Climate Smart Buildings Alliance
Leading Canada’s Transition to a net zero buildings sector
per cent of global emissions come from buildings
highest emitting industrial sector in CAnada
About the Alliance
Canada’s buildings are a major source of our national emissions. To hit net zero, the building and construction industry needs to transform fast.
The Climate Smart Buildings Alliance is a coalition of building sector leaders aimed at accelerating the pathway to net zero, and driving climate action across the industry. Designed as a think-and-do tank, CSBA (pronounced “Caz-bah”) works with industry collaborators, governments, researchers and innovators to test ideas, protype new solutions, and drive climate smart systems change.
Our Top Priorities
Through industry driven projects and government-industry collaborations we will advance three core priorities:
Materials
Increase the use of low and zero carbon building materials.
Electrification
Reduce fossil fuel combustion in buildings and support a clean electrical system.
Net Zero Buildings & Retrofits
Reduce operational emissions through retrofits and net zero new builds.
Founding Partners
Champions’ Group
“Climate change is a generational challenge facing all of us. As building sector leaders, we need to work together and chart a new sustainable path for the future of our industry.”
– Peter Gilgan, Chairman & CEO, Mattamy Asset Management
2024 Action Projects
2024 Action Report
As we look forward to an exciting 2025, it is important to reflect on the successes of 2024. The Climate Smart Buildings Alliance has pushed forward with exciting initiatives, has seen great progress, and is bringing industry leaders together for meaningful change in the construction industry’s approach to sustainability.
We are proud to share our vision for the path forward through our 2024 CSBA Action Report.
Responsible Buildings Pact
Drive an industry culture change so lower carbon building materials are consistantly considered and used.
Climate and Consumer-Smart Housing Models
Collaborating with government partners to optimize residential building codes to reduce lifetime costs & lifetime carbon.
Mass Timber Insurance Action Plan
Partnering with the Canadian Wood Council to develop system-level tools that reduce insurance barriers for mass timber and other carbon-storing bio materials.
Netzero Buildings and Retrofit Finance Solutions LAb
Develop and pilot new financial models that improve the case for net zero new homes and commercial building retrofits.
People – Boards & Committees
Founders’ Committee
Peter Gilgan
Chairman & CEO, Mattamy Asset Management
David McKay
President and CEO, Royal Bank of Canada
Geoff Smith
Executive Chair, EllisDon
Ian L. Edwards
President and Chief Executive Officer, AtkinsRéalis
Executive Committee
Brad Carr
CEO, Mattamy Homes Canada
Luke Gilgan
Director - Programs, Gilgan Family Office; Board Member, Mattamy Asset Management
John Stackhouse
Senior Vice President, Office of the CEO, Royal Bank of Canada
Stéphanie Vaillancourt
President - Canada, AtkinsRéalis
David Messer
Director - Climate Smart Buildings Alliance