We thrive in better buildings – how a new bylaw could transform retrofits in the GTHA

The City of Toronto is introducing Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS) to tackle building-related carbon emissions, which account for nearly 60% of the city’s total emissions. Standards like these will be critical for any city in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) looking to meet their 2040-2050 emissions targets. In addition to carbon reduction, BEPS leads to buildings that are healthier and more resilient to the impacts of extreme weather, while creating local jobs in the retrofit industry.  

Existing building standards operate similarly to green development standards for new buildings. Local governments set emissions targets for buildings based on their type and size, and require building owners to improve gradually to remain in compliance. The policy is intended to provide regulatory certainty, allowing owners and operators to plan for the future, save on energy and construction costs, and improve the value of their building. Toronto City Council has indicated that single family homes and small buildings (for example, under 10,000 square feet) will be excluded from the policy.

Toronto is already feeling the impacts of climate change, and existing building standards are essential to reducing emissions at the needed scale. Beyond environmental benefits, BEPS will create new jobs (estimated at 7,000 full time jobs in Toronto), drive demand for retrofit services, and lead to healthier, more comfortable buildings. BEPS will also bring significant energy cost savings for building owners and tenants. 

BEPS policy will need to be designed to protect affordability, for both tenants and owners. Supporting programs and compliance flexibility will help building owners manage costs without passing them down to tenants.   

The City of Toronto’s BEPS bylaw will be presented to City Council by Fall 2025. Until then, consultations and discussions are already starting to create a policy that is fair, effective, and beneficial for communities.  

Toronto is actively consulting with stakeholders, from property owners to community groups. The City has also committed to public consultations—through webinars, town halls, and online surveys—to help shape a policy that works for everyone. We’ll keep you in the loop as details become available.  

Toronto is the first city in the GTHA that has committed to bringing forward a policy. If Toronto is successful, that will strengthen momentum for other cities in the region to move forward with their own policies.  

BEPS are vital for making Toronto’s buildings greener and healthier, benefiting the entire community. But the city needs you to help get it right! TAF is working with a collective of organizations representing environmental, industry, and equity interests, to provide an open space for information, resource-sharing, and discussion. Check out our BEPS resource hub to learn more. 

1. Sign up for updates to stay informed
2. Visit Toronto’s engagement page
3. Check out our BEPS resource hub