Labour Education Centre (LEC) to support the Green Building Operator (GBO) Program, funded by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund. This initiative equips women who are newcomers and refugees with hands-on skills in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Building Automation Systems (BAS), and energy management. Across three cohorts, CAGBC will enable participants through site visits to smart and green buildings, disseminate information about LEC-organized job fairs and hiring events with its member companies, and provide in-kind support by promoting the program and offering guest speakers. This initiative further reinforces CAGBC’s mission to empower Canada’s workforce with low-carbon skills to help meet the country’s climate goals.
CAGBC announces new funding from Future Skills Centre to empower Canada’s Green Building Workforce
CAGBC is pleased to announce investment from the Future Skills Centre, through the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program, to support a major new report that will map the future of Canada’s green building workforce. Backed by this critical investment, the report will provide updated, comprehensive insights into the scale, economic impact, and growth potential of the green building sector—at a time when the country is accelerating toward a net-zero future.