EDMONTON, Dec. 7, 2023  – Building, construction and renovation professionals interested in learning about how to significantly reduce emissions from buildings in Alberta, can now benefit from the support of a new local initiative. 

Alberta Ecotrust Foundation is excited to launch the Emissions-Neutral Buildings Information Exchange (ENBIX). ENBIX is a collaborative initiative that brings industry together to share knowledge, build capacity and support building and renovation practices across Alberta. The goal of this industry-led initiative is to accelerate the transition to an emissions-neutral built environment for new and existing buildings. In addition to serving as the driving force behind ENBIX, Alberta Ecotrust is providing financial support for the initiative with a $600,000 contribution from the organizations’ Climate Innovation Fund.

Commercial and residential buildings are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions across Canada. In Calgary and Edmonton, the building stock accounts for 40 to 60 percent of emissions. With Canada and the two largest municipalities in Alberta aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, there is an urgent need to ensure that all new buildings are built to be emissions-neutral, and that existing buildings are retrofitted to the same standards. 

“We have heard from industry leaders the need to build better for commercial and environmental reasons, and to prepare for the adoption of higher tiers of building code in Alberta,” said Andrea Linsky, Director, Emissions-Neutral Buildings with Alberta Ecotrust. “ENBIX is here to work with industry to advance more affordable emissions-neutral buildings, by sharing information, fostering innovation and strengthening collaboration.”

“ENBIX continues Alberta Ecotrust's long history of fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations, all united by a shared goal of a low carbon future,” said Rod Ruff, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Alberta Ecotrust. “We are proud to contribute $600,000 from our Climate Innovation Fund to support the programs and services of ENBIX – our largest single financial contribution to date towards climate action.” 

“Fighting climate change and creating new economic opportunities go hand in hand. Innovative housing solutions create jobs, build climate resilience, and make life more affordable. Initiatives like the one we are announcing today support the development of more affordable and energy-saving housing options in Alberta.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

The City of Edmonton and the City of Calgary are the main funders of ENBIX, with a contribution of $1.7 million and $1.4 million respectively.

“Reducing emissions from residential and commercial buildings is essential to achieving Edmonton's climate goals, including becoming a carbon-neutral city by 2050,” said Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton. “We are excited to support the establishment of a knowledge exchange hub as identified in our Energy Transition Strategy. This hub will foster collaboration among industry, academia and government to adopt climate-resilient building practices, while developing a workforce that can build affordable emissions-neutral buildings and retrofit existing ones.”  

“We are creating momentum for action with ENBIX that will build over the next several years and beyond,” says Calgary Mayor Gondek. “Building capacity for emissions neutral construction across the whole development ecosystem – from construction to manufacturing, supply, training, operating and more is critical in getting us to net-zero buildings by 2050.”

“Our Association is committed to advancing sustainable practices within the construction industry and embracing environmentally responsible approaches to development. We firmly believe that collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and skill enhancement are fundamental pillars for achieving long-term sustainability objectives, and we fully champion this approach” said Bill Black, President and Chief Operating Officer, Calgary Construction Association.

To find emissions-neutral building resources, learning opportunities and programs, please visit enbix.ca

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About Alberta Ecotrust Foundation and the Climate Innovation Fund
The Alberta Ecotrust Foundation is an environmental charity working to create a healthier environment for all Albertans.  

Alberta Ecotrust is a founding member of the Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) network. LC3 supports cities and communities in reaching their carbon emissions reduction potential. This initiative is implemented in partnership among seven local centres and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Funded by a Government of Canada endowment through FCM, LC3 is part of a national investment in municipal climate action to accelerate urban climate solutions and to help achieve Canada’s climate goal of net-zero by 2050.

As an LC3 Centre, Alberta Ecotrust received a $43.4 million endowment from the federal government to create the Climate Innovation Fund. The Fund provides programming in Calgary and Edmonton, taking on a nimble, accelerator role, complementing and advancing the climate leadership work undertaken by the municipalities.

For more information, visit enbix.ca and albertaecotrust.com 

Media contact:

Andrea Soler, Communications Director, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation

a.soler@albertaecotrust.com and 403.209.2245