Peel approves Net Zero Emission Building Retrofit Policy and Standard to meet climate targets

BRAMPTON, ON (June 27, 2025) - Peel has taken another bold step toward climate leadership with the approval of a Net Zero Emission Building Retrofit Policy and Standard by Regional Council yesterday. This policy will guide the decarbonization of existing region-owned buildings and help meet Peel's climate targets. Buildings currently account for 51% of Peel's corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making energy efficiency and emissions reductions a top priority. The new policy mandates the replacement of gas-burning equipment at end of life with low-carbon alternatives.

Amid rising construction costs, economic uncertainty, and unprecedented housing demand, this motion introduces an innovative approach to help get homes built faster - while relieving the financial strain on both municipalities and homebuyers.

Key benefits of the policy:

• Expected to reduce GHG emissions by 48,000 tonnes by 2050.
• Enhances building performance, occupant health, safety, and comfort.
• Integrates with existing asset management plans for long-term impact.
• Helps meet Peel's 2030 target of a 45% GHG reduction from 2010 levels.

Preliminary energy modelling indicates that implementing the standard could increase the 10-year state of good repair capital plan budget by 15-25%. However, the use of high-efficiency, low-carbon technologies is expected to result in no net increase to operating costs - and in some cases, there are anticipated cost savings.

Failure to adopt the policy would have meant missed climate targets and increased financial liabilities over time. Visit climate change to learn more about Peel's climate change efforts.