As climate change intensifies across Canada, a recently released report by the Canada Climate Law Initiative (CCLI) and the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is calling on the construction sector to embed climate resilience into their core governance. Building resilience: A guide to climate governance for Canada’s construction sector provides a practical roadmap to help industry leaders address growing climate risks across the entire construction value chain.
With nearly 30 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to construction, companies within Canada’s construction industry can play a significant role in addressing climate change and creating more sustainable and resilient communities.
“The construction and buildings sector holds enormous potential to drive positive change,” said CCA president Rodrigue Gilbert. “Through effective governance, leadership and collaboration across the value chain, the sector can play a pivotal role in creating more sustainable, climate-resilient communities. From project financing and design through to construction, maintenance, and renovations, each actor plays a critical role.”
While construction has always faced environmental challenges, climate change introduces more severe risks as heatwaves, wildfires and flooding disrupt projects and endanger communities. The guide calls for long-term, governance-driven strategies to build resilience.
The report stresses that directors and senior leadership are central to climate action, and that climate action is a competitive advantage. Ultimately, the organizations advise that a systems-level coordinated approach is essential.
“Climate governance is a strategic imperative for Canadian construction companies to build sustainable and resilient businesses and communities for the future,” said Jacqueline Fitzpatrick, CCLI affiliated research scholar and author of the guide.
The report offers clear, actionable guidance tailored for construction companies of all sizes. It includes legal context, risk assessment frameworks, and tools to help boards and management teams embed climate governance into their core operations.
“Directors have a clear role to play in shaping the future of the industry,” said Gilbert. “This guide makes it easier for them to lead with confidence, fulfill their responsibilities, and align with the transition to a low-carbon, climate-ready economy.”
