Toronto, ON — Bryan Purcell, VP Policy and Programs, The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) made the following statement in response to the City of Toronto’s TransformTO Net Zero Strategy Action Plan:
“We welcome today’s climate action plan and commend the Infrastructure and Environment Committee for restoring the inclusion of Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS).
“Councillor Paula Fletcher’s motion on the floor ensures BEPS will move forward with consultation, economic and legal analysis, and tenant protections, while calling on federal and provincial governments to expand funding for building upgrades. The motion directs staff to report back in 2027, setting an expectation across the industry that a BEPS policy will be brought forward for council consideration at that time.
“Councillor Dianne Saxe also moved a motion to enhance other aspects of the climate action plan, including by strengthening Toronto’s Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking program, enhancing supports for low-carbon new construction, and addressing red-tape barriers to climate action. These additions will significantly strengthen the plan.
“Today’s encouraging outcome reflects the strong support voiced by industry and community stakeholders. Dozens of deputations and letters from building owners, tenants’ organizations, engineers, architects, construction firms, financial experts, and citizens made clear that the sector is ready for BEPS.
“BEPS is a practical, proven tool to reduce carbon emissions, cut utility costs, and create local economic opportunity by scaling up large building retrofits. BEPS will ensure better buildings in Toronto and set the standard for the rest of the region.
“The reinstatement of BEPS, albeit on a delayed timeline, is encouraging, but we are concerned that the climate action plan overall fails to align with Toronto’s climate targets. Emissions have been increasing steadily for the last four years, and the City’s modeling shows Toronto will fall short of its 2030 and 2040 climate targets. Restoring BEPS into the plan will significantly shrink the emissions gap, but more action will be needed—from all levels of government—to get on track for net zero.
“TAF looks forward to working with the City, Toronto Hydro, and all stakeholders to advance BEPS, strengthen the Net Zero Strategy Action Plan, and expand complementary measures such as the Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking program. Together, we can make Toronto’s buildings healthier, more affordable, and lower carbon — improving quality of life for everyone who lives and works in our city.”
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