New guide helps construction leaders build climate-ready companies
With nearly 30 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions linked to construction, there’s a powerful opportunity—and responsibility—for the sector to lead on climate resilience. That’s why the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) and the Canada Climate Law Initiative (CCLI) have teamed up to release a timely new guide: Building resilience: A guide to climate governance for Canada’s construction sector.
This practical resource helps construction leaders embed climate thinking into the heart of their governance strategies. Through effective governance, leadership, and collaboration across the value chain, the sector can play a pivotal role in creating more sustainable, climate-resilient communities.
Key takeaways for industry leaders
- Leadership starts at the top. Boards and senior management have the power to drive climate action by incorporating climate risks and opportunities into business strategy and oversight.
- Sustainability is smart business. Companies that take climate governance seriously aren’t just meeting regulatory expectations—they’re building long-term competitive advantage and responding to client demand for climate-resilient infrastructure.
- It takes a coordinated approach. Resilience can’t be achieved in silos. The entire construction ecosystem—from project financing and design through to construction, maintenance, and renovations – each party needs to work together across the project life cycle.
It’s not just about doing what’s right for the planet—it’s also about protecting communities and the infrastructure they rely on from growing climate risks like wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat.
Whether you’re running a small firm or leading a major construction company, this guide offers a clear starting point. It’s designed to help you assess climate risks, understand your legal duties, and build strategies that align with the shift to a low-carbon economy.
Related content
Climate resilience in construction: Building for a sustainable future, Published September 2024
Climate-resilient infrastructure: a burning platform, The Hill Times, by Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA President, September 11, 2024
ICIC Construction Sector Quarterly Insights, Published April 2024