Buildings

Building Energy Efficient & Resilient Buildings

Climate Action Strategies:

  • Big Move 4: Decarbonize existing buildings
  • Big Move 5: Construct better buildings

The District is focused on making new and existing buildings in the community more efficient. Energy-efficient buildings offer everyday benefits, including lower energy bills, better temperature control, quieter homes, and increased comfort during extreme weather. Retrofitting older buildings and building new homes to higher standards can reduce up to one-third of community greenhouse gas emissions.

What We Are Doing

Retrofitting Existing Buildings

Retrofit Assist

  • The District supports homeowners in making their houses and townhomes more energy efficient. Retrofit Assist is free to Squamish residents in eligible homes. Homeowners can receive free, expert advice to help residents understand their options and plan upgrades. 
  • As of 2026, the program has helped 129 households to complete Home Energy Assessments (EnerGuide Reports) and 48 homes have undergone and completed their retrofit journey.
  • To find out more visit Retrofit Assist
  • CleanBC Energy Coach Services - available for homeowners and contractors looking for information and general advice about energy efficiency upgrades and rebate programs
  • BC Retrofit Accelerator Program - a program by the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC), for larger buildings. The program offers free, expert advice on energy upgrades to strata, property owners and managers of larger commercial and residential properties, including rental, non-market, and off-reserve Indigenous housing.

Ways to Retrofit Your Home

  • Tighter building envelopes that drastically reduce air leakage through walls and ceilings, around windows, doors, plumbing penetrations, electrical outlets, fans, and vents.
  • More insulation in the roof/attic, walls and under the floor.
  • Plumbing fixtures that use less hot water.
  • Window frames that eliminate thermal bridging between the cold outdoors and a cozy inside.
  • Double and triple pane windows with engineered coatings to further manage heat losses and solar gains.
  • Low-carbon and energy efficient heating equipment, appliances, and lighting.

 

Making New Buildings More Energy Efficient

New buildings impact Squamish’s emissions for decades. Building better from the start helps reduce energy use, improve comfort, and avoid costly upgrades in the future. The District uses building standards and policies that support energy-efficient design, low-carbon heating, and readiness for electric vehicles. These standards help ensure new homes and buildings are built for a changing climate, with better insulation, improved ventilation, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

  • Adopted top-level of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code, which provides direction for developers to work towards zero carbon buildings. 
  • Requirement for new buildings to be ready for EV Charging

Emissions created from new developments (known as embodied emissions) are also important to be aware of. There are guidelines in place to educate developers on how to reduce these impacts.

 

Actions You Can Take

  • Install a smart meter in your home to help you track and manage your energy use
  • Learn more about BC Retrofit Accelerator programs for strata or commercial property
  • Retrofit your home to become more energy efficient with items like heat pumps
  • Connect with Retrofit Assist for a free home assessment 
  • Dispose of construction waste appropriately 

Resources

Lowering Emissions In Your Home

Retrofit Assist

Learn more about municipal climate action