Author/Contributor: Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, ENBIX
Contributions from: BILD Edmonton Metro Region Members, BILD Calgary Region Members, City of Edmonton, City of Calgary
Summary:
This report, compiled by Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, outlines learnings from the Emissions-Neutral Buildings Information Exchange (ENBIX) initiative and the barriers residential builders face in constructing high-performance, emissions-neutral buildings in Alberta. This report also explores efforts being made in Alberta to help reduce or mitigate these barriers.
The research, initiated in April 2025, involved workshops with eight large-volume residential builders in Calgary and Edmonton, focusing on cost, constructability, and the implementation of innovative technologies. Consultations with the City of Calgary and Edmonton also informed the findings.
Four primary barrier themes were identified: Innovative technology implementation and use, market and economic factors, regulation and permitting, and training and education.Â
Within these themes, barriers were prioritized for further exploration based on their impact and feasibility of removal. The barriers prioritized in this report include:
- A lack of clear pathways for innovative product approvals
- Inconsistent permitting processes for high-performance buildings
- Significant training gaps for both industry trades and municipal staff regarding new materials and technologies.
Read the full report here.
