In September 2024, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation launched Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator, a program that provides free coaching to building owners to help them plan, design, and implement sustainable upgrades, known as “deep retrofits.” These go beyond standard upgrades and take a whole-building approach to improve energy efficiency, lower emissions, and reduce operating costs.

In addition to offering direct coaching support to building owners and managers, the program aims to reduce building emissions on a broader scale by making deep retrofits more accessible, now and in the future, and fostering an environment where they become a routine part of building maintenance and renewal.

To do this, we work collaboratively with industry leaders to support the development of Alberta’s sustainable retrofit industry through capacity building, peer-to-peer networking and research. These key partnerships include:

Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance

The Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA) supports this work by fostering industry connections and sharing practical knowledge with those involved in retrofit projects. 

They have created the Retrofit Vendor Network for Large Buildings — a directory that helps building owners find experienced Alberta-based contractors, consultants, and suppliers specializing in energy-efficient and sustainable upgrades, known as deep retrofits.

AEEA is also working to highlight successful retrofit projects and showcase industry leaders, building confidence, encouraging innovation, and reinforcing the construction sector's role in advancing Alberta's sustainable future.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Green Building Technology Access Centre is helping to grow Alberta’s retrofit workforce and raise awareness about the benefits of deep retrofits. They are researching what training and education is currently available in the province, where gaps exist, and how to improve access. 

Their work is focused on:

• Understanding financial needs for deep retrofit projects

• Identifying training gaps for building owners, professionals and officials

• Examining how building codes and regulations affect retrofits

• Exploring supply chain challenges and opportunities for local solutions

SAIT is also hosting Deep Retrofit Discovery Sessions to help more people understand what deep retrofits involve. These sessions feature local experts and case studies to support better decision-making and encourage more retrofit activity across Alberta.

To find and register for upcoming sessions, visit our ENBIX event calendar.

Pembina Institute

The Pembina Institute is leading research to understand what is required to grow Alberta’s retrofit market at scale. Their work focuses on four key areas: demand, supply, policy and regulation, and finance, all of which are needed to support long-term market growth.

Their research is exploring:

• The added value of retrofits beyond energy savings

• Policy options for managing energy demand in Alberta

• What supports industry leadership in energy-efficient buildings

• How to build stronger business cases and raise market awareness

Through this research, Pembina is uncovering non-energy benefits of retrofitting and laying the groundwork for a scalable retrofit market in Alberta. Recent reports published on this work include Valuing Deep Retrofits and Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather. 

For more information about the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator program, please visit the program webpage and contact our coaches.